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GST Rate Cut To Boost Growth, Cushion Impact Of US Tariffs: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

By
The Commune
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gst nirmala sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that the GST rate cut would spur growth in the economy which would offset the drag due to the adverse impact of the US tariff hike on Indian exports.

She also said that India would continue to buy Russian oil because of economic considerations as crude was the costliest item in the country’s import bill. “The government’s main focus would now be on ensuring that the GST rate cuts on various goods and services, that will kick in from Sept 22, are passed on to consumers,” Sitharaman said in a media interview.

“We have a lot of work post-22nd September. It is a big vigilance exercise and we are confident the benefits will reach the common man,” the Finance Minister noted. FM Sitharaman also said the government was speaking to different stakeholders and parties to monitor rate reduction and all industry leaders were on board for lowering prices on goods to pass on the benefit of the GST rate cut to consumers.

The Finance Minister said, “After the GST Council’s decision to cut GST rates, MPs are also taking up the responsibility of monitoring the rate reduction on the ground.” On the issue of western pressure on India to stop buying oil from Russia, the Finance Minister said the government’s purchases of oil were based on economic considerations such as the price and logistics costs.

She pointed out that “since oil is a big ticket foreign exchange-related item and the costliest item in India’s import bill, we will undoubtedly be buying Russian oil.” On the impact of the USA’s 50 per cent punitive tariff on the Indian economy, the Finance Minister said that the cut in GST rates would drive up domestic demand and spur growth which would offset the adverse impact on exports.

She also said that the government would come out with measures to support those who have been hit by the tariff hike. The two-slab GST system of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, removing the earlier 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates, will reduce the prices of most goods and services.

At the same time, a 40 per cent tax on luxury and sin goods such as pan masala, tobacco, aerated drinks, high-end cars, yachts, and private aircraft ensures fairness and revenue balance. Alongside, registration and return filing have been simplified, refunds made faster, and compliance costs reduced, easing the burden on businesses, especially MSMEs and startups.

Sitharaman also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted her eight months ago to explore ways of revamping the GST framework. PM Modi had emphasised the need to simplify the system with a strong focus on easing the burden for the middle class, she added. She further explained that GST 2.0 has been designed to minimise disputes and ensure clarity for both businesses and states.

-IANS

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CBI Brings Back Fugitive From UAE In Gujarat Money Laundering Case

By
The Commune
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CBI money laundering fugitive

The CBI, in collaboration with Gujarat Police and Central government Ministries, has succeeded in bringing back a fugitive from the UAE in connection with a money laundering and tax evasion case registered in Gujarat, an official said on Friday.

Harshit Babulal Jain, wanted by the Gujarat Police in a case of tax evasion, illegal gambling and money laundering, was deported from the UAE and handed over to the Gujarat Police on Friday at Ahmedabad International Airport, the official said.

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got the Red Notice published against Jain through Interpol on August 9, 2023, at the request of the Gujarat Police. Red Notices published by Interpol are circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking wanted fugitives.

The CBI, as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India, coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs to get Jain back from the UAE to face criminal proceedings in the country, said a statement. The CBI coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in the country through Bharatpol for assistance via Interpol channels.

More than 100 wanted criminals have been brought back to the country in the last few years through coordination via Interpol channels, the CBI said in the statement. Earlier this week, the CBI coordinated the return of fugitive Mainpal Dhilla alias Sonu Kumar from Cambodia.

Mainpal Dhilla alias Mainpal Badli alias Sonu Kumar is a notorious criminal wanted by the Haryana Police in several cases. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, attempt to murder, illegal use of firearms and criminal conspiracy on March 29, 2013, in a case registered at Police Station Sadar Bahadurgarh in 2007.

He was also previously convicted in two more cases. While he was serving a sentence in jail, he was released on six weeks’ parole from Hisar Central Jail. “He was to return to jail by August 29, 2018, but he did not report back to jail and absconded,” the CBI said in its press release.

-IANS

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“Spreading Hatred, Not Unity”: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi Slams Sukoon Empire ‘Halal Housing’ Project Near Mumbai

By
The Commune
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Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi sukoon empire halal lifestyle

An upcoming housing society project in Neral, about 100 km from Mumbai, has evoked strong reactions from the netizens over its ‘halal’ and ‘exclusively Muslim’ character and also ignited a political firestorm.

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the leading Muslim cleric from Uttar Pradesh, is the latest to condemn and call out the township project and its developers for promoting and selling ‘halal lifestyle’, apparently to those belonging to a certain community.

The All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ) president decried the touting of the project as ‘the one for like-minded people with a halal lifestyle’ in a promotional video and termed it a brazen act of spreading hatred and creating division in society. “By using such a word ‘Halal’, an attempt is being made to send out a particular kind of message.

The builders and people involved in this are not working to unite society, but rather to spread hatred and create division,” he said. He also went to urged people to stay cautious and not fall into the trap of those igniting animosity among people and poisoning the minds, in the garb of property business. Notably, the housing project titled ‘Sukoon Empire’ in Karjat is being marketed as a residential colony, tailored to meet the needs of a specific community.

Its promotional video, soon after landing on social media, triggered anger and outrage, with many raising serious objections to its ‘religious’ character. In the promotional video, a woman is seen wearing a hijab and portraying the township as a haven for ‘authentic community living’ for like-minded families and emphasising a safe ‘halal environment’ for children.

Priyank Kanoongo, member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), took exception to the society and called it a ‘nation within the nation’ while many leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena frowned upon the open ‘linkage’ of religion with residence. VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal also reacted to the housing project. Labelling it a mini-Pakistan, he said, “the Hindu society and Mother India have suffered many such wounds. Now, they can no longer be tolerated.”

-IANS

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Bengaluru: Complaints Filed Against Organisers Of Meelad-un-Nabi Conference Over Possible Visa Violation; Karnataka Congress Minister Says “No Foreigners Will Be Allowed To Preach”

By
The Commune
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Bengaluru: Complaints Filed Against Organisers Of Meelad-un-Nabi Conference; KA HM Says "No Foreigners Will Be Allowed To Preach"

A major controversy erupted over the two-day International Meelad-un-Nabi Conference scheduled to begin today at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, with Hindu organisations alleging violations of visa norms and raising concerns about national security.

The event, organised to mark Eid-e-Milad, has allegedly invited several foreign Islamic clerics, including Al Habib Ummar Bin Hafid (Yemen), Sheikh Muhammad Uptad As Shamshiri (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Abdual Kabir Al Madina (Saudi Arabia), and Sheikh As Syed Hashim Abdul Khadeer Al Jeelani (Iraq). Posters for the event project them as keynote speakers and prayer leaders.

Hindu activists argued this amounts to a breach of Indian visa regulations, which prohibit foreigners on tourist, missionary, or conference visas from delivering religious discourses or engaging in preaching.

Activist Girish Bharadwaj lodged a complaint with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and city police, demanding verification of the clerics’ visa categories and action against the organisers.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) also submitted memoranda to the FRRO, the Police Commissioner, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, warning that the event undermines “India’s sovereignty and security.” “Posters prove these clerics are not mere attendees but advertised as religious propagandists. If they hold tourist or conference visas, this activity is illegal under Indian law,” HJS stated.

Government response

Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed that authorities have instructed organisers not to allow foreign nationals to preach. “Indian law does not permit foreigners to deliver religious discourses. Police and FRRO officials will monitor the programme closely. Any violation will invite strict action,” he said.

Parameshwara added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar are scheduled to attend the event, and additional security and intelligence teams have been deployed.

Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, associated with the organising committee, dismissed the allegations, saying foreign clerics were visiting as guests but would not preach. “We are aware of visa conditions. There is no scope for violation. Rumours on social media are misleading,” he told reporters.

Despite assurances, opposition parties remain unconvinced. BJP leaders accused the Congress government of “appeasement politics” and warned of protests if the event proceeds with foreign clerics delivering sermons.

Political observers say the controversy has come at a sensitive time for the Siddaramaiah administration, already facing criticism over debt, welfare schemes, and law-and-order issues.

Legal experts note that under the Foreigners Act, 1946, foreigners engaging in religious propagation without valid permits risk deportation, blacklisting, and prosecution.

