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After Lenin and Periyar, Shyama Prasad Mookerji’s statue vandalised; Modi wakes up

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After Lenin and Periyar, Shyama Prasad Mookerji’s statue vandalised; Modi wakes up

Centre kept mum as Lenin’s statues were razed in Tripura by suspected BJP supporters; Modi intervened after a bust of Jana Sangh founder was defaced in Bengal

The vandalism witnessed in Tripura and Tamil Nadu of statues of communist icon Vladmir Lenin and Dravidian mascot EV Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ over the past two days – the handiwork of suspected BJP workers – may not have evoked any concern from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.

But, the backlash it triggered in Kolkata on Wednesday morning, with a bust of Jana Sangh founder Shyama Prasdad Mookerji being defaced by alleged Left-wing radicals, finally nudged the Prime Minister to declare – albeit through a press communiqué – his “strong disapproval” of the acts of vandalism.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the reported incidents of vandalism in certain parts of country and said stern action will be taken against those found guilty. Incidents of toppling of statues have been reported from certain parts of the country. The Prime Minister spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard and expressed his strong disapproval of such incidents,” a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office on Wednesday morning said.

It added: “Ministry of Home Affairs has taken serious note of such incidents of vandalism. Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the states that they must take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents. Persons indulging in such acts must be sternly dealt with and booked under relevant provisions of law.”

Interestingly, there was no “disapproval” of the incidents of vandalism by the Prime Minister through Monday and Tuesday when alleged BJP supporters razed – in broad daylight, full public view and in the presence of mediapersons – two statues of communist icon Vladmir Lenin in different parts of Tripura. In fact, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, known for being a rabid follower of the BJP’s Hindutva ideology,  BJP national general secretary in-charge of the party’s affairs in north eastern states, Ram Madhav and several other senior functionaries of the BJP seemed to condone these brazen acts of vandalism which were carried out within days of the BJP coming to power in Tripura, ending 25 years of Left rule.

There was also no immediate disapproval or reprimand from Modi and his government when a BJP leader in Tamil Nadu, H Raja, warned through a Facebook post that “…in Tamil Nadu, casteist Periyar’s statues will be destroyed.” Hours after Raja’s post, which he later deleted and said was made by a man who he had hired as an administrator for his Facebook page, a statue of Periyar – the Dravidian activist, scholar and ideologue revered across Tamil Nadu, was vandalised by two men in the state’s Vellore district. The statue was installed inside the Tirupathur Corporation Office in Vellore and was found damaged at around 9 pm on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday morning, in what seemed like retaliation by Left radicals to the acts of vandalising the Lenin statues in Tripura’s Belonia and Sabroom towns, a bust of Jana Sangh founder and BJP icon Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was defiled in Kolkata. This act, it seems, finally moved Modi to intervene by issuing the statement of his “strong disapproval” and directing Union home minister Rajnath Singh to ask the States that “they must take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents”.

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Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

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3 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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8 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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