News Analysis India

Tag: BJP

  • Gadkari, Chouhan dropped from BJP parliamentary board; Yediyurappa, Sonowal among six new entrants

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday dropped Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from its parliamentary board and brought in six new faces including B S Yediyurappa and Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, K Laxman, Sudha Sadav and Satyanarayan Jatiya are the other new members of the BJP’s apex organisational body — an attempt by the party to make the parliamentary board more socially and regionally representative.

    Lalpura will be the first Sikh to have a seat in the BJP parliamentary board as a person from a minority community.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and BJP president J P Nadda are among its members.

    The party also rejigged its Central Election Committee and included former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Om Mathur and its women wing chief Vanathi Srinivasan.

    Former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain and Jual Oram have been dropped from the CEC, whose members also include all parliamentary board members.

    PTI KR JTR KR DIV DIV 08171425 NNNN

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday dropped Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from its parliamentary board and brought in six new faces including B S Yediyurappa and Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, K Laxman, Sudha Sadav and Satyanarayan Jatiya are the other new members of the BJP’s apex organisational body — an attempt by the party to make the parliamentary board more socially and regionally representative.

    Lalpura will be the first Sikh to have a seat in the BJP parliamentary board as a person from a minority community.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and BJP president J P Nadda are among its members.

    The party also rejigged its Central Election Committee and included former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Om Mathur and its women wing chief Vanathi Srinivasan.

    Former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain and Jual Oram have been dropped from the CEC, whose members also include all parliamentary board members.

    PTI KR JTR KR DIV DIV 08171425 NNNN

  • Trinamool observes ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’ across Bengal; takes out rallies against Central agencies

    By PTI

    KOLKATA: The TMC on Tuesday observed ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’ with party leaders organising football matches to promote sports, and taking out rallies against the alleged biased functioning of central agencies in West Bengal.

    ‘Khela Hobe’ (the game is on) had been the battle cry of the Trinamool Congress during the assembly polls last year when the party defeated the BJP to storm back to power for the third consecutive term.

    Last year, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee announced that August 16 would be observed as ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’.

    “I want to extend my heartfelt wishes on #KhelaHobeDibas. After the exemplary success of the event last year, we look forward to greater participation by the youth today. Let this day uphold the zeal of our young citizens, who are the most credible harbingers of progress!” Banerjee tweeted on Tuesday.

    Football matches were organised to promote sports and as a mark of respect to 16 people who died in a stampede during a football match at the Eden Gardens here in 1980.

    “All the party leaders were instructed to organise programmes at every block of the state,” senior TMC leader Tapas Ray said.

    The TMC took out rallies in various parts of the state, questioning the impartiality of the probe agencies.

    Carrying posters and placards, activists of the ruling party rallied in various parts of the state, demanding an unbiased probe by the ED and the CBI.

    “We doubt the way in which central agencies function. We have seen that no action is being taken against BJP leaders facing allegations of corruption. However, they are very prompt when acting against opposition leaders,” a TMC leader said.

    The TMC took out a massive rally in the Manicktala area of the city.

    Party workers were seen wearing masks resembling BJP leaders allegedly facing graft charges.

    On Thursday morning, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Birbhum district president of TMC, Anubrata Mondal, from his residence in the Bolpur area for allegedly not cooperating in its probe into the cattle smuggling case.

    Partha Chatterjee, now suspended TMC leader, was arrested on July 23 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a school recruitment scam.

    Meanwhile, the BJP has been opposing announcing August 16 as ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’ claiming that the Muslim League had launched its Direct Action Day and began the Great Calcutta Killings on August 16 in 1946.

    A BJP delegation led by its state president Sukanta Majumdar met West Bengal Governor La Ganesan at Raj Bhavan during the day and claimed that the occasion was an attempt to intimidate the opposition cadres across the state.

    “In the name of ‘Khela Hobe’, the ruling party had unleashed terror across the state after the 2021 assembly polls,” he said.

    KOLKATA: The TMC on Tuesday observed ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’ with party leaders organising football matches to promote sports, and taking out rallies against the alleged biased functioning of central agencies in West Bengal.

    ‘Khela Hobe’ (the game is on) had been the battle cry of the Trinamool Congress during the assembly polls last year when the party defeated the BJP to storm back to power for the third consecutive term.

    Last year, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee announced that August 16 would be observed as ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’.

    “I want to extend my heartfelt wishes on #KhelaHobeDibas. After the exemplary success of the event last year, we look forward to greater participation by the youth today. Let this day uphold the zeal of our young citizens, who are the most credible harbingers of progress!” Banerjee tweeted on Tuesday.

