&nbsp;

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here.

Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony.

On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik.

Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon was transferred to Madhya Pradesh in place of Patel.

Anandiben Patel also served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2014-16 before resigning from the post.

&nbsp;

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here. Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony. On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik.

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here. Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony. On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik. Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon was transferred to Madhya Pradesh in place of Patel. Anandiben Patel also served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2014-16 before resigning from the post.

Anandiben Patel takes oath as Uttar Pradesh Governor

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20.

The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/membership-drive-being-launched-from-up-matter-of-pride-for-state-yogi-adityanath-233648">Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a>.

The government had tabled annual Budget 2019-20 of Rs 4.79 lakh crore on February 9 with emphasis on developing infrastructure. An amount of Rs 1,824 crore was allocated for construction of expressways in the next few years.

For the construction of Gorakhpur link expressway, Rs 12.7 crore was allocated for paying the interest on loans taken from financial institutions.&nbsp;

Besides, an additional allocation of Rs 850 crore was made for the Purvanchal Expressway.

The amount of Rs 79 crore was allocated for constructing new bridges on various routes across the state and Rs 200 crore for carrying out works in the rural sector for widening roads.

In the supplementary budget, importance has been given to modernising madrasas in the state. The Yogi government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the same. At present, there are around 19,000 madrasas affiliated with the UP Madarsa Education Board, apart from 560 aided madrasas functioning in the region.

Besides, Rs 40 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of high school and inter-college buildings in small districts.

The government has also stressed upon improving the health infrastructure and allocated Rs 15 crore. About Rs 5 crore will be given to Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur and Ferozabad districts each for improving medical services in the region.

The government presents a supplementary budget when the general Budget for government schemes is not enough. The supplementary Budget is presented by the Finance Minister with the consent of the Governor.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20. The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20. The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The government had tabled annual Budget 2019-20 of Rs 4.79 lakh crore on February 9 with emphasis on developing infrastructure. An amount of Rs 1,824 crore was allocated for construction of expressways in the next few years. For the construction of Gorakhpur link expressway, Rs 12.7 crore was allocated for paying the interest on loans taken from financial institutions. Besides, an additional allocation of Rs 850 crore was made for the Purvanchal Expressway. The amount of Rs 79 crore was allocated for constructing new bridges on various routes across the state and Rs 200 crore for carrying out works in the rural sector for widening roads. In the supplementary budget, importance has been given to modernising madrasas in the state. The Yogi government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the same. At present, there are around 19,000 madrasas affiliated with the UP Madarsa Education Board, apart from 560 aided madrasas functioning in the region. Besides, Rs 40 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of high school and inter-college buildings in small districts. The government has also stressed upon improving the health infrastructure and allocated Rs 15 crore. About Rs 5 crore will be given to Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur and Ferozabad districts each for improving medical services in the region. The government presents a supplementary budget when the general Budget for government schemes is not enough. The supplementary Budget is presented by the Finance Minister with the consent of the Governor.

Yogi Adityanath government tables first supplementary budget of Rs 13,594 crore for 2019-20 in UP Assembly

As many as 35 people died in Uttar Pradesh due to natural calamities, claims government data.

Seven people each died in Fatehpur and Kanpur districts while five people have died in Jhansi due to lightening. The other reasons for the death are snake bite, rainfall, wall collapse etc.

The deaths took place in Ghazipur, Pratapgarh, Lalitpur, Jaunpur, Pilibhit, Kushinagar and several other districts.

On the other hand, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed District Magistrates to give Rs 4 lakh each as compensation to the families of those who died in natural calamities", informed Chief Minister office on its official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

He also instructed the officials to make adequate arrangements for treatment of those who are injured.

As many as 35 people died in Uttar Pradesh due to natural calamities, claims government data. Seven people each died in Fatehpur and Kanpur districts while five people have died in Jhansi due to lightening.

As many as 35 people died in Uttar Pradesh due to natural calamities, claims government data. Seven people each died in Fatehpur and Kanpur districts while five people have died in Jhansi due to lightening. The other reasons for the death are snake bite, rainfall, wall collapse etc. The deaths took place in Ghazipur, Pratapgarh, Lalitpur, Jaunpur, Pilibhit, Kushinagar and several other districts. On the other hand, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed District Magistrates to give Rs 4 lakh each as compensation to the families of those who died in natural calamities", informed Chief Minister office on its official Twitter handle. He also instructed the officials to make adequate arrangements for treatment of those who are injured.

Natural calamities claim 35 lives in Uttar Pradesh

Three more FIRs have been registered against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-alleges-harassment-of-azam-khan-through-bogus-cases-forms-delegation-236554">Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan</a> in connection with land encroachment cases in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh.

The total number of FIRs, as per the police, against Khan, now stands at 26 in cases relating to land grab.&nbsp;

The police said the complaints against him were verified and found to be genuine.

According to the complaints, the farmers` lands were illegally occupied through unscrupulous means with the help of a former Circle Officer.

The Uttar Pradesh government put the parliamentarian`s name on the government`s anti-land mafia portal earlier this week. "It means the cases will be directly monitored by the government and legal action will be taken," Rampur District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar had said.

A government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the case. Rampur SP earlier this week said that the police will make arrests in the case.

Alleging that Khan was unnecessarily being harassed, Samajwadi Party has formed a high-level delegation of its legislative party members to look into the matter on July 17.

Khan, a former state minister, has alleged that he was being harassed as he defeated BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. "Since I won the election against BJP, I am being punished. All allegations are false. They can investigate if they want to. There are enemies all around me," he had said.

Three more FIRs have been registered against Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan in connection with land encroachment cases in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh. The total number of FIRs, as per the police, against Khan, now stands at 26 in cases relating to land grab.

Three more FIRs have been registered against Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan in connection with land encroachment cases in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh. The total number of FIRs, as per the police, against Khan, now stands at 26 in cases relating to land grab. The police said the complaints against him were verified and found to be genuine. According to the complaints, the farmers` lands were illegally occupied through unscrupulous means with the help of a former Circle Officer. The Uttar Pradesh government put the parliamentarian`s name on the government`s anti-land mafia portal earlier this week. "It means the cases will be directly monitored by the government and legal action will be taken," Rampur District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar had said. A government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the case. Rampur SP earlier this week said that the police will make arrests in the case. Alleging that Khan was unnecessarily being harassed, Samajwadi Party has formed a high-level delegation of its legislative party members to look into the matter on July 17. Khan, a former state minister, has alleged that he was being harassed as he defeated BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. "Since I won the election against BJP, I am being punished. All allegations are false. They can investigate if they want to. There are enemies all around me," he had said.

Uttar Pradesh: 3 more FIRs registered against Azam Khan for land grab

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing.

Taking a jibe at Yogi-led government, Priyanka said that when thousands of Congress party workers raised the voice for the victims, the state government realised that a serious incident had occurred.

"When thousands of Congress party workers were raising the voices of the victims in Ubbha village, the Uttar Pradesh government thought that a serious incident had taken place. I hope that all the announcements made by the state government are fulfilled. Adivasis should get the ownership of the land and more importantly, there should be proper security for the villagers," she tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath met the family members of the firing victims and handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.

He later said at a press conference that an ex-gratia of Rs 18.5 lakh would be given to kin of the deceased and Rs 2.5 lakh each to the injured from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) under the SC and ST provisions.

At least ten people including women were killed, while over 20 sustained injuries when a village headman and his associates allegedly opened fire at a group of people over a land dispute at Ubbha village in Ghorawal area in Sonbhadra district on July 17.

The incident took place when the village headman went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago.Twenty-nine people have been arrested and four officials have been suspended in connection with the incident.

Priyanka, who met the victims'&nbsp;families after a high-voltage political drama, also announced Rs 10 lakh to each of the families who lost their near ones in the firing.

