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SP MLA Azmi being forced to make controversial statements: Cong leader Wadettiwar

SP MLA Azmi being forced to make controversial statements: Cong leader Wadettiwar

Deccan Herald5 hours ago

Azmi on Sunday said Muslims have never complained about 'wari', the foot march by devotees of Lord Vitthal to the temple town of Pandharpur, though some leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath keep opposing namaz on the streets.

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Chariot Warfare: Ahead Of 2026 Assembly Polls, Ratha Yatra Politics Gathers Pace In Bengal
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Chariot Warfare: Ahead Of 2026 Assembly Polls, Ratha Yatra Politics Gathers Pace In Bengal

Last Updated: The BJP claims that the construction of the Digha temple and scale of the Ratha Yatra are politically motivated to counter the perception that the TMC caters primarily to Muslims As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the annual Ratha Yatra celebrations have taken on a distinctly political tone. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has travelled to Digha to inaugurate the Ratha Yatra festivities—the first time the coastal town is hosting the grand event. The CM has also made arrangements to send 'prasad" to all people of Bengal. This move has sparked political controversy, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party accusing her of using the festival to woo Hindu voters. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar alleged that Mamata Banerjee is trying to compete with the iconic Puri Ratha Yatra. 'Hindus in Bengal will not be interested in halal prasad," he said. Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced a separate Ratha Yatra event, where he plans to distribute prasad sourced directly from Puri, underscoring what he calls the 'authenticity" of the festival. With elections approaching next year, the BJP claims that the construction of the temple in Digha and the scale of the Ratha Yatra are politically motivated, aimed at countering the perception that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) caters primarily to the Muslim community. BJP leaders have also criticised the TMC government's decision to distribute prasad to every household in Bengal, calling it a 'fake promise". They further allege that the sweets being distributed are halal-certified and that the funding for the initiative is being inappropriately sourced from HIDCO, an agency meant for infrastructure and urban development. The TMC, however, has dismissed the allegations. 'I want to thank Smt Mamata Banerjee for the Jagannath Mandir," said party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. 'The BJP claims to be the custodian of Hindus, but Sukanta and Suvendu are ridiculing Jagannath Prabhu." Mamata Banerjee herself has launched a campaign to promote the Ratha Yatra in Digha, signalling her intent to transform it into a major annual event. Nandighosha (Chariot of Lord Jagannath): 16 wheels, decorated in red and yellow. Taladhwaja (Chariot of Balaram): 14 wheels, adorned in red and blue. Darpadalana (Chariot of Subhadra): 12 wheels, draped in red and black. The charioteer of Lord Jagannath's rath is Daruka, and the pulling rope is known as Shankhachuda. Several key ministers, dignitaries, and celebrities are expected to be present at the Digha Ratha Yatra, highlighting the event's growing prominence. What was once a spiritual and cultural celebration is now emerging as a new battleground in Bengal's charged political landscape. First Published: June 25, 2025, 18:35 IST

Memorial For Pahalgam Victims: J&K Administration To Build ‘Symbol Of Resilience' In 6 Months
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Memorial For Pahalgam Victims: J&K Administration To Build ‘Symbol Of Resilience' In 6 Months

A spot close to the Pahalgam ambush site has been identified, and the structure's design is being envisioned as one that captures solemnity & strength To honour those who lost their lives and to reassure tourists, the Jammu & Kashmir administration, in consultation with the Centre, has finalised plans to construct a memorial near the site of the Pahalgam terror attack. A group of five armed militants linked to Pakistan's Lashkar e Taiba opened fire on tourists, killing 26 civilians. Attackers reportedly asked victims their religious identity, demanding recitation of the Islamic kalima to distinguish non Muslims. The ambush was carried out in Kashmir's tourism belt — an area that has otherwise witnessed a surge in footfall post-Article 370 abrogation. The planned memorial, officials say, will be constructed within six months and will serve not just as a tribute, but also as a national symbol of resilience. The last time I was in Pahalgam I cycled through a market that was all but deserted. Today I came back to a Pahalgam that was bustling with activity. Tourists from various parts of the country competed for space with local picnickers who were enjoying the cool climate & rainy… — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 22, 2025 A spot close to the ambush site has already been identified, and the structure's design — currently under finalisation — is being envisioned as one that captures both solemnity and strength. The incident triggered a swift response from security forces under Operation Sindoor, a coordinated anti-terror mission launched by India against Pakistan from May 7-11. The name 'Sindoor' was chosen symbolically, as many victims were newlyweds or families on pilgrimage. The precision military operation involved the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. Nine terror installations tied to Lashkar e Taiba, Jaish e Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen—four in Pakistan, five in Pakistan occupied Kashmir — were attacked. Officials say the memorial will ensure that the memories of those innocent tourists, including women and children, are never forgotten, and that their loss stands as a reminder of the high cost of peace. The structure will be a place of reflection, not just for the families of the victims, but also for visitors and locals alike. It will also mark the spot where terror attempted to shake the spirit of Kashmir — but failed. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 25, 2025, 19:16 IST

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