Christians are known for social harmony: Nalin Kumar Kateel
Chappara Muhoortha to welcome new Bishop
Mangaluru, August 27: Lok Sabha Member Nalin Kumar Kateel hailed the contributions of Christians in establishing social harmony in the society.
Speaking as a chief guest at the Chappara Muhoortha programme ahead of new Bishop’s Episcopal Ordination at Rosario Cathedral grounds here on Monday, the MP who appreciated the role of Mangaluru Bishop in building a healthy society, said that when the central government had announced the Swachh Bharat mission, it was the Mangaluru Bishop who conducted the programme in the city first. When there was a social unrest in the city in September 2008, it was the Bishop of Mangaluru who took initiative to sort out the differences between the groups. In a way, the Christians have contributed a lot for the social harmony, he said promising his party support to the programme and new Bishop.
Former MLA JR Lobo said that as Mangaluru was known for peace and harmony, it was the duty of every individual to build the harmonious society.
MLC Ivan D’Souza said that Christians of Mangaluru diocese have been living harmoniously and requested the MP for his support to the programme.
Presiding over the programme, the Bishop appreciated the good will of the MP for attending the programme. Usually, the close relatives would be invited for Chappara Muhoortha. So, close guests were invited to the programme, he said.
Coordinator MP Noronha explained the importance of this historical event. Apostolic Administrator of Diocese Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Corporator Latheef, Chief Coordinator Fr. JB Crasta, Convener Fr. Onil D’Souza, Fr. Vincent Monthiero, Fr. Richard D’Souza, Fr. Vijay Victor Lobo, and others were Present.
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