The conference is underway as in the below video:

(With inputs from HinduPost)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s Foreign Trips Deliver Little To No Tangible Gains

By
The Commune
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mk stalin foreign trip europe uk germany investments

Chief Minister MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu embarked on his fifth foreign trip during his current term, this time visiting Germany and the United Kingdom from 30 August to 8 September 2025. The objective, as stated by the state government, was to boost foreign investments and drive Tamil Nadu’s economy closer to its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by the year 2030.

However, while the ruling DMK often highlights these foreign tours as landmark efforts in investment promotion, skepticism surrounds the actual outcomes of the signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which are frequently celebrated without substantial evidence of implementation. Furthermore, the Chief Minister refused to release a white paper, asserting that such disclosures were not customary practice. Critics argue that despite claims of attracting investments worth thousands of crores, many of these deals have not materialized on the ground, and the government has yet to release a white paper detailing the tangible results of these agreements.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai Expo), March 2022

The first such foreign visit under Stalin’s leadership was to the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Expo in March 2022. The trip, which took place from 24 to 28 March, was officially intended to secure investment opportunities for Tamil Nadu. The government claimed to have signed MoUs worth ₹6,100 crore, with an expectation of creating around 15,100 jobs. However, independent assessments suggest that the actual figures may have been lower, with investments likely in the range of ₹3,660 to ₹4,270 crore and job creation between 9,000 and 10,500. Furthermore, a Right to Information (RTI) inquiry revealed that approximately ₹7.12 crore has been spent so far on the Chief Minister’s foreign trips since he assumed office in May 2021. Interestingly, the administration refused to disclose the cost details specifically related to the Dubai visit, raising concerns over transparency. RTI activist M. Kasimayan publicly accused the government of misusing public funds, an allegation that quickly drew criticism from opposition parties and civil society alike.

Further fueling the controversy, it was reported that while the official delegation to Dubai comprised 11 members including Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu, CM’s secretary T. Udhayachandran IAS, and personal secretary Dinesh Kumar the actual travel group exceeded 20 individuals. Allegedly, Stalin’s wife, son Udhayanidhi Stalin (who was later inducted into the Cabinet), and daughter-in-law also accompanied him, giving the opposition reason to label the trip as a “family vacation” sponsored by the state.

Singapore & Japan, May 2023

In May 2023, Stalin visited Singapore and Japan, promoting technological partnerships and business collaboration. Although the trip was projected to generate over 2,000 jobs from MoUs totaling ₹1,342 crore, the impact was limited, as most of the interested investors were already operating within Tamil Nadu. For example, Hi-P International Pvt Ltd pledged ₹312 crore for an electronics manufacturing unit, expected to employ 700 people. Discussions were also held with prominent industry leaders from Temasek, Sembcorp, and CapitaLand regarding expansions into sectors like renewable energy, logistics, food processing, and fisheries. However, many of these prospects have yet to translate into actual projects.

Spain, Early 2024

In early 2024, Stalin’s tour of Spain reportedly secured MoUs valued at ₹3,440 crore. However, specific data regarding job creation from this visit remains unavailable. Questions also arose about the timing of the visit, given Spain’s own economic slowdown post-pandemic. Economic forecasts indicated a drop in GDP growth from 5.8% in 2022 to a projected 1.4% in the following year casting doubts on the feasibility of attracting substantial investments from the country.

As with the earlier Dubai trip, reports indicate that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was once again accompanied by his wife, Durgavathy Stalin, along with his personal secretary Dinesh Kumar and security personnel Selvaraju and Nitin John. Also part of the delegation were Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, his personal assistant Ayyappan, an individual named Shreyas, and a senior representative from the Industries Department. The list of officials included Umanath IAS (Chief Minister’s personal secretary), Senthilvelan IPS, Inspector Vivekanandhan, Balaganesan from the Core Cell of Tamil Nadu, and Vishnu IAS, who currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu.

United States, August–September 2024

A more high-profile visit followed in August and September 2024, when Stalin toured the United States. During this trip, he met with major corporations, including tech giants Google and Apple. The DMK claimed that the visit yielded 19 MoUs worth ₹7,618 crore, expected to generate over 11,500 jobs across various districts in Tamil Nadu such as Tiruchy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, and Krishnagiri. These deals were signed in San Francisco and Chicago and involved representatives from 18 Fortune 500 companies.

