A controversy broke out in the Lok Sabha on Monday as BJP members disrupted proceedings over a purported statement made by Kumar Shivakumar regarding changing the Constitution for providing reservation to Muslims. The Congress high command has asked Shivakumar for a clarification on the issue, stating that his remarks are being misinterpreted by the BJP. As the issue gained attention, Shivakumar himself came forward to speak to the media and clear the air.
In a scathing attack, Tamil Maanila Congress leader and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Vasan accused the ruling party of using divisive issues to distract from their failures, corruption, and scams. He demanded a white paper on the alleged Rs 1,000-crore financial fraud involving the state-run corporation responsible for liquor sales. The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids in connection with suspected financial irregularities, targeting the TASMAC headquarters, distilleries, and liquor contractors.
In his annual Gudhi Padwa rally, Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticized efforts to stir up communal tension over Aurangzeb's tomb. He urged people not to rely on WhatsApp forwards for historical information and reminded them that the Mughal ruler failed to defeat the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Thackeray's comments come as right-wing groups call for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to protests and violence.
In a joint statement, N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan shared their hopes for a successful Ramadan through welfare initiatives and the practice of Zakat. The leaders emphasized the values of compassion and unity among the Muslim community and conveyed their best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous month. This message highlights the importance of social responsibility and humanity in the spirit of Ramadan.
The people of Haridwar's Singhdwar took to the streets to express their disappointment and anger towards Uttarakhand MP Trivendra Singh Rawat. The protesters accused Rawat of promoting illegal mining and failing to implement important development work in his four-year tenure as Chief Minister. They also alleged that Rawat's actions have insulted Dalits and the poor, and that the recent survey naming him as the "most unsuccessful Chief Minister" serves as proof of his failures. This demonstration is a clear sign of public discontent and anger towards Rawat's actions.
On the auspicious day of Navratri, PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone and inaugurates several infrastructure projects worth Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh. The projects span key sectors like power, oil and gas, railways, and roads, boosting the state's development and economy. PM Modi also addresses the people of Bilaspur, highlighting the government's commitment to fulfilling its promises and ensuring every individual benefits from development efforts. He further mentions the significance of Chhattisgarh's silver jubilee year and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth centenary in the context of the government's resolve to nurture the state's growth.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the 'Vikas and Sushasan Utsav' and highlighted his goals for a prosperous and developed Rajasthan. He emphasized inclusive governance and criticized the former Congress government for issues such as women's harassment, power shortages, and economic mismanagement. The Chief Minister announced ambitious plans, including ensuring daytime electricity for farmers and promoting industrial growth, and launched new health coverage and medical apps.
In a fiery speech at the Legislative Council, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde alleged that former CM Uddhav Thackeray had apologized to PM Modi and expressed a desire to join hands with the BJP. Shinde also claimed that Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab had engaged in backdoor negotiations with the BJP. These statements have only added more heat to the already intense political battle in Maharashtra.
In a strong condemnation of the Congress and RJD, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized their role in destroying Bihar and urged the state to vote for the development path of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Shah also highlighted the NDA's accomplishments in the state, including the allocation of Rs. 9 lakh crore for Bihar's development and the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. However, RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav hit back, calling Shah the "hero of Gujarat's jungle raj" and questioning the BJP's contributions to Bihar's development in their 20 years of alliance with JDU. With the upcoming state polls, BJP and RJD are engaged in a war of words, setting the stage for a highly contested election.
Amidst heightened tensions, Nepal has finally lifted the curfew in the Baneshwar-Tinkune stretch and surrounding areas following Friday's violent clashes between security personnel and pro-monarchy protesters. The protests, which resulted in deaths, arrests, and property damage, have led to a decline in public support for the royalists. With more arrests expected and divisions within the pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy groups, the Nepal Home Ministry is determined to contain any further disruptions.
BJP leader Ajay Mahawar has raised the issue of renaming Babarpur during the ongoing Delhi Assembly session, stating that it should be named after someone who contributed to the nation's development. He argues that figures like Abdul Kalam, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Ashfaqulla Khan, who fought for freedom or contributed to nation-building, can be honored instead. Mahawar emphasizes that the issue is not about division but preserving the cultural identity and heritage of Delhi. This demand comes as the Delhi Assembly also discusses the renaming of the Mustafabad Assembly Constituency.