English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest Politics News

Now, Rahul’s name in Somnath Temple’s non-Hindu visitor book kicks row

Published

on

Now, Rahul’s name in Somnath Temple’s non-Hindu visitor book kicks row

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Congress claims image of Rahul’s name in non-Hindu visitor book circulating on social media is a mischief by the BJP, releases copies of original entry

Accept it or not, election campaigns in India are always communally charged and a gaffe or mischief engineered by political rivals that raise questions on a prominent leader’s religious identity can often make or mar his party’s poll campaign.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and his party, on Wednesday, learned this the hard way as a photograph purportedly of the ‘non-Hindu’ visitor book at Gujarat’s iconic Somnath Temple went viral with names of “Rahul Ganhdi ji and Ahmed Patel ji” mentioned in it. The Congress vice president, who is currently campaigning in Gujarat for the upcoming Assembly elections, had visited the Somnath Temple on Wednesday morning along with a host of party leaders and mediapersons.

The image was promptly lapped up by the BJP, especially its IT cell chief Amit Malviya – the saffron party’s whizkid known for often circulating fake or misleading news and images – who was quick to point out that Rahul Gandhi was “not a Hindu” and had “finally come clean” on his religious identity.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Obviously sensing that the image, already receiving huge traction on social media and the typical abuse and vitriol directed towards Rahul Gandhi, could severely dent the party’s poll prospects in Gujarat, Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and Deepender Hooda hurriedly convened a press conference in New Delhi. Surjewala and Hooda released “real” copies of the visitor book entry that Rahul Gandhi had made at the Somnath Temple while he claimed that the one being circulated on social media was not of an entry made by the Congress vice president.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Hooda pointed out that the image that has gone viral on social media has the name of Rahul Gandhi suffixed with a “ji” – a term of respect used for a person while referring to him in Hindi – and claimed that the Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi would not have signed his name in this manner.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRUhlcmUlMjBpcyUyMHRoZSUyMG9yaWdpbmFsJTIwc2lnbmF0dXJlJTIwb2YlMjBSYWh1bCUyMEdhbmRoaSUyMGF0JTIwU29tbmF0aCUyMFRlbXBsZS5WZXJ5JTIwY2xlYXJseS4lMjBUaGUlMjBvdGhlciUyMHNpZ25hdHVyZSUyMGlzJTIwd3JpdHRlbiUyMGFzJTIwJTI2JTIzMzklM0JSYWh1bCUyMEdhbmRoaSUyMGppJTI2JTIzMzklM0IlMkMlMjB3aHklMjB3b3VsZCUyMGhlJTIwd3JpdGUlMjBqaSUzRiUyMERvbiUyNiUyMzM5JTNCdCUyMGtub3clMjB3aG8lMjB3cm90ZSUyMGl0LiUyMEJKUCUyMGRvaW5nJTIwd2hhdCUyMGl0JTIwZG9lcyUyMGJlc3QlMkMlMjBkaXZlcnRpbmclMjBmcm9tJTIwcmVhbCUyMGlzc3VlcyUzQSUyMERlZXBlbmRyYSUyMEhvb2RhJTJDQ29uZ3Jlc3MlMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdC5jbyUyRkNlUnFKbmxBNkElMjIlM0VwaWMudHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZDZVJxSm5sQTZBJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMjZtZGFzaCUzQiUyMEFOSSUyMCUyOCU0MEFOSSUyOSUyMCUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRkFOSSUyRnN0YXR1cyUyRjkzNTg0NDE0NDQ4Mzc3ODU2MCUzRnJlZl9zcmMlM0R0d3NyYyUyNTVFdGZ3JTIyJTNFTm92ZW1iZXIlMjAyOSUyQyUyMDIwMTclM0MlMkZhJTNFJTNDJTJGYmxvY2txdW90ZSUzRSUwQSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMGFzeW5jJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZwbGF0Zm9ybS50d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRndpZGdldHMuanMlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]While the clarification should have ideally put the controversy over Rahul’s faith to an end, that obviously did not happen. Congress-baiters and BJP sympathizers went on an overdrive to claim that Rahul “is not a Hindu” and that the entry in the Somnath Temple visitor book had “finally called his bluff”.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Latest Politics News

Yogi Adityanath says Congress insulting Ambedkar since Nehru days

Adityanath pointed to examples of Congress’ alleged negligence, including its initial hesitance to include Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee, crediting Mahatma Gandhi for securing Ambedkar’s position.

Published

on

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday hit out at the Congress, accusing it of disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, both during his life and after his death.

During a press conference held at his official residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, he also claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, opposed Ambedkar’s inclusion in the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Adityanath’s comments came in the wake of a controversy sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha last week. Surrounded by ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Asim Arun, the Chief Minister emphasised that the purpose of the press conference was to reveal what he called the unethical and unconstitutional actions of Congress and other opposition parties against Ambedkar.

“Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, the formulation of the Constitution, and the foundational years of an independent India. Despite facing numerous societal challenges, he achieved the highest accolades in law, finance, and economics. His contributions to the nation are unmatched, and he is deeply revered by every Indian,” Adityanath stated.

