Mumbai, June 26 (IANS) Shiv Sena-UBT leader and former Maharashtra minister Aditya Thackeray on Thursday lashed out at the Maharashtra government after potholes emerged on the newly inaugurated Samruddhi Highway, alleging corruption and calling it a “mega scam.”

The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, from Igatpuri to Amane, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 5. However, within weeks, the highway has started showing signs of wear and tear, raising questions about its construction quality.Talking to IANS, Aditya Thackeray said: “Absolutely, over the past two years, I’ve raised issues about Mumbai’s poor roads and the mega scams involved. I’ve even held press conferences. Now, look at the Samruddhi Highway – a portion of it collapsed just weeks after its inauguration. This is clear proof of corruption. That’s why ‘Brashtnath’ Shinde (a sarcastic reference to Eknath Shinde) had to join the BJP and enter their washing machine.”Thackeray further criticised the BJP and its allies for failing to deliver on election promises.”All the promises made before elections are forgotten afterwards. Look at the state of Maharashtra—nothing has been done for women or farmers as promised. Be it Maharashtra, Bihar, or anywhere else, the BJP cannot be trusted. There’s no credibility in their words,” he said.Thackeray further commented on the controversy over the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1 in Maharashtra schools. He said the imposition of any language on young children is unfair.“Anyone can speak Hindi, but we oppose its forced imposition. Think about the children studying in schools. Why should a student in Class 1 or 2 be forced to learn a third language? If you want to promote languages, I’ve also promoted French and Spanish. But in our state, Marathi and English should be the primary focus. There should be no compulsion for a third language,” he asserted.Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, of the NCP, has also opposed the move, stating that Hindi should be introduced from Class 5, not Class 1.On the same day, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray reaffirmed his stance against the “imposition” of Hindi in Maharashtra, accusing the BJP of attempting to create a linguistic divide among citizens.–IANSjk/vd

Bhubaneswar, June 26 (IANS) Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati on Thursday targeted the West Bengal Government, asserting that the driving force behind the construction of the Jagannath Temple at Digha and terming the temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’ in the neighbouring state is economic interests rather than religious sentiments.Answering queries over the controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath Temple during a press conference at the holy coastal town, the Puri seer said: “Most of the pilgrims in Puri come from West Bengal and is a source of earning for the priests, hotels and other businesses here. Mamata (West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) wants to restrict this income source to West Bengal utilizing the name of Lord Jagannath. This is a question of economic interests and has no way connected to religious sentiments.”The Puri seer also criticised the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as directionless for organising untimely Ratha Yatra and Snana Yatra.Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written a letter to his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee requesting her government to stop naming Digha Temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’ as it exclusively refers to the 12th century shrine at Puri and its usage for any other temple is inappropriate.The Jagannath Temple at Digha was also embroiled in a controversy related to the preparation and distribution of Prasad by some Muslim shop owners.West Bengal’s Jagannath Temple in Digha was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30. The temple is a replica of the main Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.Following the controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath Temple, the Odisha government also took a significant decision last month to apply for a patent on the glossary linked to the famous 12th century shrine and deities and the logo of the temple.Meanwhile, the holy city of Puri braces for the world famous nine-day long Ratha Yatra festival which is set to commence from June 27.The city has been placed under a five-tiered security blanket for the festival.–IANSgyan/pgh

New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) Assuring grand and seamless facilities for Shiv devotees or ‘Kanwars’ during the holy month of Shravan, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Thursday that 20 camps will be set up exclusively for women devotees travelling on foot.

