Modi also reassured that Jammu-Kashmir will be granted statehood again. He reiterated this promise in Parliament and mentioned that the state would regain its status. He criticized Congress and NC, stating that Pakistan has exposed these parties as their agendas align with Pakistan’s. The Prime Minister remarked that following the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism and separatism have weakened. He also referenced the recent attack on devotees and paid tribute to martyr Vijay Kumar. Modi emphasized that Jammu-Kashmir is progressing towards lasting peace and will be completely free of terrorism.

Addressing the people of Reasi and Udhampur, Modi accused Congress, NC, and PDP of stalling the file for the construction of the Chenab Bridge. He noted that this bridge, approved during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, has now become a significant facility and attraction. Attacking Congress further, Modi claimed the party is engaged in vote-bank politics and is undermining the Dogra heritage. He labeled the Congress royal family as corrupt and described it as the root of corruption in India. Modi also criticized a member of the Congress royal family for making derogatory remarks about deities abroad.

Modi praised BJP’s achievements, stating that the party has eliminated decades-old discrimination and has worked to honor Jammu-Kashmir’s faith and culture. He criticized Congress for continually jeopardizing faith and culture for electoral gains.

Manish Sisodia, considered the second-in-command after Kejriwal in AAP, would naturally seem like the obvious choice to take over if Kejriwal resigns. However, Kejriwal has clarified that Sisodia will also stay out of any position until the public’s decision is clear. This has led to growing speculation within and outside the party about who the next Chief Minister will be. Currently, four major names are being discussed. Atishi, a minister in Kejriwal’s government, is considered the strongest contender for the Chief Minister’s post. A senior leader in the party and a close ally of Kejriwal, Atishi has handled important portfolios like education, water, PWD, revenue, planning, and finance. Her administrative experience and reliability make her a leading candidate. Recently, Kejriwal even recommended her name during the Independence Day event, though the suggestion was dismissed.

Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate. However, she has no political experience and is not an elected legislator. Additionally, if Sunita were to become Chief Minister, it could open AAP to criticism from the BJP over nepotism. This makes her candidacy seem less likely. Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj is another contender. During Kejriwal’s and Sisodia’s legal battles, Bharadwaj and Atishi held the party steady. A young and respected leader, Bharadwaj has managed several key tasks in the party. His experience and reputation make him a strong candidate for the Chief Minister’s post.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai is also among the potential candidates. Known as the troubleshooter within the party, Rai has helped the party navigate tough times on multiple occasions. A senior leader with proven leadership, Rai is being considered a possible option for Chief Minister.Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot is another name in contention. Gahlot belongs to the Jat community, and his appointment as Chief Minister could benefit AAP in Haryana elections. His low-profile image and administrative experience make him a viable option for the role.

The remarks, intended to underscore the Congress party’s commitment to secularism and religious freedom, have sparked controversy back home. The BJP, the ruling party in India, has accused Gandhi of making anti-national comments on foreign soil, especially in light of his current role as the Leader of the Opposition. The party has expressed concern that such statements harm India’s image globally, and could be seen as playing into the narrative of certain expat Sikh groups that have been critical of India, especially in regard to past grievances.

Among the leading voices criticizing Gandhi’s comments is Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Calling the remarks “sinister,” Puri accused the Congress leader of attempting to spread a “dangerous narrative” abroad. The minister took particular offense at the implications that Sikhs are currently under threat in India, arguing that these statements were far from reality. Referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, which erupted after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, Puri reminded the public that it was under Congress’s rule when Sikhs faced one of the darkest periods in their history. “If there has been one time in our history when as a community, we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity, and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi’s family has been in the seats of power,” he said.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain a painful chapter in India’s history, with thousands of Sikhs killed in violence that erupted in Delhi and other parts of the country following the assassination. Congress has long been criticized for its alleged failure to control the violence, and some of its leaders were accused of inciting mobs during the riots. In contrast, BJP supporters argue that the current government has fostered a more secure environment for religious minorities, including Sikhs. Protestors at Sonia Gandhi’s residence emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sikhs have been able to freely practice their faith and enjoy greater safety and stability than under previous Congress governments.

