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Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief H D Deve Gowda said today that his party would support West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's stand against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam.

In a meeting with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief here, Gowda said Banerjee discussed the prevailing situation in the country and emphasised the need to bring together all non-BJP parties.

"Absolutely, I will stand by Mamata Banerjee on the issue of NRC," Gowda told reporters after the meeting. This is Banerjee's first meeting with Gowda after the TMC chief shared a stage with him during the swearing-in ceremony of H D Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee, who is in the national capital to meet leaders of various parties, said, "Politics was also discussed in the meeting."&nbsp;

The TMC supremo has strongly opposed the central government's NRC project in Assam, in which around 40-lakh names of applicants did not figure in the final draft published on Monday.&nbsp;

The TMC, along with other Opposition parties like Congress, have been vociferously protesting on this issue in the ongoing session of the Parliament. The West Bengal government has also passed a motion against the final draft of the NRC.&nbsp;

Gowda said Banerjee discussed the prevailing situation in the country and emphasised the need to bring together all non-BJP parties.

Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief H D Deve Gowda said today that his party would support West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's stand against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam. In a meeting with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief here, Gowda said Banerjee discussed the prevailing situation in the country and emphasised the need to bring together all non-BJP parties. "Absolutely, I will stand by Mamata Banerjee on the issue of NRC," Gowda told reporters after the meeting. This is Banerjee's first meeting with Gowda after the TMC chief shared a stage with him during the swearing-in ceremony of H D Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee, who is in the national capital to meet leaders of various parties, said, "Politics was also discussed in the meeting." The TMC supremo has strongly opposed the central government's NRC project in Assam, in which around 40-lakh names of applicants did not figure in the final draft published on Monday. The TMC, along with other Opposition parties like Congress, have been vociferously protesting on this issue in the ongoing session of the Parliament. The West Bengal government has also passed a motion against the final draft of the NRC.

Support Mamata Banerjee on NRC: Deve Gowda

&nbsp;A Mumbai BJP MLA today demanded that the Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in the city be identified and deported on the pattern of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise carried out in Assam.

The Colaba MLA Raj Purohit has written a letter to the district collector (city) Shivaji Jondhale in this regard.

He stated that Bangladeshi nationals could settle in Mumbai illegally due to "blessings" of local politicians.

Purohit, the chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, alleged the politicians have protected the Bangladeshi "infiltrators" by recommending their names for ration card, Aadhar card, voter ID and other documents.

He said the Bangladeshi nationals pose threat to Mumbai's law and order.

"Hence, you should, with the help of the Election Commission and police officials, chalk out a time-bound programme to identify and deport the Bangladeshi nationals to their home country from Colaba and Mumbai in line with the (draft) NRC," Purohit stated.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is the list of Indian citizens of Assam.

The draft NRC, which was released on&nbsp;August 30, has triggered a political firestorm over the exclusion of over 40 lakh residents of the north-eastern state.

The Opposition Congress and TMC are accusing the BJP of making Indian citizens refugees in their own country while the saffron party has defended the document, saying the NDA governments in the Centre and Assam have the courage to weed out illegal Bangladeshis.

Purohit, the chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, alleged the politicians have protected the Bangladeshi 'infiltrators' by recommending their names for ration card, Aadhar card, voter ID and other documents.

A Mumbai BJP MLA today demanded that the Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in the city be identified and deported on the pattern of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise carried out in Assam. The Colaba MLA Raj Purohit has written a letter to the district collector (city) Shivaji Jondhale in this regard. He stated that Bangladeshi nationals could settle in Mumbai illegally due to "blessings" of local politicians. Purohit, the chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, alleged the politicians have protected the Bangladeshi "infiltrators" by recommending their names for ration card, Aadhar card, voter ID and other documents. He said the Bangladeshi nationals pose threat to Mumbai's law and order. "Hence, you should, with the help of the Election Commission and police officials, chalk out a time-bound programme to identify and deport the Bangladeshi nationals to their home country from Colaba and Mumbai in line with the (draft) NRC," Purohit stated. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is the list of Indian citizens of Assam. The draft NRC, which was released on August 30, has triggered a political firestorm over the exclusion of over 40 lakh residents of the north-eastern state. The Opposition Congress and TMC are accusing the BJP of making Indian citizens refugees in their own country while the saffron party has defended the document, saying the NDA governments in the Centre and Assam have the courage to weed out illegal Bangladeshis.

Deport illegal Bangladeshi settlers in Mumbai: BJP MLA

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) today petitioned to the Meghalaya government to conduct an NRC-like exercise in the state to segregate genuine and ensure the survival of the tribal indigenous communities.

Migrants from different parts of the country besides Bangladesh and Nepal had made the state their home reducing the indigenous communities to a minority in several pockets in the state, KSU president L Marngar said.

An NRC-type exercise will contribute immensely to the continuous survival of the indigenous communities in the state, he told reporters after a KSU delegation met Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to put forth their demand.

"We proposed the state government to conduct an NRC-like exercise in the entire state of Meghalaya with 1971 as the cut-off year to segregate the genuine and non-genuine residents of the state," he told reporters after the meeting.

The complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released on July 30 in neighbouring Assam leaving out the names of over 40 lakh applicants.

The KSU chief also expressed apprehension that many of those 40 lakh people would try to infiltrate to Meghalaya that shares a 900 km long border with Assam.

He claimed that the KSU activists set up infiltration check gates and, in the past 24 hours, detected and sent back to Assam over 1500 people whose names did not feature in the complete NRC draft.

The deputy chief minister said the government would examine the petition and make a decision.&nbsp;

Migrants from different parts of the country besides Bangladesh and Nepal had made the state their home reducing the indigenous communities to a minority in several pockets in the state, KSU president L Marngar said

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) today petitioned to the Meghalaya government to conduct an NRC-like exercise in the state to segregate genuine and ensure the survival of the tribal indigenous communities. Migrants from different parts of the country besides Bangladesh and Nepal had made the state their home reducing the indigenous communities to a minority in several pockets in the state, KSU president L Marngar said. An NRC-type exercise will contribute immensely to the continuous survival of the indigenous communities in the state, he told reporters after a KSU delegation met Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to put forth their demand. "We proposed the state government to conduct an NRC-like exercise in the entire state of Meghalaya with 1971 as the cut-off year to segregate the genuine and non-genuine residents of the state," he told reporters after the meeting. The complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released on July 30 in neighbouring Assam leaving out the names of over 40 lakh applicants. The KSU chief also expressed apprehension that many of those 40 lakh people would try to infiltrate to Meghalaya that shares a 900 km long border with Assam. He claimed that the KSU activists set up infiltration check gates and, in the past 24 hours, detected and sent back to Assam over 1500 people whose names did not feature in the complete NRC draft. The deputy chief minister said the government would examine the petition and make a decision.

Student's body demands NRC-like exercise in Meghalaya

Amid the controversy&nbsp;over the <a href="http://wionews.com/videos/assam-government-releases-nrc-4-lakh-people-stripped-citizenship--156334">National Register of Citizens (NRC)</a>, governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi on Thursday advocated for a similar list for every state. He also said that the list should be updated after every census.

The governor said that the move will ensure full proof security in the country.

Governor Mukhi said, "Central government has right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has NRC prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather should also update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country".

Mukhi further said&nbsp;that every Indian will have his/her name in the final NRC list in Assam.

He said,"Government assures that each and every Indian shall be included in the final NRC report and guarantees the security of each and every citizen in the state".

Calling the final draft a historical list for the people of Assam, Mukhi said that it&nbsp;was prepared as per the&nbsp;wishes of Assamese and the Assam record.

"Draft of NRC is historical for Assamese people as it has been done as per wishes of Assamese and Assam accord. Many people are worried over non-inclusion of their names in NRC, I assure them that anyone who is an Indian their name will certainly be there in final NRC report", he added.

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Central govt has right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRC</a> prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather they should update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country: Assam Guv <a href="https://t.co/iwpBVAL02M">pic.twitter.com/iwpBVAL02M</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1024891900887748609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Assam government had<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/national-register-of-citizens-assam-on-high-alert-cm-calls-for-calm-ahead-of-historic-moment-155566">&nbsp;published&nbsp;the National Register of Citizens(NRC)</a>&nbsp;final draft on Monday which did not include the names of over 40 lakh residents of Assam.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9vbwYkaHCd4" width="560"></iframe>

Calling the final draft a historical list for the people of Assam, Mukhi said that it was prepared as per the wishes of Assamese and Assam record

Amid the controversy over the National Register of Citizens (NRC), governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi on Thursday advocated for a similar list for every state. He also said that the list should be updated after every census. The governor said that the move will ensure full proof security in the country. Governor Mukhi said, "Central government has right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has NRC prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather should also update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country". Mukhi further said that every Indian will have his/her name in the final NRC list in Assam. He said,"Government assures that each and every Indian shall be included in the final NRC report and guarantees the security of each and every citizen in the state". Calling the final draft a historical list for the people of Assam, Mukhi said that it was prepared as per the wishes of Assamese and the Assam record. "Draft of NRC is historical for Assamese people as it has been done as per wishes of Assamese and Assam accord. Many people are worried over non-inclusion of their names in NRC, I assure them that anyone who is an Indian their name will certainly be there in final NRC report", he added. Central govt has right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has #NRC prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather they should update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country: Assam Guv pic.twitter.com/iwpBVAL02M — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2018 × The Assam government had published the National Register of Citizens(NRC) final draft on Monday which did not include the names of over 40 lakh residents of Assam.

Every state should have NRC to ensure security: Assam governor

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday embarked on a three-nation visit to Central Asia region.

Swaraj will be visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan from August 2 to August 5.

It should be noted that it is her first trip to these countries as External Affairs Minister.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and wrote,"Advancing our growing engagement with an extended neighbourhood! EAM @SushmaSwaraj embarks on a visit to 3 Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz & Uzbekistan - from 2-5 August. This will be her first visit to these countries as EAM."

During her visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov. She is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community in the country.

In the second leg of her visit, Swaraj will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Erlan Abdyldaev and also call on the leadership of the country.

In the final segment of the trip, the Minister of External Affairs will visit Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 4. The minister will also hold in-depth discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov.

Swaraj is also scheduled to address the ideologists and members of the Indian community in Uzbekistan.

She will also offer tribute at the memorial of former Prime Minister of India late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The visit to the three nations is aimed at enhancing engagement with this region which is India's extended neighbourhood. It will also provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with the Central Asian Region.&nbsp;

Swaraj will be visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan from August 2 to August 5.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday embarked on a three-nation visit to Central Asia region. Swaraj will be visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan from August 2 to August 5. It should be noted that it is her first trip to these countries as External Affairs Minister. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and wrote,"Advancing our growing engagement with an extended neighbourhood! EAM @SushmaSwaraj embarks on a visit to 3 Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz & Uzbekistan - from 2-5 August. This will be her first visit to these countries as EAM." During her visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov. She is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community in the country. In the second leg of her visit, Swaraj will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Erlan Abdyldaev and also call on the leadership of the country. In the final segment of the trip, the Minister of External Affairs will visit Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 4. The minister will also hold in-depth discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov. Swaraj is also scheduled to address the ideologists and members of the Indian community in Uzbekistan. She will also offer tribute at the memorial of former Prime Minister of India late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. The visit to the three nations is aimed at enhancing engagement with this region which is India's extended neighbourhood. It will also provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with the Central Asian Region.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj embarks on three-nation visit

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today said she was not vying to be the prime minister and that the first priority was to defeat the BJP which is "scared and nervous" to face the 2019 polls because of opposition unity.

Banerjee, who has been at the forefront of efforts to rally opposition parties for an anti-BJP front, spent the second day of her Delhi visit meeting leaders of various parties including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp

Besides leaders of the Congress, TDP, YSR(Congress), DMK, RJD, SP and JD(S), she also met BJP veteran L K Advani, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and dissident BJP leaders.&nbsp

"The opposition is united... In 2019 BJP will be finished," Banerjee, who invited the leaders of the opposition parties as well as Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to her January 19 rally in Kolkata, told reporters.

The rally is seen as not just a show of opposition unity but also an attempt to catapult Banerjee to the centre stage.&nbsp

"We are all for all. We will take a decision on collective leadership. If all opposition political parties can join hands and work together in Parliament, then why not fight unitedly outside," the TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister told reporters after her nearly half-an-hour long meeting with the Gandhis at 10, Janpath, the residence of Sonia Gandhi.

On the Congress' indication of its willingness to accept her candidature as opposition's PM face, she said, "I am not for any chair, our aim is to defeat the BJP."&nbsp

Almost all the opposition parties are holding preliminary talks to put a united fight against the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Banerjee said she met both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and discussed the NRC issue as 40 lakh people have not been included in it and genuine voters had been kept out.&nbsp

"We discussed the political situation. We discussed how the opposition can together take on the BJP because it knows that it will not come back to power," she said.

Asked about the prime ministerial candidate of the proposed anti-BJP front, she said, "it will be decided later. The first priority is to defeat the BJP. The BJP has to be defeated first."

To a query on Amit Shah's criticism of her on the NRC issue, she said, "I am not his servant. Why should I reply to his comments."

"Gali ka jawaab hum gaali se nahin denge. Yeh hamari parampara hai. (We will not reply to an abuse with an abuse, that is our tradition)," she said.

"The BJP is scared and nervous politically due to the unity of opposition parties. The BJP knows what will happen to them in 2019 as they will not come back to power. That is why they are trying to create such an atmosphere and doing all this," she said.

On her meeting with leaders of various political parties, she said, "We know every political leader. I am happy to meet all of them."

Attacking the Centre on Assam's National Register of Citizens final draft, she said, "People whose names have been kept out are from Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal. We want them to live peacefully. Some of them are living for 100 ears for five generations in Assam. How can you do this to them?"&nbsp

Banerjee yesterday warned of a civil war and bloodbath in the country in case 40 lakh people of Assam are left out of the NRC.

"I do not know what the BJP wants -- a civil water or a bloodbath. But we do not want it," she said today.

On a tie-up with the Congress in West Bengal, she said every party will take their own decision.&nbsp

"I cannot interfere in the Congress' decisions. We believe that the strongest in a state should take on the BJP," she said.&nbsp

The TMC office in Parliament was abuzz with meetings after Banerjee arrived there today. The TMC chief met Congress leaders Gulam Nabi Azad, and Ahmed Patel, Samajwadi Party leaders Ram Gopal Yadav and Jaya Bachchan, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva, YSR Congress leader Vijaysai Reddy, RJD leaders Misa Bharti, Jayprakash Narayan Yadav among others.

Banerjee met JD(S) leader Deve Gowda at Karnataka Bhavan and invited him to the rally.

She also met Advani at his chamber in Parliament House ."I went to meet him and enquired about his health," she told reporters.

Suspended BJP member of Parliament Kirti Azad hailed her as a great leader and said that her efforts to consolidate all opposition parties are "commendable".

The TMC chief later went to the Central Hall of the Parliament to meet other opposition leaders and invited them to the rally.

Banerjee also appealed to all the opposition parties to send a joint delegation to the Election Commission against EVM tampering and to press for holding polls on ballots. "All opposition parties should go to EC on this matter," Banerjee told the leaders.

Interestingly, Banerjee extended an invitation for the rally to the Shiv Sena chief through Raut who said the party would take a decision on it. Though a constituent of the NDA, the Sena has been openly critical of the Modi government.

She also appealed to the leaders to send an all-opposition-party delegation to Assam stating that though TMC delegation would be visiting the state on Thursday, other parties should also exert pressure on the government.&nbsp

&nbsp

Banerjee, who has been at the forefront of efforts to rally opposition parties for an anti-BJP front, spent the second day of her Delhi visit meeting leaders of various parties including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today said she was not vying to be the prime minister and that the first priority was to defeat the BJP which is "scared and nervous" to face the 2019 polls because of opposition unity. Banerjee, who has been at the forefront of efforts to rally opposition parties for an anti-BJP front, spent the second day of her Delhi visit meeting leaders of various parties including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Besides leaders of the Congress, TDP, YSR(Congress), DMK, RJD, SP and JD(S), she also met BJP veteran L K Advani, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and dissident BJP leaders. "The opposition is united... In 2019 BJP will be finished," Banerjee, who invited the leaders of the opposition parties as well as Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to her January 19 rally in Kolkata, told reporters. The rally is seen as not just a show of opposition unity but also an attempt to catapult Banerjee to the centre stage. "We are all for all. We will take a decision on collective leadership. If all opposition political parties can join hands and work together in Parliament, then why not fight unitedly outside," the TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister told reporters after her nearly half-an-hour long meeting with the Gandhis at 10, Janpath, the residence of Sonia Gandhi. On the Congress' indication of its willingness to accept her candidature as opposition's PM face, she said, "I am not for any chair, our aim is to defeat the BJP." Almost all the opposition parties are holding preliminary talks to put a united fight against the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year. Banerjee said she met both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and discussed the NRC issue as 40 lakh people have not been included in it and genuine voters had been kept out. "We discussed the political situation. We discussed how the opposition can together take on the BJP because it knows that it will not come back to power," she said. Asked about the prime ministerial candidate of the proposed anti-BJP front, she said, "it will be decided later. The first priority is to defeat the BJP. The BJP has to be defeated first." To a query on Amit Shah's criticism of her on the NRC issue, she said, "I am not his servant. Why should I reply to his comments." "Gali ka jawaab hum gaali se nahin denge. Yeh hamari parampara hai. (We will not reply to an abuse with an abuse, that is our tradition)," she said. "The BJP is scared and nervous politically due to the unity of opposition parties. The BJP knows what will happen to them in 2019 as they will not come back to power. That is why they are trying to create such an atmosphere and doing all this," she said. On her meeting with leaders of various political parties, she said, "We know every political leader. I am happy to meet all of them." Attacking the Centre on Assam's National Register of Citizens final draft, she said, "People whose names have been kept out are from Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal. We want them to live peacefully. Some of them are living for 100 ears for five generations in Assam. How can you do this to them?" Banerjee yesterday warned of a civil war and bloodbath in the country in case 40 lakh people of Assam are left out of the NRC. "I do not know what the BJP wants -- a civil water or a bloodbath. But we do not want it," she said today. On a tie-up with the Congress in West Bengal, she said every party will take their own decision. "I cannot interfere in the Congress' decisions. We believe that the strongest in a state should take on the BJP," she said. The TMC office in Parliament was abuzz with meetings after Banerjee arrived there today. The TMC chief met Congress leaders Gulam Nabi Azad, and Ahmed Patel, Samajwadi Party leaders Ram Gopal Yadav and Jaya Bachchan, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva, YSR Congress leader Vijaysai Reddy, RJD leaders Misa Bharti, Jayprakash Narayan Yadav among others. Banerjee met JD(S) leader Deve Gowda at Karnataka Bhavan and invited him to the rally. She also met Advani at his chamber in Parliament House ."I went to meet him and enquired about his health," she told reporters. Suspended BJP member of Parliament Kirti Azad hailed her as a great leader and said that her efforts to consolidate all opposition parties are "commendable". The TMC chief later went to the Central Hall of the Parliament to meet other opposition leaders and invited them to the rally. Banerjee also appealed to all the opposition parties to send a joint delegation to the Election Commission against EVM tampering and to press for holding polls on ballots. "All opposition parties should go to EC on this matter," Banerjee told the leaders. Interestingly, Banerjee extended an invitation for the rally to the Shiv Sena chief through Raut who said the party would take a decision on it. Though a constituent of the NDA, the Sena has been openly critical of the Modi government. She also appealed to the leaders to send an all-opposition-party delegation to Assam stating that though TMC delegation would be visiting the state on Thursday, other parties should also exert pressure on the government.

