Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), May 28 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday categorically dismissed media reports and political allegations suggesting that he sought the relocation of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility from Karnataka to his state.Speaking at the Mahanadu or annual conclave of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) here, he clarified that his appeal to the Centre was solely focused on establishing a defence manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh and not on shifting existing institutions from other states.”I never asked for the HAL located in Bengaluru to be shifted to Andhra Pradesh. It’s a massive, strategic facility – such institutions can’t and shouldn’t be moved. I have never sought the relocation of any project from one region to another, and such an idea is not part of my history,” Naidu said while addressing the delegates.He emphasised that Lepakshi in Anantapur district is highly suitable for setting up aircraft manufacturing and defence-related industries. “I had earlier highlighted Lepakshi’s potential, but unfortunately, some politicians in Karnataka misunderstood this as an attempt to shift HAL to Andhra Pradesh,” he said.The Chief Minister reiterated that his intentions were focused on new development and investment.He met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week to request the establishment of a defence manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the Rayalaseema region.”The Telugu Desam Party is synonymous with development. We never oppose progress, nor do we believe in taking away projects from other states,” he said.During the meeting with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on May 23, Naidu had presented a strategic vision to position the state as a national hub for defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation.He had outlined a comprehensive plan encompassing industrial infrastructure, research collaborations, and strategic installations across key locations in Andhra Pradesh. The proposals included the development of integrated defence facilities, revival of critical manufacturing units, support for indigenous aviation programs, establishment of testing and training centres, and creation of thematic defence hubs to promote regional specialisation.Naidu underlined Andhra Pradesh’s readiness – with its strong infrastructure base, skilled workforce, and proactive policy environment – to play a leading role in advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat through self-reliant defence production and innovation.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) The BJP has unveiled an ambitious nationwide outreach campaign titled ‘11 Years of Modi Government – Sankalp Se Siddhi’ to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 11 years in office. The initiative, aimed at celebrating key governance milestones and projecting the vision of Viksit Bharat, was announced through an official circular by BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh.

The campaign will also spotlight the recent success of Operation Sindoor, with the PM stating, “The bravery and courage displayed by our forces during Operation Sindoor has made every Indian proud. The destruction caused to enemy terrorist camps across the border with great precision was mind-blowing. Operation Sindoor has globally given a new paradigm to fight against terrorism.”As part of the campaign, an extensive roadmap of activities and deadlines has been laid out. State-level committees must be formed by May 29, district teams and mandal committees by June 3. State workshops are to be completed by June 2 and district workshops by June 5. BJP national president J.P. Nadda is scheduled to address a press interaction in Delhi on June 7 or 8.Press conferences will be held on June 9 at the state level and on June 10-11 at the district level, where PPT presentations will highlight achievements across governance sectors. A unique feature of the campaign includes ‘Professional Meets’ in every district with expert speakers addressing core policy themes.‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabhas’ will be held in every mandal, along with mohalla chaupals in urban areas and panchayat chaupals in rural regions. The campaign will focus on 100 per cent registration for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for senior citizens through door-to-door outreach, with public representatives, including MLAs, corporators, and block pramukhs expected to take the lead.To engage youth and digital audiences, state-level competitions for short videos, long-format content, and illustrative graphics will be conducted. Winning entries will be awarded at the state level, and district exhibitions will be organised to display the BJP’s achievements.The party will also mark World Environment Day on June 5 with a two-month tree plantation and seed ball initiative. This year marks 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency. Seminars remembering this ‘dark period’ will be held, along with felicitation ceremonies for Loktantra Senanis in every district.–IANSbrt/uk

