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Five Babas given Minister of State status by Shivraj Chauhan govt in MP

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8 years ago

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Five Babas given Minister of State status by Shivraj Chauhan govt in MP

Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, April 3, accorded status of Minister of State (MoS) to five ‘sadhus’ or ‘babas’ (Hindu saints).

Chief minister Chouhan is known to pay homage to babas of all kinds, from Shirdi Sai Baba to those accused of rape like Asaram and Nithyanand.

While the state assembly elections are due later this year, the move was intended to co-opt them so that they drop their proposed campaign against the alleged scam in MP government’s Narmada conservation program.

A day after they were accorded the MoS rank, two of the babas cancelled their campaign.

Before granting MoS status to the five babas, the government on March 31 appointed them to a committee set up to create awareness about tree plantation, water conservation and cleanliness along the Narmada, according to media reports.

The five babas are Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhayyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant.

An official of the General Administrative Department (GAD) was quoted as saying that they have been given the MoS status as members of the committee.

Computer Baba had earlier announced to take out the ‘Narmada Ghotala Rath Yatra’ along with Yogendra Mahant in every district of MP from April 1 to May 15, to expose the alleged scam in planting saplings on the banks of the Narmada river and to demand a ban on illegal sand mining. The publicity material of the campaign was also circulated widely on the social media.

Now a MoS, Computer Baba said on Wednesday they have cancelled the campaign because the state government has fulfilled their demand to form a committee of saints and seers for protection of the Narmada river. “Now why would we take out the yatra?” he said.

He defended the grant of MoS status. “What’s wrong with it? We were rewarded for our work,” he said. The baba justified accepting the government facilities meant for an MoS despite being a saint, saying, “If we do not get the post and other government facilities, how can we work for the protection of the Narmada.”

“As a member of the committee, we have to talk to the district collectors and look after other necessary arrangements for the river’s conservation. A government status is required for these works,” he pointed out.

Yogendra Mahant, who was the convener of the proposed campaign, also said that they cancelled the yatra as the state government fulfilled their demand to set up a panel for the river conservation.

On March 31, these five religious leaders were appointed members of the ‘Janjagrukta Abhiyan Samiti’ (Public Awareness Campaign Committee) set up for conservation of the Narmada river.

The opposition Congress dubbed the decision to appoint them as MoS as the BJP’s attempt to exploit the respect these religious leaders enjoy in the society. “It’s a gimmick to score political points. He ignored conservation of the Narmada. These saints should inspect where the state government has planted six crore saplings as claimed by the CM,” said Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi.

“This is also an effort by the chief minister to wash off his sins. He ignored the conservation of the Narmada,” said Chaturvedi.

Congress leader Raj Babbar said in Delhi: “They want to use these saffron-robed babas to win elections. They should learn from what happened when they made a saffron-robed priest a Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh.”

The BJP hit back saying the opposition party disliked anything related to saints.

Dismissing their reactions as “a bull reacting to a red rag”, State BJP spokesperson, Rajnish Agrawal said: “The government works according to protocol. The saints and seers were accorded the Minister of State status to make their work of river conservation easy. The saints were roped in for the Narmada conservation work to ensure public participation,” Agrawal said.

A brief introduction to the five babas was carried by The Indian Express as follows:

Computer Baba: His real name is Swami Namdev Tyagi and is called Computer Baba because he claims to have a computer-like brain and a very sharp memory. Moreover, this self-proclaimed modern ascetic is always seen with a laptop in hand. The baba keeps himself armed with all the latest gadgets, including wi-fi dongles, mobile phones and even a helicopter. Apparently, he created ripples in 2013, when he asked Kumbh Mela authorities to allow him to arrive in a helicopter and take a dip in the river.

What has raised eyebrows ,after according the MoS status to Computer Baba, is the fact that he had earlier declared to launch a 15-day “Narmada scam Yatra” along the bank of river Narmada in the state. He, however, junked his plan without assigning any reason. Thanking the Madhya Pradesh government for showing faith on the sadhu community, Computer Baba said they would try their best to work for the society’s welfare. “We thank the govt on behalf of the ‘sadhu’ community for showing trust in us, we will try our best to work for welfare of the society,” ANI quoted him as saying.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj: A zamindar’s son and a former model, Bhaiyyu Maharaj, whose real name is Udaysingh Deshmukh, is known for his opulent lifestyle. He is elegantly dressed, operates from a sprawling ashram at Indore, travels in a white Mercedes SUV with a small band of followers and stays in lavish resorts during his trips. He has a wide following among politicians and businessmen, who flock to him for ‘advice’ on spiritual matters.