He contrasted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) respect for Ambedkar with the Congress party’s history of disrespect. Adityanath highlighted the BJP’s initiatives to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, including memorials in significant locations like Mhow, Nagpur, Mumbai, and London, where Ambedkar pursued his studies.

“Under BJP leadership, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, we have made every effort to uphold Ambedkar’s ideals. In stark contrast, the Congress has consistently insulted him and minimised his contributions,” he asserted.

Adityanath pointed to examples of Congress’ alleged negligence, including its initial hesitance to include Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee, crediting Mahatma Gandhi for securing Ambedkar’s position.

He also recalled an incident during the UPA regime when a textbook depicted a derogatory cartoon of Ambedkar being prodded by Nehru, which was withdrawn only after widespread protests, leading to an apology from then HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.

The Chief Minister claimed that the Congress worked to defeat Ambedkar in elections, including the 1952 general elections for the Mumbai North constituency and the 1954 by-elections.

He alleged that even Nehru campaigned against Ambedkar to ensure his loss, asserting that the Congress consistently aimed to silence the voices of Dalits and marginalized communities.

Adityanath also criticised the Congress for not granting national honors to Ambedkar during his lifetime, stating, “It was only when a government supported by the BJP came to power that Ambedkar was finally awarded the Bharat Ratna.”

He further emphasised the BJP’s commitment to realizing Ambedkar’s vision through programs aimed at benefiting Dalits and marginalized groups, reiterating the party’s dedication to preserving Ambedkar’s legacy while accusing the Congress of ongoing disrespect and divisive politics.

Continue Reading

India News

Government set to table One Nation, One Election bill in Lok Sabha on December 16

Published

on

Parliament Winter Session: Lok Sabha speaker warns opposition, No-Confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman

The stage is set for a major legislative push by the central government as two bills related to the ambitious “One Nation, One Election” initiative are scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 16.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to present The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, marking a significant step towards implementing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections.

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the constitutional amendment bill that seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This decision underscores the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to its long-standing agenda of electoral synchronization, aimed at reducing the frequency of polls and associated costs.

The Cabinet also approved a supplementary bill to amend specific provisions related to three Union territories with legislative assemblies—Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. This aligns their governance framework with the overarching constitutional amendments proposed under the “One Nation, One Election” initiative.

The constitutional amendment bill aims to streamline the electoral calendar by establishing a legal framework for conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. However, the government has, for now, opted to exclude local body polls, such as those for municipalities and panchayats, from this framework. A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind had earlier suggested a phased approach to include local elections in the future.

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has been a focal point in political discourse, with proponents arguing it will enhance governance by reducing electoral disruptions and fostering policy stability. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the logistical and constitutional challenges of synchronizing diverse electoral cycles across India’s federal structure.

This legislative development will undoubtedly dominate parliamentary discussions as political parties prepare to deliberate on the feasibility and implications of reshaping India’s electoral landscape.

The introduction of these bills is expected to spark robust debate, with the government emphasizing the potential benefits of reduced administrative burdens and streamlined governance, while opposition parties scrutinize its impact on India’s democratic fabric.

Continue Reading

Latest Politics News

At Congress meet, Kharge blames internal bickering, statements against own party leaders for election losses

Kharge noted that the atmosphere was in the Congress’ favour during the elections but pointed out that just the atmosphere being in its favour does not guarantee victory.

Published

on

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday asserted that the internal bickering in the party and statements against own party leaders were among the reasons for the loss of the grand old party in the recently concluded Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

Noting that statements against own party leaders harm the party a lot, Kharge said that tough decisions will have to be taken, accountability be fixed and shortcomings removed by learning lessons from the election results.

In his address during the Congress Working Committee meeting at the AICC headquarters, Kharge highlighted the EVMs issue and said that the EVMs have made the electoral process suspect, stressing it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

“Unless we fight elections unitedly and stop making statements against each other, how will we be able to defeat our opponents politically?” the Congress president said.

“Therefore, it is important that we strictly follow discipline. We have to remain united under all circumstances. The party also has the weapon of disciplining. But we do not want to put our comrades in any bondage,” he said.

“Therefore, everyone needs to think that a victory of the Congress party is our victory and a defeat is our defeat. Our strength lies in the strength of the party,” the Congress president said.

He also noted that the Congress made a comeback with new enthusiasm riding on its performance in the Lok Sabha polls and said the election results of three states were not as per the party’s expectations.

“INDIA parties formed the government in 2 out of 4 states. But our performance was below expectation. This is a challenge for us in terms of the future,” he said.

“We need to immediately learn from the election results and correct all our weaknesses and shortcomings at the organisational level. These results are a message for us,” he said.

Kharge noted that the atmosphere was in the Congress’ favour during the elections but pointed out that just the atmosphere being in its favour does not guarantee victory.

“We will have to learn to convert the atmosphere into results. What is the reason that we are not able to take advantage of the atmosphere?” he said.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com