The Evening Wrap: Nalini, four other Rajiv Gandhi case convicts released

Nalini Sriharan, her husband and three other convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case were released from prisons in Vellore, Chennai and Madurai on Saturday evening, a day after the Supreme Court ordered their release. Immediately after she was released from the special prison for women in Vellore, Nalini went to the Vellore central prison from where her husband V. Sriharan alias Murugan was released and became emotional on seeing him. Murugan, along with Santhan, both Sri Lankan nationals, were taken in a police vehicle following their release to the special refugee camp in Tiruchirappalli. Two other Sri Lankan nationals – Robert Payas and Jayakumar – released from the Puzhal prison in Chennai, too were taken to the camp. Perarivalan, another convict in the case who was released in May, and his mother Arputhammal, received the duo at Puzhal. Nearly 66% polling in Himachal Pradesh as voters brave cold, trudge through snow Himachal Pradesh recorded a turnout of nearly 66% on Saturday, the Election Commission said citing provisional polling figures till 5 p.m. for the Assembly elections. Till 5 p.m., 65.92% turnout was recorded, according to provisional polling data released by the EC. From capital Shimla to the icy heights of Spiti, people across the State voted braving the cold and in the higher reaches of mountains trudging through snow to elect a new State government. Voting began at 8 a.m. on a slow note but picked up as the day progressed and the sun warmed the winter chill. In the first hour, around 5% turnout was recorded, while by 11 a.m., it was 17.98%. It notched up to 37.19% by 1 p.m. and 55.65% till 3 p.m. The highest polling of 72.35% was recorded in Sirmour district followed by 68.48% in Solan and 67.67% in Una and 67.5% in Lahaul and Spiti. The high-altitude district of Lahaul and Spiti recorded 21.95%, the lowest, till 1 p.m., but polling was brisk as the sun came out. The poll panel said that among the 68 Assembly constituencies in the hill State, Shillai recorded the highest turnout at 77% while Sarkaghat recorded the lowest 55.40%. Seraj constituency in Mandi district from where Chief Minister Jairam Thakur is contesting and Sujanpur recorded 74% polling. Dropping temperatures and advancing years failed to dampen the enthusiasm of centenarians as many of them came out to vote, with 105-year-old Naro Devi exercising her franchise in Churah in Chamba and 103-year-old Sardar Pyar Singh in Shimla. Gujarat Assembly elections | Congress releases manifesto, promises 10 lakh jobs, 300 units free electricity The Congress released its manifesto for the Gujarat Assembly polls in which it promised 10 lakh jobs in government and semi-government departments, free medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh, LPG cylinder at ₹500 and 300 units of free electricity every month, among other such promises. The grand old party, which has been out of power in the State for more than two decades, also promised an unemployment allowance of ₹3,000 per month, ₹2,000 pension to the differently-abled, widows, senior citizens and needy women, and waiver of loans of up to ₹3 lakh to all fishermen, among other things. Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress senior observer for the polls, released the manifesto at the State party headquarters in Ahmedabad. Congress manifesto committee chairman Dipak Babaria said the party interacted with nearly 65 lakh people before preparing this poll document. “As suggested by party leader Rahul Gandhi, we will form a commission for the implementation of our manifesto and turn it into a government document after the Congress forms a government in the state. We will maintain the sanctity of our manifesto,” Gehlot said after unveiling it. He also said that the New Pension Scheme will be discarded in Gujarat and the Old Pension Scheme will be implemented in its place if the party is voted to power. Among other promises, the party also said that it would restore the name of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, to Sardar Patel Stadium, and revoke the remission granted by the State government to 11 convicts in the 2002 Bilkis Bano case allowing their premature release from jail. ‘Family-ruled’ and ‘looting’ State government will not be spared: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Hyderabad, on his way to Ramagundam, said that the “family-ruled” State government that was “looting” the people of Telangana “would not be spared”. “Family rule and corruption are the biggest enemies of the people, and the BJP would root out those indulging in it. Those who are looting the poor will not be spared,” he said while addressing BJP workers at the Begumpet airport. PM Modi said those involved in corruption are trying to form a platform against the BJP, and that the people of Telangana and others around the country were watching it keenly. The power of the BJP was seen in the Munugode bypoll, he stated, noting that an entire government was brought to one constituency. He also said that the “lotus will bloom” in the State, referring to the BJP’s symbol. Earlier in the day, while addressing a public meeting in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi said that the Centre’s investment of more than ₹10,500 crore in the State will pave way for its growth and also fulfil the aspirations of its people. He was addressing a public meeting at Andhra University Engineering College grounds after virtually laying the foundation for five infrastructure projects and dedicating two projects to the nation, all worth around ₹10,742 crore. He said that the path to development taken by the Union government is multi-dimensional and it focuses on the needs of the common citizen and presents a roadmap for an advanced infrastructure. He pointed out that the projects for which the foundation was laid, in Visakhapatnam, envisions such an inclusive growth and inclusive development for Andhra Pradesh. PM Modi also said that for the first time ‘Blue economy’ has been given priority and the investment of more than ₹150 crore for the modernisation for the Fishing Harbour in Visakhapatnam, will develop and empower lakhs of people from the fishing community. West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri’s