The Chhattisgarh

Tag: tamil nadu

  • Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin Asks Modi Govt To Recall Governor Ravi Amid Anthem, Hindi Row |

    In a fresh row between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor RN Ravi, Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to the Union Government to recall the governor over Hindi imposition and removing the ‘Dravida’ word from the Tamil anthem. Now, CM Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the centre to recall the governor for insulting national unity.

    The incident pertains to the Chennai Doordarshan’s golden jubilee celebration event alongside the culmination of the Hindi month. CM Stalin said that the celebration of Hindi month in the non-Hindi-speaking state is an attempt to belittle other languages.

    In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Thai Vazhthu – the Tamil anthem, is sung at the beginning of every government programme. However, during the Doordarshan event, the artists singing the song skipped the line with the ‘Dravida’ word. While Doordarshan Tamil has apologised for the mistake saying that the error happened due to the singers being distracted, the political row continues over the incident.

    I strongly condemn the celebration of Hindi Month valedictory function along with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan.

    Hon’ble @PMOIndia,

    The Constitution of India does not grant national language status to any language. In a multilingual nation, celebrating…
    — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 18, 2024

    CM Stalin alleged that skipping the word is a violation of state law. He also accused the governor of insulting national unity by celebrating Hindi in a non-Hindi state.

    “Will the governor who suffers from a Dravidian allergy ask them to leave out ‘Dravida’ in the national anthem? The Union Government should immediately recall the Governor who is deliberately insulting Tamil Nadu and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said on X. 

    On the other hand, Governor Ravi said Hindi should be celebrated alongside other languages and it should not be viewed as an imposition.

    “First, when I came here, Hindi was not a welcome language in Tamil Nadu but when I started meeting students, I was happily surprised that their Hindi was better than mine. There is a greater acceptance of Hindi among the people of Tamil Nadu… Hindi is not a language of imposition of language in Tamil Nadu,” he told ANI.

    Responding to the protests by the DMK and comments of CM Stalin, the Governor said that it was an attempt to isolate Tamil Nadu from the rest of India. He termed anti-Hindi protests and remarks a ‘toxic and separatist policy’.

  • Leaked Video Of Conversation Between Tamil Nadu’s Restaurant Owner, FM Sitharaman Lands BJP In Soup- All About The GST Apology Row |

    Tamil Nadu GST Row: The Goods and Services Tax has been a bone of contention between the BJP and the Congress. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had once termed it ‘Gabbar Sing Tax’. The Congress got fresh ammunition after a video of a conversation between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama and Tamil Nadu’s famous restaurant chain owner was shared on X mistakenly by a BJP worker. The Congress slammed the Finance Minister for her arrogance. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai apologised for the incident.

    What Is The Issue All About?

    The root of the row goes back to the September 11 event attended by several businessmen and Finance Minister Sitharaman. During the event, Annapoorna chain of restaurants owner Srinivasan expressed his concerns related to the GST in front of FM Sitharaman. 

    The hotel chain owner mentioned that sweets are subject to a 5% GST, while savouries are taxed at 12%. “There is 18% GST on cream-filled buns, whereas there is no GST on buns. Customers often complain, saying, ‘Just give me the bun, I will add the cream and jam myself’,” said Srinivasan.

    He is Coimbatore’s pride Annapurna Group Head Srinivasan.

    Yesterday he was forced to apologise to FM Nirmala Sitharaman on camera.

    His crime? To ask a genuine question on GST from FM during an event.

    This not only exposes BJP leaders’ arrogance but is also an insult of the… pic.twitter.com/MJ6sRj6wyD
    — Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) September 13, 2024

    A day later, Srinivasan met FM Sitharaman during which he reportedly apologised to the minister saying that he is not a member of any political party. In a video shared by the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, Srinivasan, the owner of Annapoorna, is captured standing and folding his hands while interacting with Sitharaman. “Please pardon me for my comments. I do not belong to any political party,” he was heard saying in the video.

    Rahul Gandhi Ji in Coimbatore — Goes to a sweet shop, buys some sweets for TN CM @mkstalin, greets the staff of the shop and gets clicks with them.