    Football matches were organised to promote sports and as a mark of respect to 16 people who died in a stampede during a football match at the Eden Gardens here in 1980.

    “All the party leaders were instructed to organise programmes at every block of the state,” senior TMC leader Tapas Ray said.

    The TMC took out rallies in various parts of the state, questioning the impartiality of the probe agencies.

    Carrying posters and placards, activists of the ruling party rallied in various parts of the state, demanding an unbiased probe by the ED and the CBI.

    “We doubt the way in which central agencies function. We have seen that no action is being taken against BJP leaders facing allegations of corruption. However, they are very prompt when acting against opposition leaders,” a TMC leader said.

    The TMC took out a massive rally in the Manicktala area of the city.

    Party workers were seen wearing masks resembling BJP leaders allegedly facing graft charges.

    On Thursday morning, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Birbhum district president of TMC, Anubrata Mondal, from his residence in the Bolpur area for allegedly not cooperating in its probe into the cattle smuggling case.

    Partha Chatterjee, now suspended TMC leader, was arrested on July 23 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a school recruitment scam.

    Meanwhile, the BJP has been opposing announcing August 16 as ‘Khela Hobe Dibas’ claiming that the Muslim League had launched its Direct Action Day and began the Great Calcutta Killings on August 16 in 1946.

    A BJP delegation led by its state president Sukanta Majumdar met West Bengal Governor La Ganesan at Raj Bhavan during the day and claimed that the occasion was an attempt to intimidate the opposition cadres across the state.

    “In the name of ‘Khela Hobe’, the ruling party had unleashed terror across the state after the 2021 assembly polls,” he said.

  • PM Modi speaks of 5 resolves to make India developed nation by centenary year of Independence

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged people to focus their energy on the five resolutions of making India a developed nation, removing every trace of bondage, taking pride in its heritage and unity, and fulfilling their duties in the next 25 years.

    “By the 100th year of Independence, we have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of,” he said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day.

    “I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India,” he said.

    Modi said India will have to move ahead with big goals to fulfil the vision of a developed India in the centenary year of its Independence.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi unfurls tricolour, addresses nation on 75th Independence Day 

    “For the next 25 years we need to focus on the five resolves, developed India, removing every trace of bondage from our mind, taking pride in our glorious heritage and unity, and fulfilling our duties,” he said.

    “We need to now move with a renewed focus and resolve for the next 25 years, and this can be made possible through the strength and determination of 130 crore Indians.”

    Modi said the world looked at India with pride and hope, and as a problem-solver. “The world looks at India as a destination where aspirations are met,” he said.

    The prime minister said a stable government has resulted in fast decision-making which has been noticed around the world.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged people to focus their energy on the five resolutions of making India a developed nation, removing every trace of bondage, taking pride in its heritage and unity, and fulfilling their duties in the next 25 years.

    “By the 100th year of Independence, we have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of,” he said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day.

    “I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India,” he said.

    Modi said India will have to move ahead with big goals to fulfil the vision of a developed India in the centenary year of its Independence.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi unfurls tricolour, addresses nation on 75th Independence Day 

    “For the next 25 years we need to focus on the five resolves, developed India, removing every trace of bondage from our mind, taking pride in our glorious heritage and unity, and fulfilling our duties,” he said.

    “We need to now move with a renewed focus and resolve for the next 25 years, and this can be made possible through the strength and determination of 130 crore Indians.”

    Modi said the world looked at India with pride and hope, and as a problem-solver. “The world looks at India as a destination where aspirations are met,” he said.

    The prime minister said a stable government has resulted in fast decision-making which has been noticed around the world.

  • PM Modi unfurls tricolour, addresses nation on 75th Independence Day 

    By Online Desk

    NEW DELHI: As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort, which is under a hawk-eyed vigil.

    The prime minister unfurled the national flag and addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time. Ahead of the flag hoist, he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

    Earlier, the Prime Minister greeted people on Twitter. “Greetings on this very special Independence Day. Jai Hind!” he tweeted.

    The Mughal-era fort has a multi-layered security cover with more than 10,000 security personnel deployed at the venue.

    #WATCH PM Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag at Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day pic.twitter.com/VmOUDyf7Ho
    — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2022
    Around 7,000 invitees will arrive at the Red Fort and a five-kilometre area around the Red Fort has been marked as a “no kite flying zone” till the tricolour is hoisted.

    Security cover has been beefed up across the national capital and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations based on intelligence inputs received via central agencies.

