News Analysis India

Tag: Amit Shah

  • New education policy reflects Modi government’s commitment towards empowerment of Indian languages: Amit Shah

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that the new education policy reflects the commitment of the Modi government towards the preservation, development and empowerment of all Indian languages.

    In a message on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Shah said the mother tongue is a powerful medium of expression.

    “Our new education policy reflects the commitment of the Modi government towards the preservation, development and empowerment of all Indian languages,” he tweeted in Hindi.

    The home minister said maximum efforts should be made for the use of mother tongue and foster the wisdom passed on by it to strengthen the foundation of the country’s culture in children.

    “Greetings on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day. This day inspires us to stay connected with our cultural heritage,” he tweeted.

  • Gujarat civic polls: Amit Shah casts his vote in Ahmedabad

    By PTI
    AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday cast his vote at a polling booth here for election to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and expressed confidence that the BJP will win the civic polls in Gujarat.

    Voting is currently underway for elections to six municipal corporationsin Gujarat – Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar.

    The BJP has ruled the six corporations for last several terms.

    Shah, who is enrolled as a voter here, exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Naranpura sub-divisional office of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation along with his family members.

    After casting his vote, the senior BJP leader and his family members also offered prayers at the Kamnath Mahadev temple located nearby.

    Later, talking to reporters, Shah expressed confidence that the BJP will win the civic polls in Gujarat.

    “The BJP has emerged victorious across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am sure that Gujarat, from where the BJP’s victory journey started, will again establish itself as a stronghold of the BJP,” he said.

    Shah said the development journey started by the BJP under Modi’s leadership continues across the country, and many states have taken inspiration from it.

    “I am sure that voters will turn out in large numbers and development will win,” he added.

    Tight security arrangements were made at the polling booth where Shah and his family members cast their votes.

    The counting of votes will take place on Tuesday.

  • Effective response to Pulwama attack showed India can take strong decisions for its troops: Amit Shah

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said by giving an “effective response” to the 2019 Pulwama attack, India set an example that it can take strong decisions for the respect of its troops.

    Unveiling a book here on the 82-year history of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the largest paramilitary force of the country, Shah said the central armed police forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF are faced with very tough working conditions and they never got their “due recognition”, but his government is determined to ensure that the lives of these personnel and their families are made better.

    “The country remembers the Pulwama attack with a lot of sensitivity and empathy. Forty CRPF personnel were martyred in the incident.

    “But it was the first time that by giving an effective reply, India ensured that this sacrifice of the CRPF personnel did not go waste and set an example that it can take the strongest decision for the respect of its troops,” he said.

    On February 14, 2019, a CRPF bus, which was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles, was targeted between Jammu and Srinagar by a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber who rammed his explosives-laden car into it, killing 39 personnel on board and one trooper on the ground, who was tasked with road-sanitisation duty.

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out an airstrike in Pakistan’s Balakot soon after on February 26, targeting terror camps.

    Shah said he believes this sacrifice will inspire generations as he spoke at the evening event at a CRPF complex in the Vasant Kunj area, after returning from a two-day tour of West Bengal.

    He praised the personnel of the CRPF and those of the other CAPFs, saying they work under very tough conditions and have no definite duty hours.

    “I believe that the way the CAPFs and state police forces work, they never got their due fame and recognition.

    “I am trying to ensure better facilities. I have not been successful yet. But we are working to ensure that the housing satisfaction level among the personnel of the CAPFs reaches up to 85 per cent and that every jawan gets to spend 100 days with their families every year,” the home minister said.

    He lauded the CRPF saying it has made a glorious history for itself and there was no instance where it showed its back in the face of adversity.

    Shah said the book he released, titled “Rashtra Pratham” (country first), will provide inspiration to the serving personnel of the force and even to those who aspire to join it and serve the country.

    “The book aptly describes how anti-nation conspiracies hatched by various elements were thwarted by the force and I hope that more tales of bravery and courage are added to it,” he said.

    Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also attended the event.

    Earlier in the day, CRPF Director General A P Maheshwari declared that the third Friday in February will henceforth be observed as the “veterans’ day”.

    According to CRPF spokesperson Moses Dhinakaran, the force has about four lakh surviving veterans and a number of them were invited to the events that were held on Friday.

