Maharashtra govt not interested in deciding who eats what: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM
Devendra Fadnavis
said the decision was not taken by the Mahayuti govt but by an earlier govt in 1988 and that everyone was free to eat what they wanted. "The state govt is not interested in deciding who eats what. We have lots of issues before us," he said when asked about opposition to the Independence Day slaughter ban.
Protests have grown, with Dy CM Ajit Pawar also saying it wasn't right. Fadnavis said a govt resolution on slaughter bans on certain days was issued in 1988 and had been in force since.
"Even I did not know about it till I read about it in the media," he said, calling the issue overblown.
He said municipal corporations told him they take this decision every year, including when Uddhav Thackeray was CM. Referring to a remark by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut that the CM was making Maharashtra "impotent" with such a ban, Fadnavis said without naming him, "Some people have started calling those eating vegetarian food impotent. This foolishness must stop. Each one can eat what he wants. Our Constitution has given the right to everyone to live.
"
BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the policy was first implemented when Sharad Pawar was the CM, and asked if the opposition would question him.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
17 minutes ago
- Mint
Self-reliance, self-defence to anchor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12th Independence Day address
NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address could return to one of his signature themes: Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India. He may present it as the centrepiece of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) plan to propel India's $4-trillion economy—projected to be the world's fourth largest in 2025-26—towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, two people close to the matter said. Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical frictions, trade disputes, and recent military action, Modi is likely to frame economic resilience, defence capability, and strategic autonomy as the pillars of the country's way forward. This year will mark Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, a milestone achieved by only two of his predecessors, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day on 15 August. From that symbolic perch, India's prime minister traditionally outlines a vision for the nation, blending policy announcements with a call to collective purpose. 'Amid shifting global currents and rising geopolitical pressures, the Prime Minister could place Atmanirbhar Bharat at the heart of his message," said the first of the two persons mentioned above, on the condition of anonymity. The address comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in April. Modi could also highlight the armed forces' successes in striking terrorist camps across the border in Pakistan, while reaffirming that the campaign will continue until every terrorist threat is eliminated, the first person added. This also offers the opportunity to showcase India's own armaments and weapon systems globally. On global headwinds The self-reliance message, which gained traction during the covid-19 pandemic as a push for self-sufficiency, is likely to be reinvigorated amid new global headwinds. In recent weeks, the US has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing New Delhi's energy ties with Moscow. Against this backdrop, Modi could underscore the 'vocal for local" mantra, positioning homegrown brands, 'zero-defect, zero-effect" manufacturing, and indigenous innovation as shields against external shocks, said the second person, on the condition of anonymity. 'He is also likely to assure farmers, manufacturers, the dairy sector, and fishermen that their interests will not be sacrificed, even at significant cost," the second person added. Experts expect Modi's speech to have defence-related, political and economic dimensions, although it is very hard to predict what he may say. 'The adoption of the defence philosophy that acts of terrorism are indeed acts of war may be highlighted as India's guiding approach to respond to any terrorist activity," said A.K. Verma, director of the independent think tank Centre for the Study of Society and Politics. Verma expects the Prime Minister's speech to reflect the shift in India's foreign policy from one of equidistance to everyone to equal closeness to everyone. Modi had articulated this policy shift in March. 'This is a significant shift," said Verma. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister may counter US President Donald Trump's description of India as a 'dead economy" by citing its growth momentum and projections, placing it on course to become the world's third-largest economy. 'India has a big domestic market. The tariffs are not going to have an impact on India's gross domestic product (GDP). However, this is a great opportunity to expand our exports to markets that have not received focused attention in the past. Stepping up exports to multiple small markets will collectively give a strong positive boost to Indian exports," added Verma. 'Hints may emerge of fresh stimulus measures for exporters, aimed at widening India's footprint in global markets," said the first person. Already, the government is working on an economic package under an export promotion mission to energize India's export growth at a time when global trade faces prolonged headwinds, the person added. Modi could call on the country's technologists to develop solutions rooted in local realities, serving villages, small towns, and rural industries first, not as an act of isolationism but as 'strategic empowerment," the person said. On foreign policy The Prime Minister could emphasize India's commitment to strategic autonomy: Maintaining diverse partnerships while protecting democratic values and national priorities. 'The broader message will be one of resilience that Atmanirbhar Bharat is not a retreat from the world, but a confident stride into it, unshaken by tariff disputes or geopolitical pressures, and anchored in the promise of inclusive growth," said the second person. Modi would also reiterate the government's commitment to its people—women, youth, farmers, and the poor. These four pillars have been integral to the Modi government's vision. He, while touching these pillars, may also announce new schemes. A spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office didn't respond to Mint's emailed queries. Dhirendra Kumar and Vijay C. Roy in New Delhi contributed to the story.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20 minutes ago
- First Post
Can Russia occupy parts of Ukraine the way Israel occupies West Bank?
