Amaravati, July 10 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh’s Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday denied that the state’s NDA government has taken a U-turn on the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and assured that it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the plant regains its glory.

Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, took to X to term the article published in an English daily “pure paid fiction carried out at the behest of YSR Congress Party to create unrest and destroy the brand image of Visakhapatnam”.

“No stone will be unturned by the NDA Govt to ensure VSP regains its former glory. We have promised and we will deliver. I request people of AP to not believe these fake news created by Blue Media who wish to see our State destroyed,” wrote Lokesh, who is also the General Secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

He, however, strongly condemned the attack on the daily’s display board at their Visakhapatnam office. He requested party leaders and workers to maintain composure and not let their emotions drive their actions.

“We will take legal action against these blue media organisations that produce biased news items that are inaccurate, unauthentic and not based on true facts,” he said.

Some TDP workers set afire the display board of the English daily in Visakhapatnam. The newspaper said TDP goons attacked its officer after it published an “unbiased” report on VSP privatisation. The newspaper, through a post on its ‘X’ handle, told the TDP, the BJP, and the Jana Sena that intimidating tactics won’t silence it.

Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly condemned the attack on the newspaper office by people associated with TDP. “This is yet another attempt to stifle media that doesn’t blindly toe the line of the TDP and always chooses to be unbiased. Democracy in Andhra Pradesh is being continuously violated under the new regime,” he said and demanded that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu take responsibility for this.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the family of deceased Kaveri Nakhawa who died in the Worli hit-and-run case.

Congress legislator Aslam Shaikh had demanded that the state government should provide financial aid to the victim’s family citing that the latter has not received any help from the government.

Shinde, who visited the Mumbai Coastal Road which is currently partially opened for vehicular traffic, said: “Immediately after the Worli hit-and-run incident happened, I had given orders to take action against the culprits and also to initiate action against the pubs and bars that operate late into the night. I had given similar orders in the Pune hit-and-run case also in which two died. Action will be taken against those who indulge in illegal works.”

“We firmly stand with the victim’s family. They are our family. Whatever help they need, be it legal or financial, they will be provided. The government will provide financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the victim’s family,” he said.

Shinde reiterated that he has directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to prevent the cases of drunk driving in Mumbai and that strict action be taken against the people who drive cars and ride bikes under the influence of liquor by checking on roads, chowks, and busy places. He directed the policy to increase the frequency of inspections during the night and on weekends. Strict action should be taken and fines should be levied on drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol.

Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah’s son Mihir Shah, who was absconding for 60 hours after the accident before police arrested him from Palghar, has admitted to driving the car when the accident took place on July 7.

–IANS

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Amaravati, July 10 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) officials on Wednesday discussed the proposed establishment of an oil refinery and petrochemical complex with an investment of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 crore.

BPCL officials, led by Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Kumar, called on the Chief Minister.

“We explored the establishment of an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of (Rs) 60-70,000 crore. I have sought a detailed plan and feasibility report in 90 days. About 5,000 acres of land will be required for this project, which the government looks forward to facilitating in a hassle-free manner,” Naidu posted on X.

The Chief Minister stated that strategically placed on the eastern coast of the country, Andhra Pradesh has a significant petrochemical potential.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Naidu, during his recent visit to New Delhi, had a discussion with the Central leaders on the investments by the BPCL in the state, and Wednesday’s meeting with the BPCL representatives was in continuation of this.

The company representatives brought to the notice of the Chief Minister that at least 4,000 to 5,000 acres of land are needed for setting up the petrochemical complex.

Responding to this immediately, Naidu said that the necessary land would be allotted to the company within 90 days and asked the company representatives to come up with the detailed and necessary proposals for establishing the project. The BPCL officials informed the Chief Minister that they would be back, latest by October, with the feasibility report.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese leading automobile conglomerate VinFast’s CEO, Pham Sanh Chau also called on the Chief Minister.

Naidu invited them to set up their EV and battery manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. He asked the Industries Department to facilitate their visit to suitable land parcels.

The Chief Minister said he was looking for a successful collaboration with VinFast, and apprised the company representatives of the available resources in the state to launch the electric vehicles. He told them that the state government was ready to provide the necessary land and other basic facilities for them.

–IANS

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Udham Singh Nagar/New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a divorced Muslim woman can seek alimony from her husband under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure — the law related to the maintenance of wives.

