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Congress slams Modi govt, says India in its most precarious, difficult economic situation in many years

He pointed out that two-wheeler sales in rural regions, a key indicator of economic health, remain below 2018 levels.

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The Congress on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government, saying India is in its most precarious and difficult economic situation in many years, adding wage stagnation, inflation and inequality are undermining consumption growth in the country.

Congress General Secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh warned that failure to address existing chokepoints could severely hinder growth in the coming years.

He noted that over the past three decades, India’s economic narrative has centered on consumption, with millions of families successfully moving out of poverty and into the middle class, now capable of purchasing goods and assets. He asserted this signified a robust and rapidly expanding economy benefiting a broad swath of society.

However, Ramesh pointed out that this consumption trend has reversed in the last decade, posing a significant challenge for the Indian economy. Voices from India Inc. echo his concerns, with one prominent CEO remarking that the middle class is shrinking.

Ramesh identified several key factors contributing to this downturn: stagnant wages, soaring inflation, and rising inequality.

He explained that evidence from various data sources, including the recently published Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-2023, demonstrates that workers today have less purchasing power than they did a decade ago.

The Congress leader warned that the stagnation in wages might correlate with a decline in labor productivity, leaving families with less disposable income for consumption.

Addressing the issue of high inflation, Ramesh cited Dr. Viral Acharya, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, highlighting the rise of five major conglomerates, including the Adani Group, which have formed monopolies in 40 sectors such as cement, chemicals, and construction.

He claimed that in 2015, for every Rs 100 spent by consumers, Rs 18 went to industrialists, whereas today, that figure has risen to Rs 36 in profits for the same owners.

Ramesh attributed the recent price hikes to the government’s cronyism and favoritism towards these conglomerates, asserting that the continuous rise in goods and services costs has diminished the common man’s capacity for consumption amidst stagnating wages.

He addressed the issue of inequality, stating that India’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been markedly uneven and K-shaped, with rural areas and the impoverished being disproportionately affected.

He pointed out that two-wheeler sales in rural regions, a key indicator of economic health, remain below 2018 levels.

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Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s name absent from election voter list

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Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat

In a surprising turn of events during the municipal elections in Uttarakhand, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat was unable to cast his vote due to his name being missing from the voters list. Rawat, a prominent figure in the Congress party and a long-time resident of Dehradun, discovered the omission at his local polling station in the Niranjanpur neighborhood, a locality from which he has voted since 2009.

Despite his attempts to address the issue, including lodging a complaint with the State Election Commission, Rawat was informed that a server malfunction prevented any immediate resolution. This incident drew sharp criticism from Rawat, who hinted at political interference. “I should have been more alert… knowing they are involved in adding and removing names from the list,” he commented, alluding to the ruling BJP’s involvement.

The local elections, which include voting for 11 municipal corporations, 43 municipal councils, and 46 Nagar Panchayats, are crucial for both major political parties. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, representing the BJP, urged voters to support his party, linking their success to the broader national leadership of Narendra Modi and promoting the concept of a “triple-engine government.”

This electoral hiccup has cast a shadow over the democratic process in Uttarakhand, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral rolls used in these pivotal local elections.

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Controversy erupts over Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident as Maharashtra Minister expresses doubts

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Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane speaking at a press conference, questioning the authenticity of Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident.

In an unexpected twist to the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has cast doubt on the authenticity of the incident. Last week, it was reported that Khan, aged 54, was the victim of a stabbing attack during a home invasion, which resulted in him sustaining six knife wounds, including a critical one near his spinal cord, as confirmed by doctors at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.

However, Rane’s comments came shortly after Khan was discharged from the hospital and spotted leaving seemingly in good spirits. The minister provocatively referred to Khan as “garbage,” criticized his demeanor upon discharge, and insinuated that the actor might have been feigning his injuries. “I doubted if he had been stabbed… or if he was acting. He was dancing while walking,” Rane told reporters, further intensifying the controversy.

Rane also took this opportunity to make inflammatory remarks about the presence of Bangladeshis in Mumbai, connecting them to the alleged break-in at Khan’s residence. “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan’s house,” he stated, implying a link without presenting evidence.

The situation was further complicated by political undertones involving other leaders. Rane criticized NCP leaders Jitendra Awhad and Supriya Sule for their selective concerns, contrasting their reactions to incidents involving Khan with their silence on issues affecting Hindu actors.

Responding to Rane’s allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar downplayed the comments but confirmed the arrest of a suspect, identified as Shariful Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national. According to police, Shehzad attempted a burglary at Khan’s residence, leading to the confrontation.

Amidst the political crossfire and media frenzy, Saif Ali Khan has remained out of the public eye following the incident. The comments from Rane have sparked a significant backlash, with many calling for a more respectful and measured approach to the situation.

The case continues to unfold, with Shehzad’s legal representation denying all allegations and disputing the claims of his client’s illegal status in India. As Mumbai Police delve deeper, the true circumstances surrounding the alleged attack on Saif Ali Khan are yet to be fully revealed.

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Bollywood on alert: Death threats sent to Rajpal Yadav, Kapil Sharma, and more

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Kapil Sharma faces legal trouble: Case filed against comedian for breach of contract during North America Tour in 2015

In a chilling development in Bollywood, Rajpal Yadav along with other celebrities like Kapil Sharma have been targeted with death threats via email. These threats have been traced back to Pakistan, escalating concerns over the safety of Indian celebrities.

Rajpal Yadav discovered the threatening email dated December 14 last year, which had initially gone unnoticed in his spam folder. It wasn’t until three days later that he reported the incident to the authorities. The email not only threatened Yadav but also instructed him to forward the threat to comedian Kapil Sharma, mentioning that preparations were being made to target Sharma’s family and associates.

Photos from Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s funeral were also attached to the threatening email to Yadav, perhaps as an intimidation tactic. The involvement of the Bishnoi gang was claimed by the sender, who referenced ongoing scrutiny of the celebrities’ activities.

In response, Rajpal Yadav has lodged a complaint with both the Amboli Police and the cyber crime department. He expressed his desire to focus on his career and leave the matter to the authorities. “I am an artist and I want to entertain the audience with my performances,” said Yadav.

Senior Police Inspector Sadashiv Nikam from Amboli Police Station noted that while the IP address of the sender has been located in Pakistan, the case is currently being treated as a threat without any demands for money. The police are continuing their investigation into these disturbing threats.

This series of threats comes in the backdrop of other violent incidents targeting Bollywood actors, including an attack on Saif Ali Khan in his Mumbai residence and a shooting near Salman Khan’s Bandra apartment. These incidents have heightened security concerns within the Bollywood community, prompting increased security measures such as the installation of bullet-proof windows in vulnerable residences.

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