Priyanka's visit had upped the temperature of the state politics after she was not allowed to visit the bereaved families and was put in detention at a guest house in the adjacent Mirzapur district.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing. Taking a jibe at Yogi-led government, Priyanka said that when thousands of Congress party workers raised the voice for the victims, the state government realised that a serious incident had occurred. "When thousands of Congress party workers were raising the voices of the victims in Ubbha village, the Uttar Pradesh government thought that a serious incident had taken place. I hope that all the announcements made by the state government are fulfilled. Adivasis should get the ownership of the land and more importantly, there should be proper security for the villagers," she tweeted. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath met the family members of the firing victims and handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident. He later said at a press conference that an ex-gratia of Rs 18.5 lakh would be given to kin of the deceased and Rs 2.5 lakh each to the injured from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) under the SC and ST provisions. At least ten people including women were killed, while over 20 sustained injuries when a village headman and his associates allegedly opened fire at a group of people over a land dispute at Ubbha village in Ghorawal area in Sonbhadra district on July 17. The incident took place when the village headman went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago.Twenty-nine people have been arrested and four officials have been suspended in connection with the incident. Priyanka, who met the victims' families after a high-voltage political drama, also announced Rs 10 lakh to each of the families who lost their near ones in the firing. Priyanka's visit had upped the temperature of the state politics after she was not allowed to visit the bereaved families and was put in detention at a guest house in the adjacent Mirzapur district.

Hope Uttar Pradesh government fulfills all announcements for Sonbhadra firing victims: Priyanka Gandhi

The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife.&nbsp;

The order was issued under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988. BSP has termed the act a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to throttle the voices of the poor, downtrodden, Dalits and minorities.&nbsp;

Anand was recently appointed the national vice president of the BSP. At the same meeting, she appointed her nephew Aakash Anand as national coordinator. Through this step, she initiated the process of passing on the baton of the party to her family members. A bitter critic of dynastic politics, Mayawati’s action left even her core supporters baffled. Many social activists allege that her actions have weakened the social justice movement of her late mentor Kanshi Ram.&nbsp;

Loyalists, however, claim that most regional parties today are family-held like RJD, DMK, TRS, TDP, YSRCP, SP etc. Family is the glue, which holds these parties together and prevents them from disintegration.&nbsp;

Most patriarchs try to close the leadership loop during their life so that their children/relatives do not face opposition from ambitious leaders post their retirement/ death.&nbsp;

At the same meeting last month, Mayawati formalised the breakup of BSP with SP, announcing it will contest all future elections on its own. She accused Akhilesh Yadav of not calling her after the results, working “against non-Yadav backward communities” and even neglecting the Muslims while he was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. More importantly, perhaps, she alleged that Yadav votes were not transferred to BSP while her party transferred its votes to the SP.&nbsp;

Mayawati’s assertion is incorrect. It’s the BSP, which has benefitted more from this alliance. Her party won 10 seats in 2019, twice the tally of SP, after it failed to even open its account in 2014. SP could just maintain its tally of 5 seats.&nbsp;

The alliance was banking on DMY (Dalit-Muslim-Yadav) combination, which accounts for 50 per cent of the population to see them through. The India Today-Axis exit poll showed that SP was able to consolidate the Yadav votes towards Mahagathbandhan (MGB) candidates. About 72 per cent Yadavs in 2019 supported the Mahagthbandhan, up from 56 per cent in 2014. In-fact BJP’s support among the Yadavs is expected to have declined by 9 per cent, from 27 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2019.&nbsp;

SP also ensured that the Muslim votes were transferred to BSP candidates without any leakages; support received by the Mahagthbandhan from the community in 2019 was 76 , per centthe same as 2014: this despite Congress not being part of this grand alliance.&nbsp;

While Mayawati was able to maintain her hold on Jatav votes, the non-Jatavs continued to ditch her and the BSP. Among the non-Jatav’s, the Mahagathbandhan support declined from 39 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2019. The BJP further strengthened its influence among the non-Jatav SCs increasing its support base from 45 per cent in 2014 to 57 per cent in 2019.&nbsp;

So, actually, Mayawati lost support among her own Dalit community and couldn’t transfer votes to Akhilesh, while SP consolidated its support among Yadavs (contrary to popular belief) and managed to seamlessly transfer its votes. This is the reason why the BSP won more seats than SP.

Mayawati has a habit of twisting facts and figures to console her vote bank. In the 2012 Assembly elections, BSP received a drubbing and SP rejuvenated by young Akhilesh Yadav’s campaign won the polls. At that time, Mayawati blamed the Muslims and upper caste for her loss, while actually, BSP’s support from minorities and Brahmins increased by 3 per cent each.&nbsp;

She lost because of the dissatisfaction amongst Dalits on account of the Brahminisation of their party. Scheduled Caste support for BSP declined from 86 per cent in 2007 to 62 per cent in 2012, shaving off 5 per cent from its vote share.&nbsp;

SP and BSP expected to win 60-65 seats between them and play a key role in government formation at the centre. Akhilesh had openly announced support for Mayawati as PM. With BJP coming back to power with an even bigger mandate, Mayawati’s dreams were quashed.&nbsp;

With no role for her in central politics, Mayawati doesn’t want to leave the CM chair for Akhilesh. This would literally kill her party. Elections in the state are due in 2022. This is the real bone of contention.

In a triangular contest, Mayawati needs minimum 30 per cent vote share to win elections. For the past few elections, BSP has been hovering around the 20 per cent vote share. With just SCs (21 per cent of the population) as anchor vote segment within which too the BJP has made inroads, BSP cannot win.&nbsp;

SP is better placed with MY as anchor vote bank accounting for 28 per cent of the population. Without the Muslim vote, it will be difficult for BSP to be in contention. The Muslim vote increases her support base to roughly 30 per cent of the population, including Jatavs. This is why she attacked Akhilesh for neglecting Muslims and suggesting to her not to field candidates from the community else it could stoke polarisation.&nbsp;

The non-Yadav OBC vote is now solidly behind BJP; 72 per cent supported the party in 2019, an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2014. Her statement that Akhilesh and his SP government worked against non-Yadav backward communities’ interests is not likely to cut much ice. SP and BSP combined could garner only 14 per cent of non-Yadav OBC vote in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

 
Mayawati would have become history if not for the support from Akhilesh. Deep inside her heart, she knows that too. But she wants to capitalise on the Lok Sabha performance and revive her party in the state elections. If the party doesn’t win or do extremely well in 2022 it could face potential electoral oblivion. She is facing the biggest challenge of her life. Only time will tell whether she succeeds or fails.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-mayawati-s-existential-crisis-2773412">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife.

