Politics – Page 25 – SD NEWS agency

“Sour Grapes”: Piyush Goyal Strongly Rebuts Congress Criticism of India-EU FTA

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Nation, Politics

“Sour Grapes”: Piyush Goyal Strongly Rebuts Congress Criticism of India-EU FTA

New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has robustly countered allegations made by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Goyal dismissed Ramesh’s claims as a “sour grapes” narrative, asserting that those who failed to deliver while in power are now claiming credit for inaction. Goyal highlighted that the prolonged delay in FTA negotiations between 2013 and 2022 had cost India dearly in terms of jobs, income, and economic growth. He described the agreement as a historic, mutually beneficial deal that opens up substantial opportunities for employment and development in India. What Jairam Ramesh Criticized Ramesh had posted on X that the FTA had been “overhyped,” raising concerns over: ...

Three Key Mistakes That Prevented NCP from Gaining Ground in Rajasthan

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, Rajasthan, State

Three Key Mistakes That Prevented NCP from Gaining Ground in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Sharad Pawar’s attempts to establish the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Rajasthan failed despite multiple efforts. The party was often perceived as an ally of Congress, and voters did not embrace it as an independent political force. Political analysts attribute this failure to three critical missteps by NCP leadership. Ajit Pawar’s Unfulfilled AmbitionAjit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, had officially taken the reins of the NCP in 2024. Under his leadership, the party aimed to regain its national status, which it had lost after internal splits in 2003. Ajit Pawar’s campaign included contesting elections beyond Maharashtra, such as in Bihar, but these attempts did not succeed due to weak preparation and strategic miscalcul...

UGC Bill Sparks Rebellion: BJP MLA Anil Singh Protests, Says ‘No Discrimination Against General Category’

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Bihar, Politics, State

UGC Bill Sparks Rebellion: BJP MLA Anil Singh Protests, Says ‘No Discrimination Against General Category’

Nawada, Bihar: Senior BJP legislator Anil Singh, four-time MLA from Hisua, has openly revolted against the UGC Equity Regulations 2026, criticizing the central government and the Education Ministry while remaining part of the ruling party. Singh joined youth protests in Nawada, raising concerns that the bill discriminates against students and teachers from the general category. Speaking to the media, Singh asserted, “This bill unfairly favors SC, ST, and OBC communities while leaving general category students and teachers vulnerable. I stand fully with the general category, and I will continue to protest on the streets until justice is done.” ‘Bill is one-sided, blackmail risk rises’The legislator termed the notification issued on 15 January 2026 as “one-sided.” He highlighted that w...

Factionalism Rocks Bihar Congress: Tension Between Former Minister Shakeel Ahmed and State Chief Rajesh Ram

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Bihar, Politics, State

Factionalism Rocks Bihar Congress: Tension Between Former Minister Shakeel Ahmed and State Chief Rajesh Ram

Patna: The Bihar Congress is witnessing intense factionalism and internal strife, with senior leaders openly trading barbs. The latest flashpoint has emerged between former minister Shakeel Ahmed and Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee President Rajesh Ram, highlighting growing tensions within the party. Rajesh Ram has accused Shakeel Ahmed of being someone who seeks positions without undergoing genuine political struggle. In response, Ahmed pointed out that Ram’s political career is largely built on the legacy of his father, Dilkeshwar Ram. The unrest comes in the wake of the Congress party’s crushing defeat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, which not only shook the patience of senior leaders but also intensified intra-party rivalries. Observers note that the party’s internal disci...

Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samridhi Yatra’ Reaches Samastipur, Announces Projects Worth Over ₹800 Crore

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Bihar, Politics, State

Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samridhi Yatra’ Reaches Samastipur, Announces Projects Worth Over ₹800 Crore

Samastipur: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday arrived in Samastipur as part of his ongoing ‘Samridhi Yatra’. During the visit, he inaugurated and laid the foundation for various development projects worth over ₹800 crore, aimed at accelerating the district’s growth. As part of the visit, CM Kumar inaugurated the newly constructed building at the Government Engineering College and oversaw several key developmental initiatives across the district. Following the inauguration, popularly known as ‘Sushasan Babu’, inspected the stalls of Jeevika and other departments, interacting with officials and beneficiaries. The visit marks the second phase of the Samridhi Yatra, which will conclude later today. Through these initiatives, the state government aims to strengthen infrastruct...

