News / Author / Vishal Kant

Vishal Kant

Vishal Kant works as an Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He tracks developments in Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi government. Vishal has spent about a decade covering the city politics and governance, besides writing on Delhi’s civic issues, urban transport and infrastructure.

Articles by Vishal Kant

Soren a good leader, says outgoing J’khand Governor

Ramesh Bais dismissed allegations that he colluded with the BJP-led union government in trying to topple the state government.

Outgoing Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais during his visit to Raj Bhawan in Ranchi on Tuesday. (ANI)

cities

Published on Feb 15, 2023 09:31 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Office-of-profit row: It falls on new Governor to decide CM Soren’s fate

Raj Bhawan officials said Bais is likely to leave on February 16 to take charge as Maharashtra Governor and Radhakrishnan could arrive in Ranchi a day later.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. (ANI)

cities

Published on Feb 13, 2023 10:40 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

At Jharkhand rally, Kharge raises Adani to attack PM

Accusing the BJP government of subverting democracy, Kharge said the portion of his speech as well as of Rahul Gandhi were expunged though they simply raised issues plaguing the country

Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge (File Photo)

cities

Published on Feb 12, 2023 01:32 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Two police personnel, deployed as bodyguards, killed in shoot-out in Jharkhand

The two Jharkhand police personnel were deployed as the bodyguards of a local fish trader and they were killed in an attack on the businessman's house by his rivals

The shoot-out occurred around 12.30 in the night. (Representative Image)

cities

Updated on Feb 12, 2023 11:46 AM IST

ByVishal Kant

Will decide soon on Marandi’s disqualification, says Jharkhand Speaker

BJP, the main opposition party in the state, has named Marandi as its legislature party leader but the Speaker is yet to give him the LoP status due to the anti-defection petition pending with his tribunal.

BJP legislature party leader Babulal Marandi. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Feb 09, 2023 10:13 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

‘Name new LoP, call on Marandi’s disqualification soon’: Jharkhand Speaker to BJP

The BJP has named Babulal Marandi as its legislature party leader but the Speaker Rabindranath Mahto is yet to give LoP status to him due to an anti-defection petition against him pending at the Speaker’s tribunal

Jharkhand assembly Speaker Rabindranath Mahto (File Photo)

cities

Published on Feb 09, 2023 07:49 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Illegal immigrants changing demography, JMM govt not acting: Amit Shah

Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Vijay Sankalp rally in Deoghar after laying the foundation stone of a nano fertilizer plant, Shah said the population of tribal people in the Santhal Parganas have declined to around 24% from 35% earlier.

Union home ainister Amit Shah speaks during 'Vijay Sankalp Rally' in Deoghar district. (PTI)

cities

Updated on Feb 05, 2023 02:47 AM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Shah says tribal population declining in J’khand, slams Soren

The home minister was addressing Vijay Sankalp rally at Deoghar after laying foundation stone of a nano fertilizer plant.

Shah along offers prayers at Baidyanath temple in Deoghar on Saturday. (ANI)

cities

Published on Feb 04, 2023 10:42 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Jharkhand domicile bill row: CM Soren vows to fight Governor hurdle

Addressing a rally in Saraikela as part of his Khatiyan Johar Yatra, Hemant Soren said the Governor can’t dictate terms in implementing laws which are meant for providing jobs to locals.

Governor Ramesh Bais and chief minister Hemant Soren after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, at Morabadi Bapu Vatika in Ranchi on Monday. (ANI)

cities

Published on Jan 30, 2023 09:49 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Jharkhand governor sends back Soren govt’s local domicile bill

Jharkhand governor returned the Bill back to the government for reconsideration, underlining that the government needs to review its legality and frame it as per constitutional norms and court rulings.