The Chief Minister held a special interactive meeting with Kanwar Seva Committees, which are responsible for arrangements like tents and community meals (bhandaras) for Shiva devotees during the Kanwar festival.CM Gupta affirmed that her government would extend full respect and hospitality to the Kanwariyas.During the holy month of Shravan, when they enter Delhi, Ministers and MLAs of the state government will greet them at Delhi’s borders.Those present in the meeting includes the Chairman of the Kanwar Festival Organising Committee and Delhi’s Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra; committee members and MLAs Anil Sharma, Sanjay Goyal, Ajay Mahawar, Pradyuman Rajput, Abhay Verma, and others.Addressing all the Shiva devotees and Kanwar committees devoted to service, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi government is fully devoted to making the festival grand and seamless.She added that this is the government’s first Kanwar event and the aim is to make it the most memorable, convenient, and well-coordinated Kanwar celebration ever.The Chief Minister told that processes related to sanitation, toilets, security, electricity, lighting, and medical facilities have been significantly improved.A new provision has been introduced to grant permissions to organising committees within 72 hours, CM Gupta said.In addition, it has been decided to provide up to 1,200 units of free electricity for each camp, she added.She also assured that all pending payments post the festival will be cleared within three months.Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who is leading the preparations for the Kanwar festival, said that the Delhi government is committed to making this year’s Kanwar Yatra grand and well-organised.He urged all representatives of the Kanwar Committees to work sincerely and within defined standards and to treat the welcoming of Shiva devotees as a festival in itself.Minister Mishra also added that under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, special focus will be given to cleanliness at Kanwar camps, including additional arrangements for mobile toilet vans.”There are also plans to build welcome gates for Shiva devotees. This year’s Kanwar festival will become a unique example of public participation, and the government aims to set up at least 20 separate camps exclusively for women devotees,” he said.Last year, 170 Kanwar organising committees were funded by the Delhi government.Kanwar Yatra is one of North India’s most significant religious traditions, where millions of devotees collect holy Ganga water from Haridwar, Gangotri, and other sacred places to offer at Shiva temples in their native places.Every year, thousands of Kanwar devotees pass through Delhi en route to other states.To welcome and accommodate them, Kanwar camps are set up across various parts of the city.They are offered resting areas, food and medical facilities at these camps set up along key roads used by the devotees to travel on foot.–IANSrch/khz

Chandigarh, June 26 (IANS) To provide a platform to landowners to prevent distress sale of land in case of dire necessity due to non-availability of suitable purchasers, the Haryana Cabinet on Thursday approved a new land purchase policy for development projects, besides adopting the Unified Pension Scheme.The Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, here approved the policy for purchase of land voluntarily offered to government departments, its entities, i.e. boards and corporations and government companies for development projects.The purpose of the policy is to ensure providing a platform to the landowners to prevent distress sale in case of dire necessity due to non-availability of suitable purchasers.Besides, the landowners can participate in decision making of the government projects by offering their lands and getting optimum price.In a significant decision to secure the future of its employees, the Cabinet adopted the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) notified by the government of India under the National Pension System (NPS).Effective from August 1, this landmark move will benefit over 2 lakh employees appointed on or after January 1, 2006.The scheme, approved by the Cabinet, aims to give assured minimum pension and family pension to government employees.The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will provide 50 per cent of the average basic pay drawn by an employee during the 12 months prior to retirement, provided the employee completes 25 years of service.A minimum guaranteed payout of Rs 10,000 per month will be assured if the employee retires after completing 10 or more years of qualifying service.In the event of the pensioner death, the family will receive 60 per cent of the last-drawn pension amount.Dearness relief will be applicable on both the assured pension payout and the family pension, calculated in the same manner as the dearness allowance applicable to serving employees.However, dearness relief will be payable only once the pension payout commences. A lump sum payment will also be allowed at the time of superannuation, amounting to 10 per cent of the monthly emoluments, basic pay plus dearness allowance, for every completed six months of qualifying service.This lump sum will not affect the assured pension payout, an official statement said.Under the current New Pension Scheme, employees contribute 10 per cent, while the government contributes 14 per cent.With the implementation of UPS, the government contribution will increase to 18.5 per cent, resulting in a monthly expenditure of approximately Rs 50 crore and an annual cost of Rs 600 crore.Existing employees of the government under the National Pension System, as well as future employees, will have the option to choose either the Unified Pension Scheme under the NPS or to continue with the existing NPS without the UPS option.Once an employee opts for the UPS, all terms and conditions of the scheme will be deemed accepted, and this choice will be final.–IANSvg/pgh

New Delhi: In the tortured chronicle of the nuclear age, few regions have exhibited its…

Bhagalpur, June 26 (IANS) A special camp was organised in the city’s Kahalgaon area on Thursday, where more than 500 tricycles, hearing aids and other disability-support systems were handed over to differently-abled people.The event held under the aegis of two popular government schemes namely — Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (ADIP) and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) saw a huge turnout of people and beneficiaries, who got assistance in the form of tricycles, sticks, hearing aids, dental and other items.The beneficiaries praised the government’s efforts towards their welfare and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Nartendra Modi.Speaking on the occasion, Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal said that the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister have always been dedicated to helping the specially-abled people.Ajay Mandal told IANS that the scheme run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has the unwavering support of Prime Minister Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.This is for the second time that such a camp for divyangs was organised in the city.Ajay Mandal further said: “In my last tenure, I handed over tricycles to 4,000 Divyangjans. This time also, about 2,000 people were given various types of equipments. There are tricycles, e-rickshaws, crutches, commodes, canes, hearing aids, etc.”Arpana, one of the organisers, said that the camp was at the sub-division level and tricycles was given to hundreds of divyangs to empower them and make them self-reliant.Besides the distribution of hearing aids and other equipment, a team of doctors also conducted diagnostic tests on many of the divyangs and examined their health.There were many first-timers to the camp, who got themselves registered under the government scheme and then received the benefits.Mannu Gupta, who came from Kirtania Panchayat, said that he was very happy to get a tricycle.“It will be very easy for me to go to the market or anywhere. Bringing and taking goods anywhere will also become very easy now. I thank PM Modi for this,” he said.–IANSmr/pgh

Shillong, June 26 (IANS) A local court in Shillong on Thursday remanded three recently arrested individuals to six days in police custody for their alleged role in destroying critical evidence tied to the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi.

