Latest news with #Amethi
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Operation Sindoor not over yet: PM Modi outlines India's bold anti-terror strategy
Delivering a strong message on national security, the Prime Minister stated, 'India has made its position clear, every terrorist attack will be avenged.' 'Our armed forces will decide the timing and method of the response,' he asserted. Rejecting the threat of nuclear retaliation as a deterrent, Modi said, 'Today's India does not fear the atomic bomb, nor will it base its decisions on such threats.' He added that India would no longer accept the excuse of state and non-state actors behind terrorism and that the masterminds and the regimes supporting them would be treated alike. Referring to India's strong military response through Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said the entire world had witnessed the anger of the country's daughters and sisters through the operation. 'Our forces entered deep into Pakistan and destroyed terrorist hideouts. The Indian Army's valour forced the Pakistani military to come on its knees and plead for a ceasefire.' He added that Operation Sindoor had not ended, it had only paused. Earlier in the day, PM Modi had an emotional interaction with the bereaved family of Shubham Dwivedi at the Kanpur airport. He met Shubham's widow Aishanya, mother Seema, and father Sanjay Dwivedi. Focusing on the importance of self-reliance in the defence sector, Modi said that India's weapons and missiles had caused devastation in the enemy country. He emphasised that achieving self-reliance was crucial not only for the economy but also for national pride. He recalled that India once heavily depended on other countries for its military needs. 'That is why we launched the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', to free the country from this dependence,' he said. The Prime Minister credited India's growing defence capabilities to the resolve of a self-reliant nation, which played a key role in the success of recent military operations. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh was playing a vital role in making the country self-reliant in the defence sector. The PM highlighted that the UP Defence Corridor was attracting major investment, Kanpur's ordnance factories had been given commercial status, Amethi's Korba ordnance factory was manufacturing AK-203 rifles, and BrahMos missiles, used effectively during Operation Sindoor, were set to be manufactured in Lucknow. 'UP is going to be the front runner in defence export in the days to come,' said the PM.
News18
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Ghar Vaapsi: Smriti Irani's Visit To Amethi Ahead Of Panchayat Polls 'Sets Tone For 2029'
Last Updated: Political analysts described Irani's comeback as 'a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of 2029 polls.' ' Amethi ki Didi thi, hoon aur rahoongi (I am Amethi's sister and will remain so)" – these words defined former union minister Smriti Irani's return to Amethi, her first visit to the constituency after a long time, following her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the occasion coincided with the birth anniversary of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the political symbolism of her visit extended far beyond the commemorative event. Political analysts in Uttar Pradesh described Irani's comeback as 'a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls", especially after her loss on a seat she had once turned into a BJP stronghold. Experts also said that her timely visit served as a morale booster for party workers gearing up for the upcoming panchayat elections and the crucial 2027 Assembly Polls. Addressing a gathering at Rananjay Inter College grounds in Gauriganj, Irani struck an emotional and combative note. 'I am a labourer. What do I have to do with the settlements of the rich?" she declared, reciting verses from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's iconic poem to underscore her commitment to grassroots politics and laborious public service – ' Main mazdoor hoon, mujhe devon ki basti se kya! Ganitwar dhara par main swarg banaoon…" The Political Weight of Her Visit Political analyst and veteran commentator Sheetla Prasad Mishra sees Irani's return as more than a mere courtesy call. 'Smriti Irani's comeback is not accidental or emotional; it is strategic," said Mishra. 'After her defeat to Kishori Lal Sharma of Congress, many believed she would abandon Amethi like other parachute politicians. But by returning on this symbolic day – May 26, the same day Modi took oath as PM in 2014 – she is reclaiming political legitimacy in the eyes of her supporters," added Mishra. 'Her statement—'Now I live next to your house'—was not casual," said Mishra. He said it was a reassurance that her political presence will persist despite the electoral setback. From 'Guest' to 'Sister' Irani was introduced at the event as a 'guest", but in her speech she redefined her identity. 