Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss the release of funds for various projects, including the Chennai Metro and universal education initiatives. He arrived in the national capital on Thursday evening, and will also attend a series of meetings with the Election Commission of India and representatives of political parties. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena announced the launch of a new initiative with its women, youth, and social media wings. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will also be attending a World Tourism Day event on Friday, which will highlight the important role of tourism in promoting development and global harmony.
Free the Citizens: Tamil Nadu CM Meets PM Modi for Funding
Amidst growing demands for the release of funds for various projects, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Their meeting underscored the need to address the state's pressing infrastructure and education challenges.
Background
Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, has witnessed significant economic growth in recent years. However, it continues to grapple with infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in the areas of transportation, energy, and water supply. The state government has proposed several projects to address these issues, including the Chennai Metro Phase 2, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and various water conservation initiatives.
In addition, Tamil Nadu has a strong commitment to education. The state government aims to implement universal education and improve the quality of primary and secondary education. This requires significant financial investment to build new schools, train teachers, and provide scholarships.
Meeting with PM Modi
On Friday, CM Stalin arrived in New Delhi to meet with PM Modi and discuss the release of funds for these crucial projects. The meeting focused on the following key areas:
Other Key Meetings
In addition to his meeting with PM Modi, CM Stalin also held discussions with the Election Commission of India and representatives of political parties. These meetings focused on electoral reforms and preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project? A1: The Chennai Metro Phase 2 project will enhance public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the city. It will connect various suburbs and provide a more efficient and comfortable commuting experience for residents.
Q2: Why is universal education a priority for Tamil Nadu? A2: Universal education ensures that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or economic status. It is essential for empowering future generations and fostering social and economic development.
Q3: What did the meeting between CM Stalin and the Election Commission focus on? A3: The meeting discussed electoral reforms, including the use of technology in voting and steps to enhance voter participation. It also prepared the ground for the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Q4: Who is responsible for releasing funds for these projects? A4: The central government, through the Finance Ministry, is responsible for releasing funds for infrastructure and education projects in states. The Prime Minister's Office coordinates with various ministries to ensure timely allocation of resources.
Q5: What role does the Election Commission play in the electoral process? A5: The Election Commission of India is an independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. It sets electoral rules, registers political parties, and oversees the voting process to ensure the integrity of the democratic system.
According to sources, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal has identified a total of 58,80,202 voters who may be excluded from the draft voter list. This includes people who have passed away, transferred, missing, and identified as 'fake' by the Election Commission. These numbers are subject to change in the final list, which is set to be published on February 14, 2022. The commission has divided voters into three categories - own mapping, progeny mapping, and non-mapping - depending on their presence in the 2002 voter list. Those not falling into any of these categories will be called for a hearing by the EC.
In a significant shift in voter sentiment, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a decisive win in the Kerala local body elections, dealing a major setback to the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The UDF has consolidated its gains across urban local bodies, while the LDF's last-minute welfare push failed to curb anti-incumbency. The NDA also made significant gains, underlining its expanding presence in urban Kerala.
In a major upset, the BJP-led NDA has won the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF's 45-year reign. The victory, with the NDA winning 50 out of 101 seats, is a boost for BJP's aspirations in Kerala's upcoming Assembly elections. The party's strong focus on development and Hindutva in Thiruvananthapuram, under the leadership of state unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, proved successful despite challenges faced during the campaigning. This victory has put the BJP in a strong position for the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken a huge lead in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, giving a setback to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Initial trends show the NDA leading in 25 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 15 wards and the UDF in 10 wards. This is a major blow to the LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, with a record voter turnout of 73.69%. The State Election Commission has also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.
In the ongoing Kerala local body elections, the NDA, led by the BJP, has made a significant jump by winning or leading on 29 out of 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This is a significant increase from their 2015 performance, where they won only 33 wards. Meanwhile, the LDF, which had a strong hold in the corporation, has faced a setback with only 15 wards in their favor. This shift in dynamics has sparked discussions about the LDF's performance under Chief Minister P Vijayan's leadership.
Indian leaders from across party lines paid homage to the security personnel who lost their lives defending the nation's democratic institution in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. A solemn tribute ceremony was held, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among others, laying floral wreaths. The President and Prime Minister also paid their respects, while the CRPF paid special tribute to a constable who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her bravery during the attack.
The Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on the Kerala High Court's ruling that 404.76-acre Munambam land is not Waqf property. This came after a Special Leave Petition was filed by the Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi, which contested the High Court's verdict. The Court clarified that despite the stay, the State Government was right in appointing a one-member Judicial Commission to probe the history and nature of the land. Local residents, however, have opposed the petition and argued for their right to the land.
The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, approved a wide range of proposals in the fields of urban development, industries, energy, tourism, infrastructure, and welfare. These decisions are expected to attract an investment of over Rs 25,000 crore and create more than 1.1 lakh jobs. The Cabinet also approved a 3.64% hike in DA/DR for government employees and pensioners, and other initiatives such as the reconstruction of check-dams and the upgradation of teachers in tribal welfare schools.
The Supreme Court has granted a stay on the Kerala High Court's finding that the Munambam land in Ernakulam district is not waqf property. The Court also ordered that the current status quo of the land be maintained until the next date of hearing. Although the High Court's declaration will remain stayed, the inquiry commission headed by former judge Justice CN Ramachandran Nair can continue to function. The case involves a dispute over 135 acres of land that was originally gifted to Farook College, now facing protests and challenges from the local residents.
The passing of former Union Home Minister and Congress heavyweight Shivraj Patil has left a void in the political landscape of Maharashtra. His tenure in the Ministry of Home Affairs was marked by several contentious moments, including controversies over his response to terror attacks and criticism over his attire during a national security crisis. His resignation after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai had a lasting impact on his reputation, as leaked US diplomatic cables described him as "spectacularly inept". Despite this, Patil is being fondly remembered by Congress leaders for his dedication to public service and contributions to the nation's democratic institutions.