Not vying for PM post, BJP nervous because of Opposition unity: Mamata

BSP president Mayawati today flayed the BJP government over the rise in the price of subsidised cooking gas (LPG), saying it will only benefit the rich.

"Instead of extending relief to the poor, the BJP government is only concerned about the wealthy for whose benefit the prices of petroleum products are being constantly hiked," she said in a press release here.

Reacting to the charges, UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey said the BSP supremo's concern for the poor was "laughable".

Describing the price hike as an anti-people move, Mayawati said, "People who had been troubled by rising petrol and diesel prices now have been further burdened with a hike in LPG price. This will adversely hit the poor and common people".&nbsp

She also referred to recent incidents of a temple been cleaned with 'Ganga Jal' (water from Ganga River) after a woman MLA, Manisha Anuragi, visited the place, and a Dalit female officer denied water.&nbsp

Mayawati alleged that there had been a spurt in a number of casteist cases under the BJP government.

Such incidents and the desecration of statues of great persons born in backward communities have exposed the BJP government, she said in the statement.&nbsp

The BSP president also lashed out at the BJP leadership for leaving out 40 lakh people from Assam's draft National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Hitting out at the BSP leader, Pandey said in a statement, "Those who are deeply concerned about their family while sitting in closed rooms and busy knitting opportunistic alliances, their concern for the poor seems to be laughable".&nbsp

"The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is integrating the backwards, deprived, Dalits and poor with the mainstream. Through the 'Ujjwala Yojana', crores of women have got rid of smoke (emanating from 'chullahs' in kitchens), paving way for their self-respect and good health," he said.&nbsp

The UP BJP chief added that Mayawati was "unable" to see the welfare schemes started by the government for the poor as she has "always been worried about wealth and done politics in the name of poor and Dalits".&nbsp

'Instead of extending relief to the poor, the BJP government is only concerned about the wealthy for whose benefit the prices of petroleum products are being constantly hiked,' she said in a press release here

BSP president Mayawati today flayed the BJP government over the rise in the price of subsidised cooking gas (LPG), saying it will only benefit the rich. "Instead of extending relief to the poor, the BJP government is only concerned about the wealthy for whose benefit the prices of petroleum products are being constantly hiked," she said in a press release here. Reacting to the charges, UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey said the BSP supremo's concern for the poor was "laughable". Describing the price hike as an anti-people move, Mayawati said, "People who had been troubled by rising petrol and diesel prices now have been further burdened with a hike in LPG price. This will adversely hit the poor and common people". She also referred to recent incidents of a temple been cleaned with 'Ganga Jal' (water from Ganga River) after a woman MLA, Manisha Anuragi, visited the place, and a Dalit female officer denied water. Mayawati alleged that there had been a spurt in a number of casteist cases under the BJP government. Such incidents and the desecration of statues of great persons born in backward communities have exposed the BJP government, she said in the statement. The BSP president also lashed out at the BJP leadership for leaving out 40 lakh people from Assam's draft National Register of Citizens (NRC). Hitting out at the BSP leader, Pandey said in a statement, "Those who are deeply concerned about their family while sitting in closed rooms and busy knitting opportunistic alliances, their concern for the poor seems to be laughable". "The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is integrating the backwards, deprived, Dalits and poor with the mainstream. Through the 'Ujjwala Yojana', crores of women have got rid of smoke (emanating from 'chullahs' in kitchens), paving way for their self-respect and good health," he said. The UP BJP chief added that Mayawati was "unable" to see the welfare schemes started by the government for the poor as she has "always been worried about wealth and done politics in the name of poor and Dalits".

Mayawati slams BJP govt over LPG price hike

Upping the ante on the issue of alleged presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah will take the battle to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's turf with a rally in Kolkata on August 11 amid indications from his party leaders that they will make it a poll issue and seek an Assam-like NRC there.

With Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee holding talks in the national capital with opposition leaders to take on the BJP over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, Shah's proposed rally underscores his intention to build the issue as a major poll plank in her state as Lok Sabha elections are barely eight months away, leaders said.

A combative Shah earlier told reporters that he would definitely go to Kolkata on August 11 and dared the state government to arrest him after his party leaders claimed that the local police had yet not given permission to his event.

However, Kolkata police later said it had granted the permission, setting the stage for a showdown between the Trinamool Congress, the dominant political force in the state, and the BJP, which has emerged in recent polls as the main challenger to it, though as a distant second.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told reporters that there could be over one crore illegal immigrants in West Bengal and suggested that the NRC (National Register of Citizens) should be adopted in border states to identify them.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh had also earlier said that an NRC will be published, on the lines of the one in Assam, if the saffron party was voted to power in West Bengal.

Shah has targeted to win at least 22 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the next Lok Sabha polls. In 2014, the TMC had won 34 seats while the BJP could get only two.

The prevailing sense in the BJP is that it could project Banerjee as an "anti-Hindu" leader driven by her "appeasement politics" for minority votes over her strident opposition to the NRC, according to the party sources.

Shah will address a rally organised by BJP's youth wing, Yuva Morcha.&nbsp

Earlier, BJP Yuva Morcha alleged that they are yet to receive any communication from the Kolkata Police regarding permission for Shah's rally.

The BJP president and Banerjee were involved in a bitter war of words yesterday on the NRC issue with Shah asserting that the process will be implemented to the last full stop and comma as it was a matter of national security, and the TMC chief warning that this may lead to "civil war" and "bloodbath".&nbsp

The TMC today took a swipe at the BJP, claiming that it has become nervous and wished Shah a "happy journey to the land of peace and harmony".

"BJP & its national President have become nervous, tense. Their programme for Aug 3 in Kolkata was promptly granted permission. For their Aug 11 program, they only just sent a letter & permission granted" (sic), TMC chief national spokesperson Derek O'Brien tweeted.

Rejecting BJP leaders' claim that it was not giving permission for Shah's rally, Kolkata Police tweeted, "Some unwarranted speculation in social media about denial of permission to a political party on 11 August has come to our notice. It is to clarify that on request permission for the meeting has already been granted."

State BJP Yuva Morcha chief Debjit Sarkar said he has been informed by the police that the permission has been given to hold the rally at Mayo Road in the heart of the city.

Shah's proposed rally underscores his intention to build the issue as a major poll plank in her state as Lok Sabha elections are barely eight months away, leaders said

Upping the ante on the issue of alleged presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah will take the battle to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's turf with a rally in Kolkata on August 11 amid indications from his party leaders that they will make it a poll issue and seek an Assam-like NRC there. With Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee holding talks in the national capital with opposition leaders to take on the BJP over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, Shah's proposed rally underscores his intention to build the issue as a major poll plank in her state as Lok Sabha elections are barely eight months away, leaders said. A combative Shah earlier told reporters that he would definitely go to Kolkata on August 11 and dared the state government to arrest him after his party leaders claimed that the local police had yet not given permission to his event. However, Kolkata police later said it had granted the permission, setting the stage for a showdown between the Trinamool Congress, the dominant political force in the state, and the BJP, which has emerged in recent polls as the main challenger to it, though as a distant second. BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told reporters that there could be over one crore illegal immigrants in West Bengal and suggested that the NRC (National Register of Citizens) should be adopted in border states to identify them. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh had also earlier said that an NRC will be published, on the lines of the one in Assam, if the saffron party was voted to power in West Bengal. Shah has targeted to win at least 22 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the next Lok Sabha polls. In 2014, the TMC had won 34 seats while the BJP could get only two. The prevailing sense in the BJP is that it could project Banerjee as an "anti-Hindu" leader driven by her "appeasement politics" for minority votes over her strident opposition to the NRC, according to the party sources. Shah will address a rally organised by BJP's youth wing, Yuva Morcha. Earlier, BJP Yuva Morcha alleged that they are yet to receive any communication from the Kolkata Police regarding permission for Shah's rally. The BJP president and Banerjee were involved in a bitter war of words yesterday on the NRC issue with Shah asserting that the process will be implemented to the last full stop and comma as it was a matter of national security, and the TMC chief warning that this may lead to "civil war" and "bloodbath". The TMC today took a swipe at the BJP, claiming that it has become nervous and wished Shah a "happy journey to the land of peace and harmony". "BJP & its national President have become nervous, tense. Their programme for Aug 3 in Kolkata was promptly granted permission. For their Aug 11 program, they only just sent a letter & permission granted" (sic), TMC chief national spokesperson Derek O'Brien tweeted. Rejecting BJP leaders' claim that it was not giving permission for Shah's rally, Kolkata Police tweeted, "Some unwarranted speculation in social media about denial of permission to a political party on 11 August has come to our notice. It is to clarify that on request permission for the meeting has already been granted." State BJP Yuva Morcha chief Debjit Sarkar said he has been informed by the police that the permission has been given to hold the rally at Mayo Road in the heart of the city.

Shah to hold a rally in Kolkata on Aug 11 as Mamata shepherds Opposition parties

As the demand for a separate north Karnataka state resurfaced, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the state government was mulling shifting some government offices to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in the region, in an attempt to address alleged discrimination.

Expressing his government's strong commitment for the region's development, the Chief Minister, who is in the eyes of a political storm over the separate state demand issue, said he was one among them as he termed the issue a "conspiracy" by political opponents ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls.