    ALSO READ | Let’s celebrate the will of our historic forebears and act on unfulfilled promise

    From facial recognition system (FRS) cameras installed at the entry point of the Red Fort to multi-layered security cover and deployment of over 400 kite catchers and fliers on rooftops and other sensitive locations in the fort area to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms, the area has been completely secured, a senior police official said.

    Borders have also been sealed to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the national capital and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt the law and order situation, the police official said.

    The multi-layered security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine units and sharpshooters on high-rise buildings, has been placed around the Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social distancing norms will be must like last year due to the Covid pandemic.

    Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) had said provisions of Section 144 have already been instituted in Delhi.

    Anyone seen flying kites, balloons or Chinese lanterns from August 13 to August 15 till the end of the programme at Red Fort will be punished. Anti-drone systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation and other security agencies have also been installed, police said.

    ALSO READ | 75 years of tensions in India-Pakistan relations

    “Kite catchers have been deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations and they will prevent any kind of kite, balloon and Chinese lanterns from reaching the function area. Radars will be deployed at Red Fort to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects,” Pathak had said.

    During the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address in 2017, a kite had landed just below the podium. The Prime Minister had, however, continued with his address unfazed. The police had on July 22 issued an order prohibiting the flying of aerial objects such as paragliders, hang gliders and hot air balloons, and this will remain in force till August 16, they said.

    #WATCH | Independence Day celebrations begin at the Red Fort in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/MXmdS3xiRe
    — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2022
    Around 1,000 high-specification cameras have been installed in the North, Central and New Delhi district units to contain aerial objects. These cameras will also help monitor the VVIP route to the monument, police said.

    On Friday, the Delhi Police had recovered over 2,200 live cartridges near Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminal and arrested six people in this connection. Police are also carrying out massive checks for Improvised Explosive Devices. The personnel have been briefed about adequate security, training and deployment as per plans.

    According to the advisory, traffic for general public around Red Fort will remain closed from 4 am to 10 am on Monday. It will be open to only authorised vehicles, it said.

    Eight roads – Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover, will remain closed for general traffic, the advisory stated.

    ALSO READ | ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign leads to ‘unprecedented’ demand for tricolour

    Noida, Loni, Singhu, Ghazipur, Badarpur, Safia, Maharajpur, Aya Nagar, Auchandi, Surya Nagar, Rajokri, Dhansa, Apsara, Kalandi Kunj, Jharoda, Bhopura, Lal Kuan Pul Prahlad Pur and Tikri borders will be closed for the movement of commercial and transport vehicles from 10 pm to 11 am on Monday, it said.

    Buses bound for Red Fort, Old Delhi Railway Station, Bhai Mati Dass Chowk (Fountain) from South Delhi will be diverted via Ring Road-NH-24, Marginal Bandh (Pushta) Road and new ISBT Bridge, and will terminate on Boulevard Road, the advisory added.

    Parking facilities will not be available at the Delhi Metro stations from 6 am on Sunday till 2 pm on Monday in view of the security measures adopted on the occasion of Independence Day. However, the Metro train services will continue to run as per normal schedule.

    The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.

    (With inputs from agencies)

    NEW DELHI: As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort, which is under a hawk-eyed vigil.

    The prime minister unfurled the national flag and addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time. Ahead of the flag hoist, he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

    Earlier, the Prime Minister greeted people on Twitter. “Greetings on this very special Independence Day. Jai Hind!” he tweeted.

    The Mughal-era fort has a multi-layered security cover with more than 10,000 security personnel deployed at the venue.

    #WATCH PM Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag at Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day pic.twitter.com/VmOUDyf7Ho
    — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2022
    Around 7,000 invitees will arrive at the Red Fort and a five-kilometre area around the Red Fort has been marked as a “no kite flying zone” till the tricolour is hoisted.

    Security cover has been beefed up across the national capital and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations based on intelligence inputs received via central agencies.

    ALSO READ | Let’s celebrate the will of our historic forebears and act on unfulfilled promise

    From facial recognition system (FRS) cameras installed at the entry point of the Red Fort to multi-layered security cover and deployment of over 400 kite catchers and fliers on rooftops and other sensitive locations in the fort area to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms, the area has been completely secured, a senior police official said.

    Borders have also been sealed to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the national capital and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt the law and order situation, the police official said.

    The multi-layered security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine units and sharpshooters on high-rise buildings, has been placed around the Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social distancing norms will be must like last year due to the Covid pandemic.

    Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) had said provisions of Section 144 have already been instituted in Delhi.

    Anyone seen flying kites, balloons or Chinese lanterns from August 13 to August 15 till the end of the programme at Red Fort will be punished. Anti-drone systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation and other security agencies have also been installed, police said.

