In a forceful address to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticized the opposition, particularly targeting Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) amidst the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Modi highlighted his administration’s commitment to tangible development contrasts sharply with the opposition’s focus on superficial luxuries.

Starting his speech, Modi referenced allegations against Kejriwal for extravagant spending on luxury fittings in his official residence, using this to symbolize a broader critique of the opposition’s priorities. He stated, “Some political leaders focus on Jacuzzis and stylish showers… while our government prioritizes basic needs like water connections for every home.”

Continuing his attack, Modi condemned the AAP for not fulfilling their election promises and contrasted this with the BJP’s record in states like Haryana and Maharashtra, where his party recently secured significant electoral victories. He accused the opposition of betraying the youth by failing to deliver on job promises, despite making grandiose pledges during election campaigns.

The Prime Minister also did not spare the Congress party. He criticized them for their historical slogan ‘garibi hatao’ (remove poverty), claiming it remained unfulfilled, and contrasted it with the BJP’s record over the last decade, which he said lifted millions from poverty. Modi also referenced past Congress leadership failures, claiming that his government has ensured direct benefits to the needy, with significant funds deposited directly into the accounts of the poor.

Modi’s speech also touched on recent budget announcements, highlighting tax relief measures for the middle class, and recommended a book on US foreign policy during JFK’s presidency, drawing a parallel to current foreign policy challenges faced by India.

Throughout his speech, Modi’s rhetoric was met with reactions ranging from vehement protests by opposition members to supportive thumping of desks by his party’s MPs, illustrating the heated and divisive atmosphere in Indian politics as Delhi prepares for critical elections.

In a harrowing incident in the dense forests along the border of Bijapur and Dantewada districts, three security personnel sustained injuries during a rigorous anti-Naxalite operation on Tuesday. The operation, involving members from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was marred by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast and a perilous encounter with a spike trap, according to a senior police official.

The official reported that the incident occurred when two jawans accidentally triggered a pressure-activated IED, resulting in an explosion. Concurrently, another member of the security team suffered injuries after stepping on a spike trap, a hostile device strategically placed by Naxalites to impede law enforcement efforts.

Immediate medical attention was provided on-site, and the injured personnel were subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Raipur for further medical treatment. The operation highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by security forces in regions affected by Naxalite insurgency, underscoring the perilous nature of maintaining law and order in such areas.

During a recent gathering at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a tragic stampede occurred resulting in 30 deaths and over 60 injuries as attendees surged past barriers for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite the calamity, BJP MP and actor Hema Malini downplayed the severity of the incident, describing it as “not a very big incident” and suggesting that media reports were exaggerating the tragedy.

Her comments were made shortly after she herself participated in the event, benefiting from VIP treatment and security that critics argue was at the expense of general safety measures for the public. This stance has led to a sharp rebuke from Tariq Anwar, a Congress MP, who criticized Malini for her lack of empathy and awareness of the chaos experienced by ordinary attendees.

Opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party led by former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, have been vocal in their condemnation of the state government’s handling of the event and the subsequent response to the tragedy. They demand accountability and transparency regarding the incident details, which they claim are being obscured by the state authorities.

The controversy extends to accusations from SP MP Jaya Bachchan, who alleged that bodies of the deceased were disposed of in the Ganges, further polluting the river. This claim, while denied by the BJP, has added fuel to the political fire surrounding the event, with demands for a verified list of casualties and an impartial investigation into the disaster management at the Kumbh Mela.

As the debate rages on, the BJP defends its administration of the event, claiming extensive funds were allocated for water management and safety measures. However, the public outcry and political uproar continue to grow as the nation grapples with the repercussions of the tragedy and the insensitive remarks made by a prominent political figure.