Thiruvananthapuram, May 28 (IANS) A meeting, chaired by Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, on Wednesday decided to enforce the annual trawling ban for 52 days from June 9.The trawling ban is enforced with the aim of ensuring the prosperity of marine stock, as it is the spawning season of a wide variety of fish.During the said time, mechanised fishing boats will not be allowed to venture into the sea to carry out fishing.However, traditional fishing, using inboard boats, will be allowed during this period.As is the practice during the 52-day trawling ban period, free ration would be distributed to fishermen who work in trawlers, and other labourers who depend on them for their livelihood.Among the other decisions that were taken is the authorities concerned, the Coastal Police, along with the district Collectors, should ensure that all boats from other states leave the coast of Kerala before the start of the trawling ban.Meanwhile, traditional fishermen have been asked to exercise caution while venturing into the sea.The Fisheries Department has stated that inboard boats should have all safety equipment.Like every year, the meeting decided that stringent action would be taken against violators of the ban.In order to ensure that the ban is not violated, control rooms will be activated in coastal areas during the period.Also, members of the fishing community will be keeping a tab on if there are violations taking place and if so, they will report the matter to the authorities, who will take action.Meanwhile, those who are engaged in fishing using traditional methods will have to carry their biometric cards, as there will be checks undertaken during the ban period.In Kerala, there are around 10.5 lakh fisherfolk who are registered with the state Fisheries department.–IANSsg/vd

Gandhinagar, May 28 (IANS) The Gujarat State Election Commission has announced that elections for 8,326 Gram Panchayats across the state will be held on June 22, marking a major milestone in local self-governance.

Over 1.30 crore rural voters are expected to participate in the polls, which will be conducted between 7 AM and 6 PM.State Election Commissioner S. Muralikrishna, addressing a press conference, laid out the full schedule. The official election notification will be issued on June 2, followed by the filing of nominations until June 9. Scrutiny will take place on June 10, and the last date for withdrawal is June 11.Counting of votes is scheduled for June 25. Out of the total Gram Panchayats going to polls, 4,688 will face regular elections, while 3,638 will undergo by-elections across all 33 districts of Gujarat.The Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the concerned areas. This panchayat election assumes special significance due to its delayed timeline. The process was initially held up by procedural and legal complexities surrounding the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation.The state government had proposed increasing OBC reservation in village panchayats from 10 per cent to 27 per cent, which led to the formation of the Zaveri Commission and subsequent legislation. With the legal framework now in place, the commission has moved ahead with the election plan. Elections will cover Gram Panchayats whose terms expired or are due to expire between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025.Officials have emphasised the importance of peaceful and fair polling and have called on candidates and voters alike to adhere to all electoral guidelines.Further details regarding polling stations, election personnel, and logistical arrangements are expected to be released in the coming days.–IANSjanvi/dan

Kolkata, May 28 (IANS) A day before the twin programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled at Alipurduar district of West Bengal on Thursday — one political and one administrative — a political slugfest has erupted over the two programmes.The slugfest was sparked on Wednesday after the Prime Minister posted two consecutive messages on X about the twin programmes to be held at Alipurduar.In the first message, the Prime Minister mentioned the administrative programme at Alipurduar that will be held immediately before he addresses a political rally there on the same day.“It is always a delight to be among the people of West Bengal. At a programme in Alipurduar in the afternoon tomorrow, 29th May, the foundation stone for City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts will be laid. This will benefit several households, improve the environment, and provide job opportunities for people,” the first message posted on the wall of the official X handle of the Prime Minister read.In his second message, the Prime Minister talked about the political rally at Alipurduar, where he referred to the alleged sufferings of the people of West Bengal because of rampant corruption.“I will be addressing a BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the last decade, the various schemes of the NDA Government have been greatly appreciated by the people of West Bengal. At the same time, they are tired of the corruption and poor administration of the TMC,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.Within minutes, the second message from the Prime Minister was posted. All India Trinamool Congress replied to that message through the party’s official X handle, where it indirectly described the Prime Minister as a “migratory bird” to West Bengal.“Since the migratory birds are making their seasonal visit to Bengal, why not answer one simple question: Why is the Centre still withholding Bengal’s rightful dues amounting to Rs 1.7 lakh crore?” the reply message from Trinamool Congress read.Commenting on this social media war, Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh squarely blamed the Prime Minister for “unnecessarily” attacking Trinamool Congress when the state’s ruling party has backed all initiatives of the Union Government over the evolving India-Pakistan conflict situation.“Such comments from the Prime Minister reflects narrow political outlook especially at a time when our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stressed on the unity of all political forces over the issue of national security and when member of the multi-party delegation including our general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are on overseas trips to explain India’s standpoint on the conflict situation. If the Prime Minister attacks the Trinamool Congress politically, he will be given the fitting reply,” Ghosh said.Former national secretary of the BJP, Rahul Sinha, said that the corruption level in West Bengal has reached such an alarming stage that no political leader other than those belonging to Trinamool Congress could refrain from commenting on the issue. “So it is natural for the Prime Minister, as executive head of the country, to refer to such events of corruption,” Sinha added.–IANSsrc/uk

