India News: CM Sidda, Shivakumar in Delhi; likely to discuss Karnataka cabinet expansion

A 34-year-old man from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh allegedly committed suicide at a hotel in the Dharavi area in Mumbai on Wednesday, police said.

Suraj Singh Baghel, the deceased, was found to have hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his hotel room.

Amid the boycott call by 19 parties of the upcoming inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday said this boycott is disrespectful not only to the citizens but to the Constitution as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive a grand welcome from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday at 4:30 am upon arrival at Palam Airport for his unprecedented visit to Japan, Australia and Papua New Guinea.

"Today at around 1.30 am, there was firing from the upper hill of Singda Kadangband by some suspected armed miscreants. One person received a bullet injury on his right little finger and right thigh. He has been evacuated to RIMS Hospital for treatment. BSF and one Section of MR rushed to the spot and conducted an operation and dominated the area," Kuldeep Singh, Manipur Security Advisor, said.

Three incidents of fresh violence were reported earlier today in Kadangband of Manipur's Imphal West district. Security was tightened in the area after the incident.

Three foreign nationals were arrested in Chennai airport for luring people from Andhra Pradesh with app-based loans and later blackmailing them by extorting large sums of money, police said on Wednesday.
 

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar left Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after a meeting at the latter's residence in Delhi. Karnataka CM Siddarmaiah also reached the national capital for the same.

#WATCH दिल्ली: कर्नाटक के उप मुख्यमंत्री डीके शिवकुमार कांग्रेस के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे के आवास से रवाना हुए। pic.twitter.com/E1fmWCUiF9

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews)

Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi to discuss Cabinet expansion with party leadership.

#WATCH | Karnataka CM & Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrives in Delhi to likely discuss Cabinet expansion with party leadership pic.twitter.com/lchtB1gJrZ

— ANI (@ANI)

"I congratulate @narendramodi ji for dedicating the grand, majestic and spacious Parliament building to the nation. Parliament, being the temple of democracy, reflects our nation's soul and belongs to the people of our country and all the political parties," Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy tweeted. "Boycotting such an auspicious event is not in the true spirit of democracySetting aside all political differences, I request that all political parties attend this glorious event. In the true spirit of democracy, my party will attend this historic event."

I congratulate @narendramodi ji for dedicating the grand, majestic and spacious Parliament building to the nation. Parliament, being the temple of democracy, reflects our nation's soul and belongs to the people of our country and all the political parties. Boycotting such an…

— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan)

The BJP will conduct a month-long outreach programme in Delhi, highlighting the Narendra Modi government's contribution to the growth of infrastructure in transport, health and the social sector in the national capital, party leaders said on Wednesday. The outreach programme will be supervised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.

The Modi government has developed Delhi in every field, including education, health, transport, road infrastructure, pollution control and public welfare, among others, at the cost of lakhs of crores of rupees, the BJP's Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva said at a joint press conference.

(With PTI inputs)

"The decision taken by the opposition shows that they do not have faith in democracy. It is not just the building of India's Lok Sabha, it is the building of strength of New India. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Annexe building in 1975, Rajiv Gandhi did the Bhoomi Pujan of the Parliament Library. Was it anti-democratic?" Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis questioned the opposition for boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament House

#WATCH | Jithendra Vummidi, great-grandson of jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty who made the 'Sengol', which was handed over to Pandit Nehru as a symbol of the transfer of power from the Britishers to India in 1947, explains the history and importance of the historic sceptre… pic.twitter.com/a7h0pYB2bE

— ANI (@ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) brought two aides-- Ajit Tyagi and Vivek Tyagi-- of AAP MP Sanjay Singh to their office for further investigation, sources revealed per ANI. ED raided the residences of Ajit Tyagi, Vivek Tyagi and Sarvesh Mishra, on Wednesday in the money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy.

"The Parliament is not for the "BJP" but for the whole country. It is okay to oppose Modi but "opposing" the "country" is not right," Senior Congress leader Acharya Pramod tweeted. 

संसद भवन “भाजपा”
का नहीं पूरे देश का है, मोदी का विरोध तो ठीक है लेकिन “देश” का “विरोध” ठीक नहीं.

— Acharya Pramod (@AcharyaPramodk)

#BREAKING | Market value of LIC investment in Adani stocks hits Rs 44,670 crore. pic.twitter.com/kdZospGGPd

— Republic (@republic)

Republic TV sources revealed that the Congress leadership has asked its party members to refrain from making controversial comments. Congress leader MB Patil spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah about his altercation with his deputy DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh. The altercation resulted after Patil said that there will be no power-sharing between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which upset the Deputy CM's brother. 

"In the last 9 years - 5 non-BJP / Opposition state governments either laid foundation stones or inaugurated a new Legislative Assembly building," Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted after opposition parties boycotted the new parliament inauguration ceremony. "All were done by either the Chief Minister or the Party President. In not a single instance was the Governor or President invited," he wrote. 

In the last 9 years - 5 non-BJP / Opposition state governments either laid foundation stones or inaugurated a new Legislative Assembly building .

