Month: January 2024

Sanjay Raut INDIA

No Differences Over Seat Sharing: Raut After INDIA Bloc Meet

By LokMarg

After the meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders concluded, Shiv Sena (UBT faction) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that there are no differences over seat sharing in Maharashtra, adding that a detailed discussion also happened on the inclusion of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in the alliance.

The meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders was held at the residence of Congress leader Mukul Wasnik.

Addressing reporters in the national capital, Sanjay Raut said, “All of the members of Maha Vikas Aghadi came out of the meeting with a smile. Maha Vikas Aghadi members–Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP–sat down to discuss seat-sharing. I want to assure everyone that we will fight elections together. We have no differences about seat sharing. We discussed in detail about the Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and all have agreed to include them in the MVA and INDIA bloc.”

Coming out of the meeting, NCP-Sharad Pawar faction leader Dr Jitendra Awhad also said that there is no difference among the parties and discussions were also held on a positive note.

“There was a discussion on all the seats and everything is positive. The meeting was more successful than was expected. There are no differences among us,” Awhad said.

Earlier, regarding seat sharing within the INDIA bloc, JD-U MLA Gopal Mandal on Monday said that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar traveled across the country and created the alliance; he should be the next Prime Minister.

“The next Prime Minister should be Nitish Kumar. He traveled across the country and created the INDIA bloc. No one is capable of becoming the PM other than Nitish Kumar. Kharge? I don’t even know his name. No one knows him; everyone knows who Nitish Kumar is,” the JD(U) MLA said.

As the countdown to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls has begun, the INDIA bloc has begun its seat-sharing talks in earnest.

India’s political landscape is undergoing a significant transition as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near. INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) consortium is gearing up to challenge the established National Democratic Alliance. (ANI)

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Karnataka Republic Day parade

Siddaramaiah Slams Centre For Not Including State’s Tableau In R-Day

By LokMarg

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a blistering attack on the Central government on Tuesday over denying the state’s tableau at the Republic Day parade on January 26.

CM Siddaramaiah took to X and said that the Central Government has insulted the seven crore Kannadigas and it should not test their patience.

“The Central Government has insulted the seven crore Kannadigas by denying the opportunity for the state’s tableau at the Republic Day parade to be held in New Delhi on January 26th. Karnataka faced a similar situation even last year as our state’s tableau was initially rejected. They later permitted keeping Karnataka elections in mind. This time, the central government has again continued its trend of insulting Kannadigas,” he posted on X.

He further said that several tableau proposals were sent from Karnataka, but unfortunately, the Central Government has rejected all these proposals.

“We conceptualised the tableau of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar to depict his immense contributions to democracy and the development of our state. We also sent proposals to depict the contributions of Kittur Rani Chennamma and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda along with the proposals to showcase Karnataka’s rich nature and Brand Bengaluru. However, the Central Committee rejected our request, depriving us of the opportunity to introduce the nation to our state’s immense achievements and exemplary figures,” Siddaramaiah added.

The Karnataka CM also asserted that by denying this opportunity, the centre has attacked on their identity again.

“The fact that the Congress government is in power in the state seems to be a concerning factor to the BJP-led Central Government. From devolution of tax to the injustice in drought relief to the sale of banks, ports, and airports built by Kannadigas, the Central Government is constantly attacking Kannadigas with political malice. Now, by denying the state the opportunity in the tableau presentation, it has attacked our identity again,” he posted on X.

He also mentioned that the MPs of BJP in Karnataka are not questioning this injustice, adding “They have become puppets of Narendra Modi. To whom are they loyal? Kannadigas or Narendra Modi?”

“Kannadigas are already enraged by the continuous injustice from the Central Government towards Kannada and Karnataka. The Central Government should not test their patience. It is not too late yet, the Central Government should immediately correct its mistake and rectify the injustice done to Karnataka by allowing us to participate in the tableau presentation at the prestigious Republic Day parade,” Karnataka CM added. (ANI)

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Ram Mandir UP Yogi

No Liquor, Schools, Colleges To Remain Closed In UP On Jan 22

By LokMarg

Considering the emotional significance of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ programme of Lord Ram in Ram Mandir, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath terming this special occasion as a ‘national festival’ has directed the declaration of a holiday in educational institutions across the state on January 22.

Terming this occasion as special, CM Yogi said that liquor shops should be kept closed in the state on January 22.

During his visit to Ayodhya on Tuesday, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.

Taking information about the Vedic rituals of Pran Pratistha starting after Makar Sankranti, the Chief Minister directed officials to extend all necessary cooperation to the Teerth Kshetra Trust for the security and other arrangements for the ceremony.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for enhanced hospitality for dignitaries attending the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

“The resting place of each VVIP should be selected in advance. Considering the weather, some guests may arrive a day or two earlier. In such a situation, better arrangements should be made for their stay,” he said.

