With the Assembly polls nearing, Home Minister Amit Shah lambasted the Congress-NC alliance during a rally in Jammu, accusing them of attempting to revive the "old system" in the region. He also promised that statehood would be restored at an "appropriate time" after the elections, and emphasized that the NDA government will continue to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP's manifesto for the upcoming polls includes a unique scheme that will provide financial assistance to the eldest woman in every family and free gas cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen spoke out against the Indian government upon his arrival in Kolkata, addressing issues such as wrongful imprisonments and economic disparities. He emphasized the need for political open-mindedness and secularism in the country. This comes as the recently held 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a major shift in power, with the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance securing more seats than the ruling NDA.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has requested UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan to withdraw the advertisement for lateral entry to 45 government posts, citing the need for "rightful representation" of marginalized communities in the government services. This decision comes after objections raised by the Opposition and key NDA allies JD(U) and LJP. Despite the government's reliance on a 1978 instruction to conclude that lateral entry does not require reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates, the issue of reservation has been sidelined, causing concerns about fair representation for these communities.
The Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar has proposed a comprehensive plan for the development of Waqf properties in the state, including the construction of multipurpose buildings on undisputed Waqf land and an anti-encroachment drive. The government has also planned for the establishment of residential schools for Muslim children and the opening of new madrasas under various welfare schemes. These efforts aim to promote the education and welfare of the minority community in Bihar.
During a two-day meeting in Guwahati, the BJP announced its plans to contest and win both vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Assam. State BJP President Bhabesh Kalita expressed confidence in the party's chances and the support from other NDA partners. A crucial meeting is scheduled for tomorrow with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, where strategies for the upcoming panchayat and Rajya Sabha polls will be discussed. Additionally, Kalita raised concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and criticized the Congress for its silence on the issue.
In the latest news, the ruling party in India - National Democratic Alliance (NDA) - is facing challenges in the Parliament's Upper House, with a shortage of majority. The party is now strategizing to secure a majority through upcoming by-elections. This could have major implications on the political landscape of India. Stay tuned for more updates.
The Telugu Desam Party's minority cell has expressed concerns over the Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced by the BJP government in the Lok Sabha. Fathullah Mohammad, the general secretary of the cell, has pointed out certain sections of the Bill that are deemed detrimental to the Muslim community. With Muslims forming a significant vote bank for the TDP, Mohammad urges the party to consult with Muslim leaders before supporting the Bill in Parliament. He also elaborates on the concerns and expectations from both the TDP and the NDA.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the NDA government is bound to follow the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar, which does not include any provision for creamy layer in SC/ST reservation. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling on sub-categorisation of SC/ST reservation. The top court ruled that states can sub-classify SC/STs and even identify the creamy layer to exclude them from affirmative action, but the Union Minister ensured that the government is committed to Ambedkar's constitutional provisions.
A delegation of BJP MPs met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their concerns about the recent Supreme Court observation on identifying the creamy layer within the SC and ST communities. Following the meeting, Modi reassured the MPs of the NDA government's continued commitment to the welfare of these communities. This meeting came after Justice B.R. Gavai suggested that states should develop policies to identify the creamy layer and exclude them from reservation benefits.
Activists of Aam Aadmi party and other INDIA alliance partners staged a dharna in front of Ambedkar statue in Tirupati, demanding the immediate release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. They criticized the NDA government for its vindictive politics, warning that the opposition will intensify the stir if Kejriwal was not released from jail. The protestors highlighted the undemocratic actions of the BJP-led government and the deteriorating health of Kejriwal.