FP FREE PRESS The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms VOL. 13 NO. 232 | BHOPAL | SUNDAY | FEBRUARY4, 2024 | PAGES 16 `4 - r Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2021-2023; NEWS BRIEF Himachal factory fire toll rises to 5 SHIMLA: The death toll in the fire at a perfume manufacturing unit in the Baddi industrial area of Himachal Pradesh's Solan increased to five as firefighters were working to bring the blaze under control nearly 24 hours after it started, officials said on Saturday. The massive fire broke out around 2:45 pm on Friday. A search is also underway to trace nine persons who are still missing, a senior officer said, adding that 31 people suffered injuries in the fire. 7-yr-jail for Imran, wife ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan court on Saturday sentenced jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to seven years imprisonment in the 'un-Islamic nikah' case, less than a week before the general elections.This is 71-year-old Khan's fourth conviction since 2022 adding to the troubles of the beleaguered founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party ahead of the February 8 polls. Give Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram: BSP LUCKNOW: The BSP on Saturday urged the government to award the Bharat Ratna posthumously to party founder Kanshi Ram for his contribution to empowering the people of the country socially and economically. This comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that BJP stalwart and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. In a post on X, BSP national coordinator Akash Anand said the government should honour Kanshi Ram with the Bharat Ratna as soon as possible. China to see eco decline: IMF WASHINGTON: The IMFpredicted China's economic decline to continue over the next four years as Beijing continues to tackle a range of challenges, including a rapidly aging population, higher unemployment and a property crisis, VOA News reported. In a report released on Friday, the IMF projected that China's economic growth will reduce to 4.6 per cent this year, down from its 5.2 per cent growth in 2023, and drop further to 3.4 per cent by 2028. The property market has been a particular area of trouble for the Chinese economy lately, with a Hong Kong court on Monday directing Chinese property giant Evergrande to liquidate. ‘Hemant can take part in trust vote’ RANCHI: A special court in Ranchi on Saturday allowed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren to participate in the trust vote in the state assembly on February 5. Soren, who was arrested by the ED on Wednesday in a money laundering case, filed a petition before the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court, seeking permission to participate in the trust vote sought by the new government. SACRED SOJOURNS Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad receives treatment in a hospital after he was allegedly shot by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad in Ulhasnagar on Friday ACCUSED IN POLICE CUSTODY TILL FEB 14 THANE: BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad accused of shooting at Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde faction leader Mahesh Gaikwad was sent to police custody till February 14 by a Magistrate court on Saturday. BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad and two other accused were brought to Ulhasnagar court. The other two accused in the case have also been sent to police custody till February 14. SENA, BJP BOTH WANT KALYAN LS SEAT MUMBAI, The shooting incident in Thane district has brought to the fore the simmering tensions between the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena in Kalyan with both parties eyeing this Lok Sabha constituency, currently represented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde. vate medical facility in complaint in connection Thane city. He underwent with a land dispute when an emergency life-saving Mahesh Gaikwad arrived surgery and is on a ventilawith his men. Later, Gantor, said the hospital, pat Gaikwad also reached adding that his condition the police station. is "currently critical". A During an altercation beteam of doctors is monitween the MLA and the toring his vitals. Sena leader, Ganpat GaikAccording to Additional wad allegedly fired shots at CP Shinde, Ganpat GaikMahesh Gaikwad inside wad's son had come to the the senior inspector's police station to lodge a chamber, injuring him and Leadership tips given to ministers On the first day of the Leadership Summit on Saturday, the ministers of the Mohan Yadav government learnt the tactics of handling stress in their daily life and improving leadership qualities so that they can deliver their duties in a better manner. They also got a chance to know about the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Leadership Summit: Madhya Pradesh Government was held jointly by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy and Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini Institution on Saturday. Tips given on aligning state’s interests with Centre. CONTD. ON P8 26.80c. 14.40c Sunrise : 07.05 Sunset : 06.16 ‘NO REGRETS’ THANE/MUMBAI OUR STAFF REPORTER city.bhopal@fpj.co.in WEATHER WEEKEND Fadnavis orders high-level probe Opposition guns