Election Notification Issued for Jharkhand’s 48 Municipal Bodies; Key Updates for Every Constituency

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Jharkhand, Politics, State

Election Notification Issued for Jharkhand’s 48 Municipal Bodies; Key Updates for Every Constituency

Jharkhand is all set to elect its local government representatives as the State Election Officer has officially issued the notification for municipal elections. The high-stakes poll will decide 9 mayors, 39 chairpersons, and 1,087 ward councilors across the state. Nomination and Election Schedule The nomination process begins on 29 January and will continue until 4 February. Scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for 5 February, and candidates can withdraw by 6 February. Election symbols will be allotted on 7 February. Polling is set for 23 February, with counting and results declared on 27 February. Voter Participation Over 43.33 lakh voters will exercise their franchise in this election, including 22.07 lakh men and 21.26 lakh women. According to the State Election Commis...

“Why Hold Municipal Elections on 2024 Voter List?” Babulal Marandi Challenges Hemant Government, Warns of Protest

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Jharkhand, Politics, State

“Why Hold Municipal Elections on 2024 Voter List?” Babulal Marandi Challenges Hemant Government, Warns of Protest

Jharkhand Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has raised objections to holding the 2026 municipal elections based on the voter list of October 2024. He has demanded that the elections be conducted using the updated voter list to ensure that no eligible voter is denied their constitutional right. Marandi Objects to Old Voter List Marandi expressed concern over reports that the state government plans to conduct municipal elections using the October 2024 voter list, which was used for the previous assembly elections. He warned that this would exclude thousands of new voters who were added to the list after October 1, 2024, as well as those who have shifted residences and updated their names in voter rolls, from participating in the upcoming municipal elections. “The exclusion of...

Governor Halts Gehlot-Era ‘Honor Killing Bill’; BNS Now Takes Center Stage

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, Rajasthan, State

Governor Halts Gehlot-Era ‘Honor Killing Bill’; BNS Now Takes Center Stage

Jaipur: In a significant political development, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde has returned the “Honor Killing Bill-2019”, introduced during the Ashok Gehlot government, sending ripples through the state legislature on the very first day of the budget session. Why the Bill Was Returned The current state administration argues that at the time of the bill’s passage, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were the governing laws. However, with the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the government maintains that Section 103 of BNS is fully equipped to handle heinous crimes like honor killings. This section prescribes capital punishment or life imprisonment for perpetrators, rendering a separate state-level law unnecessary. Gehlot Gover...

“Save MGNREGA, Save the Nation”: Congress Holds Massive Protest in Jaipur

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, Rajasthan, State

“Save MGNREGA, Save the Nation”: Congress Holds Massive Protest in Jaipur

Jaipur: Under the banner of “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” (Save MGNREGA Movement), the Congress party staged a powerful protest in Jaipur on Wednesday, targeting both the central and state governments. Led by Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully, Congress legislators marched from the MLA housing complex to the State Assembly, carrying banners and posters that read, “Save MGNREGA, Save the Nation” and “Restore MGNREGA, Return the Right to Work”. Congress Slams BJP for Delaying Panchayati Raj Elections During a Panchayati Raj empowerment conference, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra criticized the BJP government for delaying elections to local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. “The term of Panchayati Raj representatives in Rajasthan has expired for ove...

OMR Sheets to Be Destroyed: Controversy Erupts Over Recruitment Exam Records in Rajasthan

29Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, Rajasthan, State

OMR Sheets to Be Destroyed: Controversy Erupts Over Recruitment Exam Records in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The political storm over OMR sheet irregularities in Rajasthan’s government recruitment exams is intensifying. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded a full investigation into the alleged manipulation of OMR sheets. Meanwhile, Alok Raj, Chairman of the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, has sparked controversy by announcing that the process to destroy old OMR sheets has already begun. This announcement has raised serious questions: if the sheets are destroyed, how will investigations uncover any irregularities? Gehlot Questions Board’s Integrity Ashok Gehlot has accused the current BJP-led government of politicizing the paper leak case. According to Gehlot, revelations about OMR sheet manipulation in the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board have exposed severe weaknesses...