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AAP Govt sit-in at LG House continues with minister Satyendra Jain on hunger strike

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AAP Govt sit-in at LG House continues with minister Satyendra Jain on hunger strike

The sit-in protest by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and three of his ministers inside the Lt Governor’s Secretariat entered the second day today (Tuesday, June 12).

Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues spent Monday night at Raj Niwas in protest against what they called the inaction by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in ordering the bureaucrats to end their four-month “strike”.

One of the ministers, Satyendra Jain, has launched an indefinite fast.

They are demanding L-G Anil Baijal to act against agitating IAS officials and approve the doorstep delivery of ration, a pet project of the AAP government.

Following a brief meeting with Baijal at 5.30 pm on Monday, Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, PWD Minister Satyendra Jain and Labour Minister Gopal Rai refused to leave the waiting room of the L-G office.

Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai, who slept on the sofas in the waiting room at Raj Niwas, had asked Baijal to direct that all IAS officers who did not return to work would have proceedings initiated against them and, if necessary, ESMA would be invoked against them.

Kejriwal alleged that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the L-G were instigating an officers’ “rebellion” against the elected government by “coordinating” the ongoing agitation that started after the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on February 19.

Baijal, for his part, maintained that while there was no strike, the atmosphere of mistrust between the state government and bureaucracy continued and “no sincere attempts to resolve the differences have been made so far by AAP government”. Baijal also alleged that in a meeting with the Delhi ministers on Monday evening, he was “threatened” by Kejriwal. Baijal said the demand that IAS officer be summoned to Raj Niwas and ordered to end the so-called strike was not desirable because he had already spoken to the bureaucrats in this regard.

The Raj Niwas issued a statement alleging that the CM “threatened” the L-G, demanding that he summon the officers at Raj Niwas and end the “so-called strike”, reported The Indian Express (IE).

“In response, it was reiterated by L-G that there is no strike and in his continued interactions with officers, it has been informed that the atmosphere of mistrust and fear continues and no sincere attempts to resolve the differences have been made so far,” the statement said, adding that it was in the sequence of “dharna without any reason”.

This morning, the four protesters sent a letter to Baijal, saying if the IAS officers did not end their “strike”, the Delhi government would be forced to turn to a law that punishes those who disrupt essential services.

Sisodia posted the letter in tweets.

AAP alleges that work has been affected because the officers have been on a protest against the Kejriwal government and have been boycotting meetings since Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged in February that he was assaulted by AAP lawmakers during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s home.

The officers, however, deny any strike. The officers have restricted themselves to written communication with the political executive since the alleged attack on the Chief Secretary by AAP MLAs at the Chief Minister’s residence in February. The L-G had denied that the officers are on strike, in a statement on Monday. Raj Niwas had also stated the file pertaining to the delivery of rations is pending with the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, not the L-G.

Kejriwal has pledged to stay put at the Lieutenant Governor’s until he acts against the officers.

“In the history of independent India, this is the first time that IAS officers on strike for four months. Why?” the Chief Minister questioned yesterday, accusing Baijal of refusing to help.

Sisodia said that he met and wrote to Lt Governor Anil Baijal five times about the strike but he did “nothing” to end it.

The AAP government in Delhi has been clashing with the Lt Governor for months, accusing him of acting like the centre’s agent. They have also launched a campaign for full statehood for the capital, with the slogan: “L-G, Delhi Chhodo (Lieutenant Governor, Quit Delhi)”.

The AAP government accuses the centre of trying to rule Delhi using the Lieutenant Governor, who has to sign off on all decisions taken by Kejriwal and his ministers.

Latest Politics News

Sonia Gandhi accuses Centre of undermining MGNREGA, demands Rs 400 minimum wage, 150 workdays

Sonia Gandhi highlighted that the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005 during the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has been a vital safety net for millions of rural poor. However, she expressed deep concern over its alleged deterioration under the current administration.

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Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP-led central government of systematically weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a flagship rural employment scheme. Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, she demanded an increase in the minimum wage under the scheme to ₹400 per day and an extension of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 per year.

Sonia Gandhi highlighted that the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005 during the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has been a vital safety net for millions of rural poor. However, she expressed deep concern over its alleged deterioration under the current administration.

“The budget allocation for MGNREGA remains stagnant at ₹86,000 crore, which is a 10-year low as a percentage of GDP. When adjusted for inflation, the effective budget has declined by ₹4,000 crore. Estimates suggest that nearly 20% of the allocated funds will be used to clear pending dues from previous years,” she stated.