Russia has reportedly proposed taking military and economic control of areas it has occupied in Ukraine – a scheme that would mirror Israel's approach to the West Bank. The proposal was put forth in a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives. But what do we know about such a plan? Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Moscow, Russia. The proposal was said to be made in meeting between Witoff and Russian officials. Reuters Is Russia planning to emulate Israel's plan in the West Bank? There are reports that Russia has proposed doing so to the United States in a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives. The report comes ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. It also comes after Trump held a call with several European leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will not take part in the summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know about the proposal? Let's take a closer look: What we know about proposal Russia's proposal mirrors Israel's plan in the West Bank. Moscow under this scheme would take military and economic control of areas it has occupied in Ukraine. However, these areas would be run by a separate governing body. 'The answer to Ukraine's territorial question is already in the constitution of Ukraine,' the Ukrainian president said in a Saturday video statement on Telegram. 'Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier.' However, such a plan would theoretically allow Ukraine to retain its formal sovereignty – thereby providing a legal workaround to Ukraine's Constitution, which mandates holding a national referendum when it comes to ceding territory. Witkoff, who is also Trump's envoy to West Asia, is said to back this plan. Thus far, Trump has been focused on a 'land swap' as a way of resolving the war – on which he has received pushback from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy and European leaders. 'It'll just be like Israel occupies the West Bank,' an unnamed source with ties to the US National Security Council (NSC) told The Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'With a governor, with an economic situation that goes into Russia, not Ukraine. But it'll still be Ukraine, because … Ukraine will never give up its sovereignty. But the reality is it'll be occupied territory and the model is Palestine,' the source added. It remains unclear if the plan calls for Ukraine to get back the territory at some point. The Trump administration has decried this report as fake news. 'This is total fake news and sloppy reporting by The Times, which clearly has terrible sources. Nothing of the sort was discussed with anyone at any point,' White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said that there is no question of Ukraine handing over its territory to Russia. However, their previous words point to something else entirely. The Trump administration has repeatedly said that Ukraine expecting to get back its land from Russia is 'unrealistic'. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in February said, 'We must start by recognising that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective. Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In May, US Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, said 'the Trump administration lives in the real world.' 'We recognise the reality on the ground,' he added. 'No. 1, that's the beginning because we're not utopianists and we're not human engineers. We're not some kind of pie-in-the-sky believers in utopia.' 'We recognize the reality on the ground and we have one priority above all else, whether it's the Middle East or whether it's Ukraine. It's to stop the bloodshed. Everything else comes after the bloodshed has been halted.' However, European leaders have repeatedly said that Ukraine needs to be part of any peace process and no talks about land being handed over can occur for a ceasefire without Kyiv. A number of European leaders during the call yesterday with Trump and Zelenskyy said the goal was to get a ceasefire between Russia and the Ukraine. They said the ceasefire is simply a first step and that Ukraine needs to play any part in a peace deal. They also said Europe's concerns must be taken into account. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We have made it clear that Ukraine will be at the table as soon as there is a follow-up meeting,' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters in Berlin alongside Zelenskyy. ' President Trump wants to make a ceasefire a priority,' he added. Any territorial exchange in Ukraine 'must only be discussed with Ukraine', French President Macron added after the call. 'Trump was very clear on the fact that the US wants to obtain a ceasefire at this meeting in Alaska,' Macron said. 'We must continue to support Ukraine, and when I say 'we', I mean Europeans and Americans,' he added. 'We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,' the leaders said in a statement on Saturday. 