HC dismisses PIL on use of BJD symbol

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking restriction on use of the ruling BJD’s party symbol, the conch, in government advertisements on various state welfare schemes. The two-judge bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice M S Raman dismissed the petition after considering its contents and the timing of it being filed.BJP’s state secretary Jatin Mohanty filed the petition by way of a PIL. Petitioner counsel S K Joshi alleged that the government advertisements were being used for BJD’s image makeover and woo voters. The petition was filed on January 22, two months after getting no response from the ECI to the petitioner’s representation on the issue, Joshi said. Advocate general Ashok Kumar Parija submitted that the ECI had on February 28 written to the govt about the petitioner’s representation. So, in a way the petition has been rendered infructuous, the advocate general contended.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files petition against ED summons at sessions court

Arvind Kejriwal challenges ED summons at Delhi sessions court for non-compliance in liquor policy money laundering case. Court orders appearance on March 16 as per two complaints by central probe agency.

State writes second letter to ECI seeking extension for BMC chief

State government battles ECI over BMC commissioner Chahal's transfer, facing potential embarrassment. ECI denied extension for monsoon prep, with other officials like Pune commissioner Vikram Kumar and Ashwini Bhide also facing transfers under ECI policy.

Voters confused as suspense continues over BJP-BJD alliance

Odisha's political landscape remains uncertain with BJP and BJD alliance talks stalling. ECI sets four-phase polls starting May 13. Parties have yet to name candidates for the upcoming elections, causing confusion among voters and party members alike.