    ALSO READ | 75 years of tensions in India-Pakistan relations

    “Kite catchers have been deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations and they will prevent any kind of kite, balloon and Chinese lanterns from reaching the function area. Radars will be deployed at Red Fort to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects,” Pathak had said.

    During the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address in 2017, a kite had landed just below the podium. The Prime Minister had, however, continued with his address unfazed. The police had on July 22 issued an order prohibiting the flying of aerial objects such as paragliders, hang gliders and hot air balloons, and this will remain in force till August 16, they said.

    #WATCH | Independence Day celebrations begin at the Red Fort in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/MXmdS3xiRe
    — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2022
    Around 1,000 high-specification cameras have been installed in the North, Central and New Delhi district units to contain aerial objects. These cameras will also help monitor the VVIP route to the monument, police said.

    On Friday, the Delhi Police had recovered over 2,200 live cartridges near Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminal and arrested six people in this connection. Police are also carrying out massive checks for Improvised Explosive Devices. The personnel have been briefed about adequate security, training and deployment as per plans.

    According to the advisory, traffic for general public around Red Fort will remain closed from 4 am to 10 am on Monday. It will be open to only authorised vehicles, it said.

    Eight roads – Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover, will remain closed for general traffic, the advisory stated.

    ALSO READ | ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign leads to ‘unprecedented’ demand for tricolour

    Noida, Loni, Singhu, Ghazipur, Badarpur, Safia, Maharajpur, Aya Nagar, Auchandi, Surya Nagar, Rajokri, Dhansa, Apsara, Kalandi Kunj, Jharoda, Bhopura, Lal Kuan Pul Prahlad Pur and Tikri borders will be closed for the movement of commercial and transport vehicles from 10 pm to 11 am on Monday, it said.

    Buses bound for Red Fort, Old Delhi Railway Station, Bhai Mati Dass Chowk (Fountain) from South Delhi will be diverted via Ring Road-NH-24, Marginal Bandh (Pushta) Road and new ISBT Bridge, and will terminate on Boulevard Road, the advisory added.

    Parking facilities will not be available at the Delhi Metro stations from 6 am on Sunday till 2 pm on Monday in view of the security measures adopted on the occasion of Independence Day. However, the Metro train services will continue to run as per normal schedule.

    The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • PM using traumatic events of partition as fodder for his political battles: Cong

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday alleged that the real intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the traumatic events as fodder for his current political battles.

    Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said the tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice.

    He said the politics of hate will be defeated and the Congress will continue its efforts to unite India while upholding the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

    Prime Minister Modi had announced last year that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of the struggles and sacrifices of people.

    “The real intent of PM to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the most traumatic historical events as fodder for his current political battles. Lakhs upon lakhs were dislocated and lost their lives. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten or disrespected,” Ramesh said in a series of tweets.

    “The tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice. The truth is Savarkar originated 2-nation theory and Jinnah perfected it. Sardar Patel wrote, ‘I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined’,” he also said.

    The Congress leader also asked, “Will the PM also recall today Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh, who championed the Partition of Bengal against the wishes of Sarat Chandra Bose, and who sat in free India’s first Cabinet while the tragic consequences of Partition were becoming evident?”.

    Alleging that the “modern day Savarkars and Jinnahs” are continuing their efforts to divide the nation, Ramesh said the Indian National Congress will uphold the legacy of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and many others who were untiring in their efforts to unite the nation.

    “The politics of hate will be defeated,” he asserted.

    Prime Minister Modi on Sunday paid homage to all those who lost their lives during partition, and applauded the resilience as well as grit of those who suffered during that tragic period of history. Pakistan was carved out as a separate country after the division of India by the British in 1947.

    Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them lost their lives in the communal violence that followed.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday alleged that the real intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the traumatic events as fodder for his current political battles.

    Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said the tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice.

    He said the politics of hate will be defeated and the Congress will continue its efforts to unite India while upholding the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

    Prime Minister Modi had announced last year that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of the struggles and sacrifices of people.

    “The real intent of PM to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the most traumatic historical events as fodder for his current political battles. Lakhs upon lakhs were dislocated and lost their lives. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten or disrespected,” Ramesh said in a series of tweets.

    “The tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice. The truth is Savarkar originated 2-nation theory and Jinnah perfected it. Sardar Patel wrote, ‘I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined’,” he also said.

    The Congress leader also asked, “Will the PM also recall today Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh, who championed the Partition of Bengal against the wishes of Sarat Chandra Bose, and who sat in free India’s first Cabinet while the tragic consequences of Partition were becoming evident?”.

