Assembly Polls 2023: 'Mahadev' Sinks Congress, BJP Crosses Halfway Mark In Chhattisgarh

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Assembly Polls 2023: 'Mahadev' Sinks Congress, BJP Crosses Halfway Mark In Ch...

by Manisha Das

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

The allegations against chief minister Bhupesh Baghel over Mahadev betting app has led to the defeat of Congress in Chhattisgarh Assembly polls.

Raipur, Dec 3: The allegations against chief minister Bhupesh Baghel over Mahadev betting app has led to the defeat of Congress in Chhattisgarh Assembly polls.

The BJP has crossed halfway mark of 46 in 90-member assembly of Chhattisgarh as star campaigner PM Modi targeted Baghel over corruption,job scam.

As per EC latest trends, BJP is leading in 54 seats and Congress in 35 seats. The halfway mark for the 90-member assembly of Chhattisgarh is 46.

The BJP, all through its high-voltage campaign in the state targeted the Congress government led by CM Baghel on alleged scams, corruption and the 'hawala money funding' related to the Mahadev app.

The Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) and Communist Party of India, each leading on one seat, namely Pali-Tanakhar and Konta respectively, according to the ECI data.

A total of 1,181 candidates contested seeking a mandate to the 90-member assembly.

During aggressive campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raked up the issue of the Mahadev app 'scam' and asked the Congress to reveal how much money the Chief Minister got and how much of it was transferred to the party's high command.

"I have some questions for the Congress leaders who are fond of teaching mathematics...I want to ask some questions about the party. The 'Mahadev betting app scam' is worth Rs 508 crore and the investigating agencies have recovered loads of cash in this case. A close aide of the Chhattisgarh CM is also in jail," PM Modi had said during the election rally in Chhattisgarh's Mungeli.

"Congress should reveal how much money the CM received in this. How much money have the other leaders of the party received and how much money has reached Delhi?" he added.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which is investigating the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate, claimed earlier that by questioning Asim Das, an arrested cash courier from the UAE, and the forensic examination of the phone recovered from him, and examination of an email sent by one of the high-ranking accused of Mahadev network, many startling facts came to light.

The agency claimed that regular payments were made in the past and, so far, about Rs 508 crore has been paid by the promoters of the Mahadev betting app to CM Bhupesh Baghel.

The source of these alleged payments is under investigation, they added.
The polling in the state was held in two phases.

The first phase was held in 20 constituencies on November 7 with 223 candidates in the contest while the polling in the remaining constituencies with 958 candidates were held in the second phase on November 17.
The voter turnout for both phases combined was 76.31 per cent, slightly lower than the 2018 polls. In the first phase, 78 per cent of voter turnout was recorded and in the second phase, it was 75.88 per cent.

The four main contenders in the Chhattisgarh Elections 2023 are the BJP, Congress, Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Other regional outfits like the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP), Hamar Raj Party (HRP) and the Left parties are also in the contest.

The results of assembly polls in four states - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana- are being considered as the semifinal before the Lok Sabha polls which are scheduled for 2024.

(ANI)

Foreign Portfolio Investments Drop To Rs 2,916 Cr On Back Of High Valuations, Capital Gain Tax Hike

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

New Delhi, July 27: Net investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the Indian equity market declined to Rs 2,916 crore for the week ending July 26, due to investor selling amid budget uncertainty.

As per data from the National Securities Depository Limited, last week foreign investors injected Rs 15,420 crore into Indian markets, but their buying declined significantly for the week July 22-26.

So far in July, the net investment by FPIs in the equity market stands at Rs 33,688 crore. This year's total investment by foreign investors has now surged to Rs 1,39,010 crore.

"The Budget 2024-25 has not sparked any significant excitement in the market, while it was both populist and prudent. The increase in short- and long-term capital gains taxes added to the volatility on budget day. Although the government's emphasis on fiscal discipline and growth is appealing, FIIs are cautious due to current high valuations and muted expectations for Q1FY25 results" said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

He further added, "Meanwhile, DIIs continue to employ a 'buy on dips' strategy, which contributed to market gains on the week's last trading day, particularly in the pharma, auto, metal, IT, and FMCG sectors."

The volatility of FPI flows extends beyond India, affecting other markets as well. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Korea have witnessed FPI inflows this week while the markets in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam have experienced outflows.

"Market focus has swiftly moved on from the Union Budget, unveiled in the week, to the ongoing Q1FY25 earnings season. The FY2025 Union Budget delivered a judicious balance between capital expenditure, fiscal prudence, and welfarism. FPI flows are expected to remain volatile" said Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

This year's trend in foreign investment has been erratic. Foreign investors were net sellers in January, April, and May, cumulatively selling equities worth around Rs 60,000 crore. However, they turned into net buyers in February, March, and June, with cumulative purchases amounting to Rs 63,200 crore.

(ANI)

Read More: Sports News

Raj & DK To Bring Action Fantasy Drama 'Rakt Bramhand'; Call It 'Uncharted Territory'

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Mumbai, July 27: Filmmaker duo Raj & DK are gearing up to bring their first action-fantasy series, 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom', which they describe as 'uncharted territory', making it all the more thrilling for them.

The makers took to social media and shared the announcement, dropping an intriguing poster featuring a massive bejeweled throne with blood spots.

The post was captioned: "We've got BIGGGGG news that'll stir your blood! We're pumped to announce our first ever action-fantasy series... now filming."

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom, complete with bloody action and spectacular visuals.

For this project, Raj & DK have partnered with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R. Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

In a statement, Raj & DK said: "This is uncharted territory, which makes it all the more thrilling for us. Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood."

"We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent, and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand," they added.

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, added: "After the outstanding success of the genre-bending 'Guns & Gulaabs', we're thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom' will be Netflix India’s first-ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline."