Today in Politics: BJP’s first LS list on the cards after central panel huddle; CM Sukhu fate hangs in balance

In context: The BJP CEC meeting comes a day after Shah and BJP national president J P Nadda held separate meetings with party leaders from several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Similar meetings with leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana have already been held.

The BJP national executive meeting held on February 17-18 saw the party reaffirm its faith in Prime Minister Modi and extend the tenure of Nadda.

Cong HP observers to submit report

As the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh faces a crisis, the party observers for the state – former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar – will submit a report to party national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday. The Congress observers spoke to the party MLAs in Shimla on Wednesday.

The Congress has made it clear that it is weighing all options and would not hesitate in taking “tough decisions” to ensure that the people’s mandate is respected.

Six Congress MLAs cross-voted in favour of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with sources claiming they were “disappointed” with the working style of CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Karnataka caste survey report

The Jayaprakash Hegde-led Karnataka State Backward Class Commission will submit the socio-economic and education survey – caste survey – report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday.

The Congress-led government had extended the tenure of the panel to March 31 leading to speculation that the report’s submission may be delayed and will not meet the February 29 deadline.

Sections of various dominant caste groups like Lingayats have flayed the survey, calling it “flawed”.

CBI summons to Akhilesh

The CBI summoned Samajwadi Party president and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav as a “witness” to record his statement on Thursday in illegal mining cases registered five years ago.

The cases pertain to the issuance of mining leases in alleged violation of e-tendering process. The Allahabad High Court had ordered the probe.

It is alleged that public servants allowed illegal mining during 2012-16, the period when Akhilesh was the CM, and illegally renewed licences despite a ban by the National Green Tribunal on mining.

In a notice issued under section 160 of CrPC, the agency has asked Akhilesh to appear before it on February 29, officials said. The section allows a police officer to summon witnesses in a probe.

Reacting to the notice, Akhilesh attacked the BJP and linked the CBI move with the approaching elections. “The SP is on the maximum target (of the BJP). In 2019, I got a notice in some matter as there was Lok Sabha elections then. Now, when the election is approaching again, I am getting a notice again,” Yadav said. However, he did not make it clear if he will skip the summons or appear before the agency.

Farm unions to take a call

The protesting Punjab farmer unions, which had halted their “Chalo Dilli” march on February 13 after a 21-year-old protester Subhkaran Singh was killed, will meet on Thursday to decide their future course of action.

The protesting farmers have been demanding a law for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops. (Express Photo by Harmeet Sodhi)

They have said they will not allow an autopsy or the cremation of Subhkaran till the Punjab police file a case against their Haryana counterpart. The family of Subhkaran also rejected the Rs 1 crore compensation offered by the Punjab government.

The protesting farmers have been demanding a law for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops. The Centre has been negotiating with the farmers but the issue has remained unresolved even after four rounds of talks between the two sides.

PM to unveil projects in MP

PM Modi will inaugurate development projects worth more than Rs 17,500 crore in Madhya Pradesh Thursday through a video link.

During the “Viksit Bharat Viksit Madhya Pradesh” programme, the PM will virtually lay the foundation stone or dedicate to the nation several projects in key sectors such as irrigation, power, road, rail, water supply, coal and industry. He will also launch the Cyber Tehsil project in the state.

– With PTI inputs