Nasheman News :  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) would participate in the protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to this port city on Friday.

In a teleconference with TDP leaders, Naidu said the party would support the protest called by Prateekya Hoda Sadhana Samiti Joint Action Committee over the Centre not conferring special category status on the state and not fulfilling other promises made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

The JAC, which comprises various like-minded parties and groups fighting for special category status to the state, has said that Modi has no moral right to visit the state without fulfilling the commitments.

Political parties, people’s organisations and trade unions which are not part of JAC have also called for the protest against Modi’s visit. They include the Congress, Jana Sena and the Left parties.

Modi will address a public meeting at Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday held a meeting with top officials in state capital Amaravati to review the arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit.

Modi had faced black-flag protests during his visit to the state’s Guntur on February 10. Addressing a public meeting, he made a scathing attack on Naidu. 

Meanwhile, the TDP chief alleged that main opposition YSR Congress Party was busy in mobilising people for Modi’s public meeting. He reiterated that YSR Congress is hand-in-glove with Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao.

Simultaneous elections to Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha are due in April-May.

Nasheman News : Pakistan claimed on Wednesday that it has captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The identity of the other is not known.

Though India is yet to confirm the development, informed sources said Abhinandan is in the ranks of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He is a son of a retired Air Marshal. A Su-30 pilot, Abhinandan was commissioned in 2004. 

A video of the captured pilot was shown on Pakistani news channels. Its veracity is yet to be established.

The other pilot is said to be in hospital.

An earlier tweet by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said: “In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), IAF crossed LoC. 

“PAF (Pakistan Air Force) shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K (Pakistan administered Kashmir)… One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground.”

Jammu and Kashmir police sources had said earlier three PAF F-16 fighter jets violated the Indian airspace in Nowshera sector but were pushed back by the Indian side. 

In his first public address after the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 26 said the country is in safe hands and nothing is above the nation.

The prime minister also said that he will not let the country down.

“I want to assure the people that the country is in safe hands. There is nothing above the nation,” he said addressing a public meeting here.

“My soul says today is the day to reiterate what I had expressed in 2014. I swear by my land I won’t let my country be destroyed. I will not let the country stop. I will not let the country bow down. I pledge to the motherland that I will not let her head down,” he said.

The prime minister, however, did not make a direct reference to the strikes.

In a swift and precise air strike following the Pulwama attack, India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp in Pakistan early February 26, killing a “very large number” of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.

The operation, described as a non-military, preemptive strike, was welcomed by the entire political spectrum and military experts who had been advocating retribution after the February 14 suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama claimed by JeM.

Addressing the rally, the prime minister said he was able to work because the party is above individuals and the country was above the party.

“Pradhan sevak is able to work because party is bigger than individuals and country is bigger than the party. We are working with the feeling to serve the people of the country,” Modi said.

He said with the sentiment of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyan’, the country was progressing ahead.

Referring to the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Modi said that first installment of Rs 2000 was directly transferred to bank accounts of farmers.

Attacking the Congress government in the state, he said unfortunately not a single farmer from Churu was among the beneficiaries as the Rajasthan government was stopping the benefits that Centre wants to pass on to them.

“Rajasthan has not provided list of farmers for the scheme launched by the Centre. Welfare of poor and farmers is the priority of our government but it is sad that schemes meant for them are subjected to politics,” he said.

Modi said welfare of farmers was among priorities of the government but it hurts when schemes related to them is subjected to politics.

He said the government was working on ‘Sabka sath sabka vikas’ model.1.5 crore house have been constructed for poor in the last four years and more than 7 lakh houses have been constructed for poor in Rajasthan.

Agencies

Nasheman News :  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force after it carried out air strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan’s Balakot.

“IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind,” Banerjee tweeted.

Reports claimed that the IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 a.m. in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.

The strike in Balakot was significant as the location was beyond Pakistan-administered Kashmir, indicating it was not merely an LoC violation but a punitive action inside Pakistani territory.

It follows a suicide bombing attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14 that killed 40 troopers.

Nasheman News :  Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath here on Wednesday said despite the states finances not being in good shape, his government would fulfil its promise of loan waiver for farmers.

Taking part in a discussion on farmers’ issues in the Assembly, Nath said loans of 25 lakh farmers would be waived by March 5. He underlined that the state’s financial situation was not good but the government was committed to fulfilling the promise made to farmers. 

Responding to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s question why enough amount was not allocated for loan waiver in the state budget, Nath said it would be clear on March 5 how loans would be waived. 

The Congress has promised to waive up to Rs 2 lakh loans of 55 lakh farmers in Madhya Pradesh. The government has sought applications from the needy farmers in this regard.

Nasheman News :Robert Vadra, who skipped the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning a day ago citing poor health on Wednesday deposed before the agency in connection with a money laundering case.

He arrived at the ED’s Jamnagar office here at 10.30 a.m. 

On February 16, a Delhi court had extended Vadra’s interim bail till March 2. 

Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, has been questioned thrice by the directorate for over 24 hours in connection with the case on February 6, 7 and 9. 

The case relates to the ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pounds, allegedly belonging to Vadra, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s husband.

He was also questioned on February 12 and 13 by the ED in Jaipur in connection with a Bikaner land deal case. 

The ED on February 15 had attached Vadra’s Sukhdev Vihar house in Delhi, a a property worth Rs 4.43 crore. The house was in the name of Vadra’s company Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited. 

On February 2, the court had granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join the investigation on February 6.

The ED had lodged a money laundering case against Vadra’s employee Manoj Arora after his role came up during the the Income Tax Department probe in a 2015 anti-black money case involving absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality, was aware of Vadra’s overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

Nasheman News :  Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced Rs 11 lakh each for the families of two Bihar troopers who were killed in the Pulwama attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also announced a state funeral for Ratan Kumar Thakur, resident of Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district and Sanjay Sinha, resident of Masaurhi in Patna district.

Their bodies arrived earlier at the Patna Airport where the Chief Minister was also present.

The funeral will take place in their respective villages later in the day, a police official said, adding that “they will be given a guard of honour”. 

A large number of security forces, including those from the Bihar Police, and hundreds of people gathered at the airport and saluted the troopers amid loud chanting of “Amar Sahid” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

In the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989, a suicide bomber on Thursday rammed his SUV packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing at least 40 troopers on the spot, the toll reached 49 on Friday as several injured succumbed.

The attack has left the security establishment stunned as it created the biggest casualty of security personnel in a single day in peace time.

The launch of Operation Audio in the midst of the confusion over whether the first audio release case should be handed over to the SIT or the House Committee or a judicial inquiry into the matter, has created political tragedy. After the audio release, the attack on BJP’s MLA Pritam Gowda’s residence was being held in the backdrop of the ruling and opposition parties. All the dissatisfied MLAs who stopped at the tip of the state government at the same time attended the House and CM HD Kumaraswamy was relieved.

In the meanwhile, the ruling and opposition leaders called on Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s decision to make a decision on the first audio release case was unsuccessful and the SIT investigation was confirmed. Though assembly elections began at 12 noon, the BJP MLAs had to postpone the protest. The move was postponed to Thursday after the BJP legislators intensified protests in connection with the assault on Pritham Gowda residence.

Speaking on the talk of Yeddyurappa, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have been briefly mentioned in the audio of the operative lotus relationship with Guru Mittal MLA Naganagowda’s son Saran Gowda.

The BJP government is likely to form a coalition government in a conversation between Yeddyurappa, Shivanagowda Nayak, Sharanugowda and Pranangoda. The son of Gurimitalkal MLA has been given the ambassador of the minister and Rs 10 to Rs 20 crore. The laughter debate has taken place.

The postponement of the audio release of the audio and the attack on BJP’s MLA, Priyankauda, ​​was proposed in both Houses on Wednesday. The House was postponed to Thursday due to a riot-racket in the House. Even after noon in the Vidhan Sabha, the BJP members protested and demanded a discussion. This led to a turmoil and an impediment.

Four unconfirmed lawmakers and two independents of the Congress attended the assembly session on Wednesday. Ramesh Jarakiholi, Mahesh Kumatalli, B. Nagendra, Dr. Umesh Jadhav, and R Shankar and Nagesh Harbor. JDS legislator Narayan Gowda also attended the House.

The 4 MLAs are still in the mysterious
dissatisfaction of MLAs and the KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao is still in the mysterious circumstances. It is learned that Umesh Jadhav and Ramesh Jarkihoyi resigns are likely to resign after the Assembly session ends on Wednesday to escape the motion of the MLAs against the party’s anti-party activities. Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh who met Siddaramaiah on Wednesday evening said he would continue to support the government.

Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s negotiations with Speaker Ramesh Kumar failed to
make a 
consensus on the meeting of the Chairman of the House on the issue of a failed Operation audio case . 
Opposition Leader Yeddyurappa, who attended a meeting held in the Speaker’s office, 
requested the BJP members not to appoint a SIT, a judicial inquiry or a House Committee.
Did. However, Siddaramaiah, Dr G Parameshwar, has been accused of holding SIT. Speaker Ramesh Kumar has suggested that someone should allow you to relax and make a smooth move, CM Kumaraswamy has said in favor of the Speaker’s suggestion and expressed his willingness to form the House Committee. However, Siddaramaiah’s speech was shortened by the speaker. The stand was given 10 minutes to review. The speaker concluded the meeting because no one had left the seat for the second time.

A BJP activist was injured and hospitalized at this time.

Hundreds of activists gathered at Pritham Gowda’s residence in Vidyanagar, Hassan, on Monday afternoon, demanding an apology. While the police were trying to convince him, one of the JDS activists flung a stone into the MLA’s house. The stone hit the right eye of the BJP activist Rahul. The wounded Rahul was taken to Hassan Medical College Hospital. Doctors have shown that the doctor has been treated and luckily not exposed to the eye.