Yet, while the DMK celebrated these agreements as a major diplomatic success, critics pointed to Maharashtra’s example. That state secured ₹1.2 lakh crore in investments 16 times more than Tamil Nadu without undertaking any such foreign tours. This contrast raised questions about the effectiveness and necessity of international travel for investment promotion.

Adding to the skepticism were concerns over the composition of Stalin’s entourage. Reports circulating on social media listed not just government officials like Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and bureaucrats such as Vishnu IAS (CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu), but also family members including his wife and personal staff. This again sparked debate over whether the trips were entirely professional in nature or served dual purposes.

Germany & United Kingdom (TN Rising Europe Tour), Late August – Early September 2025

The most recent foreign mission, named the “TN Rising Europe Tour,” took place between 30 August and 8 September 2025, and included Germany and the UK. In Germany, Tamil Nadu signed 26 MoUs worth ₹7,020 crore, projecting the creation of over 15,000 jobs. Notable companies included Knorr-Bremse, investing ₹2,000 crore for railway component manufacturing, Nordex Group with ₹1,000 crore for wind turbines, and ebm-papst planning a ₹201 crore expansion of its operations. However, these firms already have a presence in the state, raising concerns about the necessity of the Chief Minister’s overseas involvement in deals that might have progressed without such high-level political visits.

In the UK leg of the trip, Stalin presided over the signing of six MoUs across sectors like defense, aerospace, renewable energy, and textile technology. Key deals included a ₹520 crore investment from Britannia RFID and collaborations with institutions like the University of Exeter and Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Stalin also used the visit for cultural diplomacy, unveiling a portrait of social reformer Periyar at Oxford University. While the symbolism was appreciated in some quarters, others viewed it as theatrical rather than substantive.

Last Word

Despite the tall claims and elaborate ceremonies accompanying each visit, the DMK-led government has consistently avoided publishing a comprehensive white paper detailing the real outcomes of these tours. Critics argue that without verified data on how many investments have been realized, these trips remain largely performative. The repeated emphasis on signing MoUs many with existing investors without concrete follow-through, has led some to dismiss these international engagements as more spectacle than strategy.

In conclusion, while Chief Minister Stalin’s foreign tours have been marketed as bold steps in economic diplomacy, questions about their cost-effectiveness, transparency, and actual outcomes continue to cloud the narrative. Until a full accounting is made public, the gap between promise and delivery remains a matter of concern for both the electorate and Tamil Nadu’s economic future.

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Karnataka Congress Withdraws 60 Cases, Months After High Court Set Aside Hubballi Riot Case Withdrawal

By
The Commune
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karnataka congress hubbali riot

In a decision that has drawn intense political scrutiny, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has moved to withdraw 62 criminal cases, many of which involve its political supporters, individuals linked to communal unrest, and activists aligned with Ambedkarite ideologies.

On 4 September 2025, the state formally cleared the withdrawal of cases tied to the 2019 Chittapur stone-pelting episode as well as protests that erupted following the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. In addition, cases connected to disturbances during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and recent demonstrations in Shivamogga have also been dropped.

This latest wave of case withdrawals has stirred controversy, particularly because the move reportedly ignored strong objections from the Home Department, senior police officials, and legal advisors. Despite concerns raised by the Director General of Police, the Director of Prosecutions, and the Law Department who collectively advised that these cases lacked merit for withdrawal and did not serve public interest, the government went ahead with its decision.

One particularly contentious withdrawal involves a 2019 case in Chittapur where a group of young men allegedly pelted stones at police officers after a tip-off from Hindu activists about illegal cattle transport. The request to drop this case reportedly came from IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge. Similarly, the government has dismissed charges against supporters of D.K. Shivakumar who were accused of damaging public property, including buses and government offices, in Kanakapura during protests over his 2019 arrest. In another instance, cases against those backing Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh, were also scrapped. These pertained to a 2012 protest where Suresh’s supporters surrounded the then-Chief Minister over being excluded from a ceremonial event honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The pattern of leniency continues with cases dropped against those involved in disruptions during Ganesh Chaturthi processions in various districts such as Ramanagara and Koppal. In some of these incidents, participants were accused of misconduct towards law enforcement officers or violating event regulations, including organizing prohibited activities like ram fights. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra is believed to have advocated for these withdrawals.

