DUBLIN (AP) — A marathon vote-counting exercise was underway Saturday in Ireland’s national election after an exit poll suggested that the contest is a close-fought race among the country’s three largest political parties. Election officials opened ballot boxes at count centers across the country, kicking off what could be several days of tallying the results. If the exit poll is borne out, that could be followed by days or weeks of negotiations to form a coalition government. The exit poll suggested voters’ support is split widely among the three big parties — Fine Gael , Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein — as well as several smaller parties and an assortment of independents ranging from the left to the far right. The poll said that center-right party Fine Gael was the first choice of 21% of voters, and another center-right party, Fianna Fail, of 19.5%. The two parties governed in coalition before the election. Left-of-center opposition party Sinn Fein was at 21.1% in the poll. Pollster Ipsos B&A asked 5,018 voters across the country how they had cast their ballots. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points. The figures only give an indication and don’t reveal which parties will form the next government. Ireland uses a complex system of proportional representation in which each of the country’s 43 constituencies elects several lawmakers and voters rank candidates in order of preference. As a result, it can take some time for full results to be known. Fianna Fail politician Michael McGrath, a former finance minister and now a European Union official, said that “a number of different parties and groups will have to be involved” in forming a government. “I hope it is a stable government that has the prospect of lasting the five years because of the challenges we are facing in Ireland and throughout the European Union," he told the PA news agency at a count in Cork, southwest Ireland. “Let’s allow the picture to emerge over the days ahead.” The result will show whether Ireland bucks the global trend of incumbents being ousted by disgruntled voters after years of pandemic, international instability and cost-of-living pressures. The cost of living — especially Ireland’s acute housing crisis — was a dominant topic in the three-week campaign, alongside immigration, which has become an emotive and challenging issue in a country of 5.4 million people long defined by emigration. The outgoing government was led by the two parties that have dominated Irish politics for the past century: Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. They have similar policies, but are longtime rivals with origins on opposing sides of Ireland’s 1920s civil war. After the 2020 election ended in a virtual dead heat, they formed a coalition. Before polling day, analysts said the most likely outcome was another Fine Gael-Fianna Fail coalition. That remains a likely option. The front-runners to be the next taoiseach, or prime minister, are current Taoiseach Simon Harris of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin — despite their parties’ relatively lackluster showing. The two parties would need the support of smaller groups or independents to achieve a majority in the 174-seat Dail, the lower house of Parliament. The Green Party, which held 12 seats in the last parliament and propped up the governing coalition, acknowledged that it was headed for a disappointing result. Among a large crop of independent candidates was reputed organized crime boss Gerry “the Monk” Hutch, who has seen a groundswell of support since he was bailed on money-laundering charges in Spain this month in order to run for election. Early results suggested he stood a good chance of winning a seat in Dublin. Sinn Fein achieved a stunning breakthrough in the 2020 election, topping the popular vote, but was shut out of government because Fianna Fail and Fine Gael refused to work with it, citing its leftist policies and historic ties with the Irish Republican Army during three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Though Sinn Fein, which aims to reunite Ireland with the independent Republic of Ireland, could become the largest party in the Dail, it may struggle to get enough coalition partners to form a government. During the election campaign, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail maintained they wouldn't go into government with it. A Sinn Fein-led government would shake up Irish politics — and the future of the United Kingdom. The party is already the largest in Northern Ireland, and a Sinn Fein government in the republic would push for a referendum on Irish reunification in the next few years. Party leader McDonald said that Sinn Fein had “broken the political mold” in Ireland. “Two-party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history, and that in itself is very significant," she said as she awaited results at a count center in Dublin. “The question now arises for us, what do we do with that?” Jill Lawless reported from London.27 National Cookie Day deals to save you some dough

Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, oddsOhio State head coach Ryan Day said that losing a fourth straight game to Michigan on Saturday left the Buckeyes with "a locker room full of guys that are devastated," per ESPN's Jake Trotter . A last-second field goal by Michigan sealed a 13-10 win that damaged Ohio State's shot at the Big Ten title game and a first-round College Football Playoff bye. "Not easy to accept... have to take the ownership," Day said after the loss, per Trotter . "I'm the one who makes the final decisions." Ohio State last defeated Michigan in 2019 at Ann Arbor. Since then the Wolverines have claimed victory in four straight rivalry matchups. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

