EC orders political parties not to use public funds for 'publicity'

"Till today, 29 lakh women have received the fund of the Mahila Udyamita Scheme. Today, this fund will be distributed in Sonai and East Goalpara constituency. A total of 33.50 lakh women will get benefits," Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters.

Speaking to reporters, Dubey said that Parliament is not a "canteen" and questioned the conduct during a protest meant to highlight issues faced by the public. He stated that the demonstration was intended to raise concerns about LPG shortages affecting common people and that the government would respond to those issues.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday launched the distribution of seed capital under Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) to women beneficiaries by handing over cheques amounting to Rs. 10,000 to each of the 5,155 women beneficiaries of Jalukbari Legislative Assembly Constituency at a programme held at Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Boragaon in Guwahati.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday said she has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged derogatory remarks made during a function held on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala are expected to set a benchmark for democratic practices, expressing confidence in the preparedness of the state's election machinery and cooperation from political parties.