    Nirmala Sitharaman in Coimbatore — Forced the owner renowned Annapoorna group to apologise & released the video to humiliate him. pic.twitter.com/AKhnTiJwLZ
    — Shantanu (@shaandelhite) September 13, 2024

    Congress Slams BJP

    A businessman apologising to the FM for his genuine concerns sparked a row with people terming it bad optics while Congress slammed the ruling party and its minister for ‘arrogance’. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said, that when the owner of a small business like Annapoorna restaurant asks public servants for a simplified GST regime, their request is met with ‘arrogance and outright disrespect’. 

    “Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet. Our small business owners have already endured the blows of demonetisation, an inaccessible banking system, tax extortion and a disastrous GST. The last thing they deserve is further humiliation. But when the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is exactly what they’ll deliver. MSMEs have been asking for relief for years. If this arrogant government would listen to the people they would understand that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses,” said the LoP.

    When the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks our public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with arrogance and outright disrespect.

    Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire…
    — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 13, 2024

    Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader Of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said, “‘Tax Terror’ for Poor & Middle Class, while ‘Tax Cuts’ for Modi ji’s Crony Friends!  The disgraceful humiliation of a small businessman, the owner of Sree Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore by the Finance Minister and the BJP, smacks of arrogance of power. She has been a repeated offender in such public interactions.”

    ‘Tax Terror’ for Poor & Middle Class, while ‘Tax Cuts’ for Modi ji’s Crony Friends!

    The disgraceful humiliation of a small businessman, the owner of Sree Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore by the Finance Minister and the BJP, smacks of arrogance of power. She has been a…
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 13, 2024

    BJP Apologises To Businessman

    While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is yet to respond to the issue, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai apologised for the leaked video. “On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM. I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy,” said Annamalai.

    On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM.

    I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express…
    — K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 13, 2024

    The state BJP president further said, “Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu’s business community, contributing significantly to the state’s and nation’s economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect.”

  • Chennai: Eight-Month-Old Infant Falls On Tin Roof From Balcony; Watch Dramatic Rescue Video |

    Dramatic and terrifying footage has gone viral on social media from an apartment complex in Avadi of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In the video, an infant was seen lying on the edge of a tin roof after falling from a balcony. In the viral video, people can be seen holding a bedsheet open on the ground to catch the child if she falls. People were also seen risking their lives by climbing atop the balcony to save the child. 

    The three-minute-long viral video shows the dramatic rescue of the child who fell from the fourth-floor balcony and landed on a tin shade on the second floor. The clip was recorded by another resident of the same complex. In the video, eight-month-old Harin Magi can be seen lying on her hands and knees near the edge of a tin shade. A slighter movement would have led to her fall from there.

    Today morning in my cousins apartment in Chennai  pic.twitter.com/VAqwd0bm4d
    — (கலைஞரின் உடன்பிறப்பு) (@RengarajMr) April 28, 2024

    While the screams of residents can be heard in the video, three men climbed up from a first-floor window to grab the child. A mattress was placed underneath the bedsheet to ensure the infant didn’t get hurt.

    As the tension mounts in the video, the baby edges nearer to the roof’s edge, her tiny legs nearly dangling over the abyss. Shrieks intensify as a man emerges from a first-floor window, balancing on the railing to reach for the child. With two others steadying him, he extends his arm, snatches the infant, and safely transfers her to a waiting figure indoors.

    This comes days after a video went viral in which a mother was seen placing her infant inside a fridge unknowingly while talking on her phone. The video that went viral days ago shows the parents searching for their child impatiently.

    No wayyyyyy  pic.twitter.com/lfaiEnH9iP
    — Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) April 28, 2024

    The father then hears the child’s cry and moves towards the refrigerator, opening the door to find the child crying inside. 

  • Lok Sabha Polls 2024: How BJP Is Expanding Its Footprints In Tamil Nadu |

    CHENNAI: In a significant development ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a crucial seat-sharing agreement with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu. As part of the deal, the PMK, representing the Vanniyar minority, has been allocated ten parliamentary constituencies for contesting the upcoming polls in the southern state. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss expressed optimism about this alliance, stating, “The people of Tamil Nadu are yearning for a change after six decades of rule by other parties. To fulfil this aspiration, PMK has chosen to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP.”