Further, the government has erased records related to four cases from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, linked to 2023 protests over the BJP government’s decision on internal reservations for Scheduled Caste communities. In total, three petitions filed by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and government Chief Whip Ashok Pattan led to additional case dismissals.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed the action, stating that the administration has annulled around 60 government-initiated cases, including those against farmers, student protestors, and Kannada activists, across multiple police jurisdictions.

This is not the first instance of the Congress administration facing backlash for similar decisions. Back in October 2024, the Siddaramaiah-led government attempted to revoke charges against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders and others involved in the 2022 Hubballi riots. The incident had seen a large group allegedly mobilized by Muslim leaders attacking the Old Hubballi police station, pelting stones at officers and damaging nearby properties, including a temple and a hospital. The proposed withdrawal was eventually overturned by the Karnataka High Court after a PIL was filed by advocate Girish Bhardwaj.

Despite repeated objections from legal and law enforcement authorities, the Congress government has persisted in dropping cases, many of which involve individuals aligned with or supportive of the party. This has prompted fierce criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of politicizing justice and undermining law and order for electoral gain.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Precision At 17,000 ft: Indian Army Executes High-Risk Night Rescue Of 2 South Korean Nationals In Ladakh

By
The Commune
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indian army rescue ladakh south korean nationals

In a daring late-night operation on September 4, the Indian Army Aviation carried out a high-altitude casualty evacuation mission to rescue two South Korean nationals stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh. At 8:05 P.M., the Army received an urgent message requesting evacuation of Hyun Woo Kim, a citizen of South Korea, and his wife, stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of over 17,000 feet.

The snow-laden terrain and razor-sharp ridgelines made the mission exceptionally challenging. With no time to lose, the Army Aviation helicopter squadron was mobilised by 8:20 P.M. The task required a precision landing using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) at an unprepared helipad — a feat demanding extraordinary skill and composure from the aircrew.

Braving icy winds, reduced visibility, and near-zero margin for error, the pilots guided their aircraft to the designated spot, touching down at around 9:15 P.M. The swift landing and extraction under such hostile conditions underscored the unmatched training and professionalism of the squadron.

The South Korean couple was quickly airlifted to safety and handed over to medical authorities for immediate treatment. This rescue mission reflects a textbook display of courage, coordination, and precision under extreme duress, highlighting the Army’s readiness to respond to emergencies, even in the harshest of environments.

The daring operation not only reaffirmed the Indian Army’s operational capabilities in high-altitude regions but also carried strong humanitarian undertones, showcasing India’s commitment to aiding foreign nationals in distress.

For the Army Aviation wing, the successful NVG rescue in Ladakh adds another feather to its illustrious record of high-risk missions in some of the world’s most unforgiving terrains. It is worthy to note here that although the Indian Army’s primary role is to safeguard the borders and to give a befitting reply to the nation’s enemies in any critical or warlike situation but the Indian Army is among the first to help stranded citizens in any such situation, irrespective of their nationality.

Notably, at a time when the northern part of India including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir is witnessing floods which have created havoc, the Indian Army is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the other concerned agencies and is providing critical humanitarian assistance, from delivering food via helicopters and drones, evacuating people and giving them medical assistance.

-IANS

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Onam Liquor Sales Cross Last Year’s Record, ₹137 Crore On Uthradam Alone In Kerala

By
The Commune
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onam liquor sales

Liquor sales in Kerala during this year’s Onam season have touched a record high, with earnings surpassing last year’s figures. According to reports, liquor worth Rs 826.38 crore was sold in the ten days leading up to Uthradam.

This is around Rs 50 crore more than the sales recorded during the same period last year. On Uthradam day alone, liquor sales touched Rs 137 crore, compared to Rs 126 crore on the same day in 2024. The sharp rise highlights the continuing demand for liquor during the state’s biggest festival season.

