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India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Jai Hind Sabha is nationwide message of respect for our soldiers: Pratibha Singh
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 29 (ANI): The Congress party is organizing Jai Hind Sabha to honour and pay homage to soilders and armed forces. The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee is all set to hold honour the war veterans, families of martyrs and soilders. Speaking to ANI, Pratibha Singh, President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, explained the national objective behind the event. 'After the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, a war-like situation emerged and many of our young soldiers lost their lives. The All India Congress Committee has decided to hold Jai Hind Sabha events across the country to honour them and to send a clear message of respect to our armed forces,' she said. 'We will honour all veterans and those who have served in previous wars. Rajni Patil and Ajay Maken are both attending this important event in Shimla. The purpose is to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect for those who have risked their lives for national security.' She added. Refuting any political motivation behind the programme, Singh clarified that this event would be purely to honour our armed forces. 'We have made no political statements. This is purely about honouring the brave hearts, be it from the Army, Indian Navel force or Air Force who have risked their lives to protect India. We salute them.' Singh said. 'Jai Hind Sabha is about nation, not politics,' she added further. In further comments to ANI, Chetan Chauhan reiterated that the purpose of the Jai Hind Sabha is not political. 'Shimla will witness participation from our AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken, Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, Chief Minister Sukhu, and state party chief Pratibha Singh, along with hundreds of Congress workers and ministers.' Chauhan said. He criticized the BJP for allegedly using national security for political gain. 'This is not the first time BJP has politicised a military operation. Be it Pulwama or Pahalgam, they have done nothing to ensure justice for the fallen soldiers. Now they're trying to use Operation Sindoor as a political tool, just like their earlier stunts like the 'Tiranga Yatra' or now sindoor distribution. Instead of clarifying the truth about the ceasefire and internal security, they are engaged in high-pitched political drama,' he alleged. 'Rahul Gandhi has rightly said a special parliamentary session should be held on these issues. But instead, BJP ministers make indecent remarks about brave officers like Colonel Qureshi and fan religious divisions,' he added. The Congress party, through this event and its statements, is clearly drawing a line between 'respect for the armed forces' and 'political opportunism on national security.' Chauhan added (ANI)
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
New Congress chief in Himachal shouldn't be a rubber stamp: Minister Vikramaditya Singh
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh Monday said that the next state Congress chief should not be a 'rubber stamp' but a strong, mass leader with clout in at least three to four districts. 'The decision lies with the high command, but in my view, the next party chief must be a tall leader who commands respect and influence on his own. The Congress in Himachal Pradesh needs young blood and a leadership which is not just symbolic. The new party chief shouldn't be remote-controlled,' Vikramaditya said. The remarks come days after Vikramaditya termed Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri as 'one of the tallest Congress leaders who never lost from his Haroli seat in Una'. Vikramaditya had then reacted to a Facebook post by Agnihotri wherein the Deputy CM had said, 'Times of conspiracies are on while falsehood doesn't hold ground'. According to party insiders, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is pitching for new party chief of his choice. Interacting with the media persons at his office, Vikramaditya expressed concerns over 'delay' in the reconstitution of disbanded party units. 'Incumbent party chief Pratibha Singh has taken up this issue with the high command several times,' he said. The son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya recalled that his mother Pratibha Singh was appointed party president in a challenging political situation in 2021. To a specific query, Vikramaditya said only the party high command can decide if Pratibha Singh would continue as party state chief or a new president will be appointed. The PWD minister further said he would speak to the central leadership for early appointment of the state party chief. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge had on November 6, 2024 dissolved the Pradesh Congress Committee in Himachal Pradesh along with the district and block units with immediate effect, but allowed Pratibha Singh to continue as party president till further orders. A section of Congress leaders is said to be unhappy with the working of the state government — an issue that Pratibha Singh too had flagged earlier asking for a better coordination with party unit and its dispensation. Pratibha Singh had also several times in the past sought posts for hardworking and loyal party workers. Talking about development issues, Vikramaditya said, 'A comprehensive strategy is being implemented to accelerate projects under the Public Works and Urban Development departments. A recent high-level meeting reviewed the progress of schemes under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Himachal is leading the country in uploading DPRs and aims to construct 1,500 km of roads, but a delay in the availability of land could reduce the target to 400-500 km'. He said a performance index is being introduced in the PWD divisions to evaluate work efficiency. 'To ensure accountability, PWD divisions have been classified into red, yellow, green and non-performing zones. Strict action, including blacklisting and chargesheets, will be taken against underperformers,' the PWD minister said. Vikramaditya also spoke on the trade and tourism boycott of Turkey for their support of Pakistan in the conflict with India. 'I would also speak to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to ban Turkey-based companies and joint ventures as Turkey had openly supported Pakistan during the recent war between India and Pakistan,' he said.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Wikipedia vs ANI case: SC reiterates power to postpone judicial reporting, sets aside Delhi HC order