     

    #WATCH | PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss says, “For the last ten years PMK has been part of the NDA in Delhi. Today, PMK has decided to join the NDA in Tamil Nadu and an agreement was signed. We are happy that we have joined the NDA in Tamil Nadu for a change. The last 57-58… pic.twitter.com/tAhx1mE4iQ
    — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2024

     

    Impact Of BJP-PMK Alliance 

    Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai echoed Ramadoss’s sentiments, emphasizing the strength of the alliance. He highlighted the transformative impact of the PMK’s decision to align with the NDA, leading to an immediate shift in the political landscape. Both leaders are set to participate in a public meeting alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the significance of this collaboration. 

    The PMK, which mostly represents the Vanniyar minority in Tamil Nadu, was the second main alliance partner of the BJP in the Lok Sabha election 2019, which contested on seven alliance seats. With a vote percentage of 5.42 per cent, it was unable to secure even one seat in the polls. PMK contested 23 seats in the AIADMK alliance in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and won five seats by securing 4.04 per cent.

    During the 2019 general elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised INC, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats. In 2019, the DMK won 23 Lok Sabha seats with 33.2 per cent vote share, Congress bagged 8 seats with 12.9 per cent vote and CPI won 2 seats in Tamil Nadu. CPI(M) got a seat, IML won 1 seat and independents were elected on 2 seats.

    The PMK had a slight increase in vote share to 5.42 per cent over seven seats in 2014, up from 4.4 per cent for eight seats. Anbumani Ramadoss is currently a Rajya Sabha member having been elected unopposed in 2019.

    BJP’s Seat-Sharing Arrangements

    Following the agreement, discussions are underway to finalize the specifics of the seat-sharing arrangement. PMK leaders are expected to attend Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming public meeting in Salem, where the official announcement of PMK candidates will take place. This alliance marks a strategic move by the BJP to bolster its presence in Tamil Nadu, a state historically dominated by Dravidian parties.

    Expanding Footprints In DMK-Ruled Tamil Nadu

    The recent seat-sharing deal with the PMK underscores the BJP’s concerted efforts to expand its influence in Tamil Nadu, despite being under the rule of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Prime Minister Modi’s extensive outreach in the state, coupled with alliances with regional parties and prominent figures like actor R Sarath Kumar, signals the BJP’s determined push into Tamil Nadu’s political arena. This was followed by Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s announcement of his party’s unconditional support to the BJP-led alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. 

    Inclusive Approach and Political Strategy

    The BJP’s inclusive approach, demonstrated through the selection of leaders from diverse backgrounds to helm the party in Tamil Nadu, aims to dispel misconceptions and broaden its appeal beyond traditional voter bases. By showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and embracing regional sentiments, the BJP seeks to carve a niche in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

    Challenges And Optimism

    While the BJP faces challenges in Tamil Nadu, particularly in garnering support amidst existing political dynamics, the party remains optimistic about its prospects. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the BJP’s concerted efforts to engage with voters and forge alliances underscore its determination to establish a formidable presence in the state and reshape Tamil Nadu’s political narrative in the upcoming elections.

    Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu

    The first phase of voting for all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 19. The Election Commission has announced a seven-phase polling schedule across the nation, with voting taking place from April 19 to June 1 and counting of votes slated for June 4.

  • DNA: Analysis Of DMK’s Anti-India, Anti-Hindu Ideology |

    NEW DELHI: The announcement of Lok Sabha election dates could come any day now, and this information isn’t just gleaned from sources but inferred from the controversial statements of leaders. As elections draw near, many leaders in the country reiterate their core agendas. Their fundamental agenda often involves making divisive statements based on language, region, or religion. Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, DMK, leads the charge in this regard.

    DMK leader A Raja has come under scrutiny for his derogatory remarks about India’s integrity and ancient traditions. According to him, India is not a single nation because it comprises various cultures. From his perspective, a country is only one when it shares a single culture and language. Tonight, we delve into the analysis of the anti-India and anti-Hindu statements made by A Raja and his party, DMK.

    In the run-up to elections, some individuals stoop to any level to fulfil their political ambitions. Certain opposition parties, upon nearing elections, transcend all limits under the guise of opposition. Attempts are being made to undermine the foundational framework of the country while opposing a political party or leader.

