Gujarat is a model of hatred: Asrani
Itanagar: Taking a potshot at the BJP’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi, Bollywood comedian Asrani has said that the saffron party wants to take the country to the 18th century while Congress moves with time. “The Gujarat model laced with the Godhra stink is a model of hatred that has taken 2,000 lives, while the Congress model has given 83 flagship programmes and scores of people living below the poverty line have been brought under the Food Security Act,” the 75-year-old actor said at an election rally here Friday evening. Stating that Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi works for the youth of the country, he said, “BJP only knows how to instigate to disintegrate. He (Modi) would suck your blood if he comes to power.” “Congress is a party whose both hands are with the common people,” said the celebrated actor who has played roles both in Hindi and Gujarati films. (PTI)
7 teachers in Assam suspended for violating model code
Morigaon: Seven Assam government school teachers in Morigaon district have been suspended from service on Saturday on charges of violation of the model code of conduct. The district election officer and deputy commissioner has suspended the seven assistant teachers of Lahorighat education block with immediate effect for participating in campaigning for the Congress, sources at the DC office said. The teachers in four schools were charged with violating the model code of conduct by leaving their assigned duty of teaching to attend the campaign meetings for the said party, they said. (PTI)
Assam declares public holiday on Monday for elections
Guwahati: Assam government has declared public holiday on Monday on account of first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state for five constituencies. “The state government has declared public holiday under the NI Act, 1881 in areas having polls on April 7. It is applicable to all central and state government offices, PSUs, corporations, boards, banks and educational institutions,” an official said. The areas where public holiday will come into effect on April 7 are Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Jorhat and Tinsukia districts. Also Bhergaon Sub-Division in Udalguri, Nagaon, Kaliabor and Hojai Sub-Divisions in Nagaon will also be included in the areas of declared public holidays, the official said. (PTI)
Election campaign for Outer Manipur reaches it’s peak
Imphal: Election campaigning for the Outer Manipur (ST) seat has reached its crescendo with candidates trying their best to reach out to the voters. The Outer Manipur seat covers the hill districts and portion of Thoubal district in the valley. For the two seats of Manipur elections will be held on April 9 (Outer Manipur) and April 17 (Inner Manipur). The Inner Manipur seat covers the four valley districts hence campaigning is much easier. The ten candidates for the Outer Manipur seat are mostly relying on their workers to seek vote as they can not reach all the districts properly. Most of the security personnel on duty for election have reached their destination in the hill districts. (UNI)