News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • Budget 2024: President Murmu Hails Ram Temple In Her First Session In New Parliament |

    Budget 2024: President Droupadi Murmu announced on Wednesday that the centuries-old dream of building a Ram Temple in Ayodhya has now come true. The President made her remarks while addressing a joint session of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget Session. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Budget session by addressing members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the newly constructed Parliament building. 

    “In the last 10 years, India saw the completion of several works towards national interest that had been awaited by the people of the country for decades. There were aspirations for the construction of Ram temple for centuries, today it has become true,” she told the Parliament.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the big temple in Uttar Pradesh on January 22, following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Lalla idol. The event drew approximately 8,000 attendees, including 1,500-1,600 distinguished visitors.

    She further outlined the achievements of the government, stating, “The past year witnessed numerous triumphs for India. Notably, India emerged as the fastest-growing economy and achieved the milestone of being the first nation to reach the south pole of the Moon. The successful hosting of the G20 Summit by India reinforced the country’s global standing. Additionally, India secured over 100 medals in the Asian Games.”

    This was the first President Murmu’s inaugural address in the new Parliament building.”This is my first address in the new Parliament building. This grand building has been built at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal. This has the fragrance of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’…This also has the resolve to honour democratic and parliamentary traditions. Besides this, it also has the resolve to build new traditions of the new India of the 21st century,” said President Murmu during her speech.

  • Delhi Weather Today: Thick Layer Of Fog Shrouds Delhi-NCR, Zero Visibility In Several Areas |

    NEW DELHI: Delhiites faced another bone-chilling winter morning as dense fog descended upon the city, reducing visibility to near-zero levels on Wednesday. The weather office reported a thick blanket of fog covering Delhi-NCR, creating hazardous conditions for commuters.

     

    #WATCH | Delhi: A thick layer of fog enveloped parts of the national capital this morning.

    (Visuals from Kartavya Path, shot at 5:40 am) pic.twitter.com/Yzb444lKfD
    — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

     

    Transportation Woes

    At Anand Vihar Railway Station, dense fog led to numerous delays and cancellations of trains, causing significant inconvenience for passengers.

     

    #WATCH | Delhi: Passengers face difficulty as several trains delayed and cancelled at Anand Vihar Railway Station due to dense fog.

    (Visuals shot at 6:05 am) pic.twitter.com/CYokcAuZQZ
    — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

     

    Advisory From Delhi Airport

    In response to the harsh weather conditions, Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory, warning of potential flight disruptions for non-CAT III compliant aircraft. Passengers were urged to check with their airlines for updated flight information. “While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” Delhi Airport advisory read.

     

    #WATCH | A dense layer of fog and reduced visibility affects operations to and from Delhi. More than 50 flights delayed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport.

    (Visuals from the airport) pic.twitter.com/av6wKqGAjf
    — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

     

    Images from various parts of Delhi depicted people huddling around bonfires to combat the biting cold. Residents voiced their struggles, citing delayed buses and a scarcity of public transport due to the harsh weather conditions.

     

    #WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from AIIMS area as fog grips the national capital amidst cold weather conditions.

    (Visuals shot at 5:38 am) pic.twitter.com/ndQ8HANRs4
    — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

     

    Shopkeepers lamented the drop in customers, attributing it to the intense fog and cold weather. One shopkeeper highlighted the reliance on bonfires for warmth and predicted the continuation of cold weather until February.

    Tuesday saw a similar scenario as dense fog engulfed the national capital and several regions in North India, disrupting transportation services and reducing visibility significantly.

    Weather Department’s Alert

    The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported very dense fog in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Northwest Rajasthan, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, further emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions. Flight operations at Delhi Airport were severely affected on Tuesday morning due to the thick fog, causing disruptions and delays across the national capital.

  • Ahead Of President’s Budget Session Address, Rajya Sabha Chairman Revokes Suspension Of 11 Opposition MPs |

    Hours after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the suspension of 11 opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha would be revoked on the government’s request, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session. The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States.

    The committee submitted the report to Dhankhar, acknowledging the circumstances that the suspended members would be unable to participate in the special address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, marking the first address in the new Parliament building. In its report, submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session commences on Wednesday, the committee also proposed considering the duration of suspension already served by the members as an adequate penalty for the violation.

    The MPs are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Santhosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim. The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House. The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president.

    The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament was referred to the Privileges Committee.

  • Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Chairs Meeting With MLAs; BJP Alleges Plan To Make Kalpna Soren CM |

    Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sprung a surprise by making a sudden appearance after going missing for a day when the Enforcement Directorate was at his residence on Monday. While the CM chaired a meeting of his MLAs in Ranchi, the BJP again reiterated the claim that Soren is planning to make his wife Kalpana Soren CM of the state in case he was arrested by the ED. Meanwhile, Soren’s party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) slammed the BJP for demeaning the CM office. The party said that CM Soren was not missing and was in Delhi for some personal work.

