News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • I.N.D.I.A Meeting On Nitish Kumar’s Role Postponed, Decision On Convenor On Hold Too |

    New Delhi: The fate of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the coordinator of the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc remains unclear as the scheduled meeting of the alliance leaders has been postponed. The meeting, which was supposed to take place on Wednesday (January 3rd), was expected to finalise the role of Nitish Kumar in the coalition ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. However, the meeting has now been rescheduled for a later date, with no confirmation on the timing. Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, who is also the son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, said that the meeting was deferred due to some unavoidable reasons.

    Meanwhile, the BJP has mocked the delay in the meeting and accused the opposition parties of avoiding Nitish Kumar. BJP leader Sanjay Mayukh said that the I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders are showing Nitish Kumar a mirage and that nobody wants him as the leader of the coalition. He also claimed that Nitish Kumar’s popularity in Bihar has come to an end and that he has no future in the state politics.

    Tejashwi Supports Nitish Kumar As Convenor

    On the other hand, Tejashwi Yadav has expressed his support for Nitish Kumar as the convenor of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. He said that Nitish Kumar is a senior and experienced leader and that it would be great for Bihar if he becomes the coordinator of the opposition alliance. He also said that the issue of seat-sharing among the coalition partners will be sorted out without any problem.

    The I.N.D.I.A bloc, which comprises of the Congress, the RJD, the JD(U), the SP, the BSP, the TMC, the DMK, the NCP, the CPI, the CPI(M) and other regional parties, is aiming to challenge the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming general elections. The bloc last met on December 19, 2023, and decided to finalise seat-sharing as soon as possible.

    However, the bloc has not yet declared its prime ministerial candidate, with some leaders suggesting the name of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, while others saying that the issue will be decided democratically after the polls.

  • ‘Conspiracy To Arrest Me, Summons Illegal’: Arvind Kejriwal Says Ready For Legal Battle Against ED |

    New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday refused to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam case, calling the summons “false” and “illegal”. He also accused the BJP-led central government of using the ED and other agencies to harass and intimidate him and his party leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said that he has explained to the ED why their summons is illegal and that he will not obey an unlawful order. He said that his biggest strength and asset is his honesty and that he has always fought for the country.

    “In the last two years, all the agencies of BJP have conducted many raids but not a single penny was found. If there is corruption then where is the money? AAP leaders are kept in jail in such fake cases. Now BJP wants to arrest me. My biggest strength and asset is my honesty,” he said.

    He also questioned the timing of the notice, saying that the BJP wants to stop him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. He said that he had cooperated with the CBI when they had called him eight months ago, but now the ED is trying to implicate him in a 31-year-old case.

    “My lawyers told me that the summons was illegal, I wrote the question and sent it to ED. Should I obey an unlawful summon? If a legal summons comes, I will comply with it. Why am I being called just before the Lok Sabha elections? Eight months ago I was called by CBI, I went and gave all the answers. Today they want to stop me from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections,” he added.

    Kejriwal also alleged that the BJP is using the ED to lure opposition leaders into joining their party and that they are targeting honest leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Vijay Nair. He appealed to the people to support him in his fight against the BJP’s “politics of hatred and vendetta”.

    “Today, opposition leaders are being included in the BJP through ED. Whoever joins his party, all his matters get resolved. Today honest leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Vijay Nair have been put in jail. I have always fought for the country. Every breath of mine is for the country. We have to save the country together. I am fighting against them with all my heart, I need your support,” he said.

    The ED had issued a third summons to Kejriwal on December 22 last year, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. The summons was in relation to a case registered by the ED in 2019 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against some liquor companies and government officials for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 1,000 crore to the Delhi government by evading excise duty.

    Kejriwal, in his reply to the ED, had expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date, calling the notice “illegal”. He had also questioned the agency for not responding to his earlier replies when the summons was sent to him and he had raised certain queries on the nature of the agency’s investigation.

    In his written reply to the ED, the Delhi CM had said “As a premier investigating agency the non-disclosure and non-response approach adopted by you cannot sustain the test of law, equity or justice. Your obstinacy is tantamount to assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner at the same time which is not acceptable in our country governed by the rule of law.”

    “In these circumstances, I urge you to respond to my earlier response and clarify the position so as to enable me to understand the real intent, ambit, nature, sweep and scope of the purported inquiry/investigation for which I am being called” he had added in his response.