"There are two Upa Lokayukta's in the state. I have plans to shift one Upa Lokayukta to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Then there are about five or six RTI commissioners. Among them plan to shift three to northern districts- one to Kalaburagi and other two to Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha," he said.

Plans are on to shift several offices, including the 'Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam', to northern districts, he said.

Kumaraswamy said he had already made plans to shift some offices from Bengaluru and to ensure that the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi functions all around the year actively.

"Consider me as one among you (people of north Karnataka) ...Some people want to create a distance between us by indulging in false propaganda.

I have plans and programmes to earn your love and affection," he told representatives of outfits demanding a separate north Karnataka state.

Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi modelled on the lines of the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat and legislature in Bengaluru, functions only during the winter session of the state legislature and is shut during the rest of the year.

As the demand for a separate state has snowballed into a political slugfest between the ruling coalition, especially JD(S), and the opposition BJP, the Chief Minister today met representatives of outfits which have called for a day-long bandh in 13 districts of north Karnataka on August 2, alleging discrimination by successive governments towards it.

'Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti' (North Karnataka Separate Statehood Protest Committee) has alleged discrimination in allocation towards the region in the budget presented by Kumaraswamy on July 5, and also inadequate representation in the cabinet.

Seeking time to address issues faced by the region, the Chief Minister said he wants industries to come up in north Karnataka and urged that he be given at least one year's time, 'without any disturbance,' to carry out various works.

"I'm ready to work for 24 hours. I will not sit quiet," he said.

Kumaraswamy said he had spent most of his time since assuming office on the farm loan waiver issue and assured that he would devote two days each in north Karnataka districts after 10 to 15 days.

"I don't want to talk about who did what in the past. What I know is that now I have got the opportunity and will take complete responsibility for developing north Karnataka, whether it is industries, irrigation or infrastructure," he added.

He faulted BJP for raising the demand for separate north Karnataka state as they were unable to digest the fact that he had implemented the farm loan waiver scheme.

"As I have waived Rs 49,000 crore farm loans, BJP is unable to digest it. They want some issue for the parliament election and are hence raising this issue," he said

Accusing the Chief Minister of indulging in a "divide and rule" policy, state BJP President B S Yeddyurappa has squarely blamed him for the separate northKarnataka state demand.

Telling representatives who met him that it was not easy to create a separate state as people would not accept it, Kumaraswamy also blamed public representatives from the region for the current state of north Karnataka.

Stating that he became Chief Minister because of the grace of "some kind of power", he said he has never differentiated between the north and south, and recalled various initiatives taken by him for the region in his earlier stint at the post.

Clarifying that he had not insulted farmers and people of north Karnataka, he said he had only asked them why they forgot him while voting in the recent assembly polls.

Kumaraswamy also rejected the charge that his budget concentrated only on certain districts of south Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, 'Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti President Somashekar Katamari said that the Chief Minister has expressed his commitment to solving issues of the north Karnataka.

On the August 2 bandh, he said a decision would betake only after discussion with other outfits that have supported the call.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister termed the issue a 'conspiracy' by political opponents ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls.

As the demand for a separate north Karnataka state resurfaced, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the state government was mulling shifting some government offices to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in the region, in an attempt to address alleged discrimination. Expressing his government's strong commitment for the region's development, the Chief Minister, who is in the eyes of a political storm over the separate state demand issue, said he was one among them as he termed the issue a "conspiracy" by political opponents ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls. "There are two Upa Lokayukta's in the state. I have plans to shift one Upa Lokayukta to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Then there are about five or six RTI commissioners. Among them plan to shift three to northern districts- one to Kalaburagi and other two to Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha," he said. Plans are on to shift several offices, including the 'Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam', to northern districts, he said. Kumaraswamy said he had already made plans to shift some offices from Bengaluru and to ensure that the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi functions all around the year actively. "Consider me as one among you (people of north Karnataka) ...Some people want to create a distance between us by indulging in false propaganda. I have plans and programmes to earn your love and affection," he told representatives of outfits demanding a separate north Karnataka state. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi modelled on the lines of the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat and legislature in Bengaluru, functions only during the winter session of the state legislature and is shut during the rest of the year. As the demand for a separate state has snowballed into a political slugfest between the ruling coalition, especially JD(S), and the opposition BJP, the Chief Minister today met representatives of outfits which have called for a day-long bandh in 13 districts of north Karnataka on August 2, alleging discrimination by successive governments towards it. 'Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti' (North Karnataka Separate Statehood Protest Committee) has alleged discrimination in allocation towards the region in the budget presented by Kumaraswamy on July 5, and also inadequate representation in the cabinet. Seeking time to address issues faced by the region, the Chief Minister said he wants industries to come up in north Karnataka and urged that he be given at least one year's time, 'without any disturbance,' to carry out various works. "I'm ready to work for 24 hours. I will not sit quiet," he said. Kumaraswamy said he had spent most of his time since assuming office on the farm loan waiver issue and assured that he would devote two days each in north Karnataka districts after 10 to 15 days. "I don't want to talk about who did what in the past. What I know is that now I have got the opportunity and will take complete responsibility for developing north Karnataka, whether it is industries, irrigation or infrastructure," he added. He faulted BJP for raising the demand for separate north Karnataka state as they were unable to digest the fact that he had implemented the farm loan waiver scheme. "As I have waived Rs 49,000 crore farm loans, BJP is unable to digest it. They want some issue for the parliament election and are hence raising this issue," he said Accusing the Chief Minister of indulging in a "divide and rule" policy, state BJP President B S Yeddyurappa has squarely blamed him for the separate northKarnataka state demand. Telling representatives who met him that it was not easy to create a separate state as people would not accept it, Kumaraswamy also blamed public representatives from the region for the current state of north Karnataka. Stating that he became Chief Minister because of the grace of "some kind of power", he said he has never differentiated between the north and south, and recalled various initiatives taken by him for the region in his earlier stint at the post. Clarifying that he had not insulted farmers and people of north Karnataka, he said he had only asked them why they forgot him while voting in the recent assembly polls. Kumaraswamy also rejected the charge that his budget concentrated only on certain districts of south Karnataka. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, 'Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti President Somashekar Katamari said that the Chief Minister has expressed his commitment to solving issues of the north Karnataka. On the August 2 bandh, he said a decision would betake only after discussion with other outfits that have supported the call.

Kumaraswamy seeks to mollify agitators demanding statehood for North Karnataka

While rains continue to lash parts of North India, rising water levels in Yamuna river is undeterred. According to reports, the river, on Tuesday, rose to 206.05 meters in Delhi/NCR, leading to around 14,000 evacuations.

"The level of Yamuna maintained at 206.05 meters for seven hours (till 8 pm). The rise was contributed by hourly discharge from Hathani Kund Barrage," Delhi government's flood control room said.

The river was flowing at 206.04 metres on Tuesday noon with the danger mark being 204.83 metres, officials said.

Another 21,006 Cusec of water was released from the Hathani Kund Barrage on Tuesday night. The water was released by Haryana at 10 pm. With the latest release of water, the level of Yamuna river in the national capital is expected to rise further on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yamuna river's water level is inching towards the danger mark in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, an official said today.

"Today, Yamuna was flowing at the warning level and the rising trend of the river is continuing," Additional District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said.

The sub-divisional magistrates have been instructed to maintain vigil round the clock. People living in low-lying areas have been advised to shift to flood posts if the rising trend continues, he added.

The flood water has reached colonies based in flood zone of Mathura and Vrindaban, he said, adding that they would be shifted to flood outposts if the water entered into their colony.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The river was flowing at 206.04 metres Tuesday noon with the danger mark being 204.83 metres, officials said.

While rains continue to lash parts of North India, rising water levels in Yamuna river is undeterred. According to reports, the river, on Tuesday, rose to 206.05 meters in Delhi/NCR, leading to around 14,000 evacuations. "The level of Yamuna maintained at 206.05 meters for seven hours (till 8 pm). The rise was contributed by hourly discharge from Hathani Kund Barrage," Delhi government's flood control room said. The river was flowing at 206.04 metres on Tuesday noon with the danger mark being 204.83 metres, officials said. Another 21,006 Cusec of water was released from the Hathani Kund Barrage on Tuesday night. The water was released by Haryana at 10 pm. With the latest release of water, the level of Yamuna river in the national capital is expected to rise further on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Yamuna river's water level is inching towards the danger mark in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, an official said today. "Today, Yamuna was flowing at the warning level and the rising trend of the river is continuing," Additional District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said. The sub-divisional magistrates have been instructed to maintain vigil round the clock. People living in low-lying areas have been advised to shift to flood posts if the rising trend continues, he added. The flood water has reached colonies based in flood zone of Mathura and Vrindaban, he said, adding that they would be shifted to flood outposts if the water entered into their colony. (With inputs from PTI)

Yamuna overflow: Water levels may rise in Delhi, inching towards danger mark in Mathura 

Delhi High Court on Wednesday extended protection from arrest to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The protection has now been extended to September 28.

Chidambaram filed an anticipatory bail plea seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Delhi High Court, on July 25, granted interim protection from arrest to Union minister P Chidambaram till August 1.&nbsp;

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The Enforcement Directorate also that Karti Chidambaram was instrumental in getting illegal FIPB approvals with the concurrence and knowledge of his father P Chidambaram.&nbsp;

The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to an FIPB clearance, granted to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel.

The ED had earlier said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore.

Delhi High Court, on July 25, granted interim protection from arrest to Union minister P Chidambaram till August 1.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday extended protection from arrest to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The protection has now been extended to September 28. Chidambaram filed an anticipatory bail plea seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Delhi High Court, on July 25, granted interim protection from arrest to Union minister P Chidambaram till August 1. INX media case: Delhi High Court extends protection from arrest given to P Chidambaram till September 28. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/8kA9BnPaPt — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2018 × The Enforcement Directorate also that Karti Chidambaram was instrumental in getting illegal FIPB approvals with the concurrence and knowledge of his father P Chidambaram. The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to an FIPB clearance, granted to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. The ED had earlier said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore.

