AIMPLB Declares Support for MVA in Maharashtra

India's capital chokes as air pollution turns 'severe'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday termed the Maha Vikas Aghadi as "anadi" (immature) coalition, likening it to a vehicle without steering or wheels, that lacks both direction and a clear policy.

Speaking at public meetings in Washim and Thane, Adityanath accused the MVA of being driven by internal power struggles and a divisive agenda, while stressing that the BJP is committed to building a unified and prosperous India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The MVA comprises Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), headed by Sharad Pawar.

Referring to the MVA as a "directionless" alliance, Adityanath compared it to a vehicle without steering or wheels, stating it was bogged down by infighting and had no intention of advancing Maharashtra and the nation.

"The MVA has neither policy nor moral conviction. It is driven by anti-social and anti-national agendas, with no vision for the country’s progress. It is 'maha-anadi' coalition focused on appeasement politics rather than national welfare," the UP CM alleged.

He addressed rallies in support of BJP and Shiv Sena candidates from Karanja and Washim (Vidarbha region), Ulhasnagar, Mira Bhayandar, and Ovla Majiwada (in Thane district).

"I would like to ask Congress leaders - what's your stand on Article 370 as your party is yet to clear its stand on this. Congress should make its stand clear on Article 370 and Article 35(A), and reveal whether they want to end BR Ambedkar's Constitution. Do they also want to steal the rights of SCs and OBCs?" says BJP leader Tarun Chugh

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, "The atmosphere in Maharashtra is in favour of the BJP and NDA. All our alliance partners are confident of a big win..."

"Pollution has not increased in just one place, but in other places as well. It has increased even in Chandigarh over the past two days. At present, there are more vehicles on roads than people. Therefore, we need to make the public transport cheaper to tackle this issue," says Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on rising air pollution in Punjab and neighbouring states. 

 "From the beginning, the role of Vineet Goyal, ex-CP of Kolkata Police, was under lens. His role was quite misleading because several times he has given statements which were not at par as per the observation of others. The main accused has also questioned the role of Vineet Goyal. He named him in front of camera and said that Vineet Goyal has framed him, and it was a complete conspiracy as per his version. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state. So, he has the right to ask the CM about the role of the CP in that case," says Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

 "Thanks to your blessing, a PM (Modi) has returned to power for third consecutive time in the country. Under his leadership, India's politics has changed. Because of his leadership and farsightedness, he has changed the culture and definition of politics," says Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda, addressing a public meeting in Shirdi.

Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani, Spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board says, "The outcome of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections will have an impact not only on the future of the state but also on the future of the entire country... We have decided to support Maha Vikas Aghadi on 269 seats. Apart from Maha Vikas Aghadi, we have also decided to support candidates from other parties on a few seats"

PM Modi to visit Bihar on Nov 15 to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 
 

 "2024 has been a very, very good year for India-Germany relations. The 7th inter-governmental consultations were held in October and again I refer to the Ambassador, not just the chancellor but most of leading Cabinet leaders were here, they interacted with their counterparts and it was a really productive meeting. That the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business met at the same time in New Delhi, further enhanced its value. We also welcome the German government's document on focus on India as articulated a more pro-active approach to the relationship," says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at German National Day Reception in Delhi. 

 In the Haryana assembly, CM Nayab Singh Saini says, "...Vidhan Sabha is in session and I thought it necessary that the house should get information in this session about the decision given by the Supreme Court a few days ago, which was already approved by our cabinet through this notification regarding classification of Scheduled Castes. The decision taken today regarding the classification of reservations for Scheduled Castes in government jobs in Haryana will come into effect immediately. And after five o'clock, the general public can follow it from the website of the Chief Secretary.

Batware ka saman sold in Rahul Gandhi's Mohabbat ki Dukan: JP Nadda slams Congress over racist remark against HD Kumaraswamy

64.86 pc voters exercise franchise in first phase Jharkhand polls till 5 pm

On PM Modi's visit to Nigeria, Secretary (ER) Dammu Ravi says, "The Prime Minister will be making a state visit to Nigeria from 16-17 November. It will be at the invitation of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the first visit of the PM to a West African region..."

Addressing a public rally, UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, "PM Modi abrogated Article 370. Congress is talking about restoring Article 370. But PM Modi has already said that even the fourth generation of Congress will not be able to restore Article 370 in Kashmir... Many schemes are being implemented for the welfare of the poor in the country... Maha Vikas Aghadi did nothing even during Covid. They looted the state and created an atmosphere of anarchy. Congress, which ruled the country for the longest time, did not get the Ram temple built in Ayodhya. The work that Congress could not do in 65 years, the BJP's double-engine government did in two years and got the Ram temple built in Ayodhya... The poor, youth, women were never on the agenda of Congress... They (Congress) do the politics of division..."

