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Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said on Monday he would convene an all-party meeting over the caste census in the state only after getting the opinion of ally BJP, reports Madan Kumar.

"We held talks with political parties. I have asked the deputy CM to talk to the leaders of his party (BJP). I have spoken to the leaders of other political parties. We will convene an all-party meeting after he (deputy CM) talks to his party leaders and informs us. I do not think there is any possibility of disagreement among the political parties over the issue," Nitish told the media after his weekly 'Janata ke Darbar Mein Mukhyamantri' event.

Amid outrage over the killing of civilians by Armed Forces in an anti-insurgency operation in Nagaland, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA].

In a tweet, Conrad Sangma said, "AFSPA should be repealed."

Speaking exclusively to media, Conrad Sangma said he would personally speak to Amit Shah on repealing AFSPA. Follow Nagaland Firing LIVE Updates

"Will personally take it up with Amit Shah. Coalition is a different issue, matters like these are a different issue," said Conrad Sangma.

Stating that 38 candidates had been inducted on lateral entry basis into the central government since 2018, minister of state for PMO and personnel Jitendra Singh on Monday said the lateral recruitment process achieves the twin objectives of bringing fresh talent and augmenting the manpower at certain levels.

UPSC had in October this year recommended the appointment of 31 candidates on lateral entry basis to the posts of joint secretary, director and deputy secretary in various central ministries and departments. The appointments include three joint secretaries, 19 directors and nine deputy secretaries — all on contract or deputation basis. Earlier, seven joint secretaries were appointed under the lateral scheme.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress on Monday announced various party panels for the Punjab assembly polls. Ajay Maken has been appointed as the chairman of the Punjab screening committee.

The party has appointed Ambika Soni as the new election coordination committee chairperson.

Meanwhile, Pratap Singh Bajwa has been appointed as the manifesto committee chief and Sunil Jhakar is the new election campaign committee chairperson for Punjab.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi approved the committees on Monday.