On January 30, India solemnly commemorated the 77th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, a day observed as Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day). The nation paid tribute to the Father of the Nation at the Gandhi Smriti Memorial in Rajghat, a poignant site where Gandhi’s life and legacy are perpetually honoured. The ceremony, a solemn affair steeped in respect and remembrance, was led by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other prominent figures from India’s political landscape.

Their presence underscored the enduring reverence for Gandhi’s contributions to India’s independence and his global impact on movements for peace and justice.

The atmosphere was thick with reverence as the devotional song “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” filled the air. This bhajan, popularized by Gandhi himself and set to music by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in Raga Mishra Gara, holds a profound significance, inextricably linked to Gandhi’s spiritual and political journey.

Its melody served as a fitting tribute, echoing the peaceful principles he championed throughout his life. The choice of this particular song was not arbitrary; it represented the essence of Gandhi’s philosophy and the peaceful methods he employed in the struggle for Indian independence.

The tributes extended beyond the confines of the memorial ceremony. Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his profound respect, stating that Gandhi’s ideals continue to motivate the nation in its pursuit of becoming a developed country. He also paid tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom, emphasizing their selfless service and unwavering commitment.

Similar sentiments were echoed by BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both using the X platform to convey their heartfelt tributes. Nadda emphasized Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance (Swadeshi) as the guiding principle for achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (a self-reliant India), a key objective of the current government.

Shah highlighted Gandhi’s instrumental role in uniting India during the freedom struggle and his success in disseminating India’s values of truth, non-violence, and the fight against injustice on a global scale. He underscored Gandhi’s enduring influence on the nation’s pursuit of cleanliness, self-sufficiency, and rural empowerment.

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy remains profoundly relevant. His unwavering commitment to non-violent resistance, his advocacy for truth, and his profound impact on India’s independence continue to inspire movements for social justice and peace worldwide.

His life and teachings serve as a constant reminder of the power of peaceful resistance and the enduring pursuit of a more just and equitable world. The commemorations on Martyrs’ Day served not just as a remembrance of his assassination but as a reaffirmation of the values he championed and a continued call to action for future generations.

The Congress party launched its ambitious manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on January 29th, 2025, just days before the February 5th polls. The manifesto, unveiled by Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav and Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh, outlines a comprehensive plan aimed at winning back the electorate after their 2013 ousting by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The document, divided into 22 key policy areas, promises a significant departure from the current political landscape in the capital.

Central to the Congress’s strategy is a strong focus on social welfare and economic empowerment. A cornerstone of their plan is monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for women, a move designed to directly address the economic needs of households across Delhi. This is complemented by promises of free electricity for up to 300 units, significantly reducing energy costs for consumers.

The party also pledges to provide LPG cylinders at a heavily subsidized rate of ₹500, alleviating the burden of rising fuel prices. Free health insurance coverage up to ₹25 lakh and the distribution of free ration kits are further components of their welfare package.

The Congress manifesto goes beyond immediate relief, addressing long-term concerns about unemployment and social justice. The party has committed to providing financial assistance of ₹8,500 per month for one year to educated unemployed youth, a significant investment in human capital development.

To tackle food insecurity, they propose establishing 100 Indira canteens across the city, offering affordable meals at just ₹5. In a significant political move, the Congress also promises to conduct a caste census, a long-standing demand of various marginalized communities, and to establish a dedicated Ministry for Purvanchalis, reflecting the significant presence of migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Delhi.

The launch event was also utilized to sharply criticize the ruling AAP and the BJP-led central government for their perceived failures in addressing Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem. Ramesh, in particular, highlighted the inaction of both parties, positioning Congress as the only viable alternative capable of effectively tackling this critical environmental crisis. With the election results expected on February 8th, the Congress manifesto sets a clear agenda, aiming to resonate with the diverse electorate and secure a return to power in the Delhi Assembly.

In a sharp attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the party of resorting to desperate measures ahead of the February 5th Delhi assembly elections. The PM’s criticism centered on Kejriwal’s recent claim that the Yamuna River was being poisoned, a statement Modi dismissed as a blatant lie fueled by the AAP’s fear of electoral defeat.

Addressing a large public gathering in Kartar Nagar, Modi painted a picture of an AAP government riddled with corruption and deceit. He characterized the party’s governance as a “sheesh mahal” (palace of mirrors), a facade concealing massive misuse of public funds amounting to thousands of crores of rupees.

This alleged financial mismanagement, Modi argued, directly contradicts any genuine concern for the welfare of Delhi’s citizens. The fabricated claims regarding the Yamuna, he asserted, are simply the latest attempt to distract from the AAP’s failures.

To illustrate the AAP’s alleged duplicity, Modi drew a stark comparison to the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj. He described Sobhraj’s ability to deceive victims with an air of innocence, highlighting the parallels he saw between the criminal’s tactics and the AAP’s political strategy. Modi emphasized the need for vigilance against such deceptive practices, urging voters to recognize the AAP’s alleged false promises and manipulative tactics.

The Prime Minister’s speech served as a fervent appeal to voters. He positioned himself as an alternative to the long-standing rule of both the Congress and the AAP, promising a fresh approach to governance. He argued that Delhi has reached a turning point, where the electorate is no longer willing to tolerate the “loot and lies” that have allegedly characterized the previous administrations.

Modi emphasized that the people of Delhi deserve better, and he called upon them to give him a chance to deliver on his promises after twenty-five years of what he portrayed as misgovernance. The election, he suggested, is a clear choice between transparency and accountability versus the alleged deceit and corruption of the AAP.