Among outlets, the Karunagappally store registered the highest sales, clocking Rs 146.08 lakh on Uthradam day. It was followed by the Asramam outlet in Kollam, which recorded sales of Rs 123 lakh, and the Edappal outlet with Rs 110.79 lakh.

Reports said six outlets across Kerala recorded sales of more than Rs one crore each during the season. Liquor sales remain one of the most important sources of revenue for the Kerala government. The state, which consistently records the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the country, depends heavily on the revenue from its state-run liquor outlets.

Officials said the surge in Onam sales has once again ensured strong income for the exchequer. At the same time, health experts and social groups have raised concerns over the steady increase in alcohol consumption during festive periods. They point out that the social and health costs of heavy drinking remain a challenge for the state, even as sales continue to rise year after year.

Liquor is sold through around 325 retail outlets owned by the Corporation and the state-backed cooperative organisation Consumerfed. The profile of liquor users in Kerala reveals that 32.9 lakh people out of the 3.34 crore in the state consume liquor, which includes 29.8 lakh men and 3.1 lakh women. Around five lakh people consume liquor daily.

Out of this, 83,851 people (including 1,043 women) are addicted to alcohol. The latest figures underline a clear pattern as Onam remains the single largest driver of liquor sales in Kerala. With this year’s numbers reaching a new peak, the debate between revenue generation and public health concerns is likely to continue.

-IANS

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“Nothing Wrong In Ballot Papers, Ready To Make Preparations”, Says Karnataka SEC After Congress Govt Move

By
The Commune
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karnataka congress ballot paper sec

State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi has said that there was nothing wrong in conducting elections using ballot papers, and the poll body is ready to make preparations in this regard. He said this following the cabinet decision of the Congress-led government in Karnataka to recommend to the State Election Commission (SEC) that all local body elections be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Speaking to the media on Friday in Bengaluru, Commissioner Sangreshi said, “If the state government brings an enactment legally and guidelines are framed, we will have to implement it. Whether it is justifiable or not has been decided by them. They have considered public opinion and held discussions on the matter. Hence, there will be no hindrance to using ballot papers.”

He further stated, “Instead of EVMs, ballot papers will be used. Voting through EVMs has been in place at all levels except gram panchayats for the last 20 to 25 years. For gram panchayat elections, ballot papers are still used. Hence, at the village and rural level, people are familiar with ballot papers. Therefore, I feel the use of ballot papers will not pose any setback or cause for concern.”

“We need not seek permission from the Central Election Commission for using ballot papers, because the State Election Commission is an independent constitutional body. The SEC has powers equal to those of the Central Election Commission,” he stressed.

“There is no need for us to seek their (ECI) approval. In total, as per the guidelines and law, elections must be conducted — this is the objective,” Commissioner Sangreshi stated. He added that the state government, after taking officials into confidence, must implement the decision, as personnel will be required for the process.

Preparations for the voters’ list will be carried out under the monitoring of the State Election Commission. “The Constitution has provided rights and laid down procedures,” he said. “We will conduct panchayat and local body elections with transparency, reliability, commitment, and in a judicious manner,” he assured.

The Congress-led government in Karnataka has decided to bring an amendment to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in the upcoming local body polls in the state. Minister for Law H.K. Patil made the statement in this regard after the cabinet meeting on Thursday at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Minister Patil stated, “The state cabinet has resolved to recommend necessary legal amendments and framing of rules to facilitate the conduct of all upcoming local body elections through ballot papers instead of the EVM system. Earlier, the data from the Assembly elections was being used. Now, a decision has been taken to recommend revision, correction, and reconstitution of the voters’ list, so that the State Election Commission can prepare a high-quality electoral roll.”

Coming down heavily on the Congress-led government for deciding to bring an amendment to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in the upcoming local body polls in the state, Karnataka BJP said, “By deciding to replace EVM machines with ballot papers in the upcoming local body elections, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has itself admitted that it came to power in the state through electoral fraud.”

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra took to X, made the statement on Friday. “In this context, the 136 Congress MLAs who were elected in the 2023 state elections through EVMs should first resign. The nine Congress MPs elected to the Lok Sabha from Karnataka should also resign. They should contest again and win using ballot papers. Otherwise, they must admit that they have come to power through election fraud,” Vijayendra stated.

-IANS

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