The Supreme Court referenced the Sahara India case regarding postponing reporting judicial proceedings. Wikipedia won its appeal against a Delhi High Court order to remove information. A division bench refused to stay the single-judge bench's order to take down alleged defamatory content about Asian News International, ANI. The court stated Wikipedia must comply with IT Rules. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In a big relief to Wikimedia Foundation , the Supreme Court on Friday set aside the Delhi High Court 's earlier order that had directed the platform to delete allegedly defamatory content related to Asian News International (ANI) from its Ujjal Bhuyan, delivering the Supreme Court's judgment, reiterated the principle laid down in the Sahara India case, affirming that courts do have the power to postpone the reporting of judicial proceedings—but only when there is a real and substantial risk to the fairness of a judgment noted that while courts must remain open to debate and constructive criticism, including discussions on sub judice matters, judges themselves cannot respond publicly. However, if a publication scandalises the court, appropriate action may be taken. Crucially, the court stated it is not the judiciary's role to direct media outlets to remove a division bench of the Delhi HC had refused to stay a single-judge order directing Wikipedia to remove certain descriptions of ANI. The bench—comprising Justices Pratibha Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta—had ruled that Wikipedia and its host, the Wikimedia Foundation, are subject to the Information Technology ( Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The court held that if defamatory content was not removed within 36 hours, ANI could approach the court for further bench also clarified that as an intermediary, Wikipedia cannot contest a takedown directive on merits. 'If you claim to be an intermediary, your job is to comply with court orders. You cannot argue the content's merit,' the bench the court stayed parts of the single-judge's order that had directed Wikipedia to remove the 'protection status' of ANI's page and barred users from posting defamatory content. Protection status on Wikipedia limits editing access to administrators Singh stated that if similar content appears again, ANI could inform Wikipedia, which would be expected to act on April 2, Justice Subramonium Prasad had passed an interim order directing the removal of allegedly defamatory descriptions from ANI's Wikipedia page. The order came in response to a defamation suit filed by ANI against Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation, seeking the removal of the content and damages amounting to Rs 2 alleged that Wikipedia had published false and defamatory content with malicious intent, damaging the agency's reputation. The Wikipedia page reportedly described ANI as a 'propaganda tool' and 'mouthpiece' for the government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pahalgam attack: Markets closed in several parts of Himachal
To protest and condemn the killings of civilians during the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, markets across various Himachal districts remained closed for two hours. Congress postpones Save Constitution rally In wake of the terrorist attack, the Himachal Pradesh Congress had postponed its 'Samvidhan bachao' (Save Constitution) rally scheduled for April 26 in Shimla. State Congress president and former MP Pratibha Singh said that the rally is postponed and the new dates will be decided soon. Singh said that the Congress Party expresses its condolences to the innocent people killed in the attack. 'There is a lot of anger and resentment in the country after this terrorist attack and the Congress Party stands with the country and the people against terrorism in this hour of grief,' she said. Terrorism will not be tolerated: BJP State president of BJP minority morcha Bilal Shah said the Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the 'barbaric and cowardly attack'. Bilal said, 'Terrorism will not be tolerated at all and the way this incident has been carried out, it is clear that international terrorist organisations do not like the flourishing Jammu and Kashmir. Trade was increasing in Jammu and Kashmir and tourists were also increasing, perhaps this was not acceptable to the terrorists. The BJP leadership will give a strong reply.'
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress postpones rally in Shimla in honour of Pahalgam attack victims
1 2 Shimla: In view of circumstances arising from the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday announced to postpone its state-level 'Samvidhan Bachao' (save Constitution) rally, which was scheduled to be held at Ambedkar Chowk in Shimla on April 26. Congress state president Pratibha Singh said the rally was postponed in honour of the people killed in the terrorist attack on Tuesday. The state Congress will also organise a candle march in Shimla on Friday evening for peace to departed souls, she said. The candle march will proceed from Sher-e-Punjab to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the historical Ridge ground. State Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha member Rajani Patil, state Congress president Pratibha Singh, chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri, cabinet members, Congress MLAs, and other party leaders will participate in this candle march.
