Eminent industrialist and two-time MP, Naveen Jindal resigns from Congress party and joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls in India. He has been fielded from Kurukshetra constituency in the state of Haryana, where he has previously won two consecutive times. In his departure note, Jindal thanked Congress leadership and former PM Manmohan Singh, while also expressing his excitement to work towards PM Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
Naveen Jindal's Political Trajectory: Exit from Congress, Entry into BJP
In a significant political move, eminent industrialist and two-time Member of Parliament, Naveen Jindal, resigned from the Indian National Congress (INC) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014.
Background
Naveen Jindal is the Chairman of the Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), a leading steel and power company. He entered politics in 2004, when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kurukshetra constituency in Haryana as an INC candidate. He went on to serve two consecutive terms.
Departure from Congress
In a brief statement issued on March 26, 2014, Jindal announced his resignation from the INC. He thanked the Congress leadership and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for their support. However, he expressed his belief that it was time for him to move on.
Joining the BJP
Days after his resignation from the INC, Jindal joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was fielded as the BJP candidate from Kurukshetra in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and went on to win for a third consecutive term.
** Gründe für die Parteiwechsel**
Jindal's reasons for leaving the INC and joining the BJP have been widely speculated. Some believe that he was disillusioned with the Congress leadership and its handling of the economy. Others suggest that he was attracted by the BJP's pro-business policies and its focus on national development.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why did Naveen Jindal leave the Congress party? A1: He expressed his belief that it was time for him to move on.
Q2: When did he join the BJP? A2: Just days after his resignation from the INC in March 2014.
Q3: What constituency did he contest from in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections? A3: Kurukshetra in Haryana.
Q4: Did he win the election? A4: Yes, he won for a third consecutive term.
Q5: What is his current role in the BJP? A5: He is a Member of Parliament and is known to be a vocal supporter of the party's policies.
Catch up on the latest books, cinema, health, world affairs, and science news with The Hindu's daily e-Paper. With dedicated sections covering books, headlines, cinema, health, world affairs, and science, stay informed and entertained in one convenient newsletter. Plus, get daily news highlights from Karnataka and the top 5 technology stories of the day in Today's Cache.
Category: Technology Title: "Google Reveals Exciting Updates for Android 16 and Set Timeline for Release" Google announces the launch of the second Developer Preview for Android 16, with a confirmed release between April and June 2025. The new preview introduces a range of updates, including enhanced performance tools, advanced accessibility options, and improved security measures. The timeline for the platform's release has been set, with a major SDK release expected in Q2 and smaller updates throughout the year. The updates aim to streamline app development and improve functionality for Android 16.
Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of Epigamia, a popular yogurt brand, passed away at the age of 42 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. The senior leadership of Drums Food International, the parent company of Epigamia, confirmed the news and expressed their sorrow. Mirchandani, an alumnus of prominent universities, was a mentor, friend, and leader to many in the startup community, and his death has shocked and saddened them. This comes just a month after the sudden passing of Ambareesh Murty, co-founder of Pepperfry, and earlier this year, the untimely death of Rohan Malhotra, co-founder of Good Capital.
Amid uncertainty and concerns about the displacement of lakhs of Dharavi locals, the controversial Dharavi Development Project has become a major issue in Maharashtra's election politics. The Adani Group's involvement has raised questions about the prioritization of profit over people. With locals taking to the streets to protest the project, The News Minute's Pooja Prasanna investigates the consequences and dynamics underlying the contentious redevelopment.
Despite long-standing interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United's manager, Eddie Howe, is confident that Alexander Isak will remain at the club. The Sweden international recently scored a hat-trick in their match against Ipswich Town, showcasing his goalscoring abilities and attracting more attention from top clubs. However, Howe remains determined to keep Isak and build a successful team around him, with no plans to let him leave anytime soon. Talks of a potential contract extension are also being put on hold for now, as there is no urgency to get a new deal done.
In the 55th GST Council meeting, the latest changes to GST rates were announced for various items. Ready-to-eat popcorn will now have varying GST rates depending on how it is prepared and sold. Pre-packaged popcorn will have a higher GST rate of 12%, while popcorn sold loose will have a lower rate of 5%. In the automotive sector, the GST rate for used cars sold by businesses will be increased from 12% to 18%. Additionally, vouchers will not be considered goods or services, and hence, will not be subject to GST.
During the 55th GST Council meeting, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax on rice kernels has been reduced from 18% to 5%, while life-saving gene therapy will now be exempt from tax. Additionally, parts used in manufacturing surface-to-air missiles will continue to be exempt from GST. However, the tax rate on caramelised popcorn has been increased to 18%, citing its harmful effects on health. The Finance Minister also clarified that payment aggregators will be eligible for exemptions, but this does not apply to payment gateways and fintech services.
In an effort to bring joy and togetherness to the holiday season, Amazon India has announced the 8th edition of its Holiday Toy List. The thoughtfully curated store features over 1.6 million products from more than 10,000 brands, including popular options like LEGO, Hot Wheels, and Hasbro. Director Rajarshi Guin states that the store is focused on elevating the gifting experience for families and gift-givers, making every gift an unforgettable highlight of the season.
Bajaj Auto, the Pune-based motorcycle specialist, has introduced the new 35 Series of the popular Chetak electric scooter with three variants. With a starting price of Rs 1.27 lakh, the feature-loaded 3501 variant aims to compete with its counterparts like TVS iQube, Ola S1, and Ather Rizta in the Indian market. With the customer-friendly delivery schedule, Bajaj Auto is confident to retain its leadership position in the electric two-wheeler segment. This strategic move by the company not only caters to the needs of young riders but also showcases its commitment to providing cutting-edge technology with neo-classic style.
Amidst all the excitement surrounding Trump's U.S. election victory, fund manager Sean Peche is urging investors to take a closer look at Europe. According to Peche, there are some "very attractively priced" companies in the region that have been overshadowed by the Trump euphoria. Peche believes that stocks such as French bank BNP Paribas and Dutch investment bank ABN Amro, with consistent growth and high dividends, are being ignored by investors. He also points out "attractive" stocks in the UK, such as Associated British Foods, which owns retail giant Primark. While political turmoil in France and the UK may raise concerns, Peche remains unfazed and advises against overlooking these opportunities.