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Cyclone Fengal remains stationary near Puducherry, says IMD

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and would gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Sunday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays, officials said. Under the impact of the cyclone, Puducherry recorded its highest rainfall of 46 cm, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran, said in an update at 7.30 am on Sunday, reported PTI. He said Cyclone Fengal started making landfall near Puducherry around 5.30 pm on Saturday and completed the process "between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm," reported PTI. It now lay close to Puducherry. "It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (Puducherry)," he said, reported PTI. While Mailam in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district recorded 50 cm rainfall during the period 8.30 am November 30 and 5.30 am Sunday, Puducherry recorded 46 cm. This was the highest rainfall received by Puducherry. The UT had received 21 cm rainfall on October 31, 2004, he said. Operations at the Chennai airport resumed past midnight on Saturday but there were cancellations and delays. As many as 24 domestic services were cancelled and 26 international flights, both arriving and departing were delayed, officials said. Indian Army rescues over a 100 people in Puducherry Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry. Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am. The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

01 December,2024 10:33 AM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondent
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had on Tuesday demanded that EVMs be replaced with ballot papers after Maharashtra poll debacle. Pic/Twitter

Resign on EVM issue: BJP dares Congress leaders

The BJP on Saturday hit back at the Congress for questioning the electoral process, including EVM’s integrity, saying its chief ministers and other elected representatives like Rahul Gandhi should first resign and announce that they will contest only after ballot papers are brought back. Such a stand will underscore their trust in the issues being raised by them, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters, adding that their allegations will otherwise be nothing but empty words. The Congress should move the courts over the issue too, he said, while stressing that the Supreme Court has quite a few times endorsed the transparency of the electoral process and the integrity of Electoral Voting Machines. Congress CMs, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should resign as they were elected through the same electoral process the Opposition party is questioning, Bhatia said. It was ironic that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned EVMs on a day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Lok Sabha MP, he said. Bhatia said that the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) has a 100 per cent record in matching the votes cast on EVMs. He added, “You want elections on ballot papers. First of all, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revanth Reddy and Siddaramaiah should resign. They should say they were elected through EVMs, which is full of scandals and that they will not take part in the electoral process till the ballot papers are introduced.” ‘How can govt probe itself’: Congress on Adani row The Congress on Saturday took a swipe over the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) statement that the Indian government is not part of the US probe into Adani Group in any manner, asking how can this government be part of a probe into itself. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is yet to receive any communication for cooperation in the case. Soon after the statement, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The MEA spokesperson says that the Indian Government is not part of the US probe into the Adani Group. He has simply stated the obvious. How can this Government be part of a probe into itself?" This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

01 December,2024 08:26 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Samajwadi Party’s Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik was stopped at Uttar Pradesh border by UP Police. Pic/Twitter

Ban on outsiders’ entry extended in Sambhal, SP MPs barred from entering

Three Samajwadi Party (SP) parliamentarians, including its Sambhal MP, were stopped from entering the violence-hit district, as the the administration on Saturday extended the ban on the entry of outsiders into Sambhal to December 10 to maintain “peace and order”. The administration’s earlier ban on the entry of outsiders was to expire on Saturday. SP’s Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik, accompanied by its Kairana and Sambhal MPs, was stopped from entering Sambhal from Ghaziabad. “I don’t understand why we are being stopped. Are the Opposition leader and the MPs so irresponsible that they can’t be allowed to move within the state?” Malik said. The party had earlier announced a 15-member delegation would visit the district to gather information about the violence that broke out over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Curbs under Section 163 (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, set to expire on Sunday, were extended to December 31. In a statement issued in Sambhal, DM Rajendra Pensiya said, “To maintain peace and order, the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita in the district has been extended to December 31.” “No outsider, any social organisation or public representative can enter into the borders of the district without seeking the permission of the competent authority till December 10,” he added. Amid the chaos, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Saturday informed that his party’s delegation was also visiting the violence-affected district in the state on December 2. The Congress leader further said that everyone should stand up against the oppression and injustice happening. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