INX media case: Delhi High Court extends protection from arrest to Chidambaram 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday. The Trinamool Congress chief is expected to meet other political leaders to discuss the anti-BJP rally that will be conducted in Kolkata next year.

Banerjee, on Tuesday, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue. She also held meetings with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter MP Supriya Sule, besides other leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha.

Mamata is on a four-day visit to Delhi wherein she aims to reach out to political parties to forge an anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) front for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/people-are-being-made-refugees-in-their-own-country-mamata-banerjee-slams-centre-on-nrc-move-155698">On Monday, Banerjee lashed out at the central government</a> after nearly 40 lakh people were excluded in the final draft of Assam's NRC report.

The Chief Minister described the NRC move as BJP's vote politics, noting that "ultimately it is Bengal which will suffer". She requested the Home Minister to bring an amendment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Banerjee, on Tuesday, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday. The Trinamool Congress chief is expected to meet other political leaders to discuss the anti-BJP rally that will be conducted in Kolkata next year. Banerjee, on Tuesday, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue. She also held meetings with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter MP Supriya Sule, besides other leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha. Mamata is on a four-day visit to Delhi wherein she aims to reach out to political parties to forge an anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) front for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On Monday, Banerjee lashed out at the central government after nearly 40 lakh people were excluded in the final draft of Assam's NRC report. The Chief Minister described the NRC move as BJP's vote politics, noting that "ultimately it is Bengal which will suffer". She requested the Home Minister to bring an amendment. (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee to meet Sonia Gandhi today 

Maratha outfit Maratha Kranti Morcha, who have been demanding reservations in government jobs and education for the community, has announced another phase of their agitation on August 1.

According to a press note issued by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, the community is organising a "Jail Bharo Andolan" for their major demands. The protest will take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

The communities' major demands are--- decision on the Maratha quota at the earliest , all cases against Maratha protesters be taken back , action against the officers responsible for firing and lathi charge during July 25 protest, resignation or sacking of ministers MLAs who gave irresponsible statements against Maratha community.

Besides reservation, the outfit has also been demanding loan waiver, justice in Kopardi rape and unemployment for their community. Meanwhile, they are also demanding a compensation for the injured and the family members of those who died during protests.

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Maratha Kranti Morcha leader Amol Jadhavarao claimed that government has shown tokenism about their demands and has announced acceptance of some of their demands after the All-Party Meet, but there is still no official written order issued in this regard.

The Mumbai police claimed to have ample security arrangements for "Jail Bharo Andolan" in Mumbai to maintain law and order.

The police have also been asked to be on alert in other parts of Maharashtra as well in wake of "Jail Bharo Andolan" called by the Maratha Kranti Morcha.

On July 27, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had invited party leaders of both the Houses for a meeting in Vidhan Sabha to discuss the ongoing Maratha stir. He had earlier chaired a meeting with BJP ministers and party legislators from the Maratha community to discuss the issue.

A day before, a Maratha Kranti Morcha riot victim, who was injured in a clash between protestors and police in Navi Mumbai, succumbed to his injuries. So far, two protestors have taken their lives demanding reservations for Marathas while one, who also attempted suicide, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.&nbsp

The Mumbai police claimed to have ample security arrangements for 'Jail Bharo Andolan' in Mumbai to maintain law and order.

Maratha outfit Maratha Kranti Morcha, who have been demanding reservations in government jobs and education for the community, has announced another phase of their agitation on August 1. According to a press note issued by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, the community is organising a "Jail Bharo Andolan" for their major demands. The protest will take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The communities' major demands are--- decision on the Maratha quota at the earliest , all cases against Maratha protesters be taken back , action against the officers responsible for firing and lathi charge during July 25 protest, resignation or sacking of ministers MLAs who gave irresponsible statements against Maratha community. Besides reservation, the outfit has also been demanding loan waiver, justice in Kopardi rape and unemployment for their community. Meanwhile, they are also demanding a compensation for the injured and the family members of those who died during protests. #MarathaReservationProtest: Protesters block Pune-Solapur highway. pic.twitter.com/JjZgTKAlIX — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2018 × Maratha Kranti Morcha leader Amol Jadhavarao claimed that government has shown tokenism about their demands and has announced acceptance of some of their demands after the All-Party Meet, but there is still no official written order issued in this regard. The Mumbai police claimed to have ample security arrangements for "Jail Bharo Andolan" in Mumbai to maintain law and order. The police have also been asked to be on alert in other parts of Maharashtra as well in wake of "Jail Bharo Andolan" called by the Maratha Kranti Morcha. On July 27, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had invited party leaders of both the Houses for a meeting in Vidhan Sabha to discuss the ongoing Maratha stir. He had earlier chaired a meeting with BJP ministers and party legislators from the Maratha community to discuss the issue. A day before, a Maratha Kranti Morcha riot victim, who was injured in a clash between protestors and police in Navi Mumbai, succumbed to his injuries. So far, two protestors have taken their lives demanding reservations for Marathas while one, who also attempted suicide, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Maratha outfit to carry out 'jail bharo' protest today

Imran Khan's political party <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-pti-seeks-support-from-mqm-p-to-form-government-156059">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has </a>invited ex-Indian cricketers to Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in August, PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, Chaudhry said the party has invited former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony.&nbsp;

The party’s spokesperson also claimed to have invited Indian actors including Aamir Khan.&nbsp;

Chaudhry said the party had approached the Foreign Office regarding inviting foreign dignitaries.

Imran Khan will take oath as prime minister of Pakistan on August 11, even as his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is striving to get the required numbers to form a government.

The PTI, led by 65-year-old Khan, has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly after the 25 July elections, but it is still short of numbers to form the government on its own.&nbsp;

Khan's party has announced that it is trying to reach out to smaller parties and independents to form the next government.

After the poll results, Imran Khan said in his victory speech that better relations between Pakistan and India would be "good for all of us". "If India takes one step forward, we will take two," he said.&nbsp;

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif had travelled to Delhi to attend PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony and PM Modi had made a stopover in Lahore in December 2015 to greet his counterpart on his birthday.

Imran Khan will take oath as prime minister of Pakistan on August 11

Imran Khan's political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has invited ex-Indian cricketers to Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in August, PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said on Wednesday. Speaking to the media, Chaudhry said the party has invited former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony. The party’s spokesperson also claimed to have invited Indian actors including Aamir Khan. Chaudhry said the party had approached the Foreign Office regarding inviting foreign dignitaries. Imran Khan will take oath as prime minister of Pakistan on August 11, even as his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is striving to get the required numbers to form a government. The PTI, led by 65-year-old Khan, has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly after the 25 July elections, but it is still short of numbers to form the government on its own. Khan's party has announced that it is trying to reach out to smaller parties and independents to form the next government. After the poll results, Imran Khan said in his victory speech that better relations between Pakistan and India would be "good for all of us". "If India takes one step forward, we will take two," he said. Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif had travelled to Delhi to attend PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony and PM Modi had made a stopover in Lahore in December 2015 to greet his counterpart on his birthday.

Imran Khan invites Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Aamir Khan and Sidhu to oath ceremony

The Supreme Court has said that there was something "terribly wrong" with the Railways which has failed to provide an adequate medical facility in trains and stations resulting in deaths of passengers in some cases.

Even the Railways has last week admitted in Lok Sabha that over 1,600 passengers died on board trains in the past three years.

"You (Railways) do not have even the basic first aid facility? You are not telling us about it. If it (medical facility) is not there, then there is something terribly wrong," a bench of justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said.

The hard hitting remarks by the apex court came while it was hearing a matter related to the death of a man at the platform of Vijayawada railway station after de-boarding a train.&nbsp

The National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which had heard the case earlier, had observed that he had died due to heart attack.

The top court asked the counsel appearing for the Railway Board to file an affidavit within two weeks giving details of the medical facilities at railway stations.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Railway Board against the February 20 judgement of the NCDRC which had upheld the Rs 10 lakh compensation awarded by a state consumer commission to the widow of the deceased.

Referring to the facts of the case, the bench wondered, "A person had collapsed at the railway station. He was lying there for hours and no one gave him medical help."

The counsel appearing for the Railways said he would file an affidavit giving details of medical facilities provided at the stations.

In its order, the NCDRC had noted that the man was travelling from Secunderabad to Vijayawada in the Golconda Express and had de-boarded the train at about 8 pm.

The commission had noted that he had died at one of the platforms of Vijayawada railway station and his body was noticed after around four hours.

In her plea filed in the district consumer forum for compensation, the deceased's wife had said that no medical aid was provided to her husband which led to his death.

Her plea was dismissed by the district consumer forum after which she had approached the state commission.&nbsp

The state commission, in April last year, had allowed her appeal and directed the Railways to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.&nbsp

The Railways had then moved the NCDRC challenging the order of the state commission.

In its order, the NCDRC had observed that it was possible that life of the person could have been saved if immediate medical aid was provided to him.

The Railways, last week, admitted in Lok Sabha that over 1,600 passengers died on board trains in the past three years.