    Alleging that the “modern day Savarkars and Jinnahs” are continuing their efforts to divide the nation, Ramesh said the Indian National Congress will uphold the legacy of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and many others who were untiring in their efforts to unite the nation.

    “The politics of hate will be defeated,” he asserted.

    Prime Minister Modi on Sunday paid homage to all those who lost their lives during partition, and applauded the resilience as well as grit of those who suffered during that tragic period of history. Pakistan was carved out as a separate country after the division of India by the British in 1947.

    Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them lost their lives in the communal violence that followed.

  • PM using traumatic events of partition as fodder for his political battles: Congress

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday alleged that the real intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the traumatic events as fodder for his current political battles.

    Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said the tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice.

    He said the politics of hate will be defeated and the Congress will continue its efforts to unite India while upholding the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

    Prime Minister Modi had announced last year that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of the struggles and sacrifices of people.

    “The real intent of PM to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the most traumatic historical events as fodder for his current political battles. Lakhs upon lakhs were dislocated and lost their lives. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten or disrespected,” Ramesh said in a series of tweets.

    “The tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice. The truth is Savarkar originated 2-nation theory and Jinnah perfected it. Sardar Patel wrote, ‘I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined’,” he also said.

    The Congress leader also asked, “Will the PM also recall today Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh, who championed the Partition of Bengal against the wishes of Sarat Chandra Bose, and who sat in free India’s first Cabinet while the tragic consequences of Partition were becoming evident?”.

    Alleging that the “modern day Savarkars and Jinnahs” are continuing their efforts to divide the nation, Ramesh said the Indian National Congress will uphold the legacy of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and many others who were untiring in their efforts to unite the nation.

    “The politics of hate will be defeated,” he asserted.

    Prime Minister Modi on Sunday paid homage to all those who lost their lives during partition, and applauded the resilience as well as grit of those who suffered during that tragic period of history. Pakistan was carved out as a separate country after the division of India by the British in 1947.

    Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them lost their lives in the communal violence that followed.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday alleged that the real intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the traumatic events as fodder for his current political battles.

    Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said the tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice.

    He said the politics of hate will be defeated and the Congress will continue its efforts to unite India while upholding the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

    Prime Minister Modi had announced last year that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of the struggles and sacrifices of people.

    “The real intent of PM to mark August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to use the most traumatic historical events as fodder for his current political battles. Lakhs upon lakhs were dislocated and lost their lives. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten or disrespected,” Ramesh said in a series of tweets.

    “The tragedy of partition, cannot be misused to fuel hate and prejudice. The truth is Savarkar originated 2-nation theory and Jinnah perfected it. Sardar Patel wrote, ‘I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined’,” he also said.

    The Congress leader also asked, “Will the PM also recall today Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh, who championed the Partition of Bengal against the wishes of Sarat Chandra Bose, and who sat in free India’s first Cabinet while the tragic consequences of Partition were becoming evident?”.

    Alleging that the “modern day Savarkars and Jinnahs” are continuing their efforts to divide the nation, Ramesh said the Indian National Congress will uphold the legacy of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and many others who were untiring in their efforts to unite the nation.

    “The politics of hate will be defeated,” he asserted.

    Prime Minister Modi on Sunday paid homage to all those who lost their lives during partition, and applauded the resilience as well as grit of those who suffered during that tragic period of history. Pakistan was carved out as a separate country after the division of India by the British in 1947.

    Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them lost their lives in the communal violence that followed.

  • CPI-ML to extend outside support to JD(U)- RJD government in Bihar  

    Express News Service

    PATNA: CPI-ML has demanded that a minimum common programme (MCP) should be chalked out for running the RJD-led grand alliance government in Bihar and also declared that it would extend outside support to the government.

    CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that he met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and put his demand for MCP before him. He said that his party had decided to extend outside support to the government after full deliberations with party leaders in the state executive.

    “Though we are part of the seven-party government in Bihar, we will not take any ministerial berth in it. Bihar CM Nitish has taken a bold step in the larger the interest of the nation, which is highly appreciable,” the CPI-ML leader said.

    Bhattacharya said, “BJP’s bulldozer had suffered major damage in Bihar. Nitish is also responsible for making BJP strong in the state.”

    Sharpening his attack on BJP, the CPI-ML leader said that BJP was firing in Bihar by keeping the gun on the shoulder of Nitish. He also said that Maharashtra’s revenge had been taken in Bihar, adding that the grand alliance of seven parties would be a model for national politics.

    “We expect from the government that it would meet the aspirations of the people,” Bhattacharya remarked.“BJP does not want any opposition government to complete its term. BJP will make such an attempt in Bihar too, adding that it was doing its politics through lies and media,” he added.

