India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Thiruvananthapuram: General education minister V Sivankutty seems to be the sharpest weapon the LDF government has unleashed against Governor Rajendra Arlekar. On Thursday, Sivankutty called Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel the "hired gun" of Governor Arlekar. As for the Governor's image of Bharat Mata, the minster had this to say: "You mean that woman holding the saffron flag? Indian Constitution has no mention of this." He was responding to the VC's decision to suspend Registrar K S Anil Kumar for "arbitrarily" issuing a notice cancelling an event held at the University Senate Hall on June 25 when the Governor was on stage. The Registrar was also accused of disrespecting the Governor. Sivankutty said that the suspension was not in order. "The Registrar is appointed by the Syndicate, and the Syndicate alone has the power to initiate disciplinary action against him," Sivankutty said on Thursday. "Fact is, the VC has no power to even grant leaves that extend beyond 10 days," he said. The VC, while suspending the Registrar, had said that the action was taken under Rule 10(13) of the Kerala University Act. Here is what section 10(13) says: "If at any time except when the Syndicate or the Academic Council is in session, the Vice-Chancellor is satisfied that an emergency has arisen requiring him to take immediate action involving the exercise of any power vested in the Syndicate or the Academic Council by or under this Act the Vice-Chancellor may take such action as he deems fit, and shall, at the next session of the Syndicate or the Academic Council, as the case may be, report the action taken by him to that authority for such action as it may consider necessary." Though the VC can act "as he deems fit" in an emergency, Sivankutty said that another clause - section 10(14) - had circumscribed even this power of the VC. "The VC can initiate disciplinary proceedings against officials only up to the assistant registrar," Sivankutty said. Here is what Section 10(14) says: "The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to appoint, suspend, dismiss or otherwise punish any member of the establishment of the University below the rank of Deputy Registrar." The suspended Registrar has said that he would approach the court against the VC's action. Sivankutty also disputed the VC's claim that the notice cancelling the event was issued when the Governor was on the stage. "The order was issued long before, but the organisers of the event refused to accept the notice. Following this, the notice was mailed to them," the minister said. He blamed the Governor for the chaos at the Senate Hall. "The Governor came to the event even knowing fully well that the venue had become a conflict zone," Sivankutty said. He also turned on its head the VC's charge that the Registrar had disrespected the Governor. "In reality, it was the Governor who had violated University rules. It will not be way off the mark if one feels that a person holding a constitutional post has become a habitual offender. The Governor participated in the programme even after knowing that the event was formally cancelled," Sivankutty said.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the Mahayuti government. BJP's Central Observers for the state, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani were also present at the meet. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Stock Market Ends in Green, All Eyes on RBI's MPC Decision on Repo Rate. Fadnavis is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister on December 5 after being unanimously chosen as Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislati ...Read More >
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Congress MP Manickam Tagore launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday following remarks by its General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who questioned the legitimacy of including the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Reacting to Hosabale's statement that these terms were 'forcibly inserted' during the Emergency and should now be reconsidered, Tagore took to social media platform X to issue a strong rebuttal. Tagore shared a picture with text stating, 'RSS seeks the removal of terms ' ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala University Senate campus here on Tuesday witnessed dramatic scenes as activists of the Student's Federation of India (SFI), the students' wing of the ruling CPI(M), staged a protest against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan while he was attending a seminar. The ruling CPI(M) and the SFI have been at loggerheads with Governor Khan over various issues for some time. Despite the intense security laid by police, the SFI activists forcefully opened the closed gates of the campus and ran towards the Senate Hall where Khan was participating in the seminar. Though the police ...Read More >
Hisar, Jun 26 (PTI) Protesting Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) students on Thursday said that they haven't withdrawn their agitation and will only do so once a formal order addressing their agreed-upon demands is issued. An agreement was reached between the protesting HAU students and the state government on Wednesday, reportedly after most of their demands in connection with the alleged June 10 assault on students were accepted. Also Read | What Are the New Metro Compensation Rules in India? Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Enhances Payouts for Death and Severe Injuries; Check De ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, criticising General Education Minister V Sivankutty for walking out of a function held at Raj Bhavan on June 19. The Governor described the incident as a breach of protocol and an insult to the constitutional office. The letter, dated June 26, refers to an awards ceremony for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, where Sivankutty -- who also serves as President of the Association's Kerala chapter -- objected to the presence of a garlanded portrait of Bharat Mata on the stage, ...Read More >
Bengaluru Power Cuts: Citizens of Bengaluru brace yourself for long hours of power outages from June 29 and June 30. More than 100 areas will be impacted as BESCOM undertakes its quarterly maintenance work in various of its division. Bengaluru Power Outages June 29: According to the update by BESCOM on its X handler, there will be power outages in Kittaganahalli, Palasandra, Saptagiri, Maruthinagar, Sankapur, Raghavendra Nagar, Goolarivee, Baddihalli, Kesaramadu, C.M Badawan, Kalalli and SKS village on June 29 from 10 am to 5 pm. BESCOM's executive engineer has appealed to consumers to coop ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 5 (PTI) The presence of a Bharat Mata portrait, allegedly associated with RSS shakhas, at a World Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday led to the state government boycotting the programme, prompting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to assert that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata. Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad, who boycotted the event, said that the state government respects Bharat Mata, but using an image commonly associated with RSS shakhas for an official function at Raj Bhavan is unconstitutional. While the Raj Bhavan went ahead ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapurm, Jun 6 (UNI) In a scathing attack against Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, senior Congress leader and UDF Convenor MM Hassan alleged that Kerala Raj Bhavan has been turned as RSS Bhavan. He also urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to inform the President of India about the recent 'Environment Day programme' in which a portrait of Bharat Mata was kept at the venue of the event held at Kerala Raj Bhavan. MM Hassan, former KPCC President, also appreciated Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad for not attending the event and rejecting the demand to offer floral tri ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Jun 27 (PTI) Union Minister George Kurian on Friday said that everything was secondary to the idea of Bharat Mata, amid a controversy over displaying a portrait of the nation as a mother figure with a saffron flag at Kerala Raj Bhavan's official functions. Speaking to reporters here, he said that "the Raj Bhavan and those in the government were secondary to Bharat Mata". The Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs also dared the Congress and the Left parties, CPI(M) and CPI, to try and prohibit the slogan -- 'Bharat M ...Read More >
Jaipur: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday expressed concern over the current political scenario in the country, saying today's political atmosphere is not favourable for Indian democracy and social health. He also dismissed former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot's claim that he was under pressure, saying he neither functions under any pressure nor exerts pressure (on anyone). Speaking at 'Sneh Milan Samaroh' organised by the Rajasthan Pragatisheel Manch at the Constitution Club here, Dhankhar said the intensity and tone of political exchanges today were detrimental to the democr ...Read More >
Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) The opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday intensified its criticism of Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi over their recent controversial statements, calling their remarks "immature" and accusing BJP leaders like them of having contempt for Kerala. Addressing reporters here, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, strongly criticised the "backward" remark made by Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, on Union Budget day, and stated that Kerala has only sought the funds it rightfully deserves from the centre. Taking a ...Read More >
Gandhinagar, Feb 4 (PTI) The BJP government in Gujarat on Tuesday formed a committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code in the state, and also draft a bill for the same. While the Opposition said the decision was aimed at diverting attention from pressing issues ahead of the upcoming local body polls, the government claimed rights of the tribal communities will be protected if the UCC is implemented. The five-member committee, to be headed by Justice (retd) Ranjana Desai, will submit its report within 45 days, following which a decision abou ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Reacting to the controversy after the Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state-level celebrations on the World Environment Day at the Raj Bhavan -- the official residence of the state Governor, Rajendra V. Arlekar, the latter expressed his displeasure. Speaking at the event as the state Governor, Arlekar expressed his displeasure by saying that the Agriculture Minister should also have been present here. "The State Education Minister informed that he could not come. Then the Agriculture Minister also did not come. I do not know wha ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