The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks comes at a politically sensitive time for Congress. While his comments align with the party’s secular stance, the timing has been problematic, especially given the growing international scrutiny over India’s human rights record. Expats, particularly in countries with large Sikh populations like Canada and the UK, have been vocal critics of the Indian government’s treatment of minorities, and some of these concerns have occasionally fed into separatist movements. The BJP has been quick to capitalize on Gandhi’s comments, portraying him as out of touch with India’s reality and dismissive of the progress made under Modi’s rule. For the BJP, the issue is not just about religion, but also national security, with the party frequently linking such criticisms to broader concerns about India’s sovereignty and unity.

In response, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to destroy the constitution with a ‘distorted version’ of Ram Rajya and is trying to strip away reservation rights for marginalized communities. He called it an attack on Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis and highlighted the issue on the social media platform ‘X’. Gandhi also claimed that Prime Minister Modi is attempting to recruit public servants through the RSS instead of UPSC, which he considers a direct attack on the constitution.

Government ally Chiranjeevi Paswan also expressed concern about this recruitment process, stating that reservation in any government appointment is essential. He noted that while there is no reservation in the private sector, the absence of reservation in government positions is alarming and that he will raise this issue before the central government.

In his letter, Jitendra Singh mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a supporter of reservation in public service and that his government is committed to strengthening social justice. He requested UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan to review and cancel the advertisement released on August 17.

The letter also referenced the initiation of lateral entry during the UPA government, mentioning that the central government first considered it in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily, and discussions on such appointments took place in 2013 during the UPA government. It also discussed the appointment of super bureaucracy in UIDAI and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

In light of the protests against the lateral entry process, the government decided to cancel the recruitment advertisement. This decision indicates that the government has opted to amend its policy considering the sensitivity of various societal groups regarding the reservation issue.

The BJP has sharply reacted to this transfer decision. The party has alleged that doctors who criticized the state government were transferred. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has termed the decision of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government as a “Talibani fatwa.” Poonawalla shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that doctors who spoke out against the heinous incident were transferred on the orders of Mamata Banerjee. He also shared WhatsApp chat screenshots confirming that the state government targeted those who were vocal against the incident.

BJP IT cell chief and party’s Bengal co-in-charge Amit Malviya also attacked the state government regarding the transfers. He wrote, “On August 16, the Bengal government’s health department released an eight-page long transfer list, exacerbating the situation.” Malviya alleged that Mamata Banerjee is targeting Kolkata Medical College and Calcutta National Medical College. Senior doctors from these institutions have been transferred to places like Siliguri, Tamluk, and Jhargram. He described it as a desperate attempt by the government to intimidate senior doctors and gain their support.

The incident of violence at RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 14-15 took a new turn when a group of around 40 people entered the hospital premises, causing extensive damage and mayhem. Following this, the hospital’s nursing staff went on strike demanding security and created a hostile environment against the principal. Additionally, junior doctors at the hospital have been on strike for a long time, conducting demonstrations. The state government’s action comes amidst criticisms that it has targeted protesting doctors. Many experts view such measures as an attempt to suppress dissent and prevent marginalized voices from being heard.

By Neelam Singh.

It is worth noting that in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Kirodi Lal Meena had declared that if the BJP lost any of the seven Lok Sabha seats in his area of influence, he would resign from his position. He took this promise very seriously. Unfortunately, the BJP lost the Dausa seat, which is Meena’s home region. Meena’s resignation is considered a major blow to the state’s politics. There are many speculations about the reasons behind his resignation. His colleagues and party leaders believe that the main reason for the resignation is internal factionalism and dissatisfaction within the party. Meena was also facing several problems regarding development work in his area.