CM Yogi emphasized that after January 22, devotees of Lord Ram from across the globe will visit Ayodhya. To facilitate their convenience, he directed the installation of multilingual signage throughout the city, covering languages from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and the six official languages of the United Nations.

Stressing the paramount importance of cleanliness in hospitality, the Chief Minister sought public cooperation. He underscored the necessity of maintaining cleanliness on major roads and streets such as Dharma Path, Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path, and Ram Path.

With over 3800 sanitation workers deployed, CM Yogi recommended increasing the workforce by an additional 1500 employees to further ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

“The upcoming historic Pran-Pratishtha program is a source of joy, pride, and self-satisfaction for crores of Sanatan believers. The whole country is imbued with the spirit of Lord Shri Ram. Deepotsav will be celebrated at every temple in the evening on January 22. Every Sanatan believer is encouraged to welcome Ramlala by lighting the Ramjyoti in their homes and establishments,” CM Yogi said.

“Today I have personally inspected the arrangements of the tent city. There is a good arrangement here. Emphasize cleanliness and ensure that those staying here have access to hot water. To ensure availability of food grains in the tent city, necessary arrangements should be made by the Food and Logistics Department and Mandi Parishad,” he added.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for expanding night shelters and increasing their numbers in various locations. He stressed that no individual seeking shelter for the night in Dharmanagari should endure the cold, and directed the Relief Commissioner to ensure necessary arrangements are made to address this concern.

“Develop an enhanced action plan for parking and traffic management specifically for the January 22 event. Ensure ample parking facilities along major roads leading to Ayodhya. Arrange for a sufficient number of electric buses to transport visitors and plan for their organized parking,” he asserted. (ANI)

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‘BJP Suspended Oppn MPs To Avoid Debate On Controversial Bills’

By LokMarg

Dr Manish S. Hindvi, Uttar Pradesh Congress leader, says the ruling dispensation conspired to push through amendments that should have faced House scrutiny. His views:

It has been well established by now that the present government at the Centre is working in a dictatorship mode. Other than suppressing all the voices advocating free and fair democratic setup, the BJP-led NDA government has nothing to boast in terms of its achievements in the past 10 years. The suspension of 146 Parliamentarians during the just concluded Winter Session must be seen in this context.

There was no other reason but to avoid any public debate in amendment of the three Criminal Laws. I suspect that the ploy to suspend MPs also carried a dip-stick test to gauge public opinion; if the decision had received any negative opinion they could well have recalled the suspension.

The other major development that went unnoticed was the introduction of the Bill which proposed the selection of the election commissioners by a panel led by the prime minister, leader of the opposition and a Union minister as it members. This was done, in the absence of a majority of opposition MPs, to overrule the verdict of the Supreme Court that ruled that the appointment (of the ECs) will be done by the President of India based on the advice of a committee comprising the PM, the leader of opposition and the Chief Justice of India. They conveniently and unethically replaced the CJI role with that of a Union minister to tilt the scales in their favour.

ALSO READ: ‘Suspension of MPs Smacks of Political Monotheism’

Other than its evergreen agenda of the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370 from J&K, the BJP has nothing to put forward for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections irrespective of the fact that whatever is happening in Ayodhya was possible only after the verdict of the Supreme Court.

This government never talks of rising inflation, crime and unemployment as against the larger than the picture claims made on various platforms. They only peddle soft Hindutva (which they did in 2014) and Pulwama (in 2019); they forget that the issue of Ram Temple will only have limited impact in the northern part of India.

It is also unconstitutional and unbecoming for a PM to head any kind of religious function in a secular state. Ideally, the Shankaracharya or the head priest of the Ram Temple should be presiding over the consecration ceremony. Lord Ram is the subject of one’s personal faith and every Sanatani Hindu has a right over Ramji. But, can anyone restrict God to any single party?

By the actions and ongoing propaganda of BJP, it appears that the consecration ceremony is the program of only a single party. They (BJP) are sending invitations by a pick and choose method as if they have the proprietorship over Lord Ram and they are, in a way, also checking the reaction (of the opposition parties) that they could well use in the elections.

I am a Sanatani Hindu and I will not wait for any invitation or directions from anyone to pay a visit to the Ram Temple as we bow to God on every auspicious occasion and the beginning of each day.

As told to Rajat Rai

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Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony Jackie Tiger

Tiger, Jackie Receive Invitation For Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

By LokMarg

Jackie Shroff, along with his son Tiger Shroff, has received an invitation for the Ram Mandir ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony in Ayodhya.

Taking to Instagram, Jackie Shroff shared a string of pictures on Tuesday which he captioned, “We are blessed to be a part of the most auspicious Shri Ram JanmBhoomi Mandir Praan-Pratishtha Ceremony on 22nd January at Ayodhya. Grateful to each and every one who is involved and has contributed since so many decades, to bring this historical day in the lives of us Indians. Thanks to the respected Dignitaries of the incredible organization..RSS, Shri Sunil Ambekar ji, Shri Ajay Mudpe ji and our dear friend Mahaveer Jain who visited and graced our home with the Auspicious invitation!”

In the pictures, Jackie along with his wife Ayesha Shroff and son Tiger Shroff, could be seen receiving the invitation from the RSS dignitaries.

The ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 22, 2024.

The preparations are underway for the Pran Pratishtha event, which is expected to draw dignitaries and ordinary people from all walks of life.

Prime Minister Modi will preside over the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Lalla’s idol at the grand temple. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the shrine at noon on January 22.

The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people.

The trust has also invited 4,000 saints for the ceremony.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the Pran Pratishtha. From January 14 to 22, Ayodhya will mark Amrit Mahautsav.

A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees who are expected to arrive in the temple town for the grand event. (ANI)

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Mohammed Shami Arjuna Award

Indian Cricket Fraternity Lauds Shami Following Arjuna Award Honour

By LokMarg

Several members of the Indian cricket fraternity congratulated pacer Mohammed Shami after he received Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony here.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of cricket in India, took to X and said it is “memorable moment” for the pacer.

“A memorable moment for #TeamIndia pacer Mohd. Shami who is conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards #NationalSportsAwards | @rashtrapatibhvn| @MdShami11,” it said.

Star India batter Virat Kohli congratulated Shami by commenting on his Instagram post.

“Mubarak ho lala,” Virat said.

Former Indian batter and captain Mithali Raj congratulated Shami and other athletes who received the Arjuna Award, calling it a “testament to their soaring achievements for India”.

“Heartiest congratulations to @MdShami11 and the other 25 athletes who have received the Arjuna Award for their sporting excellence in 2023! This award is a testament to their soaring achievements for India. #ArjunaAward,” she said.

India’s former World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted an Instagram story to laud Shami and said it was “result of his hard work”.

Indian spin veteran Yuzvendra Chahal expressed his happiness at Shami being honoured.

“Congratulations @MdShami11 bhai for receiving the prestigious, Arjuna Award You deserved it,” said Chahal.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan lauded Shami’s accomplishment, saying that his “skill, hard work and passion for cricket truly shine”.

Former Indian middle-order batter VVS Laxman said it is a fabulous achievement. “Many congratulations @MdShami11 on this fabulous achievement. Truly deserve this great honour.”

The Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sports honour, is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline.

Shami ended as the leading wicket-taker in last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in India with 24 scalps and broke several records. He was crucial in helping India reach the finals. He was also part of the team which finished as runners-up in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. (ANI)

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Pankaj Tripathi

I Have Narrated Atal ji’s Poems With Twist: Pankaj

By LokMarg

Actor Pankaj Tripathi is all set to come up with his upcoming film ‘Main Atal Hoon’, which revolves around the life of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Sharing how he prepared himself for the role, Pankaj in an interview with ANI said, “I was scared, how will I do it, I don’t know what will happen, how will it happen, I took seven-eight days to think. I also took my friends’ suggestions…they thought that I was the correct person. Bhanushali (producer Vinod Bhanushali) then said, ‘If you don’t do it then I will not make this film’. However, I was afraid of how much justice would I be able to do to the character of respected Atal ji. I didn’t know how much I mimicked as I didn’t know imitation and mimicry, that was the challenge. He is a huge personality and it is not possible to bring the story of that personality in a two-hour story on cinema.”

The former Prime Minister harboured a deep love for literature and had authored several poems.

Recalling how he narrated those poems in the film, Pankaj added, “I have narrated Atal ji’s poems in the film but it is not exactly in the same way he did…The essence has been maintained, there are pauses at some places, but a slight twist has been done. In the film, at some places, the poem is also recited in the voice of Atal ji.”

He added, “This is the story of a child from Bateshwar who later becomes a poet and politician named Atal Bihari Vajpayee and becomes the Prime Minister. In the research of this movie, I have found that a man should be people’s leader from within. It is not possible for someone to like everyone’s ideology and everyone thinks that my ideology is right. There should be agreement even in disagreements, people can criticise me also and I will accept it.”

‘Main Atal Hoon’ is helmed by director Ravi Jadhav. The film is written by Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav.

Earlier, during the trailer launch, he opened up about his interest in politics and how he prepared for Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s biopic.

He also recalled a funny anecdote from his college days when he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his college days.

