BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari files nomination from Nandigram
NANDIGRAM, March 30: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday filed his nomination for Nandigram constituency and expressed confidence that the party would register a decisive victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls.Adhikari submitted his papers before the sub-divisional officer (SDO) at Haldia in Purba Medinipur district in the presence of senior BJP leaders, including Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh.Two other BJP candidates from the district also filed their nominations along with Adhikari.“The demand for the BJP among voters is far greater this time,” he said, sounding confident about the party’s prospects.“The BJP remains committed to bringing a clean, corruption-free, development-oriented and ethical government in West Bengal,” Adhikari added.Adhikari, who is also the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, asserted that he would win from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is pitted in a pitched battle with Adhikari in her long-held bastion Bhabanipur, making it the state’s most closely watched Assembly seat. (PTI)
TVK chief Vijay files papers declares assets worth Rs 603 cr
CHENNAI, March 30: TVK chief Vijay has declared total assets worth approximately Rs 603.20 crore in his election affidavit filed here on Monday.In the affidavit submitted to the Returning Officer, the 52-year-old actor-politician disclosed that he possesses movable assets valued at Rs 404.58 crore. His immovable assets, which include agricultural land in Kodaikanal and commercial and residential properties across Chennai, are valued at approximately Rs 198.62 crore.The candidate’s spouse, Sangeetha, has declared separate assets totaling Rs 15.76 crore, including movable property worth Rs 15.51 crore and immovable property valued at Rs 25 lakh.Vijay’s personal movable assets include Rs 2 lakh cash in hand and bank deposits exceeding Rs 213 crore in various accounts. He also holds a high-end vehicular fleet, including a BMW 530, a Toyota Lexus, a Toyota Vellfire, and a BMW i7, with a combined value of several crores. His jewellery disclosures include 883 grams of gold and silver articles worth Rs 15 lakh.The actor-turned-politician declared zero liabilities and no pending dues to banks or financial institutions. For the financial year 2024-25, he reported a total income of Rs 184.53 crore in his income tax returns.His primary sources of income are listed as self-employment, interest, and rental income from properties.Regarding his legal record, Vijay stated in the affidavit that there are no pending criminal cases against him, nor has he been convicted of any offence.On the educational front, the TVK chief disclosed that he discontinued his BSc degree from Loyola College, Chennai, in 1992. He completed his Class 10 and 12 through private study in 1989 and 1991, respectively.Vijay is making an electoral debut by contesting from two assembly constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchi East — in the upcoming elections. (PTI)
Rahul Gandhi bats for woman CM in Kerala, rides bicycle
KOTTAYAM, March 30: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday drew loud cheers from the crowd when he said he was looking forward to Kerala having a woman chief minister.Addressing a rally in Puthuppally here, Gandhi spoke about the guarantees announced by the Congress if it comes to power, including free KSRTC bus travel for women and a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for college-going girl students.He said the Congress wants women to be active participants in Kerala’s development.“In fact, we are looking forward to the day when we have a woman chief minister of Kerala,” he said, drawing a loud response from the crowd.He also remarked that men were not clapping enough for the statement.“We want women of Kerala to fulfil their dreams. Whatever they want to do, we want them to succeed,” he said.He said the Congress would ensure that women have the freedom to go wherever they want and pursue the jobs they choose.“For this purpose, our guarantees include free travel for women in KSRTC buses,” he said.After the event in Puthuppally, Gandhi joined sitting MLA Chandy Oommen and the Congress candidate for a bicycle ride.Oommen has been riding a bicycle as part of his election campaign.(PTI)