The accused were presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, with Assistant Public Prosecutor Tushar Chanda confirming the court’s decision. Among those arrested is Lokendra Singh Tomar, a Gwalior resident, who was taken into custody on Monday. Tomar owns a flat in Indore’s Dewas Naka area, where the prime suspect, Sonam Raghuvanshi, allegedly hid during the investigation. The two others – Silome James, a property dealer who rented a flat to co-accused Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Balbir Ahirwar alias Ballu, a security guard at the same apartment complex – were detained on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Authorities allege the trio actively concealed and tampered with evidence linked to the high-profile case. Meanwhile, after extensive searches and investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Meghalaya Police left from Indore on Thursday. The SIT flew to Meghalaya with materials, including a country-made pistol recovered from a drain in Indore on Wednesday, and three persons, Silome James (property broker), Balvir Ahirwar (security guard) and Lokendra Tomar (flat owner), were arrested from different parts of Madhya Pradesh in the past one week. These three accused persons have been taken on transit remand to Shillong for a cross-examination with the main accused — Sonam Raghuvanshi, her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and his three friends, who were arrested between June 8 and 10. An Indore Police officer said a weapon was suspected to have disappeared along with other items from a flat in the city where Sonam, Raja Raghuvanshi’s wife, had stayed for several days after fleeing from Meghalaya following the murder. Meanwhile, Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, said that he came to know that Meghalaya Police have recovered a pistol and a laptop along with a mobile phone during the investigation. “I came to know through the media that a pistol has been recovered, either from a bag or near the drain, along with a laptop or mobile. We are hopeful that these recoveries would bring some more clarity in the case,” Vipin Raghuvanshi said. Speaking about Sonam’s brother, Govind, who is continuously appearing in the media and saying that he stands with Raja’s family and wants justice for Raja, Vipin said that he (Govind) should demand the death penalty for his sister. “My question is: if he truly believes his sister has done wrong and she is accused in this case, and if he really stands with us, then why isn’t he openly demanding strict punishment for her?” Vipin Raghuvanshi said. Raja Raghuvanshi, who married Sonam on May 11, went missing on May 23 during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. His mutilated body was found in a deep gorge in the Sohra area of Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district on June 2. The Meghalaya Police believe that the recovery of the firearm and ammunition has confirmed their suspicion about the kind of planning that went into this chilling and well-planned murder. During these nine days (between June 17 and 25), investigation in Indore, the Meghalaya Police carried searches at several places in Indore. The SIT had also visited Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi’s families and discussed Sonam’s behaviour before and after marriage with Raja Raghuvanshi. –IANS tdr/dan

Patna, June 26 (IANS) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary appeared before the civil court in Munger district on Thursday, in connection with a Model Code of Conduct violation case during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
The matter was heard in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Pankaj Kumar, where charges were formally framed against him and four other accused persons.The case pertains to allegations of organising a public meeting and taking out a procession without prior administrative permission during the election period.An FIR was registered against eight individuals in the case, of which three individuals have already died.The remaining five accused, including Samrat Choudhary, Uday Narayan Chaudhary, Sameer Madhukar, Diwakar, and Yogendra, were all present in the court on Thursday.Following the framing of charges, all five accused denied the allegations, and the court will now proceed to the evidence stage for further hearings.Speaking to reporters outside the court, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said, “I respect the court and that is why I have appeared voluntarily. We have full faith in the judicial process.”His legal counsel, Mukund Kumar Singh, confirmed that the accused have pleaded not guilty and are prepared to contest the charges in court.Singh emphasised that the defence will present their arguments and evidence during the trial in accordance with legal procedures.The court is expected to schedule the next hearing for evidence examination in the coming weeks.The outcome of the case could set a precedent, as violations of the Model Code of Conduct remain a sensitive and closely watched issue in India’s electoral process.Samrat Choudhary is one of the most powerful and influential leaders of the BJP in Bihar.It will be interesting to see how the court proceeding will take place in the next hearing as the upcoming Bihar Assembly election is nearly four months away.–IANSajk/khz

