Budget 2020: Expectations of Common Man

CPI(M) leader M. A. Baby called for a united second freedom struggle against the RSS and fascist forces to protect the democratic Constitution. He demanded the immediate resignation and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged vote rigging. Sharply attacking the Prime Minister, he said, 'Narendra Modi asatya ka maharaja hai', citing unfulfilled promises to farmers where incomes did not double but suicides doubled instead.

A massive crowd gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan as the INDIA bloc mobilised cadres for a major rally addressed by Rahul Gandhi and opposition leaders. While organisers claimed an expected attendance of 10 lakh people, the venue was packed to capacity with participants arriving from various walks of life. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc from Chandigarh. Shah termed the decision to hold the rally on 1st November insensitive, pointing out the date's association with the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and the impact on local wholesale traders, asserting that the opposition would face defeat in upcoming elections.

Addressing a gathering in Chandigarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah mounted a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi and the opposition, stating that the public is closely observing the progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amit Shah asserted that by 31 December 2029, the government will ensure Punjab and the entire nation are completely drug-free. He highlighted key achievements under the Modi government, including the revocation of Article 370, the eradication of Naxalism, the end of triple talaq, and widespread welfare initiatives such as free food grains, electrification, and sanitation. Shah asserted that despite parliamentary disruptions by the opposition, the Modi government remains committed to implementing 33 percent reservation for women. Furthermore, he commended Chandigarh Police for securing top rankings in beat policing and the implementation of three new criminal laws, promising that the city's longstanding issues will soon be addressed.

Saffron harvesting has commenced in Kashmir Valley as the final crop cycle of the year gets underway in November. Known globally for premium quality, Kashmiri saffron is witnessing surge in domestic and international demand amid supply disruptions from Iran. However, local cultivation faces challenges due to rampant construction in rural belts shrinking farmland, compounded by climate change impacts. To counter this, the government's Mission Saffron provides artificial spray and irrigation facilities. In Pampore, blooming fields have brought optimism among farmers, who noted timely moisture and urged peers to utilize the spice park for GI-tagged produce fetching 250 to 350 rupees per gram. Growers emphasized the dual benefits of natural chemical-free farming and agro-tourism along the national highway, which continues to attract visiting tourists.