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Modi inaugurates slew of Kedarnath redevelopment works, attacks Cong

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Modi in Kedarnath

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Prime Minister claimed that the UPA government in 2013 had rejected his offer to help with the re-construction of the flood-ravaged Kedarnath shrine

Visiting the Kedarnath shrine for the second time this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for five projects worth Rs 150 crores and announced a slew of redevelopment works for the Hindu pilgrimage site, on Friday.

The Prime Minister also launched a fresh attack at the Congress party, claiming that the UPA government had rejected his offer (when he was Gujarat chief minister) to help with re-construction of the sacred temple and its surroundings in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2013 floods that ravaged the region.

Modi had, during the 2013 floods, personally flown in to Kedarnath to ‘lead’ rescue and relief operations that were specifically aimed at ferrying Gujratis stranded in the region back to their home state. While Modi, who was then the Gujarat chief minister, and the BJP had then lauded the rescue operations and criticised the Congress – which ruled Uttarakand and at the Centre then – for its poor rescue operations, the political rival had hit back claiming that Modi’s claims were exaggerated. Unofficial but wildly trending claims on social media platforms and even on television news channels had, during the June 2013 Uttarakhand floods, sought to spread the notion that the Modi-led Gujarat government had pressed “4 Boeing jets, 25 buses, and 80 Toyota Innovas to save 15000 Gujarati pilgrims” within a matter of 24 hours. While these exaggerated claims had promptly been punctured by the Army that was carrying out most of the relief work and also the Congress, they had led to Modi being mocked by Opposition parties as a ‘Rambo’ for allowing such rumours to persist.

On Friday, while Modi steered clear of reviving those tall and unbelievable claims, he did not miss the opportunity of chastising the Congress party.

The Prime Minister claimed: “The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for the victims. I had met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna – who quit the Congress to join the BJP in May 2016) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself.”

With his party now firmly in power both at the Centre and in Uttarakhand, Modi claimed that he knew that the redevelopment of the Kedarnath shrine and its surrounding areas will be done only by the BJP.

The Prime Minister said that his party’s government in New Delhi and in the State want to promote Kedarnath as “an ideal Tirth Kshetra (pilgrim centre)” and that “We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged.”

Modi laid the foundation stone for several reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of the Adi Shankaracharya’s tomb which was devastated in the 2013 flash floods. The Prime Minister also promised three-storey houses to the priests who live around the Kedarnath shrine, saying that in these houses one floor will be for devotees, one for the priest themselves, and one for their guests. He also assured that the width of the narrow road that leads to the shrine will be increased and all modern facilities will be provided to the residents of the region as well as to the tourists.

“I am happy that some 4.5 lakh pilgrims reached Kedarnath in the season and this number will certainly cross by 10 lakh in the next year”, the Prime Minister said, asserting that “I intended to serve baba (Kedarnath) but he perhaps had different plan for me… He possibly wanted me to serve 125 billion babas.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Rabri Devi

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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