01 December,2024 08:24 AM IST | Lucknow | Agencies
Jyotiraditya Ccindia

Bee attack during Jyotiraditya Scindia’s function in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was on Saturday safely evacuated from a bee attack during a function in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district after those around him formed a cordon and used handkerchiefs and towels to provide cover. Videos of the impromptu rescue act at Chandpatha Lake in Madhav National Park went viral on social media. The Union minister’s security personnel took immediate action, formed a cordon around him and used handkerchiefs and towels to provide him cover from the bees, said Kotwali police station official Kripal Singh, who was also injured in the incident. The attack, which took place at 3.30 pm when the Union telecom minister and Guna Lok Sabha MP was scheduled to inaugurate a weed harvester machine and resulted injuries to some persons, may have been caused due to bees getting disturbed by drones being flown for security purposes and photography, eyewitnesses said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

01 December,2024 08:22 AM IST | Shivpuri | Agencies
Commuters wade through a waterlogged road in Chennai on Saturday, following heavy showers caused by Cyclone Fengal. Pic/PTI

Cyclone Fengal begins landfall near Puducherry-Tamil Nadu Coasts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest update on Cyclone Fengal, said that the cyclonic storm has moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during the past six hours and lay centred at 9.30 pm on Saturday over the southwest Bay of Bengal close to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. It is positioned 50 km south-southwest of Mahabalipuram, 30 km northeast of Puducherry and 90 km south-southwest of Chennai. The cyclonic storm is likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the next two hours. The landfall process will continue during the same period, IMD said. The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2130 hours IST of today, the 30th November 2024 over the southwest Bay of Bengal close to North Tamil Nadu -… pic.twitter.com/ay4IzozAMQ — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 30, 2024 As a precautionary measure, the Chennai Airport on Friday announced the suspension of its operations till 4 am on Sunday following the inundation of runways after heavy rains and the 'adverse weather condition' owing to Cyclone Fengal. More than 50 flights have been cancelled as a result, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports in Chennai and neighbouring states. Official sources in Chennai told ANI that apart from the cancellation of 55 flights, 19 others were diverted after two runways and the taxiway were inundated following heavy rains. The services include both domestic and international flights. Earlier in the day, when the airport was operational, at least 12 flights were delayed. As many as 20 flights were cancelled in Hyderabad as well which were services to and from Chennai and Tirupati. Meanwhile, IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers at many places over south coastal and Rayalaseema regions while extremely heavy rains are expected at one or two places over SPSR-Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Puducherry also experienced heavy rains on Saturday, prompting the Union Territory administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant in view of Cyclone Fengal. Chief Minister N Rangasamy visited the rain-affected areas to review the steps taken by the Disaster Management department, especially in accommodating those evacuated from low-lying areas into relief centres. (With PTI and ANI inputs)

01 December,2024 12:39 AM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Defence PRO

Air Force chief reviews passing out parade for NDA's 147th course in Pune

The National Defence Academy (NDA) held a grand Passing Out Parade for its 147th Course on Saturday at the Khetarpal Parade Ground, Khadakwasla, Pune. The parade, marking the culmination of three years of rigorous military training, was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Chief of the Air Staff. It was a moment of immense pride and honour for the Academy, the cadets, and their families. A total of 1,265 cadets participated in the parade, including 357 from the passing out course. The cadets consisted of 215 from the Army, 38 from the Navy, 104 from the Air Force, and 19 from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and the Maldives. Additionally, a contingent of 47 female cadets, currently in their third, fourth, and fifth terms of training, took part in the parade. Cadet Ankit was awarded the President's Gold Medal for standing first in the Overall Order of Merit, while Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan received the President's Silver Medal for second place, and Cadet Jodha Thongiaomayum won the President's Bronze Medal for third place. Golf Squadron, the Champion Squadron, was presented with the prestigious 'Chiefs of Staff Banner' during the parade. The Reviewing Officer congratulated the passing out Cadets, the medal winners, and the Champion Squadron for their dedication and outstanding performances. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the parents for sending their motivated children to serve in the Armed Forces. Emphasising the importance of jointness in military operations, he also highlighted the role of technology in the ongoing revolution in military affairs.