NW_FG Akers 21, 9:31. ILL_Laughery 30 run (Olano kick), 8:12. NW_D.Turner 13 interception return (Akers kick), 2:14. ILL_Altmyer 1 run (Olano kick), 13:21. ILL_Laughery 64 run (Olano kick), 14:15. ILL_Altmyer 43 run (Olano kick), 10:08. NW_FG Akers 34, 5:35. NW_Henning 11 pass from Lausch (Akers kick), 1:34. ILL_Laughery 31 run (Olano kick), 12:15. ILL_FG Olano 24, 11:06. NW_Gordon 15 pass from Lausch (Lang pass from Lausch), 1:00. RUSHING_Illinois, Laughery 12-172, McCray 11-46, Altmyer 4-20, Valentine 7-16, Anderson 1-4, (Team) 2-(minus 3). Northwestern, Porter 12-53, Komolafe 8-32, Lausch 5-22, Himon 3-21, Boe 1-0. PASSING_Illinois, Altmyer 9-16-2-127. Northwestern, Lausch 26-50-2-293, Boe 3-11-1-33. RECEIVING_Illinois, Franklin 3-54, P.Bryant 3-27, Dixon 1-38, McCray 1-5, Arkin 1-3. Northwestern, Henning 10-119, Gordon 7-54, C.Johnson 3-38, Eligon 2-35, Kirtz 2-25, Wagner 2-24, Porter 1-25, Himon 1-4, Arthurs 1-2. MISSED FIELD GOALS_Northwestern, Akers 44.

Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, odds

"You can’t explain your way out of this": CNN panelists slam Harris campaign's excuses for loss

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A crackdown on the theft of vehicles from driveways will see new laws introduced to ban devices which can clone electronic keys. Criminals can target cars which activate automatically when a fob is nearby. The cloning devices have been blamed for a massive increase in thefts of high-tech vehicles which in turn has forced insurers to push up premiums. The thieves use electronic equipment designed for legitimate locksmiths and garages to copy keys inside homes, allowing cars to be driven away. The Home Office is working on a law “to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target those criminals using, manufacturing and supplying them”. Measures are expected to be included in the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which will also include measures to crack down on shoplifting and new “respect orders” banning persistent offenders from high streets. Policing minister Diana Johnson held talks two weeks ago with the National Police Chiefs’ Council about proposals to cut car theft after the number of stolen vehicles recorded by police shot up. Incidents rose from 70,053 in 2013-14 to 128,553 in 2023-24. Crime figures show four in ten cases involve the offender using the signal from an electronic key. This typically involves technology that receives it from a key inside a property and sends it to a device held near the car. This fools the car into thinking the key is nearby, the doors unlock and the engine can be started. The practice is known as relay car theft because the key’s signal is “relayed” to a device. The growing problem is one of the reasons insurance premiums have risen to an average of £622 – 21 per cent higher than a year ago, according to the Association of British Insurers. Other factors include an increase in the cost of repairing damaged vehicles. People who keep keys near the front door and their vehicle on the drive close by can be particularly vulnerable and car owners can protect themselves by storing keys in a container called a Faraday Bag which blocks the signal. An Association of British Insurers spokesperson said: “Vehicle theft remains a serious problem. “So far this year, insurers have settled more than 40,000 claims for stolen vehicles and have paid out more than £490 million to support affected customers. “The industry invests millions each year to combat vehicle crime and help customers to protect their vehicles, and the Government’s efforts to combat thefts are welcome. “We look forward to seeing more details in the Crime and Policing Bill and will continue to work with Government and the police to clamp down on these sorts of crimes.” Minister for Crime and Policing, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Vehicle theft has a devastating effect on victims and we are aware of the real concerns people have in their day-to-day lives. "In the last year alone there were over 128,000 vehicle thefts, which is why we are focused on tackling this issue at source and have committed to bringing forward legislation to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles, preventing them from getting into the hands of organised crime groups. "We will continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.”Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. General manager Patrik Allvin issued a statement Tuesday saying Hronek underwent a successful procedure for the undisclosed ailment and is expected to miss about eight weeks. He says the 27-year-old Czech blueliner will not require surgery for an upper-body injury. Hronek hasn’t played since going into the endboards hard late in Vancouver’s 5-4 loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh last Wednesday. He’s been paired with captain Quinn Hughes for much of the season and registered eight points (one goal, eight assists) in 21 games. The Canucks (13-7-3) have dealt with a litany of notable absences this season, including all-star goalie Thatcher Demko, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and star centre J.T. Miller, who’s on an indefinite leave for personal reasons. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024. AdvertisementI’m A Celeb fans accuse ITV of ‘choosing winner’ as they hit out at ‘campaign’ for star