The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife. The order was issued under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988. BSP has termed the act a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to throttle the voices of the poor, downtrodden, Dalits and minorities. Anand was recently appointed the national vice president of the BSP. At the same meeting, she appointed her nephew Aakash Anand as national coordinator. Through this step, she initiated the process of passing on the baton of the party to her family members. A bitter critic of dynastic politics, Mayawati’s action left even her core supporters baffled. Many social activists allege that her actions have weakened the social justice movement of her late mentor Kanshi Ram. Loyalists, however, claim that most regional parties today are family-held like RJD, DMK, TRS, TDP, YSRCP, SP etc. Family is the glue, which holds these parties together and prevents them from disintegration. Most patriarchs try to close the leadership loop during their life so that their children/relatives do not face opposition from ambitious leaders post their retirement/ death. At the same meeting last month, Mayawati formalised the breakup of BSP with SP, announcing it will contest all future elections on its own. She accused Akhilesh Yadav of not calling her after the results, working “against non-Yadav backward communities” and even neglecting the Muslims while he was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. More importantly, perhaps, she alleged that Yadav votes were not transferred to BSP while her party transferred its votes to the SP. Mayawati’s assertion is incorrect. It’s the BSP, which has benefitted more from this alliance. Her party won 10 seats in 2019, twice the tally of SP, after it failed to even open its account in 2014. SP could just maintain its tally of 5 seats. The alliance was banking on DMY (Dalit-Muslim-Yadav) combination, which accounts for 50 per cent of the population to see them through. The India Today-Axis exit poll showed that SP was able to consolidate the Yadav votes towards Mahagathbandhan (MGB) candidates. About 72 per cent Yadavs in 2019 supported the Mahagthbandhan, up from 56 per cent in 2014. In-fact BJP’s support among the Yadavs is expected to have declined by 9 per cent, from 27 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2019. SP also ensured that the Muslim votes were transferred to BSP candidates without any leakages; support received by the Mahagthbandhan from the community in 2019 was 76 , per centthe same as 2014: this despite Congress not being part of this grand alliance. While Mayawati was able to maintain her hold on Jatav votes, the non-Jatavs continued to ditch her and the BSP. Among the non-Jatav’s, the Mahagathbandhan support declined from 39 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2019. The BJP further strengthened its influence among the non-Jatav SCs increasing its support base from 45 per cent in 2014 to 57 per cent in 2019. So, actually, Mayawati lost support among her own Dalit community and couldn’t transfer votes to Akhilesh, while SP consolidated its support among Yadavs (contrary to popular belief) and managed to seamlessly transfer its votes. This is the reason why the BSP won more seats than SP. Mayawati has a habit of twisting facts and figures to console her vote bank. In the 2012 Assembly elections, BSP received a drubbing and SP rejuvenated by young Akhilesh Yadav’s campaign won the polls. At that time, Mayawati blamed the Muslims and upper caste for her loss, while actually, BSP’s support from minorities and Brahmins increased by 3 per cent each. She lost because of the dissatisfaction amongst Dalits on account of the Brahminisation of their party. Scheduled Caste support for BSP declined from 86 per cent in 2007 to 62 per cent in 2012, shaving off 5 per cent from its vote share. SP and BSP expected to win 60-65 seats between them and play a key role in government formation at the centre. Akhilesh had openly announced support for Mayawati as PM. With BJP coming back to power with an even bigger mandate, Mayawati’s dreams were quashed. With no role for her in central politics, Mayawati doesn’t want to leave the CM chair for Akhilesh. This would literally kill her party. Elections in the state are due in 2022. This is the real bone of contention. In a triangular contest, Mayawati needs minimum 30 per cent vote share to win elections. For the past few elections, BSP has been hovering around the 20 per cent vote share. With just SCs (21 per cent of the population) as anchor vote segment within which too the BJP has made inroads, BSP cannot win. SP is better placed with MY as anchor vote bank accounting for 28 per cent of the population. Without the Muslim vote, it will be difficult for BSP to be in contention. The Muslim vote increases her support base to roughly 30 per cent of the population, including Jatavs. This is why she attacked Akhilesh for neglecting Muslims and suggesting to her not to field candidates from the community else it could stoke polarisation. The non-Yadav OBC vote is now solidly behind BJP; 72 per cent supported the party in 2019, an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2014. Her statement that Akhilesh and his SP government worked against non-Yadav backward communities’ interests is not likely to cut much ice. SP and BSP combined could garner only 14 per cent of non-Yadav OBC vote in the 2019 elections. Mayawati would have become history if not for the support from Akhilesh. Deep inside her heart, she knows that too. But she wants to capitalise on the Lok Sabha performance and revive her party in the state elections. If the party doesn’t win or do extremely well in 2022 it could face potential electoral oblivion. She is facing the biggest challenge of her life. Only time will tell whether she succeeds or fails. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Mayawati’s existential crisis

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail.

The raids are related to a case of abduction and assault of a businessman, officials said.

The CBI last month registered a case against Ahmad for allegedly assaulting and abducting real estate dealer Mohit Jaiswal on December 2018 while he was in Deoria Jail.

In a complaint, Jaiswal had claimed that on December 26, 2018, aides of former MP Atiq Ahmad forcibly took him to Deoria jail where Ahmad along with his son and 10-12 other miscreants were present, who forced him to transfer four of his companies to people associated with the former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader.

The case was registered following the Supreme Court’s direction, the official said.

Ahmed was an SP member in the 14th Lok Sabha from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2009.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail.

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail. The raids are related to a case of abduction and assault of a businessman, officials said. The CBI last month registered a case against Ahmad for allegedly assaulting and abducting real estate dealer Mohit Jaiswal on December 2018 while he was in Deoria Jail. In a complaint, Jaiswal had claimed that on December 26, 2018, aides of former MP Atiq Ahmad forcibly took him to Deoria jail where Ahmad along with his son and 10-12 other miscreants were present, who forced him to transfer four of his companies to people associated with the former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader. The case was registered following the Supreme Court’s direction, the official said. Ahmed was an SP member in the 14th Lok Sabha from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2009. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI raids houses of former Samajwadi Party MP Ateeq Ahmad in Uttar Pradesh

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said.

They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure.

"The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said.

Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters.&nbsp;

Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter.&nbsp;

The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts.

"They will share it with the world through social media.&nbsp;

The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State.&nbsp;

In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. 
In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr&nbsp;Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday. It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said. They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure. "The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said. Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister. Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters. Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter. The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts. "They will share it with the world through social media. The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State. In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare plan for every district's transformation: Yogi Adityanath

Rains wreck havoc across South Asia

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people. 
 
Taking to Twitter, she said, "Like Neeraj, there are many others who are also facing the same issue. For everything, money is taken from them and no one addresses their grievances. My heart is aching. Where the BJP government is sleeping?." 
 
The statement from Vadra came just days after a flour-mill owner committed suicide after being allegedly harassed by a state government official. 
 
Identified as Niraj Kumar, the reportedly consumed poison in the premises of Bijnor Collectorate on Tuesday. In a suicide note recovered from the spot, he claimed that he was being harassed by a junior engineer of the state power corporation. Saini had been booked Kumar in a power theft case. More details in this regard are awaited.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people. Taking to Twitter, she said, "Like Neeraj, there are many others who are also facing the same issue. For everything, money is taken from them and no one addresses their grievances. My heart is aching. Where the BJP government is sleeping?." The statement from Vadra came just days after a flour-mill owner committed suicide after being allegedly harassed by a state government official. Identified as Niraj Kumar, the reportedly consumed poison in the premises of Bijnor Collectorate on Tuesday. In a suicide note recovered from the spot, he claimed that he was being harassed by a junior engineer of the state power corporation. Saini had been booked Kumar in a power theft case. More details in this regard are awaited.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tears into UP government over corruption

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/illegal-sand-mining-case-akhilesh-yadav-says-ready-to-face-cbi-188581">investigation in an illegal mining case</a>.

As per reports, a large sum of cash and a note counting machine have been recovered from Abhay Kumar Singh's residence.

The CBI seems to have tightened its grip on Singh in connection to his alleged involvement in an illegal mining case during his tenure as the District Magistrate in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-akhilesh-yadav-cbi-to-examine-ex-uttar-pradesh-cm-in-illegal-sand-mining-case-188429">Akhilesh Yadav</a>'s term as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-officer-probing-akhileshs-role-in-sand-mining-scam-transferred-190455">Akhilesh Yadav's role in&nbsp;the scam</a> is also being probed by the CBI.

CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016, Yadav&nbsp;was Uttar Pradesh's CM from 2012 to 2017.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an investigation in an illegal mining case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an investigation in an illegal mining case. As per reports, a large sum of cash and a note counting machine have been recovered from Abhay Kumar Singh's residence. The CBI seems to have tightened its grip on Singh in connection to his alleged involvement in an illegal mining case during his tenure as the District Magistrate in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh during Akhilesh Yadav's term as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister. Earlier this year, the CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's role in the scam is also being probed by the CBI. CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons, news agency ANI reported. It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016, Yadav was Uttar Pradesh's CM from 2012 to 2017. (With inputs from ANI)

Illegal mining: Central Bureau of Investigation raids Bulandshahr District Magistrate's residence

At least 29 people died on Monday morning after a Uttar Pradesh roadways bus skidded off the six-lane Yamuna Expressway and fell into a drain. Around 17 others were injured.

The bus, carrying around 50 people was going from Lucknow to New Delhi.

Agra District Magistrate NG Ravi Kumar said, ''The incident took place around 4:30 am. The driver probably dozed off and the speeding bus broke our barrier and fell in the drain. The search operation is underway.''

''One Sleeper Coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway. It fell into the side fall about 15 feet deep. 20 passengers rescued so far. Efforts are on for the rest,''&nbsp;the Uttar Pradesh Police tweeted.

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One Sleeper Coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway. It fell into the side fall about 15 feet deep. 
 
20 passengers rescued so far. Efforts are on for the rest. 
 
IG Agra
— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Uppolice/status/1148044779487297536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his grief and condolences to the families of the deceased. He also asked the authorities to give all help to the injured as well as the families of those killed in the accident.

