CM points to negligence in Udhampur accident; says driver was on leave, owner gave bus to truck operator

April 23, 2026

CM Omar Abdullah inquiring condition of an injured in GMC Udhampur on Wednesday.

‘Preventing Pahalgam-like tragedy remains top priority’
*Govt expecting good number of visitors to J&K this year
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Apr 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured strict action against those found guilty of lapses in Udhampur bus accident that killed 21 civilians and injured over 50 others blaming negligence as reason for the mishap saying the person in control of the steering was not the actual driver while 14 challans had already been issued against the ill-fated vehicle.

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Speaking to reporters after visiting the Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur and inquiring condition of the injured, Omar while confirming that preliminary findings point to lapses on part of the bus operator, said the actual driver was on leave and the owner handed over steering to another person who wasn’t bus but truck driver.

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“We reviewed record of the bus and it was found that it had been challaned 15 times,’’ Omar said and assured strict action against the those found guilty of lapses following inquiry which is being done by one of the senior officers.
Asserting that reckless driving habits like overspeeding, overloading, and wrong-side driving remain a persistent challenge, the Chief Minister dismissed “poor road conditions’’ as reason behind the accident saying roads can be improved but the driver’s behavior can’t be fixed overnight.
He said the Government is committed to accountability but at the same time also stressed the need for responsibility among transport operators. He acknowledged the delicate balance authorities must maintain between enforcement and public demand for transport services.
Earlier, Omar accompanied by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo visited Government Medical College (GMC) hospital Udhampur, where he met those injured in the road accident. He interacted with their families, and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care with continuous monitoring.
Responding to a question on an year of Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local guide were killed, Omar asserted that preventing a repeat of the Pahalgam-like tragedy remains a top priority and acknowledged that the attack had some impact on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir last year but said they are expecting a good number of visitors to come this year– whether for darshan at Vaishno Devi Temple, the Amarnath Yatra, or for general tourism.
Replying to a question about any change in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, which was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces from May 7-10 last year following Pahalgam terror attack, he said such assessments are best left to those with access to intelligence reports.
“I can only say that we will make every possible effort to ensure that even if Pakistan intends such actions, we will not allow them to succeed. That will remain our priority,” he added.
Emphasizing joint action by the elected Government, the Centre, and law enforcement agencies to ensure lasting security in the region, Omar said the day continues to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as the region remembers the innocent tourists who lost their lives in the terror attack.
In response to a question on US-Israel and Iran war, the Chief Minister called for an immediate end to the conflict saying its repercussions are being felt worldwide, including rising oil prices and disruptions to critical supply chains.
“The situation in India remains relatively stable compared to other countries,’’ he said, adding what has happened is wrong, but it must stop now.
Omar said the war should end. As for the reasons behind the attack on Iran, only the countries directly involved – the US and Israel – can explain their actions, as their intentions remain unclear to us, he added.
Pointing to rising oil prices, shrinking supplies and disruptions in essential supply chains globally, Omar said several countries, particularly in Europe, are already facing severe strain, with fuel for ships being rationed.
“In our neighbouring country (Pakistan), airplanes are allowed entry but not permitted to refuel before departure,” he said, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister said India’s situation remains comparatively stable.
Meanwhile, while taking round of the hospital in Udhampur, the Chief Minister inspected the Trauma Centre, ICU, Orthopaedic and Surgery wards, and other sections of the hospital. He met each injured patient individually, enquiring about their condition, treatment protocols, availability of medicines, nature of injuries, and expected discharge timelines.
The attending medical team briefed the Chief Minister on the line of treatment being administered, including surgeries and other medical interventions, as well as the recovery progress of the patients.
Assuring full support to the affected families, he emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. He later chaired a review meeting to assess both the treatment being provided to the injured and the overall functioning of GMC Udhampur. The meeting was informed about the preliminary causes of the accident and the status of the ongoing investigation.
Expressing concern over road safety, Omar directed the Transport Department to ensure adequate frequency of buses on various routes and strictly curb overloading. “Don’t show any laxity on these issues,” he asserted.
On the occasion, the officials apprised the Chief Minister about the relief being extended under the Road Accident Victim Fund, which includes financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh in case of death, Rs 75,000 for permanent disability, Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries, and Rs 10,000 for minor injuries.
The Chief Minister further instructed all concerned departments to extend maximum support to the victims and their families through various welfare schemes of key sectors, including health, education, and social welfare, ensuring a comprehensive support system during their recovery and rehabilitation.
Soon after the tragedy, Omar announced immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims with an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries in the accident.

