Will fulfil 7 guarantees on Dec 11: Himachal CM

Kullu: While attacking the BJP during his address at Bakhli in the Seraj assembly constituency of Mandi district, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday that the Congress govt would fulfil seven key guarantees on December 11.He said that the present govt dissolved the Subordinate Services Selection Commission in Hamirpur after allegations of corruption and paper leaks, adding that he could not let the future of the youth be jeopardized due to corruption.The CM said that the present govt had discontinued the practice of halting development projects of the previous govts. He accused the previous BJP govt of constructing buildings without appointing staff and opening 900 institutions just before the elections without providing adequate budgets and manpower. He described such actions as “a betrayal to the public” and stressed that the current govt would open new institutions only after ensuring proper staffing.He said that the BJP had left the state treasury in dire straits. He also claimed that Congress had introduced significant policy changes over the past two years to benefit the common people.He added that the restoration of the old pension scheme for 1.36 lakh govt employees, the release of 11% dearness allowance for employees and pensioners reflected the state’s improving financial health.The CM said that steps were also taken to strengthen the rural economy, and the MNREGA daily wages were also increased from Rs. 240 to Rs 300. Sukhu criticized the BJP for failing to equip hospitals with essential equipment. The Congress had started Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana to support 6,000 orphan children, the chief minister added.

BJP govt renamed 21 schemes of previous govt, CM tells House

The BJP government in Odisha has renamed 21 schemes and programs previously implemented by the BJD government while introducing seven new initiatives. Notable changes include Kalia scheme to PM-KISAN, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana to Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, and Biju Setu Yojana to Setu Bandhan Yojana. These changes were confirmed in a written reply by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.

Minister alleges misuse of funds by previous govt

Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar accused the previous government of dismantling the state's ration supply system, benefiting a 'ration mafia.' He claimed Rs 1,600 crore was diverted for vans that smuggled ration rice. Manohar questioned a stake transfer in Kakinada Seaport Limited, and a comprehensive policy under CM N Chandrababu Naidu will be developed to curb the ration mafia.

Santhals said baang to BJP in Santhal Parganas

In the 2024 state assembly polls, BJP and its ally AJSUP lost heavily in Santhal Parganas, securing only one out of 18 seats. Santhal voters, including Christian tribals, supported JMM and its allies, rejecting BJP's strategy of polarizing votes. Promises regarding a separate code for Sarna religion played a significant role in JMM's victory.