    I hope this article meets your expectations. Here are some possible headlines for this article:

    Kejriwal snubs ED, says BJP wants to arrest him before polls
    BJP using ED to harass me and my party: Kejriwal
    ED summons a political conspiracy, says Kejriwal
     

  • UP STF Arrests Two For Bomb Threat To Ram Temple, CM Yogi Adityanath

    A team of Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force arrested Tahar Singh and Omprakash Mishra from Vibhuti Khand area of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, according to a statement.

  • BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi Writes Letter To Meera Majhi, Sends Gifts For Her Family |

    NEW DELHI: Days after paying a surprise visit to her home in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now written a letter to Meera Majhi and sent gifts for her family, sources said on Wednesday. The Prime Minister extended his goodwill by sending thoughtful gifts to Meera’s family. 

    Gifts From The Prime Minister

    The package included a charming tea-set, a drawing book with a vibrant array of colours, and more, adding a personal touch to the Prime Minister’s gesture. This act of kindness followed PM Modi’s unannounced visit to Meera Manjhi’s residence during his tour of Ayodhya.

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya Tour 

    During the Ayodhya tour, PM Modi inaugurated several key development projects, setting the stage for the grand inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22. Notably, Meera Manjhi, a beneficiary of the Ujjawala scheme, was among the individuals he interacted with during his visit.

     

    #WATCH | Ujjwala Yojana beneficiary Meera expresses her happiness on meeting PM Modi.

    PM Modi had tea at Meera’s house, during his Ayodhya tour today. https://t.co/JsgzsOhHZX pic.twitter.com/RUJwRr6Ojz


    — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023

     

    Meera Majhi – An Ujjawala Beneficiary In The Spotlight

    Meera Manjhi, residing in Ayodhya with her family, was caught by surprise when the Prime Minister graced her home. As a beneficiary of the 10th crore under the Ujjawala scheme, she shared her experience with reporters. Unaware of the visit, she recounted the Prime Minister’s interest in the benefits derived from the scheme and even her daily cooking routine.

    Warm Exchange At Meera’s Home

    In a heartwarming video shared by news agency ANI, PM Modi could be seen entering Meera’s house. Despite family members attempting to touch his feet, the Prime Minister humbly urged them not to. His visit aimed to connect with the family that represented the monumental 10 crore milestone in gas cylinder distribution.

    Inaugurations And Personal Connections

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya tour included the inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station and the flagging off of two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains. Meera Manjhi’s home visit was sandwiched between these official ceremonies, showcasing the Prime Minister’s ability to balance formal events with personal connections.

    Awas Scheme And Ujjawala Impact

    During the visit, Meera expressed her gratitude for the Awas scheme, sharing that her family now had a home. She highlighted the positive impact of the Ujjawala scheme, emphasizing the convenience it brought to her life. Cooking on gas not only saved time but also provided her with more quality time to spend with her children.

    In this blend of official duties and personal interactions, PM Modi’s visit to Meera Manjhi’s home stands as a symbol of leadership connected to the grassroots, making a meaningful impact on individual lives.

  • Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Skip `Illegal` ED Summons

    CM Soren was first summoned by the ED earlier in mid-August in connection with a land ‘scam’ case. 

  • World’s Tallest Statue Of Lord Ram To Be Installed Near Saryu River Bank In Ayodhya |

    New Delhi/Ayodhya: Amid fervent preparations for the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024, a monumental revelation has emerged. An 823-foot-tall statue of Lord Rama, affectionately known as Ram Lalla, is set to adorn the banks of the Saryu River. This colossal sculpture is currently taking shape in a factory in Manesar, Haryana.

    A Divine Vision Unveiled

    As the global gaze remains fixated on the imminent consecration of the divine idol in Ayodhya, the spotlight now shifts to the anticipated manifestation of Lord Rama’s divine form at his sacred birthplace. Renowned sculptor Narender Kumawat from Haryana has been entrusted with the task of crafting this monumental statue, poised to etch its mark in the annals of world records.

    Potential Record For the Tallest Idol

    This colossal masterpiece is slated to grace the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya. If this visionary project comes to fruition, it promises not only to embody Lord Rama’s grandeur but also to stand as the world’s tallest statue, weighing a monumental 13,000 tons.

