Pakistan Army chief met me for a minute: Sidhu
Chandigarh, Aug 21 : Slamming those who criticized him for hugging the Pakistan Army chief, Punjab cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa met him barely for a minute before the swearing-in of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
"I did not meet him later," he told reporters.
Defending his action, Sidhu also said that his seating at the swearing-in in Islamabad on August 18 was changed at the last minute and he did not know who sat next to him.
Without mincing words, he said his visit to Pakistan was a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who wanted peace between the two countries.
Sidhu said he received a lot of love and affection in Pakistan and was disappointed by some of the reactions in India. He said he went to Pakistan at the invitation and repeated reminders from Imran Khan.
"Even our government gave permission to me to visit Pakistan. Two days after Pakistan gave him the visa, our External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called me and said that I had been given permission (to go)," Sidhu said.
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Ahead of polls, Mamata says her govt will constitute development boards for 5 communities
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that her government would constitute new cultural and development boards for five communities.
Banerjee, who made the announcement ahead of the assembly polls, said the boards will safeguard the customary rights and ensure socio-economic growth of these communities.
"I am pleased to announce that our government intends to constitute soon five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities," she said in a social media post.
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Stating that these communities are integral to the vibrant fabric of the state, the CM said, "The boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring better education, healthcare, and jobs."
Banerjee said that since 2013, her government has established many such boards for our weaker communities, ensuring their all-around development.
"We remain dedicated to ensuring no community is left behind," she said, asserting that her government's goal is "to bring a smile to every face through inclusive progress and unwavering support".
Elections to the 294-member assembly in West Bengal are expected to be held in April, with Banerjee's TMC eyeing a fourth straight term in power.
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