Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has announced a significant increase in India's exports, citing improved trade relations and policies. Along with this positive news, there has also been an improvement in the country's stock market and investment tracking, indicating a boost in the economy. Experts predict this trend to continue, making it a promising time for investors and the business sector.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently attended the Sant Samagam in Rajasthan and emphasised the importance of ancient Sanatan Dharma in India's growth. He praised Rajasthan as a land of devotion and strength, and acknowledged the contributions of the saints and devotees towards societal welfare. The event also saw the unveiling of statues of Baba Abhayanath and Baba Kartarpuri by the CM.
In a nail-biting match, team India emerged victorious against South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup. The entire country, particularly the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, erupted in celebration as fans took to the streets to express their joy and pride. Even Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma congratulated the team for their historic win, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the players.
Following the tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has approved a financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of four victims from Jaipur. Along with the compensation, an agreement has been reached with the state government to provide jobs and other support to the dependents of the deceased. The CM has also reassured that the culprits will not go unpunished under the zero-tolerance policy against terrorism adopted by the central government.
In a major upset, the BJP, which had won all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan in 2019, could only manage to secure 14 seats this time. Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal were able to retain their seats, but former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot was defeated in Jalore. The Congress was able to make gains in Churu and Barmer, where Jats voted against the BJP. This trend was also observed in Haryana. Sources attribute the loss to a lack of developmental issues and infighting within the BJP.
In a letter to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena has alleged irregularities in a multi-storey housing project that could potentially cause a loss of Rs 1,146 crore to the exchequer. He pointed out illegal means used to approve the project without Cabinet approval and highlighted the undervaluation of the project. In the past, Meena has made headlines for his protests against the Congress government and has now grabbed attention for his letter to the CM.
A former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has alleged that during the 2020 political crisis in the state, he was instructed by Gehlot to track the phones and movements of rebel Congress MLAs, including Sachin Pilot. The OSD, Lokesh Sharma, claimed that he was also given a pen drive with recordings of phone calls between the rebels and instructed to share them with the media. The BJP has responded by calling Sharma a non-member of the organisation and claiming that he is acting on their instructions. This revelation has sparked legal troubles for Gehlot, as Sharma is facing criminal charges for his involvement in the leaked audio clips.
With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the contest for the Kota Bundi seat in Rajasthan is heating up as Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bairwa and Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena are making efforts to woo different communities. Dr. Bairwa addressed the Scheduled Caste Conference and public meetings, targeting Congress for using Dalits as a mere vote bank and for their alleged corruption and atrocities against women. He also praised Prime Minister Modi for his efforts in uplifting women and including marginalized communities in the mainstream.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah set the streets of Jaipur on fire as he led a vibrant 1.8 km roadshow for BJP candidate Manju Sharma in her race against Congress' Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. Accompanied by top leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Home Minister Shah urged voters to cast their ballots in the morning hours and bring the BJP and Lotus party symbol to power, securing another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amidst a sea of saffron flags and cheers, the Home Minister also promised a grand Ram Temple celebration in Ayodhya after 500 years.
At a rally in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to take strict action against corruption and promised that the guilty will go to jail. He also mentioned the formation of the "INDI alliance" by the opposition, which is seen as a move to counter him. Meanwhile, in another political development, CBI arrested a BRS legislator in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. And in a separate rally, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi accused the media of being silent on important issues like unemployment and inflation, and criticized the Modi government for not addressing the concerns of farmers, youth, and women.