News / Author / Gulam Jeelani

Gulam Jeelani

Gulam Jeelani writes on politics, national affairs and socio-economic issues for Hindustan Times. A journalist for seven years, he worked in Lucknow and Srinagar, before moving to New Delhi.

Articles by Gulam Jeelani

Delhi Tourism’s HOHO bus service stares at uncertain future as losses mount

The number of tourists availing Delhi Tourism’s Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service has dropped to below 80 per day, much lower than the 250 minimum required to keep the service profitable. The number of buses too have dropped — from 15 low-floor CNG buses in 2010 to just five today.

Delhi Tourism’s HOHO buses start, at an interval of 40 minutes, from Baba Kharak Singh Marg for the 20 sites comprising monuments, museums and popular markets of Delhi.(HT File)

cities

Updated on Dec 21, 2018 03:59 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani, New Delhi

Cleared Metro Phase-4, now fulfil promise to donate ₹1.1 lakh: AAP reminds BJP’s Manoj Tiwari

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had, on October 18 this year, tweeted he would donate ₹1.1 lakh to AAP if chief minister Arvind Kejriwal cleared Phase-4 of the metro, a project that was delayed by a fund crunch.

Deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia said the Delhi Metro Phase-4 project was cleared despite BJP’s alleged attempts to create hurdles.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Dec 21, 2018 11:43 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Changing faces of a House tasked with building Delhi

IN THE HALLS OF HISTORY: A look at the 25-year journey of the Delhi assembly through the eyes of leaders who have experienced it first hand

The Delhi legislative assembly during a session in 1994. Left: Then Delhi lieutenant-governor PK Dave (left) and Madan Lal Khurana during the latter’s swearing-in as the first Delhi chief minister in 1993.(HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Dec 15, 2018 07:45 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani and Sweta Goswami

Farmers’ protest: An apology for ‘inconvenience’ issued by farmers

“We are farmers. We do not intend to annoy you. We are upset. We have come from distant places to make you and the government our voices heard

The pamphlet circulated by protesting farmers(HT Photo)

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Published on Dec 01, 2018 09:04 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani, New Delhi

Farmers’ Delhi protest: Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal share stage

An estimated 15,000 farmers, gathered in the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital since Thursday, marched about 3km to Parliament Street, skirting the outer periphery of Connaught Place, the central commercial hub.

The ‘Kisan Mukti March’ on Friday brought Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on the same platform, as leaders from 23 opposition parties rallied behind farmers from several states, pledging support to their demands.(Biplov Bhuyan/HT Photo)

india news

Published on Dec 01, 2018 12:00 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Opposition unites at farmers’ rally, hits out at Centre

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who too was present at the rally, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had “stabbed farmers in the back” by not fulfilling promises made to them.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Loktantrik Janata Dal President Sharad Yadav during the Kisan Mukti March in New Delhi, on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.(AP Photo)

india news

Updated on Nov 30, 2018 11:51 PM IST

New Delhi, Hindustan Times | ByGulam Jeelani and Zia Haq

Farmers not asking for free gifts, Rahul Gandhi at mega rally in Delhi

The farmers are demanding loan waiver, higher minimum support price and clearance of two bills that have already been introduced in both Houses of Parliament.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed the tens of thousands of farmers who had marched to Jantar Mantar on Friday.(Twitter/Congress)

india news

Updated on Nov 30, 2018 04:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

With photos, skulls and placards, thousands of farmers march to Parliament today

Thousands of farmers at Ramlila Ground walked to Sansad Marg in the morning. Farmers want demands to be discussed in the Winter session of the Parliament.

The demands of the farmers is passing of two bills seeking ‘freedom from indebtedness’ and the ‘right to guaranteed remunerative minimum support price (MSP)’, which were introduced in the Lok Sabha in August this year.(HT Photo/ Sanchit Khanna)

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Updated on Nov 30, 2018 01:52 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani and Dhamini Ratnam

Farmers march towards Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to demand debt relief, fair price

This Farmer’s march in Delhi is the second major farmer’s protest in the national capital in two months. At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured in a clash between protesters and security personnel on October 2 at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh gate border on National Highway-24 when Delhi Police denied entry to thousands of farmers into the city.

Farmer’s march in Delhi: Thousands of farmers from across the country started marching towards Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Thursday to participate in two-day “Kisan Mukti March” to press for their demands.(Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Nov 29, 2018 03:10 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Delhi Assembly resolution asks poll panel to verify voters list

The resolution also asked the Delhi government to initiate a probe into the names of genuine voters that were allegedly struck off from the electoral rolls, fix the responsibility of the errant officials and submit a report before the House within three months.