comments on President Murmu draws criticism West Bengal Minister of State for Correctional Home Administration Akhil Giri came under severe criticism for making a controversial remark on President Droupadi Murmu. In a video clip that had gone viral on social media, the Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA from Ramnagar was heard commenting on the looks of President Murmu. The remark was made at a public meeting at Nandigram on Friday evening. “They (BJP) said that I am not good-looking. We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?” the Minister was heard saying. On Saturday, Giri apologised for the remarks. “If someone thinks I have disrespected the President, then it is wrong. I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President of our country,” he said. He also said that his remarks were in response to what BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari were saying while verbally attacking him. Giri had made similar remarks against the President in the past. A video of the Trinamool leader making similar comments in the last week of October also surfaced later in the day. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda demanded that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tender a public apology for her Minister’s comments, and also clarify that at whose behest he made such “unfortunate” and “indecent” remarks. The remarks created outrage in political and social circles. A police complaint was lodged by BJP supporters at Nandigram Police station. BJP supporters hit the streets in Kolkata demanding action against the Minister. A protest rally was brought out from State BJP headquarters in Central Avenue. Reacting to the remarks, the State unit of BJP alleged that Ms. Banerjee and the Trinamool were anti-tribal. Reacting to the development, the Trinamool Congress condemned the remarks. “We have the utmost respect for Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.Our party strongly condemns the unfortunate remarks made by MLA @AkhilGiriAITC and clarifies that we do not condone such statements. In the era of women’s empowerment, such misogyny is unacceptable,” the party said in an official statement. In Brief Ukrainian police officers and TV and radio services returned to the southern city of Kherson following the withdrawal of Russian troops, part of fast but cautious efforts to make the only regional capital captured by Moscow’s forces livable after more than eight months under occupation. People across Ukraine awoke from a night of jubilant celebrations after the Kremlin announced its troops had withdrawn to the other side of the Dnieper River from Kherson. The Ukrainian military said it was overseeing “stabilisation measures” in areas around the city to make sure it was safe. Evening Wrap will return tomorrow. [logo] The Evening Wrap 12 NOVEMBER 2022 [The Hindu logo] Welcome to the Evening Wrap newsletter, your guide to the day’s biggest stories with concise analysis from The Hindu. [[Arrow]Open in browser]( [[Mail icon]More newsletters]( Nalini, four other Rajiv Gandhi case convicts released Nalini Sriharan, her husband and three other convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case [were released from prisons in Vellore, Chennai and Madurai on Saturday evening]( a day after the Supreme Court ordered their release. Immediately after she was released from the special prison for women in Vellore, Nalini went to the Vellore central prison from where her husband V. Sriharan alias Murugan was released and became emotional on seeing him. [Vellore: Nalini Sriharan and V. Sriharan alias Murugan, convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, after being released from their prisons, in Vellore.] Murugan, along with Santhan, both Sri Lankan nationals, were taken in a police vehicle following their release to the special refugee camp in Tiruchirappalli. Two other Sri Lankan nationals – Robert Payas and Jayakumar – released from the Puzhal prison in Chennai, too were taken to the camp. Perarivalan, another convict in the case who was released in May, and his mother Arputhammal, received the duo at Puzhal. Nearly 66% polling in Himachal Pradesh as voters brave cold, trudge through snow Himachal Pradesh [recorded a turnout of nearly 66% on Saturday]( the Election Commission said citing provisional polling figures till 5 p.m. for the Assembly elections. Till 5 p.m., 65.92% turnout was recorded, according to provisional polling data released by the EC. From capital Shimla to the icy heights of Spiti, people across the State voted braving the cold and in the higher reaches of mountains trudging through snow to elect a new State government. Voting began at 8 a.m. on a slow note but picked up as the day progressed and the sun warmed the winter chill. In the first hour, around 5% turnout was recorded, while by 11 a.m., it was 17.98%. It notched up to 37.19% by 1 p.m. and 55.65% till 3 p.m. The highest polling of 72.35% was recorded in Sirmour district followed by 68.48% in Solan and 67.67% in Una and 67.5% in Lahaul and Spiti. The high-altitude district of Lahaul and Spiti recorded 21.95%, the lowest, till 1 p.m., but polling was brisk as the sun came out. The poll panel said that among the 68 Assembly constituencies in the hill State, Shillai recorded the highest turnout at 77% while Sarkaghat recorded the lowest 55.40%. Seraj constituency in Mandi district from where Chief Minister Jairam Thakur is contesting and Sujanpur recorded 74% polling. Dropping temperatures and advancing years failed to dampen the [enthusiasm of centenarians]( as many of them came out to vote, with 105-year-old Naro Devi exercising her franchise in Churah in Chamba and 103-year-old Sardar Pyar Singh in Shimla. Gujarat Assembly elections | Congress releases manifesto, promises 10 lakh jobs, 300 units free electricity The [Congress released its manifesto for the Gujarat Assembly polls]( in which it promised 10 lakh jobs in government and semi-government departments, free medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh, LPG cylinder at ₹500 and 300 units of free electricity every month, among other such promises. The grand old party, which has been out of power in the State for more than two decades, also promised an unemployment allowance of ₹3,000 per month, ₹2,000 pension to the differently-abled, widows, senior citizens and needy women, and waiver of loans of up to ₹3 lakh to all fishermen, among other things. [Rajasthan CM and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot with party leaders in Ahmedabad releasing their manifesto for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections.] Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress senior observer for the polls, released the manifesto at the State party headquarters in Ahmedabad. Congress manifesto committee chairman Dipak Babaria said the party interacted with nearly 65 lakh people before preparing this poll document. “As suggested by party leader Rahul Gandhi, we will form a commission for the implementation of our manifesto and turn it into a government document after the Congress forms a government in the state. We will maintain the sanctity of our manifesto,” Gehlot said after unveiling it. He also said that the New Pension Scheme will be discarded in Gujarat and the Old Pension Scheme will be implemented in its place if the party is voted to power. Among other promises, the party also said that it would [restore the name of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera]( Ahmedabad, to Sardar Patel Stadium, and revoke the remission granted by the State government to 11 convicts in the 2002 Bilkis Bano case allowing their premature release from jail. ‘Family-ruled’ and ‘looting’ State government will not be spared: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Hyderabad, on his way to Ramagundam, said that the [“family-ruled” State government that was “looting” the people of Telangana]( “would not be spared”. “Family rule and corruption are the biggest enemies of the people, and the BJP would root out those indulging in it. Those who are looting the poor will not be spared,” he said while addressing BJP workers at the Begumpet airport. PM Modi said those involved in corruption are trying to form a platform against the BJP, and that the people of Telangana and others around the country were watching it keenly. The power of the BJP was seen in the Munugode bypoll, he stated, noting that an entire government was brought to one constituency. He also said that the “lotus will bloom” in the State, referring to the BJP’s symbol. Earlier in the day, while addressing a public meeting in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi said that the [Centre’s investment of more than ₹10,500 crore]( in the State will pave way for its growth and also fulfil the aspirations of its people. He was addressing a public meeting at Andhra University Engineering College grounds after virtually laying the foundation for five infrastructure projects and dedicating two projects to the nation, all worth around ₹10,742 crore. He said that the path to development taken by the Union government is multi-dimensional and it focuses on the needs of the common citizen and presents a roadmap for an advanced infrastructure. He pointed out that the projects for which the foundation was laid, in Visakhapatnam, envisions such an inclusive growth and inclusive development for Andhra Pradesh. PM Modi also said that for the first time ‘Blue economy’ has been given priority and the investment of more than ₹150 crore for the modernisation for the Fishing Harbour in Visakhapatnam, will develop and empower lakhs of people from the fishing community. West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri’s comments on President Murmu draws criticism West Bengal Minister of State for Correctional Home Administration Akhil Giri came under severe criticism for making a [controversial remark on President Droupadi Murmu](. In a video clip that had gone viral on social media, the Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA from Ramnagar was heard commenting on the looks of President Murmu. The remark was made at a public meeting at Nandigram on Friday evening. “They (BJP) said that I am not good-looking. We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?” the Minister was heard saying. On Saturday, Giri apologised for the remarks. “If someone thinks I have disrespected the President, then it is wrong. I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President of our country,” he said. He also said that his remarks were in response to what BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari were saying while verbally attacking him. Giri had made similar remarks against the President in the past. A video of the Trinamool leader making similar comments in the last week of October also surfaced later in the day. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda demanded that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tender a public apology for her Minister’s comments, and also clarify that at whose behest he made such “unfortunate” and “indecent” remarks. The remarks created outrage in political and social circles. A police complaint was lodged by BJP supporters at Nandigram Police station. BJP supporters hit the streets in Kolkata demanding action against the Minister. A protest rally was brought out from State BJP headquarters in Central Avenue. Reacting to the remarks, the State unit of BJP alleged that Ms. Banerjee and the Trinamool were anti-tribal. Reacting to the development, the Trinamool Congress condemned the remarks. “We have the utmost respect for Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.Our party strongly condemns the unfortunate remarks made by MLA @AkhilGiriAITC and clarifies that we do not condone such statements. In the era of women’s empowerment, such misogyny is unacceptable,” the party said in an official statement. In Brief Ukrainian police officers and TV and radio services [returned to the southern city of Kherson]( following the withdrawal of Russian troops, part of fast but cautious efforts to make the only regional capital captured by Moscow’s forces livable after more than eight months under occupation. People across Ukraine awoke from a night of jubilant celebrations after the Kremlin announced its troops had withdrawn to the other side of the Dnieper River from Kherson. The Ukrainian military said it was overseeing “stabilisation measures” in areas around the city to make sure it was safe. Evening Wrap will return tomorrow. 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