    The about 3.25 lakh personnel-strong Central Reserve Police Force was raised as the Crown Representative’s Police (CRP) under the British in 1939 and a decade later, in 1949, it was re-named as CRPF.

    It is the lead internal security force of the country with three of its main tasks being anti-Naxal operations, counter-terrorist combat in Jammu-Kashmir and tackling insurgency in the northeast.

  • Amit Shah summoned by special court in defamation case filed by TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee

    By PTI
    KOLKATA: A designated MP/MLA court in West Bengal issued summons to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday to appear either personally or through a lawyer before it on February 22 in connection with a defamation case lodged against him by Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee.

    The special judge of MP/MLA court at Bidhannagar directed that Shah is “required to appear in person/by pleader” at 10 am on that day.

    The judge directed that Shah’s attendance either personally or through a lawyer is necessary to answer to a charge of defamation under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    In a press note, Abhishek Banerjee’s lawyer Sanjay Basu claimed that Shah had made certain defamatory statements against the TMC MP on August 11, 2018 at a rally of the BJP at Mayo Road in Kolkata.

  • Efforts made to wipe out Netaji’s legacy in Bengal, says Amit Shah

    By PTI
    KOLKATA:  Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that efforts were made to ensure Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is forgotten but his legacy of courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation will endure till eternity and continue to inspire future generations.

    Shah, while inaugurating the “Shauryanjali Programme” – a tribute to the Bengali revolutionaries, urged the youth of the nation to draw inspiration from the lives and struggles of the freedom fighters.

    “Efforts were made to ensure Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is forgotten but failed. His legacy of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and selfless service to the nation will continue to inspire generations to come,” he told a gathering at the National Library.

    Recalling how Bose, as a brilliant student cracked the ICS, Shah said, the legendary freedom fighter left the job and plunged into the freedom struggle just to drive home the message that the nation was more important to him than a comfortable life under the British yoke.

    Shah said Bose’s popularity was evident when he twice became president of the Congress, once after defeating the candidate of Mahatma Gandhi.

    “Netaji is still loved and respected by people like he was many, many years ago. His indomitable spirit still inspires people,” he said.

    It was Netaji’s undaunted spirit and enthusiasm that led to the formation of the Indian National Army (INA), the journey for which began from the soil of Bengal, Shah said.

    “Sacrifice is the only means to take a nation forward even if that means sacrificing one’s career.

    Had Netaji thought of his career, the INA would not have been formed,” he added.

    The home minister asked the youth of the country to read about the life of Bose and his struggles.

    “Only a young generation that knows history can build a strong nation,” he said.

    He also inaugurated the ‘Biplabi Bangla’ exhibition on the life of freedom fighters from Bengal like Khudiram Bose and Rash Behari Bose, and flagged off a cycle rally.

    Divided into three teams named after Netaji, Khudiram Bose and Rash Behari Bose, the cyclists will collectively traverse 900 km to spread the message of the illustrious freedom fighters.

  • Shah promises ministry for fishermen

    By Express News Service
    KOLKATA: Continuing his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over a number of issues including not allowing Hindu religious festivals to political violence claiming lives BJP workers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday made a slew of promises aimed at wooing the voters. These included facilities for fisherman and government jobs for women.

    Addressing a rally at Namkhana in South 24 Parganas, Shah said if the BJP comes to power, a ministry will be set up for fishermen and 33 per cent of government jobs will be reserved for women. “Fishermen have to bribe Trinamool Congress’s musclemen to venture into the sea.

    After overthrowing the TMC government, their plight will not exist. We will set up a dedicated ministry for the betterment of fishermen. Namkhana will become a district and the area will be converted into an integrated fishery zone,’’ Shah said.

    He also announced a beneficiary scheme, which will be implemented if BJP rules the state. “Like the scheme for farmers, fishermen will get an assistance of `6,000 every year and the sum will be credited to their bank accounts,” he said.

    The delta region of the district has a sizable number of people who depend on fishing for a livelihood. To win their support, Shah had lunch at the house of a fisherman. Eyeing consolidation of Hindu votes, Shah accused Mamata of not allowing festivals like Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja. “Shouldn’t Durga Puja take place in West Bengal? Court’s permission is needed for that.

    Shouldn’t Saraswati Puja take place here? She (Mamata) has stopped it. Didi, Bengal knows you stopped Saraswati pujan in schools.” Shah flagged off the fifth and final Parivartan Yatra from Namkhana. In the morning, he visited Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Kolkata and went to Kapil Muni Ashram in Gangasagar.