    CPI-ML had won 12 seats out of 19 seats it had contested in the last assembly election. Besides CPI-ML, CPI and CPM have two seats each in the Bihar assembly.

    Nitish came out of the NDA alliance and formed the government with the RJD-led Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan. Nitish and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav took oath as Chief Minister and deputy chief minister last week. The cabinet expansion is likely to take place on August 16. Tejashwi, who returned from New Delhi on Saturday evening, met Nitish at his residence and discussed the issues related to cabinet expansion.

    Tejashwi had earlier met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi before holding a meeting with his father and RJD national president Lalu Prasad.

    PATNA: CPI-ML has demanded that a minimum common programme (MCP) should be chalked out for running the RJD-led grand alliance government in Bihar and also declared that it would extend outside support to the government.

    CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that he met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and put his demand for MCP before him. He said that his party had decided to extend outside support to the government after full deliberations with party leaders in the state executive.

    “Though we are part of the seven-party government in Bihar, we will not take any ministerial berth in it. Bihar CM Nitish has taken a bold step in the larger the interest of the nation, which is highly appreciable,” the CPI-ML leader said.

    Bhattacharya said, “BJP’s bulldozer had suffered major damage in Bihar. Nitish is also responsible for making BJP strong in the state.”

    Sharpening his attack on BJP, the CPI-ML leader said that BJP was firing in Bihar by keeping the gun on the shoulder of Nitish. He also said that Maharashtra’s revenge had been taken in Bihar, adding that the grand alliance of seven parties would be a model for national politics.

    “We expect from the government that it would meet the aspirations of the people,” Bhattacharya remarked.
    “BJP does not want any opposition government to complete its term. BJP will make such an attempt in Bihar too, adding that it was doing its politics through lies and media,” he added.

    CPI-ML had won 12 seats out of 19 seats it had contested in the last assembly election. Besides CPI-ML, CPI and CPM have two seats each in the Bihar assembly.

    Nitish came out of the NDA alliance and formed the government with the RJD-led Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan. Nitish and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav took oath as Chief Minister and deputy chief minister last week. The cabinet expansion is likely to take place on August 16. Tejashwi, who returned from New Delhi on Saturday evening, met Nitish at his residence and discussed the issues related to cabinet expansion.

    Tejashwi had earlier met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi before holding a meeting with his father and RJD national president Lalu Prasad.

  • Union Minister Subhas Sarkar accuses Mamata government of ‘not allowing’ him to hoist national flag

    By PTI

    KOLKATA: Union Minister Subhas Sarkar on Saturday alleged that he was “not allowed” by the West Bengal government to hoist the national flag at a correctional home in Paschim Medinipur district as part of the Centre’s ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiatives.

    He claimed that the state officials were initiated about his visit to the Midnapore Central Correctional Home but he found “no arrangements were made to hoist the tricolour” there.

    “When I stepped into the premises, I found no arrangements were made to hoist the national flag.

    It shows the West Bengal government’s apathy and indifference towards the sacrifice of our heroes,” he told reporters outside the jail compound.

    Sarkar, the union minister of state for education, said he would not blame the correctional home authorities as they “followed the directives of the state government and there was apparently no communication about the August 13 programme”.

    “Despite all official communication, including my telephonic talk with the chief secretary, I was not given permission to celebrate the event and pay my tributes to the martyrs of West Bengal at the Midnapore Central Jail (Midnapore Central Correctional Home),” he posted on his official Facebook page.

    ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har ghar tiranga’ initiatives have been taken by the Centre to celebrate 75 years of Independence.

    Responding to Sarkar’s comments, TMC spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said “nothing could be more ridiculous than such a statement on his part.”

    The TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP claimed that Sarkar created the controversy to show the state government in poor light as “everywhere in the state, arrangements are made to hoist the tricolour”.

    “We should not learn about patriotism or how to show respect to the country’s freedom fighters from the BJP,” he added.

    KOLKATA: Union Minister Subhas Sarkar on Saturday alleged that he was “not allowed” by the West Bengal government to hoist the national flag at a correctional home in Paschim Medinipur district as part of the Centre’s ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiatives.

    He claimed that the state officials were initiated about his visit to the Midnapore Central Correctional Home but he found “no arrangements were made to hoist the tricolour” there.

    “When I stepped into the premises, I found no arrangements were made to hoist the national flag.

    It shows the West Bengal government’s apathy and indifference towards the sacrifice of our heroes,” he told reporters outside the jail compound.

    Sarkar, the union minister of state for education, said he would not blame the correctional home authorities as they “followed the directives of the state government and there was apparently no communication about the August 13 programme”.

