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Atmosphere in Haryana not right for BJP chief Amit Shah’s rally

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8 years ago

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Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah’s proposed rally next week in Haryana has got state Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar in a bind. He has to ensure there is law and order problem from Jats who threaten to disrupt it, and he has to ensure that the rally itself adheres to prescriptions of environmental laws laid down by National Green Tribunal (NGT).

For, if the Jats’ threat to disrupt BJP president Amit Shah’s proposed one-lakh bike rally wasn’t enough, the NGT has also put a spanner in the works by serving a notice on a petition raising the issue of pollution.

To queer the pitch further, Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala said that his party workers would greet Amit Shah with black flags if he came by road, and black balloons if he came by helicopter, The Tribune reported. He alleged that the Centre was working against the state by not completing the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal despite Supreme Court orders.

The All India Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) resolve to disrupt the rally alarmed the Manoharlal Khattar-led BJP government in Haryana enough to ask for 150 companies of central forces to deal with the situation.

AIJASS chief Yashpal Malik has cited non-fulfilment of a number of the group’s demands as the reason for the plan to disrupt Shah’s rally on Feb 15. The Jats reportedly plan to block the one lakh bike rally with nearly 50,000 tractor trolleys.

Atmosphere in Haryana not right for BJP chief Amit Shah's rally

He asked the volunteers to ensure to fill the fuel tanks of their tractor-trailers in advance as the government could impose a ban on filling diesel in tractors in view of the protests. “We will clog all roads in Jind with tractors. We will go to him and ask as why their government is betraying our community,” said media reports quoting Malik.

A nervous state government sought to make preparations. “The state has sought 150 companies of central forces. We are closely monitoring the situation. We are holding a high- level meeting tomorrow,” Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sandhu said, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Along with trying to beef up security, the Haryana government has also tried to placate the Jats, announcing withdrawal of 70 cases against Jats registered during the February 2016 quota stir. According to media reports quoting police officials, the orders to withdraw 70 cases from courts were issued on Tuesday. A total of 822 people were accused in the 70 FIRs. In December, orders were issued for withdrawal of 15 cases in which 47 persons were accused and similar instructions were earlier given in connection with 138 cases, in which 1,158 people were accused.

So far, the government has approved withdrawal of 223 cases, in which a total of 2,027 persons are accused. The final decision rests with the courts. The police said the cases proposed to be withdrawn pertain to offences like unlawful assembly, rioting, wrongful restraint, obstructing a public official from discharging duty. Cases pertaining to heinous crimes like murder were not to be withdrawn. In February 2016 Jat quota stir, around 30 people were killed and more than 300 people injured.

The move didn’t cut any ice with Jats. Dismissing the Haryana government’s move to withdraw criminal cases, Malik said: “Successive governments have been fooling us with such petty tactics. Our agitation stands as per schedule. We shall not rest till our goal of reservation in government jobs and educational institutions is achieved. All the cases, heinous or non-heinous in nature, should be withdrawn by the government.”

“If they don’t, we are prepared to take our tractor-trailers to choke Jind during Amit Shah’s rally. The BJP president needs to know how the government is betraying the Jat community,” said the HT report quoting Malik.

The Jat leader also asked the state and central government to set a deadline for introducing Jat quota in Haryana. “In Haryana, the matter is pending in the high court and at Centre, the bill is pending in the Lok Sabha. We have got nothing except assurances,” Malik said.

Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said no one will be allowed to break law and order and peace in the state. He maintained that most of the demands of the Jat community have been fulfilled.

Be that as it may, he also has to take care of environmental concerns. The NGT has issued notices to the Centre and the Haryana government on a petition that sought a reduction in the number of bikes to be mobilised for BJP president Amit Shah’s upcoming rally in Haryana .

Citing the already severe air pollution in the National Capital Region, advocate Victor Dhissa had filed a petition against the one lakh bike rally, saying it would affect the air quality in a negative way. A NGT Bench headed by judicial member SP Wangdi issued notices to the Haryana government, the State Pollution Control Board, the Central Pollution Control Board and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, seeking their responses by February 13.

The petitioner, Victor Dhissa, a Supreme Court lawyer, has contended that instead of motorbikes, the state government should opt for bicycles or other environment friendly modes of transport for the rally. It will also be beneficial for the health of those riding bicycles, the petition reads.

