In a united front, legislators from various parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Awami Ittehad Party, Peoples Democratic Party, and J&K Peoples Conference, have moved a resolution against the Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 and 35A. They label the move as "unconstitutional and unilateral" and call for the immediate restoration of the articles in their original form, along with the reversal of changes introduced by the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The leaders urge the Union government to preserve the region's distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy, respecting its democratic and constitutional sanctity.
As India commemorates the 61st anniversary of the passing of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, he is remembered as a revered figure and a trailblazer in the fight against social injustice. After overcoming numerous barriers, Ambedkar rose to become the first law minister of independent India and was instrumental in crafting the country's now-famous constitution. His legacy continues to inspire millions as the driving force behind the Dalit Buddhist movement and his contributions to Indian society.
At a BJP rally in Jharkhand's Palamu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing a "fake" copy of the Constitution, void of any content and with "Constitution of India" written on the cover, in order to mock the sacred document and its makers. Shah also accused Congress of trying to take away reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and give it to minorities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 26 November as Constitution Day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting the Constitution by showing a "fake" copy of it. He also claimed that the BJP will never allow Congress to implement reservations for minorities. Shah alleged that Congress was "hell-bent" on snatching reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and "planned to give it to minorities." He also warned Gandhi that even his fourth-generation cannot bring back Article 370 in Kashmir. Additionally, Shah attacked the JMM-led government in Jharkhand, calling it the "most corrupt government" in the country.
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani called out the Congress-led INDIA Alliance for their attempts to strangle the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. She questioned whether the leaders of the alliance would stand in the way of the rights granted to tribal communities after the removal of Article 370. Accusing them of working for their own self-interest, Irani asserted that Article 370 would not be restored and their attempts to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India would not be successful.
Tensions escalated into physical altercations during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session when a banner demanding the reinstatement of Article 370 was unfurled by the brother of jailed MP Engineer Rashid. The session, the first in six years, has been marked by disputes, including the passing of resolutions opposing the revocation of Article 370 and calling for the state's unique position to be restored. The special provision, which granted Jammu and Kashmir considerable autonomy, was repealed by the Central Government in 2019, leading to ongoing conflicts within the state's government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Gujarat and hailed the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the new Chief Minister taking oath on the Constitution. He also highlighted the importance of implementing Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution across the country. Addressing issues of militancy in North-East India, Modi stated that peace and development have been achieved through dialogue and trust, emphasizing recent agreements and ending unrest in the region.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has come out to oppose the move by Senator Samson Cherargei to amend the Constitution to extend the term of elected leaders in Kenya from five to seven years. Mwangangi argues that instead of extending their term limits, the current five-year term should be reduced by one year to hold leaders accountable for their actions. He also urges the clergy to pray for the country amidst the ongoing political turmoil caused by the push for term extension.
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed revealed that Bangladesh is unlikely to regain the benefits of the generalised system of preferences (GSP) from the United States in the near future due to labour rights concerns and the involvement of the US Congress in the decision-making process. This news comes after the IMF slashed the country's growth forecast to 4.5 percent and 41 activists were acquitted after 11 years in Rangpur. In the wake of this development, pressure is mounting on the president to step down as the ruling party's student wing is being called for a ban and the 1972 constitution to be scrapped.
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India, is known for his progressive judgements and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. With a legacy inherited from his father, the longest-serving CJI, Justice Chandrachud has become one of the most influential and respected judges in the Supreme Court. Notably, his lead judgement in the historic right to privacy case and his stance against the criminalisation of same-sex relations under Section 377 have solidified his reputation as a champion of individual rights and liberties.