Katra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir on Friday to inaugurate multiple rail projects, including the world's highest Chenab Rail Bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. These railway projects directly connect Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is an all-weather railway corridor designed to provide seamless connectivity to the region through the rail network. During his visit, PM Modi reviewed the Chenab bridge, world's highest ra ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 7 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city here, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside," the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 7 (PTI) In the wake of removal of its pro-Vice Chancellor for alleged financial misappropriation, city-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is now contemplating to appoint a Vice Chancellor in the next couple of months. On Friday night, TISS asked its pro-VC professor Shankar Das to step down with immediate effect amid allegations of financial misappropriation and irregularities against him. "Consequent upon approval of the Competent Authority, Prof Shankar Das, Pro Vice Chancellor is hereby relieved from the charge of Pro Vice Chancellor with immediate effect," the TIS ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh controversy has erupted after state Agriculture minister P Prasad boycotted an event organised at Kerala Raj Bhavan on the occasion of World Environment Day today, in protest against installation of a Bharatamba image "associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)" on stage inside the premises. The minister accused Governor Rajendra Arlekar, also a former RSS leader, of turning Raj Bhavan into an RSS venue. After the minister objected to use of "politically symbolic image" in the government programme, the event was shifted to the Secretariat. As per report ...Read More >
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KANNUR: CPI is not ready to leave aside the controversy that erupted over the 'Bharat Mata' portrait at Raj Bhavan. The CPI will hoist the national flag and plant saplings on Saturday to underscore the message that Bharat Mata is truly represented by the tricolour, not the saffron flag.Agriculture minister P Prasad had boycotted the environmental day function at Raj Bhavan on Thursday after governor Rajendra Arlekar rejected the minister's demand that a portrait of Bharat Mata installed on the dais be removed as the portrait is widely used by the RSS. The minister said the a ...Read More >
Gurgaon: Two days after a law student died and his friend suffered critical injuries when a car knocked them down as they stood near railing on the service lane of Delhi-Jaipur highway in the early hours of Tuesday, a civil engineer was arrested on Thursday.Mohit (31), an employee of a private company in the city, told police that he got drowsy while driving. He is staying at a PG facility in Sector 14.The student who died, Harsh Singhal (25), was a resident of Om Nagar colony. His friend Abhishek Kumar (23), who is from Shanti Nagar in Sector 11, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
Patna, Jun 29 (PTI) RJD leader and former cricketer Tejashwi Yadav showcased his quick reflexes when he ducked to avoid being hit by a drone which crashed into his podium during a rally at Patna on Sunday. The incident took place when the former deputy chief minister was addressing the 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution' rally at the historical Gandhi Maidan here. Speaking to PTI, Patna SP (Central), Diksha said, "We are looking into the incident. It was a restricted area and such an object should not have landed there. The police team was busy managing the crowd when the rally was underway. But ...Read More >
Jaipur, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Vice-President (V-P) Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Monday, responded to comments made by the former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who had hinted that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Vice-President are under pressure. Refuting Gehlot's claim, V-P Dhankhar said, "I am not under anyone's pressure. I neither exert pressure nor do I come under pressure." Speaking at a programme organised by the Ex-MLAs Association at the Constitution Club in Jaipur, the Vice-President addressed Gehlot's remark directly, saying, "When a state government does not align with the C ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Tripura Governor Nallu Indrasena Reddy stressed the importance of mental health as essential to the nation's progress while inaugurating the M.Phil Clinical Psychology and Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) courses at Indlas Hospitals here on Monday. Speaking at the event, Indrasena Reddy stated that the vision of a Viksita Bharat (Developed India) is incomplete without ensuring the mental well-being of its citizens. Along with medical and health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, he handed over admission letters to students of the newly-launched courses. He also point ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Terming the handcuffing of Lagacharla farmer Hirya Nayak, currently lodged in Sangareddy jail, while taking him to hospital for treatment "inhuman", BRS working president KT Rama Rao has urged the Chief Justice of Telangana high court to take the case suo motu and urged governor Jishnu Dev Varma to order a probe into the incident. Addressing a press meet on Thursday, the BRS leader said the farmer, who is suspected to have suffered a heart attack while in jail, was treated inhumanly. ...Read More >
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu walked out of a meeting of his counterparts in Patna on Monday after accusing Governor R N Ravi of continuing to 'disrespect' the people of the state, elected government and century-old TN Legislative Assembly. Ravi's activities were 'deeply worrying.' he said. Citing the recommendations of the Punchhi, Sarkaria, Rajamannar and Venkatachaliah Commissions, on the appointment of Governors, Appavu argued that the state legislature should be empowered to 'remove' the Governor through a resolution and the wording that the 'Governor shall hold office du ...Read More >