Following the landmark verdict by the country’s highest court, triple talaq crusader Shayara Bano expressed satisfaction that it will bring benefits to divorced Muslim women. Bano serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission and herself has experienced the repercussions of triple talaq.

In 2016, Bano approached the Supreme Court to challenge the practice, a struggle that resulted in a favourable verdict in 2017. Subsequently, in 2018, the country enacted legislation outlawing triple talaq, enabling legal action against those who pronounce it, including imprisonment.

In an interview with IANS, Bano emphasised that the Supreme Court’s verdict is beneficial for all Muslim women. She highlighted that this decision will positively impact their financial stability and reduce instances of arbitrary triple talaq, thereby elevating the social standing of Muslim women.

Bano recalled how her husband divorced her abruptly through a speed post without any justification. He worked as a property dealer while she was a homemaker. Throughout her ordeal, she found support from her relatives. She courageously filed a petition against triple talaq in the Supreme Court, ultimately achieving justice. With the enactment of laws prohibiting triple talaq, Muslim women are now empowered to seek legal recourse for themselves.

Following the implementation of the triple talaq law, Bano was appointed as the Vice-Chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission, where she remains dedicated to advancing women’s rights and empowerment. She has been actively advocating for the rights and dignity of women who have been victimised.

Bano mentioned that in cases of women facing oppression, she endeavours to facilitate dialogue between both parties to foster mutual understanding.

Local women have also expressed their satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision, noting that it is likely to reduce occurrences of triple talaq. Previously, it had become somewhat commonplace for men to initiate divorces following extramarital affairs, trivialising the process. However, following the court’s ruling, there is optimism within the Muslim community that such instances will decline.

Another woman emphasised that post-divorce, husbands should be obligated to provide financial support to their wives, considering women are responsible not just for their own expenses but also for their children’s welfare. This measure, she believes, would alleviate some of the financial burdens on women and potentially reduce divorce rates.

Importantly, the Supreme Court has clarified that the law regarding maintenance applies to all married women, regardless of their religious affiliation. Section 125 stipulates that individuals with sufficient means cannot evade their responsibility to provide maintenance to their wives, children, or parents.

The court emphasised that maintenance is not an act of charity but a fundamental right of married women. It said, “This right transcends religious boundaries, reinforcing the principle of gender equality and financial security for all married women.”

–IANS

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Bengaluru, July 10 (IANS) A complaint has been filed on Wednesday against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over concealing the details of land owned by his wife in the election affidavit.

T.J. Abraham, President of Karnataka Anti-Graft and Environmental Forum has appealed to initiate proceedings against the Chief Minister, by filing a criminal complaint and also to initiate necessary action under Section 125 A and Section 8 of the Representation of People’s Act and under sections 227, 229, 231, 236 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for filing the false affidavit, along with nomination papers during the 2013 assembly election, to uphold the law.

Abraham has filed a complaint against the Chief Minister with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that Siddaramaiah has filed a false affidavit with his nomination paper in the 2013 state elections from Varuna Constituency in Mysuru district.

The Chief Minister had filed a sworn declaration affidavit dated April 15, 2013, in Form 26 along with his nomination papers for the 2013 assembly election.

In page 6 of the affidavit, in the description of the agricultural lands owned by his spouse B.M. Parvathy was to declare, that he had left that portion blank intentionally without declaring that his wife was the owner of agricultural land measuring 3.16 acres, the complaint stated.

“Siddaramaiah has failed to declare the ownership of an agricultural land which he very well knew stood in the name of his wife B.M. Parvathi. The land was sold by one Devaraju and family on Aug 25, 2004, to brother-in-law B.M. Mallikarjuna Swamy while Siddaramaiah was the Deputy Chief Minister. The land was converted for residential purposes on July 15, 2005. Much before 2013. The land was gifted to CM’s wife Parvathi on Aug 6, 2010. CM Siddaramaiah was then the Leader of the Opposition,” Abraham said.

“However, the Chief Minister in the annual returns – statement of assets and liabilities filed before the Lokayukta for the year ending March 31, 2013 has declared this information. The current second-term CM, former two terms Dy CM, former two terms leader of the opposition and a long term MLA Siddaramaiah cannot feign ignorance of the ownership of 3.16 acres of land that stood in the name of his wife since August 6, 2010,” Abraham said in his complaint.

The Chief Minister is facing allegations of fabricating documents regarding this particular piece of 3.16 acres of land and got 14 sites worth Rs 2 crore each allotted by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) fraudulently.

–IANS

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