News Analysis India

Tag: Ram Nath Kovind

  • Congress seeks to meet President Kovind to discuss violence at Lakhimpur

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Congress has sought an urgent meeting with the President of India over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The party has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Congress wrote this letter soon after the son of the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs was taken into judicial custody on Saturday evening. 

    “The incident of broad daylight massacre of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh has shaken the ‘conscience’ of the entire nation,” said the Congress in its letter.  The seven-member delegation that wants to meet the President consists of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AK Anthony, Mallikaarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal and Adhir Ranjan Choudhary. The delegation will submit a memorandum of facts on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident to the President. 

    “Even more tragic are the open warnings given by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni and consequent trampling of farmers under a Thar jeep owned by the minister and his family. Farmers, who are eyewitnesses, have stated that they were run over by the vehicle being driven by Teni’s son,” stated the letter. 

    The letter, signed by general secretary KV Venugopala, alleged that no decisive action had been taken despite wider protests and the interventions of the Supreme Court. This is for the second time in the last 10 months when the Congress will meet the President of India through a delegation.

    Earlier, a three-member delegation led by Rahul had met the President on December 24 in 2020 demanding the withdrawal of three farm laws, calling them “anti-farmer.” The Congress has also announced to observe “Maun Vrat” (Vow of Silence) in every state headquarters on October 11 against the dilly-dallying attitude of the government in the investigation and taking action against the minister and others in the Lakhimpur incident.

    Attacking on the BJP government, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala had recently said: “When fascists rule the country, rule of the law is a farce. When dictators rule a country, rule of law becomes a bundle of funny paper.”

  • ‘Remove MoS Ajay Mishra from Union Cabinet’: Samyukta Kisan Morcha writes to President Kovind

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Monday wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding the dismissal of Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni from the Union Council of Ministers and constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the brutal killing of farmers in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri.

    In a letter to Kovind, SKM, an umbrella body of several farmer unions, also said that the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is “inciting violence while holding a constitutional post, should be sacked from his post”.

    “Union Home Minister Ajay Mishra Teni should be immediately dismissed from his post and a case should be filed against him for inciting violence and spreading communal hatred and the Union Minister’s son Ashish Mishra “Monu” and his fellow goons should be immediately booked for 302 (murder) and arrested immediately,” the letter reads.

    The farmers union further said that the whole country is outraged by the incident of the alleged brutal killing of farmers in broad daylight by mowing them down with vehicles in Lakhimpur Kheri yesterday.

    “Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra “Teni’s son and his goon accomplices carried out this murderous attack in a brazen manner which shows a deep conspiracy of Uttar Pradesh and Central Governments,” it said.

    It further said that Ajay Mishra had already built a context to this attack by giving inflammatory and derogatory speeches against the farmers.

    The SKM alleged, “It is no coincidence that on the same day, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is publicly inciting his party workers to take up lathis and indulge in violence against farmers.”

    “It is clear from these incidents that these persons sitting on constitutional posts are using their positions for planned violence against “Annadatas” doing peaceful agitation. This is a crime as per the laws of the country, against the Constitution and the country,” it said.

    As many as eight people died in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on Sunday, said Uttar Pradesh police.

    MoS Teni also said that his son was not present at the spot, adding that some miscreants mingled with protesting farmers and pelted the stones at the car which lead to the ‘unfortunate incident’.

    Earlier on Sunday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar asked the state unit of BJP’s Kisan Morcha to ‘pick up sticks’ and to use ‘tit for tat’ methodology against the protesting farmers.

  • Gandhi Jayanti: President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu pay tributes at Raj Ghat

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind paid floral tributes to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 152nd birth anniversary at Raj Ghat on Saturday. Paying tribute to Bapu, President Kovind asked people to take pledge to strive for making India a country of his dreams.

    “Homage to Bapu on #GandhiJayanti. It is a special day for all Indians to remember Gandhiji’s struggles and sacrifice. Let us take a pledge that we will continue to strive for making India a country of Gandhiji’s dreams while adhering to his teachings, ideals and values,” said Kovind in a tweet today.