According to his website, Yuva Rastra Saint Shri Sadguru Bhaiyyuji Maharaj is mentioned as a spiritual leader, social reformer and motivator, whose sole aim is to bring happiness on the faces of countless poor and downtrodden people, lift them from morass of despair, poverty, social inequality and enable them to live a life of dignity. The high-profile ‘saint’ has married an Indore-based medical practitioner, upsetting many of his disciples. Apparently, Maharaj played an important mediator role in persuading Anna Hazare to call off his fast for Lokpal in 2011.

Hariharanandji: He was among the core group of 50 people who led the Namami Devi Narmade Sewa Yatra — the world’s largest river conservation campaign in terms of sheer scale. Started on 11 December 2016, the yatra concluded on 11 May 2017. The 144-day journey on foot from Amarkantak to Sondwa (Alirajpur) and back to Amarkantak saw Hariharanandji conducting workshops and public meetings on afforestation, sanitation, soil and water conservation, pollution control measures and promotion of organic farming.

Pt Yogendra Mahant: He raised his voice against the BJP state government over the Narmada scam and has convened a rath yatra from May 1 to May 15 in 45 districts. Mahant said the yatra would expose the state government for spending crores of rupees for plantation in the name of Narmada hariyali project. During the rath yatra, he said, it would be displayed on LED screens how the state government was fooling people of the state. The move by Chouhan to grant MoS status seemed to be a ploy to pacify the religious leader, some opposition leaders had alleged.

Narmadanandji: Narmadanandji Maharaj is a revered spiritual guru in Madhya Pradesh and organises yatras during Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami. Last year, he held several shobha yatras (procession) and events organised in different parts of the state and is associated with the Hanuman Janmotsava Samiti and Sanatan Dharma Mahasabha.

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Priyanka Gandhi meets Nitin Gadkari over Kerala road projects, light moments mark discussion

Priyanka Gandhi met Nitin Gadkari in Parliament to discuss road projects in Kerala, with the meeting marked by humour, political remarks and an informal food tasting.

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16 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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Priyanka Gandhi meets Nitin Gadkari (1)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at his office in Parliament to raise issues related to road infrastructure projects passing through Kerala. The meeting combined formal discussions with lighter moments, including a humorous exchange and an unexpected food tasting session.

Kerala road projects discussed at Parliament meeting

Priyanka Gandhi, the Member of Parliament from Wayanad in Kerala, discussed six road projects that pass through the state. During the interaction, Nitin Gadkari clarified that some of these projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Kerala government and therefore cannot be directly handled by the Centre. However, he assured the Congress leader that the remaining proposals would be examined.

According to those present, the discussion remained cordial, with both sides acknowledging administrative limitations while exploring possible ways forward.

‘Bhai ka kaam ho gaya’ remark draws laughter

The meeting also saw a light-hearted moment when Gadkari referred to a recent interaction with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He said Rahul Gandhi had met him earlier regarding road-related concerns in Rae Bareli.

In a humorous remark, Gadkari said that if work was done for the brother but not for the sister, it could lead to complaints. The comment prompted laughter from Priyanka Gandhi and others present in the room.

Congress confident of future action in Kerala

During the conversation, Priyanka Gandhi expressed confidence about the Congress party’s prospects in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. She indicated that proposals currently under the purview of the Left Front government in the state would be taken forward once Congress comes to power.

Her remarks reflected political confidence while keeping the focus on infrastructure needs in Kerala.

A homemade dish adds informal touch

Apart from policy discussions, the meeting included an informal culinary moment. Nitin Gadkari had prepared a rice-based dish after learning the recipe from online videos. Visitors to his office were offered rice balls served with chutney.

Gadkari encouraged Priyanka Gandhi to taste the dish, and she, along with Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda, was seen sampling the food while continuing their conversation with the minister.

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AAP dominates Punjab zila parishad polls, leads in most panchayat samiti zones

AAP has won 201 out of 317 declared zila parishad zones in Punjab so far and is leading in a majority of panchayat samiti seats, with counting still underway.

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17 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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Punjab Zila Parishad Polls

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has recorded a strong performance in the Punjab zila parishad elections and is leading in the majority of panchayat samiti zones, as per results declared so far on Thursday. The counting process is still underway and complete results are awaited, officials said.

Polling for the rural local bodies was held on December 14 to elect representatives across 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis in the state.

AAP secures clear edge in zila parishads

According to the available results, outcomes have been declared for 317 zila parishad zones so far. Of these, the AAP has won 201 zones, placing it well ahead of other parties.