01 December,2024 12:14 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI

Cyclone Fengal: Chennai Airport closes operations until 4 am on December 1

Chennai Airport authorities have decided to extend the closure of operations until 4 am on December 1. "A team of senior officials is closely monitoring the situation to facilitate the earliest resumption of operations as meteorological conditions improve. A WebEx meeting was conducted on 30th November 2024 at 1630 hrs, involving all stakeholders and officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD)," Chennai Airport said in a post on X. "During the meeting, IMD provided updates indicating that the landfall is expected around 2030 hrs, with prevailing weather conditions likely to persist until 2330 hrs. Following consultations with AAI Headquarters and considering feedback from stakeholders, it has been decided to extend the closure of operations through a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) until 0400 IST on 1st December 2024. We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines regarding their flights," the post added. Earlier in the day, the authorities had announced that airport operations would be closed from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm, a period which has now been extended, news agency ANI reported. Multiple flights to and from Chennai were affected on Friday owing to inclement weather in the region. Several airlines issued travel advisories and updates regarding their flight schedules due to the continuing heavy rains in Chennai. "Flights to and from Chennai are getting affected due to inclement weather and heavy rains," read an X post by Air India. IndiGo issued a travel advisory, stating that their flights in multiple cities, including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, and others, were impacted, ANI reported. "The current weather conditions continue to impact flights to/from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, with Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam now also affected," read the X post by IndiGo Airlines. Meanwhile, Southern Railway announced changes to train services due to the heavy rains in Chennai caused by Cyclone Fengal, according to ANI. The Dr MGR Chennai Central-Jolarpettai Yelagiri Express (Train No 16089), scheduled to depart from Dr MGR Chennai Central at 5.55 pm on Friday, has been fully cancelled. The Gorakhpur-Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) Raptisagar Express (Train No 12511), which departed from Gorakhpur at 6.35 am on Friday, will be diverted via Korukkupet and Perambur, skipping its scheduled stop at Dr MGR Chennai Central. The train will have an additional stoppage at Perambur with timings of 11.30 pm (arrival) and 11.35 pm (departure), Southern Railway said in a press release. The Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (Train No 13351), which departed from Dhanbad at 11.35 am on Friday, will also be diverted via Korukkupet and Perambur, skipping its scheduled stop at Dr MGR Chennai Central. The train will have an additional stoppage at Perambur with timings of 11.50 pm (arrival) and 11.55 pm (departure). Passengers are advised to check with railway authorities for further updates and to plan their journeys accordingly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclonic Storm Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday evening, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph. According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal, located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is moving west-northwestwards at 10 kmph. It is currently positioned near latitude 12.3degN and longitude 80.7degE, approximately 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 100 km southeast of Chennai. (ANI) (With ANI inputs)

