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Govt won’t go against sentiments of people on Article 35A: Rajnath

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9 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Amid continued tensions in the Valley, Union home minister reiterates that he’s willing to talk to all stakeholders for resolving all problems of the state

Amid rising concerns among the people and political stakeholders in Kashmir over the Supreme Court’s forthcoming verdict on a petition that seeks quashing of Article 35A that gives the state some special rights, union home minister Rajnath Singh has assured that the Centre “will not go against the sentiments” of the Kashmiri people on the polarising issue.

Singh, who is on a four-day visit to the strife-torn northern state, spoke to the media in Srinagar on a range of issues including the possible abrogation of Article 35A, militancy in the Valley, need for confidence building measures and the Centre’s roadmap for restoring lasting peace in the region.

“I understand there is no scope for doubt or suspicion (on whether Article 35A will be quashed). Nowhere has the central government initiated anything with regard to this issue. We have not gone to court. I am not talking only about Article 35A. Whatever we do, whatever our government does, we will not do anything against the sentiments of the people here. We will respect them,” Singh said, replying to a volley of questions over the Centre’s stand on a petition in the Supreme Court that demands abrogation of Article 35A.

Article 35A is a provision in the Indian Constitution under Article 370 that grants special rights and privileges to the State and its citizens. While the BJP has traditionally been a votary of quashing the Article, the latest row over the issue began when the Centre informed the Supreme Court during arguments in a case that demands abrogation of the special constitutional provision that the matter requires a “larger debate”. The Centre’s submission was at variance with previous governments which had always insisted that Article 35A should not be diluted or quashed.

Singh’s clarification expectedly was welcomed by the two key Kashmiri political parties like the ruling PDP – with which the BJP is in alliance in the state – and the National Conference. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah of the NC said: “This is a very important statement from the Union home minister. His assurance will go a long way towards silencing the noises against Article 35A. The Union government must now file a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend Article 35A. That is the way to carry this assurance forward.”

Govt won’t go against sentiments of people on Article 35A: Rajnath

Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was willing to speak to separatists and leaders of the Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir to find a solution to the problems of the state, Singh said: “Whenever I have come here, I have come with an open heart and an open mind. I said I want to speak to everyone. People who have to talk should step forward.”

At a time when Kashmir was repeatedly witnessing major unrest among its civilian population, especially the youth, with recurring incidents of stone pelting and violent protests by them against the security forces deployed in the conflict areas of the Valley, Singh advocated for a more humanitarian approach towards stone pelters.

The union home minister said he had told the state government and security agencies not to be harsh with minors arrested for stone-pelting. “At the security review meeting, I told them, that small children, those under 18 years… many of them would have committed a crime, a mistake after coming under somebody’s influence. But they should not be treated like criminals. Whatever action you have to take against them should be under the Juvenile Justice Act. I also appeal to the stone-pelting youth to stay away from such activities.”

Singh, who had last month claimed that his government would find a permanent solution for the “Kashmir problem” by 2022, said that this solution would be based on “5 C’s – compassion, communication, co-existence, confidence-building and consistency”.

Talking tough on Pakistan and its role in spreading terror in Kashmir and other parts of the country, Singh said that while India had wanted good relations with its neighbour and made every effort to achieve them, the response from Pakistan “had not been what was expected”.

“What has the neighbour been doing… infiltrating terrorists. I want to tell Pakistan to stop infiltration,” Singh said.

Earlier, addressing displaced border villagers at a relief camp in Nowshera town in Rajouri district, Singh said that he had told the director general of Border Security Force (BSF) in 2014 that “we shouldn’t fire first but if they (Pakistani forces) fire even a single bullet then there should be no count of bullets from our side.”

Insisting that India “wasn’t weak anymore” under the leadership of Modi, the home minister said that the security forces in the Valley had been authorised to strike hard against Pakistan if the neighbour violates ceasefire or indulges in direct or indirect terror activity in the region.

“The situation has improved from what it was in 2014 after security forces were authorised to retaliate strongly. It will improve further in the days to come. Pakistan has no option but to stop ceasefire violations today or tomorrow. I assure all of you that situation will improve in the coming days,” he said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi to lead Somnath Amrit Parv celebrations with grand roadshow in Gujarat

PM Modi is set to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat for the Somnath Amrit Parv celebrations marking 75 years of the temple’s reconstruction, with a roadshow and religious ceremonies planned.