Alexandra Samuels is a national political reporter and contributor to the Daily Dot, where she started as an intern covering politics in the summer of 2016. She enjoys all things Marvel, keeping up with the latest TikTok trends, long walks with her pup, and reading murder-mystery novels.

NoneIn the dynamic world of Indian business, one technology stands out for its ability to streamline payments and foster greater efficiency: Bharat Connect for Business . Developed by NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) and formerly known as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Bharat Connect offers a comprehensive “Anytime, Anywhere Bill Payment” solution. The platform has already revolutionized bill payments in India by providing a unified platform for seamless interactions between billers and customers. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results Now, with the introduction of Bharat Connect for Business, the focus shifts toward transforming B2B invoicing, payments, collections, settlements, and reconciliations. Why Bharat Connect for Business? Indian businesses have long struggled with outdated and inefficient payment processes. Managing payments across fragmented tools such as ERP systems, payroll software, and banking platforms led to manual tasks, siloed workflows, limited cash flow visibility, and delayed payments. As a result, B2B payments ended up with various challenges, including: Cumbersome invoicing Increased risk of errors Delayed vendor payments Overdue collections Time consuming reconciliations These inefficiencies have made it difficult for Indian businesses to manage cash flow and maintain healthy financial operations. Bharat Connect for Business addresses these issues by connecting ERPs and payment systems seamlessly, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Finance Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program How it works: The Bharat Connect for Business ecosystem Built on NBBL's interoperable BBPS network, Bharat Connect for Business enables businesses to integrate their existing ERPs into a connected ecosystem. Without the need to switch platforms, businesses can onboard using a unique B2B ID, similar to a UPI ID for consumers. This innovation is designed to streamline the entire payment workflow as below: Seller creates invoices on their existing accounting software or ERP. Buyer can instantly access it on their ERP. They can either accept, reject, or return the invoice. Buyer can pay the accepted invoices via bank transfers, corporate cards, or payment gateways. Transaction status is updated in real-time for both seller and buyer. The interesting part is that the financial data is automatically synchronized across systems in real time, enabling businesses to manage B2B transactions more effectively. What difference does Bharat Connect for Business make? Bharat Connect for Business streamlines the entire B2B workflow, including invoice management, vendor communication, payments, collections, and reconciliation. This integration enables: Streamlined invoicing: Businesses can easily generate and send invoices directly from their ERPs using the buyer's B2B ID. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors. Faster payments: Buyers can initiate payments with just a few clicks within their ERP system. This avoids the hassle of switching between multiple platforms and reduces manual intervention. Real-time tracking: Bharat Connect for Business provides real-time updates on payment status, allowing businesses to monitor transactions and make informed decisions. This eliminates manual follow-ups and reduces the risk of late payments. Automated reconciliation: This innovative technology automatically matches invoices with payments, eliminating manual reconciliation. This reduces errors and improves accuracy, saving businesses time and effort. Why choose Bharat Connect for Business? Adopting Bharat Connect for Business results in numerous benefits, including: Increased efficiency: Automated processes and reduced manual work lead to improved operational efficiency and lower costs. Time saving: Businesses can save valuable time by eliminating the need for manual data entry, reconciliation, and follow-ups. Enhanced cash flow: Faster payments and accurate reconciliation help businesses manage cash flow more effectively. Increased visibility: Access to real time financial data makes it easier to track their cash flow and make informed financial decisions. Reduced errors: Automation minimizes the risk of human errors, resulting in fewer payment discrepancies and disputes. Better business relations: Efficient B2B payments can enhance business relations by reducing payment delays and disputes. Enhanced security: NBBL's Bharat Connect for Business offers robust security measures to protect sensitive financial data. Increased trust: Transparency and security help build trust between businesses and their suppliers or customers. A catalyst for transformation Bharat Connect for Business is more than just a payment platform; it's a catalyst for transformation in the Indian business landscape. This innovative solution addresses decades-old challenges by creating interoperability among ERPs and payment platforms to ultimately benefit end users, i.e., Indian businesses with: A unified dashboard for invoicing to collections Significant cost savings due to minimal data entry Huge time savings with automated processes in place Effortless collections and reconciliations Easy access to real-time financial data By adopting Bharat Connect for Business, businesses of all sizes can unlock greater efficiency, reduce costs, and improve cash flow. As this technology continues to evolve, it promises even more advancements and benefits in the future and plays its role as a game-changer in the Indian business ecosystem. The author is Cofounder & CEO of OPEN Financial Technologies Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024 Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is November 30, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award.