The Congress emerged second with victories in 60 zones, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with 39 zones. The BJP won four zones, the BSP secured three, while independents claimed 10 zones.

District-wise data shows that the AAP won 22 zones in Hoshiarpur, 19 each in Amritsar and Patiala, 17 each in Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur, and 15 zones in Sangrur. The Congress registered its best performances in Gurdaspur and Ludhiana with eight zones each, followed by Jalandhar with seven zones. The SAD performed strongly in Bathinda with 13 zones, while the BJP managed to win four zones in Pathankot.

AAP leads in panchayat samiti results

In the panchayat samiti elections, trends declared so far indicate that the AAP is leading in a majority of zones. However, officials clarified that counting is ongoing and the final picture will be clear only after all ballot papers are tallied.

Kejriwal, Mann reject opposition allegations

Reacting to the trends, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said the party’s performance reflected strong rural support for the Bhagwant Mann government’s work. Addressing the media in Mohali along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal dismissed allegations of irregularities raised by opposition parties.

He said the elections were conducted in a fair and free manner and claimed that the results so far showed a clear wave in favour of the AAP in rural Punjab. Kejriwal stated that nearly 70 per cent of the zila parishad and panchayat samiti seats had gone in favour of the party.

Congress, SAD question poll conduct

The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, however, accused the ruling party of misusing official machinery. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that the AAP had “stolen” the rural mandate and claimed that the results did not reflect genuine public support.

Opposition parties had earlier also accused the AAP government of high-handedness during the polling process, allegations that the ruling party has strongly denied.

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Vijay signals political push with TVK rally as last film Jana Nayagan promotion aligns with 2026 polls

Vijay combined a major TVK rally with the promotion of his final film Jana Nayagan, signalling a carefully planned transition from cinema to politics ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.

Published

21 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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Actor vijay

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay marked a significant moment in his political journey on December 18, combining a major public rally of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) with a key promotional event for his final film Jana Nayagan. The twin developments underline his calibrated shift from cinema to full-time politics, with the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections clearly in focus.

Vijay addressed a large gathering near the Vijayamangalam toll plaza in Erode, marking his first major open rally after the Karur incident. Around 25,000 people were present at the venue, reflecting the sustained interest around his political entry and the mobilisation capacity of his fan base, now being encouraged to transition into party supporters.

Parallelly, the second single from Jana Nayagan was released online in the evening. The film, slated to hit theatres on January 9, has been announced as Vijay’s last cinematic outing before dedicating himself entirely to politics.

How Jana Nayagan fits into Vijay’s political strategy

Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, is positioned as more than just a farewell project to Vijay’s acting career. From its title, which translates to “People’s Leader”, to its narrative and music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film has been designed to mirror themes that Vijay has begun emphasising in his political speeches — governance, accountability and moral authority.

The actor has repeatedly projected himself in rallies as a leader who wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and raise issues affecting marginalised sections. The film’s tone appears to align with this image, aiming to present a restrained and serious persona without alienating his long-time fans.

By declaring Jana Nayagan as his final film, Vijay has attempted a gradual emotional transition for his supporters, with TVK hoping that this loyalty will convert into organisational strength and votes in the upcoming elections.

Analysts divided on electoral impact

Political analysts, however, remain cautious about the effectiveness of this approach. One analyst noted that while Vijay is clearly attempting to convert his massive fan following into party cadres, not every fan can realistically take on a political role. Another analyst pointed out that the film alone is unlikely to fetch votes, though messaging around issues such as corruption or dynastic politics could help Vijay gain some traction over time.

The analysts also flagged that Vijay is entering a crowded and competitive political space and that the impact of recent controversies has added to the challenges ahead. According to them, his current strategy appears to be aimed not only at 2026 but at building a longer-term political position.

Invoking legacy and symbolism

A recurring element in Vijay’s rallies has been his admiration for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor M G Ramachandran. The second single from Jana Nayagan, titled Oru Pere Varalaaru, reinforces this aspiration, with lyrics emphasising the idea of a name that makes history and the power of the people’s voice.

While invoking MGR remains a common political trope in Tamil Nadu, analysts underline that his journey remains unmatched. They stress that sustained electoral participation and organisational strength, rather than crowd sizes at rallies, will determine Vijay’s political future.

For now, Vijay’s rally in Erode and the simultaneous promotion of Jana Nayagan highlight a carefully timed blend of cinema and politics, as he prepares to test his popularity beyond the silver screen.

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