The chief minister has also ordered an enquiry by a committee consisting of Transport Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General Of Police of Agra to investigate the incident in 24 hours and give a report on the cause of the incident and also report on long term recommendations to avoid such accidents.

Uttar Pradesh roadways have made an announcement of Rs 5 lakh to families of the deceased.

At least 29 people died on Monday morning after a Uttar Pradesh roadways bus skidded off the six-lane Yamuna Expressway and fell into a drain. Around 17 others were injured.

At least 29 people died on Monday morning after a Uttar Pradesh roadways bus skidded off the six-lane Yamuna Expressway and fell into a drain. Around 17 others were injured. The bus, carrying around 50 people was going from Lucknow to New Delhi. Agra District Magistrate NG Ravi Kumar said, ''The incident took place around 4:30 am. The driver probably dozed off and the speeding bus broke our barrier and fell in the drain. The search operation is underway.'' ''One Sleeper Coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway. It fell into the side fall about 15 feet deep. 20 passengers rescued so far. Efforts are on for the rest,'' the Uttar Pradesh Police tweeted. One Sleeper Coach passenger bus travelling from Lucknow to Delhi met with an accident on Yamuna Expressway. It fell into the side fall about 15 feet deep. 20 passengers rescued so far. Efforts are on for the rest. IG Agra — UP POLICE (@Uppolice) July 8, 2019 × Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his grief and condolences to the families of the deceased. He also asked the authorities to give all help to the injured as well as the families of those killed in the accident. The chief minister has also ordered an enquiry by a committee consisting of Transport Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General Of Police of Agra to investigate the incident in 24 hours and give a report on the cause of the incident and also report on long term recommendations to avoid such accidents. Uttar Pradesh roadways have made an announcement of Rs 5 lakh to families of the deceased.

Uttar Pradesh: At least 29 dead after bus skids off Yamuna Expressway and falls into drain

The national capital and adjoining states are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

"Widespread rainfall to widespread with isolated heavy to very heavy falls likely over northern plains. Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Jharkhand, Gujarat region, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka and Lakshadweep," said IMD.

The weather forecaster also said conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of Haryana, Punjab and some more parts of Rajasthan during the next 24 hours.

However, there will be no respite from the heat as maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain at 36 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius, respectively.

"No significant change in maximum temperatures likely over major parts of the country during next 4-5 days," the IMD stated.

Rainfall in the region will bring respite to locals, who have been reeling under severe heat wave conditions in the past few days, with temperatures in Delhi and surrounding regions constantly above 40 degrees Celsius.

The national capital and adjoining states are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

The national capital and adjoining states are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. "Widespread rainfall to widespread with isolated heavy to very heavy falls likely over northern plains. Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan. Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Jharkhand, Gujarat region, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka and Lakshadweep," said IMD. The weather forecaster also said conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of Haryana, Punjab and some more parts of Rajasthan during the next 24 hours. However, there will be no respite from the heat as maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain at 36 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius, respectively. "No significant change in maximum temperatures likely over major parts of the country during next 4-5 days," the IMD stated. Rainfall in the region will bring respite to locals, who have been reeling under severe heat wave conditions in the past few days, with temperatures in Delhi and surrounding regions constantly above 40 degrees Celsius.

Heavy rainfall expected in Delhi, NCR in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived this morning in Varanasi, his constituency, and launched a membership drive for the BJP. This is his second visit to the temple town in Uttar Pradesh after his party clinched a spectacular win in the national election held in April and May.

"Connect With BJP Family"- PM Launches BJP Membership Drive In Varanasi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/angoor-khatte-hai-yogi-hits-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-tweet-on-rising-crime-in-uttar-pradesh-231686">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a> on Wednesday said that every household in the state will receive piped water within two years.

"Every rural household will receive piped water in the state within two years. This project will start from Bundelkhand region by the end of August," said Yogi while addressing district magistrates through a video conference here.

Adityanath said the state government has already begun work on the piped water program.

The chief minister also said that the clean Ganga is "his government's number one responsibility".

"To make Ganga clean, committees have been constituted in the district near the bank of the river," he added.

Yogi asserted that as many as 15 rivers, which have gone dry, will be rejuvenated in the coming months. "Ponds are an effective medium for the conservation of water and the Uttar Pradesh government is working to rejuvenate them, too," said Adityanath.

He also said that people will be educated about rainwater harvesting in the state.

&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that every household in the state will receive piped water within two years. "Every rural household will receive piped water in the state within two years.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that every household in the state will receive piped water within two years. "Every rural household will receive piped water in the state within two years. This project will start from Bundelkhand region by the end of August," said Yogi while addressing district magistrates through a video conference here. Adityanath said the state government has already begun work on the piped water program. The chief minister also said that the clean Ganga is "his government's number one responsibility". "To make Ganga clean, committees have been constituted in the district near the bank of the river," he added. Yogi asserted that as many as 15 rivers, which have gone dry, will be rejuvenated in the coming months. "Ponds are an effective medium for the conservation of water and the Uttar Pradesh government is working to rejuvenate them, too," said Adityanath. He also said that people will be educated about rainwater harvesting in the state.

Yogi Adityanath promises piped water to every household in Uttar Pradesh within two years

The much-anticipated rains seem to be in sight for Delhi and its adjoining areas, which have been reeling under a hot and sultry spell for some time now with the weather department predicting the entry of the Monsoon by this weekend.

The temperature in Delhi is expected to be between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius with a prediction of very light rain, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

Southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and is currently passing through Dwarka, Deesa, Udaipur, Kota, Gwalior, Shahjahanpur, Najibabad and Mandi, the IMD said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

In association with its likely west-northwestward movement, conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of North Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, some more parts of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during next 48 hours, the IMD said.

According to private forecaster Skymet, due to increased humidity, isolated thundery activity or light rain in Delhi and NCR is expected today.

On July 5 and 6, scattered rain and thundershower activities are expected over Delhi and NCR, it said.

Monsoons in Delhi are seen by the end of June annually have been delayed by over a week now.

The much-anticipated rains seem to be in sight for Delhi and its adjoining areas, which have been reeling under a hot and sultry spell for some time now with the weather department predicting the entry of the Monsoon by this weekend.

The much-anticipated rains seem to be in sight for Delhi and its adjoining areas, which have been reeling under a hot and sultry spell for some time now with the weather department predicting the entry of the Monsoon by this weekend. The temperature in Delhi is expected to be between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius with a prediction of very light rain, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. Southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and is currently passing through Dwarka, Deesa, Udaipur, Kota, Gwalior, Shahjahanpur, Najibabad and Mandi, the IMD said in a statement on Wednesday evening. In association with its likely west-northwestward movement, conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of North Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, some more parts of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during next 48 hours, the IMD said. According to private forecaster Skymet, due to increased humidity, isolated thundery activity or light rain in Delhi and NCR is expected today. On July 5 and 6, scattered rain and thundershower activities are expected over Delhi and NCR, it said. Monsoons in Delhi are seen by the end of June annually have been delayed by over a week now.

Monsoon likely to hit Delhi in next two days: Indian Meteorological Department

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/angoor-khatte-hai-yogi-hits-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-tweet-on-rising-crime-in-uttar-pradesh-231686">Yogi Adityanath government</a> on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees.

According to government officials, the state government has asked 200 officials to take voluntary retirement as they were found guilty in corruption cases.

&nbsp;At the same time, more than 400 corrupt officers and employees have been warned of severe punishments.

&nbsp;On June 20, Adityanath had reviewed the work of Secretariat Administration department at Lok Bhawan and said that there was no place for corrupt officers and staff in the Government.&nbsp;

He had said that corrupt officers could be shown the door by giving them compulsory retirement. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to prepare a list of corrupt officers and advised firm action against them.

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the Yogi Adityanath government on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees.

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the Yogi Adityanath government on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees. According to government officials, the state government has asked 200 officials to take voluntary retirement as they were found guilty in corruption cases. At the same time, more than 400 corrupt officers and employees have been warned of severe punishments. On June 20, Adityanath had reviewed the work of Secretariat Administration department at Lok Bhawan and said that there was no place for corrupt officers and staff in the Government. He had said that corrupt officers could be shown the door by giving them compulsory retirement. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to prepare a list of corrupt officers and advised firm action against them.