Glowing tribute paid to Pahalgam carnage victims

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Rallies, demonstrations held to condemn terror act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: Glowing tribute were paid to last year’s Pahalgam terror victims on their first anniversary across J&K today.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, led by its president and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma, paid floral tributes to the civilians martyred in the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam on this day last year.
The party held a Shardanjali Sabha at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, here, to mark the first anniversary of the tragic incident.
BJP national secretary & MLA, Dr. Narinder Singh, J&K BJP general secretary, (Org) Ashok Koul, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP (Rajya Sabha), Ghulam Ali Khatana, BJP vice-presidents, Bharat Bhushan, Priya Sethi, and Rekha Mahajan, general secretaries, Sanjita Dogra, and Gopal Mahajan, MLAs, Surjit Singh Salathia, Sham Lal Sharma, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, Ch. Vikram Randhawa, Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Devyani Rana, Shagun Parihar, Surinder Bhagat, and Mohan Lal Bhagat, secretaries Arun Sharma, treasurer, Prabhat Singh Jamwal, media incharge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, district presidents Nand Kishore Sharma, Rajesh Gupta, Naresh Singh Jasrotia, and Rinku Choudhary, Mahila Morcha president, Neha Mahajan, and other senior leaders also paid tributes on the occasion.

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A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims, reflecting the party’s deep respect and solidarity with the bereaved families.
Sat Sharma, while paying the floral tributes, strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, stating that such cowardly acts are a direct result of the continued support and sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan. He asserted that the nation stands united against terrorism and will never bow down to such acts of violence.
Remembering the 26 civilians who lost their lives in terror attack at Pahalgam in District Anantnag last year, Apni Party president, Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari said “This heinous act has left a wound in our hearts that will never truly heal”.
He said “On this day as we mark its anniversary, I bow my head in deep respect and offer my heartfelt tribute to every soul we lost.”
Apni Party general secretary, Vijay Bakaya while paying tributes to the Pahalgam martyrs said such acts have brought a shame to humanity as a whole. It is high time that people should resolve to stand united irrespective of caste, creed, region and religion against marauders of humanity.
BJP Anantnag Unit has also expressed its pain and sorrow over the last year’s Pahalgam tragedy in which gun wielding terrorists killed 26 civilian tourists brining a shame to humanity.
Protesting against last year’s Pahalgam carnage Mission Statehood led by Sunil Dimple took out a rally here and torched effigies of Pak PM, Shahbaz Sharif, its Army Chief, Muneer Khan, dreaded terrorists , Hafiz Syed, Azhar Masood and others besides torched Pakistani Flag.
Dogra Front and Shiv Sena led by Ashok Gupta organised a Hawan as a mark of peace to departed souls on their first anniversary. The Sena also held a protest rally here and its workers marched through various markets with National Flags and shouting slogans against Pakistan.
The tribute to Pahalgam carnage were also paid by Shiv Sena UBT led by its president, Manish Sahni. The Sena activists demanded decisive action against the Pak sponsored terrorism. They also demanded the terror victims be accorded status of martyrs.
Paying glowing tributes to Baisaran martyrs, Panun Kashmir chairman, Tito Ganjoo said “It was not an isolated act but part of continued truth”,. In a statement, he said, “Baisaran is a place that now carries memory and indictment,. Identified by faith they were killed for identity,. No dilution, no denial, Baisaran is a place the nation can’t afford to forget,” he added.
BJP Kashmir displaced District led by Rajiv Pandita paid glowing tributes to Pahalgam terror victims. The BJP leaders Chand Ji Bhat, Hira Lal Bhat, Sudesh Pandita and Moti Lal said Pahalgam was not an isolated attack but were part of the 36 year terrorism and carnages like Wandama, Nadimarg, Chatisingpora, Sangrampora, Barshalla, Chapnari, Kulhand etc. They demanded these all cases be reopened and culprits be brought to book.
KPC president Kundan Kashmiri also paid glowing tributes to Pahalgam carnage victims and demanded that all the terror related cases be reopened and an exemplary punishment be given to the perpetrators of terror so that the victims of terrorism can get justice.
Kashmiri Pandit organisations held a tribute giving ceremony under the chairmanship of MK Yogi senior KP leader in which glowing tributes were paid to victims of Pahalgam carnage. Those who paid tributes included Vinod Pandit, Muktesh Yogi and Dr R K Bhat. They said the Pahalgam and other carnages in J&K will never be forgotten. They urged the Government to give an exemplary punishment to the terrorists responsible for these carnages.
BJP spokesperson, Altaf Thakur, while condemning the Pahalgam attack called it a targeted assault on civilians and a deliberate attempt to damage Kashmir’s tourism driven economy.
Congress while condemning the attack said one year after the heinous carnage, the responsibility for the grave security lapses has not been fixed and no one was punished or even indicted or shifted to reflect sense of accountability and respect for human lives.
Party paid rich tributes to martyrs and shared the pain and anguish of the victim families.
Terming it a great security lapse, party spokesperson, Ravinder Sharma said that there was not a single policeman deployed at a place where about 2000 tourists used to visit daily.

