Asia Press Agency

Tag: Assembly Polls

  • Political Temperature Soars as Modi Highlights BJP’s Triumph

    Political Temperature Soars as Modi Highlights BJP’s Triumph

    The Winter Session of Parliament 2023 commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring, “Rajnaitik garmi badi tezi se badh rahi hai (political temperatures are soaring),” a direct reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victories in three out of five assembly polls. Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, emphasized that the poll results indicate a rejection of negativity by the people and urged the opposition to engage constructively rather than protesting merely for the sake of it.

     

    The Winter Session, marked by a charged atmosphere, saw BJP MPs welcoming PM Modi in the Lok Sabha with slogans of “Teesri Baar Modi Sarkar” and “Baar Baar Modi Sarkar,” setting an energetic tone for the parliamentary proceedings.

     

    The government’s agenda for the Winter Session includes 21 Bills, with significant attention on replacing the IPC, Indian Evidence Act, and CrPC. Notably, the session’s inaugural day witnessed the passage of two bills, one each in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

     

    Key developments from the Winter Session’s first day include PM Modi’s call for constructive opposition participation. He encouraged opposition parties to contribute positively through debates, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a negative image that could harm democracy.

     

    The Lok Sabha passed the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aimed at regulating the legal profession through a single Act. The Bill empowers high courts and district judges to frame and publish lists of “touts” while addressing concerns about their role in legal proceedings. However, some members raised objections, emphasizing the need for enhanced penalties and expressing concerns about potential misuse of power.

     

    In the Rajya Sabha, a Bill to repeal the Indian Post Office Act of 1898 and introduce a new law governing post offices in India was passed. The Bill grants the central government the authority to intercept, open, or detain items in the interest of national security, public order, and other specified circumstances. Opposition members raised concerns about surveillance under the guise of reforms, emphasizing potential implications on privacy.

     

    Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal expressed the government’s openness to a policy on the transfer of high court judges during the debate on the Advocates (Amendment) Bill. The Rajya Sabha decided to end the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha, holding him “guilty of breach of privilege” and deeming the suspension sufficient punishment.

     

    The Ethics Committee’s report on the expulsion of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha was listed for presentation but not taken up. Opposition members demanded a discussion on the report before any decision, with expectations that it will be tabled on Tuesday.

     

    Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured the Rajya Sabha of the government’s commitment to air passenger safety and security. He highlighted measures taken by the ministry to uphold safety standards and impose penalties for violations by airlines and airports.

     

    As the Winter Session unfolds, opposition parties convened in Delhi to strategize on confronting the Modi-led central government on various public interest issues. The session is anticipated to witness robust debates, legislative actions, and discussions on pressing matters affecting the nation.

  • MP Woman Deputy Collector Arrested During Foot March

    MP Woman Deputy Collector Arrested During Foot March

    A woman deputy collector in Madhya Pradesh, Nisha Bangre, was arrested while leading a foot march in her quest for the government to accept her resignation. She initiated the march on September 28 from Betul district, aiming to reach the state capital, Bhopal. Her primary objective was to secure the government’s acceptance of her resignation, as she aspired to contest the upcoming assembly polls.

     

    Nisha Bangre, serving as the deputy collector of Chhatarpur district, submitted her resignation in June this year. However, the state government has yet to acknowledge or accept her resignation, according to her family members.

     

    The Madhya Pradesh assembly elections are scheduled for November 17, with the vote counting set for December 3.

     

    The arrest of Nisha Bangre occurred after the march participants began moving towards the residence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as confirmed by a police official on Tuesday.

     

    The arrest was made under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to the assembly of five or more individuals causing a disturbance to peace. Following her arrest, Nisha Bangre was brought before a local court. However, she declined bail and was subsequently sent to jail.

     

    Saroj Mishra, an official from Bhopal Central Jail, mentioned that Nisha Bangre had been placed in the women’s ward within the prison. There were reports of a possible hunger strike by her inside the prison, but the official clarified that no written notice of such an action had been received.

     

    Nisha Bangre, belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, decided to resign from her position after her request for leave to participate in a religious program in her hometown, Betul district, was denied. Her husband, Suresh Agrawal, revealed that she has aspirations to contest the assembly elections from Amla in Betul district.

     

    Suresh Agrawal further elaborated that her resignation, submitted on June 22, had not been acknowledged or accepted. Frustrated by the lack of progress, she initiated a peaceful foot march on September 28. The marchers aimed to reach the residence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal and peacefully present their request.

     

    However, the march was interrupted midway by the police, leading to Nisha Bangre’s arrest. Her husband expressed hope that she would soon be released, as they were working on the necessary formalities to secure her release from jail.

     

    The incident highlights the challenges faced by government employees in pursuing political aspirations, particularly when resignations are not promptly accepted. Nisha Bangre’s determination to contest the assembly polls led her to take this unconventional path, embarking on a foot march to advocate for her resignation acceptance.

     

    The upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh will be closely monitored, with this incident drawing attention to the complexities of political engagement for government officials and the broader issues surrounding resignation procedures and eligibility for electoral candidacy.