Uttar Pradesh government initiates action against 600 corrupt officers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income.

The nine-member committee, headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-to-discuss-state-cabinet-expansion-with-uddhav-thackeray-227250">Devendra Fadnavis</a>, will suggest policy measures, attract investments and raise growth in food processing.

Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand will be the members of the committee.&nbsp;

The committee will discuss the measures for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers' income. Modalities for adoption and time-bound implementation of agriculture sector reforms will be suggested by the committee. The committee will submit its report in two months.&nbsp;

The panel will examine various provisions of the Essential Commodity Act (ECA), to attract private investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure.

It will also suggest a mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM, GRAM and other relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes.&nbsp;

The committee will further suggest policy measures to boost agricultural export, raise growth in food processing and attract investments in modern market infrastructure, value chains and logistics, besides making other key suggestions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income. The nine-member committee, headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will suggest policy measures, attract investments and raise growth in food processing. Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand will be the members of the committee. The committee will discuss the measures for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers' income. Modalities for adoption and time-bound implementation of agriculture sector reforms will be suggested by the committee. The committee will submit its report in two months. The panel will examine various provisions of the Essential Commodity Act (ECA), to attract private investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure. It will also suggest a mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM, GRAM and other relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The committee will further suggest policy measures to boost agricultural export, raise growth in food processing and attract investments in modern market infrastructure, value chains and logistics, besides making other key suggestions.

Government sets up high-powered committee of chief ministers to 'transform Indian agriculture'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-will-make-no-difference-to-bjps-poll-prospects-in-up-yogi-adityanath-203705">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath </a>on Sunday hit back at Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her tweet on increasing crime rate in the state.

On Saturday, Priyanka had claimed that incidents of crime are on the rise in Uttar Pradesh, and criminals were "roaming freely" in the state.

"In Uttar Pradesh criminals are roaming freely and doing whatever they want. Criminal incidents are taking place one after the other. However, its BJP government has turned deaf. Has the Uttar Pradesh government surrendered before criminals?" she had tweeted in Hindi along with a collage of news reports indicating various incidents of crime.

In response to the claim, Adityanath, while addressing media here, said, "It is a case of sour grapes (angoor khatte hai). Her party president (Rahul Gandhi) lost from Uttar Pradesh. So while sitting anywhere &nbsp;Delhi, Italy or England &nbsp;they have to comment in order to remain in the news."

Minutes after Priyanka`s tweet, Uttar Pradesh police responded by explaining how effective the police has been in combating crime, citing statistics.

"UP Police has taken strict action against serious offenders. In two years, 9,225 criminals have been arrested and 81 have been killed. Illegal assets of more than 200 crore people have been seized under the National Security Act and there has been an unprecedented decline in dacoity, murder, loot and kidnappings," read a tweet on the official page.

"Because of UP Police`s effective working, there has been a 20-35 per cent decline in crimes. All sensational crimes have been solved in 48 hours," the police said in another tweet.

While addressing the press conference, Adityanath also rubbished reports of several Hindus being forced to leave Meerut and said, "Nobody is migrating, who will migrate now that we have come to power? There might be some cases of personal disputes but there is no migration."

A complaint was lodged on the NaMo app by a social worker claiming that 125 Hindu families had migrated from Prahlad Nagar in Meerut. The complainant claimed that Hindu families are selling their homes and migrating out of fear.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit back at Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her tweet on increasing crime rate in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit back at Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her tweet on increasing crime rate in the state. On Saturday, Priyanka had claimed that incidents of crime are on the rise in Uttar Pradesh, and criminals were "roaming freely" in the state. "In Uttar Pradesh criminals are roaming freely and doing whatever they want. Criminal incidents are taking place one after the other. However, its BJP government has turned deaf. Has the Uttar Pradesh government surrendered before criminals?" she had tweeted in Hindi along with a collage of news reports indicating various incidents of crime. In response to the claim, Adityanath, while addressing media here, said, "It is a case of sour grapes (angoor khatte hai). Her party president (Rahul Gandhi) lost from Uttar Pradesh. So while sitting anywhere Delhi, Italy or England they have to comment in order to remain in the news." Minutes after Priyanka`s tweet, Uttar Pradesh police responded by explaining how effective the police has been in combating crime, citing statistics. "UP Police has taken strict action against serious offenders. In two years, 9,225 criminals have been arrested and 81 have been killed. Illegal assets of more than 200 crore people have been seized under the National Security Act and there has been an unprecedented decline in dacoity, murder, loot and kidnappings," read a tweet on the official page. "Because of UP Police`s effective working, there has been a 20-35 per cent decline in crimes. All sensational crimes have been solved in 48 hours," the police said in another tweet. While addressing the press conference, Adityanath also rubbished reports of several Hindus being forced to leave Meerut and said, "Nobody is migrating, who will migrate now that we have come to power? There might be some cases of personal disputes but there is no migration." A complaint was lodged on the NaMo app by a social worker claiming that 125 Hindu families had migrated from Prahlad Nagar in Meerut. The complainant claimed that Hindu families are selling their homes and migrating out of fear.

CM Yogi Adityanath hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over tweet on rising crime in Uttar Pradesh

Amid uncertainty over Rahul Gandhi continuing as the Congress president, All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday dissolved all district committees of the party in Uttar Pradesh.

AICC has also formed a two-member team to oversee preparations and management in All Vidhan Sabha seats of UP East and West where byelections are taking place.

"AICC has approved the following proposals submitted by the General Secretaries in UP East and West," said the statement issued by AICC. 
 
The statement further said that the party will form a three-member disciplinary committee to examine complaints of indiscipline in the party during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 
 
The development comes after&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia, in-charge of eastern and western Uttar Pradesh respectively, met party leaders to discuss the party's rout in the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

The Congress, which won two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, was reduced to just one seat in the recent elections.&nbsp;

Last week, Congress had dissolved its unit in Karnataka while retaining its president and working president. Rumblings within the Karnataka Congress unit have grown amid the reports of differences over the functioning of the Congress-JD(S) government in the state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Amid uncertainty over Rahul Gandhi continuing as the Congress president, All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday dissolved all district committees of the party in Uttar Pradesh.

Amid uncertainty over Rahul Gandhi continuing as the Congress president, All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday dissolved all district committees of the party in Uttar Pradesh. AICC has also formed a two-member team to oversee preparations and management in All Vidhan Sabha seats of UP East and West where byelections are taking place. "AICC has approved the following proposals submitted by the General Secretaries in UP East and West," said the statement issued by AICC. The statement further said that the party will form a three-member disciplinary committee to examine complaints of indiscipline in the party during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The development comes after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia, in-charge of eastern and western Uttar Pradesh respectively, met party leaders to discuss the party's rout in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. The Congress, which won two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, was reduced to just one seat in the recent elections. Last week, Congress had dissolved its unit in Karnataka while retaining its president and working president. Rumblings within the Karnataka Congress unit have grown amid the reports of differences over the functioning of the Congress-JD(S) government in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress dissolves all district committees in Uttar Pradesh

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-gives-brother-and-nephew-key-party-posts-229741">Mayawati</a> hurled the allegation, describing even the BJP landslide victory in the last Lok Sabha election as "doubtful".

The new gimmick of 'one nation, one election' is a BJP's ploy to win the Lok Sabha and assembly elections by a single 'dhandhli' (manipulation) misusing the EVMs," she said.

"It will put the nation in an era of casteism making it free from any opposition," she added, addressing a party meeting convened to discuss the purported "national concern" over the alleged "hijacking" of the democracy via EVMs here.

"If there is no manipulation in the BJP's victory and if it has the majority votes by its side, why is the party shying away from going to the people and avoiding elections through ballots," a BSP statement quoted her as asking.

The meeting was also attended by the BSP's representatives from other states, who alleged that the Election Commission was working on directions of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

"The way the EC bowed before the prime minister also gives rise to the apprehension over the free and fair polls in the country and weakening of the democracy," she alleged and demanded that "constitutional bodies should find a solution to the people's concern".

She said the BJP's victory is "unexpected and against the people's mandate", which is not possible without a "planned manipulation and conspiracy".