'My relationship with Amethi is not of blood, but of struggle, sweat, and respect. In 2014, I was given only 22 days to contest here. Even then, the people called me 'Didi'. Eleven years later, they no longer see me as a former MP but as a sister." The crowd responded warmly, suggesting that despite the electoral loss, Irani has retained a significant emotional connect in the constituency. Legacy and Achievements In her address, Irani listed key achievements from her tenure as MP: the AK-203 rifle factory, Coca-Cola bottling plant, a medical college, a Sainik School, and the development of an industrial corridor. She also mentioned that she has donated her MP pension to the National Defence Fund, a gesture to support the families of martyrs. She painted a picture of a 'new Amethi" – transformed from a neglected Congress stronghold into a symbol of development. 'Amethi today is a land of industries and opportunities," she said, emphasising how women-led Self Help Groups and strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions have brought about grassroots change. Criticism Cloaked in Sentiment While her speech was largely conciliatory, she could not hide her disappointment over the election result. Using metaphor, she remarked: 'Sisters build homes, brothers protect them," – a subtle yet loaded statement implying a lack of protective solidarity from her party workers or perhaps the broader electorate. She also reminded the audience that when she first arrived in 2014, the BJP wasn't in power, yet she continued her work. 'We don't calculate gains, we earn virtue," she said, reinforcing her image as a selfless worker. A Litmus Test for 2029 The return of Smriti Irani to Amethi might be seen by some as a routine visit, but the layers beneath suggest a deeper political recalibration. According to Sheetla Mishra, 'This visit could be a litmus test for 2029. If she rebuilds her base and stays in close touch, she might attempt a comeback with a stronger narrative." Irani ended her one-day visit by meeting local BJP workers and reminding them of their foundational values—dedication, discipline, and trust. Her visit also acted as a morale booster for the party cadre, especially ahead of upcoming Panchayati Elections and 2027 State Assembly Polls, added Mishra. Irani Consoles Grieving Family in Jagdishpur Before addressing the public in Gauriganj, Smriti Irani made an emotional and unscheduled stop at a residence in Jagdishpur, where a family was mourning the tragic drowning of three of its members in the Ganga River a day earlier. The moment was heavy with grief as she entered the modest home, surrounded by stunned silence and tearful eyes. Irani sat with the bereaved family, offering quiet condolences and holding the hands of the grieving. The most poignant moment came when the young daughter of one of the deceased saw Irani and burst into tears. The former minister, visibly moved, embraced the girl tightly as she sobbed, offering comfort in silence rather than words. This gesture – raw, humane, and unfiltered – spoke volumes, cutting across political lines. Irani didn't issue any official statement during the visit; she simply listened, comforted, and stood in solidarity with the family in their moment of unimaginable loss. For the locals, this wasn't a politician visiting for optics, it was 'Didi" coming home. This brief but heartfelt stop illustrated the deeply personal connection Irani still holds with segments of the Amethi electorate, reminding everyone that beyond political equations, moments of shared humanity often leave the deepest impact. In an age where electoral losses often mean political exits, Smriti Irani's re-entry into Amethi is an exception. Whether it results in political revival remains to be seen, but for now, she has reasserted her emotional and symbolic claim on the land she once conquered. She left for Delhi via Lucknow by Monday evening, but not before leaving a clear message: that her political journey in Amethi is far from over. tags : amethi smriti irani Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:31 IST News politics Ghar Vaapsi: Smriti Irani's Visit To Amethi Ahead Of Panchayat Polls 'Sets Tone For 2029'
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Have Been Asked To Be Guest Lecturer In Berkeley": Smriti Irani To NDTV