The Supreme Court has said that there was something "terribly wrong" with the Railways which has failed to provide an adequate medical facility in trains and stations resulting in deaths of passengers in some cases. Even the Railways has last week admitted in Lok Sabha that over 1,600 passengers died on board trains in the past three years. "You (Railways) do not have even the basic first aid facility? You are not telling us about it. If it (medical facility) is not there, then there is something terribly wrong," a bench of justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. The hard hitting remarks by the apex court came while it was hearing a matter related to the death of a man at the platform of Vijayawada railway station after de-boarding a train. The National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which had heard the case earlier, had observed that he had died due to heart attack. The top court asked the counsel appearing for the Railway Board to file an affidavit within two weeks giving details of the medical facilities at railway stations. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Railway Board against the February 20 judgement of the NCDRC which had upheld the Rs 10 lakh compensation awarded by a state consumer commission to the widow of the deceased. Referring to the facts of the case, the bench wondered, "A person had collapsed at the railway station. He was lying there for hours and no one gave him medical help." The counsel appearing for the Railways said he would file an affidavit giving details of medical facilities provided at the stations. In its order, the NCDRC had noted that the man was travelling from Secunderabad to Vijayawada in the Golconda Express and had de-boarded the train at about 8 pm. The commission had noted that he had died at one of the platforms of Vijayawada railway station and his body was noticed after around four hours. In her plea filed in the district consumer forum for compensation, the deceased's wife had said that no medical aid was provided to her husband which led to his death. Her plea was dismissed by the district consumer forum after which she had approached the state commission. The state commission, in April last year, had allowed her appeal and directed the Railways to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh. The Railways had then moved the NCDRC challenging the order of the state commission. In its order, the NCDRC had observed that it was possible that life of the person could have been saved if immediate medical aid was provided to him.

Lack of medical facilities in Railways is 'terribly wrong': Supreme Court

The government machinery in Kerala continued to be on alert with the water level in the Idukki dam inching towards the maximum, even as rain lashed many parts of the state, claiming two lives today.

A 74-year-old man was electrocuted when he came in contact with a live wire here this morning, while another man died in Malappuram district, the state control room, monitoring the monsoon-related incidents, said.

With these two deaths, the total number of those killed in monsoon-related incidents over the past two months has gone up to 141.

The water level in the high range Idukki reservoir, where an 'orange alert' was issued last night, touched 2395.58 feet by 6.00 PM today, according to the Kerala state Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

The 'orange alert' was sounded after the water level in the dam touched 2,395 feet, which is prior to the 'red alert' that will be issued when it reaches 2,399 feet.

The full level of the dam is 2,404 feet. The water level is related to the Mean Sea Level and catchment area.

Similarly, an 'orange alert' was issued at Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, a central Kerala district, when its water level reached 980 meters today, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB).

The full reservoir level (FRL) of the dam is 981.46 meter, they said, adding that district authorities were asked to take all precautionary measures for the safety of people living downstream.

With monsoon rain continuing and water levels rising, the shutters of three dams here- Neyyar, Aruvikkara and Peppara- have been opened.

Pothundi and Malampuzha dams in northern Palakkad are nearing full capacity.

Sea erosion was reported in the coastal belts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram and a number of people have been shifted to relief camps.

Landslip was reported in Aralam in Kannur district and in Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to be cautious as heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, have been predicted in the southern state.

"The Meteorological Centre has predicted heavy rains in the state till August 2. People are requested to take caution as heavy rains will be accompanied by thunderstorms," the Chief Minister's Office said in a tweet.

Quoting the weather report, the CMO also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Kerala coast, over Lakshadweep area and Southwest, Central and North Arabian Sea.

Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said here that district authorities were all set to deal with any emergency in the wake of the increasing water level in Idukki reservoir.

Detailing the steps taken by the government, he told reporters here that advanced facilities have been put in place to gauge the water level.

All revenue offices in Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts have been asked to be prepared to function 24x7, he said, adding that revenue personnel, who were on leave, have been asked to rejoin duty at the earliest.

Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas said as of now there was no need to carry out a trial run of lifting shutters of the Idukki dam and releasing water.

Stating that there was no need for people to panic as the water level was rising only by 0.02 feet an hour, he said if there was any need for a trial run, it would be done only during daytime after giving enough advance notice to locals.

"The trial run will be carried out only if the water level rises," he said after taking stock of the preparation in Idukki.

A holiday was declared for all educational institutions, except professional colleges, in the capital city today by the District Collector following heavy rains.

Train services to and from Thiruvananthapuram Central Station were affected for some time in the morning due to water-logging.

At present, 7,348 people are in 44 relief camps across the state, control room sources said.

In Alappuzha district, 12 new relief camps were opened since last evening and 3,886 people living in the coastal areas, including Porakkad, have been shifted there.

In Thrikkanad in northernmost Kasaragod district, 18 people near coastal areas have been moved to relief camps, they said.

The Met Centre here has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few places in the state till August 2.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, were likely to affect Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts, it said.&nbsp

In Alappuzha district, 12 new relief camps were opened since last evening and 3,886 people living in the coastal areas.

The government machinery in Kerala continued to be on alert with the water level in the Idukki dam inching towards the maximum, even as rain lashed many parts of the state, claiming two lives today. A 74-year-old man was electrocuted when he came in contact with a live wire here this morning, while another man died in Malappuram district, the state control room, monitoring the monsoon-related incidents, said. With these two deaths, the total number of those killed in monsoon-related incidents over the past two months has gone up to 141. The water level in the high range Idukki reservoir, where an 'orange alert' was issued last night, touched 2395.58 feet by 6.00 PM today, according to the Kerala state Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). The 'orange alert' was sounded after the water level in the dam touched 2,395 feet, which is prior to the 'red alert' that will be issued when it reaches 2,399 feet. The full level of the dam is 2,404 feet. The water level is related to the Mean Sea Level and catchment area. Similarly, an 'orange alert' was issued at Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, a central Kerala district, when its water level reached 980 meters today, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB). The full reservoir level (FRL) of the dam is 981.46 meter, they said, adding that district authorities were asked to take all precautionary measures for the safety of people living downstream. With monsoon rain continuing and water levels rising, the shutters of three dams here- Neyyar, Aruvikkara and Peppara- have been opened. Pothundi and Malampuzha dams in northern Palakkad are nearing full capacity. Sea erosion was reported in the coastal belts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram and a number of people have been shifted to relief camps. Landslip was reported in Aralam in Kannur district and in Kozhikode. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to be cautious as heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, have been predicted in the southern state. "The Meteorological Centre has predicted heavy rains in the state till August 2. People are requested to take caution as heavy rains will be accompanied by thunderstorms," the Chief Minister's Office said in a tweet. Quoting the weather report, the CMO also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Kerala coast, over Lakshadweep area and Southwest, Central and North Arabian Sea. Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said here that district authorities were all set to deal with any emergency in the wake of the increasing water level in Idukki reservoir. Detailing the steps taken by the government, he told reporters here that advanced facilities have been put in place to gauge the water level. All revenue offices in Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts have been asked to be prepared to function 24x7, he said, adding that revenue personnel, who were on leave, have been asked to rejoin duty at the earliest. Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas said as of now there was no need to carry out a trial run of lifting shutters of the Idukki dam and releasing water. Stating that there was no need for people to panic as the water level was rising only by 0.02 feet an hour, he said if there was any need for a trial run, it would be done only during daytime after giving enough advance notice to locals. "The trial run will be carried out only if the water level rises," he said after taking stock of the preparation in Idukki. A holiday was declared for all educational institutions, except professional colleges, in the capital city today by the District Collector following heavy rains. Train services to and from Thiruvananthapuram Central Station were affected for some time in the morning due to water-logging. At present, 7,348 people are in 44 relief camps across the state, control room sources said. In Alappuzha district, 12 new relief camps were opened since last evening and 3,886 people living in the coastal areas, including Porakkad, have been shifted there. In Thrikkanad in northernmost Kasaragod district, 18 people near coastal areas have been moved to relief camps, they said. The Met Centre here has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few places in the state till August 2. Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, were likely to affect Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts, it said.

Kerala: Idukki dam alert continues as water level nears maximum

“Compulsory confession” as a condition for fulfilling other spiritual and temporal needs of the laity prevalent in many churches must be declared unconstitutional, said a PIL filed in the Kerala High Court on Wednesday.

In his petition, C S Chacko submitted that imposing implied or expressed compulsion on a member of a church to confess sins before a priest or any other person for that purpose was nothing but an infringement of the Right to Privacy.

The respondent churches, including the Latin Catholic Church, the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, the Syro Malankara Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church were ‘deliberately’ continuing these violations, he submitted.

The petitioner said a member of the respondent churches, who do not turn up for confession before a priest has to live in apprehension that their spiritual and temporal needs would be denied by the Church whenever they are in need of it.

He submitted that at times, a member would be in want of such spiritual needs in worrisome situations in their lives.

The threat of undeclared sanction by the church and isolation from society in which they live creates a feeling of fear in the minds of such members, he said.

This ‘menace’ of getting oneself and the family into trouble would emotionally compel a member to go and confess before a priest, he submitted.

“This is nothing but depriving one of the Right to Privacy and a violation of one’s fundamental rights under Article 21 and 25(1) of the Constitution,” he said.

The petitioner said he moved the High Court as the practice of compulsory confession is a matter affecting the interest of the members of the Church at large.

The petition comes a week after the National Commission for Women (NCW) recommended abolishing the practice of confessions in churches, saying it can lead to the blackmailing of women.

The recommendations come in the backdrop of a rape case against four priests of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, who have been accused of sexually exploiting a married woman belonging to their church.

The issue came to the fore after the victim’s husband wrote to the church, alleging that the priests blackmailed and abused his wife by using her confession.

"This is nothing but depriving one of the Right to Privacy and a violation of one's fundamental rights under Article 21 and 25(1) of the Constitution," the petitioner said.