The BSP supremo demanded that elections in India be held through ballot papers in future.&nbsp;

"All the main opposition political parties are of the view that elections should be held through ballot papers but the BJP and the EC are against it, which has created uneasiness in the country,"&nbsp;she said.

Mayawati also questioned the BJP's keenness on having simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

"If the BJP is so keen on one nation, one poll, why didn't it hold the assembly elections in states like Haryana and Maharashtra with the Lok Sabha polls," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She asked party workers to remain cautious to deal with discrepancies in the functioning of EVMs during upcoming polls and emphasised upon them to stick to the party's "brotherhood formula" successfully tested in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls to ensure that the party's base remains intact.

In the meeting, Mayawati also took stock of the party's readiness for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. 
&nbsp;

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs.

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs. Mayawati hurled the allegation, describing even the BJP landslide victory in the last Lok Sabha election as "doubtful". The new gimmick of 'one nation, one election' is a BJP's ploy to win the Lok Sabha and assembly elections by a single 'dhandhli' (manipulation) misusing the EVMs," she said. "It will put the nation in an era of casteism making it free from any opposition," she added, addressing a party meeting convened to discuss the purported "national concern" over the alleged "hijacking" of the democracy via EVMs here. "If there is no manipulation in the BJP's victory and if it has the majority votes by its side, why is the party shying away from going to the people and avoiding elections through ballots," a BSP statement quoted her as asking. The meeting was also attended by the BSP's representatives from other states, who alleged that the Election Commission was working on directions of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The way the EC bowed before the prime minister also gives rise to the apprehension over the free and fair polls in the country and weakening of the democracy," she alleged and demanded that "constitutional bodies should find a solution to the people's concern". She said the BJP's victory is "unexpected and against the people's mandate", which is not possible without a "planned manipulation and conspiracy". The BSP supremo demanded that elections in India be held through ballot papers in future. "All the main opposition political parties are of the view that elections should be held through ballot papers but the BJP and the EC are against it, which has created uneasiness in the country," she said. Mayawati also questioned the BJP's keenness on having simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. "If the BJP is so keen on one nation, one poll, why didn't it hold the assembly elections in states like Haryana and Maharashtra with the Lok Sabha polls," she said. She asked party workers to remain cautious to deal with discrepancies in the functioning of EVMs during upcoming polls and emphasised upon them to stick to the party's "brotherhood formula" successfully tested in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls to ensure that the party's base remains intact. In the meeting, Mayawati also took stock of the party's readiness for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.

BJP's 'one nation, one poll' a ploy to win all elections by single 'manipulation': Mayawati

BSP Chief Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar was appointed as the vice-president of the party while nephew Akash Anand was made national coordinator.

The party also elected Danish Ali as the leader of BSP in Lok Sabha.

Party leader Ramji Gautam was also appointed as national coordinator.

Early today, Mayawati chaired a meeting with her party office bearers, members, legislators and parliamentarians to chalk out a strategy for upcoming by-elections to 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Senior officials and all members of parliament were present at the meeting along with state presidents from across the country.

Mayawati had recently announced her decision that the BSP will contest the upcoming by-elections for 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, stating that her ally Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party's vote base did not support the coalition in the Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP managed to bag 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, SP won 5 and RLD drew a blank, taking the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;total to 15.&nbsp;

BSP Chief Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar was appointed as the vice-president of the party while nephew Akash Anand was made national coordinator. The party also elected Danish Ali as the leader of BSP in Lok Sabha.

BSP Chief Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar was appointed as the vice-president of the party while nephew Akash Anand was made national coordinator. The party also elected Danish Ali as the leader of BSP in Lok Sabha. Party leader Ramji Gautam was also appointed as national coordinator. Early today, Mayawati chaired a meeting with her party office bearers, members, legislators and parliamentarians to chalk out a strategy for upcoming by-elections to 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. Senior officials and all members of parliament were present at the meeting along with state presidents from across the country. Mayawati had recently announced her decision that the BSP will contest the upcoming by-elections for 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, stating that her ally Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party's vote base did not support the coalition in the Lok Sabha elections. The BSP managed to bag 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, SP won 5 and RLD drew a blank, taking the 'mahagathbandhan' total to 15.

Mayawati gives brother and nephew key party posts

Union Minister and BJP MP for Amethi Smriti Irani on Sunday distributed laptops to Lekhpals and asked them to avail digital services made available to them by the government.

"We should aim to set an example for the country by availing digital services in every village so that people don't have to line up outside government offices," Irani said.

Irani was attending an event for the mass baby shower and 'Annaprashana'&nbsp;in Amethi's Gauriganj, where she distributed laptops to 240 Lekhpals.

"I don't believe in long speeches. I want people's issues to be addressed so that they can go home," the union minister said.

Irani appealed the District Magistrate to organise digital training for the Lekhpals.

"You are a part of the government that reaches every village and house. People expect solutions to their problems through you. Get digital training and go to every village in the district. Keep in touch with the police and maintain law and order," the lawmaker appealed the Lekhpals.

"I assure the people of Amethi that the government is devoted to you 24 hours a day," she added.&nbsp;

Union Minister and BJP MP for Amethi Smriti Irani on Sunday distributed laptops to Lekhpals and asked them to avail digital services made available to them by the government.

Union Minister and BJP MP for Amethi Smriti Irani on Sunday distributed laptops to Lekhpals and asked them to avail digital services made available to them by the government. "We should aim to set an example for the country by availing digital services in every village so that people don't have to line up outside government offices," Irani said. Irani was attending an event for the mass baby shower and 'Annaprashana' in Amethi's Gauriganj, where she distributed laptops to 240 Lekhpals. "I don't believe in long speeches. I want people's issues to be addressed so that they can go home," the union minister said. Irani appealed the District Magistrate to organise digital training for the Lekhpals. "You are a part of the government that reaches every village and house. People expect solutions to their problems through you. Get digital training and go to every village in the district. Keep in touch with the police and maintain law and order," the lawmaker appealed the Lekhpals. "I assure the people of Amethi that the government is devoted to you 24 hours a day," she added.

Smriti Irani distributes laptops to Lekhpals, says Amethi should be known for digitisation

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed on Saturday that his state got effective results in controlling the spread of Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), and described it as a "continuous process" for which sustained efforts would be made.

"Many districts in the state were affected by some vector-borne diseases such as encephalitis, dengue, malaria, chickungunya, etc. We started programme 'Dastak' in association with UNICEF to control encephalitis and other vector-borne diseases and we got effective results in controlling encephalitis and AES, but it is continuous programme and it will be started again from July 1," he said.

In a big achievement for the Yogi Adityanath dispensation, UNICEF India has lauded his government for successfully immunising all children of the state against Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.

'DASTAK' campaign is part of a comprehensive social and behaviour change communication strategy embraced by the state government to contain encephalitis.

As part of the campaign, the entire state machinery with help of UNICEF went door to door in 38 districts affected by JE and AES.

"We are giving training to medical and para-medical staff to effectively control the vector-borne disease. I have asked them to prepare all hospitals to control the vector-borne diseases," he to reporters here.

After a meeting with officials of the health department at BRD Medical College, the chief minister said, "We have started a consolidated programme in 12 departments of the state focusing cleanliness and we are getting full support of the central government. I want to say that the participation of common people is very important. We are ready for vector-borne disease and encephalitis and could say with certainty that we will do better this year than what we did last year."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed on Saturday that his state got effective results in controlling the spread of Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), and described it as a "continuous process" for which sustained efforts would be made.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed on Saturday that his state got effective results in controlling the spread of Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), and described it as a "continuous process" for which sustained efforts would be made. "Many districts in the state were affected by some vector-borne diseases such as encephalitis, dengue, malaria, chickungunya, etc. We started programme 'Dastak' in association with UNICEF to control encephalitis and other vector-borne diseases and we got effective results in controlling encephalitis and AES, but it is continuous programme and it will be started again from July 1," he said. In a big achievement for the Yogi Adityanath dispensation, UNICEF India has lauded his government for successfully immunising all children of the state against Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. 'DASTAK' campaign is part of a comprehensive social and behaviour change communication strategy embraced by the state government to contain encephalitis. As part of the campaign, the entire state machinery with help of UNICEF went door to door in 38 districts affected by JE and AES. "We are giving training to medical and para-medical staff to effectively control the vector-borne disease. I have asked them to prepare all hospitals to control the vector-borne diseases," he to reporters here. After a meeting with officials of the health department at BRD Medical College, the chief minister said, "We have started a consolidated programme in 12 departments of the state focusing cleanliness and we are getting full support of the central government. I want to say that the participation of common people is very important. We are ready for vector-borne disease and encephalitis and could say with certainty that we will do better this year than what we did last year."

