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Tag: Gujarat

  • Stones Pelted At Ganesh Pandal In Surat; 27 Detained Amid Communal Tensions |

    Tensions flared in Surat’s Sayedpura area following an incident where stones were thrown at a Ganesh pandal, leading to communal unrest. The local police detained 27 individuals involved in the disturbance, including six minors.

    In the early hours of Monday, minors reportedly threw stones at a Ganesh pandal in Sayedpura, sparking outrage among the local community. Following the incident, a large crowd gathered, demanding swift action against the perpetrators. Police had to resort to lathi charges and tear gas to control the agitated crowd.

    Gujarat Home Minister and Local Leaders’ Intervention

    To help ease the growing tensions, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with local BJP MLA Kanti Balar, visited the affected area around 2:30 am. They met with the local community and urged for calm. Sanghavi assured the public that strict action would be taken against the culprits.

    In a post on social media, Sanghavi updated the public on the situation: “As promised, we have arrested the stone-pelters before sunrise. Our teams have worked through the night, and more arrests are expected as we continue to review surveillance footage.”

     Police Response and Arrests

    Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot provided details on the situation, confirming that immediate steps were taken to detain the minors involved in the stone-pelting. “Police were deployed right away to manage the situation. We carried out lathi charges and used tear gas where necessary,” he said, adding that approximately 1,000 police personnel have been stationed in the area to maintain peace. A total of 27 people, including those believed to have incited the stone-throwing, have been arrested.

  • Green Energy Push: Gujarat To Install Solar Rooftop Systems On Govt Buildings | Economy News

    New Delhi: The Gujarat government has announced plans to install 48 MW of solar rooftop systems on various state government buildings during the 2024-25 fiscal year as part of its ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on traditional fuels. The state’s Climate Change Department has earmarked Rs 177.4 crore to facilitate the installation.

    “The state has already seen success in its solar energy initiatives. As of March 2024, over 3,000 government buildings have been equipped with solar rooftop systems, with a combined capacity of 56.8 MW. With an estimated solar energy potential exceeding 36 GW, Gujarat is emerging as a leader in renewable energy production.

    By expanding solar projects and infrastructure, Gujarat is not only meeting the energy needs of its citizens but also contributing to environmental sustainability and economic growth, ” officials shared. In 2023-24, the state produced 24,765.3 million units (MU) of renewable energy, of which 9,637 MU came from solar power and 14,201 MU from wind energy.

    These efforts have placed Gujarat at the forefront of India’s green energy revolution, which is driven by projects like the successful Charanka Solar Park. In June 2024, Gujarat was awarded the “1st Rank” for India’s highest wind power installed capacity, surpassing Tamil Nadu, at a ceremony held in New Delhi under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The award was presented at the “Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India” event, commemorating Global Wind Day.

    As of May 2024, Gujarat leads with 11,823 MW of installed wind power capacity, ahead of Tamil Nadu (10,743 MW) and Karnataka (6,312 MW). Gujarat also boasts a solar power capacity of 14,182 MW, second only to Rajasthan (22,180 MW). With a combined renewable energy capacity of 28,200 MW, Gujarat holds the top position among the states.

  • Massive Fire Engulfs Rajkot Gaming Zone In Gujarat, 20 Dead |

    New Delhi: A massive fire engulfed a gaming zone in Gujarat’s Rajkot on Saturday evening and at least 20 people have died in the incident. Efforts to douse the fire are underway.

    Speaking to media Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav said,  “A fire broke out at the TRP gaming zone and there is information of some casualties.”

    “We will then be able to find out the exact number of casualties inside the zone (after fire is controlled). We will also investigate the cause of the fire, and a message has been issued to all the gaming zones in the city to shut down,” he added.  

    “The rescue operations are on. The fire is under control. We are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible. As of now, around 20 bodies have been recovered and they have been sent to the hospital for further investigation. Investigations will be carried out,” added Bhargava.

    The commissioner said that the police will be registering an offence for negligence against the gaming zome owner and a probe will be launched once the rescue operation is concluded.

    “The gaming zone is owned by a person called Yuvraj Singh Solanki. We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. The further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operations here,” said Bhargava.

    #WATCH | Rajkot, Gujarat: Fire officer IV Kher says, “The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. The attempts to douse the fire are underway. We have not received any message of missing persons. We are facing difficulty in the firefighting operation because the temporary… https://t.co/Gd9N1Pd8ka pic.twitter.com/v09kJcL0V3
    — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024

    Speaking to news agency ANI Fire Officer IV Kher said that the reason for the fire was yet to be ascertained. “The attempts to douse the fire are underway. We have not received any message of missing persons. We are facing difficulty in the firefighting operation because the temporary structure has collapsed and due to wind velocity,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took on ‘X’ to respond to the incident and wrote, “Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot. It has also been instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured.”

