West Bengal Minister Babul Supriyo and BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay engaged in a heated exchange on the Vidyasagar Bridge over the alleged honking of car horns. The video of the same has been surfaced widely on the internet.

Supriyo accused the Tamluk MP of using inappropriate language against him, while Gangopadhyay countered that it was Supriyo who resorted to unparliamentary language during their confrontation on the night of January 3, 2024.

Gangopadhyay recounted that Supriyo halted his vehicle and directed abusive language at him, asserting that the horn noise originated from a car behind his, not Supriyo’s. The former Calcutta High Court judge stated that Supriyo had exited his vehicle to confront him.

Supriyo, who serves as West Bengal’s Minister for Information Technology and Electronics, claimed his intention was simply to inform Gangopadhyay that his vehicle was speeding with the use of a hooter. “But he (Gangopadhyay) cursed at me as I approached,” added the singer-turned-politician.

Notably, Supriyo, who previously held a Minister of State position in the Narendra Modi administration, switched allegiance from the BJP to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in September 2021.

A video that surfaced later showed Supriyo demanding an apology from the BJP MP for his conduct. Although Gangopadhyay remained in his car, his security personnel were observed trying to de-escalate the situation.

Supriyo also accused Gangopadhyay’s vehicle of frequently sounding the siren, which he claimed was inappropriate since, according to him, the MP’s car lacked proper identification. However, reports indicate that the car displayed a sign reading “MP from Tamluk.”

This incident recalls previous confrontations involving Gangopadhyay, including an altercation in October last year with TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee during a parliamentary committee meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

In July of the same year, he also had a fiery exchange with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi during his inaugural speech on the Union Budget, during which some of his remarks were later expunged from the record. The dispute erupted as Gangopadhyay was urged to conclude his speech, leading Gogoi to question him about comments he had previously made regarding Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of caste politics on Saturday, expressing concern that certain individuals are attempting to disrupt peace under its guise. He urged collective efforts to counteract these attempts in order to maintain social harmony in rural areas across the nation.

During the inauguration of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that villages would play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047. While refraining from naming specific individuals, he pointed out that some are stirring unrest by promoting caste-based divides. “We must work to reinforce the heritage of peace and unity within our villages,” he emphasized.

Modi highlighted the progress made by the NDA government since 2014 in advancing rural development, citing a State Bank of India report revealing that rural poverty has decreased from 26% in 2012 to below 5%. He criticized previous governments for neglecting rural communities, stating that villages remained without essential services even decades after independence. In contrast, he pledged that his government is committed to empowering villages and addressing the needs of those previously overlooked.

Before the event, PM Modi remarked, “As our villages prosper, their contribution to the vision of a developed India will only grow.” He described the Mahotsav as a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening rural economies and empowering communities.

During the inauguration, he engaged with artisans and was honored by NABARD Chairperson Shaji KV, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also present. The Mahotsav includes discussions, workshops, and masterclasses focused on improving rural infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Special attention is given to financial inclusion, empowering rural women, and utilising technology to enhance livelihoods, particularly in North-East India. The event also features cultural performances and exhibitions that celebrate India’s rich heritage.

Reflecting on his own childhood experiences in a small town, PM Modi shared his understanding of the challenges and potential in rural areas, stating, “Since 2014, I have dedicated myself to serving rural India relentlessly. Providing a dignified life to those in villages remains my government’s top priority.”

During the event, Sitharaman noted that banks are conducting saturation drives for 16 government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Mudra, and PM SVANidhi.

The Mahotsav is designed to enhance rural infrastructure, foster self-reliance, and promote innovation within rural communities, while also focusing on economic stability and financial security, particularly in North-East India, by addressing financial inclusion and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Two soldiers were tragically killed and two others injured when an Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday.

The accident took place near the SK Payen area, leaving the soldiers with serious injuries. The injured personnel were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the loss of the two soldiers has left the entire region in mourning.

This unfortunate incident follows another similar tragedy that occurred just a month ago in Poonch. In that accident, five soldiers lost their lives, and five others were injured when their truck fell into a 300-foot gorge. The Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, sharing a statement on social media expressing their deepest condolences for the “brave soldiers” who had been serving on operational duty in the Poonch sector.

The latest loss has drawn widespread expressions of grief from political leaders. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his sorrow, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered his heartfelt tributes to the martyrs. He also wished for a swift recovery for the injured soldiers and extended his deepest condolences to their grieving families.

These two incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by soldiers in the line of duty, and the sacrifices made in protecting the nation. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident, while the military community comes together to mourn the tragic losses.