Bengaluru, June 26 (IANS) Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, on Thursday, stirred a political debate by saying that the state will witness major changes after September, fueling speculation about internal conflict within the Congress.
Minister Rajanna made the remark after meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.Rajanna, a close confidant of CM Siddaramaiah, had remained silent following the recent honey trap controversy.He had previously alleged an attempt to honey trap him on the floor of the Assembly and later in Delhi said that he is ready to take on the role of State Congress President held by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.He also expressed willingness to resign from his Ministerial post.Speaking to the media, Minister Rajanna said, “Let the month of September pass — you will witness big changes. There will be a revolution.”When asked whether he was referring to changes in the state politics, the Minister confirmed saying, “Yes, I am referring to state politics. Everything will begin after September.”Rajanna also said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is governing under pressure.He noted: “During Siddaramaiah’s first tenure as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2013 to 2018, there was only one power centre. Although G. Parameshwara and Dinesh Gundu Rao served as State Congress Presidents during that period, they did not create any trouble for the state government.””Now, there are multiple power centres. There is a State party President, and even the party leadership in Delhi frequently interferes in the state’s matters. It is no longer possible for one person to take decisions independently,” Rajanna said.Sources indicate that Rajanna may be hinting at the possible replacement of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar from the post of State Congress President.Responding to Rajanna’s remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar in Tumakuru, said, “I don’t know what kind of revolution is going to unfold in the state after September. Minister Rajanna is a senior party leader. He should offer a clarification.”State Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, also a close aide of CM Siddaramaiah, said that while no major changes are likely, some minor changes may occur.”Only Minister Rajanna can explain what he meant by big changes,” he added.State Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, “Minister Rajanna had earlier said that I am capable. The Congress High Command will take note of such remarks. I don’t know on what basis he has made the current statement.”State Housing and Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan remarked, “Ours is a party that functions under the Congress High Command. They can make decisions at any time — it doesn’t matter if it’s Zameer Ahmad Khan, Rajanna, or anyone else.”Meanwhile, expelled BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar, a close aide of Deputy CM Shivakumar, dismissed Rajanna’s statement.”There is no question of a revolution or major change. Minister Rajanna is 75-years-old and appears to have lost his mental balance. He is simply speaking for the sake of it,” he said.Reacting to Minister Rajanna’s statement, Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council and BJP leader, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, claimed that Rajanna’s mention of a major change implies that the Congress-led government is on the verge of collapse.–IANSmka/khz

Ahmedabad, June 26 (IANS) Following Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gopal Italia’s landslide victory in the Visavadar by-election, defeating his rivals by a margin of 17,581 votes, has energised Gujarat’s political landscape, especially among the Patidar community, who are now gearing up for a significant show of strength.

A massive Patidar meeting is set to take place in Gandhinagar on June 28, signalling a possible resurgence of community-based mobilisation in the state. According to sources, this will be one of the largest gatherings of Patidar leaders in recent times, with all conveners of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) expected to be present.Among the prominent faces likely to attend are former PAAS leaders and agitators Alpesh Kathiria, Dharmik Malviya, and Varun Patel, indicating a renewed effort to address community concerns and assert political influence.Adding fuel to the momentum, Varun Patel took to the social media platform X to announce the gathering. “A think tank has been organised in Gandhinagar on Saturday, June 28, for the main agitators and militant social leaders associated with the Patidar movement regarding the pressing issues facing the Patidar community across Gujarat,” he posted.Italia’s win appears to have not only boosted AAP’s confidence but also rekindled the political ambitions of the Patidar leadership, hinting at a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The Patidar (or Patel) community is one of the most influential socio-political groups in Gujarat, both in terms of population and political clout.Comprising around 12–14 per cent of the state’s population, Patidars are traditionally land-owning agriculturists and have historically enjoyed economic dominance, especially in Saurashtra, North Gujarat, and parts of Central Gujarat. Over time, the community has also gained a strong presence in business, education, and cooperative sectors.Politically, Patidars have played a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes in Gujarat. Since the rise of the BJP in the 1990s, the community has largely backed the party, becoming a core vote bank. Leaders like Keshubhai Patel and later Prime Minister Narendra Modi capitalised on this support base. However, this loyalty was shaken in 2015 during the Patidar reservation agitation, led by the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and faces like Hardik Patel. The movement demanded OBC status for the community, citing educational and economic insecurities among the youth.The agitation led to widespread protests, clashes, and a rethinking of the Patidar-BJP equation. While the BJP has since tried to rebuild trust by offering 10 per cent EWS reservation and including Patidar leaders in key posts, the community’s political alignment is no longer monolithic. Parties like the Congress and AAP have made inroads by tapping into the dissatisfaction of younger Patidars, especially those affected by unemployment or feeling left out of the state’s growth narrative.–IANSjanvi/dan