Jaipur, May 28 (IANS) Nagaur MP and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) President Hanuman Beniwal on Wednesday accused the state and Central governments of tapping his phone.

Speaking during his ongoing sit-in protest at the Shaheed Memorial in Jaipur on Wednesday, Beniwal said, “Both governments are monitoring my calls. This is an attack on democracy and my personal freedom.”Beniwal also voiced concern over what he described as growing political interference in the judiciary under the Modi government.He criticised the state of law and order and reiterated his demand for the cancellation of the police sub-inspector recruitment, which he claims is marred by irregularities.“Our agitation will continue until justice is served to the youth,” he declared.The MP informed that he has requested time from the Governor to discuss key issues concerning the youth, including alleged irregularities in recruitment processes.He emphasised that the movement is not politically motivated but aimed at protecting the rights of young aspirants.Taking a jibe at the Congress party, Beniwal said, “Congress leaders are silent and inactive out of fear of being jailed for scams committed during their time in power.”He also drew a parallel with the Emergency imposed by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying, “Back then, despite having a majority, she imposed an Emergency to suppress opposition voices. Today, similar tactics are being used in different forms.”Beniwal’s statements add to the escalating political tension in Rajasthan, as he continues to position himself as a vocal critic of both major national parties.Rastriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) Chairman and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal continued his sit-in at the Shaheed Memorial in Jaipur on Wednesday.–IANSarc/dan

Bengaluru, May 28 (IANS) Booker Prize-winning Kannada author and activist Banu Mushtaq received a warm welcome at the Bengaluru International Airport on Wednesday as she visited the city for the first time after receiving the prestigious international award in London.Officials from the Kannada and Culture Department, Kannada activists, and airport staff welcomed her with garlands and bouquets. Yakshagana artists performed at the airport in her honour.Friends and family embraced her and congratulated her on the achievement. Banu Mushtaq walked with grace and a heartening smile, greeting the performing artists and graciously posing for selfies.The police provided a security escort to help her navigate through the crowd seamlessly.Later, Banu Mushtaq was felicitated at Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru at an event organised by the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association, Bahuroopi, and the Gandhi Trust.Speaking on the occasion, K.V. Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, stated that Banu Mushtaq is a weaver of humanity and Indianness. The Booker International Prize award recognition represents the sentiments of civilization in current times.“At a time when divisive forces, religious fanaticism, and fundamentalism are together pushing the world toward destruction, Banu Mushtaq’s writing, grounded in humanity and Indianness, has been recognised with the Booker International Prize,” he said.“This award, given in the name of literature, is a slap in the face of all fundamentalist forces. It challenges all forms of religious arrogance and acknowledges the human values that exist in all religions,” he said.Prabhakar acknowledged that some progressive writers have quietly murmured that there are greater literary figures than Banu Mushtaq.“But this award to Banu brings special joy, especially at a time when many have capitulated to fundamentalist forces. Without compromise, she has boldly expressed necessary truths in her stories, speeches, and essays. That’s why I feel this recognition to Banu is also a tribute to the idea of civil society, conveyed through Kannada,” he said.Banu, he added, sees not only the society and the context she lives in through a woman’s perspective but also perceives God through that lens.“After the Booker International Prize was announced, I read Banu’s story ‘Omme Hennagu Prabhuve’ (Once, Be a Woman, My Lord). In it, she questions whether a God who glorifies patriarchy can truly be divine. She advocates for a divine force that can accept a woman as a human being, and for the nurturing of feminine sensitivity — even through divinity,” Prabhakar noted.“Her stories are dialogues with the world,” he said, adding: “What sets Banu apart from other prominent writers is that she didn’t sit safely within four walls applying oil to her skin while writing. She involved herself in people’s movements, took a definitive stand, and remained committed to it with courage.”Banu Mushtaq has won the prestigious International Booker prize for the short story anthology, ‘Heart Lamp’.The award was announced at a ceremony held at London’s Tate Modern recently.’Heart Lamp’ is the first book written in the Kannada language to win the prestigious prize. The book dwells on the hardships of Muslim women of southern India. The book features 13 short stories written over three decades from 1990 to 2023.She began writing while in school and married a man of her choice. Her stream of thought and stories of the resilience of Muslim women angered the fundamental elements.Even as Mushtaq faced fatwah and attacks, she continued to raise her voice for Muslim women.Mushtaq described the honour as a victory for diversity after collecting the award. Her book was shortlisted among six worldwide titles.–IANSmka/pgh