    BJP leader Nishikant Dubey again claimed that CM Soren had called a meeting of JMM, Congress and other supporting MLAs in Ranchi to make Kalpana Soren CM of the state. “According to the current information, MLA Sita Soren and MLA Basant Soren have refused to accept Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren or other MLAs as the Chief Minister. Both the MLAs are absent from the legislature party meeting being held in Ranchi,” claimed Dubey.

    वर्तमान सूचना के अनुसार विधायक सीता सोरेन जी व विधायक बसंत सोरेन जी ने मुख्यमंत्री हेमंत सोरेन जी की पत्नी कल्पना सोरेन जी या अन्य विधायक को मुख्यमंत्री मानने से इंकार कर दिया है ।दोनों विधायक राँची में हो रही विधायक दल की बैठक से अनुपस्थित हैं https://t.co/2geaOQxmHA
    — Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) January 30, 2024

    On the other hand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired a meeting with ministers of his ruling coalition today amid allegations by the BJP that the JMM chief was “absconding” to avoid the Enforcement Directorate’s probe into an alleged land scam case. The chief of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was seen coming out of his residence in Ranchi today ahead of the meeting. The Chief Minister’s Office in Jharkhand released pictures of Soren’s meeting with alliance party leaders today.

    मुख्यमंत्री आवास में मुख्यमंत्री श्री @HemantSorenJMM की अध्यक्षता में सत्ता पक्ष के मंत्री और विधायक गणों की बैठक शुरू। pic.twitter.com/Un8UPs3x6k
    — Office of Chief Minister, Jharkhand (@JharkhandCMO) January 30, 2024

    On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate officials visited Soren’s residence in Delhi for an inquiry. During the visit, the central agency confiscated two cars and Rs 36 lakh, but JMM leader Soren was not found.

    Sources reveal that the ED has issued a new summons to Soren, requesting his presence for questioning on either January 29 or 31. Alternatively, the agency has indicated that it will conduct the questioning at his location if he fails to appear. Notably, this marks the tenth summons issued to the Jharkhand Chief Minister by the ED.

    In response, Soren has communicated to the Enforcement Directorate, expressing his intention to provide his statement at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 31, at his residence in Ranchi. The Jharkhand Chief Minister contends that the timing of the inquiry appears to be politically motivated, aimed at disrupting the functioning of his government.

  • As Hemant Soren Remains ‘Untraceable’, Section 144 Imposed Around His Residence, Raj Bhavan |

    RANCHI: With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) tightening its noose around Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the state administration has imposed Section 144 under CrPc within 100 meters radius of his residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi on Tuesday. According to news agency ANI, the order will remain in force till 10 pm. During this period, any kind of protest or demonstration has been banned. “According to the information received, there is information about protests, demonstrations, rallies etc., by various organizations/parties. The possibility of such programs causing disruption in government work, disrupting traffic, creating law and order problems and disturbing public peace cannot be ruled out,” the order said.

     

    Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5
    — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024

     

    This comes as the ED officials visited Soren’s Delhi home to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation.

    Will Record Statement Tomorrow: Soren

    Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chief Minister, in a letter to the Enforcement Directorate, said he will record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday at his residence. While accepting to record his statement, the Jharkhand chief minister alleged that questioning him at this time was more political and was meant to disrupt the functioning of his government.

    “You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pre-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements,” the letter written by Soren to ED’s Ranchi office said.

    “In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31 January 2024 reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties,” Soren’s letter to the ED said.

    ED Seizes Soren’s BMW Car

    On Monday, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren from his Delhi residence late on Monday, in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Sources revealed that the BMW confiscated by the ED on Monday is believed to be acquired from the “proceeds of crime,” a significant development in the ongoing probe. Soren reportedly utilized this vehicle during his stays in the national capital, adding to the gravity of the seizure.

    Besides, the Enforcement Directorate team also recovered Rs 36 lakhs in cash from Soren’s Delhi residence, said sources.

     

    Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5
    — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024

     

    Despite repeated summons, Soren has eluded interrogation, raising suspicions about his involvement in the case. He has notably ignored seven summons issued by the ED, with indications that he may contest them legally.

    Cat-And-Mouse Chase

    ED officials, determined to locate Soren, have scoured both Jharkhand Bhawan and his father’s residence, but to no avail. His chartered plane remained grounded at the Delhi Airport, further complicating the search. In a bid to counter the ED’s actions, Soren appears poised to challenge the ED summons in the Supreme Court, underscoring the escalating legal battle between the two parties.