    Surpassing Heights: A Monumental Feat

    In a realm where heights signify milestones, Ayodhya’s proposed idol, surpassing the current record held by Sardar Patel’s 790-foot statue in Kevadia, Gujarat, could redefine monumental sculptures globally.

    Artistry Beyond Borders

    Highlighting an intriguing aspect, a significant portion – approximately 70-80% – of the statue’s creation occurred in China. Narender Kumawat envisions this statue as a symbol of Swadeshi craftsmanship, subject to final budget approval, potentially becoming the world’s tallest statue entirely crafted within India.

    Narender Kumawat, the visionary artist behind this creation, asserts that beyond its visual grandeur, the statue stands as a testament to his artistic prowess. If funded, this idol not only represents Lord Rama but also claims a spot as the fourth-largest statue globally, following the colossal representation of Lord Shiva in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

    Crafted from ‘Panch Dhatu’

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already given his approval for the prototype of this divine idol. Crafted from a combination of five sacred metals (‘Panch Dhatu’), the sculpture is estimated to cost around Rs 3,000 Crore to complete. Until the budgetary approval is secured, a 10-foot prototype offers a sneak peek into the monumental masterpiece in the making.

    A Legacy of Artistry

    Narender Kumawat’s artistic influence extends beyond the impending statue. His creative touch is evident in various monumental creations across India, including the hand sculpture at NaMo Ghat in Ayodhya, a statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar at the Supreme Court of India, and depictions within the new Parliament of India, showcasing his diverse and unparalleled artistic talents.

    PM Modi, 4000 Saints to Attend Event

    Despite controversies, the trust has extended invitations to 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confirmed to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Vedic rituals will commence on January 16, leading up to the main ceremony on January 22.

    Elaborate Preparations For The Jan 22 Event

    Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi will lead the main rituals, with Ayodhya’s festivities marking the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to January 22. A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will accompany several tent cities in Ayodhya, accommodating devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust is preparing for 10,000-15,000 attendees, with local authorities enhancing security and logistical measures for a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.

  • Can Hemant Soren Make His Wife Kalpana CM Of Jharkhand? Check What Laws Say |

    Months ahead of Jharkhand assembly polls, a big political turmoil is being seen in the state. Ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad, a three-time MLA, resigned unexpectedly from his Gandey constituency leaving the rumour mills abuzz. Ahmed, who had been twice elected to the state assembly from the Congress in the past, switched over to the JMM ahead of the 2019 assembly elections and won his home constituency of Gandey, his third assembly win.

    Some of the Soren family members are MLAs in the Jharkhand assembly including his brother Basant Sore from the Dumka seat and sister-in-law Sita Murmu or Sita Soren from the Jama seat. However, given the alleged family feud and ongoing Enforcement Directorate investigation, CM Heman Soren may install his wife as the Chief Minister, claimed BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. 

    However, since Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana is not a member of the Jharkhand assembly, is it possible for her to become the Chief Minister? As per the law, any person who is made a Chief Minister or even a minister gets six months to get elected to the concerned assembly. So, if Dubey’s claim is believed, Kalpana Soren will have six months to get elected to the Jharkhand assembly and since there is one vacant seat – the Gandey constituency, she may contest the election from there. The Election Commission will have to hold a bypoll within six months. The Jharkhand assembly elections will be held around November-December this year which is still 11 months away.

    Since Jharkhand does not have a bicameral legislative structure, Kalpana will have no other option than contesting the bypoll. In a bicameral legislature, a person can get elected to the house through the Legislative council just like Akhilesh Yadav or Yogi Adityanath did during their first tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

    मुख्यमंत्री हेमंत सोरेन जी परेशान,उनके सचिव चौबे जी से लेकर महाधिवक्ता मिश्रा जी गांडेय उप चुनाव कराने के लिए परेशान,विधायक दल की बैठक कल ,राज्यपाल के पास अपना इस्तीफ़ा व कल्पना सोरेन जी को विधायक दल का नेता बनाने वाला पत्र राज्यपाल महोदय को एक साथ देने की तैयारी @CPRGuv झारखंड…
    — Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) January 2, 2024

    In a post on X, Dubey said that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is worried and his entire team is worried about the Gandey bypolls. Dubey said that the key meeting of the JMM Legislative Party may take place tomorrow and after the meeting, a letter to the Governor with CM Soren’s resignation and making Kalpana Soren the leader of the Legislative Party will be submitted. Dubey urged the Jharkhand governor to take any decision after legal advice.