“I was in a youth wing. I have participated in mandolins. I was even jailed for a week! Toh main uss raaste pe nikal chuka tha. Then I realised that the path of politics is full of thorns. Hence, I took a turn and started developing an interest in street theatre. There was Kaildas Rangalaya, Patna, where I enrolled myself. Mujhe laga ki yeh behtar hai. Yahaan kam se kam bol ke acting hoti hai ki ‘main acting kar raha hoon’,” Pankaj quipped.

The film is all set to hit theatres on January 19, 2024. It is backed by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan and Kamlesh Bhanushali. (ANI)

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Ayodhya Modi

Ramnagari Must Look Cleanest, Most Beautiful: Yogi

By LokMarg

During his first visit of the year 2024 to Ayodhya on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to implement the ‘Kumbh model of cleanliness’ in Ayodhya and ensure that the ‘Ramnagari’ must appear as the cleanest and most beautiful city.

“Dust should not be visible on the roads, and toilets must be cleaned daily,” he said.

The Chief Minister conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing development projects and expressed concern for the well-being of the saints and sages. His visit also included a trip to Kuber Tila, where he paid homage to Jatayu.

Regarding the ongoing development projects, CM Yogi gave clear instructions to the concerned officials that they needed to execute the tasks maintaining high quality and within the specified timeframe because following January 22, a significant surge in the number of devotees and tourists was expected.

The Chief Minister made it clear that any form of negligence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

During the tour of the Tent City developed by the Trust, Trust General Secretary, Champat Rai provided CM Yogi Adityanath with insights into the arrangements at Teerth Kshetra Puram.

The Chief Minister visited various areas, including Mahant Avedyanath Ji Nagar, Omkar Bhave Nagar, and Vamdev Ji Maharaj Nagar, examining the preparations and emphasizing the utmost priority on cleanliness. He expressed the need for a cleanliness system akin to the one implemented during the Kumbh festival.

He emphasized the need for raising the door frames slightly to prevent potential issues. In addition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in women’s and men’s toilets, emphasizing the necessity for regular cleaning and the prevention of any form of mismanagement.

After darshan and worship at Sankatmochan Hanumangarhi and Ramlala, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Kuber Tila, where he offered prayers to Jatayu ji. Subsequently, the Chief Minister inspected the Municipal Corporation Water Works Building in Beniganj Amaniganj, observing ongoing development works. (ANI)

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Modi to visit UAE

Modi Welcomes UAE Prez At Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

By LokMarg

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening to take part in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at the airport and the two will hold a roadshow in the city today.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and other officials were present at the airport to welcome the UAE President.

The UAE President was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival.

Apart from the UAE President, other world leaders including Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta are attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

PM Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday for a two-day visit to inaugurate the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Gujarat’s Mahatma Mandir.

Upon arrival in Gujarat, PM Modi in a post shared on X stated, “Landed in Ahmedabad a short while ago. Over the next two days, will be taking part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and related programmes. It is a matter of immense joy that various world leaders will be joining us during this summit. The coming of my brother, Mohamed Bin Zayed, is very special. I have a very close association with the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and I am glad to see how this platform has contributed to Gujarat’s growth and created opportunities for several people.”

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started in 2003 under the leadership of Modi when he was the state chief minister. The tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from January 10-12 in Gandhinagar.

There are 34 partner countries and 16 partner organisations for this year’s Summit. Further, the Ministry of Development of the North-Eastern Region will utilise the Vibrant Gujarat platform to showcase investment opportunities in the North-Eastern regions.

The Summit will host various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability.

In the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, companies are displaying products made from world class state of the art technology. E-mobility, Start-ups, MSMEs, Blue Economy, Green Energy & Smart Infrastructure are some of the focus sectors of the Trade Show. (ANI)

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Given Full Ceremony Guard Of Honour In London

By LokMarg

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was on Tuesday given full ceremony Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade grounds in London.

There was a special parade by the British Army’s Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and the Band of the Irish Guards.

The regiments represented on parade are among the most historic in the British Army. Ceremonial welcomes of this nature are considered special and memorable moments of high honour from one nation to another.

Following the ceremony, Rajnath Singh and his UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps, retired to the Ministry of Defence to discuss shared future military commitments and joint training opportunities

Singh on Tuesday also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Tavistock, London.

Later on Tuesday, the Defence Minister will depart for the Ambedkar Museum. He will then visit the Neasden Temple to offer his prayers.

On Wednesday, Rajnath Singh will be meeting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron.

The minister will also participate in a community reception in the UK.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in the UK on Monday night. Notably, this marks the first visit of a sitting Indian Defence Minister to the UK in 23 years.

The Defence Minister is being accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, comprising senior officials from DRDO, Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production.

During his visit, Singh, will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK defence industry and meet with the Indian community there.

Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for FTA between India and the UK started in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31 this year.

The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both countries. (ANI)

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