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India Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Today
Impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Yadav stalled due to MP's double sign
The impeachment motion filed by the opposition against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Yadav is currently stuck due to procedural technicalities in Parliament. The motion, which was submitted over an allegedly controversial statement made by Justice Yadav, is presently pending with the Vice President of Rajya Sabha Secretariat has begun a detailed verification of the 55 signatures submitted along with the motion, as mandated by parliamentary scrutiny began following a complaint that one MP's signature had been recorded twice. However, the concerned Member of Parliament has denied signing the document more than once. As per established procedure, all signatures must be verified in a specific format before the motion can move forward. Currently, 19-21 signatures of MPs are yet to be to sources, no further action will be taken on the impeachment motion unless all signatures are fully authenticated. Moreover, any discrepancies, such as duplicate signatures or errors in the motion's format, could lead to its rejection on technical December 13, 2024, lawmakers led by Samajwadi Party MP Kapil Sibal submitted an impeachment notice against Justice Yadav to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General. The move followed controversial remarks made by Justice Yadav at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) widely shared videos, Justice Yadav supported the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and said laws should reflect the will of the majority. "The law works according to the majority. Only what benefits the majority's welfare and happiness will be accepted," he Yadav had faced more controversies before as well. In September 2021, during a hearing on cow slaughter, he claimed that cows exhale oxygen and urged Parliament to declare the cow India's national animal and cow protection a "Fundamental Right of Hindus".He denied bail to an accused under the UP Cow Slaughter Act, adding that even Mughal ruler Akbar had banned cow slaughter and calling cow protection a part of Indian culture. His comments were widely shared on social Reel IN THIS STORY#Uttar Pradesh
The Print
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Amit Shah advises Karnataka BJP to intensify its fight against ‘corrupt' Congress govt
Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra said, 'This morning, I along with former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Opposition Leader R Ashoka, and MLA Aravind Bellad met Amit Shah ji. We discussed the political scenario in Karnataka and current developments.' He alleged that the state government is making decisions solely to appease minority communities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', ensures justice for all communities–Hindus and minorities alike. Shah was in the city to inaugurate the Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) Bengaluru campus, BGS Medical College and Hospital here. Bengaluru, Jun 20 (PTI) Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Friday said that Union Home Minister and senior party leader Amit Shah has given guidance and suggestions to the state unit to intensify the fight against the 'corrupt' Congress government. 'Yesterday, under the Housing Department, the reservation for minorities for housing schemes was increased from 10 to 15 per cent….CM Siddaramaiah is practicing divisive politics. The BJP will fight against it. The chief minister's conduct is demeaning to the dignity of his position,' he added. Accusing the CM of running a 'Tughlaq Darbar' by forgetting that he is the state's elected leader, the state BJP chief expressed confidence that people will teach the government a lesson in the coming days. In response to a question, Vijayendra said that ahead of the Assembly session, BJP will hold discussions with JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and legislators regarding having a committee for proper coordination between the two parties. Conceding that there is some disgruntlement in the party and few leaders have expressed it, he said, 'It is a local issue. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, I and some senior leaders have discussed and decided that leaders like Joshi, C T Ravi and Ravi Kumar should resolve this and efforts are on in this regard by meeting leaders who have issues.' Keeping the Zilla and Taluk Panchayat polls in mind and at a time when the party has to fight against the government on the streets, the BJP has to resolve internal issues and stand united, and efforts are on in this direction, he added. PTI KSU KH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Rath Yatra: Celebrating the Divine Journey Across the World
The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most vibrant and grand celebrations in India and beyond. It is a time of spiritual devotion, community bonding, and cultural richness. While the festival originates in Puri, Odisha, it has spread globally, with several cities hosting their own Rath Yatra celebrations. This article explores some of the most famous Rath Yatra 2025 festivals and their significance. 1. Puri, Odisha: The Heart of Rath Yatra The Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is the grandest and most renowned, deeply rooted in history and culture. The festival occurs annually at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The Rituals The procession features the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra placed on massive, intricately decorated chariots. The chariots are drawn through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees, who chant prayers and sing devotional songs. The festival symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The Puri Rath Yatra has been celebrated for centuries, dating back to the 12th century during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga. It attracts millions of visitors worldwide, making it one of the largest religious gatherings globally. The spiritual energy and sense of unity among the devotees make this celebration a life-changing experience. 