30 November,2024 10:48 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/X

239 trainees, including 29 women, graduate from Indian Naval Academy in Kerala

In a spectacular Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala, on Saturday, 239 trainees graduated with distinction, marking the successful completion of their ab-initio training, according to a release. The graduating trainees included Midshipmen from the 107th Indian Naval Academy Course, cadets from the 38th and 39th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), the 39th Naval Orientation Course (Regular), and the 40th Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard and Foreign), news agency ANI reported. The Passing Out Parade also saw the participation of eight foreign cadets from four countries, alongside 29 women trainees. The Parade was reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, who awarded medals to the meritorious Midshipmen and Cadets following the Ceremonial Review, reported ANI. The Chief Guest was accompanied by Shashi Tripathi, President of the Naval Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), while VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, served as the Conducting Officer. VAdm CR Praveen Nair, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, along with Deepa Bhatt, President of NWWA Ezhimala, also graced the occasion. As per the release, the President’s Gold Medal for the Indian Naval Academy B Tech Course was awarded to Midshipman Ayush Kumar Singh, while the CNS Silver Medal and FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal for the same course were conferred upon Midshipman Karan Singh and Midshipman Kartikey V Vernekar, respectively, ANI reported. SLt Ritwik Mishra received the CNS Gold Medal for the Naval Orientation Course (Extended), while Cadet Srajan Jain and SLt Bodekar S Subhash were awarded the FOC-in-C South Silver Medal and Commandant INA Bronze Medal, respectively. SLt Isha Shah received the CNS Gold Medal for the 39th NOC (Regular), while the Commandant INA Silver Medal and the Zamorin Trophy for best all-round woman cadet were awarded to SLt Mathi Nesiga T and SLt Isha Shah, respectively. The Director General Coast Guard Best Assistant Commandant Award was presented to Assistant Commandant Akash Tiwari. The successful trainees marched in a spectacular display with gleaming ceremonial swords and rifles, saluting as they passed the Academy’s Quarterdeck in Slow March to the evocative tune of 'Auld Lang Syne'. This poignant farewell, a tradition in armed forces worldwide, marked their 'Antim Pag' or final step at the Indian Naval Academy. Proud parents, witnessing this significant milestone, beamed with joy and pride as they celebrated their children's remarkable achievements. The ceremony was a fitting culmination of the trainees’ hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout their rigorous training at the Academy, the release added. The Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated the trainees on their impeccable turnout and drill movements during the Parade. He also expressed gratitude to the parents for supporting their children in choosing the noble profession of arms, highlighting their commitment to the service of the nation. He also emphasised the integration of international trainees, which strengthens India’s foreign cooperation and showcases INA’s world-class training facilities. Addressing the Passing Out trainees, the CNS stressed the timeless pillars of military leadership – courage, resilience, and integrity. He further highlighted that the true strength of military leaders lay in "their ability to anticipate, act decisively, and inspire their teams to achieve success in every operation & mission and overcome any challenge." As the trainees prepare to step out of the Indian Naval Academy as Commissioned Officers, the CNS reminded them that "The weight of the national security rests on your shoulders. Wear it with pride, carry it with honour, and never falter in its service." Following the Parade, the CNS, FOCINC (South), and Commandant INA, along with other dignitaries, participated in the Stripe Shipping ceremony where the trainees adorned their naval stripes for the first time. They also interacted with the trainees and their families over tea, congratulating them on the successful completion of training. The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to various Naval and Coast Guard ships and establishments, while foreign cadets will return to their respective navies. These officers will further specialise in their respective fields, upholding the core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they embark on their professional journeys. (With ANI inputs)

30 November,2024 07:54 PM IST | Kerala | mid-day online correspondent
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defended the credibility of the electoral process, pointing out that the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) has a 100 per cent record in matching votes cast on EVMs. Pic/PTI

BJP dares Congress leaders to resign on EVM issue

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday hit back at the Congress for questioning the electoral process, including the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). According to news agency PTI, the party stated that Congress chief ministers (CM) and other elected representatives, including Rahul Gandhi, should first resign and announce that they would only contest elections once ballot papers are reinstated.   BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters that such a stance would demonstrate their trust in the issues they have raised. "Otherwise, their allegations will be nothing but empty words," he said.   According to PTI, Bhatia also suggested that the Supreme Court had repeatedly endorsed the transparency of the electoral process and the integrity of EVMs. He argued that Congress CMs, Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should step down, as they were elected through the same electoral process the opposition party is now questioning.   "It is ironic that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned EVMs on the day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Lok Sabha MP (Member of Parliament)," Bhatia remarked.   He further defended the credibility of the electoral process, pointing out that the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) has a 100 per cent record in matching votes cast on EVMs.   Bhatia added, "You want elections on ballot papers. First of all, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, (Himachal Pradesh CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, (Telangana CM) Revanth Reddy, and (Karnataka CM) Siddaramaiah should resign. They should say they were elected through EVMs, which are full of scandals, and that they will not take part in the electoral process until ballot papers are introduced."   According to PTI, he then predicted that the Congress would soon be relegated to "the pages of history books."   Speaking on the issue of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Bhatia reiterated the Central Government’s firm stance and expressed confidence that India's strong voice would not be ignored. "As the biggest democracy in the world, it is India's duty to raise its voice when minorities are facing harassment anywhere," he said.   Bhatia also targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of acting as a shield for rioters. He alleged that members of SP, including its MPs, were involved in instigating violence rather than working to restore peace.   Criticising SP, Bhatia claimed that riots frequently broke out during its rule in Uttar Pradesh, and accused the opposition party of lacking faith in the police.   Bhatia's remarks followed accusations from Yadav, who had alleged that BJP was behind the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a mosque clashed with police last Sunday. (With PTI inputs)

30 November,2024 07:16 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Forest department officials with the seized items.

