English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

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

Published

8 years ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

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.

Published

2 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

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.

Continue Reading

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

7 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

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.

Continue Reading

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

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com