Imphal, May 28 (IANS) A day after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, 10 NDA MLAs on Wednesday met the Governor, claiming that they have the support of 44 legislators in the 60-member Assembly to form a popular government in the state. The ten MLAs – 8 from the BJP and two from the National People’s Party (NPP) – have submitted a petition to the Governor with the signatures of 22 legislators seeking the formation of a new government.A Raj Bhavan statement said that the MLAs have urged the Governor to expedite the formation of a popular government in the state.”10 MLAs called on Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal today (Wednesday) and discussed the law and order and political situation in the state. The issues they discussed included, among others, initiating a peace process based on mutual understanding and strengthening of security arrangements,” the statement said.After the meeting at the Raj Bhavan, BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh claimed that 44 MLAs are ready to support the new government in Manipur.”However, the central leadership of the BJP would take the decision about the formation of the new government,” he told the media.People are facing a great deal of hardship, he said.”In the previous term of the first BJP government, we lost two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the current term, another more than two years have been lost due to the ethnic conflict.”The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President’s Rule on February 13, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.Biren Singh met the Governor on Tuesday and discussed the restoration of peace and normalcy and other vital issues of the state.A senior official had said that Biren Singh, who resigned from the Chief Minister’s post on February 9, four days before the promulgation of the President’s Rule in the trouble-torn state, requested Bhalla to take immediate steps to resolve the vital issues, including that of illegal immigrants.BJP’s Rajya Sabha member from Manipur, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, had, earlier this month, expressed hope that a popular government would be formed in the state within the next two months. He urged all political leaders to unite in dealing with the challenges the state has been facing.”The President’s rule alone cannot resolve the prevailing issues. A popular government can function closely in tandem with the people and find a solution to the present ethnic crisis,” he had told the media.BJP’s North East In-charge Sambit Patra also earlier this month visited the state’s Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts and met Kuki BJP MLAs Vungzagin Valte and Nemcha Kipgen and several Kuki-Zo and civil society organisations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU). Kipgen was the lone woman Minister in the Biren Singh-led government in Manipur.Patra also held closed-door meetings with Biren Singh, Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and various other leaders and MLAs in Imphal. However, neither Patra nor the BJP disclosed the matter of discussions of the series of meetings during his three-day stay in Manipur.His visit came nearly a week after 21 MLAs wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to reinstate a “popular government” in the state.According to an MLA, most of the 21 legislators belong to the BJP, and the remaining were from the National People’s Party (NPP), the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and Independents.In the letter, the MLAs told the Prime Minister and the Union Home that the people of Manipur welcome the President’s Rule with lots of hope and expectations, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy in the state have been seen so far.In a bid to resolve the two-year-long ethnic hostilities, the first tripartite meeting between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the representatives of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities was held in New Delhi on April 5. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the Meitei community apex body, held a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace in the state.–IANSsc/vd

Jaipur, May 28 (IANS) In a significant step toward accelerating industrial development and enhancing power infrastructure, the Rajasthan government has approved key land allotments aimed at boosting local employment and improving power quality.