    Homage to Bapu on #GandhiJayanti. It is a special day for all Indians to remember Gandhiji’s struggles and sacrifice. Let us take a pledge that we will continue to strive for making India a country of Gandhiji’s dreams while adhering to his teachings, ideals and values.
    — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 2, 2021
    Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. “My respectful tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji on his birth anniversary today. Universally revered as an apostle of peace and non-violence Gandhiji was an embodiment of selfless service, kindness and compassion,” tweeted Vice President of India.

    దేశ ప్రజలందరికీ స్వచ్ఛభారత్ దివస్ శుభాకాంక్షలు.మహాత్ముని స్ఫూర్తితో దేశాన్ని పరిశుభ్రంగా ఉంచుకునే సంకల్పంతో భారత ప్రభుత్వం ప్రారంభించిన ఈ కార్యక్రమం ప్రజా ఉద్యమంగా రూపుదాల్చింది. ఇదే స్ఫూర్తిని భవిష్యత్తులోనూ కొనసాగించాలని ఆకాంక్షిస్తున్నాను. #GandhiJayanti #SwachhBharat
    — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 2, 2021
    Leaders across the political spectrum also paid homage to the father of the nation at Raj Ghat. Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi reached Rajghat to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

    Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also reached Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the father of the nation at Rajghat.

    Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience.

    This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in ‘Swaraj’ (self-governance) and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) won him accolades across the world. Globally, Gandhi’s birth anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. Several events were held in India and across the world to mark the occasion.

  • President Ram Nath Kovind turns 76; vice-president, PM greet him

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind turned 76 on Friday.

    Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him good health and many more years in the service of the nation on his birthday.

    Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, at Paraunkh village in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

    He was sworn in as the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017.

    “My Heartiest greetings to Hon’ble President of India, Ram Nath Kovind Ji on his birthday today. He is known for his simplicity, high ethics and remarkable vision. May he be blessed with good health, happiness and many more years in the service of the nation,” Naidu tweeted.

    Prime Minister Modi also wished the president on his birthday saying his focus on empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society is exemplary.

    “Birthday greetings to Rashtrapati Ji. Due to his humble personality, he has endeared himself to the entire nation. His focus on empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society is exemplary. May he lead a long and healthy life,” Modi tweeted.

  • President Ram Nath Kovind undergoes cataract surgery at Army hospital

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday underwent a cataract surgery at the Army hospital here, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.

    The surgery was successful and he has been discharged from the hospital, it said.

    His another eye was successfully operated upon last month.

    The President underwent cataract surgery of his second eye on Friday morning at the Army Hospital (Referral & Research), New Delhi, the statement said.

    “The surgery was successful and he has been discharged from the hospital. His first eye was also successfully operated on August 19, 2021 at the Army hospital,” it said.

    Kovind, aged 75, took over as the 14th president of India on July 25, 2017.

  • Covid hit country’s economy hard: President Kovind

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said the Covid pandemic hit the country’s economy hard and the government has taken various fiscal measures to alleviate distress and help the poor.

    Kovind said this at the valedictory ceremony of the National Academy of Audit and Accounts for the Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IA&AS) trainee officers here.

    Kovind said the past 18 months have been very trying for the country.

    Economy was badly disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

    The government has taken various fiscal measures for the welfare of the poor and alleviate distress, he said.

    These are often financed through money, which may be said to have been borrowed from our children and grandchildren, he added.

    We owe it to them that these scarce resources are put to best possible use and are most effectively used for the welfare of the poor, he said, adding that CAG has a very important role in this.

    Kovind said audit engagements provide a unique opportunity of gaining deep understanding of the system and place CAG in a good position of suggesting improvements.

    The President gave away medals to meritorious trainee officers on the occasion.

    His wife Savita Kovind, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present.

    Earlier, Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu welcomed the President.

    Director General of National Academy of Audit and Accounts Sunil S Dadhe detailed about various activities of the institute.

    The President is on four-day visit of Himachal Pradesh.

    On Friday evening, the governor organised a cultural programme and banquet at the Raj Bhawan in his honour.

    Kovind will leave Shimla for Delhi on Sunday morning.

  • President Ram Nath Kovind addresses special Himachal Pradesh Assembly session

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday hailed Himachal Pradesh’s contribution to armed forces, saying he “salutes the brave soldiers from the state” who are serving the nation.