Maharashtra forest dept arrests 2 for possession of ambergris, blackbuck horns

Two individuals were arrested by the Pune Division Office of Maharashtra Forest Department on Friday for attempting to smuggle highly endangered wildlife products, including whale ambergris and blackbuck horns. These illegal items threaten wildlife conservation and violate strict international laws protecting endangered species. According to the forest department, the accused have been identified as Hemrao Sikandar Mehta from Balaji Nagar and Rutik Navnath Lekurwale from Thergaon. Forest officials, acting on a tip-off about the two accused allegedly possessing the items, conducted an undercover raid at the location while posing as potential buyers. A case was registered against the duo under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.  Over the years there has been an increase in smuggling of ambergris and for the past few years, the forest department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and other enforcement agencies have been taking action against those who have been trying to sell it.  What is ambergris Whale vomit or ambergris is also known as the 'treasure of the sea' or 'floating gold'. Globally, ambergris has a very high demand as it is used as a fixative as well as for making perfumes and aphrodisiac products. Ambergris is a waxy substance produced by highly endangered sperm whales. Ambrein, which is an odourless alcohol, is extracted from ambergris and is used by some perfume-manufacturing companies to make the fragrance last longer.  According to experts, sperm whales eject an intestinal slurry into the ocean, which is called ambergris or whale vomit. In the past, many people have been arrested across the country, especially in coastal areas, while trying to sell ambergris. Only sperm whales can produce ambergris. There are three grades of ambergris: black, brown and white. White ambergris is said to be the most expensive one as it is considered to be the oldest as compared to the two other colour forms that are found.

30 November,2024 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka at Mukkam in Kerala, on Saturday. Pic/PTI  

'PM Modi biased towards Adani, discriminating against Wayanad landslide victims'

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday criticised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, accusing him of showing "bias" towards industrialist Gautam Adani and failing to provide adequate support to the victims of landslides in Wayanad.   According to news agency PTI, while speaking at a joint public meeting in Mukkam in Kerala alongside his sister and Congress lawmaker Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul alleged that PM Modi was treating Adani preferentially despite his indictment in the United States. Priyanka, who is visiting the Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency for the first time since her resounding bypoll victory, accompanied her brother at the event.   Rahul claimed that the actions of PM Modi contradicted the constitutional principle of equality. "PM Modi says it does not matter if Adani has been indicted in the US and called a criminal there, in India we will not indict him," he said.   According to PTI, he further accused PM Modi of neglecting the people of Wayanad, alleging that the region’s landslide victims had not received the assistance they were entitled to. "This is the atmosphere in which we are operating. It is the feelings that people have toward us that gives us confidence and protects us," he remarked.  After paying tribute to the landslide victims, Rahul reaffirmed his party’s solidarity with those who had lost loved ones, homes, or property in the disaster. "Unfortunately, we are not in government and therefore, we cannot do what a government can do. So, I told my sister and (AICC general secretary) K C Venugopal that every member of the Congress and the UDF should put pressure on the government of Kerala to help the victims of the landslides," he said.   Rahul also praised Priyanka’s electoral success in Wayanad, stating that it reflected the trust and faith of the people in their representation, reported PTI. "The fight is to protect the Constitution which says everyone should be treated equally," he added, expressing confidence that the Congress-led opposition would ultimately defeat the BJP's "arrogant" and allegedly divisive ideology.   Offering advice to his sister, Rahul said, "In whatever decision she takes, the guide should be the people of Wayanad, as true knowledge always resides with the public. I am sure she already knows all this. I am sure she is going to go to all of you and hear your problems and understand what is making you happy or afraid." He also assured the gathering of his continued commitment to Wayanad, declaring himself their "unofficial MP" while Priyanka holds the official position. "So, I am always there for you. It was an honour for me to be your representative in Parliament," he said.   Priyanka achieved her maiden electoral victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll with a record margin of 4,10,931 votes, surpassing the lead her brother Rahul secured when he won the constituency during the general elections earlier this year.   (With PTI inputs)

30 November,2024 05:04 PM IST | Kerala | mid-day online correspondent
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