    The Enforcement Directorate officials visited the residence of Soren in the national capital on Monday night for questioning him in connection with the alleged land scam case and said that the Jharkhand Chief Minister could not be located.

    What Are The Allegations Against Soren?

    The money laundering case, amounting to a staggering Rs 600 crore, alleges a widespread conspiracy involving the illicit transfer and sale of government land to developers. Notably, the ED has apprehended 14 individuals thus far, including high-ranking officials like IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan.

    Conspiracy By BJP: Soren

    However, Soren has vehemently denied the accusations, attributing them to a concerted effort to malign his reputation. He has rallied support from his party members, vowing to confront the purported conspirators head-on.

    Political Turmoil In Jharkhand

    The Jharkhand BJP has seized upon the situation, accusing Soren of evading authorities and undermining the state’s integrity. The BJP has now alleged that Soren has “gone missing.” “Today, the honour and respect of the people of Jharkhand were destroyed by our Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, just by going missing,” BJP parliamentarian from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on his X timeline. Reports about Soren’s alleged escape from his Delhi residence shrouded in secrecy and speculation, have further fuelled the controversy surrounding his involvement in the case. 

  • Not Afraid Of Threats, Says Imam Facing Fatwa For Attending Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha |

    AYODHYA: Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the chief cleric of All India Imam Organization, has claimed that he and his family are being threatened and a ‘fatwa’ (decree) has also been allegedly issued against him for attending the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

    The Imam has disclosed that he had been facing threats ever since he attended the Ram Temple event in Ayodhya. He has revealed receiving menacing calls from several unknown callers and has strongly condemned the issuance of the fatwa against him, emphasizing his commitment to fostering harmony and unity in the nation.

    “I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I contemplated for two days and then decided to go to Ayodhya for harmony and the country. The fatwa was issued yesterday but I had been receiving threat calls since the evening of January 22,” stated Ilyasi, according to ANI.

     

    #WATCH | Delhi | Fatwa issued against Chief Imam of All India Imam Organization, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi after he attended the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

    He says, “As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth… pic.twitter.com/iVe2bA3s1X


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

    Not Afraid Of Fatwas: Imam

    Despite the mounting pressure, Ilyasi stands firm on his decision and has refused to apologize or step down from his position. “They can do whatever they want,” he asserted, reaffirming his dedication to his principles.

    Defending His Actions

    In a bold stance, the Islamic cleric has defended his actions, asserting that his visit to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was driven by a message of love and not malice. He called upon those who oppose him to consider relocating to Pakistan if they cannot support his endeavours towards unity and peace.

    Nation Comes First: Imam

    Reflecting on the broader significance of his attendance, Ilyasi emphasized the inclusive ethos of modern India, where humanity reigns supreme. “This is the face of new India. Our biggest religion is humanity. For us, the nation is first,” he proclaimed.

    ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony 

    The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Ram Temple’s journey, with the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

    Despite the controversy surrounding his participation in the Ayodhya Ram Temple event, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi remains resolute in his commitment to promoting unity and harmony, undeterred by the backlash he faces from his community.

  • ‘If Narendra Modi Retains Power…’: Mallikarjun Kharge Warns Of Dictatorship In India |

    NEW DELHI: In a fiery address to Congress workers in Bhubaneswar on Monday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge issued a stark warning about the future of democracy in India should Narendra Modi secure another term in office. Kharge ominously proclaimed that if Modi retains power after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it could mark the end of electoral democracy in the country, paving the way for a dictatorship.

     “Under Modi’s rule, there will be no democracy, no elections; only dictatorship,” Kharge asserted, painting a dire picture of the consequences of another Modi victory. His words echoed with a sense of urgency as he urged the people to recognize the gravity of the situation, framing the upcoming elections as perhaps the last opportunity for citizens to exercise their voting rights.

     “They are giving (ED) notices to everyone. They are intimidating people… Because of fear, some are leaving friendships, some are leaving the party, and some are leaving the alliance… This is your last chance to vote. After this, there will be no voting,” he said, according to ANI.

     Kharge didn’t mince words in his critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), branding them as agents of poison poisoning the fabric of Indian society. He juxtaposed their divisive rhetoric with the Congress party’s vision of unity and inclusivity, championed by Rahul Gandhi’s call to foster love and harmony. 

    “Rahul Gandhi wants to unite the country, he said he has opened ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’. But the BJP and RSS have opened ‘Nafrat ki Dukaan’. It is because of this that you need to remain alert. BJP and RSS are poison, they are depriving us of our rights,” Kharge said.

