With a strong appeal to the masses due to PM Modi's popularity, the ruling BJP in Gujarat is facing a tough competition as local leader Prahlad Gunjal gains popularity and steals the spotlight from two-time MP, Birla. As BJP's goal to win all 26 seats in the state is no longer feasible, they are now focused on showcasing their strength and making bold moves in the upcoming assembly elections. Meanwhile, Varun Gandhi has reportedly been approached for a seat in Rae Bareli, but the party remains cautious in this risky decision as they face competition from Congress candidate Munish Tamang.
Amulya: A BJP Candidate Facing Off Against Bengaluru Election Officials
In the recent Bengaluru elections, BJP candidate Amulya stirred controversy after making provocative statements at a rally. This led to election officials issuing a show-cause notice to her, raising questions about her eligibility to contest.
Background
Amulya Leona Noronha, known as Amulya, is a 30-year-old social activist and BJP candidate for the Bengaluru South constituency. She is known for her outspoken views and has been involved in several controversies in the past.
During a rally on February 13, 2023, Amulya allegedly made derogatory remarks against certain communities, calling for their exclusion from voting. This sparked outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for her disqualification.
Election Official's Response
Election officials swiftly responded to the controversy by issuing Amulya a show-cause notice. The notice asked her to explain why she should not be disqualified for violating the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits candidates from making inflammatory statements.
Amulya has since apologized for her remarks, but the issue has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of hate speech in politics.
BJP's Response
The BJP has initially distanced itself from Amulya's statements, but later expressed support for her. However, the party has been under pressure to take disciplinary action against her.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Model Code of Conduct?
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to ensure fair and peaceful elections. It prohibits candidates from making inflammatory statements, using hate speech, or engaging in any activity that could disrupt the electoral process.
2. What are the possible consequences of violating the Model Code of Conduct?
Candidates who violate the Model Code of Conduct may be disqualified from contesting elections or face other penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.
3. What is the BJP's stance on Amulya's remarks?
The BJP has initially distanced itself from Amulya's remarks but later expressed support for her. However, the party is under pressure to take disciplinary action against her.
4. What is the significance of this controversy in the context of hate speech and politics?
The controversy highlights the increasing prevalence of hate speech in Indian politics and the need for strong measures to address it.
5. What is the likely outcome of the show-cause notice issued to Amulya?
The outcome of the show-cause notice is yet to be determined. However, it is likely that election officials will take strict action against Amulya if they find that her remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
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The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.