2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A Grand Celebration in the Heart of the West The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is another large-scale celebration, second only to the one in Puri. This grand event takes place in the city's Swaminarayan Temple, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for followers of the Swaminarayan tradition. The Rituals The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is marked by the procession of the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra chariots through the city's bustling streets. The festival is known for its grandeur, with large crowds of devotees pulling the chariots, singing devotional hymns, and chanting the names of the gods. The event also features cultural performances, exhibitions, and charitable acts, making it an all-encompassing spiritual and cultural experience. 3. Fremont, California: The American Rath Yatra The Rath Yatra in Fremont, California, hosted by the ISKCON temple, is one of the most famous Rath Yatras in the United States. The city's large Hindu community ensures that the celebrations are enthusiastic, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike. The Rituals This Rath Yatra is known for its vibrant procession, where the deities are carried on elaborately decorated chariots. Devotees pull the chariots through the streets with music, dance, and chanting that fills the air with spiritual fervour. The Fremont Rath Yatra also features a grand cultural program with devotional songs, bhajans, and prasad distribution. This event offers a unique experience for both participants and spectators, providing a connection to India's rich spiritual heritage. 4. New York City: A Global Celebration in the Big Apple In New York City, the Rath Yatra is one of the year's most anticipated events, attracting devotees from across the globe. Organized by ISKCON, the procession moves through the streets of Manhattan, making its way to Washington Square Park. The Rituals The New York Rath Yatra is known for its festive spirit, with devoted worshippers pulling chariots through the streets of New York. The event features cultural performances, including traditional Indian dances, music, and devotional songs. The celebration also includes free prasad (food offerings) for all attendees, a highlight for many. The Rath Yatra in New York is not just a religious event; it's a celebration of the city's diversity and the fusion of global cultures. It showcases the importance of devotion, unity, and love for the divine. 5. London, United Kingdom: Rath Yatra in the Heart of Europe The Rath Yatra in London, organized by ISKCON, is one of Europe's largest and most popular Rath Yatras. The procession takes place in central London, making it an iconic event that attracts thousands of people from various cultures. The Rituals The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the vibrant streets of London, with devotees chanting, singing, and dancing along the way. The event features a spiritual program, including lectures on the teachings of Lord Krishna, live music, and performances from Indian classical dancers. The Rath Yatra in London also emphasizes community service, with efforts to promote peace, unity, and well-being. 6. Kolkata, West Bengal: A Celebration of Culture and Devotion The Rath Yatra in Kolkata is one of the most significant celebrations in eastern India. The city's ISKCON temple hosts this grand event, where devotees gather to pull Lord Jagannath's and his siblings' chariots. The Rituals The Kolkata Rath Yatra's colourful procession winds through the city streets. The chariots are adorned with flowers and decorations, while devotees sing kirtans and bhajans in honour of the deities. The procession is a visual spectacle, bringing the city to life with a powerful display of devotion and faith. Conclusion: Rath Yatra – A Global Celebration of Unity and Devotion The Rath Yatra is more than a festival; it symbolizes devotion, unity, and spiritual connection. From the streets of Puri to the vibrant celebrations in New York and London, the Rath Yatra transcends geographical boundaries, uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds to celebrate Lord Jagannath. Whether in India(Bharatvarsha) or abroad, this grand festival inspires millions of devotees, offering a glimpse into India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. So, if you ever have the opportunity, don't miss witnessing this spectacular event in the holy land of Puri or your city! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Modi in Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar praises PM for caste census; asks Bihar voters to express gratitude
