SP fields candidate against Raja Bhaiya after 20 years
The Hindu
Ties soured after 2018 Rajya Sabha election.
Breaking a political trend, the Samajwadi Party has fielded a candidate in Kunda seat of Pratapgarh against Thakur strongman Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, after two decades. The SP is contesting this seat after the relationship between Mr. Singh, a six-time Independent MLA, and SP president Akhilesh Yadav went downhill after the 2017 election.
In 2018, as he prepared to take on the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Mr. Yadav had been left red–faced after Mr. Singh, till then considered a political ally, allegedly cross-voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha poll. An outraged Mr. Yadav, under whose government Mr. Singh had enjoyed ministerial positions, called the MLA a “liar” and “a dhamkidar” (intimidator) and said the SP had shut its doors on him forever.
In the 2007, 2012 and 2017 elections, Mr. Singh did not face any candidate from the SP, winning comfortably. While it is still a daunting task to challenge him in Kunda, considered his fiefdom, the SP’s move to field Gulshan Yadav, a former nagar panchayat chairman and former aide of Mr. Singh, against him could alter certain equations in the constituency.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.
Kalaburagi District Police Dog Squad bids emotional farewell to Reeta, a crucial part of operations and investigations.
India's vibrant startup ecosystem, driven by women, innovation, and government support, is shaping the global entrepreneurial landscape.
Mettur dam water level at 119.49 feet, inflow 2,711 cusecs, discharge 500 cusecs, near full capacity.
AAP alleges BJP plot to arrest CM Atishi in fake case to distract from election campaigning.
PMK leader questions DMK government on Vanniyar reservation, threatens to unseat in next election.