  • Bengal polls: Mamata refutes Shah’s allegations, says Home Minister ‘lying’

    By Express News Service
    KOLKATA: Retaliating Amit Shah’s attack on her, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said never before she saw such a Union Home Minister who lies to a great extent. She refuted Shah’s allegation of poor governance following cyclone Amphan.

    “He (Shah) is saying we don’t allow the celebration of Durga and Saraswati Pujas. I never saw a Home minister who lies to this extent. They have no idea about Ma Durga. Every year, we give financial grants to 28,000 clubs to organise Durga Puja. You are talking about Saraswati Puja. Do you know how to chant the mantra of Saraswati Puja?” asked the CM.

    Claiming her government’s success in dealing with cyclone Amphan, Banerjee said the lives of 10 lakh people were saved because of her government’s efforts. “The Prime Minister’s visit to Amphan-ravaged areas was a drama. The Rs 1,000 crore fund given by the central government was part of the due of the state government,” she said.

    ALSO READ | Bengal polls: Amit Shah pledges scheme for fisherfolk, 33% women’s quota in govt jobs

    Replying to Shah’s allegation of political violence, the Bengal CM said, “The BJP is bringing people from outside. You are accusing others of attacking your men. First, you control yourself. Remember, an injured tiger is more dangerous. We will win the upcoming Assembly elections with the highest margin.”

    Hitting back on her alleged minority appeasement politics, Mamata accused a section of BJP leaders of playing the card of divisive politics. “Some people are trying to do politics with the minorities. The BJP is funding the game. The Rath Yatra event of BJP was a flop one. They are doing politics on the line of religion,” she added.      

    Mamata castigated Shah’s announcement promising welfare schemes for fishermen. “BJP’s second-in-command went to Gangasagar. When the fishermen are attacked by tigers in the district, none of the BJP leaders are seen here,” she said.  

    Referring to farmers’ agitation, the CM took a jibe at the saffron camp. She said: “Your party was wiped out from Punjab by the farmers. You cannot handle the farmers’ agitation and dreaming of capturing power in Bengal.”

  • ‘Your son earning crores. How?’ Mamata after Shah says her nephew siphoning off govt fund

    Express News Service
    KOLKATA: Union Home minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were locked in a war of words while addressing two separate rallies in South 24 Parganas district on Thursday over the issue of the former’s son and the latter’s nephew.

    Shah accused Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee, who is an MP, of siphoning off the central government’s grant meant for the people saying that after BJP comes to power in the state, it will put all culprits behind the bars. The CM hit back at Shah’s saying that his son will also not be spared for earning crores.

    Without naming Abhishek, the Union Home Minister, while addressing a rally at Namkhana, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government gave West Bengal a financial assistance of Rs 3,59,000 crore in last five years for the people. But the money was siphoned off by the nephew and his men. If the BJP wrests power in Bengal, the new government will find the culprits even if they take refuge under the ground and put them behind the bars.”

    In retaliation, Mamata hit back and targeted Shah’s son Jay Shah. “Every day you (Shah) raise nephew issue. Your son is earning crores of money. How? Your son will also not be spared.”

    Reiterating Bengal BJP’s allegation over the issue of corruption in distributing relief for cyclone Amphan victims, Shah said the Centre’s grant for the cyclone victims were stolen by the nephew and Trinamool Congress’s musclemen. “The money sent by Narendra Modi’s government for Amphan victims was snatched away by the nephew and TMC’s goondas. After coming to power, BJP government will conduct a thorough probe into it,” he said while addressing the rally in Abhishek’s Lok Sabha constituency.

    A few km from Shah’s rally venue, Mamata hit back at Shah while addressing a gathering in Pailan in the same district. “My family will not do anything for which the image of Bengal will be maligned. Everyone in my family is involved in politics. Abhishek doesn’t get any favour from me. Abhishek is facing their attacks because of me.”

    In a reply to Shah’s allegation that she wants to see her nephew as the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata said, “I haven’t made Abhishek deputy chief minister.”

  • Bengal polls: Amit Shah pledges scheme for fisherfolk, 33% women’s quota in govt jobs

    Express News Service
    KOLKATA: Union Home minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced a slew of promises in a bid to woo the support of fishermen and women who are aspiring for government jobs.