Looking at the events leading up to Meena’s resignation, it is clear that he made his decision very thoughtfully. He has a strong hold over the seven Lok Sabha seats in his area of influence and was considered important for the party. But the BJP’s loss on the Dausa seat hurt his self-esteem, and he resigned according to his promise. Meena’s resignation has created a stir within the party. His colleagues said that senior party leaders are still trying to persuade him, but Meena has made it clear that he is firm on his decision. His decision has caused a commotion in the state’s politics, and the future consequences of this are yet to be seen.

Meena’s resignation will not only impact the state’s politics but also play a crucial role in the upcoming elections. The BJP will now have to formulate new strategies for the Sawai Madhopur and Dausa regions. The party will need to find a leader who can fill Meena’s void and keep the party united. This development in Rajasthan politics has proven how important promises are in politics. Kirodi Lal Meena’s decision can set an example in the political arena, where the commitment to fulfilling promises is paramount.

By Neelam Singh

Adding to the political turmoil, Vikramaditya Singh resigned from the council of ministers, deepening the existing rift between factions within the Himachal Pradesh Congress. The divide is evident between the supporters of Chief Minister Sukhu and those aligned with Pratibha Singh, the Lok Sabha member of parliament and Vikramaditya’s mother.

The situation took a drastic turn when six Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh were disqualified for cross-voting in favor of the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls. The disqualified MLAs, namely Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Devinder Kumar Bhutoo, Ravi Thakur, and Chetanya Sharma, faced consequences for defying the party whip to vote in favor of the government on the Finance Bill.

The BJP, initially applauding the MLAs for their ‘bravery,’ had welcomed them after they stayed the previous night in BJP-ruled Haryana. However, the disqualified MLAs’ actions have now backfired, causing a setback for the BJP’s hopes of returning to power in Himachal Pradesh.

The disqualification of these MLAs has temporarily closed the chapter on the potential return of the BJP to power through a no-confidence vote. The assembly had also witnessed the suspension of 15 BJP MLAs after the passage of the state Budget. The disqualification adds another layer to the already complex political landscape in Himachal Pradesh, leaving the Congress government on shaky ground and the state in a state of uncertainty.

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the positive impact of the BJP’s governance on Tamil Nadu. He noted that the state’s association with technology and progressive thinking aligns well with the BJP’s vision for the country. He also spoke about the increasing global recognition and respect for India under the BJP government, which has contributed to Tamil Nadu’s growing faith in the party.

The Prime Minister assured the people of Tamil Nadu that the BJP is dedicated to their welfare and development. He mentioned the upcoming AIIMS campus in Madurai and the benefits of the government’s healthcare schemes, which have reached millions of people in the state. He also criticized the opposition parties for their lack of cooperation and their attempts to take credit for the government’s initiatives.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Tamil Nadu’s development for a developed India. He mentioned the government’s efforts to attract investment and industry to the state, as well as the improved connectivity through the Tirunelveli-Chennai Vande Bharat Express. He also spoke about the state’s rich spiritual and religious heritage, including its connection with Lord Ram.

The Prime Minister criticized the opposition parties for their divisive politics and their lack of respect for the country’s traditions. He emphasized the BJP’s commitment to the nation’s safety and security, as well as its efforts to bring back Indian citizens facing difficulties abroad.

The Prime Minister also addressed the recent controversy involving the DMK party, which had claimed credit for an ISRO launchpad in Tamil Nadu. He criticized the party for its false claims and its lack of contribution to the state’s development.

The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming elections. He urged the people of Tamil Nadu to support the party and its vision for a developed and prosperous India. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership and collaboration in achieving the state’s goals.

Overall, the Prime Minister’s visit to Tamil Nadu was marked by a strong message of development, progress, and unity. His address resonated with the people of the state, who showed their support and enthusiasm for the BJP’s vision for the country.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The development not only jeopardizes the SP’s chances in the Rajya Sabha polls but also raises worries for the party as it gears up for the general election, where it plans to contest 63 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA alliance. A mutiny within the party months before the polls could prove to be a significant setback.