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7 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on May 11 to lead the ‘Somnath Amrit Parv’ celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction.

According to state ministers and senior officials, the Prime Minister will take part in religious rituals, lead a public roadshow, and address a gathering during the celebrations.

The visit comes months after PM Modi attended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv held earlier this year, which commemorated 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026.

Grand roadshow and cultural programmes planned

Officials said PM Modi will arrive in Somnath from Jamnagar and lead a one-kilometre roadshow from the Triveni Helipad to the statue of Veer Hamirji Gohil. The procession is expected to feature cultural dance performances from different Indian states along with displays representing the 12 Jyotirlingas.

A Suryakiran Air Show and a flower petal shower over the temple spire are also planned during the event. The Prime Minister is expected to be welcomed by Rishikumars and members of local communities dressed in traditional attire.

During his visit, PM Modi will perform rituals including Kumbhabhishek, Dhvaja Puja and Mahapuja at the temple before addressing a public gathering at Sadbhavna Ground.

Somnath reconstruction anniversary

The celebrations mark 75 years since the reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated in 1951 in the presence of India’s first President Rajendra Prasad. The reconstruction effort after Independence was led under the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and supported by leaders including K.M. Munshi.

State minister Jitu Vaghani said the temple’s restoration remains a symbol of national self-respect and resilience.

After the Somnath events, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Vadodara to inaugurate the Sardardham Educational Complex. Preparations are also underway for a possible roadshow in the city later in the day.

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Mamata beater Suvendu Adhikari set to become next West Bengal CM

Suvendu Adhikari emerged as the BJP’s choice for West Bengal Chief Minister after the party’s legislature meeting in Kolkata following its historic Assembly election victory.

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7 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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Suvendu-Adhikari

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is set to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal after being elected leader of the BJP legislature party during a key meeting in Kolkata on Thursday.

The development comes days after the BJP secured a decisive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress’ long rule in the state. Party leaders met in the presence of senior central leadership to finalise the chief ministerial face ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the legislature party meeting where Adhikari’s name was formally announced. Reports said the BJP leadership backed him after he emerged as the party’s strongest face in Bengal politics over the past few years.

Adhikari played a major role in the BJP’s campaign across the state and remained one of the party’s most aggressive leaders against the ruling Trinamool Congress. He also defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the Assembly elections, strengthening his position within the party.

The BJP’s victory is being viewed as a major political shift in West Bengal, where the party is set to form its first government. Adhikari, once a senior Trinamool Congress leader, had joined the BJP before the 2021 Assembly elections and later became Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

Following the announcement, celebrations were reported outside Adhikari’s residence in East Midnapore, with party workers distributing sweets and raising slogans in support of the BJP leader.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government is expected to take place in Kolkata on May 9, where Adhikari will officially assume charge as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

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Suvendu Adhikari emerges frontrunner for Bengal Chief Minister post

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading candidate for the West Bengal Chief Minister post as BJP prepares to form its first government in the state. Reports suggest the new cabinet may also include two deputy chief ministers.

Published

12 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Chief Minister in West Bengal as the party prepares to form its first government in the state following its Assembly election victory.

The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata to elect its leader, a decision that is expected to formally determine the next Chief Minister. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Kolkata ahead of the meeting and is overseeing the selection process.

Sources cited in media reports suggest the new BJP-led government may also appoint two deputy chief ministers, a post that has remained vacant in West Bengal for nearly two decades. One of the deputy CM positions could reportedly go to a woman leader. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul is among the names being discussed for the role.

Another deputy chief minister could be chosen from north Bengal, with former Union minister Nisith Pramanik being seen as a possible contender, according to reports. There is also speculation that the BJP leadership may consider a representative from the tribal community for a senior cabinet role.

Adhikari, who played a key role in the BJP’s election campaign, defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the recently concluded Assembly elections. The BJP secured a two-thirds majority in the 294-member Assembly, paving the way for its first government in West Bengal.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is expected to take place on May 9 in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the event.

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