PM Modi with CM Nitish Kumar at Siwan rally (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday asked people of his poll-bound state to express gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who decided to hold a caste census along with population census in 2027. Addressing a rally in Siwan, which PM Modi also attended, Nitish Kumar said: "Ordering a caste census is a great thing that the Centre has done. I thank the Prime Minister for the same," said Kumar, and addressing the people, "you all may please express your gratitude towards him". A caste census involves systematically recording individuals' caste identities during a national census. In India, where caste influences social, economic, and political life, such data can offer valuable insights into the distribution and socio-economic status of various caste groups. Caste enumeration was a regular feature of census exercises during British rule from 1881 to 1931. However, with the first census of independent India in 1951, the government chose to discontinue the practice, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Interestingly, under the Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan government, which included Lalu Yadav's RJD and the Congress party, a caste census was conducted in Bihar between 2022 and 2023 to collect detailed data on the state's caste composition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo Later, in the second half of 2023, the Bihar government released its statistical data on the caste-based headcount. The data showed that the politically sensitive 113-caste group known as the extremely backward classes (EBCs) constitute the largest portion at 36 per cent, along with the other backward classes at 27 per cent, which amounts to 63 per cent of the total 13.07 crore population of the state; together they constitute the social hefty segment of backward classes. Muslims constitute 17.7 per cent of the state's population, including EBC and 'upper caste' Muslims. After the figures were out, CM Nitish Kumar and his then deputy Tejashwi Yadav, decided to call it a "caste-based headcount", and not a "caste census", to escape a legal tangle as Union junior home minister Nityanand Rai had told Lok Sabha in 2021 that it would not be legally tenable to hold a "caste census" as the law provides for only count of SC/ST groups. The caste-wise breakup shows that the 'upper caste' groups among Hindus, considered BJP's mainstay, account for only 10.6 per cent, Brahmins 3.7 per cent, Rajputs (Thakurs) 3.4 per cent, Bhumihars 2.9 per cent and Kayasthas 0.6 per cent. The Bihar caste count appeared to have a little deviation in the caste-wise population of 2023 Bihar compared to the 1901 figures for the erstwhile combined region of Bihar and Jharkhand. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha were carved out of Greater Bengal in 1912. As Stephen Henningham notes in his book Peasant Movements in Colonial India: North Bihar in 1901, the 'higher' or upper castes in Bihar then accounted for 15.6 per cent of the population, middle castes such as Koeri, Kurmi, and Yadav made up 19.8 per cent, Muslims constituted 16.1 per cent, and lower middle castes along with Scheduled Castes formed 47.9 per cent. The total Hindu population in 1901 stood at 83.3 per cent, compared to 82 per cent in present-day Bihar as revealed by the 2023 caste survey.
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"This is unconstitutional and illegal": BJP's Tarun Chugh after Karnataka Cabinet increases reservation for minorities in housing schemes
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 20 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Friday lashed out at the Karnataka government over its decision to provide a 15 per cent reservation to Muslims in housing schemes, terming it 'unconstitutional and illegal' and accusing the ruling Congress party of indulging in appeasement politics. Speaking to media reporters, Chugh said,'This is unconstitutional and illegal because in India's Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clearly wrote that no one can get reservation based on religion.' He alleged that the decision was aimed solely at consolidating Congress' vote bank and came at the cost of marginalised communities. 'The decision of the Karnataka government clearly snatches the rights of SCs, STs, OBCs, and Hindus. Congress is only looking at its vote bank -- that's why they are taking such unconstitutional decisions... We won't let this happen.' Chugh's remarks come amid growing criticism from BJP leaders over the Karnataka Cabinet's approval on Thursday to raise the reservation quota for minority communities from 10 per cent to 15 per cent under various housing schemes. The decision has triggered a political uproar, with the BJP arguing that religion-based reservation violates constitutional principles. Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa also denounced the decision, calling it a 'dangerous attempt to institutionalise communal vote-bank politics.' In a post on X, Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of turning welfare into vote-bank politics and claimed that the new reservation policy deprives SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities. 'Reservation on the basis of religion is unconstitutional! @INCKarnataka in Karnataka has converted welfare into a marketplace for vote-bank politics. First, 4% quota in government contracts. Now, 15% quota in housing schemes. Where does this appeasement end? This is a dangerous attempt to institutionalise communal vote-bank politics. It not only robs SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities, but also sends a disturbing message that merit, backwardness, and constitutional principles are secondary to religious appeasement,' he wrote. Yediyurappa added,'I urge Congress to pick up the Constitution they love to wave at public meetings. Had they read it even once, they would know that reservations are based on social and educational backwardness, and not handed out based on 'who votes for me.' Under the guise of welfare, this government is brazenly pushing religion-based reservation, striking at the very foundation of Dr. BR Ambedkar's Constitution and dragging his vision through the dirt of appeasement politics.' Union Minister Pralhad Joshi called the move unconstitutional by referring to the Supreme Court's 'rejection' of religion-based reservation. In addition, responding to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's recent remarks, Chugh said the grand old party had become 'directionless' and was now functioning under the influence of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). (ANI)