     

    DMK की देश विरोधी विचारधारा का विश्लेषण
    कम हो रही कमाई…कैसे हो बच्चों की पढ़ाई ?
    NCR में नकली दवा की ‘असली फैक्ट्री’

    देखिए #DNA LIVE Sourabh Raaj Jain के साथ#ZeeLive #ZeeNews #DNAWithSourabh #DMK #Kids #SchoolFees #Medicine @saurabhraajjain https://t.co/IqQFgEzfqv
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) March 6, 2024

     

    India is globally recognized as the largest democratic nation, embraced for its diverse languages, cultures, and beliefs. However, some leaders no longer view India as a unified nation but rather as a subcontinent consisting of multiple nations. This ideology aligns with those who dream of fragmenting India into pieces, with efforts underway to create separate entities.

    On March 1st, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), celebrated the birthday of its president and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin. On this day, DMK leader A Raja went as far as to dismiss the very idea of India as a nation. Raja claimed that India is not a country but a subcontinent. According to him, a nation is formed only when its culture and language are uniform.

    Raja’s remarks not only challenge the conception of India but also disrespect India as the motherland and Lord Rama, thereby insulting ancient traditions. With the Lok Sabha elections looming, such statements not only criticize ancient traditions but also veer into anti-India rhetoric. BJP has fiercely reacted to A. Raja’s statements, questioning not only DMK but also leaders of the INDI Alliance. Not just A Raja, but DMK Chief Minister Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, also partakes in such divisive actions, often making anti-Hindu remarks during political events.

    It’s evident that DMK, as a political party, has maintained its fundamental ideology of being anti-India, anti-Hindu, and viewing the country as a subcontinent. When leaders like A Raja, Senthil Kumar, or Udhayanidhi make controversial statements, it’s not a mere slip but a reflection of their core beliefs. Stay tuned to tonight’s episode of DNA as we expose the anti-India agenda of Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, DMK.

  • ‘Insulted Scientists, Tax Payers’ Money’: PM Modi Lashes Out At DMK Govt Over ‘China Rocket’ In Newspaper Ad |

    Tirunelveli: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu, criticizing an alleged depiction of a ‘Chinese rocket’ in a state government newspaper advertisement.

    Insult To ISRO Scientists

    PM Modi accused the DMK of ‘looting’ taxpayer money and claimed that the state government’s ad insulted scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who played a crucial role in successful space missions like Chandrayaan-3. “DMK is a party that does not work but stands ahead to take false credit. These people paste their stickers on our schemes. Now they have crossed the limits, they have pasted China’s sticker to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering in Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.

    DMK’s Refusal To Acknowledge India’s Space Progress

    The Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the DMK’s refusal to acknowledge India’s progress in the space sector. He emphasized how the party failed to showcase India’s space success and insulted scientists while misusing taxpayers’ money for advertisements. “They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in it. They did not want to present India’s space success in front of the world, they insulted our scientists, our space sector, and your tax money. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds,” PM Modi said.

    PM Modi also criticized the Congress and DMK alliance, accusing them of engaging in ‘dividing’ the nation. He highlighted an incident where DMK members left the Parliament during the resolution for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir, stating that it reflected the leaders’ disdain for people’s faith.

    Contrasting the divisive politics, PM Modi claimed that the BJP considers every person a family member. He expressed confidence that people in Tamil Nadu trust the BJP for development and emphasized the party’s commitment to meeting their expectations.

    AIIMS And Development Of Tamil Nadu

    Highlighting the proposal for AIIMS in Madurai, PM Modi accused the state government of ‘non-cooperation.’ He assured the people that the BJP would strive for the development of Tamil Nadu despite the obstacles posed by the current government.

    PM Modi urged the people to be alert against the state government’s opposition to development and anti-development political parties. He vowed to hold them accountable and emphasized the need for the state to progress in tandem with the country.

    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated and dedicated multiple development projects worth Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi. These projects, symbolizing ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ include initiatives to make the VO Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub in the country.

    Green Hydrogen Hub And Clean Energy Initiatives

    PM Modi inaugurated projects such as a desalination plant, hydrogen production, and bunkering facility, aiming to make the port a Green Hydrogen Hub. Additionally, he flagged off India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative, promoting clean energy solutions and aligning with the nation’s net-zero commitments.

