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Anti-BJP parties to take EVM issue to EC
Kolkata, Jan 19 (IANS) Demanding withdrawal of electronic voting machines (EVM) in the coming general elections, 23 anti-BJP parties on Saturday decided to form a four-member committee to prepare a draft on EVM issues to place before the Election Commission (EC), said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
“We have agreed to form a four-member committee comprising Satish Mishra, Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi to prepare a draft on the EVM issues, which would be brought to the notice of the Election Commission,” Banerjee said, adding that they have also decided to write a letter to the Commission.
Banerjee was speaking after a tea party she hosted for the leaders of 23 opposition parties who had come for a mega rally convened by her here.
Post the anti-BJP rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground, they also collectively demanded that the EVMs should have a physical verification system.
“We also aim to go back to ballot system. Since there are just two months left we have at least demanded that 100 per cent EVMs should have the system of paper trails,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters here.
“This is our collective demand for which we will strive from the coming week. There is no way this demand can be denied as we just want to cross-check and if they are fair they should have no problem,” Singhvi said on behalf of all the 23 parties.
Revealing Congress’ strategy for the upcoming polls, Singhvi said: “In order to ensure victory against the BJP, our objective would be to select one strong candidate for every seat.”
Hailing the unity of opposition, Singhvi said: “This (the Brigade rally) is the beginning and it will gain momentum gradually. All the opposition leaders from different parties coming together is itself a historical event. We will celebrate the victory of 2019 election in this ground,” he further added.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Satish Mishra pointed out there were attempts to “manipulate EVMs”.
“We need to be careful about it. All opposition parties will raise the issues before the Election Commission in order to stop manipulation of EVMs in future,” he said.
Meanwhile, terming the rally as historic and unprecedented, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said: “This is going to transform India. The country is in danger, democracy is under threat and we have to protect it. Unite India is the need of the day.”
At the joint press conference, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh by spreading hatred and quarrel among people on the basis of religion and caste.
“People have realised this and (this time) they will give their reply,” he asserted.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.