All were done by either the Chief Minister or the Party President. In not a single instance was the Governor or President invited. pic.twitter.com/LjP9zjlLGg

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa)

A gangster named Jarnail Singh was shot dead in broad daylight in Amritsar, Punjab on Wednesday. CCTV footage accessed by Republic shows the attack was carried out by four shooters, believed to be from a rival gang, who had covered their faces. The police have launched an investigation and deployed heavy security in the area. 

#BREAKING | Gangster shot dead in Punjab's Amritsar in broad daylight, CCTV footage accessed. Tune in here for more updates - https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY pic.twitter.com/y3uNexggiM

— Republic (@republic)

AAP MP Sarvesh Mishra alleged that the agency is suppressing the voice of the opposition amid raids of ED at his residence on Wednesday. While speaking to Republic TV, Mishra claimed that the ED has also seized his mobile phone. "They were asking about my nexus to the liquor gate," Mishra told Republic. 

The Gyanvapi Mosque Committee while opposing Hindu worshippers' plea for ASI survey of mosque premise argued in its plea that "neither Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was cruel, nor did he demolish any Adi Vishweshwar Temple in Varanasi."

The mosque committee has also denied the discovery of a 'Shiva Linga' by a court-appointed commissioner last year, inside the Gyanvapi Mosque premises. "The object found is a fountain," the plea read. 

The inauguration of the new Parliament building is a matter of pride for the country, so we have decided that the SAD party will attend the inauguration ceremony on 28th May. We do not agree with the issues raised by opposition parties," Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Daljit Singh Cheema said.

"I thank the people of Australia, the Australian Government and my dear friend @AlboMP for their hospitality. We will keep working towards a vibrant India-Australia friendship, which is also in the interest of global good," PM Narendra Modi tweeted. He will soon head back to India. 

I thank the people of Australia, the Australian Government and my dear friend @AlboMP for their hospitality. We will keep working towards a vibrant India-Australia friendship, which is also in the interest of global good.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will skip the NITI Aayog meeting which has been scheduled for May 27 in New Delhi.

#BREAKING | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to skip NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for May 27.#NitiAayog #MamataBanerjee

Tune in - https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/7BYrp0lDZB

— Republic (@republic)

ED, on Wednesday, froze 25 accounts of TMC leader Anubrata Mondal along with properties worth Rs 13 crores. The TMC's Birbhum district president and a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was earlier arrested by the CBI in connection with the related corruption case.  The ED arrested him in the alleged multi-crore cattle smuggling scam case after questioning him inside the Asansol jail where he was lodged.

The Delhi High Court allowed former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia to withdraw his interim bail application, which was filed on grounds of his wife's health condition. Sisodia withdrew the applications seeking interim bail in the cases alleging corruption and money laundering.

"The fact that the condition of the wife of the petitioner is stable, he does not want to present an interim bail application," the HC said. 

While briefing the media ahead of the inauguration of the New Parliament building, AIMIM chife said that New Parliament building should be inaugurated but Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not inaugurate the building but rather Speaker Om Birla should.
 

Amid a huge ruckus by the opposition party over the inauguration of New Parliament building, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi backed centre for its idea. He stated that there is a need for a new parliament building. 

#LIVE | There is a need of new Parliament, proposed idea of new Parliament in 2019: Owaisi #NewParliamentBuilding #Owaisi#NarendraModi

Tune in - pic.twitter.com/rB4mYqxFBN

— Republic (@republic)

J&K: G20 delegates visit Srinagar's Nishat Garden, on the banks of Dal Lake. The 3-day third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, being held in Srinagar, will conclude today.

J&K | The Delegates of the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting dressed in traditional attire on a visit to the Nishat Bagh in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/l7zuwmwUtI

— ANI (@ANI)

Addressing a press conference, Home Minister Amit Shah detailed the sceptre of new parliament building. Chola Dynasty relic part of new parliament. Chola dynasty relic part of new parliament building. 

"Cabinet expansion will be carried out by my Chief Minister. He has the authority, Congress party has given him authority. He is the right man to answer, please meet him," says Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on a question of state cabinet expansion

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "I would like to tell them that this is a historical event. This is not the time of politics...Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function..."

19 opposition parties issue a joint statement to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building on 28th May, saying "When the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the Parliament, we find no value in a new building."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses press. He said that the new parliament complex is proof of the foresightedness of PM Narendra Modi

#LIVE | Home Minister Amit Shah's press briefing on nine years of Modi govt new Parliament building inauguration.#NewParliamentBuilding #amitshah #PMModi

Tune in - https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/vhcSqGAAR2

— Republic (@republic)

Meghalaya delegates include, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Dy CM - Prestone Tynsong & Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Minister Comingone Ymbone & senior Govt officials including Chief Secretary 

Assam delegate include, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Atul Boral, Pijush Hazarika and Chandra Mohan Patowary. 

