States Focus
Piyush Goyal criticises DMK government
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday alleged that the Tamil Nadu Government has failed to provide adequate development funding and is grappling with rising crimes against women and a growing drug menace.
Alleging internal conflicts and disagreements over seat-sharing within the DMK-led alliance, he said their Secular Progressive Alliance is a failure, calling it neither secular nor progressive and claiming it benefits only the Stalin family, while contrasting it with the NDA.
Speaking to reporters, Goyal alleged that the DMK is involved in corruption related to TASMAC, sand mining, land allocation, and job appointments.
Poll complaints: Bengal Lok Bhavan launches helpline
The West Bengal Lok Bhavan on Tuesday launched a 24-hour helpline through which people can register their complaints regarding the Assembly elections, a statement said. Several delegations had met Governor RN Ravi in recent weeks and voiced concerns over possible violence in the run-up to the elections, and after the results, it said.
“Quite a few of them also shared their past personal experience of having suffered brutal violence in
previous elections, including the killing of family members and kin,” it said.
Taking note of those concerns, the Lok Bhavan launched the helpline to receive complaints from citizens, push for quick intervention where needed and connect people with the appropriate authorities, it added.
“This initiative is to ensure that every voter can participate in the democratic process freely and without fear,” the statement said.
According to the Governor’s office, all complaints made through the helpline would be treated with “due sensitivity and utmost confidentiality”.
West Bengal will vote for its 294-member assembly on April 23 and 29.
The Lok Bhavan also urged voters to turn out in large numbers and take part in the “sacred festival of democracy” without fear or pressure.
Citizens can reach the helpline on 033-2200-1022, 033-2200-1023, 033-2200-1025 and 033-2200-1026, and lokbhavanbengalhelpline@gmail.com.