    (This is a developing story.)

  • Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting Timing, Key Candidates And Phase-3 Polling Constituencies |

    New Delhi: Gujarat is all set to polls for its 25 Lok Sabha seats in phase 3 on May 7 and counting for all will take place on June 4. The third phase of Lok Sabha Polls is going to take place on May 7 in 10 states and 2 Union territories including a total of 94 constituencies. The counting for all the seats will take place on June 4. The states going to polls in phase 3 are Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa and Gujarat.

    Gujarat consist total of 26 Lok Sabha seats where the Surat Lok Sabha seat is already secured by the BJP after the disqualification of a Congress candidate and the withdrawal of an independent candidate from Surat COnstituency.

    The voting for all these seats will be held between 7 AM to 6 PM. The counting for all the votes will take place on June 4.

    Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Key candidates and constituencies phase -3

    Kachchh: Vinodbhai Lakhmashi Chavda (BJP-NDA) vs Nitishbhai Lalan (INC-INDIA)

    Banaskantha: Rekhaben Hiteshbhai Chaudhary (BJP-NDA)- Geniben Thakor (INC-INDIA)

    Patan: Bharatsinhji Dabhi (BJP-NDA) vs Chandanji Thakor (INC-INDIA)

    Mahesana: Haribhai Patel (BJP-NDA) vs Ramji Thakor (INC-INDIA)

    Sabarkantha: Shobhnaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya (BJP-NDA) vs Tushar Chaudhary (INC-INDIA)

    Gandhinagar: Amit Shah (BJP-NDA) vs Sonal Patel (INC-INDIA)

    Ahmedabad East: Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel (BJP-NDA) vs Rohan Gupta (INC-INDIA)

    Ahmedabad West: Dineshbhai Kodarbhai (BJP-NDA) vs Bharat Makwana (INC-INDIA)

    Surendranagar: Chandubhai Chhaganbhai Shihora (BJP-NDA) vs Rutvikbhai Makwana (INC-INDIA)

    Rajkot: Parshottam Rupala (BJP-NDA) vs Paresh Kumar Dhiraj Lal Dhanani (INC-INDIA)

    Porbandar: Mansukhbhai Mandaviya (BJP-NDA) vs Lalitbhai Vasoya (INC-INDIA)

    Jamnagar: Poonamben Maadam (BJP-NDA) vs Jp Marvia (INC-INDIA)

    Junagadh: Rajeshbhai Chudasama (BJP-NDA) vs Hirabhai Jotva (INC-INDIA)

    Amreli: Bharatbhai Manubhai Sutariya (BJP-NDA) vs Jennyben Thummar (INC-INDIA)

    Bhavnagar: Nimuben Bambhania (BJP-NDA) vs Umesh Makwana (AAP-INDIA)

    Anand: Miteshbhai Rameshbhai Patel (BJP-NDA) vs 

    Kheda: Devusinh Chauhan (BJP-NDA) vs Kalusinh Dabhi (INC-INDIA)

    Panchmahal: Rajpalsinh Mahendrasinh Jadhav (BJP-NDA) vs Gulabsinh Chauhan (INC-INDIA)

    Dahod: Jasvantsinh Bhabhor (BJP-NDA) vs Prabha Kishor Taviad (INC-INDIA)

    Vadodara: Hemang Yogeshchandra Joshi (BJP-NDA) vs Jashpalsinh Padhiyar (INC-INDIA)

    Chhota Udaipur: Jashubhai Rathwa (BJP-NDA) vs Sukhram Rathva (INC-INDIA)

    Bharuch: Mansukhbhai Vasava (BJP-NDA) vs Chaitarbhai Damjibhai Vasava (AAP-INDIA)

    Bardoli: Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava (BJP-NDA) vs Siddharth Chaudhary (INC-INDIA)

    Navsari: C.r. Patil (BJP-NDA) vs Naishadh Desai (INC-INDIA)

    Valsad: Ananthbhai Patel (INC-INDIA) 

  • Who Is Rohan Gupta? The Man Who Has Put Congress In A Tight Spot In Gujarat |

    NEW DELHI: In a surprising turn of events, Rohan Gupta, the Congress candidate from the Ahmedabad East constituency, has withdrawn his candidature merely six days after being nominated. Citing his father’s critical health condition, Gupta expressed his inability to continue in the electoral race in a statement posted on the social media platform ‘X’. “Due to a serious medical condition, my father has been admitted to hospital and I am withdrawing my candidature for the Ahmedabad east parliament seat as a Congress Candidate. I will extend complete support to the new candidate nominated by the party,” Gupta said. 