  • Indian Army To Deploy Apache Attack Helicopters In Jodhpur Near Pakistan Border

    The Indian Air Force already has a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters deployed at both western and northern borders and the Army inductions would take the joint inventory to 28. 

  • WATCH: Masood Azhar Dead? Twitter Flooded With Blast Video; Netizens React |

    Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are abuzz with claims that India’s most wanted terrorist Masood Azhar has been killed in a blast carried out by unknown men in Pakistan. The social media sites are flooded with videos and photos with netizens reacting hilariously to the development.

    “BIG BREAKING NEWS – As per unconfirmed reports, a Most wanted terrorist, Kandhar hijacker Masood Azhar, has been killed in a bomb explosion by Unknown Men at 5 am,” said a user.

    BIG BREAKING NEWS – As per unconfirmed reports, Most wanted terrorist, Kandhar hijacker Masood Azhar, has been kiIIIed in a bomb expIosion by  at 5 am. pic.twitter.com/NCsntm0XTP
    — Oxomiya Jiyori (@SouleFacts) January 1, 2024

    BIG BREAKING NEWS – As per unconfirmed reports, Most wanted terrorist, Kandhar hijacker Masood Azhar, has been kiIIIed in a bomb expIosion by UNKNOWN MEN at 5 am 

    He was going back from Bhawalpur mosque. UNKNOWN MEN working even on New Year day 

    He was the chief of Terror… pic.twitter.com/XG97TMmIE8
    — Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) January 1, 2024

    “After Dawood Ibrahim, now unknown assailants have sent India’s most wanted Terror!st and Kandahar hijacker Masood Azar to 72 hoor by blasting a bomb at 5 in the morning on this New Year. Thank you “ Unknown men” for the New Year gift,” said another user.

    #BigBreaking After Dawood Ibrahim, now unknown assailants have sent India’s most wanted Terror!st and Kandahar hijacker Masood Azar to 72 hoor by blasting a bomb at 5 in the morning on this New Year.

    Thank you “ Unknown men” for the New Year gift .#MasoodAzhar pic.twitter.com/RtjRlrVlRU


    — P!YU$H S!NGH (@SpeaksKshatriya) January 1, 2024

    Maulana Masood Azhar killed by unknown people in Pakistan.

    LKFC Rana Arfa Saba with 786 others: pic.twitter.com/tXhWCr30eB
    — rae (@ChillamChilli) January 1, 2024

    Kandhar hijacker,Chief of Terror group Jaish-E-Mohammad, Masood Azhar has been killed in a bomb explosion by ‘Unknown Men’
    pic.twitter.com/sV8gw4n003
    — Kadak (@kadak_chai_) January 1, 2024

    2023 was an example, see the new style of unknown men in 2024…

    Most wanted terrorist, Kandhar hijacker Masood Azhar, has been Horrified in a bomb expIosion by UNKNOWN MEN at 5 am.

    Hopefully unknown men will continue giving gifts this year too.pic.twitter.com/UZa6mhCyBT
    — Pandit Balkrishna Dwivedi (@Balkrishnagurh) January 1, 2024

    Masood Azhar, has been kiIIIed in a bomb expIosion by UNKNOWN MEN. #UnknownMan #MasoodAzhar pic.twitter.com/6SsVUebOey


    — Savlon Bhoi (@First_follow_me) January 1, 2024

    Earlier in November 2023, Azhar’s right hand Maulana Rahimullah Tariq was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan. Several wanted terrorists have been eliminated recently in Pakistan by unknown men. While Pakistan has failed to nab any culprits so far, it believes that Indian spy agency RAW is behind the killings.

    Masood Azhar has been key conspirator behind numerous terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2005 Ram Janambhoomi temple attack in Ayodhya and the Pulwama attack on men of Indian armed forces in February 2019. Azhar was reportedly living under the protective custody of the Pakistani deep state in Islamabad.

  • Thin Layer of Ice Blankets Dal Lake As Srinagr Chills At -5.2 Degrees Celsius

    Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness dry weather till January 5 hence further dip in the temperature is anticipated in coming days.