TMC bagged Muslim votes but did nothing for community: Owaisi in Kolkata
Kolkata (PTI): Alleging that the TMC bagged Muslim votes but did nothing for the community, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's politics helped the BJP grow in West Bengal.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Owaisi claimed people of Bengal were suffocated, and his party has joined hands with Humayun Kabir's AJUP to provide the alternative they are looking for.
"Our alliance with Humayun Kabir is aimed at stopping the exploitation of weaker sections in West Bengal and empowering them," said the Hyderabad MP.
"Our alliance will also try to strengthen the political leadership of Muslims," he added.
Owaisi claimed development of minorities is a big issue in the state.
Asked whether his party's presence in West Bengal will help the BJP, he said, "People in a democracy are free to vote for the party of their choice."
Kabir, who floated the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) after being suspended by the TMC amid the controversy over his proposed Babri-style mosque in Murshidabad district, said the coalition will contest 182 seats in the assembly poll.
He claimed the coalition could emerge as a decisive player in government formation if the election produces a fractured mandate.
Polling for the 294-member assembly will be held on April 23 and 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
VIDEO | West Bengal polls: “People of Bengal suffocated, will provide alternative they're looking for”, says AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) after declaring alliance with Humayun Kabir.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 25, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6NeXOiyykS
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
