On Vilay Divas (Accession Day), BJP leader Kavinder Gupta paid tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh for his crucial role in integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India. He also stated that PoK is an integral part of India and expressed hope that the region would soon unite with India. The day is celebrated to commemorate the signing of the Instrument of Accession in 1947. The BJP leader also commented on the restoration of statehood and urged people to understand the current situation and way forward.
Maharaja Hari Singh: A Legacy in Jammu and Kashmir
Maharaja Hari Singh, the last reigning Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, played a pivotal role in the region's accession to the Indian Union in 1947. His controversial decisions and subsequent events have had a lasting impact on the region's history and politics.
Background
Hari Singh ascended to the throne in 1925. His reign was marked by modernization efforts and the suppression of political dissent. During the tumultuous partition of India in 1947, he initially declared Jammu and Kashmir an independent state. However, faced with pressure from both India and Pakistan, he signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947.
Accession and the Kashmir Conflict
The accession sparked the first India-Pakistan war, which resulted in the division of Kashmir into Indian- and Pakistan-administered regions. The conflict over Kashmir has continued till today, with both nations claiming the entire territory.
BJP's Accession Day Tribute
In the present context, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrates October 26 as "Vilay Divas" (Accession Day) in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, BJP leaders pay tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh and reiterate their commitment to the integration of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) into India.
FAQs
1. Why is Maharaja Hari Singh controversial?
Singh's decisions before and during the accession have been criticized by some, who argue that he did not adequately consult with the Kashmiri people and that the accession was not fair.
2. What is the status of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir?
PoK remains a disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan. India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an integral part of India, while Pakistan claims the region is under illegal occupation.
3. What is the significance of Vilay Divas?
Vilay Divas commemorates the signing of the Instrument of Accession to India, which is seen as a milestone in the region's integration into the Indian Union.
4. What is the BJP's position on Jammu and Kashmir?
The BJP supports the integration of PoK into India and advocates for the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.
5. What is the future of Jammu and Kashmir?
The future of Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain, with the conflict over the region continuing. The resolution of the Kashmir issue is a complex and ongoing challenge that involves multiple stakeholders and geopolitical considerations.
The Enforcement Directorate has carried out searches in Ahmedabad as part of an investigation into an alleged bank loan fraud case worth Rs 11 crore. The case was registered by CBI on the complaint of the Oriental Bank of Commerce and involves three companies allegedly involved in trading of gray cloth. The alleged proceeds of the crime in the case amount to Rs 10.95 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating his 75th birthday with a bang in Delhi today. Several programs and initiatives are being organized, including the launch of 75 special drones featuring his image and the introduction of new schemes for the people of Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be inaugurating 15 development projects, while 1,250 differently-abled individuals will receive artificial limbs at the Red Fort grounds.
The deadline for media outlets to sign the Pentagon's new press policy is fast approaching, with only One America News agreeing to the restrictive terms. Under the new policy, reporters must agree not to obtain or publish any material that is not authorized for the public, even if it is unclassified. This move has raised concerns about the potential hindering of press freedom and access to information.
The ruling BJP has announced its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, causing major surprises with the denial of a ticket to Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav and a direct election for Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. Meanwhile, political strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has declared its second list of candidates for 65 seats, but Kishor's name is not included. The election dates are set for November 6 and 11, with more than 7.4 crore electors expected to cast their votes.
Ashley Tellis, a senior official in the US State Department and an expert on India and South Asia, is under investigation for illegally removing classified documents from government facilities and having undisclosed meetings with Chinese representatives. He allegedly had contact with Chinese officials dating back to 2023 and maintained top-secret clearance and access to sensitive defense and diplomatic materials. The investigation is being led by the FBI and the Justice Department's National Security Division.
As Trump spoke to the Israeli parliament, members of the joint Hadash-Ta’al party disrupted the proceedings, holding up a sign that read "Genocide." They were swiftly removed by security personnel, while other members chanted in support of Trump. Amidst the chaos, Trump remarked on the efficiency of the protesters' removal. One of the expelled members later posted on social media, criticizing Netanyahu's government for committing "crimes against humanity" and advocating for the end of the occupation and recognition of Palestinian statehood.
During his address at the Knesset, US President Donald Trump was interrupted by two members of the Knesset, Ofer Cassif and Ayman Odeh, who were later escorted out by security. This comes after the release of 20 living hostages who had been in captivity for over two years, a conflict that Trump played a crucial role in ending. However, the President's speech was met with protests due to his statements about Gaza and the demand to release the Epstein files.
After two years of war and devastation in Gaza, Hamas has released all 20 of the last living hostages as part of a breakthrough ceasefire deal with Israel. The prisoners will be transported to the West Bank and Gaza Strip while US President Donald Trump is in the region to discuss postwar plans with other leaders. While questions still remain about the future, this marks a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict and providing much-needed relief to the famine-stricken Gaza.
A joint inquiry committee has submitted recommendations for disciplinary action against the Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, Dr Mehnaz Khakwani, and other officials involved in an investigation into the infection of 31 dialysis patients with HIV at Nishtar Hospital. These recommendations were made under the PEDA Act following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The committee found that Dr Khakwani failed to implement and monitor SOPs, leading to the outbreak, and has recommended her removal and one-year suspension from public service.
Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family are facing charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating in the IRCTC 'scam' case. Despite pleading 'not guilty' in the Delhi court, they have been accused of favouring a private company in awarding contracts for two IRCTC hotels in exchange for prime land in Patna. The CBI filed a charge sheet against Prasad, his wife Rabri, and their son Tejashwi in 2018.