    “Despite all official communication, including my telephonic talk with the chief secretary, I was not given permission to celebrate the event and pay my tributes to the martyrs of West Bengal at the Midnapore Central Jail (Midnapore Central Correctional Home),” he posted on his official Facebook page.

    ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har ghar tiranga’ initiatives have been taken by the Centre to celebrate 75 years of Independence.

    Responding to Sarkar’s comments, TMC spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said “nothing could be more ridiculous than such a statement on his part.”

    The TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP claimed that Sarkar created the controversy to show the state government in poor light as “everywhere in the state, arrangements are made to hoist the tricolour”.

    “We should not learn about patriotism or how to show respect to the country’s freedom fighters from the BJP,” he added.

  • ‘Nitish wanted to protect nexus between PFI, Bihar officials’: BJP attacks Bihar CM

    By PTI

    PATNA: The BJP in Bihar on Saturday blamed the volte-face by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whereby it was stripped of power in a trice, on a “nexus” between senior officials of the state and Islamic extremist organisations PFI and SDPI.

    State BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal also alleged that such officials were “sympathetic towards the RJD”, the numerically largest constituent of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, which was “likely to make every effort to shield them”.

    “The NIA has busted a terror module of the PFI and the SDPI in Bihar, which have a close nexus with many senior administrative and police officials. The BJP, in national interests, would not have tried to save them, but it miffed Nitish Kumar who has vote bank concerns,” claimed Jaiswal.

    “Most of these officials are known to be close to the RJD and the new government will make every effort to shield them. But, the NIA is on the job and such officials will be exposed and brought to justice in the course of time,” the multiple-term MP said.

    The JD(U), meanwhile, scoffed at Jaiswal’s allegations.

    “Such statements indicate the onset of mental imbalance. Let the BJP be dethroned from Delhi and replaced with another dispensation. All party leaders will thereafter be seen in lunatic asylums,” JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said.

    The BJP leader also claimed that incidents of blasts at illegal firecracker manufacture units in Saran and Bhagalpur districts, and at a seminary (madrasa) in Banka, all reported within the last half year, were linked to terror activities.

    “It is thanks to the officials that the sites of explosion were described as illegal firecracker units. Take the blast in Saran last month (for instance). The house that collapsed upon its impact had a concrete basement. The police officials deliberately did not investigate it in depth,” alleged Jaiswal, whose hardline had contributed significantly to the strain in the relations between the chief minister’s JD(U) and the BJP.

    The allegations also come in the backdrop of the resentment, often expressed by BJP leaders while they shared power with Kumar, over the CM’s refusal to part with the crucial home portfolio, which could have given the party control over the police.

    Moreover, the party also seems to be agitated over the possibility of a bureaucratic reshuffle that is on the cards, after the new government wins the trust vote in the assembly.

    Top police officers, perceived to be “close” to the BJP, are expected to be shunted under the new dispensation.

    PATNA: The BJP in Bihar on Saturday blamed the volte-face by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whereby it was stripped of power in a trice, on a “nexus” between senior officials of the state and Islamic extremist organisations PFI and SDPI.

    State BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal also alleged that such officials were “sympathetic towards the RJD”, the numerically largest constituent of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, which was “likely to make every effort to shield them”.

    “The NIA has busted a terror module of the PFI and the SDPI in Bihar, which have a close nexus with many senior administrative and police officials. The BJP, in national interests, would not have tried to save them, but it miffed Nitish Kumar who has vote bank concerns,” claimed Jaiswal.

    “Most of these officials are known to be close to the RJD and the new government will make every effort to shield them. But, the NIA is on the job and such officials will be exposed and brought to justice in the course of time,” the multiple-term MP said.

    The JD(U), meanwhile, scoffed at Jaiswal’s allegations.

    “Such statements indicate the onset of mental imbalance. Let the BJP be dethroned from Delhi and replaced with another dispensation. All party leaders will thereafter be seen in lunatic asylums,” JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said.

    The BJP leader also claimed that incidents of blasts at illegal firecracker manufacture units in Saran and Bhagalpur districts, and at a seminary (madrasa) in Banka, all reported within the last half year, were linked to terror activities.

    “It is thanks to the officials that the sites of explosion were described as illegal firecracker units. Take the blast in Saran last month (for instance). The house that collapsed upon its impact had a concrete basement. The police officials deliberately did not investigate it in depth,” alleged Jaiswal, whose hardline had contributed significantly to the strain in the relations between the chief minister’s JD(U) and the BJP.

    The allegations also come in the backdrop of the resentment, often expressed by BJP leaders while they shared power with Kumar, over the CM’s refusal to part with the crucial home portfolio, which could have given the party control over the police.

    Moreover, the party also seems to be agitated over the possibility of a bureaucratic reshuffle that is on the cards, after the new government wins the trust vote in the assembly.

    Top police officers, perceived to be “close” to the BJP, are expected to be shunted under the new dispensation.

  • MP Dhar dam breach: Army, NDRF teams, two IAF choppers on standby

    By PTI

    DHAR: Teams of the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Saturday reached Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, where a breach in the wall of an under-construction dam on Karam river has set off alarm bells.

    Two helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been put on standby to deal with any emergency situation, officials said.

    The government said water is being safely drained out from the reservoir to reduce pressure on its wall.

    The opposition Congress raised a question mark over the quality of work of the dam and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government of indulging in corruption in the project worth Rs 304 crore.

    The leakage of water from the dam was reported around 1 pm on Thursday. The reservoir of the dam was filling up with water for the first time this monsoon as it was under construction, officials said.

    As a precautionary measure, people from 12 villages in Dhar district and six villages in Khargone district have been shifted to safer places, they have said, adding that these settlements were downstream of the dam.

    State Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat issued a statement on Saturday, saying that an army team has reached Dhar to deal with an emergency and the NDRF has also got down to work.

    He said the situation is under complete control and water from the dam is being drained out safely to reduce the pressure on the reservoir walls. Silawat is at the dam site to monitor the situation, the release said.

    The dam is coming up at a cost of Rs 304 crore, of which Rs 174 crore have been spent so far, official sources said.

    Around 200 army personnel, including engineers, and three teams of the NDRF from Bhopal as well as from Gujarat’s Vadodara Surat have reached Dhar. Each team has around 30 to 35 members. Besides them, eight groups of the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) are at work in Dhar, they said.

    Two IAF helicopters have been placed on standby, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home Dr Rajesh Rajora said in a statement.

    The 590-meter-long and 52-meter-high dam, a medium-level irrigation project, has 15 million cubic meters (MCM) of water in its reservoir, he said. Apart from Silawat, Industries Minister Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon is also at the dam site, officials said.

    Talking to PTI, Congress MLA Dr Hiralal Alawa, who represents Manawar Assembly constituency in Dhar, alleged that a weak foundation of Rs 304 crore-worth dam was laid to make money and it has caused the water to leak.

    “The feeble foundation couldn’t withstand the pressure of water. The leak smacks of rampant corruption in dam construction which has put the lives of more than 26,000 people living downstream to danger,” he added.

    DHAR: Teams of the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Saturday reached Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, where a breach in the wall of an under-construction dam on Karam river has set off alarm bells.

    Two helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been put on standby to deal with any emergency situation, officials said.

    The government said water is being safely drained out from the reservoir to reduce pressure on its wall.

    The opposition Congress raised a question mark over the quality of work of the dam and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government of indulging in corruption in the project worth Rs 304 crore.

    The leakage of water from the dam was reported around 1 pm on Thursday. The reservoir of the dam was filling up with water for the first time this monsoon as it was under construction, officials said.

    As a precautionary measure, people from 12 villages in Dhar district and six villages in Khargone district have been shifted to safer places, they have said, adding that these settlements were downstream of the dam.

    State Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat issued a statement on Saturday, saying that an army team has reached Dhar to deal with an emergency and the NDRF has also got down to work.

    He said the situation is under complete control and water from the dam is being drained out safely to reduce the pressure on the reservoir walls. Silawat is at the dam site to monitor the situation, the release said.

    The dam is coming up at a cost of Rs 304 crore, of which Rs 174 crore have been spent so far, official sources said.

    Around 200 army personnel, including engineers, and three teams of the NDRF from Bhopal as well as from Gujarat’s Vadodara Surat have reached Dhar. Each team has around 30 to 35 members. Besides them, eight groups of the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) are at work in Dhar, they said.

    Two IAF helicopters have been placed on standby, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home Dr Rajesh Rajora said in a statement.

    The 590-meter-long and 52-meter-high dam, a medium-level irrigation project, has 15 million cubic meters (MCM) of water in its reservoir, he said. Apart from Silawat, Industries Minister Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon is also at the dam site, officials said.

    Talking to PTI, Congress MLA Dr Hiralal Alawa, who represents Manawar Assembly constituency in Dhar, alleged that a weak foundation of Rs 304 crore-worth dam was laid to make money and it has caused the water to leak.

    “The feeble foundation couldn’t withstand the pressure of water. The leak smacks of rampant corruption in dam construction which has put the lives of more than 26,000 people living downstream to danger,” he added.