Uttar Pradesh effectively controlled spread of Japanese Encephalitis, Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday said "statistics are not a parameter for crime control" and faith of the people is the actual standard.

Chairing a review meeting of the Home department here, he referred to recent incidents of crime in the state and said, "Statistics are not a parameter for crime control. The actual standard is the faith of people, and we have to prove ourselves on this front."

"Incidents occur in the districts, but the SPs/SSPs are unaware about it. They have to be informed from the state capital, then they reach the spot. This type of formality will not work," the chief minister said.

Adityanath said that he himself is going to undertake divisional review, and if any complaint is received, then action will be initiated on the spot, which will set an example.

He also observed that despite meeting of the DMs and SPs/SSPs, there is no reduction in crime, and senior officials are not seen in foot-patrolling.

Making another strong observation on the functioning of the department, the UP Chief Minister said, "Questions being raised on law and order, is itself a question on the relevance of the department."

"An atmosphere should be built so that such questions are not raised. For this, the head of the department should decided his accountability and that of his team. Every week, the law and order situation should be reviewed. The prosecution should be so fast that it becomes an example for criminals and instils fear in them."

He said, "Do not let any criminal loose. To uphold the public trust, deal strictly and effectively with those who commit crime against women and girls."

Adityanath also directed officials to take effective action on crime against minorities and SC/ST, and said that there should not be any lynching incidents in the state.

"Our priority is the common man, and he should be satisfied. Prisons should not become a refuge for criminals and criminal conduct. Those who are responsible for it will be marked and a list would be prepared and strict action will be taken," he said.

The chief minister said that within a month or two of the occurrence of an incident, the convicts should be punished.

There should not be a single incident of loot anywhere in the state, he said and remarked that there should also be a mechanism for sanctioning holidays in the police department.

He said that the basic education officer and the district school inspector should meet the principal, women inspector and other lady police officers for safety of girl child. Awareness of traffic-related information should be done through schools and colleges.

Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey, DGP OP Singh, Principal Secretary, Home Arvind Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Avanish Awasthi and media advisor Mrityunjay Kumar were also present at the meeting.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday said "statistics are not a parameter for crime control" and faith of the people is the actual standard. Chairing a review meeting of the Home department here, he referred to recent incidents of crime in the state and said, "Statistics are not a parameter for crime control.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday said "statistics are not a parameter for crime control" and faith of the people is the actual standard. Chairing a review meeting of the Home department here, he referred to recent incidents of crime in the state and said, "Statistics are not a parameter for crime control. The actual standard is the faith of people, and we have to prove ourselves on this front." "Incidents occur in the districts, but the SPs/SSPs are unaware about it. They have to be informed from the state capital, then they reach the spot. This type of formality will not work," the chief minister said. Adityanath said that he himself is going to undertake divisional review, and if any complaint is received, then action will be initiated on the spot, which will set an example. He also observed that despite meeting of the DMs and SPs/SSPs, there is no reduction in crime, and senior officials are not seen in foot-patrolling. Making another strong observation on the functioning of the department, the UP Chief Minister said, "Questions being raised on law and order, is itself a question on the relevance of the department." "An atmosphere should be built so that such questions are not raised. For this, the head of the department should decided his accountability and that of his team. Every week, the law and order situation should be reviewed. The prosecution should be so fast that it becomes an example for criminals and instils fear in them." He said, "Do not let any criminal loose. To uphold the public trust, deal strictly and effectively with those who commit crime against women and girls." Adityanath also directed officials to take effective action on crime against minorities and SC/ST, and said that there should not be any lynching incidents in the state. "Our priority is the common man, and he should be satisfied. Prisons should not become a refuge for criminals and criminal conduct. Those who are responsible for it will be marked and a list would be prepared and strict action will be taken," he said. The chief minister said that within a month or two of the occurrence of an incident, the convicts should be punished. There should not be a single incident of loot anywhere in the state, he said and remarked that there should also be a mechanism for sanctioning holidays in the police department. He said that the basic education officer and the district school inspector should meet the principal, women inspector and other lady police officers for safety of girl child. Awareness of traffic-related information should be done through schools and colleges. Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey, DGP OP Singh, Principal Secretary, Home Arvind Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Avanish Awasthi and media advisor Mrityunjay Kumar were also present at the meeting.

Statistics not parameter for crime control: Yogi Adityanath

Prayagraj Special Court on Tuesday pronounced its verdict on 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case. Four convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas one person has been acquitted, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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2005 Ayodhya terror attack case: Prayagraj Special Court sentences four convicts to life imprisonment and acquits one person. <a href="https://t.co/T5bZKOXsJ2">pic.twitter.com/T5bZKOXsJ2</a>
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The five accused are Irrfan, Mohammad Shakeel, Mohammad Naseem, Mohammad Aziz, Asif Iqbal and Farookh.

The verdict came after 14 years of the attack which took place on July 5, 2005, at Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The site was attacked by armed terrorists.

The attackers, who posed as pilgrims, drove an explosives-laden jeep which exploded near the boundary of the disputed site. The terrorists, who belonged to a Pakistan-based terror outfit, were suspected to have entered India through Nepal. In an hour-long encounter, the security forces managed to gun down five terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four suspects were arrested in August 2005. Another, Irrfan Khan, was arrested the same month.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prayagraj Special Court on Tuesday pronounced its verdict on 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case. Four convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas one person has been acquitted, news agency ANI reported.

Prayagraj Special Court on Tuesday pronounced its verdict on 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case. Four convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas one person has been acquitted, news agency ANI reported. 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case: Prayagraj Special Court sentences four convicts to life imprisonment and acquits one person. pic.twitter.com/T5bZKOXsJ2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 18, 2019 × The five accused are Irrfan, Mohammad Shakeel, Mohammad Naseem, Mohammad Aziz, Asif Iqbal and Farookh. The verdict came after 14 years of the attack which took place on July 5, 2005, at Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The site was attacked by armed terrorists. The attackers, who posed as pilgrims, drove an explosives-laden jeep which exploded near the boundary of the disputed site. The terrorists, who belonged to a Pakistan-based terror outfit, were suspected to have entered India through Nepal. In an hour-long encounter, the security forces managed to gun down five terrorists. Four suspects were arrested in August 2005. Another, Irrfan Khan, was arrested the same month.

2005 Ayodhya terror attack case: Prayagraj court sentences four to life imprisonment, acquits one 

As many as 47 children have died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muzaffarpur-31-children-die-of-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-in-june-226418">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur</a> and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday.

Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "47 children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection."

He said, "137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported."

Apart from this, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the toll to 47," Singh said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever and a headache.&nbsp;

As many as 47 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday.

As many as 47 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday. Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "47 children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection." He said, "137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported." Apart from this, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the toll to 47," Singh said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever and a headache.

Muzaffarpur: 47 children died due to encephalitis; over 130 in hospitals

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday ordered the release of journalist Prashant Kanojia on bail. Kanojia was arrested along with the editor and head of a Noida-based channel objectionable content against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"Even we take a lot in from the social media, but does that mean incarceration? Release him on bail and proceed against him," said a vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Ajay Rastogi. The bench was hearing a Habeas Corpus (requiring an arrested person to be presented before court) petition filed bu Kanojia's wife Jigisha.

"Regardless of the contents of the tweet, it doesn't appear that arrest was warranted. The right to liberty of a citizen has been infringed upon," Justice Banerjee added. Kanojia was arrested on Saturday and lodged in Lucknow jail.

The Uttar Pradesh government defended the arrest and highlighted Kanojia's Twitter timeline. "We had gone through his Twitter timeline. His tweets are not restricted to political figures, he has posted tweets about gods and goddesses. His tweets are very strong and inflammatory. This is why Section 505 (inciting a particular community to commit offence against other community) of the Indian Penal Code was added," the UP government said. Though the bench said that it doesn't agree with Kanojia's tweets, it rejected the argument saying a person cannot be deprived of his personal liberty. "The Uttar Pradesh government can proceed against him, but he can't be put behind bars for his tweets," the bench said.