INS Nireekshak arrives in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround and training visit

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

COLOMBO, Apr 22 : Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak has arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit, aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two neighbours, the Indian High Commission said on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions on Tuesday.

“Commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel in Sri Lanka is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy,” the Sri Lankan Navy said in a statement.

It said the crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organised by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.

“Strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka! INS Nireekshak arrived in Colombo for an operational turnaround and training visit. During its stay, the ship will conduct a programme with @srilanka_navy diving professionals and participate in joint activities,” the High Commission of India in Colombo said in a post on X.

INS Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy, is taking part in the 4th India-Sri Lanka joint diving exercise (DIVEX 2026), a bilateral diving exercise scheduled from April 21-27.

The joint exercise will involve diving teams from both navies undertaking specialised diving operations and training to enhance interoperability, cohesion, and exchange of best practices, said a statement from the Defence Ministry of India.

The week-long engagement reinforces the continued commitment towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan maritime ties and shared maritime interests, it said.

As part of India’s humanitarian outreach, the ship will present two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities under the Indian government’s “Aarogya Maitri” initiative, the statement said.

Further strengthening maritime security cooperation, the Indian Navy will also hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy, it said.

The IN-SLN Diving Exercise (DIVEX) is a key bilateral engagement that stands as a testament to the deep-rooted maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

Sustained maritime collaboration and engagements with partner nations reaffirm the shared commitment to fostering stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the statement added. (PTI)

Shaheen attends MS Tagan annual day, pushes digital, infra boost in schools

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen posing along with students during a programme.

Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Apr 22: National Conference District President Ramban and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, attended the Annual Day function of MS Tagan in the remote village of Travancore in Trigam area of tehsil Khari, where he interacted with students, teachers and parents in a vibrant atmosphere.
MLA appreciated the efforts of the school administration in nurturing young minds and providing a platform for students to showcase their talent. He lauded the students for their performances and encouraged them to remain dedicated towards studies and overall personality development.
Highlighting the importance of education as a driver of social transformation, Sajjad Shaheen said schools in far-flung areas like Travancore play a crucial role in shaping society.
The MLA also outlined key initiatives in the education sector, stating that a major digital transformation drive has been undertaken in remote areas. Under this initiative, 52 Higher Secondary and High Schools have been equipped with smart digital boards to enhance the learning experience.
Among others present were ZEO Khari Abdul Rashid Giri, Range Officer Banihal Rasik Wahid, SHO Khari and prominent party functionaries. The event concluded with cultural performances and prize distribution.

LG visits GMC Jammu; inquires about health of citizens injured in Udhampur accident

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

LG visiting GMC Jammu to inquire about health of citizens injured in Udhampur accident.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Government Medical College in Jammu to inquire about the health of citizens who were critically injured in an unfortunate road accident in Ramnagar, Udhampur on April 20.
The team of doctors briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the health condition of the injured and the specialized treatment protocols being followed.
Hospital authorities informed the Lieutenant Governor that Hans Raj and Lakhwinder Singh are under the constant supervision of senior healthcare professionals and receiving the highest standard of clinical attention.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Hospital Administration to ensure the best possible medical care for their speedy recovery.

I-PAC – ED vs Mamata Banerjee: SC raps CM over ‘interference’ in probe, says such acts put democracy in jeopardy