The petitioner said he was forced to prefer the application following the announcement that one lakh motorbikes will be mobilised for the rally being organized by Haryana government for honouring and welcoming the president of a political party.

“As recent as November 2017, Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) was facing widespread poor ambient air quality to the extent of schools being shut down, public advisories being issued asking people to stay indoors….. However, to the utter shock of the applicant, the Haryana government has mindlessly organized this huge motorbike rally which is certainly going to have a long term environmental harm to the NCR area. The state government should also consider the impact of such a huge motorbike rally on noise pollution levels,” the petitioner contended.

It pointed out that Jind district, which is in the NCR, has an approximate area of 3,606 square kilometres with a population of 1.68 lakh. “If the state government is allowed to carry on with the mobilization of one lakh bikes and their assembly in Jind, it would cause major congestion in the area in addition to air and noise pollution… Most of the two wheelers in the NCR were not complying with the latest Bharat Stage-IV emission norms and were much older, which would further contribute to air pollution,” the petition said.

Praying that Haryana government should be directed to carry out an exercise to determine which motor bikes were compliant with the current emission norms, the petitioner has sought directions to the state government to either reduce the number of motor bikes proposed to be mobilized for the event or use more environment friendly modes – bicycles, e rickshaws, travel on foot.

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BJP nominates Laxmi Verma to Rajya Sabha from Chhattisgarh

The BJP has announced Laxmi Verma as its Rajya Sabha nominee from Chhattisgarh, with her election considered certain given the party’s Assembly strength.

Published

2 days ago

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March 3, 2026

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Laxmi verma of BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Laxmi Verma as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha from Chhattisgarh, naming her as part of a broader list of nominees released for six states. The decision comes after weeks of internal consultations and is being viewed as backing the preference of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.

Party deliberations and final selection

According to party sources, seven names were initially considered before the list was narrowed to three — Laxmi Verma, Narayan Chandel and Krishnamurthy Bandhi. After discussions at the central level, the BJP leadership finalised Verma’s candidature.

Verma, 55, hails from Mudpar village in Simga block of Balodabazar district. She has been associated with the BJP since 1990, beginning as a primary member and gradually rising through the organisational ranks.

Long association with BJP and public roles

Her political journey includes serving as the representative of Raipur MP Ramesh Bais in 2000. In 2001, she was elected to the BJP Mahila Morcha Working Committee, a role she held for four years.

Between 2010 and 2014, Verma was part of the National Working Committee of the BJP Panchayati Raj Cell. She also remained a member of the BJP Mahila Morcha Working Committee from 2010 to 2022. From 2021 to 2025, she served as State Vice President of the BJP in Chhattisgarh. During this period, she was entrusted with responsibilities as Gariaband organisation in-charge and BJP media spokesperson between 2021 and 2024.

Verma’s public life began in 1994 when she was elected councillor from Ward No. 7 of the Raipur Municipal Corporation. In 2010, she became president of the Raipur District Panchayat. Since October 7, 2024, she has been serving as a member of the Chhattisgarh State Women’s Commission.

Social and community engagement

Apart from party responsibilities, Verma has been active in several social organisations. She became president of Shakti Mahila Manch, Raipur, in 1998 and received the District Youth Award from Nehru Yuva Kendra, Raipur, in 1999.

She has also been associated with the Labor Rehabilitation Committee in Raipur and has served as Chief Patron of the Chhattisgarh Ekta Mazdoor Kalyan Sangh since 2009. Since 2011, she has been an advisory member of the Family Court, Raipur. Additionally, she has held positions in the All India Panchayat Parishad and the Chhattisgarh Scout Guides.

Verma is regarded as an influential figure within the Manwa Kurmi community and currently serves as National General Secretary of the All India Kurmi Kshatriya Mahasabha Women’s Wing.

Rajya Sabha arithmetic

Chhattisgarh presently has five members in the Rajya Sabha. Two seats, currently held by Congress leaders Phoolodevi Netam and KTS Tulsi, are set to fall vacant on April 9, 2026. Two other Congress MPs — Rajiv Shukla and Ranjeet Ranjan — have terms lasting until June 29, 2028. BJP leader Devendra Pratap Singh will continue in office until April 2, 2030.