The Delhi Assembly has passed a resolution to conduct a door-to-door survey to verify names of lakhs of voters which were deleted from the electoral rolls in February 2015.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 28, 2018 12:48 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Delhi government aims for 25% electric vehicles in 5 years to combat rising air pollution

Officials from Delhi government’s transport department said that the “Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2018” recognises that a new approach is required to kick-start EV adoption in Delhi and therefore seeks to put in place measures that address key hurdles in that direction.

A draft policy of Delhi government is one of the 26 commitments made under the 2018-19 “green budget” in order to combat the rising air pollution in the city.(Biplov Bhuyan/HT Photo)

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Published on Nov 28, 2018 12:20 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani and Joydeep Thakur, New Delhi

‘If Modi can’t ensure my security, he should quit’: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on attacks

While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that heads the government in Delhi, had been demanding control over the Delhi Police, this was the first time a resolution was passed for the same in the Delhi Assembly. The Delhi Police currently reports to the Union home ministry through the lieutenant-governor.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives at Vidhan Sabha to attend a special Delhi assembly session in New Delhi, on Monday, November 26, 2018.(Sonu Mehta/HT Photo)

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Updated on Nov 28, 2018 08:13 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani, New Delhi

Delhi awash in rainbow colours as Queer Pride Parade celebrates identity, freedom

Dancing, smiling, holding hands and expressing love, the Delhi Queer Pride Parade witnessed thousands of queers along with their families and friends celebrating the freedom, first time since SC struck down a part of Section 377.

Members and supporters of the LGBT community take part in Delhi's Queer Pride Parade from Barakhamba road to Parliament street, in New Delhi, India, on November 25, 2018.(Amal KS/HT PHOTO)

india news

Updated on Nov 26, 2018 12:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Farmers plan march to Parliament seeking special joint session on problems

The two-day ‘Kisan Mukti March’ is being billed as a reminiscent of a similar protest march from Nashik to Mumbai by over 35,000 farmers from across Maharashtra in March this year.

Thousands of farmers and workers took out a protest march in the national capital at Maharaj Ranjeet Singh flyover, in New Delhi on September 5, 2018.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

india news

Updated on Nov 24, 2018 07:31 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Man who attacked Kejriwal may have feigned mother’s illness to gain entry

Police identified the man as Anil Kumar Sharma, 40, an employee of a private firm who went to meet the CM saying he wanted to seek financial assistance for the treatment of his ailing mother.

A man threw chilli powder at Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal as he was leaving his offices at the Delhi Secretariat for lunch on Tuesday.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Nov 21, 2018 11:23 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani and Shiv Sunny

You are my only hope, says man before throwing chilli powder at Arvind Kejriwal

This is not the first time that Arvind Kejriwal has been attacked in similar fashion. He has earlier had ink, shoes, slippers and fists thrown at him in the past.

A still from a video posted by the AAP on its twitter account shows Anil Kumar being held after he allegedly threw chilli powder at Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, outside his chamber at Delhi Secretariat in New Delhi on November 20.(PTI Photo)

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Updated on Nov 20, 2018 10:21 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Fusion of music, politics on display at TM Krishna’s Delhi concert

A fusion of music and politics was on display at Carnatic singer TM Krishna’s concert in south Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses on Saturday evening — the same day he was scheduled to perform on the invitation of the AAI.

Carnatic music vocalist TM Krishna during the concert,

india news

Updated on Nov 18, 2018 01:13 PM IST

New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

‘Singing in Delhi’: Carnatic singer TM Krishna to hold concert on Nov 17

The Delhi government is hosting the concert which is going to be held in Garden of Five Senses near Saket at 6:30 PM

Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna at Jaipur Literary Festival in Jaipur.(HT File Photo)

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Updated on Nov 16, 2018 03:48 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

After cancelled concert, AAP’s Delhi govt sends a message with invite to Carnatic singer Krishna

TM Krishna was scheduled to perform at the ‘Dance and Music in the Park’ festival in Chanakyapuri on Nov 17 and 18. The event, organised by Airports Authority of India and SPIC-MACAY, was postponed allegedly after trolls targeted the singer, who has been critical of the government.

Carnatic singer TM Krishna has accepted the Delhi govt’s invite.(Twitter/@tmkrishna)

cities

Updated on Nov 15, 2018 11:38 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

After chaos and risks for selfies on Signature Bridge, government plans ‘safe’ spots

Days after inauguration of the Signature Bridge in Delhi, reports and photos of the frenzy to click selfies on the bridge as well illegal parking started coming in. Thrill-seekers were seen climbing the bridge’s suspension cables to take hands-free selfies.