'The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.' The West Bank Israel seized the West Bank from Jordan during the 1967 war – also known as the Six- Day War when it fought and defeated its neighbours Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The land lies to Israel's east – on the West Bank of the River Jordan from which it gets its name – spans 5,628 square kilometres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is surrounded by Israel to its north, west and south. It also borders Jerusalem – which houses sites sacred to Muslims, Christians and Jews and is a flashpoint for internal violence. While the West Bank is home to millions of Palestinians, it is also home to nearly half a million Israeli Jews. Israel over the years has built 'settlements' on the West Bank. Many of these have sprung up under the Benjamin Netanyahu regime, which has made their construction 'a priority'. Israel seized the West Bank from Jordan during the 1967 war – also known as the Six- Day War when it fought and defeated its neighbours Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. AFP However, the settlements remain illegal under international law. Even the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, does not recognise the legality of these settlements. The International Court of Justice ruled in July that the occupation of the West Bank was illegal and said that it violated Palestinians' right to self-determination. It said Israeli policy in the territories constituted 'systemic discrimination' based on religion, race or ethnic origin, and that Israel had already effectively annexed large parts of the territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Delhi traffic advisory for August 15: Check roads closed, diversion points
Delhi Traffic Police has issued road closures and diversion routes for August 15; commuters are advised to plan travel in advance to avoid delays during Independence Day events New Delhi The Delhi Traffic Police has released detailed advisory for commuters ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his address to the nation from the Red Fort, while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will unfurl the national flag at Chhatrasal Stadium. Authorities have urged people to plan their travel in advance as large gatherings and road closures are expected across Delhi and nearby areas. Independence Day: Traffic Restrictions in Delhi Red Fort area (4.00 am to 10.00 am) Several key roads around the Red Fort will be closed to the public during the morning hours. Closed roads: • Netaji Subhash Marg (Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk) • Lothian Road (GPO to Chatta Rail Chowk) • SP Mukherjee Marg (HC Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk) • Chandni Chowk (Fountain Chowk to Red Fort) • Nishad Raj Marg • Esplanade Road • Ring Road (Rajghat to ISBT Kashmere Gate) • Outer Ring Road (ISBT Kashmere Gate to Salimgarh Bypass) Roads to avoid: • Ring Road (ISBT to Rajghat) • Wazirabad to ITO • Outer Ring Road, Vikas Marg (ITO to Red Fort) • Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Nizamuddin Bridge to ISBT) Additional restrictions: • Goods vehicles will be banned from midnight (Thursday) to 11:00 am • Local buses will follow diversion routes • No parking near major roads in the area Traffic Advisory In view of #IndependenceDay Celebrations on August 15, 2025, #DelhiTrafficPolice advises commuters to avoid these roads and take alternate routes at the mentioned timings. #IndependenceDay #DPTrafficAdvisory — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) August 13, 2025 Chhatrasal Stadium area (From 6:00 am onwards) Diversion points: • Hakikat Nagar Nala Road • Kingsway Camp Chowk • U-turn at Bhama Shah Chowk • Model Town-II/III H-Point • Nanak Piau Gurudwara • Stadium Road/GTK Road T-point Roads to avoid: • Mall Road (near the stadium) • Stadium Road • Brahma Kumari Marg • Bhama Shah Road • Old GT Karnal Road Delhi-NCR traffic advisories Noida • Goods vehicle entry into Delhi will be restricted from 10:00 pm on August 14 until the events end • Suggested route: Eastern Peripheral Expressway via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway Ghaziabad • Commercial vehicles will not be allowed into Delhi from NH9 (UP Gate), Dabur Tiraha, Mohan Nagar, Bhopura Border, Loni Border, and other major entry points • Restrictions apply from 10:00 pm on August 14 until celebrations conclude on August 15 Gurugram • Traffic curbs will be in place from 5:00 pm on August 14 to 1:30 pm on August 15 • Commuters should use the KMP Expressway for inter-state travel • Parking will only be allowed in designated areas ???? Traffic Advisory – Independence Day 2025 ???????? ???? No Entry (Heavy Vehicles → Delhi): ???? 12 Aug, 5:00 PM → 13 Aug, 1:30 PM ???? 14 Aug, 5:00 PM → 15 Aug, 1:30 PM ????️ Use KMP Expressway if heading to other states/districts ????️ Park in designated areas to avoid congestion ✅ Plan… — Gurugram Traffic Police (@TrafficGGM) August 11, 2025 Public appeal The Delhi Traffic Police has requested citizens to cooperate with traffic management measures, use public transport where possible, and avoid restricted areas to ensure smooth Independence Day celebrations.
