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Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bihar electoral roll revision sparks concerns, but is the real prize West Bengal?
As the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in Bihar raises apprehensions among voters, as well as Opposition parties, neighbouring West Bengal which goes to elections next is watching warily. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have alleged that the real target of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is West Bengal. In private, BJP insiders acknowledge that the exercise may prove crucial for the party. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee has accused the EC of 'acting like a stooge of the BJP' in ordering the rushed SIR in Bihar, and asked whether it was a surreptitious way of implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC). TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien has alleged that the decision to conduct the exercise in Bihar was taken after the BJP's internal survey showed the party would win only '46-49 seats in the state'. TMC's Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra is among those who have moved the Supreme Court challenging the SIR, with the court set to hear the petitions on Thursday. A BJP leader did not deny the advantage the party was expecting in Bengal from the SIR, having always claimed widespread illegal immigration in the state and alleged that the ruling TMC has allowed it to bolster its votes. 'The intensive revision of the electoral roll, weeding out illegal voters, and cleaning the voter lists will be crucial to the BJP's West Bengal strategy,' the leader said. He also pointed out that it was strategic that Bihar was chosen as the first state for the SIR, with glitches that arise during the drive removed for a more 'compact' exercise in Bengal. Plus, with Bihar being an NDA-ruled state, the EC and the Centre can claim to be wholly 'transparent' in their motives. Another party functionary was more blunt, saying such an exercise was 'more required for West Bengal'. 'We are conscious of the magnitude of the task.. We will assist the EC officials with the SIR,' said a BJP leader from Bengal. Moitra said the exercise was a ploy to disenfranchise millions of voters. 'Announced just before the Bihar polls and under one year from Bengal polls, it is an out-and-out ploy to disenfranchise crores of marginalised voters, the poor, illiterate, migrant workers and backward castes, who will certainly not be able to provide documentation in time to qualify for enumeration in the voter lists. The BJP is using the EC as its special election machinery, and this exercise will be the absolute burial of an already dying free voting system,' she told The Indian Express. The TMC MP also claimed that the revision was the only way for the BJP to be competitive in the West Bengal elections. 'This mass disenfranchisement of voters in West Bengal is their last fallback option in a state where their assessment is below 50 seats.' For the BJP, Bengal is a crucial frontier in its domination of national politics. Party leaders admit to this, while also pointing to the symbolic significance of Bengal as the birthplace of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Countering Moitra, BJP MP Raju Bista pointed out that such a revision of electoral rolls was mandated under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to ensure their accuracy. 'Mamata Banerjee's assertion that the EC is targeting West Bengal by using Bihar as a pretext and invocation of the NRC are political tactics to create fear psychosis among the minorities,' he told The Indian Express. The Darjeeling MP alleged that the West Bengal CM was worried more about 'immigrant voters' — a euphemism for undocumented immigrants on voter rolls — whom the TMC had 'imported and settled across various parts of West Bengal'. 'She may be worried that all the illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi 'vote bank' the TMC has created will be exposed through SIR,' Bista said. In April, Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the Rohingya and Bangladeshis who enter India from Bangladesh get voter cards made in Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The issue of undocumented immigration has been a political hot potato since last year, following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh government. At the time, the state BJP's narrative was that Hindus facing persecution in the neighbouring country were looking to find refuge in India and should be allowed entry. In January, Banerjee accused the Border Security Force of allowing 'goons and murderers' from across the border to enter the state. However, the allegations of illegal migration and electoral roll manipulation in Bengal predate TMC rule, and, while in the Opposition, Mamata Banerjee was, in fact, on the other side of the debate. On July 21, 1993, Banerjee, then a Youth Congress leader, was injured while leading a march to the state Secretariat against alleged voter list manipulation by the Left Front government. The Youth Congress demanded that photo voter IDs be made mandatory to ensure fair elections. Thirteen Congress workers were killed in police firing to contain the protesters, and since the TMC was formed, the 'July 21 Martyrs' Day' has been an annual flagship event for the party. During Congress-led UPA's tenure at the Centre, Banerjee tried several times to get the Lok Sabha to discuss 'illegal migrants in voter list' and in 2005, stormed the Well of the House and threw papers at the Chair — Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal was presiding at the time — after Speaker Somnath Chatterjee rejected a discussion on the matter. By the time the BJP came to power and introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the TMC was in government in Bengal. Banerjee took a stand against the Bill and said she would not allow its implementation in Bengal; the Bill was subsequently passed and became a law that makes the path to citizenship easier for persecuted immigrants from neighbouring countries, effectively leaving out only Muslims. Senior CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya said Banerjee herself had given the 'undesired weapon to the RSS and BJP', which they were now using, 'calling the poor infiltrators'. 'West Bengal faced a crisis due to Partition. But what is happening now is a designed campaign that alleges Bengal is flooded with infiltrators. Mamata Banerjee started it and now it has become handy for the BJP and RSS,' he said. However, Bhattacharya agreed that the Bihar SIR was just the first step, and the BJP's eye was on Bengal. But he said it would not be easy for the party. 'There will be pushback from people. You cannot harass the poor and call them illegal immigrants. It is a total violation of basic human rights.'