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

NEW DELHI, Apr 22: The Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly deprecated West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s storming into the premises of Pratik Jain – the co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC – when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was carrying out searches on January 8, this year, observing that such conduct by a constitutional functionary has the potential to undermine democratic processes.
Terming it “extraordinary”, a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N V Anjaria, said, “A Chief Minister of any State cannot walk in the midst of an investigation, put the democracy in peril. This is per se an act committed by an individual who happens to be the Chief Minister, keeping the whole democracy in jeopardy.”
The strong observation by the bench came in the course of the hearing of a petition by the Enforcement Directorate seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other State police officers who had accompanied her at the time of the incident. The Central agency and its officers have approached the Supreme Court, invoking the top court’s jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution. Ordinarily, Article 32 can be taken recourse to by the citizens to safeguard their rights against the State. The West Bengal government has questioned the maintainability of the ED’s petitions.
As the senior lawyers appearing for the West Bengal government, opposing the maintainability of the ED’s petition, referred to the noted jurist M H Seervai and Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in support of their contention, the bench remarked “You have taken us through Seervai, Ambedkar, but none of them would have conceived this situation, that a sitting Chief Minister will walk into the office” (where searches by ED are underway.
Further voicing its concern over what had happened on January 8, during the ED raids at I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain’s residence, “We cannot shut our eyes to the reality. This is an extraordinary situation where the contours are totally different, the court has to take decisions keeping in view socio-political realities.”
The bench also referred to the April 1 incident, when seven judicial officers, including three women judges – engaged in the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State – were gheraoed, and there, the response of the State police was not immediate despite calls from the Calcutta High Court. The investigation into the incident has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.
The West Bengal government had in the earlier hearing, told the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate was being “weaponized” by the Central government against political opponents,
Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Siddharth Luthra and Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the West Bengal government, Chief Minister Banerjee and state police officials, argued that the petition was not maintainable under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The Bench, however, was not persuaded that the matter required reference to a larger Bench merely because questions of law were involved. It observed that in every issue, there is a question of law, but it does not necessitate reference to a larger bench.

The case arises out of an incident on January 8, when Banerjee allegedly entered the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain during ED search operations linked to a money laundering probe in the coal smuggling case.
She has denied allegations of interference, stating that the documents taken pertained to the Trinamool Congress, while accusing the central agency of acting with political vendetta. The ED, on its part, maintains that the searches were part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged coal scam.
The hearing will continue on Thursday.
(UNI)

Anne Hathaway says ‘Inshallah’ in an interview, clip goes viral

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Apr 22: Hollywood star Anne Hathaway has gone viral on social media for using “Inshallah” during an interview with a magazine for their cover shoot.

The 43-year-old actor, who returns for the sequel of one her most loved hits “The Devil Wears Prada”, sat down with the People magazine to talk about her formative years, her early acting assignments, life as a mother of two boys and her reunion with co-stars Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt.

The actor, named as the World’s Most Beautiful Star by the magazine, also spoke about accepting aging and that’s when she said “Inshallah”, which in Arabic means “God willing”.

“One of the things that I love about being in my 40s is I don’t get so swept up in things anymore. I used to really not understand that phrase, ‘Take it with a grain of salt.’ There’s no salt. Every high was so high, every low was so low. And now, I really value the chill. It’s hard won, and I really value it. I’ve never been this age. So let’s just like, you know, figure it out. You still never know what’s coming around the corner.

“I just really want to hopefully live for, and enjoy a life. I want to have a long, healthy life. Inshallah, I hope so.”

Hathaway’s natural use of the phrase in a sentence drew love from fans on social media.

“Anne has always Hathaway with our hearts,” wrote a fan on X.

She just said ‘Inshallah’ and it was adorable,” wrote an admirer.

“Beautiful people do beautiful things,” wrote another.

“If you can say touch wood, why not inshallah. You don’t have to be Muslim for that,” wrote a commentator.

The actor is set to reprise her role as Andrea Sachs in “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, which releases on May 1. (PTI)

India will never bow to any form of terror, heinous designs will never succeed: PM

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Leaders pay tribute to Pahalgam attack victims

*Terrorism greatest enemy of humanity: Shah
NEW DELHI, Apr 22:

As India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union Ministers along with leaders of various parties paid homage to the victims, asserting that the country will never bow to any form of terrorism.

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Any attempt to harm people or disrupt unity will be met with strength and clarity, the Government said, stressing that India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.
The dastardly attack by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead and triggered a four-day military conflict with Pakistan after Indian armed forces retaliated with Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories.
The Indian Army reaffirmed its steely resolve to fight against terrorism, making it clear that for acts against India, “the response is assured”.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said India will neither ever forget the sacrifice of the victims and the anguish of their families, nor will it ever forgive the perpetrators of this cowardly act.
While paying tribute to the victims, President Murmu said the country remains resolute in its determination to defeat terrorism everywhere in all its forms.
“The tragic loss of innocent lives in that heinous act remains etched in our collective memory. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them. Such acts of terror cannot deter our unwavering commitment to peace and unity,” she said.
Prime Minister Modi asserted that India will never bow to any form of terror and the heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.
“Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten… As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed,” he said.
Vice C P President Radhakrishnan said such acts of brutality can never shake the country’s resolve to uphold peace, unity, and the enduring values of humanity.
“We remain firm in our determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.
Union Home Minister Shah said India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.
“Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat. India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it,” he said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the nation will not forget the victims and underscored the Government’s strong response to terrorism.
“We will never forget those wounds inflicted on our nation. India has endured decades of cross-border terror, but today our response is firm, decisive and unwavering. Through determined action, we have demonstrated that any attempt to harm our people or disrupt our unity will be met with strength and clarity,” he said.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the country stands united in remembrance and solidarity with the victims’ families.
“As a nation, India stands united — firm in resolve, unwavering in spirit, and resolute against all forms of terror,” he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm resolve against terrorism. “India stands steadfast in its resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the day continues to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in a senseless act of terror. They had come only to spend their holidays, yet were mercilessly targeted and killed. We stand in solidarity with their grieving families,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “On that day (April 22, 2025), we resolved – and we remain committed – that we must do everything possible to ensure such (Pahalgam type) incidents never happen again. Whether it is the elected Government, the central Government, or the law and order machinery, we will all work together to make this effort successful.”
BJP national president Nitin Nabin said that the nation remains resolute against terrorism and “will never bow before any form of terrorism.”
Rahul Gandhi said the entire nation stands united against terrorism.
“The memory of the innocent lives so ruthlessly snatched away continues to shake our hearts to this day. The grief of the martyrs’ families is a grief shared by us all,” he said. (PTI)

