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The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bharat Mata row: Kerala govt vs Raj Bhavan stand-off hits the streets
The Raj Bhavan-Kerala government row over the contentious use of a saffron-flag-bearing image of Bharath Mata sitting astride a lion, arguably emblematic of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) notion of a Hindu Rashtra, at State events spilt onto the streets on Friday (June 20, 2025). General Education Minister V. Sivankutty re-ignited the simmering controversy on Thursday by walking out of an official function attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlerkar at the Raj Bhavan, stating that political symbols had no place in constitutional offices or State events. Raj Bhavan condemned the Minister's boycott as violating protocol and insulting the Governor's office. It also ruled out removing the picture from its central hall, the customary venue of official events. On Thursday night, the police stopped a set of Akhila Bharathiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers from storming Mr. Sivankutty's official residence in the capital. Black flag protest by ABVP However, unrest returned to the streets on Friday, with ABVP activists staging a black flag protest against Mr. Sivankutty near the Secretariat in the capital. The demonstration seemingly caught the police off-guard, who scuffled with ABVP workers and detained several of them. Later, Mr. Sivankutty reiterated his position that the controversial image having pride of place on the wall of Raj Bhavan's central hall was a heraldic device used by the RSS to 'broadcast its Hindu majoritarian ideology.' He said the picture's overtly religious and schismatic imagery had no Constitutional sanctity or place in a secular polity. 'It is not a national symbol like the Tricolour', he said. Mr. Sivankutty accused Raj Bhavan of using RSS symbols, including the images of its past leaders, as political agitprop to depict secular and diverse India as a singularly Hindu nation. SFI march to Raj Bhavan Later in the day, the police used water cannons and iron barricades to prevent a Students Federation of India (SFI) march from nearing Raj Bhavan's gates, forcing the activists to stage a sit-in protest on the road. SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev accused Mr. Arlerkar of using the Governor's residence as a bully pulpit to broadcast the RSS' socially schismatic political agenda, which sought to relegate minorities and marginalised sections of society as subaltern citizens in an overwhelmingly Hindu polity defined by a revanchist caste hierarchy. Mr. Sanjeev said Raj Bhavan was not the RSS' bequest to the State. 'It was sanctioned, funded and built by the people', he said. Earlier in June, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad had skipped the World Environment Day event at Raj Bhavan over the same issue. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also condemned the use of political symbols, including that of the RSS, at official functions hosted by Raj Bhavan.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Patchwork protest at PU: Student unity frays over affidavit row
1 2 3 4 5 6 Chandigarh: A shared cause but scattered protests marked the day at Panjab University on Thursday, as student outfits opposed the new affidavit rule for freshers — which mandates prior permission and designated spots for demonstrations. Once again, despite the university's repeated claims of restricting outsider involvement, non-students were seen participating in at least two of the three protest sites. Despite agreeing that the affidavit restricts democratic expression on campus, protests played out in scattered slots, revealing the very divisions that have increasingly come to define student politics at PU. In late-night WhatsApp group discussions, multiple parties initially planned a joint action — only for arguments and familiar turf wars to resurface before sunrise. At 11 am, a handful of NSUI members, including PUCSC vice-president Archit Garg, some from PSU Lalkaar and few others assembled outside the Administrative Block with placards and slogans. Two hours later, PUCSC president Anurag Dalal arrived with another small group outside the vice-chancellor's office, and also present were some former ABVP members expelled earlier this year, SATH members, PSU Lalkaar and some others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo ABVP itself had protested earlier in the morning, also outside the VC office — but independently, and later moved to two internal campus roads where they pushed aside traffic barricades and cones installed for a one-way system operational from 9 am to 5 pm. Outsiders were spotted at the VC office protest by Dalal and in ABVP group who were putting aside barricades — drawing murmurs but no official response. VC Prof Renu Vig maintained that the focus of the affidavit was procedural rather than punitive, "The affidavit is meant to ensure protests happen in a structured and non-disruptive manner, with prior approval and at notified sites." Former dean student welfare Prof Jatinder Grover offered a cautionary perspective on affidavit row. "Yes, university work and functioning must not be obstructed. But peaceful protest is a democratic right, especially in academic spaces where ideas must be challenged and tested. To curb that through legal affidavits is a step backwards. Students should be educated and engaged in such a way — with confidence, political awareness, and dialogue — that they don't rush to protest, not scared into silence through paperwork. " Memorandums were submitted on both fronts: Archit handed over one to the VC, while Dalal submitted demands to DSW Prof Amit Chauhan, who came out to receive them in person.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Two sitting Rajasthan MLAs sentenced to 1-year jail in 2014 road blocking case