Chief Minister Sharma has approved the allocation of over 106 hectares of land in Kanaikala village, located in Bhinay tehsil of Ajmer district, for the development of a new industrial zone.The land has been allotted to the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO) under Section 92 of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956, for the establishment of non-polluting industrial units. This initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities at the local level and significantly boost industrial growth in the region, said officials.In a parallel move to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure, Chief Minister Sharma has also approved a proposal for the allocation of 39.17 hectares of land in Sorsan village, Anta tehsil of Baran district. The land will be utilised by the Rajasthan State Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited (RSETCL) for the establishment of a 765 KV Grid Substation (GSS).This strategic installation will enhance the efficiency and reliability of the state’s power transmission network, ensuring a better quality power supply across the region. These decisions reaffirm the government’s commitment to industrial expansion and infrastructure development, laying a strong foundation for economic growth and employment in Rajasthan.–IANSarc/dan

Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Addressing the convocation ceremony of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday delivered a wide-ranging and impassioned speech that traversed themes of national security, demographic shifts, caste-based enumeration, and India’s civilisational identity.

Framing his address in the context of current governance and geopolitical realities, Dhankhar issued stark warnings about illegal migration, coerced religious conversions, and the manipulation of demographic balances.Setting the tone for his address, the Vice President stressed the foundational importance of peace in a thriving democracy. “Peace is quintessential, fundamental for the survival of democracy. Never forget, peace is secured from a position of strength,” he said. Underscoring the fragile yet vital balance between security and freedom, Dhankhar added, “Democracy can blossom and prosper only in peace that is earned through strength, effective security, economic resilience, internal harmony.”He warned that history has shown peace is sustainable only when nations are prepared for conflict: “Invasions can be thwarted and peace secured only when we are ever ready for war. Bharat has sent a global message. No longer shall we tolerate terrorism. We will liquidate it and destroy the source of it.”Moving to matters of internal security and social cohesion, Dhankhar described illegal migration and forced religious conversions as existential threats. He spoke of deliberate demographic alterations as part of a larger orchestrated agenda, stating, “When demographic balances are manipulated not by organic evolution but by sinister orchestrated design, then it is no longer a question of migration — it is a question of demographic invasion.”Citing official figures, he declared, “Bharat has suffered it. There are millions of illegal migrants. Can we suffer from them? We need people in this country who are committed to our civilisation, who believe in ‘Bharatiyata’, who believe in our nationalism, who are prepared to lay down their lives for the nation.”On religious conversions, Dhankhar cautioned against what he described as the “weaponisation of faith”: “Equally disturbing, worrisome, of deep concern is the weaponisation of faith through coerced or induced conversion. Where belief is replaced by inducement, every belief has to be voluntary, optional. It is induced by allurement! and choice by agenda. These are not isolated incidents.”In a significant endorsement of the government’s policy direction, Dhankhar hailed the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming census. He described it as a milestone for equitable governance. “The recent decision by the Government of India — a game-changing decision, a milestone in governance — is to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming decadal census. This will be transformative.”Highlighting the data-driven implications, he said, “If inequalities are there, they generate and breed inequities. That is not the essence of governance… Institutions like IIPS are uniquely positioned to play a crucial, critical role in interpreting such data and proposing inclusive solutions.”Calling for a renaissance of authentic public dialogue, the Vice President invoked India’s spiritual and intellectual traditions. “Authentic discourse is our core civilisational value. We cannot have rhetoric. We cannot have jingoism… Our heritage, drawn from Upanishads and Dharmashastras, celebrates dialogue over dogma, restraint over rage.”He distinguished between the inclusive spirit of Hinduism and majoritarian impulses, asserting, “The Hinduism majority deeply rooted in the civilisational spirit has never been guided by majoritarianism. People mistake it. Hinduism majority is not majoritarianism. These impulses are antithetical to us.”In his closing remarks, Dhankhar outlined his vision for India’s future, rooted in the “three Ds”: Demography, Democracy, and Diversity. “These three Ds define the soul of new Bharat… Demography represents the dynamic human capital that fuels the engine of progress. Democracy provides a robust framework for collective decision-making… Diversity? India represents to the entire world what diversity is.”He called on institutions like IIPS to use their research to “awaken those who need to address these challenges that have taken monstrous dimensions,” concluding that population data must be leveraged not just for development, but to secure the nation’s social and cultural harmony.–IANSbrt/dan