Commuters take selfie and pictures at the Signature Bridge in New Delhi, on Saturday, November 10, 2018.(Mohd Zakir/HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Nov 16, 2018 09:08 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

15K AAP workers to counter fake news on social media, ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Using Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp, these volunteers, to be trained by mid-December, would be expected to keep a tab on whatever is shared on these three platforms, call out the content which they find fake and finally counter it with facts.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is training an army of 15,000 social media ‘warriors’ in Delhi to counter “rumours” and stem “fake” news(HT File Photo)

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Published on Nov 13, 2018 10:57 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Delhi political parties fight for Chhath credit to woo voters from UP-Bihar

The population of Purvanchalis stands at nearly 30-35% of the voters in the national Capital

Preparations underway at Hatti Yamuna Ghat near ITO for the upcoming Chhath Puja in New Delhi, India, on Sunday(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Nov 12, 2018 11:03 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

AAP files police complaint against Manoj Tiwari for inciting violence at signature bridge

While Tiwari, who was not invited to the event, said he wanted to be present as it was being held in his constituency, the AAP alleged he and his workers had come to attack the CM and other leaders present there.

AAP leader Raghav Chadha, along with Rajya Sabha MP ND Gupta, at the police headquarters on Friday(HT Photo)

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Updated on Nov 10, 2018 12:14 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

AAP to contest from all Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana in 2019 polls

In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the AAP fielded 432 candidates for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country.

A rally organised by Aam Aadmi Party in Noida.(HT File Photo)

india news

Updated on Nov 10, 2018 12:08 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Kejriwal writes to poll panel over changes in South Delhi voters’ list

It has come to our notice that lakhs of names have been deleted after last assembly election. Most of the people whose names have been deleted, exist in person. It has been done with malafide intent.

The chief minister said in the letter that the procedure prescribed under law for deletion of names has not been followed in almost all cases, which raises suspicion about the motives(HT File Photo)

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Published on Nov 02, 2018 08:47 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

A glimpse of Mahatma Gandhi’s life through the art of Dastangoi

The 13th century Urdu oral story telling art form- Dastangoi was revived in 2005 and thousands of shows have been performed since then in India and abroad.

Dastango (story teller) Syed Sahil Agha seated on a white mattress, the colour matching his traditional kurta pyjama at the event(HT Pho)

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Updated on Nov 01, 2018 09:22 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

AAP is ‘kangaal’, donate so we can contest 2019 election, appeals party chief Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to party workers, volunteers and people in general to donate to the party to enable it contest 2019 elections. Party MPs and MLAs would be going door-to-door to seek donation.

Delhi CM and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on October 15, 2018, launched a crowd funding campaign to enable the party to contest elections.(Sonu Mehta/HT File)

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Updated on Oct 16, 2018 10:39 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

AAP, Centre trade barbs over skywalk at Delhi’s ITO ahead of its inauguration

No representative from the Delhi government has been invited for the launch of the project on October 15. The skywalk has been funded by the Centre and designed and constructed by Delhi government’s PWD department.

The skywalk at ITO in central Delhi, that will be opened on October 15, 2018 by Union minister Hardeep Puri, has become mired in controversy with Delhi’s AAP government and the Centre trading charges over its inauguration.(Mohd Zakir/HT Photo)

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Updated on Oct 15, 2018 03:42 PM IST

New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Arvind Kejriwal writes to non-BJP CMs, seeks support against Electricity Bill amendments

According to Arvind Kejriwal,the electricity amendment bill would put an end to cross-subsidy, which, at present, helps keep electricity tariffs lower for small, medium and agricultural consumers by imposing higher rates on industrial and commercial consumers.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses a meeting with East Delhi RWA, at Dhobhi Ghat, Pandav Nagar, Opposite Akshardham Mandir, in New Delhi on October 6.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Oct 07, 2018 07:12 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

Free concerts in Connaught Place’s Central Park back with show by folk rock band Swarathma

Started last year by the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s department of arts, culture and languages, the monthly concerts were discontinued during the summer season. The series is restarting with Swarathma’s concert.

National flag flutters at Connaught Place’s Central Park in New Delhi.(HT File Photo)

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Updated on Sep 29, 2018 09:49 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByGulam Jeelani

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Gulam Jeelani

Gulam Jeelani writes on politics, national affairs and socio-economic issues for Hindustan Times. A journalist for seven years, he worked in Lucknow and Srinagar, before moving to New Delhi.