     

    Due to serious medical condition , my father is admitted in hospital and I am withdrawing my candidature for Ahmedabad east parliament seat as Congress Candidate. I will extend complete support to the new candidate nominated by party. pic.twitter.com/oPVNBd7DqV


    — Rohan Gupta (@rohanrgupta) March 18, 2024

     

    This abrupt decision has dealt a significant blow to the Congress party, intensifying the challenge of securing a suitable replacement candidate at such a crucial juncture, just days before the impending Lok Sabha elections.

    Gupta, a familiar face in television news debates, was poised to contest from a seat currently held by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hasmukh Patel. The sudden withdrawal has not only disrupted the party’s electoral strategy but has also left Gujarat Congress leaders visibly dismayed and grappling with the urgent task of finding an alternative candidate.

    Who Is Rohan Gupta?

    Rohan Gupta, aged 46, emerged as a prominent figure within the Congress ranks, known for his articulate presence in national media discussions. He has been a former head of the Congress’s social media team, His nomination on March 13 was seen as a strategic move by the party to bolster its prospects in the upcoming polls. However, Gupta’s past controversy, which led to his removal as head of the Congress’s social media team two years ago, resurfaced in the wake of his candidacy. Despite this setback, the party endorsed his candidacy, only to face this unexpected setback.

    The Congress, which had announced seven candidates in Gujarat, including sitting MLAs and former legislators, now finds itself in a precarious position following Gupta’s withdrawal. With the state set to vote on May 7 in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the party faces the formidable task of regrouping and reasserting its electoral presence amidst the BJP’s stronghold.

    Countdown To Elections In Gujarat

    As the electoral clock ticks closer to polling day, the Congress must swiftly navigate the aftermath of Gupta’s departure while striving to regain momentum in Gujarat’s political landscape. With the BJP’s dominant performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the upcoming elections pose a critical test for the Congress’s resurgence in the state. As the nation awaits the unfolding dynamics of the electoral battlefield, the Congress grapples with the challenge of reshaping its strategy and reclaiming lost ground in the heartland of Gujarat.

  • Big Setback For Congress As Gujarat MLA Arjun Modhwadia, Ambarish Der Resign Ahead Of Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra, Lok Sabha Polls |

    Three days ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’s Gujarat leg, a big setback came for Congress as two key party leaders resigned from the grand old party. Congress MLA and former president of the party’s Gujarat unit Arjun Modhwadia resigned from the assembly and the party while the party’s working president of the Gujarat unit Ambarish Der also resigned leaving the party in troubled waters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

    Two Big Leaders Quit Congress

    Modhwadia submitted his resignation to the state Assembly Speaker. He was among the Congress CM contenders during the 2017 polls. Addressing the media, Modhwadia said, “When a party loses its connection with the people, it cannot survive for long. The people of the country wanted the Ram Temple to be constructed. The Congress had also decided that after a constitutional verdict from the Supreme Court, we would support it. Even then the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha was declined. I raised my voice then too, that this would hurt the public sentiment and we should not make such political decisions and that decision showed a lack of connection with the people. I tried to convey my message in several other matters, but I was not successful. Finally, I decided to resign today.”

    The party’s Gujarat unit working president Ambarish Der also resigned from the party and said he will join the ruling BJP on Tuesday. His resignation came after the party suspended Der from all posts and as a primary member of the Congress for a period of six years for his ‘anti-party activities’.

    Earlier in the day, Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president CR Paatil visited Der’s residence in Ahmedabad. Der also said that he was upset with the party’s stand on Ram temple in Ayodhya. The 46-year-old former MLA claimed it will be his “home-coming” as he was with the BJP in the past and worked extensively for it when he was young.

    Der had represented the Rajula seat in the Amreli district from 2017 to 2022 as the Congress MLA. He had defeated BJP’s heavyweight Hira Solanki, the younger brother of state minister Parshottam Solanki. Ahead of the 2022 Gujarat assembly polls, Der was made the Congress working president and remained on the post despite suffering defeat at the hands of his arch rival Hira Solanki.

    Assembly, Lok Sabha Polls Speculation

    While there is speculation that Hira Solanki might be asked to resign as the Rajula MLA and fielded from the Bhavnagar Lok Sabha seat, and Der might be the BJP candidate for the Rajula seat bypoll. The BJP might field one of the two leaders in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

    Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra

    Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra will enter Gujarat on March 7 and will cover 400 kilometres across seven districts over four days. During this, Rahul Gandhi will offer prayers at temples and visit the historic Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “There will be 27 corner meetings and six public gatherings as part of the yatra’s Gujarat leg. Some of the distance will be covered using cars and buses, while foot marches will be held in urban areas,” said the Congress. 

    The yatra, which began in the strife-torn Manipur, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20-21 after covering 6,713 kilometres across 110 districts over a period of 67 days, as per party leaders.