CM Hemant Soren with governor Ramesh Bais (Somnath Sen)

india news

Published on Jan 30, 2023 12:05 AM IST

ByVishal Kant

Jharkhand governor returns 1932-based domicile bill back to Soren govt

Governor Ramesh Bais returned the Bill back to the government for reconsideration, underlining that the government needs to review the legality of the bill and frame it as per the constitutional norms and court rulings.

cities

Published on Jan 29, 2023 10:03 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Doctor couple among five killed in blaze at J’khand hospital

At least five people, including two doctors, were killed as a fire tore through a private hospital in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, police officers said on Saturday

The victims include the owner of the hospital, Dr Vikas Hazra (64), his wife, Dr Prema Hazra (58), his nephew, Sohan Khamari, and domestic help Tara Devi. (HT)

cities

Updated on Jan 29, 2023 04:51 AM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Five including doctor couple die in fire at hospital in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad

The fire occurred around 2am on the top floor of the building which was the residential portion of the doctor couple

Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta has ought a report from the Dhanbad deputy commissioner (DC) into the fire incident. (Sourced)

cities

Published on Jan 28, 2023 11:39 AM IST

ByVishal Kant

Jharkhand professor gets Padma Shri for preservation of tribal language Ho

Professor Janum Singh Soy said lots need to be done on the part of the government as well as society to preserve the regional languages of different tribal groups

cities

Published on Jan 26, 2023 04:26 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Jharkhand: In setback to Marandi, HC refuses to intervene in anti-defection proceedings

The HC bench of justice Rajesh Shankar, which had reserved its order on January 5, dismissed Marandi’s petition as “not maintainable” since the Speaker’s verdict was still awaited.

Former chief minister and BJP leader Babulal Marandi. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 24, 2023 10:06 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

J’khand illegal mining: ED lodges 2nd case against Soren’s aide

ED officials said a case lodged with Jirwabari police outpost in Sahebganj district last year has been taken over by the agency as a predicate offence to record the new enforcement case information report (ECIR) against Mishra and others.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren’s aide Pankaj Mishra, who is currently in jail in connection with an ongoing alleged illegal mining case. (PTI)

cities

Published on Jan 18, 2023 10:13 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Ramgarh assembly bye-election on Feb 27, result on March 2

The model code of conduct will kick in Ramgarh on January 31, while February 7 is the last date of nomination, said Jharkhand chief electoral officer K Ravi Kumar.

Congress’s Mamta Devi, who had won the seat in 2019 by a margin of 28,718 votes, was disqualified as an MLA on December 26 last year following her conviction and sentencing in a 2016 rioting case. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 18, 2023 10:13 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

IIM Ranchi student found dead in hostel room

A 22-year-old student at IIM-Ranchi was found dead in his hostel room on Monday night, police officials said on Tuesday

india news

Published on Jan 18, 2023 12:17 AM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

J’khand: Amid rush for ‘Andolankari’ tag, panel adds party membership in eligibility criteria

The commission, called the Jharkhand Andolankari Chinhitikaran Aayog (JACA), has decided to add new criteria to identify a Jharkhand Andolankari (Jharkhand movement agitator) since 74,000 applications are pending before the three-member panel, which was notified on July 15, 2021, a member of the JACA said

An agitation in Ranchi to make ‘agitator tag’ easier. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 17, 2023 09:46 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

IIM-Ranchi student found dead in hostel room; family alleges foul play

Ranchi deputy superintendent of police (SP), Praveen Kumar Singh, who visited the crime scene, said police were informed that a second-year management student has allegedly died by suicide

A 22-year-old student was found dead in his hostel room under mysterious circumstances (Representative Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 17, 2023 08:06 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Tribals in focus as Shah kicks off BJP’s 2024 campaign in Jharkhand

Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district is one of the five Lok Sabha seats, out of the total 14 in Jharkhand, which is reserved for the scheduled tribes (STs). The other four are Rajmahal, Dumka, Lohardaga and Khunti.

Amit Shah at the rally in Chaibasa Saturday. (PTI)

cities

Updated on Jan 07, 2023 11:19 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

After Jains, tribals up in arms over Parasnath Hills

The Jain community has been protesting against the Jharkhand government’s tourism policy, which intended to develop Sammed Shikharji in Parasnath hills, among other places in the state, as a tourist destination.