    The Prime Minister dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across ten States/UTs and several rail and road projects in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing their role in fostering development and connectivity.

  • Fireworks Factory Blast Kills 10, Injures 3 In Tamil Nadu; PM Modi, CM Stalin Announce Ex-Gratia |

    New Delhi: A tragic accident at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district claimed the lives of 10 people, including four women, and injured three others on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin sent two state ministers to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in the blast and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    The Chief Minister said that the blast occurred suddenly in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai. He instructed State Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to reach the site immediately and coordinate the relief efforts, according to an official statement.

    #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Drone visuals from Virudhunagar, where 10 people lost their lives in an explosion incident at a firecracker manufacturing unit. pic.twitter.com/EAQ4uHw7TC
    — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024

    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on ‘X’: “I am deeply saddened by the news of a mishap at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. I hope the injured recover quickly. The PMNRF will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.”

    The Chief Minister also expressed his grief over the incident and offered his condolences and sympathies to the affected families. He announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each for the kin of the dead and Rs one lakh each for the seriously injured.

    The accident happened around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the firecracker factory. “Nine people died on the spot and three were taken to Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment,” Virudhunagar district Collector V P Jayaseelan said.

    He said that a preliminary enquiry revealed that there was overcrowding in the chemical mixing room and the blast could have been caused by mishandling of the chemical. He said that the factory owner had a valid licence.

    When asked about the cause of the blast, the Collector said “it could have been a human error. We have ordered a detailed enquiry by a team of officials from different departments.”

  • PM Modi To Visit Ram Setu’s Origin Point, Perform Puja At Dhanushkodi Temple |

    A day ahead of the Pran Pratishta puja at Ayodhya Ram Temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude his temple visits today in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi has been visiting temples linked to Lord Ram for the past few days. He started off from Maharashtra’s Nashik and has visited Kerala and Andhra Pradesh as well. Today, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Arichal Munai point, the point from where the Ram Setu was built at 9:30 am.

    PM Modi will perform puja at Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple at 10.15am. The name Kothandarama means Rama with the bow. It is located in Dhanushkodi. It is said that this is where Ravana’s brother Vibhishana first met Lord Ram and asked him for refuge. Some legends also say that this is the place where Lord Ram conducted the coronation of Vibhishana. Earlier yesterday, the Prime Minister visited Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli and Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram in the southern state. 

    Blessed moments at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. pic.twitter.com/0o0vrlOXUn
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    The idol of Lord Ram has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. The idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ is carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.

    Listening to verses of the Kamba Ramayan at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an experience I will cherish for my entire life. The fact that this is the very Temple where the great Kamban first publically presented his Ramayan makes it more noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/4Flcq5FlsH
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    Ahead of the much-anticipated ‘Pran Pratishta’ event in Ayodhya tomorrow, which is expected to draw nearly 8,000 VIP guests, the Uttar Pradesh police force has significantly enhanced security measures in the temple town. Additional Director General (ADG) Lucknow Zone, Piyush Mordia, stated that security patrols along the Saryu River are being conducted using boats, and aerial surveillance is being carried out through high-flying drones.

    Honoured to have got the opportunity to pray at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Prabhu Sri Ram’s connection with this Temple is long-standing. I feel blessed to have been blessed by the God whom Prabhu Sri Ram also worshipped. pic.twitter.com/0dLqTW3FeR
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    “Our police force has arrived in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Our Police force, which was to come to Ayodhya, has arrived and has also been deployed. The entire police force was briefed together again today. Briefing and debriefing sessions are being conducted daily with officers. Drones which have been deployed in the entire district are also being used for aerial surveillance. Patrolling on the Saryu River is being undertaken through boats,” the senior police officer said. (With ANI inputs)

  • 132 Lok Sabha Seats, Four States: PM Modi’s Spiritual Outreach -Unveiling Strategy Behind BJP’s Southern Quest |

    Lord Ram is worshipped across the country and in many foreign countries as well. Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22 will mark his return to Ayodhya after a gap of around 450 years. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony, he is visiting several temples in the south which has strong connections with Lord Ram. Starting from Maharashtra, PM Modi has so far visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well. 

    Now, he will be visiting various significant temples in Tamil Nadu on 20-21 January. On 20th January, he will participate in a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in this temple. Thereafter, he will reach Rameswaram and perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. On 21st January, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.

    Maharashtra – 48 Lok Sabha Seats

    Nashik holds significant connections to the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana, the epic where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided along the banks of the Godavari River. Notably, it is the locale where Lakshman cut off Surpanakha’s nose. The revered Shree Kala Ram Mandir which PM Modi visited, stands in the Panchavati Area of Nashik, a place deeply intertwined with the events of the Ramayana. Panchavati holds a special significance as it witnessed key episodes of the epic. Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, spent a considerable time in the Dandakaranya forest, which encompasses the Panchavati region. The legend has it that Lord Ram chose this region for his abode due to the auspicious presence of these five significant trees – Panchvati – five banyan trees. Now, by visiting the temple, PM Modi sent a message to the people of Maharashtra that the Ram Temple is ready for devotees. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP is facing tough competition there due to the NCP-Sena UBT-Congress alliance. 

    Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh on January 16. PM Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata. Lepakshi’s historical significance is rooted in the Ramayana, as it is believed that the injured bird Jatayu, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita, descended at this location after an intense battle and attended Mokhsa. Even if the BJP manages to win three to five seats out of 25 in the state, it will be a boost for the saffron party.

    Kerala – 20 Lok Sabha Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 17. PM Modi appealed to people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22 to mark the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The BJP has significantly increased its vote share in some of the seats including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Attingal seats. Of the 20 seats, the BJP is trying to win at least 3-5 seats with the help of Hindu and Christian voters.

    Tamil Nadu – 39 Lok Sabha Seats

    The BJP has gained significant popularity in the state under state unit chief K Annamalai. Now, with PM Modi’s regular visits and temple darshans, the BJP is trying to carve a niche among the Hindu voters. PM Modi’s popularity clubbed with the dynamism of Annamalai is likely to increase BJP’s vote share. And if this translates into victory, it would mark the saffron party’s south expansion. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. 

    With the Lok Sabha elections just three months away, the BJP is working round the clock to increase its vote share in the southern states.

  • Hemant Soren To Anoint His Wife As CM? Times When Spouses, Kins Became Chief Ministers |

    Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will hold a crucial meeting of the legislative party today. BJP has claimed that CM Soren will resign today and install his wife Kalpana Soren as the Chief Minister. While CM Soren has rejected the speculations, the rumour mills have not stopped buzzing. The BJP has claimed that Kalpana Soren may contest from the Gandey seat vacated by the JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmed. This is not the first instance when a wife of a CM may become CM of the state. India has been home to dynasty politics and there have been several occasions when spouses, kins, and relatives took over as the CM of a state.

    Tamil Nadu: V. N. Janaki Ramachandran, wife of MG Ramachandran, became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for 23 days in 1988 after the demise of MGR. She was the first woman to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. In 1991, J Jayalalithaa became CM of the state. She was one of the closest aides of MGR. Current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin is the son of 2nd Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. He first became Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2011.

    Bihar: Rabri Devi became the first female Chief Minister of Bihar in 1997. She became CM after her husband Lalu Prasad resigned following the arrest warrant issued against him in corruption charges relating to the Fodder scam. The current Deputy CM of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav is the son of Lalu Yadav.

    Jammu and Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti became the first woman chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Her party formed a government in alliance with the BJP. In 2009, Omar Abdullah, son of former CM Farooq Abdullah, became CM of the state. 

    Uttar Pradesh: Son of former UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, became the CM of UP in 2012. Akhilesh Yadav has been leading the Samajwadi Party since then.

    Andhra Pradesh: The current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is the son of Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy who served as the 14th CM of Andhra between 2004-2009. 

    Karnataka: HD Kumaraswamy, who served twice as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, though for a brief period, is the son of former CM of the state H. D. Deve Gowda.

    Maharashtra: The current Deputy CM Of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar is the nephew of former Maha CM Sharad Pawar. 

    Jharkhand: The current CM of Jharkhand Hemant Soren is the son of former CM Shibu Soren.

    In Odisha, the current CM Naveen Patnaik is the son of former CM Biju Patnaik. These are some of the many examples where the spouses, sons or relatives of Chief Ministers became their successors in a bid to retain power within a family, as alleged by the opposition parties.