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Union minister Smriti Irani, visiting Amethi for the first time since the Lok Sabha election, revealed that she is pursuing a PhD at UC Berkeley. She emphasized the importance of diverse knowledge, sharing her experiences in fintech and business ethics. New Delhi: Union minister Smriti Irani, who visited Amethi today for the first time since the Lok Sabha election, shared that she has been asked to be a guest lecturer at University of California, Berkeley. Asked about the ongoing buzz about her "study break" in political circles and when she is expected to get her degree, the actor-turned political leader laughed. "It is my good fortune that the Prime Minister always encourages me to have knowledge on various subjects. He said studies should not be limited only to one's department," Ms Irani said. "I am fortunate that I have been able to study fin-tech in Berkeley and studied Business Ethics from Judge Business School in Cambridge University. I have been asked to be a guest lecturer in Berkeley and have been a guest lecturer at both IIM Bodh Gaya and Udaipur campuses for two-three years. However, my political career and field of study are different," she said. Smriti Irani has completed an online course from Berkeley titled "Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications and Strategies". In February 2022, she shared a photo of her certificate of completing the course from Cambridge University's Judge Business School on social media. The course was titled "Business Analytics: Decision Making Using Data". Ms Irani, the former representative of Amethi in the Lok Sabha, had gone to her old parliamentary constituency after nearly 11 months to participate in a seminar. To the party workers and local residents who had come to meet her, she said she would not wait for 11 months for her next visit, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rahul visits MCF in Rae Bareli
1 2 3 Lucknow: Local MP and leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, visited the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli on Tuesday alongside Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma. MCF General Manager Prashant Kumar Mishra and other senior officials welcomed them and provided detailed information about the factory's operations and products. During his visit, Gandhi examined various railway coaches and wheels produced at the facility. The inspection included different types of coaches such as Sleeper, AC 3-Tier Economy, AC Pantry Car, Non-AC Chair Car, Tejas, Rajdhani, Bharat Gaurav and Vande Bharat (prototype shell items) trains. He expressed contentment with the manufacturing process and coach quality. The officials demonstrated the features of General (Deen Dayalu) and Sleeper coaches, which are commonly used by the public. They showcased various passenger comfort enhancements , including improved seats and berths, sliding window doors, mobile charging points, cushioned luggage racks that double as additional seating, FRP panels, and modular toilets. Lucknow: Local MP and leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, visited the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli on Tuesday alongside Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma. MCF General Manager Prashant Kumar Mishra and other senior officials welcomed them and provided detailed information about the factory's operations and products. During his visit, Gandhi examined various railway coaches and wheels produced at the facility. The inspection included different types of coaches such as Sleeper, AC 3-Tier Economy, AC Pantry Car, Non-AC Chair Car, Tejas, Rajdhani, Bharat Gaurav and Vande Bharat (prototype shell items) trains. He expressed contentment with the manufacturing process and coach quality. The officials demonstrated the features of General (Deen Dayalu) and Sleeper coaches, which are commonly used by the public. They showcased various passenger comfort enhancements, including improved seats and berths, sliding window doors, mobile charging points, cushioned luggage racks that double as additional seating, FRP panels, and modular toilets.
The Print
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Rahul hands over solar-powered carts to poor as he begins 2-day Raebareli-Amethi visit
The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha landed at the Lucknow airport in the morning to a grand welcome by state Congress chief Ajay Rai, Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma and other leaders. He then travelled to Rae Bareli by road. He is scheduled to visit Amethi on Wednesday. Raebareli (UP), Apr 29 (PTI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi handed over solar-powered carts to the underprivileged in Raebareli as he kickstarted a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency of Rae Bareli and the adjoining Amethi. In Rae Bareli, Gandhi inaugurated a 2 MW solar roof plant and electric charging station at Visaka Industries. He also handed over around a dozen solar-powered carts donated by an NGO to the underprivileged at the occasion. 'He (Rahul Gandhi) has a long-standing relationship with Uttar Pradesh. The Gandhis have familial ties with the Raebareli-Amethi region,' Rai told PTI. Gandhi's visit comes within days of the Congress' 'Samvidhan Bachao' (Save Constitution) rally in the Basti. At the rally, party leaders had claimed that the Constitution was under threat under the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. PTI KIS NSD NSD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