#BREAKING | Assam - Meghalaya border talks on six disputed area; Himanta meets Conrad Sangma.#AssamMeghalaya#HimantaBiswaSarma

Tune in - https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/ivkTU8uwdo

— Republic (@republic)

"For the current year -- for the year that has just ended that is 2022-23 -- the estimates are that it will be 7%. But there is a possibility that it could be even more. The data will come at the end of this month, according to all recent trends, it will not be a surprise if the GDP growth of last year comes slightly above 7%..," says RBI Governor on the domestic growth scenario

Amidst global uncertainties, the Indian banking system remains stable and resilient with strong capital and liquidity positions, improving asset quality, better provisioning coverage and improved profitability: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

Australian PM Anthony Albanese assured that they will continue to take strong actions against such elements that want to disrupt the strong and deep ties between India and Australia. The relevant departments of the two countries will remain in touch with each other and closely coordinate whenever information on such a thing arises: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das says, "Financial markets remain volatile as uncertainty over future monetary policy path is keeping market sentiments on the edge...On the upside, global growth is being supported by the easing of supply chain disruptions, gradual normalisation of energy and food markets, easing commodity prices and reopening of the Chinese economy. Global inflationary pressures are also showing signs of abetment, though they remain well above the target in most of the countries."

The attack on the temples and activities of the other separatist elements were discussed by the two Prime Ministers earlier, and today also. From the discussions last time till this time, the progress is clearly reflected in the fact that PM Modi thanked PM Albanese for the action that the Govt of Australia has taken against these elements: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma have arrived IN Guwahati. Meeting to start shortly. There will be a joint briefing after the meeting by Conrad Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday, May 24 stated that "The IMF's World Economic Outlook of April 2023 projects global growth to decelerate from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.8% in 2023 before rising again to 3% in 2024. The economic slowdown is, however concentrated in advanced economis, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to contribute about 70% of global growth in 2023. According to the same estimates, India will contribute about 15% to global growth in the current year." 

Senior congress leader and LoP Punjab Partap singh bajwa warns congress high command that supporting AAP would not be a right step. Bajwa said that AAP has damaged congress in several states and leaders are not trust worthy. Bajwa further supported that centre should be taking care of national capital as several important offices and departments are located in Delhi

Blast in Nagpur's Sillevada Coal Mine, 11 people were reported seriously injured in the explosion in the mine
 

Punjab STF arrested amritsar based Lakhbir singh alias Lakha. STF recovered a Chinese drone, 1.6kg heroin, one pistol, one rifle and a tab. Lakha is in the chain of pak drug smugglers and receive drug consignment through drones. Lakha is in cross border drugs and weapons smuggling for a long time. During the course of investigation it has also came to fore that Lakha was involved in Ludhiana court blast case also
 

#WATCH | Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera receives Guard of Honour at the South Block in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/X99WwrpfiH

— ANI (@ANI)

Amid demands from the Opposition that the president and not the Prime Minister should inaugurate the new Parliament building, the leaders of several political parties have decided to boycott the ceremony on May 28.

The Congress, The Trinamool Congress (TMC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) will skip the inauguration. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Prof Manoj K Jha has also indicated that the party is most likely going to boycott the inauguration.

#WATCH | Delhi | Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera lays a wreath at the National War Memorial pic.twitter.com/kZPhtlr5jS

— ANI (@ANI)

Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav about the unfortunate road accident at Dangduru Dam site. 7 persons dead, 1 critically injured. Injured being shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar or GMC Doda as per requirement. All possible help, as required, will be provided: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

J&K | A cruiser vehicle of Pakal Dul Project with 10 people on board, met with an accident in Kishtwar, some feared dead. Further details awaited: DC Kishtwar

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Egra in Purba Medinipur district on Friday, where 12 people were killed in a huge explosion at an illegal firecracker factory last week, a senior government official said.

“The CM will visit Egra on Friday. She will meet family members of the victims of the explosion,” the official said on Tuesday.

Bengaluru: Congress workers of Hiriyur Constituency protest outside Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's residence, demanding that Hiriyur Constituency MLA D Sudhakar be given a ministerial post.

Ban on the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution or sale of chewable food products - Gutkha, Pan masala - containing tobacco and nicotine as ingredients, extended in Tamil Nadu for one year from May 23: Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu

With the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls due next year, state Congress president Nana Patole has said stress will be laid on the allotment of seats according to the merit of candidates.

“A detailed discussion was held in an extended executive meeting of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee in view of the forthcoming elections to the Vidhan Sabha and the Lok Sabha. While fighting together as Maha Vikas Aghadi, emphasis will be laid on the allotment of seats according to merit. Each seat will be studied thoroughly before discussing seat-sharing,” Patole said.

A tempo full of cigarettes worth about Rs 30 lakhs was looted near Delhi's Signature Bridge yesterday afternoon. The tempo was going to Model Town with a consignment of cigarettes from Ghaziabad. On the way, 4 to 5 robbers looted the tempo. A case was registered in Timarpur PS. Following the investigation, two people were arrested. Cigarettes recovered from them. Search for the remaining accused is underway.

As part of his efforts to drum up opposition support for his government’s fight against the Centre over an ordinance on the control of administrative services in the national capital, AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday.