Month: May 2025

The Rato Macchindranath or Bunga Dugh in Newa chariot festival, one of Nepal’s most revered festivals, has begun in the ancient town of Patan, Lalitpur, traversing through the sea of devotees on Thursday, the longest chariot procession of Nepal.

The festival, which honours the God of Rain and Harvest, features a 42-foot-tall chariot carrying the deity through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and rituals.

The festival is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture and folklore. According to legend, the chariot procession was started in 897 AD to commemorate Lord Macchendranath’s feat of bringing rain to the city of Patan after a severe drought. The festival celebrates the deity’s power to bring prosperity and rainfall to the region.

The chariot is constructed annually by the Newa community using wooden beams and traditional craftsmanship, without using a single nail. The procession runs for over a month and is led by troupes of musical performers and features traditional rituals and ceremonies.

“The preparations start a month before. Jatra brings vibrancy and cheerful moments to us. We are always happy to be involved and hold training to play the musical instruments, which gives us the satisfaction and continues the tradition,” Ujjwal, one of the members of the performing musical troupe, told ANI.

According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar. Still, this year it didn’t fall as per the set-out rule.

“As per the folklore, the Kathmandu Valley hadn’t received rainfall, leading to a serious drought; lord Macchindranath had to be brought to Nepal from Kamakhya in India. The King of Bhaktapur, Gubhaju from Kathmandu and Jyapus from Lalitpur had gone to bring him here; with the solution of the problem, the god of rain and prosperity is worshipped performing a chariot procession,” Ujjwal added.

One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath came to the city of Patan, but wasn’t acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners didn’t offer him food and ignored him, Guru Gorakhnath captured all the serpents and held them captive. As the “Naags,” or serpents responsible for precipitation, were held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experienced a drought.

The then-king of Patan, Narendrea Dev, asked his advisors to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher’s presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stood up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brought rain to the city, ending the drought.

The Rato Macchindranath festival is integral to Nepal’s cultural heritage, showcasing the country’s rich traditions and customs. The 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the festival, but it has now resumed, bringing vibrancy and cheer to the people of Patan.

There is a belief that the residents of Bhaktapur can pull the chariot to their place and keep the god for 6 months if the procession fails to take place before Dashain, the major fortnightly festival observed in Nepal during the month of October. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who expressed deep condolences over the loss of innocent lives in the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J-K) Pahalgam.

Expressing “deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the terror attack,” the US Secretary conveyed strong support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism.

“The U.S. Secretary of Defence@PeteHegsethspoke to Raksha Mantri Shri@rajnathsinghearlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir,” the Defence Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

“Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the U.S. government in India’s fight against terrorism,” it said.

Singh told Secretary Hegseth that Pakistan has a history of providing safe havens, training, and funding to terror groups.

“During the conversation, RM told the@SecDefthat Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. He further said that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism,” the Defence Minister’s Office added.

This comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment.

The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism.

The Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders with India and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations.

Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline on Tuesday to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, defence sources said on Wednesday. They said India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border. (ANI)

As tensions between India and Pakistan rise in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders with India and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations.

The Pakistani military has deployed radar systems and air defence weapon systems opposite the Longewala sector, Barner in Rajasthan, defence sources told ANI.

The Pakistan Air Force is currently conducting three exercises simultaneously: Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari. These exercises involve all major fighter aircraft fleets, including the F-16, J-10, and JF-17.

These exercises started on April 29 and are seeing participation of the Saab airborne early warning and control systems aircraft.

The Pakistan Army Strike Corps elements are also carrying out training in their areas of responsibility, they said.

The Pakistani military has also deployed the Airport Security Force for the protection of ground assets and the peripheral security of the air bases.

The SH-15 howitzers from China continue to be inducted into the Pakistan Army and the units are getting deployed in forward locations.

Tension escalated between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment

The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called an all-party meeting on May 2 at 10 am at Punjab Bhawan amid escalating concerns over the state’s water rights. The meeting will discuss the issue of Punjab’s water being taken away by the central government.

In addition, the Punjab Government is likely to convene a special session of the Assembly on Monday. A proposal regarding the water issue will likely be brought up in the special session.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring asserted that they would support the Punjab government on the water issue.

“We never stopped the water for 10 years… But if there is a water shortage in Punjab, it is natural that we will prioritise Punjab… Maybe Delhi and Haryana need more water, but we have already released their share of water. We are with the people of Punjab and the Punjab government on this topic. If they will steal our water too, then what will be left of the state?” Warring said.

Earlier today, Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh alleged that Punjab is deliberately blocking water supply to both Haryana and Delhi in a politically motivated move.

In a post on X, Parvesh Singh said, “The Punjab government has resorted to dirty politics by stopping the water supply to Haryana and Delhi. After losing in Delhi, now they want to create a water crisis in Delhi.”

He further asserted that the Delhi government is continuously ensuring clean water reaches every household and accused Punjab of seeking “revenge” on Delhi’s residents.

However, on Thursday, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh rejected the Delhi Minister’s allegations regarding water supply to the state from the national capital, calling the claims “an absolute white lie.”

Singh asserted that Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan have already taken their respective water shares, and only Punjab’s allocation remains.

Cabinet minister and AAP Punjab President Aman Arora has criticised the BJP-led Central Government for allegedly allocating Punjab’s share of BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) water to Haryana. He termed the decision “wrong” and strongly condemned the central government.

In a video on his official account on X, the AAP leader on Thursday alleged, “Like every time, the BJP-led central government has betrayed Punjab once again.” Arora asserted that the Punjab government, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the 30 million people of Punjab “will go to any extent” but will not tolerate this betrayal.

“Our water is dearer to us than our blood,” he said, adding that the Punjab government is committed to protecting the state’s water resources. On Wednesday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains defended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s refusal to release more water to Haryana, claiming that the neighbouring state has used its share of water. (ANI)

Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli on Thursday accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal of politicising the drinking water issue and instigating Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to deny more water to Haryana to avenge AAP’s defeat in the Delhi elections.

Badoli’s remarks came after Chief Minister Mann on Tuesday refused to release more water to Haryana and accused the BJP-led central government of exerting pressure on the Punjab government through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to meet Haryana’s demand.

Badoli warned AAP that the people of Punjab will teach them a lesson for doing politics on water.

Speaking to ANI, Haryana BJP president Badoli said, “When the AAP government was in Punjab and Delhi, they used to misguide people the same way during the three months of summer. They used to lie, claiming a shortage of water. Politicising a matter like drinking water is Arvind Kejriwal’s old habit… To take revenge on the people of Delhi for their loss in the elections, Kejriwal instigated Bhagwant Mann to make such statements. For this, too, the people of Punjab will teach AAP a lesson.”

Earlier today, Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh alleged that Punjab is deliberately blocking water supply to both Haryana and Delhi in a politically motivated move.

In a post on X, Parvesh Singh said, “The Punjab government has resorted to dirty politics by stopping the water supply to Haryana and Delhi. After losing in Delhi, now they want to create a water crisis in Delhi.”

He further asserted that the Delhi government is making continuous efforts to ensure clean water reaches every household and accused Punjab of seeking “revenge” on Delhi’s residents.

“We are working day and night to provide clean water to every household in Delhi and now the Punjab government wants to take revenge on the people of Delhi in this way. Stop this dirty politics or else you will be expelled from Punjab as well.”

The remarks come amid reports of reduced water flow to Delhi at a time when the national capital is already facing rising temperatures and growing demand for water.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after he refused the release of more water to Haryana and accused Mann of trying to “politicise” the issue. Saini also clarified that Haryana had not received its full share of water, but only 60 per cent.

“He is trying to politicise this issue. I would like to clarify that the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal matter is under the supervision of the Supreme Court. But this issue is not about SYL’s water. It is about the issue of drinking water… Haryana has not yet received its full share. In the last week, Haryana received only 4,000 cusecs of drinking water, which is approximately 60 per cent of the state’s total demand. If BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) provides the remaining water per Haryana’s demand, it will be only 0.0001 per cent of Bhakra Dam’s water reservoir,” Saini said, speaking to the mediapersons on Wednesday.

Saini also stated that after the AAP lost the elections in Delhi, Bhagwant Mann was acting to punish the people of Delhi. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will shift its focus toward violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in 2025, announced the agency’s Director Rahul Navin on Thursday.

Navin made the statement during the foundation day address of the federal agency, mentioning specifically “the next area where ED intend to focus this year is on FEMA violations.”

Highlighting the agency’s evolving priorities, the Director stated that ED has been entrusted with enforcing FEMA to ensure full compliance with regulations issued by the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These include rules, directives, and circulars intended to regulate cross-border financial transactions.

“To fulfil this mandate, ED will conduct necessary investigations and adjudication, and will impose penalties in cases of defaults,” the Director said.

Offences under the spotlight include export-import manipulations, breaches in foreign direct investment (FDI) norms, misuse of external commercial borrowings, landownership violations by non-residents, and unauthorised overseas fund transfers.

In a bid to ensure corrective action rather than just punitive measures, the Director added that the ED would encourage defaulters to file for compounding of offences where appropriate. The move is aimed at strengthening financial discipline while promoting voluntary compliance.

Meanwhile, Navin said the ED has registered a total of 5,113 new cases under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) from 2014 to 2024, averaging more than 500 cases per year, and issued 461 provisional attachment orders valued at Rs 30,036 crore.

Speaking on the occasion of ED Day, Navin said the PMLA was enacted in 2003 in India and came into force on July 1, 2005, but in the initial years, it was largely ineffective with less than 200 cases recorded per year and that too mostly restricted to drug related offences.

He said the total criminal property attached was only Rs 5,171 crore till 31st March, 2014, with the first prosecution complaint being filed only in 2012.

After 2014, the ED Director said, however, “there has been a significant step-up in enforcement activity and from 2014 to 2024, 5,113 new PMLA investigations were initiated averaging more than 500 cases per year.”

Building on this momentum, Navin said, “We note with satisfaction that in the Financial Year 2024-25, 775 new PMLA investigations were launched, 333 Prosecution Complaints were filed, and notably 34 individuals were convicted.”

During this period, he said, ED has issued 461 provisional attachment orders valued at Rs 30,036 crore – a 44 per cent increase in the number of attachments and a striking 141 per cent rise in their total value compared to the previous year.

As of March 31, 2025, the agency’s chief said the total value of assets under provisional attachment stood at Rs 1,54,594 crore.

“Although these assets earned through criminal activities have been secured through provisional attachment and seizures, a substantial portion remains unproductive until their final confiscation by courts, which is a time-consuming process. To unlock the economic potential of these assets and to compensate victims and legitimate owners, concerted efforts have been undertaken by the ED for restitution of these properties under the Non Conviction Based Confiscation and Restitution provisions of the PMLA and FEOA, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as banks, financial institutions, state governments, and law officers.”

As per the ED Director, restitution of Rs 15,261 crore was done in 30 cases during Financial Year 2024-25 with the approval of the courts, and this process is likely to accelerate next year. (ANI)

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, released commemorative postage stamps in the names of five legends of Indian cinema, including Guru Dutt and P. Bhanumathi, at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025.

PM Modi inaugurated WAVES 2025 at Jio World Centre in Mumbai on Thursday.

After his keynote address to a packed auditorium of global delegates, PM Modi released postage stamps in memory of the Indian cinema legends.

The postage stamps have been issued in the name of five renowned and transformative figures of Indian cinema.

It includes filmmaker Guru Dutt, actress P. Bhanumathi, director Raj Khosla, filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak and music composer Salil Chowdhury.

In his keynote address, PM Modi also reflected on India’s growing cultural influence, citing examples of renowned figures in Indian cinema from time to time.

“In recent years, Indian cinema has succeeded in carrying the spirit of India to the farthest corners of the world. From Raj Kapoor’s legacy in Russia to Satyajit Ray’s brilliance at Cannes, and RRR’s triumph at the Oscars, these milestones speak volumes,” said PM Modi.

“Whether it’s Guru Dutt’s poetic cinema, AR Rahman’s musical rhythms, or Rajamouli’s epic storytelling, these narratives have touched the hearts of millions. Just as a mother weaves dreams for her child, the creative world weaves the dreams of an entire era” he said.

Reflecting on India’s rich cinematic history PM Modi noted that on May 3, 1913, India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released, directed by the pioneering filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke. He recalled that Phalke’s birth anniversary was celebrated just a day earlier. He underscored the impact of Indian cinema over the past century, stating that it has successfully taken India’s cultural essence to every corner of the world.

WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit began at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai today.

The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the creative developments showcased at the Bharat Pavilion during the WAVES Summit. He remarked that significant innovation has been achieved, and he looked forward to witnessing these creations firsthand.

The Prime Minister highlighted the WAVES Bazaar initiative, noting its potential to encourage new creators and connect them with emerging markets. He praised the concept of linking buyers and sellers in the art industry, stating that such initiatives strengthen the creative economy and provide fresh opportunities for artists.

The WAVES Bazaar, an international e-marketplace featuring over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects, facilitating global trade and collaboration in creative content.

PM Modi is also set to tour the Creatosphere, where he will interact with creators selected from the “Create in India” challenges, initiatives that attracted more than 100,000 participants over the past year.

The four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries” is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.

In line with Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of India’s media and entertainment prowess. WAVES aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029, expanding India’s footprint in the global entertainment economy.

At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Summit will also feature the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. It aims to connect buyers and sellers locally and globally, ensuring wide-reaching networking and business opportunities.

Prime Minister visited the Creatosphere and interacted with creators, selected from the 32 Create in India Challenges launched nearly a year ago, which garnered over one lakh registrations. He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion, a specially curated showcase of India’s creative heritage and innovation.

WAVES 2025 will witness participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media.(ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended heartfelt greetings to workers on the occasion of International Labour Day.

Taking to social media X, the Congress leader wrote that the workers and artisans of India could turn the wheel of the economy and take the country forward.

“The workers and artisans who build India actually turn the wheel of the economy and take the country forward.

Unless their skills get their due and their labour is respected, India cannot truly progress, he said.

“Today, on the occasion of International Labour Day, I reiterate my resolve to ensure that they get their fair share in India’s progress,” the post read.

Congress President Malikarjun Kharge also extended his heartfelt greetings to the workers and highlighted the critical role of the workers in nation-building.

Kharge also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of undermining the rights of the workers.

“Taking to X platform, Kharge wrote, “Today is a very special day for me because today is Labour Day. The development of any country is impossible without workers. Heartiest wishes and congratulations to the millions of workers across the country on International Labour Day. I started my life advocating for the rights of workers. It is the power of Indian democracy that a son of a mill worker like me got the opportunity to handle the labour ministry in the central government. By dedicating themselves to nation building through hard work and struggle, our labourer brothers and sisters strengthen the foundation of the country with their own hands.”

He reiterated the Congress Party’s commitment to workers, stating, “For the Congress Party, ‘Shramev Jayate’ is not just a slogan.

“For the Congress Party, ‘Shramev Jayate” is not just a slogan; it is our resolve to provide justice and social security to crores of workers. Today, the future of the country’s workers, labourers, and hardworking youth has been put in danger by the Modi government,” Kharge wrote in his X post.

Kharge further raised three key concerns regarding the struggles of workers under the Modi government.

“First, MNREGA – which is the Congress guarantee to employ the most vulnerable workers, has been continuously axed by the Modi government. The budget has been reduced. 7 crore workers were dropped from MNREGA. Daily wages were not increased. We demand that MNREGA workers should get Rs 400 per day and their working days should be increased from 100 to 150 days,” he said on X post. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam region of the Union Territory, attributing it to security lapses and Pakistan’s attempts to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir. 

Abdullah criticised Pakistan’s propaganda and Army Chief General Asim Munir’s provocative remarks on the two-nation theory, while expressing support for PM Narendra Modi’s response.

“There is no doubt that this was a matter of security and intelligence lapses…They wouldn’t (Pakistan) have liked the fact that we were leading our lives very well…propaganda was spread among our people as well…so they (Pakistan) resorted to this (Pahalgam attack)…but they didn’t look at the fact that how it is going to affect the Muslims in India…a narrative is already going on since last 10 years, to eliminate Muslims completely, to burn our Mosques…we were dealing with it already. Now, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir provoked by speaking about two-nation theory…if war happens, it will come to the table, but what will happen on the table, only Allah knows,” he said.

Farooq Abdullah clarified his position on the Waqf Act, strongly opposing the Bill and expressing hope for justice from the Supreme Court.

“We oppose the Waqf bill, there is no doubt about that. It is still an issue and we expect justice from the Supreme Court…Pahalgam incident was very painful…hatred gets increased by this. Whose motive is to spread hatred, why they are doing it and what benefit they are getting from it…We are the ones who get caught in between… We have been seeing this for the last 30-35 years… The people of Kashmir are suffering the most because of this,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the JKNC chief extended his complete support to the Union government, saying that the Prime Minister should take whatever necessary steps in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Speaking to ANI, over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs, Abdullah said, “We have extended our complete support to the Prime Minister…PM should do whatever has to be done.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs.National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting.

The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. (ANI)

Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre’s decision to include caste in the forthcoming census. Patel termed the decision as “historic.” Criticising the Opposition, she said that social justice for the INDI alliance is a political tool, but for the NDA, it is a commitment.

Speaking to ANI, Patel said, “I want to thank Prime Minister Modi. Our government has taken a historic decision; I welcome this decision. For INDI alliance, social justice is a political tool, but for the NDA, social justice is our commitment. We have taken many decisions in this regard earlier also.”

She further questioned the Opposition’s intention and said, ” I just want to ask the opposition colleagues that when you were in the government, who stopped you from taking this decision…”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also launched a scathing attack on the Opposition parties for claiming credit for the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Chief Minister Maurya said, ” Opposition ….whatever they say, but they had enough time when they were in power….10 years, Rahul Gandhi ran the Manmohan Singh govt at the Centre, Akhilesh Yadav backed Congress led government, RJD also backed Congress led govt but none of them did anything for backward people.”Maurya further lauded PM Modi as one who works for the backward classes and various communities. “PM Modi is the one who worked for backward class people…he has done a lot of work for various communities…”, he said.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, welcoming the Union Cabinet’s decision to include a caste census in the upcoming national census. He said that this will truly open the doors to social justice.

Speaking to ANI, Shinde described the decision as “historic.” “Yesterday’s decision is historic for all the people of the country…people who belong to backwards classes can be brought to the mainstream…everybody will get justice from this…Shiv Sena welcomes this decision,” he said.

“Since independence, this is the only such major decision, and that is why I welcome it. I thank the Prime Minister because it takes courage to take such bold decisions. This decision is also linked to the future of the country,” Eknath Shinde emphasised.

Taking a jibe at the opposition, he accused the Congress Party of vote bank politics. “Those people who are claiming that this decision was taken due to them, I want to ask them, you were in power for 60 years, what did you do? Who had tied your hands?…because you wanted to do vote bank politics…those working part-time come and speak, and then they go abroad. Part-time politics won’t help in the betterment of the country…”, he claimed.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a media briefing following the cabinet meeting that the decision demonstrates the present government’s commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society.

According to Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at item 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule.”While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey,” Vaishnaw said. (ANI)