The bench also warned against posting stuff on Twitter. "It is very wrong to think whatever is uploaded will be swallowed by the public. People are educated," Justice Banerjee said.

The Editors Guild had on Sunday condemned the arrest of Kanojia and others, describing the police action as an "authoritarian misuse of laws" and an effort to intimidate the press.

An FIR was registered against Kanojia at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on Friday night in which it was alleged that the accused made "objectionable comments against the chief minister and tried to malign his image".

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday ordered the release of journalist Prashant Kanojia on bail. Kanojia was arrested along with the editor and head of a Noida-based channel objectionable content against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday ordered the release of journalist Prashant Kanojia on bail. Kanojia was arrested along with the editor and head of a Noida-based channel objectionable content against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Even we take a lot in from the social media, but does that mean incarceration? Release him on bail and proceed against him," said a vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Ajay Rastogi. The bench was hearing a Habeas Corpus (requiring an arrested person to be presented before court) petition filed bu Kanojia's wife Jigisha. "Regardless of the contents of the tweet, it doesn't appear that arrest was warranted. The right to liberty of a citizen has been infringed upon," Justice Banerjee added. Kanojia was arrested on Saturday and lodged in Lucknow jail. The Uttar Pradesh government defended the arrest and highlighted Kanojia's Twitter timeline. "We had gone through his Twitter timeline. His tweets are not restricted to political figures, he has posted tweets about gods and goddesses. His tweets are very strong and inflammatory. This is why Section 505 (inciting a particular community to commit offence against other community) of the Indian Penal Code was added," the UP government said. Though the bench said that it doesn't agree with Kanojia's tweets, it rejected the argument saying a person cannot be deprived of his personal liberty. "The Uttar Pradesh government can proceed against him, but he can't be put behind bars for his tweets," the bench said. The bench also warned against posting stuff on Twitter. "It is very wrong to think whatever is uploaded will be swallowed by the public. People are educated," Justice Banerjee said. The Editors Guild had on Sunday condemned the arrest of Kanojia and others, describing the police action as an "authoritarian misuse of laws" and an effort to intimidate the press. An FIR was registered against Kanojia at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on Friday night in which it was alleged that the accused made "objectionable comments against the chief minister and tried to malign his image".

Don't appreciate Prashant Kanojia's tweets but he can't be put behind bars: Supreme Court orders release of journalist

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress'&nbsp;general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka will visit Rae Bareli on Tuesday evening and will take part in review meetings that will take place on Wednesday to discuss the reasons behind party's poor performance in the general elections in the state.

Along with Priyanka, Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia will also take review meetings in Delhi on June 11 and in Lucknow on June 14.

According to sources, district presidents from the eastern region of the state and other senior leaders will be attending marathon meetings which will go till late in the presence of secretary in-charges of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi retained the Rae Bareli seat by defeating the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.67 lakh votes.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi lost the Nehru-Gandhi family stronghold Amethi seat to BJP's Smriti Irani by over 55,000 votes.

On June 4, a meeting was held at Priyanka's residence in New Delhi, which was attended by President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee, Raj Babbar and other general secretaries, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, to build the party again at the block level, post its defeat in the elections.

Results of the recent Lok Sabha elections were disastrous for the Congress. The Congress won 52 seats across the country in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Congress' general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka will visit Rae Bareli on Tuesday evening and will take part in review meetings that will take place on Wednesday to discuss the reasons behind party's poor performance in the general elections in the state. Along with Priyanka, Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia will also take review meetings in Delhi on June 11 and in Lucknow on June 14. According to sources, district presidents from the eastern region of the state and other senior leaders will be attending marathon meetings which will go till late in the presence of secretary in-charges of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi retained the Rae Bareli seat by defeating the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.67 lakh votes. Congress President Rahul Gandhi lost the Nehru-Gandhi family stronghold Amethi seat to BJP's Smriti Irani by over 55,000 votes. On June 4, a meeting was held at Priyanka's residence in New Delhi, which was attended by President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee, Raj Babbar and other general secretaries, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, to build the party again at the block level, post its defeat in the elections. Results of the recent Lok Sabha elections were disastrous for the Congress. The Congress won 52 seats across the country in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

Priyanka Gandhi to visit Uttar Pradesh for first time after Congress' poll debacle

Police have constituted a special investigative team (SIT) and suspended five of its officials amid widespread condemnation of the brutal murder of a three-year-old child in Tappal town of Uttar Pradesh.

Police form SIT to probe 3-yr-old’s brutal murder in UP’s Tappal

As Yogi Adityanath turned 47 on Wednesday, birthday greetings poured in for the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

"Greetings to Uttar Pradesh`s dynamic Chief Minister, @myogiadityanath Ji on his birthday. Yogi Ji has done commendable work in transforming Uttar Pradesh, especially in areas like agriculture, industry as well as in improving law and order. I pray for his long and healthy life," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his Twitter handle.

Union Minister Smriti Irani also extended her wishes to Adityanath, terming him as hardworking and a progressive chief minister.

"Happy birthday to Uttar Pradesh`s progressive and hardworking Chief Minister @myogiadityanath ji. Under your guidance, UP will progress in the path of development and will break new records on progress. I also pray for your good health and longevity," she said.

Newly sworn-in Union Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted, "Wishing Sh @myogiadityanath ji a wonderful birthday; he has been working for social progress, economic prosperity and development of his state with decisiveness. Good wishes for your health &amp; happiness."

Karnataka BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje too extended greetings to Adityanath.

"Birthday greetings to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Sri @myogiadityanath. May God bless him with long healthy life &amp; all success in his endeavours," she tweeted.

Born as Ajay Bisht in Panchur village of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand in 1972, Adityanath completed his bachelor`s degree in Mathematics from the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University.

Adityanath joined the Ayodhya Ram temple movement in the 1990s. He also came under the influence of Mahant Avaidyanath, the chief priest of the Gorakhnath Math and became his disciple.

Subsequently, he was given the current name and was designated as the successor of Mahant Avaidyanath.

At 26, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998. He was a five-time MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Adityanath was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, after BJP swept the Assembly elections in the state, where it won 312 out of 403 seats.

As Yogi Adityanath turned 47 on Wednesday, birthday greetings poured in for the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. "Greetings to Uttar Pradesh`s dynamic Chief Minister, @myogiadityanath Ji on his birthday.

As Yogi Adityanath turned 47 on Wednesday, birthday greetings poured in for the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. "Greetings to Uttar Pradesh`s dynamic Chief Minister, @myogiadityanath Ji on his birthday. Yogi Ji has done commendable work in transforming Uttar Pradesh, especially in areas like agriculture, industry as well as in improving law and order. I pray for his long and healthy life," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his Twitter handle. Union Minister Smriti Irani also extended her wishes to Adityanath, terming him as hardworking and a progressive chief minister. "Happy birthday to Uttar Pradesh`s progressive and hardworking Chief Minister @myogiadityanath ji. Under your guidance, UP will progress in the path of development and will break new records on progress. I also pray for your good health and longevity," she said. Newly sworn-in Union Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted, "Wishing Sh @myogiadityanath ji a wonderful birthday; he has been working for social progress, economic prosperity and development of his state with decisiveness. Good wishes for your health & happiness." Karnataka BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje too extended greetings to Adityanath. "Birthday greetings to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Sri @myogiadityanath. May God bless him with long healthy life & all success in his endeavours," she tweeted. Born as Ajay Bisht in Panchur village of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand in 1972, Adityanath completed his bachelor`s degree in Mathematics from the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. Adityanath joined the Ayodhya Ram temple movement in the 1990s. He also came under the influence of Mahant Avaidyanath, the chief priest of the Gorakhnath Math and became his disciple. Subsequently, he was given the current name and was designated as the successor of Mahant Avaidyanath. At 26, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998. He was a five-time MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency. Adityanath was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, after BJP swept the Assembly elections in the state, where it won 312 out of 403 seats.

Yogi Adityanath turns 47, leaders extend birthday wishes

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