    While addressing a rally at Namkhana, South 24-Parganas, Shah said if the BJP wrests power in Bengal, a separate ministry will be set up for the fishermen, and 33% of government jobs will be reserved for women. 

    “Fishermen are forced to bribe to Trinamool Congress’s musclemen for venturing into the sea. After overthrowing the TMC-led government, the fishermen’s plight will end. The Namkhana area will be made a separate district and the area will be made an integrated fishery zone,” Shah said.

    The Union Home Minister also announced a beneficiary scheme like the PM Kishan Samman Nidhi. He said it will be introduced if the BJP is given an opportunity to rule the state. “Like the scheme for farmers, fishermen will get Rs 6,000 assistance every year and the sum will be credited to their bank account directly,” he said.

    ALSO READ | ‘Your son earning crores. How?’ Mamata after Shah says her nephew siphoning off govt fund

    The delta region of the district has a sizable number of people who depend on fishing for their livelihood. In a bid to woo their support, Shah had lunch at a house of a fisherman in Namkhana.

    Shah also alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government is not allowing Hindu festivals and indulging in political violence which has so far claimed the lives of 130 BJP workers.

    “Shouldn’t Durga Puja be conducted in West Bengal? However, the court’s permission is needed for it. Shouldn’t Saraswati Puja take place here? She (Mamata) has stopped it. Didi, Bengal knows you stopped Saraswati puja in schools,” he lashed out.

    Shah on Thursday flagged off the fifth and final phase of five Parivartan Yatras from Namkhana. In the morning, he visited Bharat Sevashram Sangha in south Kolkata, and before addressing the rally, he went to Kapil Muni Ashram in Gangasagar, a popular religious destination of Hindus.

  • Outsiders will have to return after Bengal assembly polls: Abhishek Banerjee

    By PTI
    KOLKATA: Hinting at BJP leaders visiting the state from other states before the West Bengal assembly election, the president of All India Trinamool Youth Congress Abhishek Banerjee Thursday said that “outsiders” will have to return after the state assembly poll.

    Banerjee was speaking at a TMC rally at Pailan in South 24 Parganas district where Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on a visit during the day to flag off the fifth and last rathayatra of BJP before the state election due in April-May.

    The BJP had failed to make any dent in the district though it had emerged as the main opposition in the state after the 2019 Lok Sabha poll.

    The ruling Trinamool Congress has often referred to BJP leaders from other states as “outsiders”.

    “Those coming here are not aware of the unique culture of Bengal but are making promises of making the state Sonar Bangla (prosperous Bengal).

    Our leader Mamata Banerjee will score a hattrick this time and outsiders will have to return yet again. It is a matter of time,” Banerjee, who is the nephew of the chief minister, said.

    ALSO READ | First fight Abhishek, then me: Mamata Banerjee challenges Amit Shah

    TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will seek to be returned to power for the third consecutive time in the coming poll.

    “Why can’t they (BJP) make Sonar Uttar Pradesh, Sonar Rajasthan or a Sonar Haryana. I urge the people of West Bengal not to fall prey to their false campaign.

    The people must make sure that communal forces don’t raise their ugly heads in the state”, he said.

    Referring to the exodus from TMC, including ministers, Banerjee said that BJP has reached such a state that it was poaching leaders from the party to fight the state poll.

    “We will fight the saffron party tooth and nail. I am sure Trinamool Congress will get not less than 250 seats in the polls. The fight is to protect Bengal’s rich culture,” he asserted.

    West Bengal has a total 294 seats in the assembly.

    Referring to the state government’s health scheme ‘Swasthya Sathi’, he claimed that nearly ten crore people in the state have been given the cards to avail benefits under it.

    The scheme, which was launched in 2016, was expanded by the TMC government in November 2020 to cover the entire population of the state and has a basic health cover for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs 5 lakh per annum per family.

    The state government will fund the scheme.

    “On the other hand, Ayushman Bharat health scheme (of the Centre) is not for all. Those having scooters or smartphones are not eligible for it. But Swasthya Sathi card is for all – no exclusions”, the TMC MP said.

    Even West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh’s family members have opted for the Swasthya Sathi card, he claimed.

    Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promising the people before the 2014 general election that every person’s bank account will be credited with Rs 15 lakh and assuring two crore employments per year.

    “How many jobs have been created in the last seven years (since 2014)?” he asked.