The number of tourists availing Delhi Tourism’s Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service has dropped to below 80 per day, much lower than the 250 minimum required to keep the service profitable. The number of buses too have dropped — from 15 low-floor CNG buses in 2010 to just five today.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had, on October 18 this year, tweeted he would donate ₹1.1 lakh to AAP if chief minister Arvind Kejriwal cleared Phase-4 of the metro, a project that was delayed by a fund crunch.

IN THE HALLS OF HISTORY: A look at the 25-year journey of the Delhi assembly through the eyes of leaders who have experienced it first hand

“We are farmers. We do not intend to annoy you. We are upset. We have come from distant places to make you and the government our voices heard

An estimated 15,000 farmers, gathered in the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital since Thursday, marched about 3km to Parliament Street, skirting the outer periphery of Connaught Place, the central commercial hub.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who too was present at the rally, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had “stabbed farmers in the back” by not fulfilling promises made to them.

The farmers are demanding loan waiver, higher minimum support price and clearance of two bills that have already been introduced in both Houses of Parliament.

Thousands of farmers at Ramlila Ground walked to Sansad Marg in the morning. Farmers want demands to be discussed in the Winter session of the Parliament.

The resolution also asked the Delhi government to initiate a probe into the names of genuine voters that were allegedly struck off from the electoral rolls, fix the responsibility of the errant officials and submit a report before the House within three months.

Officials from Delhi government’s transport department said that the “Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2018” recognises that a new approach is required to kick-start EV adoption in Delhi and therefore seeks to put in place measures that address key hurdles in that direction.

While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that heads the government in Delhi, had been demanding control over the Delhi Police, this was the first time a resolution was passed for the same in the Delhi Assembly. The Delhi Police currently reports to the Union home ministry through the lieutenant-governor.

Dancing, smiling, holding hands and expressing love, the Delhi Queer Pride Parade witnessed thousands of queers along with their families and friends celebrating the freedom, first time since SC struck down a part of Section 377.

The two-day ‘Kisan Mukti March’ is being billed as a reminiscent of a similar protest march from Nashik to Mumbai by over 35,000 farmers from across Maharashtra in March this year.

Police identified the man as Anil Kumar Sharma, 40, an employee of a private firm who went to meet the CM saying he wanted to seek financial assistance for the treatment of his ailing mother.

This is not the first time that Arvind Kejriwal has been attacked in similar fashion. He has earlier had ink, shoes, slippers and fists thrown at him in the past.

A fusion of music and politics was on display at Carnatic singer TM Krishna’s concert in south Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses on Saturday evening — the same day he was scheduled to perform on the invitation of the AAI.

The Delhi government is hosting the concert which is going to be held in Garden of Five Senses near Saket at 6:30 PM

TM Krishna was scheduled to perform at the ‘Dance and Music in the Park’ festival in Chanakyapuri on Nov 17 and 18. The event, organised by Airports Authority of India and SPIC-MACAY, was postponed allegedly after trolls targeted the singer, who has been critical of the government.

Days after inauguration of the Signature Bridge in Delhi, reports and photos of the frenzy to click selfies on the bridge as well illegal parking started coming in. Thrill-seekers were seen climbing the bridge’s suspension cables to take hands-free selfies.

Using Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp, these volunteers, to be trained by mid-December, would be expected to keep a tab on whatever is shared on these three platforms, call out the content which they find fake and finally counter it with facts.

The population of Purvanchalis stands at nearly 30-35% of the voters in the national Capital

While Tiwari, who was not invited to the event, said he wanted to be present as it was being held in his constituency, the AAP alleged he and his workers had come to attack the CM and other leaders present there.

In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the AAP fielded 432 candidates for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country.

It has come to our notice that lakhs of names have been deleted after last assembly election. Most of the people whose names have been deleted, exist in person. It has been done with malafide intent.

The 13th century Urdu oral story telling art form- Dastangoi was revived in 2005 and thousands of shows have been performed since then in India and abroad.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to party workers, volunteers and people in general to donate to the party to enable it contest 2019 elections. Party MPs and MLAs would be going door-to-door to seek donation.

No representative from the Delhi government has been invited for the launch of the project on October 15. The skywalk has been funded by the Centre and designed and constructed by Delhi government’s PWD department.

According to Arvind Kejriwal,the electricity amendment bill would put an end to cross-subsidy, which, at present, helps keep electricity tariffs lower for small, medium and agricultural consumers by imposing higher rates on industrial and commercial consumers.

Started last year by the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s department of arts, culture and languages, the monthly concerts were discontinued during the summer season. The series is restarting with Swarathma’s concert.

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