    He also said that Major Somnath Sharma from the state was the first recipient of the prestigious Param Vir Chakra.

    The president was addressing a special one-hour session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly here to mark the golden jubilee of its statehood.

    The hill state attained golden jubilee of its statehood on January 25, 2021, but the special session was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    The celebrations will now continue throughout the year.

    Kovind noted that as many as 1.

    20 lakh soldiers from Himachal Pradesh are presently serving the nation.

    “Being the head of the defence forces, I salute all the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh for serving the nation,” he said.

    In his 18-minute address, the president also said that the entire state should become ‘Sirmaur’ in terms of development in the entire country.

    ‘Sirmaur’, meaning crown, is one of the districts of Himachal Pradesh.

    He urged the farmers of the state to adopt natural farming to preserve the beauty of the state.

    The president said he had been attracted to the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh for the last 45 years.

    He visited the state for the first time in 1974, and at that time, he came to Kullu-Manali and since then, he kept on visiting the state every now and then.

    He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes for the hill state.

    He noted that all successive governments led by Yashwant Singh Parmar, Thakur Ram Lal, Virbhadra Singh, Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal played vital roles in bringing Himachal Pradesh where it is now.

    He said the hill state also set an example for other states as the state assembly became the first paperless Vidhan Sabha in the country in 2014.

    He also congratulated the hill state with regard to NITI Ayog 2020-21 report, whereby Himachal Pradesh is on second number in the entire country.

    Meanwhile, Kovind also recited a Sanskrit ‘shloka’ on how the state is considered to be connected with “Mahadev Shankar and Parvati”.

    He also expressed condolences for the kin of those who had lost their lives during recent calamities in the state.

    Kovind is the third president to address the Himachal Pradesh Assembly after A P J Abdul Kalam in 2003 and Pranab Mukherjee in 2013.

    Union minister Anurag Thakur and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal also attended the special session.

    However, former Union minister Sukh Ram and former chief minister Shanta Kumar could not attend the session.

    Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania was also not present as he isolated himself after his PSA recently tested positive for COVID-19, an official said.

    Sitting and former MLAs and MPs from Himachal Pradesh participated in the special session.

    Earlier, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri and Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar expressed their views.

    The governor released the ‘Who’s Who’ book and submitted a copy to the president on the occasion.

    On Saturday, Kovind will attend the valedictory ceremony of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service at the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Shimla.

    He will leave for Delhi on Sunday.

  • President Ram Nath Kovind to address special session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: President Ram Nath Kovind will address a special session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday, Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar said. He will address the state assembly at 11 am on that day to mark the golden jubilee of Himachal Pradesh’s statehood, Parmar told reporters on Tuesday.

    Kovind will be the third president to address the state Assembly. Then presidents APJ Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee addressed the state Assembly in 2003 and 2013 respectively, he added. Apart from the sitting MLAs, all the former MLAs including former chief ministers Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal have been invited to attend the special session, he added.

    As many 93 former MLAs, including Kumar and Dhumal, have given their consent to attend the special session. Besides five MPs from the state and seven former MPs will also attend the session, he added. All those who will come in close contact with the president will have to carry a COVID-19 RTPCR negative report, he added.

  • President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Prayagraj on Saturday

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

    The President of India will visit Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj) tomorrow (September 11, 2021) to lay the foundation stones for Uttar Pradesh National Law University and new building complex of Allahabad High Court, it said.

  • President Kovind, PM Modi extend Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to people

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

    “Ganpati Bappa Morya! Warm wishes to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. I wish that Vighnaharta Ganesha makes our efforts against COVID-19 successful and blesses everyone with happiness and peace. Come, let us all be COVID-friendly while celebrating the festival,” the President tweeted in hindi.

    Prime Minister Modi also extended greetings on the occasion.

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    “Wishing you all a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May this auspicious occasion bring happiness, peace, good fortune and health in everyone’s life. Ganpati Bappa Morya!” the Prime Minister tweeted.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared his greetings tweeting, “Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all the countrymen.”

    Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, will start on September 10 this year.

    It is celebrated with much fanfare with lakhs of devotees converging into pandals to seek blessing from Lord Ganesh.

    However, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, the pandals might witness lesser crowds.