She also pointed out several challenges plaguing the scheme, including the exclusionary Aadhaar-based payment system, the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), persistent delays in wage payments, and wage rates that fail to keep pace with inflation. The NMMS app, which requires real-time attendance and geotagged photographs of workers, has been criticized for adding unnecessary complexity.

Sonia Gandhi called for adequate financial provisions to sustain and expand MGNREGA. She urged the government to increase the minimum wage to ₹400 per day, ensure timely disbursement of wages, and raise the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 annually.

The central government had previously increased MGNREGA wages by 3-10% in nominal terms for the financial year 2024-25, just before the general elections were announced last year. However, wages vary significantly across states, ranging from ₹237 per day in Uttarakhand to ₹300 in Andhra Pradesh.

Demanding the removal of the Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) and NMMS, Sonia Gandhi emphasized, “These measures are essential to ensure that MGNREGA provides dignified employment and financial security to rural workers.”

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India News

Nagpur violence: Fadnavis, Shinde call it a planned conspiracy amid political blame game

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde claim the Nagpur riots were a pre-planned conspiracy. The opposition, however, alleges BJP’s role in inciting violence.

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Eknath Shinde Devendra Fadnavis

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on Monday night over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. The unrest left 33 police officers and five civilians injured, with multiple shops and vehicles set ablaze.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have labeled the violence as a “planned conspiracy” and blamed it on deliberate misinformation. Fadnavis pointed to the large-scale stone-pelting and targeted attacks, saying, “We got a trolley of stones, indicating planning, and some specified houses and institutions were targeted.”

He added that misinformation about a religious symbol on a symbolic grave sparked the violence. “One Deputy Commissioner was attacked with an axe… those who took the law into their hands will not be spared,” he asserted.

Clashes fueled by ‘Chhava’ movie and political tensions

The controversy began when right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The groups symbolically burned a grave made of grass and raised slogans. This, according to authorities, led to the spread of false claims that religious texts were burned, triggering a reaction from the Muslim community.

Eknath Shinde backed Fadnavis’ claims, saying, “Patriotic Muslims will never support Aurangzeb.” He further called Aurangzeb’s tomb a “blot on Maharashtra” and accused opposition parties of inciting the violence.

Opposition alleges BJP conspiracy

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray countered the ruling alliance’s claims, alleging that the BJP was attempting to create a “Manipur-like situation” in Maharashtra. His party colleague, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence as part of a larger political agenda.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged people not to believe in rumors, stating, “Nagpur is known for maintaining peace. I urge my brothers not to fall for misinformation.”

Current situation in Nagpur

Heavy security has been deployed across the city, particularly near Aurangzeb’s tomb, which is under legal protection. Several houses and shops were vandalized, and multiple vehicles were torched during the riots.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences, with one, Sharad Gupta from Hansapuri, stating that a mob attacked his house around 10:30 PM, setting his two-wheelers on fire while police response was delayed.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and curfew measures remain in place to prevent further escalation.

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India News

PM Modi lauds Maha Kumbh’s success, calls it a symbol of India’s unity and strength

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Maha Kumbh 2025 a testament to India’s unity and strength while Congress criticized him for not mentioning stampede deaths in his address.

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PM Modi addressing the Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, hailed the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He attributed its grandeur to the collective efforts of the people of India, especially those from Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj.

“I bow to the countrymen whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is a result of countless contributions. I thank the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the event as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity and unity, he remarked that differences faded away during the Maha Kumbh, underscoring India’s deep-rooted spirit of oneness.

A global spectacle of faith and devotion

PM Modi emphasized that the Maha Kumbh not only showcased India’s cultural richness but also served as a testament to its national awakening. “The entire world saw India’s grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh. We witnessed a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements. This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he stated.

According to official data, the Maha Kumbh, which took place from January 13 to February 26, saw a staggering participation of 66 crore devotees, nearly ten times the population of France. Over 40 crore devotees and Naga seers took a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at the Sangam in Prayagraj.

Congress questions omission of stampede deaths

While PM Modi focused on the success and significance of the Maha Kumbh, the Congress criticized him for not addressing the tragic stampede incidents that occurred during the event. At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the fair venue, while another 18 perished due to a Kumbh-bound rush at a railway station in Delhi.

PM Modi connects Maha Kumbh with India’s cultural revival

The Prime Minister also shared that he had immersed sacred water from Sangam at the Ganga Talao in Mauritius, further emphasizing the global significance of India’s traditions. He concluded his speech by asserting that the new generation of India is embracing its heritage with pride, and events like Maha Kumbh strengthen the nation’s unity and cultural resurgence.

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