The voting is currently underway for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, with eight candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and three from the Samajwadi Party in contention. While the BJP and the SP have the necessary numbers to secure seven and three seats, respectively, the BJP’s decision to field an eighth candidate has introduced an element of uncertainty, leading to a keenly contested election for one of the seats.

Akhilesh Yadav, addressing the allegations of BJP’s interference, had earlier stated, “This is how they work. They instill fear, threaten people, use agencies or take up any old case and pressure them.” However, his confidence seemed to waver this morning, acknowledging the possibility of some leaders seeking personal gains by aligning with the BJP.

Around 56 Rajya Sabha seats became vacant this year, on which 41 candidates got elected unopposed. In Uttar Pradesh, where 10 seats are up for grabs, the BJP and the SP are in a fierce competition with 8 and 3 candidates, respectively.

The BJP’s candidates include former Union Minister RPN Singh, former MP Chaudhary Tejveer Singh, Amarpal Maurya (General Secretary of the party’s Uttar Pradesh unit), Sangeeta Balwant (Bind), Sudhanshu Trivedi (party spokesperson), Sadhna Singh (former MLA), and Naveen Jain (former Agra mayor). The SP has nominated  Jaya Bachchan, Alok Ranjan, retired IAS officer, and Ramji Lal SumanDalit leader.

The stakes are high in these elections, as candidates need nearly 37 first-preference votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh. The voting is set to conclude at 4 pm, with the announcement of results expected by the end of the day.

While the SP initially denied allegations of contact between its legislators and the BJP, the absence of eight MLAs at a crucial dinner event has fueled concerns of cross-voting. Zahid Baig, an SP legislator, remarked, “Many people did not come as they might be  busy. But if they have taken money for cross-vote. They will not be forgiven by people.”

The developments in Uttar Pradesh add to the political drama in other states, including Karnataka, where five candidates vie for four Rajya Sabha seats. The Congress, confident of winning three seats, faces an intriguing contest against the BJP-JDS combine, which aims to secure at least one seat.

In Himachal Pradesh, where only one seat is at stake, the Congress holds a comfortable strength in the Assembly. However, the BJP’s decision to field a candidate has forced a contest, setting the stage for a keenly watched election.

As the voting day unfolds, all eyes remain on Uttar Pradesh, where the SP grapples with internal challenges and the BJP seeks to secure a decisive victory in the Rajya Sabha polls.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi began his visit by participating in scuba diving off the Arabian Sea coast at Panchkui beach. This unique activity was followed by offering prayers at the site believed to be the submerged ancient city of Dwarka, which holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and history. Dwarka, known for its grandeur and prosperity, continues to captivate imaginations with its rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Modi paid homage to Dwarka, offering peacock feathers as tribute underwater.

Later that day, Modi visited Gujarat’s renowned Lord Krishna temple, Dwarkadish. Situated at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, the majestic Dwarkadhish Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, especially for Vaishnavites and Lord Krishna devotees.It is among the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites.. The temple’s main deity is Lord Krishna, also known as Dwarkadhish, or King of Dwarka. During his visit, Modi was presented with an idol of Lord Krishna by the temple priests.

The following day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Sudarshan Setu, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge, spanning approximately 2.32 km, connects the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka, an island near the Okha port, located about 30 km from Dwarka town, where the famous Dwarkadhish temple is situated. Previously known as the ‘Signature Bridge,’ the structure has been renamed ‘Sudarshan Setu’ or Sudarshan Bridge. The bridge, built at an estimated cost of ₹979 crore, boasts a four-lane road that is 27.20 meters wide, with 2.50-meter wide footpaths on both sides.

The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development, providing a crucial link between the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka. The bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation for the residents and visitors of the region.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Beyt Dwarka Temple, further emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the region. The temple, located on the island of Beyt Dwarka, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism.

Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Gujarat was a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and infrastructural development. His participation in scuba diving, offering prayers at ancient sites, and inaugurating the Sudarshan Setu bridge highlighted the diverse aspects of Gujarat’s identity and its ongoing progress.

BY – KASHISH JAIN