Mulayam Singh Yadav's rape remarks cause outrage
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav sparked widespread outrage on Thursday by questioning the death penalty handed to three men convicted of gang-raping two women at Mumbai's Shakti Mills last year. Yadav said that the trio did not deserve a death sentence since "boys will be boys" and "boys make mistakes". He also expressed a desire to change the anti-rape laws and punish those who have made false claims. His observations prompted complaints to be registered against Yadav with the Election Commission as well as the National Commission for Women.
Third phase of polling witnesses high voter turnout
The third phase of polling in the Lok Sabha elections on Thursday saw a greater turnout than the 2009 elections. Voting took place in 91 constituencies across 14 states and Union Territories, with Chandigarh witnessing the highest turnout of 74%. The turnout in most constituencies was described as "above average" by election officials. Meanwhile, the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bihar were plagued with Naxal-related violence in certain constituencies, leaving two CRPF jawans and one state security officer dead.
EC officials beaten up by TMC workers
Less than a week after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee got into trouble with the Election Commission for refusing to transfer state officials, before eventually relenting, members of her party attacked two EC officials in West Bengal on Thursday. According to reports, the two EC officials were videotaping a bike rally that was taking place in Manikchak in the Malda district of the state. Bike rallies are prohibited during elections under EC rules. The commission said they will take stern action against the offenders.
BJP removes Jaswant Singh's son from national executive
The Bharatiya Janata Party Thursday dropped Manvendra Singh, expelled party leader Jaswant Singh's son and legislator from Sheo (Barmer) in Rajasthan, from its national executive. The move came after the party's high command received complaints that Manvendra was helping his father's campaign in the Barmer constituency. The BJP had expelled Jaswant Singh last month after he chose to contest as an independent candidate since he was denied a party ticket for the seat of his choice.
Vodafone to take full control of India business
Vodafone announced Thursday that it is expecting to complete a deal to acquire an 11% stake in its Indian business, with which it would gain full ownership. The stake is being bought from minority partner Piramal Enterprises and the deal is likely to be completed Friday. The transaction will cost Vodafone Rs 8,900 crore. This is part of Vodafone's plan, announced last October, to take full control of Vodafone India Ltd for $1.7 billion.
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav sparked widespread outrage on Thursday by questioning the death penalty handed to three men convicted of gang-raping two women at Mumbai's Shakti Mills last year. Yadav said that the trio did not deserve a death sentence since "boys will be boys" and "boys make mistakes". He also expressed a desire to change the anti-rape laws and punish those who have made false claims. His observations prompted complaints to be registered against Yadav with the Election Commission as well as the National Commission for Women.
Third phase of polling witnesses high voter turnout
The third phase of polling in the Lok Sabha elections on Thursday saw a greater turnout than the 2009 elections. Voting took place in 91 constituencies across 14 states and Union Territories, with Chandigarh witnessing the highest turnout of 74%. The turnout in most constituencies was described as "above average" by election officials. Meanwhile, the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bihar were plagued with Naxal-related violence in certain constituencies, leaving two CRPF jawans and one state security officer dead.
EC officials beaten up by TMC workers
Less than a week after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee got into trouble with the Election Commission for refusing to transfer state officials, before eventually relenting, members of her party attacked two EC officials in West Bengal on Thursday. According to reports, the two EC officials were videotaping a bike rally that was taking place in Manikchak in the Malda district of the state. Bike rallies are prohibited during elections under EC rules. The commission said they will take stern action against the offenders.
BJP removes Jaswant Singh's son from national executive
The Bharatiya Janata Party Thursday dropped Manvendra Singh, expelled party leader Jaswant Singh's son and legislator from Sheo (Barmer) in Rajasthan, from its national executive. The move came after the party's high command received complaints that Manvendra was helping his father's campaign in the Barmer constituency. The BJP had expelled Jaswant Singh last month after he chose to contest as an independent candidate since he was denied a party ticket for the seat of his choice.
Vodafone to take full control of India business
Vodafone announced Thursday that it is expecting to complete a deal to acquire an 11% stake in its Indian business, with which it would gain full ownership. The stake is being bought from minority partner Piramal Enterprises and the deal is likely to be completed Friday. The transaction will cost Vodafone Rs 8,900 crore. This is part of Vodafone's plan, announced last October, to take full control of Vodafone India Ltd for $1.7 billion.
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