With 90 MLAs in the Chhattisgarh Assembly and two Rajya Sabha seats going to polls, the winning quota is calculated at 31 first-preference votes. Given the BJP’s current strength in the Assembly, Verma’s election is widely seen as certain once voting is held.

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Total lunar eclipse on March 3: When and how to watch blood moon safely

A total lunar eclipse on March 3 will create a stunning blood moon. Here are the timings, visibility details and safe viewing tips for India and other regions.

Published

2 days ago

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March 3, 2026

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Lunar Ecliple234

Sky-watchers across several parts of the world are set to witness a spectacular total lunar eclipse on March 3, when the Moon will take on a striking coppery-red hue, popularly known as a “blood moon”.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow completely over the lunar surface. During this phase, instead of turning dark, the Moon glows in shades of deep red or orange. This phenomenon happens because the Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, allowing only red wavelengths to reach the Moon.

Where will the lunar eclipse be visible

The total lunar eclipse will be visible across eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region, and parts of North and South America.

In India, only the final phase of the eclipse will be visible around moonrise at sunset. Northeastern states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal are expected to have a view of the celestial event, subject to clear weather conditions.

According to official timings shared by the India Meteorological Department, the eclipse schedule in India is as follows:

  • Eclipse begins: 3:20 pm
  • Total phase begins: 4:34 pm
  • Total phase ends: 5:33 pm
  • Eclipse ends: 6:48 pm

Globally, totality will last for approximately 58 minutes, from 6:04 am EST (1104 GMT / 4:34 pm IST) to 7:02 am EST (1202 GMT / 5:32 pm IST).

Is it safe to watch the blood moon

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe with the naked eye. There is no need for protective eyewear.

Experts advise choosing a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best experience. While the eclipse can be seen without equipment, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view and bring out the Moon’s reddish tones more clearly.

Tips for photographing the blood moon

Those planning to capture the rare event can consider the following tips:

  1. Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a telephoto lens between 200 mm and 600 mm for closer shots.
  2. Increase the ISO between 400 and 1600 and slow the shutter speed to around 1–2 seconds during totality to capture the dimmer red glow.
  3. Use a tripod to ensure stability and avoid blurred images.

The March 3 total lunar eclipse offers astronomy enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness one of the most captivating natural spectacles in the night sky.

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PM Modi to review ministry reforms in next cabinet meeting, ministers asked to submit impact report

PM Narendra Modi will review major reforms undertaken by ministries since the formation of the government in June 2024, with ministers directed to submit a two-page impact report.

Published

2 days ago

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March 3, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to review the key reforms undertaken by various ministries since the formation of the government for a third term in June 2024. Ministers have been directed to submit a concise report highlighting the most significant changes introduced by their departments and their measurable impact.

According to sources, the Prime Minister wants to assess reforms that have directly improved the lives of citizens and enhanced the ease of doing business in the country.

Ministers asked to list three major reforms

During his first cabinet meeting on February 24 at Seva Tirtha, the Prime Minister instructed all ministers to prepare a list of major reforms carried out by their respective ministries. The Cabinet Secretary subsequently circulated a standard format for submissions.

Each ministry has been asked to identify three key reforms along with their impact, summarised within a two-page document. The reports are expected to be presented at the next cabinet meeting, which is likely to take place this week.

Sources said ministries are currently working at a rapid pace to compile the required details.

Focus on sector-specific achievements

Officials indicated that several ministries are preparing to highlight notable policy interventions and administrative measures undertaken since June 2024.

A senior official from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said the department has implemented reforms aimed at simplifying processes for consumers and businesses. These include changes in legal metrology and quality control frameworks.

The Home Ministry is expected to outline progress in its campaign against Naxalism and steps taken towards modernising the police force.

The Defence Ministry may present updates related to production policy and incentive schemes designed to strengthen self-reliance in the sector. Measures focusing on artificial intelligence and quantum technology are also likely to be part of the discussion.

Sources added that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has moved to decriminalise minor violations under the Water Pollution Act, a step aimed at promoting ease of doing business.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport is expected to highlight the implementation of a satellite-based toll system and revised FASTag rules to simplify travel and improve compliance.

Push for accountability under Modi 3.0

Sources said the government views this review exercise as a way to increase accountability and directly evaluate the tangible outcomes of reform initiatives. The move is being seen as part of efforts to accelerate the reform agenda under the third term of the Modi government.

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