The BJP, which has tied up with the newly-fledged Audit
audio court in lieu of SIT, had to take charge of a House Committee or a judicial probe into the matter.

Speaking to reporters, BJP state president and BJP opposition leader BS Yeddyurappa went on a fast haul with several MLAs. Pritham Gowda went to the residence and filled his family with the family. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the attack on legislator’s residence in both the Houses has made the strategy a key issue. Besides, BJP leaders and activists across the state have decided to protest.

Agencies

Nasheman News : Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Wednesday staged a protest against Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi outside her official residence.

On her part, Bedi on Wednesday evening wrote to Narayanasamy inviting him for a meeting on February 21.

Wearing a black shirt and black dhoti, Narayanasamy sat outside the Raj Nivas to protest her preventing the implementation of his government’s welfare schemes.

He was joined by his ministerial colleagues and DMK lawmakers.

Narayansamy also accused Bedi of interfering in the day-to-day activities of the government.

His protest came after Bedi hit the road two days ago and advised two-wheeler owners to wear helmets.

While Bedi wanted the helmet rule for two-wheeler riders to be implemented at one go, Narayanasamy wanted the implementation in phases.

In a tweet, Bedi said: “Sad to see when a CM sends a letter to Lt Governor and within a week demands a reply by force of a ‘dharna’/ blockade of Raj Nivas. Also makes unfounded allegations, misleading people in Puducherry. He openly dares violation of MV Act on wearing of helmets to prevent fatal accidents.”

Bedi, in her letter to Narayanasamy, said: “All matters you had mentioned in the letter need an examination for a considered response. Needless to say none of the issues are pending at Raj Nivas (as being alleged). Besides you never said in your letter that unless you get a reply by February 13th. you and your colleagues shall come and sit on a dharna outside.”

“However, I invite you for a detailed discussion on your matters on February 21 at 10 a.m. Please confirm,” Bedi said.

Karnataka assembly speaker KR Ramesh Kumar compared himself to a “rape survivor” having to undergo repeated questioning as he referred to repeated charges against him being part of the controversial audio tapes, over which government has announced a special investigative team or an SIT.

On Tuesday, the speaker, pointing to repeated reference to charges against him, said his “situation was like that of a rape victim, as they too are supposedly questioned about the incident repeatedly”.

A day before, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had announced an SIT probe into the audio clip in which BJP Karnataka chief BS Yeddyurappa is reportedly heard luring a JD(S) legislator in what the Congress-JD(S) government describes as the party’s attempt to topple their coalition.

Kumaraswamy had accepted an “advice” by an emotional speaker to constitute an SIT to probe the episode to “establish the truth” as his name has also been dragged with the charge that he had been “booked” for Rs. 50 crore.

The stand-off between the government and opposition continued in the assembly today as the BJP stuck to its strong opposition to the SIT, saying it could be used for “political vengeance”.

“Let’s discuss and try to find a solution,” the speaker announced as he adjourned the assembly proceedings to Wednesday morning.

The speaker’s decision came after Mr Yeddyurappa, the leader of the opposition, pointed out that no effort was made by the Chair to seek the opinion of the opposition before deciding on the investigation agency to inquire into the case.

“SIT is being imposed on us forcefully,” he said.

Yeddyurappa expressed apprehensions about the SIT as it comes under the Chief Minister and said he was firm on his stand to quit politics if it was proved he was present during conversations between the persons in the audio on a “Rs. 50 crore offer to book” the speaker, as alleged by HD Kumaraswamy.

Accusing the Chief Minister of hatching a conspiracy against him by “twisting facts”, he said Kumaraswamy has released the audio partially, to save his seat.

The BJP has objected to the SIT and insisted on constituting a House committee or a judicial probe. They also said that the probe cannot be conducted by an agency that is under the Chief Minister as he too was a party in the case.

The political war over charges of horse-trading had escalated in Karnataka on Friday with Mr Kumaraswamy releasing the audio clip.

As the House met for the day, opposition members requested the Chair to reconsider the decision to hand over the probe to the SIT.

Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar alleged that Kumaraswamy was behind the audio conversation as he was the one who sent Sharan Gouda, son of the MLA Naganagouda, who was being lured and he also heard the conversation between the two individuals via a conference call.

“So the CM is the offender, he is the first accused in the case,” he said.

Another senior BJP member Madhu Swamy, questioning the constitution of the SIT, said the probe report can only be submitted to court by the SIT and not to the government or the Chair.

Mr Kumaraswamy expressed surprise about being called A1 by BJP in the case and said that since the leader of the opposition and other members have called him accused, “at least to punish me, a comprehensive inquiry has to happen.”

Claiming complete confidence of the Congress and JD(S) legislators, Mr Kumaraswamy spoke of the need to amend the anti-defection law and said if an elected legislator resigns, he should not be allowed to contest elections for five years.

The chief minister said he was also ready for a discussion on the alleged 2014 video CD about the cash for vote allegedly involving him, which was raised by the BJP.

Agencies