Shiv Sena MP and the party's candidate from Worli Assembly seat, Milind Deora says, "I have always had a tradition in every election that I fight where I have the pleasure and privilege of debating my opponents. This is a tradition of South Mumbai which has been accepted by Aditya Thackeray as well. He himself in his tweet in May this year during the Lok Sabha elections said that candidates who are afraid to debate openly don't deserve to be on public platforms. So I am inviting him to have a debate with me on Worli, on Mumbai, on Maharashtra, on what his government did, what the Mahayuti government did, who has a better vision for the future. I want it to be a constructive debate. I don't want it to be a negative debate. I don't want it to be a personal debate. It should be a debate on ideas, issues, and on facts..."

India supports an early ceasefire in Gaza and it has consistently stood for resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

In his opening remarks at a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jaishankar said the situation in West Asia is a matter of "deep concern", particularly the conflict in Gaza.

The external affairs minister described Saudi Arabia as an important force for stability in the region.

Jaishankar and Al Saud co-chaired the second meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation (PSSC) held under the framework of the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).

In his remarks, Jaishankar said Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and India's Viksit Bharat 2047 hold complementarities for the industries of the two sides to build new partnerships.

"Trade and investment are important pillars of our partnership, and we are strengthening our collaboration in new areas including technology, energy, renewable energy including green hydrogen, connectivity, health and education," he said.

Al Saud is on a two-day visit to India.

On the situation in Gaza, Jaishankar said any response must take into account the international humanitarian law.

"The situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern, particularly the conflict in Gaza. India's position in this regard has been principled and consistent," he said.

"While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the international humanitarian law. We support an early ceasefire," Jaishankar said.

Addressing a public meeting, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda says, "... 'Batware ka saman' is sold in Rahul Gandhi's 'Mohabbat ki Dukan'... Such people need to be answered... There are people with such ideologies but we have to keep the nation strong... For a healthy nation, a healthy antibiotic is needed from time to time. And you have to give an antibiotic on the 20th of November..."

Union HM Amit Shah says, "Waqf Board has declared that land of many villages as waqf property - that includes temples, farmers' land. We brought a bill to amend that (Waqf Act) but Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray opposed that..."

Assam CM and BJP Jharkhand co-incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "We have not written our election manifesto overnight. We took ideas from the governance model of BJP-governed states, talked to the people of Jharkhand, and took 4-5 months of extensive deliberations before drafting our manifesto... Money won't be a problem for us in Jharkhand. The state has been blessed with natural resources... JMM wants to keep Jharkhand in the clutches of poverty, but it has the potential to be the most prosperous state of the country..."

 On PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's statement, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "The centre established the democracy there (J&K). Even Panchayat elections had not taken place. Those who talk about Pakistan can never stand with India. How can we have a dialogue with Pakistan, which sends terrorists?..."

On Supreme Court's verdict over Bulldozer action, he says, "The BJP respects the court's decision..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Modi is going to make your electricity bill zero. We will give Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 to every household for installing solar panels. The electricity that will be generated from it will have zero electricity bill and if there is more electricity than your requirement, then the government will buy your electricity."

A voter turnout of 59.28 per cent was recorded till 3 PM on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the first phase, officials said.

Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

A total of 683 candidates are in the fray, including former CM Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora.

Overall 59.28% voting in the first phase till 3 pm

Baharagora - 70.10%
Ichagarh - 67.73%
Kanke - 53.30%
Koderma - 58.13%
Kolebira - 64.78%
Kharsawan - 69.77%
Khunti - 63.49%
Garhwa - 60.71%
Gumla - 61.56%
Ghatshila - 69.44%
Chakradharpur - 60.17%
Chatra - 56.63%
Chaibasa - 60.51%
Chhatarpur - 56.29%
Jagannathpur - 59.85%
Jamshedpur West - 47.81%
Jamshedpur East - 48.50%
Jugsalai - 62.98%
Daltenganj- 56.93%
Tamar- 55.28%
Torpa- 63.20%
Panki- 58.64%
Potka- 61.12%
Barhi- 59.30%
Baharagora- 70.10%
Bishunpur- 65.44%
Barkattha- 58.10%
Barkagaon- 59.22%
Bhawanathpur- 61.39%
Majhgaon- 62.51%
Manika- 61.76%
Manoharpur- 58.67%
Mandar- 64.77%
Ranchi- 44.25%
Latehar- 63.70%
Lohardaga- 65.99%
Vishrampur- 56.63%
Seraikela- 63.57%
Simdega- 63.91%
Simaria- 60.05%
Sisai- 66.53%
Hazaribagh- 54.71%
Hatia- 51.09%
Hussainabad- 54.45%

On West Bengal by-polls, BJP leader Rahul Sinha says, "The elections are not being conducted fairly. The public has been unable to vote at various locations. If the counting will be conducted fairly, I am hopeful that we will put on a strong performance in the election"

On a BJP candidate Rahul Lohar allegedly being attacked, he says, "...The BJP candidate was attacked...This shows that it is an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear in the election. This atmosphere of fear is being created to ensure that the public does not come out to vote..."