for CM Shinde A Shiv Sena leader suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition after a BJP MLA fired upon him over a land dispute in Maharashtra's Thane district, prompting the opposition to demand Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's resignation, citing deteriorating law and order in the state. Deputy CM and state home minister Devendra Fadnavis said he has ordered a high-level probe to find out what made the MLA open fire and under what circumstances. Kalyan MLA Ganpat Gaikwad of BJP opened fire on Mahesh Gaikwad, the Shinde-led Sena's Kalyan chief, inside the chamber of the senior inspector of Hill Line police station in Ulhasnagar area on Friday night, Additional Commissioner of Police Dattatrya Shinde told the media. Ulhasnagar falls in the Kalyan parliamentary constituency, represented by CM Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde. BJP and Shindeled Sena belong to the ruling coalition in Maharashtra. Mahesh Gaikwad was taken to a local hospital before being shifted to a pri- THANE: "Yes, I shot (him) myself. I have no regrets. If my son is being beaten in front of the police inside the police station, what will I do," asked Ganpat Gaikwad while talking to a news channel. The BJP MLA alleged that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is "trying to create a kingdom of criminals in Maharashtra". Besides Ganpat Gaikwad, the police have also arrested two others. They have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), said an official."If Eknath Shinde is the chief minister, only criminals will be born in Maharashtra. He has made a good person like me a criminal today," he said and described his action as self-defence. The BJP MLA accused CM's son and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde of putting up boards and grabbing credit for the work done by him. his associate Rahul Patil, the official said. Besides Ganpat Gaikwad, the police have also arrested two others. They have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections, including 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), said an official. CONTD. ON P8 BOOM... BOOM... BUMRAH TRAINING WILL HELP IN GOVERNANCE: CM CM said that entire people of the state are affected by the Cabinet decision and therefore training of ministers is necessary. It will help the ministers in learning the minute things of the government He said it will help ministers in learning about the coordination between the state and the Centre. EXPERTS SPEAK ON LEADERSHIP Executive director of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Dr Jayant Kulkarni, shed light on the training programme. NITI Aayog’s Anand Shekar said the Aayog is working in four districts of the state. Dr Vikrant Tomar gave tips on how to deal with tension and stress. Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the wicket of England batter Tom Hartley during the second day of the second Test cricket match between India and England, at Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam on Saturday DIRECTOR’S REBUKE CHANDIGARH Punjab Governor and Chandigarh administrator Banwarilal Purohit submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, citing personal reasons. "Due to my personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from the post of governor of Punjab and administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh. Please accept the same and oblige," Purohit wrote in his resignation letter. BHARAT RATNA for Advani: The man who launched Ayodhya movement NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that BJP stalwart and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, and described it as a "very emotional moment for me". Modi was effusive in his praise of the contribution of the BJP's longest-serving president to public life. First in his posts on X and then at a public meeting in Odisha, Modi hailed Avani as one of the most respected statesmen who challenged dynasty politics and connected India's democracy to "all-inclusive and nationalist ideologies". Advani (96) greeted journalists at his home from a distance and later said in a statement that the award is not only an honour for him as a person but also for the ideals and principles that he strove to serve throughout life to the best of his ability . He expressed happiness and thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Modi for the award. Ever since he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as its volunteer at the age of 14 years, he has sought reward in only one thing, "in dedicated and selfless service of my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me", he said. He said what has inspired his life is the motto: "This life is not mine. My life is for my nation." BJP leaders, including Union ministers and chief ministers, and allies lauded Advani who led his party's fullthrottle embrace of the movement to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya and spearheaded the 'Rath Ya- Contractors face brunt of BMC, PWD fund crunch RAJAN RAIKWAR BHOPAL The contractors of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) are in a bind and facing the brunt of financial crunch. The reason is that their bills are not cleared fully and they re- ceived partial payments. The BMC and PWD officers are aware