Two Congress legislators from Rajasthan are among nine who were sentenced to a year in jail Wednesday for blocking a major road during a protest in 2014. All nine, including Shahpura MLA Manish Yadav and Ladnun MLA Mukesh Bhakar, were found guilty under sections 147 (punishment for rioting) and 283 (causing danger or obstruction in a public way or line of navigation). The court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Jaipur also imposed a fine of Rs 3,200 on the convicts, which includes Congress leader Abhishek Chaudhary, who unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Rajasthan assembly polls from Jhotwara. Although they have been convicted, Yadav and Bhakar will not face disqualification from the Rajasthan assembly since the jail terms are under the two years mandated under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. The convicts were part of an August 2014 protest at Rajasthan University. According to court documents, the protesters from the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) blocked the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg outside the main gate of Rajasthan University for 20 minutes, prompting the police to book them. Police filed a chargesheet in the case on August 11, 2016. Yadav was then part of the ABVP but he eventually joined the Congress and won the 2023 assembly polls. The others convicted in the case have been identified as Rajesh Meena, Ravi Kirad, Wasim Khan, Dron Yadav, Bhanu Pratap Singh and Vidyadhar Meel. Since the offence is bailable, all convicts have been released on bail immediately after the sentencing.
News18
13-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Had To Postpone His London Trip
Last Updated: Vijay Rupani left Gandhinagar with aide Shailesh Mandalia and staff, reached Ahmedabad airport by 11:45 am, and boarded the London-bound Air India flight that later crashed Former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior Saurashtra leader Vijay Rupani was among the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, a loss that has left the state in mourning. According to sources, Rupani had originally planned to travel abroad with his wife, Anjali Rupani, on June 3. However, citing party responsibilities linked to the upcoming by-elections in Punjab and Gujarat, he reportedly postponed his trip. His wife is said to have continued to London as scheduled, while Rupani rebooked his ticket for June 12 — the day he boarded the ill-fated flight. On Thursday morning, Rupani left Gandhinagar for Ahmedabad airport accompanied by his personal assistant, Shailesh Mandalia, and other staff members. They reached the airport around 11:45 am and boarded the London-bound flight. Flight records confirm that Rupani was seated in 2-D in the business class section. The tragic news has left the people of Saurashtra in deep mourning. For many, Vijay Rupani was more than a political leader—he was a trusted guide and a humble presence. His untimely death has brought immense sorrow to his supporters, party workers, and well-wishers across Rajkot, Junagadh, Jamnagar and Kutch. Vijay Rupani's political career began with student activism in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He later served as a Pracharak in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), joined the Jan Sangh, and played a key role in the early formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His commitment to political causes saw him jailed during the Emergency in 1976. Rupani, aged 68, served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. He represented the Rajkot West constituency in the state assembly during his tenure. The Air India Boeing 737 Dreamliner, with 230 passengers and 12 crew on board, crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport leaving 241 on board dead. The aircraft went down near the heavily populated Horse Camp locality, not far from the Civil Hospital. Emergency teams quickly mobilised to douse the flames and search for survivors amid the wreckage. More than 200 DNA samples have been collected to help identify the victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash. So far, five bodies have been returned to their families following post-mortem examinations. Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the crash is progressing on multiple fronts. Officials are examining four possible scenarios behind the tragedy: a bird strike, simultaneous engine failure, fuel contamination, and aircraft overloading. Investigators are also combing through the plane's maintenance logs to see if any scheduled checks or repairs were overlooked. Critical data from the flight recorder and radar systems is being analysed. Additionally, the lone survivor's account is offering valuable insight. According to the survivor, the plane appeared to lose thrust shortly after take-off. Moments later, it surged forward and crashed, raising the possibility of a sudden loss of engine power. First Published: June 13, 2025, 16:12 IST
News18
13-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
From ABVP To Gujarat's Go-To Man: Remembering Vijay Rupani, BJP's Quiet Crisis Manager