Maharashtra: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s bags were checked at Pune by the officers of the Election Commission. 

BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says, "The whole of Delhi has turned into a gas chamber. Every resident of Delhi is suffering from burning eyes and cough...Delhi has neither anti-smog guns nor water sprinkling trucks. But Delhi minister Gopal Rai and AAP leaders are making tall claims that the pollution situation is improving...Why has the Delhi government not made any arrangements to control dust?... The smoke from burning stubble in Punjab is causing a lot of trouble in Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal is not saying a word on this...The people of Delhi are very troubled...We demand that schools should be closed for students up to class fifth and the elderly should stop going for a morning walk...Medicines to deal with pollution should be given free in hospitals..."

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni casts his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi to cast his vote

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) inaugurated the 6th edition of the Arunachal Literature Festival at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here on Wednesday.Speaking in the inaugural session, Parnaik said literature has the power to transform lives. It can amplify unheard voices, provide fresh perspectives, and encourage all to reconsider their view of the world, said an official statement from Raj Bhavan.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia is scheduled to visit Tripura on Thursday to attend the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme, a senior official said.The Union minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is likely to be present at the programme to be held at Rabindra Bhavan here on Friday.

Despite the Naxal threat and various obstacles, voters in Naxalite-affected areas of Jharkhand turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the first phase of Assembly polls that are underway on 43 seats.

Naxalites had put up posters and attempted to disrupt polling activities in Sonapi, Jagannathpur, and Manoharpur Assembly Constituencies in the West Singhbhum District.

PM Modi Addresses Public Rally in Jharkhand's Deogarh

Jharkhand Polls: Voter Turnout of 46.25 Recorded Till 11 AM

'People Are Fed-up of Waqf Laws': Amit Shah in Rally at Maharashtra's Dhule 

While addressing a public rally in Maharashtra, Home Minister Amit Shah launched scathing attack on Congress and its allies. Shah said, ‘’Congress & Allies Insulted Ram Mandir''.

Amit Shah Addresses Rally in Maharashtra's Dhule Ahead of Polls

BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai cast his vote at a polling booth in Shiggaon, as voting in a bypoll to the assembly constituency is underway.

The voting on Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna seats in Karnataka is underway today, and the results for the respective seats will be announced on November 23. These seats were vacant after the resignation of the respective candidates.

Bommai's son Bharath Bommai is the NDA candidate for bypoll to the Shiggaon assembly constituency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his role in transforming the state, pulling it out of what he called the 'Jungle Raaj'.Modi’s remarks came during a function in Darbhanga, where he laid the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated several key infrastructure projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore.

 As many as ten flights were diverted and many were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning as low visibility conditions impacted operations, according to officials. One of the officials said nine flights were diverted to Jaipur and 1 to Lucknow since 7 am due to bad weather on Wednesday.

Congress and Rahul Gandhi never follow ECI's Guidelines said BJP leader Sambit Patra at a press conference. 

A police constable, suspected to be a part of a drug syndicate in Jammu, was arrested for allegedly selling heroin on a hospital premises here, an official said Wednesday.Constable Mohammad Mukhtiyar of the Armed Police 12th Battalion in Srinagar's Zewan was found in possession of a heroin-like substance and Rs 9,000 in cash, he said.

A voter turnout of over 30 per cent was recorded till 11 AM on Wednesday for bypolls to six assembly seats in West Bengal, an election official said.Polling in Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur and Taldangra assembly constituencies started at 7 AM, amid tight security arrangements, he said.

Wayanad recorded a voter turnout of 27.04 per cent as of 11 AM, according to the data of Election Commission of India.

Jharkhand recorded a voter turnout of 29.31 per cent as of 11 AM in the first phase of assembly elections, according to the data of Election Commission of India.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday but there were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property, officials said.The quake occurred at 10:43 am in the Afghanistan region, they said.The tremors were felt in the Kashmir Valley, causing panic among the people as they rushed outdoors. 