Editorial: Finally SC has news to celebrate on teacher vacancies, but lots left to doBaylor wins 6th straight as Sawyer Robertson throws 4 TDs in 45-17 win to end Kansas seasonSÃO PAULO , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigma Lithium Corporation (TSXV/NASDAQ: SGML, BVMF: S2GM34) (" Sigma Lithium " or the " Company "), a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicles with carbon-neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate, announces that it is in the process of loading 27,500 tonnes of its already produced Quintuple Zero Green Lithium for shipment from the Port of Vitoria to IRH Global Trading LTD in Abu Dhabi , demonstrating its increased operational excellence and its ability to meet both operational and sales targets. The provisional price (6% Li 2 O, CIF China) for this shipment is set at 8.25% of the battery-grade lithium carbonate price quoted on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange (GFEX) as of the shipment date. Sigma Lithium's operational and shipping consistency highlights the Company's robust production capabilities following the successful implementation of several efficiency initiatives at the Greentech Industrial Plant during the four-day annual maintenance shutdown in November. During this month we achieved continuous production of over 850 tonnes per day of lithium oxide for several consecutive days, reaching peak days of 900 tonnes per day, demonstrating the enhanced production capabilities of the Greentech Industrial Plant. As a result, the annualized production run rate reached full capacity of 270,000 tonnes and the Company expects to maintain this annualized production level going forward. " Our ability to maintain a consistent monthly shipment cadence is a clear reflection of our operational excellence, and reliability as a mature producer. It also highlights the stability we have achieved in the use of our proprietary dense media separation technology to produce lithium oxide at our Greentech Industrial Plant, " said Ana Cabral , CEO of Sigma Lithium. "We are delighted with ongoing partnership with IRH in Abu Dhabi which enhances our commercial flexibility to effectively navigate lithium demand seasonality. This collaboration enables us to capitalize on every opportunity to maximize business performance and secure better lithium pricing, even in the current market environment. With Phase 1 now operating at full capacity, we are working relentlessly to replicate this industrial success as we move forward with the construction of our second Greentech Industrial Production Plant. " ABOUT SIGMA LITHIUM Sigma Lithium (TSXV/NASDAQ: SGML, BVMF: S2GM34) is a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicle batteries with carbon-neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable chemical-grade lithium concentrate. Sigma Lithium is one of the world's largest lithium producers. The Company operates at the forefront of environmental and social sustainability in the electric vehicle battery materials supply chain at its Grota do Cirilo Operation in Brazil . Here, Sigma produces Quintuple Zero Green Lithium at its state-of-the-art Greentech lithium beneficiation plant, delivering net zero carbon lithium, produced with zero carbon intensive energy, zero potable water, zero toxic chemicals and zero tailings dams. Phase 1 of the Company's operations entered commercial production in the second quarter of 2023. The Company has issued a Final Investment Decision, formally approving construction to double capacity to 520,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate through the addition of a Phase 2 expansion of its Greentech Plant. For more information about Sigma Lithium, visit https://www.sigmalithiumresources.com/ Sigma Lithium LinkedIn: Sigma Lithium Instagram: @sigmalithium Twitter: @SigmaLithium FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including but not limited to statements relating to timing and costs related to the general business and operational outlook of the Company, the environmental footprint of tailings and positive ecosystem impact relating thereto, donation and upcycling of tailings, timing and quantities relating to tailings and Green Lithium, achievements and projections relating to the Zero Tailings strategy, achievement of ramp-up volumes, production estimates and the operational status of the Groto do Cirilo Project, and other forward-looking information. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, estimates, expectations or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur is forward-looking information, including statements regarding the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Forward-looking information contained herein is based on certain assumptions regarding, among other things: general economic and political conditions; the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in Brazil ; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; the Company's market position and future financial and operating performance; the Company's estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves; and the Company's ability to operate its mineral projects including that the Company will not experience any materials or equipment shortages, any labour or service provider outages or delays or any technical issues. Although management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information inherently involves and is subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to that the market prices for lithium may not remain at current levels; and the market for electric vehicles and other large format batteries currently has limited market share and no assurances can be given for the rate at which this market will develop, if at all, which could affect the success of the Company and its ability to develop lithium operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the current annual information form of the Company and other public filings available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com . Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Matthew DeYoe , EVP Corporate Affairs & Strategic Development matthew.deyoe@sigmalithium.com.br Irina Axenova , Vice President Investor Relations irina.axenova@sigmalithium.com.br View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sigma-lithiums-production-at-full-capacity-record-shipment-of-27-500t-of-quintuple-zero-green-lithium-to-abu-dhabis-irh-trading-company-302321451.html SOURCE Sigma Lithium Corporation