Economic Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Sin goods, but not sin stocks from a long-term perspective: 6 stocks from liquor industry with an upside potential of up to 34%
What is the best time to buy liquor stocks? You can read about why they should be bought later in the story. But first, let's look at the timing aspect of it. It's a kind of script that has been followed for many years. Whether it is an NDA-ruled state or non-NDA-ruled state, there is a high probability that when a new state government takes over, it will increase excise duty on liquor. The stocks will then react negatively, and companies will FONT SIZE SAVE PRINT COMMENT


Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt reviews preparations for Puri Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A high-level ministerial committee, led by deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the June 27 Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, emphasizing the need to complete all preparatory work within the designated timeline. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this year's Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and safely. Our focus is on providing a seamless experience for lakhs of devotees," Parida said. The committee, comprising law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, health minister Mukesh Mahaling, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, held detailed discussions with officials from various departments and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Key focus areas included deity rituals, pahandi arrangements, security, sanitation and VIP accommodation. The ministers highlighted the need to preserve the sanctity of tradition while ensuring public safety. During an inspection of the Puri district headquarters hospital, the committee addressed health concerns in view of recent diarrhoea cases. "Multiple medical teams will be deployed across the city, and additional beds have been arranged to handle any emergencies," said a health official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The govt has extended invitations to distinguished guests for the June 27 celebration. "We are honoured to invite the President, Prime Minister, Union ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to participate in this grand celebration," Parida said. Parida also shared details of the multi-layered security plan, including crowd control, traffic regulation, and the setting up of an integrated command and control centre. Transport minister Jena said, "Special arrangements have been made for parking and transportation. We are coordinating with railways to operate additional trains during the festival period." Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Puri on June 22 for a final review of the festival arrangements.


New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
There is 'Rakshas Raj' in Bihar: LoP Tejashwi Yadav slams NDA government after gunfire outside his Patna residence
He further alleged that the administration is in complete disarray under the current government. 'No one is safe in Bihar. Nitish Kumar is creating rules to get AK-47 wielding criminals released from jail. Those who carry AK-47s are being protected by none other than him. He is facilitating their escape,' he added. The broad daylight incident sent shockwaves through political and administrative circles, especially ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to poll-bound Bihar on Friday. 'PM Modi will come and blame RJD for 'jungle raj' in Bihar. But I say that there is 'rakshash raj' (demon's rule) in Bihar these days,' Tejashwi asserted. He said criminals were now targeting people at will. 'Criminals have become fearless in Bihar. I am a former deputy chief minister and also Leader of Opposition in the state assembly. There are residences of the development commissioner and many ministers near my residence. Still such incidents are happening.' Continuing his attack, the RJD leader said, 'If such things happen, they should be taken seriously. If the most secure area of the state is not safe and they can't catch the offenders, then Bihar CM Nitish Kumar should immediately resign from his post.' He also took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, 'Bullet shots were fired outside my residence today. In the NDA-ruled Bihar, the morale of criminals, protected by government, is so high that they are roaming freely in the high security zone. They fired and fled the spot.' Tejashwi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of consistently targeting the RJD in his speeches.


India Today
19-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Man shot at in Patna's VVIP area, Tejashwi Yadav says criminals roaming freely
A man was shot at by two unidentified bike-borne miscreants in a high-security area in Patna, but no injuries were reported, police said. The incident triggered a political slugfest with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing the Bihar government of "protecting" criminals, with the BJP hitting back and reminding Yadav of the RJD's 'jungle raj' (lawlessness).The incident occurred in Polo Road area where the official residences of several ministers, the leader of opposition and bureaucrats are located, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Sachiwalay-1) Anu Kumari told news agency PTI. It also came a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to to eyewitnesses, two motorcycle-borne miscreants fired at a local person, identified as Rahul, and fled the spot. Rahul escaped unhurt, SDPO Kumari said. "Immediately after receiving the information, a team of airport police station personnel reached the spot and found a spent cartridge there," she was quoted by PTI as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence, and the houses of Tejashwi Yadav and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan are also located in the Polo Road area."A case has been registered and the matter is being investigated. A search is underway to arrest the miscreants," SDPO Kumari YADAV SLAMS NITISH KUMAR GOVERNMENTReacting to the incident, Yadav alleged that criminals were roaming freely in the high-security zone under the NDA government."Bullet shots were fired outside my residence today. In NDA-ruled Bihar, the morale of criminals, protected by the government, is so high that they are roaming freely in the high-security zone. They fired and fled the spot," he NDA leaders will not call it jungle raj. PM Narendra Modi is coming to Bihar tomorrow, so the godi media has to maintain a positive image," he said. PM Modi is set to visit Siwan on who served as the Deputy Chief Minister during the Mahagathbandhan tenure, demanded Nitish Kumar's resignation."Criminals have become fearless in Bihar. I am a former Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly. There are residences of the Development Commissioner and many other ministers near my residence. Still, such incidents are happening. This is very serious. If the most secure area of the state is not safe and they cannot catch the criminals, Nitish Kumar should resign," he told news agency HITS BACKIn response, BJP leader Ajay Alok hit back at Yadav, asserting that he was "feeling the heat of the fire" lit by the RJD during their 15-year-old rule."People had seen those days when criminals used to come to Lalu Yadav's house. Since bullets were fired outside Tejashwi's house, the police are investigating. The accused will be caught. Be thankful that our governance is good. Otherwise, according to the rule that Tejashwi is trying to bring, bullets will be fired inside the house itself," he said.(with inputs from agencies)Must Watch IN THIS STORY#Patna#Bihar#Tejashwi Yadav#Rashtriya Janata Dal#Bharatiya Janta Party#Narendra Modi