Jain Community members in Chennai stage a protest on Friday against the decision declaring Sammed Shikharji in Jharkhand as a a tourist place. (PTI)

cities

Updated on Jan 07, 2023 04:53 AM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Jharkhand: Around 68% of 2.45 crore voters gets their cards linked with Aadhar

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had launched the programme to collect the Aadhaar number of electors from August 1, 2022, in all states and union territories.

Around 68% of the 2.45 crore registered voters in Jharkhand have got their cards seeded with Aadhar, officials said. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Jan 05, 2023 10:15 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Sammed Shikharji: Why is Jain shrine in Jharkhand in the eye of storm

The protests of the Jain community across the country is set to reach Jharkhand, where its members have announced to march to Raj Bhawan in the state capital Ranchi on Tuesday, demanding that the state government withdraw a 2019 notification designating Parasnath Hills as a tourist place

Jain community members take part in a protest in Ahmedabad on Sunday against the decision declaring Shri Sammed Shikharji in Jharkhand as a tourist place. (PTI)

cities

Updated on Jan 02, 2023 09:52 PM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Only 76 of over 1.10 lakh govt employees opt for new pension scheme in Jharkhand

While a majority of the employees have opted for the old pension scheme, the others are of the view that they will benefit more in the long run by sticking to the new one

cities

Updated on Dec 29, 2022 04:44 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Have no regrets about my mining lease, says Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

Hitting out at the BJP and alleging misuse of central agencies, Soren said people shouldn’t be surprised if gets arrested.

Ranchi, Dec 19 (ANI): Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato is being welcomed by State Chief Minister Hemant Soren on the first day of the Winter Session of the State Assembly, in Ranchi on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Somnath Sen)

india news

Updated on Dec 29, 2022 03:39 AM IST

ByVishal Kant

Have no regrets about my mining lease:Soren

Hitting out at the BJP alleging misuse of central agencies, Soren said people shouldn’t be surprised if he gets arrested.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. (PTI)

cities

Updated on Dec 28, 2022 10:17 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

CM’s media advisor told AG to send lawyer secretly to ED office to know interrogation details: ED to HC

As per the affidavit filed by the ED before the high court on Wednesday, Prasad spoke to the AG on July 22, three days after Mishra’s arrest, that he was trying to ‘arrange’ a government counsel for Mishra.

The ED had arrested Pankaj Mishra, JMM leader and a close aide of CM Soren, on July 19 on money laundering charges in connection with an ongoing illegal mining case probe (ANI)

cities

Published on Dec 21, 2022 10:50 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

Uproar over employment policy: Soren-led delegation meets Guv, urges approval of ‘1932 Khatiyan’, OBC reservation bills

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, CM Hemant Soren said the delegation, which had representatives from the ruling JMM, Congress, and RJD, besides those from Left and AJSU Party, has urged the governor to approve the bills at the earliest.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren with a delegation of MLAs comes out after meeting with Governor Ramesh Bais in Ranchi on Tuesday. (ANI)

cities

Published on Dec 20, 2022 10:47 PM IST

ByVishal Kant

HC scraps Jharkhand govt’s new rules for JSSC exams, Soren hits out

The Jharkhand high court on Friday scrapped the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Examination (Amendment) Rules 2021 that made it mandatory for applicants to clear classes 10 and 12 from state schools.

india news

Published on Dec 17, 2022 12:13 AM IST

ByVishal Kant, Ranchi

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Vishal Kant

Vishal Kant works as an Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He tracks developments in Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi government. Vishal has spent about a decade covering the city politics and governance, besides writing on Delhi’s civic issues, urban transport and infrastructure.

Ramesh Bais dismissed allegations that he colluded with the BJP-led union government in trying to topple the state government.

Raj Bhawan officials said Bais is likely to leave on February 16 to take charge as Maharashtra Governor and Radhakrishnan could arrive in Ranchi a day later.