Big Update: Apple's budget iPhone to be upgraded next year; here's all about the new phone that is packed with featuresA man threw a liquid on former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal during his padayatra in the Capital’s Greater Kailash Assembly constituency on Saturday. A war of words ensued between the ruling AAP and the BJP following the incident, with Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleging that the attacker was a worker of the Opposition party who threw spirit on Mr. Kejriwal to “set him afire”. “The man was carrying spirit in one hand and a matchbox in the other. He threw spirit that fell on Kejriwal and me but he could not start the fire. Our alert volunteers and the public overpowered him,” he told reporters. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor dismissed the accusation and asked why such incidents take place with the AAP chief “ahead of every Assembly election”. The police also rejected Mr. Bharadwaj’s claim, saying the liquid thrown on the former CM was water. DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said the attacker was identified as Ashok Jha, who works as a bus marshal. A Delhi Transport Corporation official confirmed that Mr. Jha, a home guard, worked as a bus marshal at the Khanpur bus depot. “When Mr. Kejriwal was shaking hands with his supporters, Jha threw water at him, but he was immediately caught,” the DCP said. The officer said though AAP did not have permission to carry out the padayatra in the area, they had deployed security personnel in both uniform and plain clothes for crowd control. The police were yet to register an FIR till the time of going to press. Another police officer said they would take a call on the registration of an FIR following Mr. Jha’s interrogation. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi condemned the incident. In a post on X, Ms. Atishi said, “Today, in broad daylight, a BJP worker attacked Arvind Kejriwal ji . The BJP is nervous about losing the Delhi poll for the third time. People of Delhi will take revenge for such cheap acts. Last time, they [BJP] got eight seats, this time, people of Delhi will give them zero seats.” In response, Mr. Kapoor expressed apprehensions over the incident. ‘Doubts proved right’ “Elections are held across the country, and leaders, whether good or bad, participate in campaigns under varying levels of security. However, such incidents occur only with Kejriwal during every Assembly poll,” he said. “The BJP condemns all forms of violent protests. However, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva had already said that Kejriwal, now desperate, would orchestrate another spectacle, much like the previous slapping incident. Now, that suspicion has been proven right,” he said. Published - December 01, 2024 01:25 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Delhi / politics