“Compulsory confession” as a condition for fulfilling other spiritual and temporal needs of the laity prevalent in many churches must be declared unconstitutional, said a PIL filed in the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. In his petition, C S Chacko submitted that imposing implied or expressed compulsion on a member of a church to confess sins before a priest or any other person for that purpose was nothing but an infringement of the Right to Privacy. The respondent churches, including the Latin Catholic Church, the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, the Syro Malankara Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church were ‘deliberately’ continuing these violations, he submitted. The petitioner said a member of the respondent churches, who do not turn up for confession before a priest has to live in apprehension that their spiritual and temporal needs would be denied by the Church whenever they are in need of it. He submitted that at times, a member would be in want of such spiritual needs in worrisome situations in their lives. The threat of undeclared sanction by the church and isolation from society in which they live creates a feeling of fear in the minds of such members, he said. This ‘menace’ of getting oneself and the family into trouble would emotionally compel a member to go and confess before a priest, he submitted. “This is nothing but depriving one of the Right to Privacy and a violation of one’s fundamental rights under Article 21 and 25(1) of the Constitution,” he said. The petitioner said he moved the High Court as the practice of compulsory confession is a matter affecting the interest of the members of the Church at large. The petition comes a week after the National Commission for Women (NCW) recommended abolishing the practice of confessions in churches, saying it can lead to the blackmailing of women. The recommendations come in the backdrop of a rape case against four priests of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, who have been accused of sexually exploiting a married woman belonging to their church. The issue came to the fore after the victim’s husband wrote to the church, alleging that the priests blackmailed and abused his wife by using her confession.

Declare ‘compulsory confession’ unconstitutional, says PIL in Kerala HC

The BJP today accused the Congress and the Trinamool Congress of “murdering democracy” by not letting its president Amit Shah speak in Parliament on the issue of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam with their noisy protests. Union minister Prakash Javadekar also asked the Congress and its former president Sonia Gandhi to make their stand clear on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the country.

The TMC, he told a press conference, was nervous due to growing strength of the BJP in West Bengal. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a new low for parliamentary democracy that opposition members did not allow Shah to speak. “This is a new precedent and a new low,” he told reporters.

Javadekar hit out at the opposition after its members began protesting when Shah rose to speak in the Rajya Sabha, forcing its adjournment for the day. They had created a ruckus yesterday as well when Shah said that the BJP government had to the courage to implement the Supreme Court’s decision on the NRC while the previous Congress dispensations lacked it.

“They deliberately raised objections to prevent Shah from completing his speech. It is the murder of democracy to prevent a member of the House from speaking,” Javadekar told reporters. The Assam Accord to identify illegal immigrants was designed by then prime minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi, he said, adding that Shah only asserted that the BJP was implementing the NRC, which was the “soul” of the accord.

Javadeka claimed even Indira Gandhi had said that the Bangladeshis should return to their country after the situation there normalised following the Indo-Pak war in 1971. “We now want to ask about the stand of Sonia Gandhi on the NRC and on evicting infiltrators from the country,” the minister said.

Javadekar also condemned TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee’s reported statement that exclusion of over 40 lakh people from the NRC in Assam would lead to “civil war”. He also asserted that Shah would participate in a Kolkata rally on August 11, saying the local police had not done any favour to the BJP by granting permission to it.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a new low for parliamentary democracy that opposition members did not allow Shah to speak.

The BJP today accused the Congress and the Trinamool Congress of “murdering democracy” by not letting its president Amit Shah speak in Parliament on the issue of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam with their noisy protests. Union minister Prakash Javadekar also asked the Congress and its former president Sonia Gandhi to make their stand clear on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the country. The TMC, he told a press conference, was nervous due to growing strength of the BJP in West Bengal. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a new low for parliamentary democracy that opposition members did not allow Shah to speak. “This is a new precedent and a new low,” he told reporters. Javadekar hit out at the opposition after its members began protesting when Shah rose to speak in the Rajya Sabha, forcing its adjournment for the day. They had created a ruckus yesterday as well when Shah said that the BJP government had to the courage to implement the Supreme Court’s decision on the NRC while the previous Congress dispensations lacked it. “They deliberately raised objections to prevent Shah from completing his speech. It is the murder of democracy to prevent a member of the House from speaking,” Javadekar told reporters. The Assam Accord to identify illegal immigrants was designed by then prime minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi, he said, adding that Shah only asserted that the BJP was implementing the NRC, which was the “soul” of the accord. Javadeka claimed even Indira Gandhi had said that the Bangladeshis should return to their country after the situation there normalised following the Indo-Pak war in 1971. “We now want to ask about the stand of Sonia Gandhi on the NRC and on evicting infiltrators from the country,” the minister said. Javadekar also condemned TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee’s reported statement that exclusion of over 40 lakh people from the NRC in Assam would lead to “civil war”. He also asserted that Shah would participate in a Kolkata rally on August 11, saying the local police had not done any favour to the BJP by granting permission to it.

Not letting Amit Shah speak in Parliament is ‘murder of democracy’: BJP

With the final draft of Assam's National Registry of Citizens (NRC) sparking a nation-wide debate over the exclusion of over four million people, Bangladesh on Tuesday stated that linking illegal migrants with them is incorrect.

During a telephonic interview with ANI from Dhaka, the Information and Broadcasting Minister of Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu said, "Everyone knows it is a century-old ethnic conflict in the state of Assam. In last 48 years, no Indian government has raised the issue of illegal immigration with Bangladesh the situation needs to be dealt by the (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government in New Delhi, which is capable of handling it judiciously. It has no relation to Bangladesh."

When asked whether Bangladesh will be willing to take back the illegal citizens staying in India, Inu said, "As of now, India has not shared NRC findings with us and has not raised the issue. Until they do so, we will not speak."

"You can't link every Bengali speaking person to Bangladesh," Inu added.

A full-blown political row has erupted ever since the final draft of Assam's NRC was published on Monday.

The draft list incorporated the names of nearly 2.89 crore individuals out of the 3.29 crore applicants, leaving out more than 40 lakh applicants from the final draft.

Earlier today, as part of the political slug-fest, Congress">Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led centre, saying that the NRC was a politically motivated move by the BJP to get votes, adding that it could lead to a civil war.

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah stated that the NRC was a matter of national security and asked the TMC and the Congress to clear their position on the illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in India.

He also charged the Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of not showing the courage to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Assam as per an accord which was signed by erstwhile Prime Minister, late Rajiv Gandhi in 1985.

The draft list incorporated the names of nearly 2.89 crore individuals out of the 3.29 crore applicants, leaving out more than 40 lakh applicants from the final draft.

With the final draft of Assam's National Registry of Citizens (NRC) sparking a nation-wide debate over the exclusion of over four million people, Bangladesh on Tuesday stated that linking illegal migrants with them is incorrect. During a telephonic interview with ANI from Dhaka, the Information and Broadcasting Minister of Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu said, "Everyone knows it is a century-old ethnic conflict in the state of Assam. In last 48 years, no Indian government has raised the issue of illegal immigration with Bangladesh the situation needs to be dealt by the (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government in New Delhi, which is capable of handling it judiciously. It has no relation to Bangladesh." When asked whether Bangladesh will be willing to take back the illegal citizens staying in India, Inu said, "As of now, India has not shared NRC findings with us and has not raised the issue. Until they do so, we will not speak." "You can't link every Bengali speaking person to Bangladesh," Inu added. A full-blown political row has erupted ever since the final draft of Assam's NRC was published on Monday. The draft list incorporated the names of nearly 2.89 crore individuals out of the 3.29 crore applicants, leaving out more than 40 lakh applicants from the final draft. Earlier today, as part of the political slug-fest, Congress">Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led centre, saying that the NRC was a politically motivated move by the BJP to get votes, adding that it could lead to a civil war. Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah stated that the NRC was a matter of national security and asked the TMC and the Congress to clear their position on the illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in India. He also charged the Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of not showing the courage to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Assam as per an accord which was signed by erstwhile Prime Minister, late Rajiv Gandhi in 1985.

NRC row: No link to illegal immigrants in Assam, says Bangladesh

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/will-be-talking-to-iran-pretty-soon-and-maybe-not-says-trump-156125">Will be talking to Iran pretty soon and maybe not, says Trump</a>

Even as Iran remained non-committed to the idea of talks with the US, President Trump said he would be talking to the Rohani government "pretty soon'' but added that "maybe not".

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/about-85-injured-in-aeromexico-plane-crash-no-fatalities-reported--156119">About 85 injured in Aeromexico plane crash, no fatalities reported</a>

As many as 85 people were injured on Tuesday, two critically, when an Aeromexico-operated passenger jet crashed soon after takeoff in Mexico's state of Durango, but authorities said there were no fatalities.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nrc-row-i-have-become-unknown-in-my-own-country-says-resident-156137">NRC row: 'I have become unknown in my own country,' says resident</a>

Are you in that 40 lakh list? This is what residents of Assam are asking each other since Monday.

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From ground level, Australia's drought looks like a featureless, brown dustbowl, but from the air it transforms into an artistry of colour and texture as the land cracks under a blazing sun.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/yamuna-overflow-water-levels-expected-to-rise-in-delhincr-inching-towards-danger-mark-in-mathura-156126">Yamuna overflow: Water levels expected to rise in Delhi/NCR, inching towards danger mark in Mathura</a>

While rains continue to lash parts of North India, rising water levels in Yamuna river is undeterred. According to reports, the river, on Tuesday, rose to 206.05 meters, leading to around 14,000 evacuations.

Will be talking to Iran pretty soon and maybe not, says Trump Even as Iran remained non-committed to the idea of talks with the US, President Trump said he would be talking to the Rohani government "pretty soon'' but added that "maybe not". About 85 injured in Aeromexico plane crash, no fatalities reported As many as 85 people were injured on Tuesday, two critically, when an Aeromexico-operated passenger jet crashed soon after takeoff in Mexico's state of Durango, but authorities said there were no fatalities. NRC row: 'I have become unknown in my own country,' says resident Are you in that 40 lakh list? This is what residents of Assam are asking each other since Monday. Watch: Australia’s drought is like a cancer eating away at farms and families From ground level, Australia's drought looks like a featureless, brown dustbowl, but from the air it transforms into an artistry of colour and texture as the land cracks under a blazing sun. Yamuna overflow: Water levels expected to rise in Delhi/NCR, inching towards danger mark in Mathura While rains continue to lash parts of North India, rising water levels in Yamuna river is undeterred. According to reports, the river, on Tuesday, rose to 206.05 meters, leading to around 14,000 evacuations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A huge political row has erupted in India over NRC that has been released by the government which does not include names of 4 lakh people.

