BJP and Congress are working hand in glove in Gujarat: Kejriwal
Ahmedabad, Jul 2 (PTI): Accusing the ruling BJP and main opposition Congress of being in cahoots in Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday expressed confidence that people will elect his party to power in the 2027 state polls.
Elated by AAP leader Gopal Italia's victory in the recent byelection to Visavadar assembly seat in the state, the former Delhi chief minister said unlike in the past, people have an alternative in the form of AAP.
He was speaking here after launching a membership drive of his party in Gujarat, aimed at expanding its base and strengthening the booth-level organisation before the 2027 assembly polls.
It was not a coincidence that Italia's victory margin was three times that of the previous AAP MLA who had won from the seat in 2022, Kejriwal said.
"It is often seen that the party in power wins a byelection. (But) Though the BJP tried every trick in the book, Gopal Italia emerged victorious. I believe this is God's message. God is trying to say something to all of us," said Kejriwal in his speech.
"Congress ruled Gujarat for 30 years and the BJP ruled for 30 years (from 1995 onwards). Now the wheel of time has turned, and it is time for the BJP to go. A new party, which will be honest and patriotic, will come to power in 2027. AAP will come to power and work for the people," he added.
The BJP has failed to provide basic amenities like good roads, he said.
Referring to recent arrests in an MNREGA scam in some districts of Gujarat, Kejriwal said the Congress only did the BJP's bidding.
"How did they (BJP) manage to rule for 30 years? Because Congress is in their pockets. BJP leaders have become arrogant because they know that the people of Gujarat have no option other than voting for them. Leaders of both the parties work hand in glove," he alleged.
Seventy per cent of government contracts go to those close to the BJP, while those close to Congress are given remaining 30 per cent of contracts, Kejriwal claimed.
"The leaders of both parties have started their own companies. As a result, neither BJP nor Congress leaders ever go to jail. Both of them get contracts together. Congress only works for BJP," he said.
"For 30 years, the public did not have an option. Now the option is Aam Aadmi Party. Visavadar by-election was a semi-final. In 2027, our party will form the government.... The rule of corrupt people will end," said Kejriwal.
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Parag fined 25 percent of match fees for vaping incident, BCCI exploring 'stringent action' on RR
New Delhi (PTI): Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was on Thursday fined 25 per cent of his match fee for bringing the game into "disrepute" after being caught vaping on camera during the IPL game against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Parag's actions during the Royals' chase on Tuesday night drew condemnation on social media.
PTI has learned that on field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon had not reported the matter to match referee Amit Sharma right after the game. They only did that after seeing visual proof and Sharma found Parag guilty for a code of conduct breach as per the IPL guidelines.
The Level 1 offence carries 25 per cent deduction from match fees and one demerit point.
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"Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma," said the IPL in a statement.
"The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and players to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact," the statement added.
When PTI reached out to BCCI secretary Devajit Saika on possible action on Rajasthan Royals, he said: "As it is written clearly in the statement, we are exploring what action to take on the team. It is not decided yet."
The Indian government had banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale and distribution. As per the law, the offender faces imprisonment up to one year and/or a Rs one lakh fine for a first time offence.
"Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct, including Article 2.20," the IPL Code of Conduct states.
"By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.
"When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered.
"Further, the person lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence)."
Since it is a Level 1 offence there was no need for a hearing.
Parag, who has not had the best of times with the bat this IPL, was seen inhaling an e-cigarette, also known as vaping, in the dressing room during the live broadcast of their game against Punjab Kings. Royals won the game to end Kings' unbeaten run in the tournament.
This is not the first controversy to hit the Royals this season. Earlier this month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs one lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being found using his phone in the dugout.
IPL and BCCI officials involved in the conduct of the IPL termed it as a careless act in the age of social media and prying TV cameras.
Royals next host Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on Friday night.