Accusing the BJP government of subverting democracy, Kharge said the portion of his speech as well as of Rahul Gandhi were expunged though they simply raised issues plaguing the country

The two Jharkhand police personnel were deployed as the bodyguards of a local fish trader and they were killed in an attack on the businessman's house by his rivals

BJP, the main opposition party in the state, has named Marandi as its legislature party leader but the Speaker is yet to give him the LoP status due to the anti-defection petition pending with his tribunal.

The BJP has named Babulal Marandi as its legislature party leader but the Speaker Rabindranath Mahto is yet to give LoP status to him due to an anti-defection petition against him pending at the Speaker’s tribunal

Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Vijay Sankalp rally in Deoghar after laying the foundation stone of a nano fertilizer plant, Shah said the population of tribal people in the Santhal Parganas have declined to around 24% from 35% earlier.

The home minister was addressing Vijay Sankalp rally at Deoghar after laying foundation stone of a nano fertilizer plant.

Addressing a rally in Saraikela as part of his Khatiyan Johar Yatra, Hemant Soren said the Governor can’t dictate terms in implementing laws which are meant for providing jobs to locals.

Jharkhand governor returned the Bill back to the government for reconsideration, underlining that the government needs to review its legality and frame it as per constitutional norms and court rulings.

Governor Ramesh Bais returned the Bill back to the government for reconsideration, underlining that the government needs to review the legality of the bill and frame it as per the constitutional norms and court rulings.

At least five people, including two doctors, were killed as a fire tore through a private hospital in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, police officers said on Saturday

The fire occurred around 2am on the top floor of the building which was the residential portion of the doctor couple

Professor Janum Singh Soy said lots need to be done on the part of the government as well as society to preserve the regional languages of different tribal groups

The HC bench of justice Rajesh Shankar, which had reserved its order on January 5, dismissed Marandi’s petition as “not maintainable” since the Speaker’s verdict was still awaited.

ED officials said a case lodged with Jirwabari police outpost in Sahebganj district last year has been taken over by the agency as a predicate offence to record the new enforcement case information report (ECIR) against Mishra and others.

The model code of conduct will kick in Ramgarh on January 31, while February 7 is the last date of nomination, said Jharkhand chief electoral officer K Ravi Kumar.

A 22-year-old student at IIM-Ranchi was found dead in his hostel room on Monday night, police officials said on Tuesday

Ranchi deputy superintendent of police (SP), Praveen Kumar Singh, who visited the crime scene, said police were informed that a second-year management student has allegedly died by suicide

Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district is one of the five Lok Sabha seats, out of the total 14 in Jharkhand, which is reserved for the scheduled tribes (STs). The other four are Rajmahal, Dumka, Lohardaga and Khunti.

The Jain community has been protesting against the Jharkhand government’s tourism policy, which intended to develop Sammed Shikharji in Parasnath hills, among other places in the state, as a tourist destination.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had launched the programme to collect the Aadhaar number of electors from August 1, 2022, in all states and union territories.

The protests of the Jain community across the country is set to reach Jharkhand, where its members have announced to march to Raj Bhawan in the state capital Ranchi on Tuesday, demanding that the state government withdraw a 2019 notification designating Parasnath Hills as a tourist place

While a majority of the employees have opted for the old pension scheme, the others are of the view that they will benefit more in the long run by sticking to the new one

Hitting out at the BJP and alleging misuse of central agencies, Soren said people shouldn’t be surprised if gets arrested.

Hitting out at the BJP alleging misuse of central agencies, Soren said people shouldn’t be surprised if he gets arrested.

As per the affidavit filed by the ED before the high court on Wednesday, Prasad spoke to the AG on July 22, three days after Mishra’s arrest, that he was trying to ‘arrange’ a government counsel for Mishra.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, CM Hemant Soren said the delegation, which had representatives from the ruling JMM, Congress, and RJD, besides those from Left and AJSU Party, has urged the governor to approve the bills at the earliest.

The Jharkhand high court on Friday scrapped the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Examination (Amendment) Rules 2021 that made it mandatory for applicants to clear classes 10 and 12 from state schools.

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like