Assam government releases NRC: 4 lakh people stripped citizenship

By

<div><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0) font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif font-size: 16px font-style: normal font-variant-ligatures: normal font-variant-caps: normal letter-spacing: normal orphans: 2 text-align: start text-indent: 0px text-transform: none white-space: normal widows: 2 word-spacing: 0px -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255) text-decoration-style: initial text-decoration-color: initial">Kamalika Sengupta</div>

<div>&nbsp</div>

Are you in that 40 lakh list? This is what residents of Assam are asking each other since Monday.

Shekhar Dey, general secretary citizen preservation committee Assam, got a shock of his life when he couldn't find his name in the NRC list.

"I have my father's NRC certificate of 1951. I am born here, brought up here, how can I be a refugee here now that I am 66 years old,"&nbsphe asks, adding ruefully,"where will I go."&nbsp

The pain in his eyes was visible but more upset was his daughter Mithi Dey, she said: "This is disgraceful, my name has come but my father's name is not there, how can this go on, we feel humiliated."

Sekhar is one among the 40 lakh people who feel confused as uncertainty prevails in various parts of Assam.

In Guwahati's Kalapahar region every second house now has "foreigners" - that is their name does not figure in the government's National Register of Citizens (NRC)&nbsplist.

Pramathanath Sen stays opposite Shekhar's house. He is a government employee but discovered that his wife's name is there but his name is not there.

"It feels bad, suddenly I have become unknown in my own country, how does it feel,"&nbsphe reveals.

Shekhar says: "how will I fight for citizenship now that I am a foreigner."

District administration has asked him to produce documents after August 7th.

For Shekhar, his identity proof is as precious as a diamond. "They can't mark me as D voter, I have the documents," he declares.

Just as Shekhar, 40 lakh people are now confused. The "illegal migrant" question which has plagued the state, now has several genuine people who are facing the brunt of a flawed citizen list. 
&nbsp

In Guwahati's Kalapahar region every second house now has "foreigners"

By Kamalika Sengupta Are you in that 40 lakh list? This is what residents of Assam are asking each other since Monday. Shekhar Dey, general secretary citizen preservation committee Assam, got a shock of his life when he couldn't find his name in the NRC list. "I have my father's NRC certificate of 1951. I am born here, brought up here, how can I be a refugee here now that I am 66 years old,"&nbsphe asks, adding ruefully,"where will I go." The pain in his eyes was visible but more upset was his daughter Mithi Dey, she said: "This is disgraceful, my name has come but my father's name is not there, how can this go on, we feel humiliated." Sekhar is one among the 40 lakh people who feel confused as uncertainty prevails in various parts of Assam. In Guwahati's Kalapahar region every second house now has "foreigners" - that is their name does not figure in the government's National Register of Citizens (NRC)&nbsplist. Pramathanath Sen stays opposite Shekhar's house. He is a government employee but discovered that his wife's name is there but his name is not there. "It feels bad, suddenly I have become unknown in my own country, how does it feel,"&nbsphe reveals. Shekhar says: "how will I fight for citizenship now that I am a foreigner." District administration has asked him to produce documents after August 7th. For Shekhar, his identity proof is as precious as a diamond. "They can't mark me as D voter, I have the documents," he declares. Just as Shekhar, 40 lakh people are now confused. The "illegal migrant" question which has plagued the state, now has several genuine people who are facing the brunt of a flawed citizen list.

NRC row: 'I have become unknown in my own country,' says resident

Ex- Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta speaks top WION on NRC.

Ex- Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on NRC

Telangana Chief Minister K&nbspChandrashekar Rao on Tuesday held a review meeting on Mission Bhagiratha and instructed the officials to make necessary arrangements for supplying clean drinking water to all the villages by August 15 and to all households by Diwali.

The Chief Minister said that by now already a major portion of the work as part of Mission Bhagiratha have been completed. He assured that the rest of the world shall be completed on a war footing to meet the time schedule, read a statement.

Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Mission Bhagiratha Vice Chairman Vemula Prashanth Reddy, MP J. Santhosh Kumar, Principal Secretary Shanti Kumari and Secretary Smita Sabarwal, among others were also present in the meeting.

The Chief Minister desired that once the treated water is supplied through Mission Bhagiratha, the officials should take care that the supply to be continued uninterruptedly.

He said that since the works are coming to completion, once again, works on intake wells, water treatment plants, Over Head Service Resources (OHSR), Over Head Balancing Reservoirs (OHBR), distributive pipelines and power substations should be examined thoroughly.

He further asked the concerned authorities to tour places where the pace of work is slow and not on the lines expected. He even spoke to a couple of local people's representatives, officials, work agencies and enquired about the progress in the works.&nbsp

The Chief Minister said that by now already a major portion of the work as part of Mission Bhagiratha have been completed.

Telangana Chief Minister K&nbspChandrashekar Rao on Tuesday held a review meeting on Mission Bhagiratha and instructed the officials to make necessary arrangements for supplying clean drinking water to all the villages by August 15 and to all households by Diwali. The Chief Minister said that by now already a major portion of the work as part of Mission Bhagiratha have been completed. He assured that the rest of the world shall be completed on a war footing to meet the time schedule, read a statement. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Mission Bhagiratha Vice Chairman Vemula Prashanth Reddy, MP J. Santhosh Kumar, Principal Secretary Shanti Kumari and Secretary Smita Sabarwal, among others were also present in the meeting. The Chief Minister desired that once the treated water is supplied through Mission Bhagiratha, the officials should take care that the supply to be continued uninterruptedly. He said that since the works are coming to completion, once again, works on intake wells, water treatment plants, Over Head Service Resources (OHSR), Over Head Balancing Reservoirs (OHBR), distributive pipelines and power substations should be examined thoroughly. He further asked the concerned authorities to tour places where the pace of work is slow and not on the lines expected. He even spoke to a couple of local people's representatives, officials, work agencies and enquired about the progress in the works.

Clean drinking water to all households by Diwali: Telangana CM

As many as 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded in Iran, have been released and will be repatriated in batches starting August 3, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said.

"I am happy to inform that 21 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were stranded at Nakhitaghi (Iran) have been released with the efforts of Indian Embassy in Iran and our Consulate at Bandar Abbas. We are repatriating them to Chennai in batches starting from August 3," Swaraj tweeted on Tuesday.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian Embassy in Iran to take necessary steps for bringing back 21 Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in that country.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi last month met Sushma Swaraj and urged her to bring back the 21 Indian fishermen.

Kanimozhi had also written a letter to EAM stating, "This is to bring to your notice about the predicament of 21 Indian citizens who are working as fishermen in Iran. All of them hailing from three southern districts of Tamil Nadu, namely Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli has been working in Iran for the past six months".

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi last month met Sushma Swaraj and urged her to bring back the 21 Indian fishermen.

As many as 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded in Iran, have been released and will be repatriated in batches starting August 3, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said. "I am happy to inform that 21 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were stranded at Nakhitaghi (Iran) have been released with the efforts of Indian Embassy in Iran and our Consulate at Bandar Abbas. We are repatriating them to Chennai in batches starting from August 3," Swaraj tweeted on Tuesday. Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian Embassy in Iran to take necessary steps for bringing back 21 Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in that country. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi last month met Sushma Swaraj and urged her to bring back the 21 Indian fishermen. Kanimozhi had also written a letter to EAM stating, "This is to bring to your notice about the predicament of 21 Indian citizens who are working as fishermen in Iran. All of them hailing from three southern districts of Tamil Nadu, namely Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli has been working in Iran for the past six months".

21 Indian fishermen released from Iran: Sushma Swaraj

In yet another blow to the common man, the price of subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by Rs 1.76 per cylinder, following tax impact on the change in base price.

In Delhi, with effect from midnight, the subsidised LPG will cost Rs 498.02 per cylinder, against its current rate of Rs 496.26.

Meanwhile, price of non-subsidised LPG in the national capital will increase by Rs 35.50 per cylinder to Rs 789.5. This comes after the hike in prices of the same by Rs 55.50 per cylinder in July.

This hikes come following the higher global rates.

All LPG consumers have to buy the fuel at market price. The government, however, subsidises 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg each per household in a year by providing the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of users.

The amount varies every month, depending on the changes in average international benchmark of LPG rate and foreign exchange rate.

Oil firms revise LPG price monthly based on average benchmark rate and foreign exchange rate of the previous month.

Meanwhile, price of non-subsidised LPG in the national capital will increase by Rs 35.50 per cylinder to Rs 789.5.

In yet another blow to the common man, the price of subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by Rs 1.76 per cylinder, following tax impact on the change in base price. In Delhi, with effect from midnight, the subsidised LPG will cost Rs 498.02 per cylinder, against its current rate of Rs 496.26. Meanwhile, price of non-subsidised LPG in the national capital will increase by Rs 35.50 per cylinder to Rs 789.5. This comes after the hike in prices of the same by Rs 55.50 per cylinder in July. This hikes come following the higher global rates. All LPG consumers have to buy the fuel at market price. The government, however, subsidises 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg each per household in a year by providing the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of users. The amount varies every month, depending on the changes in average international benchmark of LPG rate and foreign exchange rate. Oil firms revise LPG price monthly based on average benchmark rate and foreign exchange rate of the previous month.

LPG cylinder price increases in Delhi

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