India News
Rajinikanth to declare political plans on December 31
Stating that he is not new to the political scenario of the state, Rajinikanth said, “I’m there since 1996. I don’t say I am entering politics.”
After veteran Tamil actor Kamal Haasan, now superstar Rajinikanth has expressed his intentions to enter the political space of Tamil Nadu. Speaking at the beginning of a six-day outreach in Chennai, the acting sensation on Tuesday hinted towards the chances of him declaring his debut in politics on the New Year’s Eve.
Stating that he is not new to the political scenario of the state, Rajinikanth said, “I am not new to politics. I’m there since 1996. I don’t say I am entering politics. I will announce my stand on politics on December 31.”
However, keeping alive the suspense on his political entry Rajinikath added, “I am hesitating about joining politics since I know the difficulties. If we go for a war we ought to win. Valour alone won’t do. We need strategy”. Pointing to his biceps and then his temple, he added: “Not this (muscle), but this (strategy).”
Stating that he has “been in politics as early as 1996”, Rajinikanth also gave a reference to a comment he made years back – which is also considered to have crushed former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s stand in the state polls. The Tamil superstar commented at that time, “Even God can’t save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa returns to power”.
The Tamil Nadu politics has been witnessing chaotic situations since the demise of the AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa – who died at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last year. Days back, the ruling AIADMK failed to retain power in the RK Nagar constituency – the assembly seat which remained vacant since the death of Jayalalithaa.
Earlier in September, Kamal Haasan cleared the air on his intentions to enter Tamil Nadu politics. Haasan had been on the headlines in connection with the states politics, sparking controversies with his meeting with the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and for attending the anniversary event of DMK’s newspaper.
Speaking in an interview with The Quint, the veteran actor discussed his plans to launch his own party, however stating that it is “not out of choice but compulsion”. Justifying his stand to not join any existing political party in Tamil Nadu, Haasan said, “Yes I am thinking on those lines, not out of choice but compulsion. A political party is about an ideology. And I don’t think my goals in politics can match the ideology of any political party.”
In October this year, speaking at the inaugural of legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan’s memorial in Chennai, Rajinikanth revealed that Haasan wanted him to join the new party he is forming. Rajinikanth said that Haasan knows what a successful politician requires. In softer tone, Rajini told, “If I had asked him two months ago, maybe he would have told me. Now when I ask him as a senior in the film industry, he says “come with me, I’ll tell you.”
India News
India’s luxury train Deccan Odyssey makes a comeback, starting services on September 23
The train was inaugurated on September 21 around 1:30 pm at the CST Station in Mumbai but the operation will be starting from Saturday.
India’s luxury train Deccan Odyssey is all set to start its commercial services from September 23. It is a comeback for the Royal Train after 3 years. The operation of this train was stopped in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The train was inaugurated on September 21 around 1:30 pm at the CST Station in Mumbai but the operation will be starting from Saturday.
According to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) official, notable personalities such as Rahul Narvekar, Deepak Kesarkar, and Girish Mahajan attended the inauguration, with attempts being made to invite Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar as guests of honour.
The official said that after Covid-19, the first seven-day journey, will traverse through royal destinations including Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Sawai Madhopur and culminate in New Delhi.
The MTDC operate the Deccan Odyssey Royal Train. The train provides a luxury service at a cost starting from Rs 6.5 lakh per person. The cost has been revised after the Covid-19 pandemic.
If a passenger books in a group of two people, the charges will cost around Rs 9 lakh for the royal experience.
To experience the grandeur of Maharashtra’s royal history, aboard the iconic Deccan Odyssey. The train features 21 coaches, with 11 dedicated to guests, as well as dining, conference, spa, and lounge coaches. MTDC has appointed a new tour operator to ensure seamless operations.
People can book now for the first trip after the COVID pandemic, with 25 seats already reserved out of a total capacity of around 80 persons.
The Deccan Odyssey showcases Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and scenic wonders, blending elegance and opulence for a luxurious travel experience.
India News
Indian High Commission, consulates facing threats, Canada’s allegations politically motivated: MEA
Arindam Bagchi further underscored that it is Canada that needs to look into its growing reputation of being a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime.
Amidst escalating tension between India and Canada, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the allegations by Canada seems to be politically motivated, adding that there’s a degree of prejudice. Diplomatic standoff between both the countries broke out after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday claimed that his country’s security agencies were investigating a link between the Indian government and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Briefing the media regarding the aforesaid allegation, Arindam Bagchi noted that no specific information was shared by Canada on the Nijjar case. He added that the Indian government had shared specific information concerning criminal activities by individuals on Canadian soil but no actions were taken regarding the same.
Arindam Bagchi further underscored that it is Canada that needs to look into its growing reputation of being a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime. He asserted that the security situation is owing to the inaction by the Canadian government. He also claimed that there are elements linked to organized crime, terrorists, and extremists who are on a free run and politically condoned.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson also claimed that the Indian High Commission and consulates are facing security threats in Canada and therefore cannot process visa applications temporarily. He noted that all categories of visas are suspended and that the issue is not about travel to India but about incitement of violence and inaction by the Canadian government. Those who have valid visas and OCI cards can travel freely, he continued.
He conveyed that the Indian government has informed the Canadian government that there should be parity in strength and rank equivalence in their mutual diplomatic presence. Notably, in a meeting that was held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada, promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
India News
Women’s Reservation Bill can still be sent to Select Committee for including caste quota: RJD MP Manoj Jha
Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha suggested sending the bill to the Select Committee for including the Schedule Caste, Schedules Tribes, Other Backward Castes in the Bill.
Speaking on the Women’s Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha, the Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha, said there is still a chance to send the bill to the Select Committee for including the Schedule Caste, Schedules Tribes, Other Backward Castes in the Bill as well.
The Rajya Sabha MP said it would have been a revolutionary step if the 33 percent reservation would not be from the existing quota but it should be a separate quota.
He said the government has created a provision to empower women who come from SC, ST, and OBC communities. There is not much for the welfare of women in the religious text, he added. RJD MP Jha suggested the Modi-led BJP government to take a stand and work for the welfare of the women without any hesitation, he further added.
Speaking on surname privilege, he said people often overlook their privilege. He said his surname is a privilege. He added our surname has afforded us privilege. Consider those surnames that lack such advantages. In this country, a name may hold little significance, but everything lies in the surname, the Rajya Sabha MP said.
Early in the day, he said the government doesn’t have a clear intention on this bill. There’s no road map and this bill is being passed in Lok Sabha. You have rejected and excluded a big population. PM Modi and his team need to understand that the discussion is not happening on the passing of the bill but on OBC. He further raised questions on OBC not being included in the bill. He said government should revise their position once again or else people have other options to change their position and their bill, Manoj Jha said.
Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav has also spoken on the Women’s Reservation Bill and said the reservation should be ensured for backward women and minority women. No one knows when it will be implemented because it will be implemented after the census and delimitation, he added.