of the situation, but they are unable to do enough due to fund paucity . The contractors are running from pillar to post to get their bills cleared, but to no avail. On many occasions, they have met the senior most officers of the BMC and PWD, and even In one of its kind incident, the unusual sight came about when a group of buffaloes strayed into the police station compound and the officers decided to temporarily accommodate them until their owners could be located. Instead of treating them as mere animals, one police officer has stepped up to ensure their well-being. She is observed diligently looking after the buffaloes that are caught during routine checks, displaying a unique blend of compassion and duty . The matter was reported at Jawar police station in Khandwa district, which is situated about 20-kilometre from the district headquarters. Here the policemen, with a sense of humour, even took on the role of caretakers, ensuring the buffaloes were well-fed and comfortable during their unexpected stay . Jawar police station incharge JP Verma informed that police seized about 17 CINEMA Punjab Guv resigns ministers, but the situation remained unchanged. President of Bhopal Municipal Corporation Contractors Association, Jaidev Singh Chouhan, told Free Press that the situation of bill clearance is worrisome. “On an average, 10 % to 15 % payment is done against any work. CONTD. ON P8 Cops on buffalo duty in Khandwa FP NEWS SERVICE / Khandwa QUALITY AT VALUE www.freepressjournal.in EDITIONS: INDORE, BHOPAL, UJJAIN, MUMBAI, PUNE Shootout in PS: Sena man shot at by BJP MLA; critical YASHASVI BECOMES THIRD INDIAN BATTER TO HIT DOUBLE TON SPORTS r RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 buffalos from one truck recently The market value of . these animals stands around Rs 8.5 lakh. In a normal scenario, whenever cows are caught, the police send them to cow shelters. Since the matter is related to expensive buffaloes and the price of these buffaloes is said to be more than Rs 8.5 lakh, the police are keeping these 17 buffaloes under their care. CONTD. ON P8 harat Ratna is not only an honour for ideals and my life to best Bmy abilities.principles I strove for infor me but the the of L K ADVANI Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advanis daughter Pratibha Advani shares sweets with him during a media interaction after the Government of India announced Bharat Ratna for LK Advani, at their residence in New Delhi on Saturday AND THEY SAID.... Gratifying to gather that former Deputy Prime Minister and veteran politician, Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji, is honored with #BharatRatna. A befitting recognition of his JAIDEEP DHANKAR, V-P service to the Nation The then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had reminded the then Chief Minister of Gujarat of his Raj Dharma and was about to remove him from that post. You will remember in Goa, but if one person had saved that Chief Minister it was JAIRAM RAMESH, CONGRESS Advani ji. Under the leadership of the country's illustrious Prime Minister, Honorable Shri Narendra Modi, it has been announced to confer 'Bharat Ratna' on the top man of Indian politics, former Deputy Prime Minister, Honorable CHIRAG PASWAN, LJP Shri LK Advani. The contribution that Advani ji has made to the country's development and nation-building in various roles and capacities during his long public life is unforgettable and NITISH KUMAR, BIHAR CHIEF MINISTER inspiring It is a happy day for all of us as our beloved leader Advani has been conferred with Bharat Ratna. I want to thank the PM and the central government for the decision SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he PRATIBHA ADVANI, DAUGHTER had tears in his eyes. The BJP has given the honour before its tenure (at the Centre) comes to an end so that its votes do not get AKHILESH YADAV, SP scattered tra' which transformed politics, especially in north In- dia, forever and fuelled the BJP's rise. CONTD. ON P8 ANOTHER FLASHPOINT IN THE MAKING? Now, Maldives miffed over coast guard action AGENCIES Male The Maldives' government has formally requested the Indian government to provide "comprehensive details" of an incident in which its coast guard personnel allegedly boarded three Maldivian fishing vessels operating within its economic zone. The development is the latest in the diplomatic row between the two nations that led to the strain in bilateral ties after President Mohamed Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, came to power in November last year in the Maldives. There was no immediate response from the Indian government to the Maldivian allegations. On January 31, the Indi- an Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives' Special Economic Zone (EEZ), located 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, the Maldives' defence ministry claimed in a statement on Friday . It said that the Indian troops boarded three fishing boats within the Maldives EEZ without prior consultation with relevant authorities, thereby breaching international maritime laws and regulations. "Consequently, the Maldivian government has initiated an official request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking comprehensive details of the incident from the Indian government," it said. CONTD. ON P8