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News18
4 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
'Pashchimbanga Divas' Row: BJP Accuses Police Of Blocking Rally, TMC Calls Celebration Forced
Last Updated: TMC accused the BJP of undermining the secular spirit of the Constitution, calling the celebration "politically motivated" The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, and the opposition BJP engaged in a political slugfest on Friday over the celebration of 'Pashchimbanga Divas'. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar accused Kolkata Police of obstructing the party's efforts to observe the day. Majumdar alleged that police tried to stop his two-wheeler rally from reaching Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's residence on Elgin Road in south Kolkata. The BJP, following a central government notification, marks June 20 — the date in 1947 when the undivided Bengal Assembly voted for the partition of the state — as 'Pashchimbanga Divas'. Earlier this morning, BJP Yuva Morcha members gathered at the Bhowanipore residence of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the Jan Sangh founder, before planning to cycle and walk to Netaji Bhavan, about a kilometre away. Majumdar alleged, 'we told the police that we will only carry the Tricolour and no party flags in this rally. Even then the police obstructed our movement and arrested our workers." A small group, including Majumdar and state BJP Yuva Morcha chief Indranil Khan, later managed to reach Netaji's house and garland his bust. 'We failed to understand the police's logic behind this obstruction. This wasn't a political rally and our destination was Netaji's house which lies in the same ward as that of the residence of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. It is evident that we will either walk or reach there on motorcycles," Khan added. West Bengal Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari led legislators on a colourful march from the assembly to Dr Mukherjee's statue on Red Road, where they garlanded it and chanted slogans calling for enduring recognition of June 20 as 'Pashchimbanga Divas'. 'This is a historic day which we must observe," Adhikari said. The row centres on which date should be officially recognised as West Bengal Statehood Day. The ruling TMC government has declared Poila Baisakh — the Bengali New Year — as the statehood day, passing a resolution in the assembly. In response to the allegations, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the BJP's actions as contrived. Ghosh said: 'The people of Bengal have already chosen their statehood day on the first day of the Bengali calendar. It's a day close to the hearts of all Bengalis. The state assembly has already endorsed it. It doesn't matter where a motley band of BJP workers gather and try to force a celebration which lacks spontaneity and with which the people have no direct association." West Bengal's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee accused the BJP of undermining the secular spirit of the Constitution, calling the celebration 'politically motivated". He said the Poila Baisakh resolution had already been endorsed by the state assembly and criticised the BJP's sudden interest in June 20. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk First Published: June 20, 2025, 22:09 IST Latest News MP HC commutes death penalty of man convicted of raping 4-year-old girl Agency feeds Agency feeds Jharkhand cabinet gives nod to key infra, edu projects, policy reforms Agency feeds Iran expects India to condemn Israeli military actions against it Cricket Shubman Gill Becomes 5th Indian To Score Century In 1st Test As Captain Politics 'Pashchimbanga Divas' Row: BJP Accuses Police Of Blocking Rally, TMC Calls Celebration Forced latest news
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.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
From Union ministers to common man: Hundreds gather in Rajkot to bid final farewell to Rupani
Hundreds of people lined up on the roads of Rajkot on Monday, as the mortal remains of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani reached his home town for his final rites. As people thronged the city roads with tearful eyes, offering floral tributes and chanting slogans hailing 'Vijaybhai', as he was fondly called, the family of the former CM was also joined by Union ministers Amit Shah and C R Paatil, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Governor Acharya Devvrat among many other party leaders. Rupani, one of the passengers who died in the plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, was traveling to London to join his daughter and other family members. Earlier in the day, wrapped in the Tricolour, Rupani's mortal remains were handed over to his family at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital with state honours. Rupani's body was also accorded a Guard of Honour. On the occasion, CM Bhupendra Patel and ministers of his cabinet in the state government too remained present to offer tributes to Rupani. The handing over of the mortal remains happened after the DNA samples of Rupani's family members matched with his mortal remains Sunday. Following the identification of Rupani's body, the Gujarat government observed a day's official mourning Monday. Rupani's wife Anjaliben, his daughter Radhika, son Rushabh and other family members were handed over the mortal remains as all of them broke down while paying tributes to him. Subsequently, Rupani's mortal remains were taken to Rajkot by air. In Rajkot, the body was taken to his residence in a vehicle as people thronged the city roads to pay their last respect to the former CM. By late evening, as the funeral procession was carried out, Rajkot city witnessed heavy rains. However, people were seen braving the weather to pay tributes to their beloved leader. Rupani's final rites were performed at Ramnath Para cermatorium in the city around 9 pm. Three prayer meetings have been organised in Rajkot and Gandhinagar from Tuesday to pray tributes to Rupani. The first prayer meeting will be held at Race Course Maidan of Rajkot on Tuesday. On Thursday, a prayer meeting will be held at the Hall of Exhibition Centre of Helipad Ground in Gandhinagar. The third prayer meeting will be held, on Friday, by Gujarat BJP at its state headquarters Shree Kamalam in Gandhinagar. Rupani is also a former Gujarat BJP president.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chenab Rail Bridge Inauguration: A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir
Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this engineering marvel will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via an all-weather railway line. In a historic milestone for India's infrastructure and regional connectivity, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, on June 6, 2025. Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this engineering marvel will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via an all-weather railway line. The event also marked the launch of two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, slashing travel time to just three hours. A Symbol of Ambition and Unity Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi described the bridge as a testament to India's growing prowess in infrastructure development. 'The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It's a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India's growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains,' he said, waving the Indian flag atop the bridge. He further emphasised its role in regional integration, stating, 'This rail link is not just infrastructure; it symbolises our commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their progress and integration with the rest of the nation.' Professor G. Madhavi Latha, a key contributor to the bridge's design and construction, expressed her gratitude on LinkedIn, noting the project's impact on inspiring future generations. 'Many young kids have written to me that they now want to take up Civil Engineering as their career choice. I am extremely happy about this,' she wrote, highlighting the collaborative effort of thousands of workers and engineers. A Global Engineering Marvel The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is a feat of engineering that surpasses China's Najiehe Railway Bridge, previously the world's highest. Spanning 1,315 meters across the Chenab River gorge, it was constructed using 28,660 metric tonnes of steel, designed to withstand winds up to 266 km/h and seismic activity in Zone 5. The bridge's blast-proof design, developed with assistance from India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, underscores its strategic importance in a geopolitically sensitive region. Globally, the Chenab Bridge stands out not only for its height but also for its complexity. Unlike Portugal's Aqueduto do Alviela, a historic masonry structure, or the Beipanjiang Bridge in China, a road bridge, the Chenab Bridge is a railway-specific marvel built to endure extreme Himalayan conditions. Its construction involved overcoming fractured geology and required 26 kilometres of new roads to transport heavy machinery to the remote site. Transformative Developmental Impact The Chenab Rail Bridge is set to revolutionise Jammu and Kashmir's economy and connectivity. The 272-kilometre railway, with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, provides year-round access, overcoming the region's previous reliance on treacherous mountain roads and air travel. This enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, a lifeline for the region, by making destinations like the Vaishno Devi shrine and Srinagar more accessible. Economically, the bridge will facilitate faster and cheaper transport of goods, such as Kashmir's famous apples, to major markets across India. 'This will give impetus to the industry here, now apples from Kashmir will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost, and will be able to reach on time,' Prime Minister Modi noted. The project is also anticipated to create employment opportunities, supporting local communities and fostering trade. A Model of People-Centric Governance The Chenab Rail Bridge exemplifies the Indian government's commitment to inclusive development. By connecting remote regions to the national mainstream, the project aligns with policies aimed at uplifting marginalised areas. Modi highlighted this vision, stating, 'Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a hub of all-round development, and the Central government will leave no stone unturned to make this vision a reality for generations to come.' The bridge's inauguration, alongside the Anji Khad Bridge—India's first cable-stayed rail bridge—marks a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir. These projects not only enhance connectivity but also foster cultural and economic integration, dispelling stereotypes and promoting interpersonal exchanges. As South Africa continues to invest in its infrastructure, such as the Gautrain and port expansions, the Chenab Bridge serves as an inspiring example of how visionary governance can transform regions and improve lives. Looking Ahead The Chenab Rail Bridge is more than a structure; it is a symbol of India's resilience, innovation, and unity. As trains cross its 359-meter-high arch, they carry the promise of a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, connecting its people to new opportunities and strengthening ties with the rest of India. For South Africa and the global community, especially the countries from the global South, this project underscores the transformative power of infrastructure when driven by a commitment to the public good.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- India Gazette
"Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani's agni sanskar to be performed at Ramnathpara today": Crematorium Chairman
Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], June 16 (ANI): The 'agni sanskar' of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will be performed at the Ramnathpara crematorium in Rajkot on Monday evening, with the funeral procession scheduled to begin from his residence at 5 pm. Speaking to ANI, the Chairman of Ramnathpara crematorium said, 'The 'agni sanskar' of Vijay Rupani will be performed here. The 'agni sanskar' will be performed around 6 pm, and the procession will begin at 5 pm from his residence.' Rupani's mortal remains are being transported from Ahmedabad to Rajkot by air. According to officials, the body was received from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital mortuary at around 11:30 am and is expected to reach Rajkot by 2 pm. The Tricolour is being brought to the Civil Hospital mortuary in Ahmedabad to be draped over his mortal remains. Around 2,000 kilograms of flowers will be used to decorate the hearse van that will carry the body of the former Chief Minister. Rupani was among the 241 who died when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a doctor's hostel complex near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing, hospital authorities said, hospital officials said. Dr Rajnish Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said Rupani was among the 87 individuals whose identities were confirmed through DNA testing. A total of 92 DNA matches have been completed, accounting for duplication in remains. So far, 47 bodies have been dispatched to various districts. 'Of the bodies brought to Civil Hospital, DNA matching of 92 (body remains) is completed, of this (the number of) individuals is 87 because there is duplication. 47 bodies have been dispatched from have been dispatched to Kheda, Ahmedabad, Kota, Mahesana, Bharuch, Vadodara, Aravalli, Anand, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Mahisagar and Bhavnagar,' Dr Patel said. The state government and hospital authorities continued their efforts to identify the deceased through DNA testing. He added that the relatives of two more victims were expected to arrive Monday night, while 13 families were scheduled to collect the bodies on Tuesday. For 21 victims, family members would take the bodies after further consultations. In the case of 11 victims, their relatives were also among the crash victims, and the bodies would be released once the remaining DNA matches were completed. So far, the bodies of victims have been returned to families in several regions, as 12 victims from Ahmedabad, five from Baroda, four from Mehsana, four from Anand, two from Kheda, two from Bharuch, one from Udaipur, one from Jodhpur, one from Botad and the last one from Aravalli. Dr Patel highlighted that the state government had assigned a special team for each deceased person's family: a senior officer, a police official, and a professional counsellor. These teams were responsible for supporting the families emotionally and logistically through the identification and handover process. As the identification process continued, authorities assured each body would be handed over with full respect and dignity. Meanwhile, in the Ahmedabad plane crash, out of the 242 people involved, the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries. Additionally, at least 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students, lost their lives on the ground. (ANI)