Poll seizures in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal cross Rs 1,000 crore mark

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

NEW DELHI, Apr 22 : Poll-related seizures, including cash, drugs and liquor meant to allure voters, have crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.
While seizures worth nearly Rs 473 crore have been made from West Bengal, it has been pegged at over Rs 599 crore in Tamil Nadu.
The EC said since the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) was activated on February 26, enforcement authorities have recovered freebies and allurements worth Rs 1,072.13 crore in the two states.
Tamil Nadu will go to polls on Thursday in a single phase along with phase one in West Bengal where the second phase of voting is slated for April 29.
The seizures include Rs 127.67 crore in cash, nearly 41,000 litres of liquor worth Rs 106.3 crore, drugs worth nearly Rs 184 crore and precious metals such as gold and silver worth Rs 215 crore.
Authorities have also seized freebies worth Rs 418 crore, the EC said.
While more cash has been seized in Tamil Nadu, most of the liquor has been recovered from West Bengal.
West Bengal saw more drugs recovered in terms of value, while more precious metals and freebies — also in terms of total worth — were seized in Tamil Nadu. (PTI(

No shortage of fuel, LPG or fertilizers in J&K: Officers to CS

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: As part of a periodic review, a high-level meeting was today convened by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo to take stock of the availability and distribution of essential commodities across the districts of J&K in the aftermath of the recent West Asia crisis that had initially given rise to the apprehensions of impacting the supply chains.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA; Commissioner Secretary, School Education; Secretary, IT and, Transport Departments; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/ Kashmir; IG Traffic; and other concerned officials.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of the situation to ensure ease and convenience for the public. He directed Deputy Commissioners to saturate the e-KYC of all active beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System within the next two weeks, ensuring transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
The Chief Secretary further stressed the importance of closely monitoring the distribution and usage of fertilizers to prevent hoarding or disproportionate consumption by any individual or entity. He directed that mechanisms be put in place to ensure equitable access for all farmers and stakeholders. He also underscored the need to implement an Aadhaar-enabled distribution system for fertilizers to ensure transparency and fair allocation.
Reviewing the supply position, the it was informed that both Kashmir and Jammu divisions currently have adequate stocks of petroleum products and LPG. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar while aporising about Jammu Division, revealed that the diesel availability stands at about 11 days and petrol around 4 days, with additional supplies in transit improving the overall position. LPG stocks in Jammu are sufficient for 8-10 days, while kerosene reserves remain comfortable, he added.
Similarly for Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg divulged that the petrol and diesel stocks provide coverage of around 17-19 days, extendable up to 20-22 days with supplies in transit, while LPG stocks are sufficient for about 15 days.
Availability of fuel and LPG to commercial and industrial establishments was also reviewed. The meeting was apprised that adequate arrangements are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply to key sectors. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring availability of food, cooking fuel and other essentials to critical residential institutions such as hospitals, hostels and other care facilities across all districts.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Ashish Chandra Verma, apprised the meeting that fertilizer stocks across J&K remain stable, though continuous monitoring is essential. He advised that consumers should be encouraged to use fertilizers judiciously to maintain balanced availability.
Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhagat, informed that the department has issued CTG guidelines in the UT and is actively monitoring the prices of around 40 essential commodities across markets to prevent overpricing and ensure affordability.
The meeting also reviewed grievance redressal mechanisms. It was informed that distress calls and public grievances received from different districts were given prompt attention and addressed within a defined timeframe, ensuring that no inconvenience was caused to the public.

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