PM Lays Foundation Stone for AIIMS Campus in Darbhanga

'Hemant Soren Did Nothing for Tribals': Champai Soren

Three people, including two Bangladeshi nationals, have been arrested by the ED during searches connected to a money laundering case related to illegal Bangladeshi infiltration into Jharkhand, official sources said on Wednesday. Rony Mondal and Sameer Chowdhary are nationals of the neighbouring country while Pintu Haldar is an Indian. The three, suspected to be touts, were arrested on Tuesday night from West Bengal in the Bangladeshi Infiltration case for facilitating illegal human trafficking in India, the sources said.

Drugs worth more than Rs 3 crore have been recovered from Assam's Guwahati and four people, including a woman, have been arrested in this connection, police on Wednesday.The Guwahati police, in a series of posts on X, said that narcotics substances like heroin and 'Yaba' tablets were recovered from a guest house in Hatigaon area of the city.

 Coming down hard on instant 'bulldozer justice', the Supreme Court on Wednesday laid down pan-India guidelines on demolition of properties and said the Executive cannot become a judge, declare an accused as guilty and demolish his house. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said it will be "totally unconstitutional" if houses of people are demolished merely because they are accused or even convicts.

As voting for the first phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand is underway, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate from Ranchi, Mahua Maji said that women security would be her priority.

At least seven flights were diverted and many were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning as low visibility conditions impacted operations, according to officials. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that very dense fog began forming around 5.30 am, resulting in a thick haze over different parts of the national capital.

The national capital experienced the season's first dense fog on Wednesday with the visibility dropping to zero at the Delhi airport. A few flights were diverted due to the low visibility conditions, an official said. Zero-metre visibility was recorded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8.30 am with the Runway Visual Range varying between 125 and 500 metres at different locations, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

 A voter turnout of 9.53 per cent was registered till 9 AM on Wednesday in the by-elections to Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj and Ramgarh assembly seats in Bihar on Wednesday, an official said.The polling is scheduled to continue till 6 PM, he said. However, voting will continue till 4 PM at certain polling stations in the Imamganj constituency, he added.

Voting is underway for 43 assembly seats in Jharkhand on Wednesday, with a total of 683 candidates trying their luck, including former CM Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora.Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 AM on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the first phase, officials said.Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

Varanasi has been declared a no-fly zone ahead of the Dev Deepawali festival on November 15, police said on Wednesday.According to an order issued by the Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Shivasimpi Channappa, the restriction under the pre-existing section 163 of the BNSS came into force at 12 am on November 12. It will be in place till midnight on November 16.

Nearly 13 per cent of 9.1 lakh electors cast their votes in the first two hours of polling on Wednesday during by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Assam, according to official data.According to the Election Commission, approximately 12.55 per cent of 9,09,057 electors, including 4,54,963 women and 19 third gender, exercised their franchise in the first two hours till 9 AM to decide the fate of 34 candidates.

First Phase of voting is underway on 43 seats of Jharkhand. 

Electors were exercising their franchise for the bypolls to Budhni and Vijaypur assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, a senior election official said."Polling began in a peaceful manner across all booths in the two constituencies from 7 am," Madhya Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sukhveer Singh told PTI.

Polling for by-elections to Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj and Ramgarh assembly seats in Bihar began at 7 AM on Wednesday, amid tight security arrangements, an official said.The polling is scheduled to go on till 6 pm, he said.However, voting will continue till 4 pm at certain polling stations in the Imamganj constituency, he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to those voting in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly polls on Wednesday to exercise their franchise in record numbers to end corruption, infiltration and appeasement in the state.

Voting for 43 Assembly seats in Jharkhand began this morning, with 683 candidates, including former chief minister Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora, trying their luck.

"I appeal to all the voters going to vote in the first phase of polling in Jharkhand to cast record votes for the creation of a Jharkhand which is free from corruption, infiltration and appeasement, and is developed," Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

 Voting for by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Assam began on Wednesday to decide the fate of 34 candidates, an official said.By-elections are being held in Dholai (SC), Sidli (ST), Bongaigaon, Behali and Samaguri assembly constituencies as these seats fell vacant with the representatives of them winning the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Voting is underway for by-polls to three Assembly segments in Karnataka on Wednesday, election officials said. The voting began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm. More than seven lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in about 770 polling stations in Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna, where a total of 45 candidates are in the fray.

Voting for the byelection to Raipur City South assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh was underway on Wednesday amid tight security.The seat fell vacant after sitting BJP legislator and former state minister Brijmohan Agrawal resigned following his election to the Lok Sabha from Raipur parliamentary constituency earlier this year.

Voting Begins on 43 seats of Tibal State 

Ahead of the voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, officials conducted mock polling at various polling stations across the state on Wednesday morning. The mock polling began at around 5.30 am.

"We started the mock poll from 5:30 am. Our agents are here. We are fully prepared, and all voters are welcome," said Presiding Officer Nitasha at Polling Booth Number 291, speaking to ANI.