  • MS Dhoni, Sakshi Dhoni Steal The Show In Elegant Black Attire At Anant-Radhika Pre-Wedding | cricket news

    The glitz and glamor of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, Gujarat, witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities from around the world. Among the notable attendees was the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, accompanied by his wife Sakshi Dhoni. The couple's appearance stole the spotlight, captivating the attention of onlookers and media alike.

    MS Dhoni & Sakshi during the Pre Wedding of Anant Ambani.

    – Picture of the Day. __#MSDhoni_ #AnantAmbani #anantradhikaprewedding #RadhikaMerchantpic.twitter.com/ZR1A2nlf2n

    — Anvar Khan (@anvarkhan63) March 2, 2024 The Grand Entry

    As the festivities commenced on the first day, notable figures from various fields graced the occasion. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, renowned for his stellar contributions to Indian cricket, made a striking entry with his wife Sakshi. Despite their usual low-key presence in public events, the couple's charm and elegance in black attire left everyone in awe.

    Dhoni's Stylish Avatar

    MS Dhoni's attire is described as a sophisticated black outfit, consisting of a sleek shirt and a gleaming blazer. The choice of black exudes a sense of timeless class and refinement. The shirt is tailored to perfection, enhancing Dhoni's physique, while the blazer adds a touch of suaveness to his overall appearance. Additionally, attention is drawn to the stylish black bowtie adorning Dhoni's shirt, which serves as a subtle yet impactful accessory, elevating his look to the next level.

    On the other hand, Sakshi Dhoni's ensemble is characterized by grace and sophistication. She is depicted wearing a black dress that complements her husband's attire seamlessly. The dress is likely tailored to fit her figure elegantly, accentuating her curves while maintaining an air of modesty and grace. Sakshi's choice of attire highlights her keen sense of fashion and her ability to effortlessly exude elegance and poise.

    Sakshi's Graceful Presence

    Accompanying her husband, Sakshi Dhoni epitomized grace and poise in her ensemble. Dressed impeccably in black, she complemented Dhoni's attire flawlessly, resonating with elegance and charm. The couple's synchronization in their fashion choices further exemplified their bond and mutual understanding.

    Internet Sensation

    Pictures and videos capturing moments of MS Dhoni and Sakshi at the pre-wedding festivities swiftly became viral on the internet. Fans showered praises on the couple for their endearing chemistry and impeccable style. Their presence added an extra spark to the already dazzling event, making them the cynosure of all eyes.

    Beyond the Celebrations

    While MS Dhoni and Sakshi basked in the limelight at the pre-wedding extravaganza, the cricketing world gears up for another exhilarating season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under Dhoni's leadership, have announced their formidable squad for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. With seasoned players and promising talents in their ranks, CSK aims for another successful campaign in the tournament.

  • PM Modi to Inaugurate Sudarshan Setu: India`s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge On Feb 25

     The longest cable-stayed bridge, Sudarshan Setu extends to over 2.3 km connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island. 

  • Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP Nominates JP Nadda From Gujarat, Ashok Chavan From Maharashtra |

    New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released another list of seven names for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, nominating party president JP Nadda from Gujarat and newly inducted leader Ashok Chavan from Maharashtra. In its latest list, the BJP has declared four names from Gujarat and three from Maharashtra. Besides JP Nadda, the BJP nominated Govindbhai Dholakia, Mayanbhai Nayak and Jashvantsinh Parmar from Gujarat.

    For Maharashtra, besides Ashok Chavan, the party has named Medha Kulkarni and Ajit Gopchhade. Former Maharashtra chief minister Chavan quit Congress earlier this week and joined the BJP in the presence of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, Nadda, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh, is being fielded from Gujarat since the BJP does not have the numbers to win the lone seat in the Congress-ruled hill state.

    Earlier today, the BJP announced that it’s nominating Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw from Odisha and L Murugan from Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming elections. On Sunday, the BJP named 14 candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, including former Union Minister R P N Singh and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.

    The last day for filing nomination papers is February 15. The term for Rajya Sabha MPs is six years and elections are held after every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245 members.

    Out of the total 245 members, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 31.10. 2019) 12 are nominated by the President. Based on population, each state is allocated a certain number of candidates in the Upper House.

    Members of the state legislative assemblies choose Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

    The Election Commission has scheduled the Rajya Sabha elections for 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, for February 27. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on this date, with the deadline for nominations set for February 15. The results of the elections will be announced on the same day, February 27. The Election Commission has announced the biennial Rajya Sabha polls on February 27 for 56 seats, as the tenure of incumbents ends in April. 

  • Gujarat’s clean blackboards

    Gujarat’s clean blackboards