    The veteran politician also took potshots at regional leaders who have aligned themselves with PM Modi, particularly targeting Odisha Chief Minister Navin Patnaik for his perceived closeness to the Prime Minister. Kharge questioned the benefits of such alliances, suggesting that the promised “double engine” of development often fails to deliver on its lofty promises.

     

    #WATCH | Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: Addressing the Workers’ Convention, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “What did Navin Patnaik gain from his friendship with Narendra Modi? The double engine fails at times. And when the double engine doesn’t work properly, the first engine… pic.twitter.com/40QiuXdwy9


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

    Referring to recent political developments, Kharge dismissed the significance of individual defections from opposition alliances, asserting that the collective strength of the opposition will prevail against the BJP. He remained steadfast in his belief that the Congress-led coalition would emerge victorious, despite setbacks such as Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Opposition bloc.

  • Amid Nitish Kumar’s Flip-Flop, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Enters Bihar |

    NEW DELHI: The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, received a warm welcome as it entered Bihar on Monday, marking a significant juncture in its journey to mobilize public backing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. In a sharp rebuke aimed at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure within the Congress party, denounced the former’s move to ditch the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ ruling coalition in Bihar, labelling him as a ‘girgit’ (chameleon) for his selfish political manoeuvring.

     

    #WATCH | Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ enters Bihar, party leader Jairam Ramesh says, “After Nitish Kumar’s betrayal yesterday, the people of Kishanganj, Bihar are giving a great welcome to Rahul Gandhi and the Yatra. We had invited Mamata ji and also Nitish ji but he turned… pic.twitter.com/yNW7v5YkIo


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

    The Yatra, a strategic move by the Congress ahead of the impending Lok Sabha polls, gained momentum as it traversed through Manipur, Northeast India, and West Bengal, culminating in its entry into Bihar. Rahul Gandhi’s presence in the state marks his first visit since the 2020 Assembly elections, reflecting the party’s renewed focus on the region.

    Nitish Kumar’s move to switch alliances according to his political interests has stirred controversy, with his recent realignment with the BJP-led NDA prompting criticism from erstwhile allies and opposition parties alike. The Congress’s alliance partners in Bihar, including the RJD and CPI(ML)-L, have been invited to join forces in a rally aimed at addressing Kumar’s political volte-face.

    During public addresses scheduled as part of the Nyay Yatra’s Bihar leg, Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to target Nitish Kumar over his latest political somersault. The Congress’s vehement reaction to Kumar’s alliance shift underscores the volatile political climate in the state.

    Meanwhile, the JDU has accused the Congress of attempting to hijack the political narrative, citing arrogance as a driving force behind the breakdown of the INDIA alliance. Nitish Kumar’s resignation as Chief Minister further underscores the discord within the political landscape, with implications for the broader INDIA platform.

    The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, projected as a national movement for justice, began from Manipur’s Thoubal, spanning over 6,700 kilometres across 110 districts, and will culminate in Mumbai. This ambitious yatra signifies Congress’s concerted effort to galvanize public sentiment and consolidate support nationwide before the General Elections. 

  • Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Bihar Chief Minister For Record 9th Time

    Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar Chief Minister for a ninth time, rejoining the NDA with the BJP after resigning from the Grand Alliance government due to internal issues.

  • Strong Judicial System Part Of Viksit Bharat Says PM Modi As Supreme Court Turns 75 |

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government was modernising laws keeping in view the present context and in line with the best practices. Addressing the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court here, he said that with the enactment of three new criminal justice laws, India’s legal, policing and investigative systems have entered a new era.

    “It is important to ensure that the transition to new laws from the ones dating back to hundreds of years is smooth. In this regard, we have already started training and capacity building work for government employees,” the prime minister said. PM Modi urged the Supreme Court to come forward to work towards the capacity building of other stakeholders.

    “An empowered judicial system is a part of Viksit Bharat. The government is working continuously and taking many decisions to form a trusted judicial system. The Jan Vishwas Bill is a step in this direction. In the future, this will reduce the unnecessary burden on the judicial system,” the prime minister said.

    He said the Supreme Court has strengthened India’s vibrant democracy and given many important verdicts on individual rights, freedom of speech which have given new direction to the country’s socio-political milieu.

    “Today’s economic policies of India will form the basis of tomorrow’s bright India. The laws being made in India today will further strengthen tomorrow’s bright India,” the prime minister said.

    “Laws made today will brighten the future of India. With changes happening globally, the world’s eyes are set on India, as the world’s faith is growing stronger in India. In such times, it is important for India to take advantage of every opportunity given to us,” Modi said.

    He also noted that last week the government had approved ₹ 800 crore for expansion of the Supreme Court building.