Last Updated: A man of few words, always calm, respectful, and grounded—Vijay Rupani's legacy is one of grace, service, and simplicity He began his political journey with the ABVP, moving on to become an RSS Pracharak, a Jan Sangh member, and later, one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was even imprisoned during the Emergency in 1976. This was the trajectory of Vijay Rupani—a journey familiar to many of us who followed Gujarat politics closely. I first encountered Rupani in late 2014 when I was newly assigned to cover Parliament. As a fellow Gujarati, I was thrilled to meet someone from my home state—more so because he hailed from Rajkot, not far from my family's roots in Morbi, both towns nestled in the Saurashtra region. Rupani was cautious in his public speech, much like many seasoned Gujarat politicians, who often avoided media soundbites. Yet every time he saw me among a group of journalists, he greeted me with his signature warmth: 'Kem cho, Ben?" A couple of years later, Gujarat politics was in turmoil again—this time over who would succeed then chief minister Anandiben Patel. Rupani confided in a few of us in Parliament that he was being called back to Gujarat. The very next day, I found myself at the BJP office in Gandhinagar. True to BJP tradition, I joked with Rupani: 'I'm not even mentioning your name as a contender because the moment we do that in your party, it's guaranteed not to happen!" At that point, all buzz pointed to Nitin Patel as the successor. Like most journalists, I went to his residence, interviewed him, and then returned to the BJP headquarters to file the story. My office insisted I return to Delhi, assuming the central observers' meeting was just a formality. But destiny had other plans. By the time I reached the airport, news broke that Union minister Nitin Gadkari had declared Rupani as the next chief minister of Gujarat. Connecting with him again in 2017 during the assembly elections was not easy. Our interactions became somewhat heated, but even in disagreement, Rupani never lost his calm. Whether in Delhi or Gujarat, he always greeted me with genuine warmth. In 2021, I was again rushed to Gujarat amid speculation of a leadership change. When it became clear that Rupani was stepping down, he did so with grace, making way for Bhupendra Patel. That transition too had its quirks—Patel himself only found out about his appointment when someone sitting beside him at the meeting informed him. Rupani later bowed out of electoral politics before the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections. He was the first senior leader to do so, paving the way for others, including his former deputy CM Nitin Patel. Yet, Rupani remained active, campaigning wholeheartedly for the party and later being appointed as Punjab in-charge—an organisational challenge given the BJP's limited presence there. Even in that new terrain, he handled his role with quiet efficiency and understanding. My family currently resides in Kolkata and belongs to the Jain community. His passing has sent shockwaves through Jain circles across Gujarat and Bengal. When I spoke to my mother last afternoon, she mourned his loss deeply and recalled how he had humbly attended our family guru's event, making a significant contribution to jeev daya—the Jain principle of compassion towards all living beings. She also shared a tribute from Jain Guru Namra Muni Ji: 'A beloved son of the Jain community, a true gem and lover of all living beings—Vijaybhai Rupani's service will always be remembered." I also spoke with former Gujarat minister Saurabh Patel, who expressed his sorrow: 'Words fail me. Rupani-ji's greatest strength was his accessibility—he always listened. I remember how he led with resolve during the Covid-19 crisis, especially when oxygen shortages became critical. He took charge and helped the state navigate through one of its most challenging phases. His passing is an irreparable loss for Gujarat and Rajkot in particular." Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, who has witnessed the rise of many Gujarat leaders, reflected: 'He was an affable Saurashtrian, deeply rooted in the RSS ideology. Though a Jain Baniya by birth, caste never defined him. His unwavering commitment to the RSS brought him close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. During the BJP's internal crisis under Shankersinh Vaghela's revolt, Rupani emerged as a silent saviour—working beyond Rajkot to secure Saurashtra for Keshubhai Patel's faction. He later rose to become BJP state president and was widely seen as close to the party's top brass." Tragedy struck the Rupani family early in life when their youngest son, Pujit, died in an accident. Deeply affected, the family established a trust in his name to support the education of underprivileged children in Rajkot's slum areas. The trust has since empowered countless bright students—carrying forward the legacy of a young life lost too soon. His wife, Anjali Rupani, was not only a pillar of strength but also a strong influence in his political journey. 'Rupani will be sorely missed in Rajkot," Bhatt adds. 'As CM, he drove development with real vision—roads, grain markets, digital initiatives, data systems… He was a textbook example of a grassroots karyakarta rising to the top in regional politics." Meanwhile, in London, a daughter awaiting the 10-hour flight of her father to be with them at home—a flight that will never reach—is an unthinkable loss for the family. As Gujarat mourns, the loss feels profoundly personal. A man of few words, always calm, respectful, and grounded—Vijay Rupani's legacy is one of grace, service, and simplicity. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ABVP Ahmedabad Plane Crash BJP Vijay Rupani First Published: June 13, 2025, 11:03 IST
