Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted the Congress-led Opposition over its remarks, saying the “Chowkidar” who was a thief for them in 2019, the same “Chowkidar” became honest by 2024 and they haven’t called him a thief even once since then.

The Prime Minister alleged that their only aim is to somehow capture power by misleading the people of the country.

Addressing BJP workers in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, PM Modi said that “these power hungry Opposition has been lying to the public”. He alleged when one of their lies does not work, they fabricate a bigger lie, adding, “They do the same to give false assurance to their workers also”.

PM arrived in Bhubaneswar earlier today for a three-day visit to Odisha, where he will also participate in the All India DGP/IGP Conference scheduled to commence later in the day.

During his address, Modi acknowledged the natural occurrence of criticism in political discourse, stating that differences of opinion can arise concerning government decisions. But, PM Modi said, “You all must be feeling a big change. The spirit of the Constitution of India is crushed, and all the norms of democracy are rejected. Those who view power as their birthright have not held it at the Centre for the last decade.”

In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi said, “He is angry with the people of the country for choosing someone else from the very first day. This situation has filled them with such anger that they are now busy plotting against the country. These individuals have begun to express their discontent on the populace.”

The Supreme Court had in 2019 closed a contempt case filed against Rahul Gandhi after he wrongly linked its Rafale case order to his “Chowkidar Chor Hai” remarks against PM Modi.

Continuing his attack, PM Modi criticised the Opposition, asserting that they have been misleading citizens in an effort to lead the country astray. “Their shop of lies and rumors has been running for 50-60 years. Now, they have intensified this campaign,” he said.

PM Modi pointed out that in light of these circumstances, the actions and intentions of the Opposition pose a significant challenge for aware citizens, BJP workers, and those who cherish the country and respect the Constitution. He urged fellow countrymen to remain vigilant and to keep educating the public.

“I am pleased to share the BJP’s efforts, Odisha’s tribal daughter Draupadi Murmu is now the President of the country. This achievement has elevated the pride of the entire tribal community. Murmu ji’s rise to the highest office has bolstered the confidence of daughters from all segments of society, and her journey will inspire generations to come,” he said.

Furthermore, PM Modi noted that the results of the recently concluded Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana have infused the nation with new confidence. He also noted that before the Assembly election in Odisha, political experts claimed that the BJP had little chance of forming a government on its own, yet the results of the Odisha election ended up surprising many.

S Jaishankar, External affairs minister today said that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is responsible for protecting Bangladesh citizens, including its minorities. He made this statement in response to a question in the Lok Sabha about violence against minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.

The External Affairs Minister said that the government has seen several reports of incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities since August 2024, when Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee Bangladesh. He further added that reports of attacks on temples and puja mandaps also emerged during the recent Durga Puja festival in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, S Jaishankar asserted that the government has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. He also said that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to supervise the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely. He underlined that the primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.

This statement comes amid protests and unrest in Bangladesh over the arrest of former priest of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, on sedition charges. The Hindu monk is accused of hoisting a saffron flag above the Bangladesh national flag during a rally in October.

Many political leaders in India have voiced concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and issued an appeal to the Narendra Modi-led central government to intervene in the matter.

Meanwhile, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also backed the arrested Hindu monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das, saying that he was unjustly arrested and must immediately be released. She has also called upon the Bangladesh government to protect religious and ethnic minorities that have braved violence since her ouster from power in August.

In a tragic incident, ten people were killed and several others were injured after a bus travelling from Maharashtra’s Bhandara to Gondia overturned near Khajri village. The police said that a State transport bus met with an accident in Gondia district. They added that the bus was en route from the Bhandara depot to Gondia when the bus driver lost control of the vehicle near Bindravana Tola village on the Gondia-Arjuni road and overturned on the side of the road. 

The officer added that eight people have died and around 30 people are injured. Reports stated that the injured have been shifted to the Gondia District Hospital. Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered the Transport Administration to provide immediate assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the victims.

A statement from the CMO said that a State transport Shivshahi bus overturned in a horrific accident. It added that eight bodies have been recovered from the site of the incident, and the death toll is expected to increase. The statement mentioned that information about the situation was taken from the local administration, and instructions have been issued for immediate and proper treatment of the injured.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered his condolences to the bereaved family members. Taking to X, he said that it is very unfortunate that a Shivshahi bus met with an unfortunate accident near Sadak Arjun in Gondia district in which some passengers died. He paid heartfelt respects to the deceased, and expressed grief for their families.

He added that the people who were injured in this incident may immediately receive treatment in a private hospital if necessary. He further mentioned that he told the Collector of Gondia to make arrangements to shift them to Nagpur if required. He continued that senior administration officials have reached the spot and are coordinating relief efforts.