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EC recommends disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for Office Of Profit

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8 years ago

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EC recommends disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for Office Of Profit

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Disqualification of 20 MLAs will leave AAP with a reduced strength of 42 in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, still in majority, while by-polls would have to be held for the vacant seats.

In a major jolt to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s government, the Election Commission has reportedly recommended to President Ram Nath Kovind to disqualify 20 of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) 63 legislators for allegedly holding offices of profit.

The EC’s opinion has been communicated to the President just three days before Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti retires.

The President is bound to go by the recommendation of the Commission, reported PTI. In cases where petitions are made seeking disqualification of lawmakers, the President sends a reference to the EC which decides on the case by sending back its opinion.

Initially, the case was against 21 MLAs but it now stands at 20 after Rajouri Garden MLA Jarnail Singh resigned to contest against Parkash Singh Badal in the Punjab Assembly elections last year.

The MLAs whose fate hangs in balance are Alka Lamba, Adarsh Shastri, Sanjeev Jha, Rajesh Gupta, Kailash Gehlot, Vijendra Garg, Praveen Kumar, Sharad Kumar, Madan Lal Khufiya, Shiv Charan Goyal, Sarita Singh, Naresh Yadav, Rajesh Rishi, Anil Kumar, Som Dutt, Avtar Singh, Sukhvir Singh Dala, Manoj Kumar, Nitin Tyagi and Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar).

The EC has refused to comment on the development, saying that the matter is still sub judice. Sources confirmed that AAP MLAs including Madanlal, Nitin Tyagi, Rajesh Gupta have moved the Delhi High Court against the disqualification order by the Election Commission.

Advocate Samir Vashist urgently mentioned the matter in the court of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal who sent the matter to the court of Justice Rekha Palli.

“It was only AK Joti, Election commissioner, who heard that matter. We were asked to give written submissions which we had done saying that whenever the order is passed, we should be informed about it. But the order came without any prior intimation to us,” AAP MLA Madanlal said.

Delhi chief minister Kejriwal and his party colleagues too have refrained from officially commenting on the issue, maintaining that they would first study the EC’s recommendation and the order of the President. Kejriwal has convened a meeting of his ministers and associates from the party to discuss the situation and prepare for the aftermath of the disqualification.

However, AAP spokesperson Nagendar Sharma tweeted:

This must be the first ever recommendation in EC history where a recommendation has been sent without even hearing the main matter on merits. NO HEARING TOOK PLACE IN EC ON THE POINT OF OFFICE OF PROFIT[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]If the MLAs are indeed disqualified and AAP fails to get relief from the Delhi High Court against the order, Delhi will witness a by-poll for these 20 seats. The by-election would be a major challenge for AAP since it would come at a time when the party’s credibility will have taken a hit in wake of the disqualifications. The party is already facing an implosion of sorts ever since it declared its candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls and decided to deny a ticket to founding-member Kumar Vishwas.

The legislators who have reportedly been disqualified were embroiled in a controversy over holding offices of profit allegations that had been made against many of them soon after they were elected to the Delhi Assembly in 2015 when AAP registered a historic win, bagging 67 of the state’s 70 seats. Lawyer and political activist Prashant Patel had claimed that since these legislators were also serving as parliamentary secretaries – an office for which the government pays a fixed salary – they ought to be disqualified on the grounds of holding an office of profit. The legislators had pleaded for the case against them to be dropped by the EC in June 2017, but their pleas were rejected.

In August 2017, the Delhi High Court had refused the MLAs’ plea for staying the poll panel’s order upholding maintainability of Patel’s petition despite quashing their appointment as parliamentary secretaries in 2016.

In October 2017, AAP had got a minor relief when President Ram Nath Kovind rejected a petition seeking disqualification of AAP MLA Surendra Singh for allegedly holding an office of profit after an opinion was given in the matter by the Election Commission. The petition against Surendra Singh had alleged that the AAP MLA had been earning a salary from the Public Works Department of the Delhi government as well as from New Delhi Municipal Council. President Kovind had, however, rejected the demand forSingh’s disqualification stating that the in the poll panel’s opinion Singh was not holding an ‘office’ under the government within the meaning of section 15(1) (a) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, as he was a member of the NDMC by virtue of the NDMC Act and the government had no role in the appointment or dismissal of such members.

While neither the EC nor the AAP have officially confirmed the media reports over these disqualifications, Delhi Congress unit chief Ajay Maken has been quick to assert that Kejriwal has “no right to continue” as the chief minister. In a series of tweets, Maken attacked the Delhi chief minister and said: “half of his cabinet ministers (have been) removed on corruption charges. 20 MLAs who were enjoying ministerial perks would be disqualified.” Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tewari also echoed Maken’s views and demanded Kejriwal’s resignation.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Saurav Bhardwaj hit out at Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti for indulging in a conspiracy to help the BJP in Delhi.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India and Russia vow to walk together against terrorism, reaffirm strategic partnership

PM Modi and President Putin reaffirm India-Russia unity against terrorism, deepen energy and trade cooperation, and discuss peace efforts amid the Ukraine conflict.

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1 hour ago

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December 5, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday underlined that India and Russia “walk together in the fight against terrorism,” reinforcing a decades-old strategic partnership that remains steady amid global geopolitical churn. The leaders issued the joint statement following talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi, where they also announced steps to boost trade, economic cooperation, and energy collaboration.

India-Russia stand firm on counter-terror cooperation

PM Modi described President Putin as a “dear friend” and highlighted Moscow’s consistent support to India on counter-terror efforts. Russia had earlier strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, and reiterated solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism in all forms.

The joint remarks emphasized that the bilateral friendship, rooted in trust and mutual respect, has remained resilient for decades despite global challenges.

Focus on energy, trade and use of national currencies

A key highlight of the engagement was Russia reaffirming “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India. PM Modi expressed gratitude for Russia’s commitment, noting energy cooperation as a crucial pillar of the relationship. While he did not specifically mention oil purchases, given ongoing Western pressure, he emphasised cooperation in civil nuclear and clean energy.

The two countries also discussed expanding economic ties, including a possible free trade agreement. President Putin said bilateral trade was being targeted to reach USD 100 billion, and acknowledged progress toward using national currencies for payments — a remark expected to draw global attention.

Putin shares peace plan insights on Ukraine conflict

Putin briefed the Prime Minister on Russia’s perspective for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war and appreciated India’s continued role as a “champion of peace.” PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position on dialogue and diplomacy.

Agreements across jobs, health, shipping and minerals

Officials exchanged multiple agreements covering employment mobility, health, shipping, chemicals and cooperation in critical minerals — further broadening the strategic footprint of the partnership.

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India News

RBI cuts repo rate to 5.25%, paving the way for cheaper loans

The RBI has cut the repo rate to 5.25%, aiming to support growth as inflation softens. The central bank also raised GDP projections and announced liquidity-boosting measures.

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

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Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on Thursday, signalling relief for borrowers as banks are expected to offer lower EMIs on home and vehicle loans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the move after the conclusion of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

RBI prioritises growth as inflation eases

Malhotra said the decision was unanimous, with the central bank choosing to focus on supporting economic momentum despite concerns over a weak rupee. The repo rate was earlier cut in June from 6% to 5.5% amid easing inflation trends.

The RBI now projects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2% for FY2025-26, significantly softer than earlier estimates. For the first quarter of FY2026-27, inflation is expected at 3.9%, lower than the previous projection. The governor noted that rising precious metal prices may contribute to the headline CPI, but overall risks to inflation remain balanced.

GDP outlook strengthened

In a strong upward revision, the central bank increased the GDP forecast for the current financial year to 7.3%, previously estimated at 6.8%. Growth for the October–December quarter has also been revised to 6.7%.

The last quarter registered a six-quarter high expansion of 8.2%, reflecting resilient demand and steady credit flow.

“The growth-inflation balance continues to offer policy space,” Malhotra said, reiterating that the RBI’s stance remains neutral.

Other key decisions

Alongside the repo rate cut, the RBI announced adjustments to key policy corridors:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%

To improve liquidity and strengthen monetary transmission, the RBI will conduct forex swaps and purchase ₹1 lakh crore worth of government bonds through Open Market Operations (OMO).

RBI reviews a challenging year

Reflecting on 2025, Malhotra said the year delivered strong growth and moderate inflation even as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persisted. He added that bank credit and retail lending remained healthy, providing support to the economy.

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India News

IndiGo flight chaos deepens as over 500 services cancelled, passengers stranded for hours

Over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded without food, clarity or their luggage as airports struggled to manage the disruption.

Published

7 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

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IndiGo flight

India’s largest airline continued to face massive operational breakdowns, triggering frustration among travellers at major airports across the country. From piles of unattended suitcases to passengers waiting over 12 hours without food or clarity, the disruption stretched into its fourth consecutive day.

Long delays, no communication leave passengers anguished

Several travellers at Delhi airport described the situation as “mental torture”, as thousands of unclaimed suitcases lay scattered across the terminal. Many slept on the floor, while others expressed anger over the lack of communication from airline staff.

One flier said he had been waiting for over 12 hours without any explanation: “Every time they say one-hour or two-hour delays. We were going to a wedding but don’t even have our luggage.”

A passenger in Hyderabad recounted a similar ordeal, saying the flight was delayed indefinitely with no food, water, or updates from the airline. At the airport, some travellers blocked an Air India flight in protest over the lack of arrangements.

Goa and Chennai airports also witnessed tense moments. Videos from Goa showed fliers shouting at IndiGo staff as police attempted to calm the situation. At Chennai, CISF denied entry to IndiGo passengers due to heavy congestion.

Major metro airports impacted; cascading cancellations nationwide

Flight cancellations and delays were reported across multiple airports:

  • Over 200 flights were cancelled in Delhi
  • More than 100 each in Mumbai and Bengaluru
  • Around 90 in Hyderabad
  • Dozens more in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bhopal

Pune airport stated that parking bay congestion worsened the situation, as several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to lack of crew. Other airlines continued operations without disruption.

Airport authorities said they had mobilised additional manpower for crowd control and passenger support.

IndiGo admits planning lapses, says more cancellations expected

The airline acknowledged a “misjudgment” in assessing crew requirements under revised night-duty norms, which it said created planning gaps. Winter weather and airport congestion further aggravated the crisis.

IndiGo informed the aviation ministry and DGCA that some regulatory changes—such as the shift in night-duty timings and a cap on night landings—have been rolled back temporarily to stabilise operations.

The airline warned that cancellations may continue for another two to three days, and from December 8, schedules will be trimmed to prevent further disruption.

In a message to employees, CEO Pieter Elbers said restoring punctuality would not be an “easy target”.

Airline issues apology amid nationwide frustration

In a late-night statement, IndiGo apologised to customers and industry partners, acknowledging the widespread inconvenience caused by the disruptions. The airline said all teams were working with authorities to bring operations back to normal.

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