Latest news with #SpecialStatus
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
RSS' contribution to nation marks 'proud & golden chapter': PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used the pulpit of Red Fort to lavish praise on RSS, saying that the Sangh's contribution to the nation marks a "proud and golden chapter". Speaking about the contributions of individuals and organisations to nation-building in his Independence Day address, he said: "Today, with great pride, I wish to mention one such institution. One hundred years ago, RSS was founded. These 100 years of service to the nation constitute a proud and golden chapter. With the resolve of nation-building through character-building, with the aim of serving Maa Bharati, the swayamsevaks have, for a century, dedicated their lives to the welfare of the motherland. " The remarks of the PM, himself a swayamsevak, eulogising the Sangh when it is seen as enjoying unprecedented influence, can only add zing to its ongoing centenary celebrations. PM also praised Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bhartiya Jan Sangh, as BJP was known in its original incarnation, who died in jail after being imprisoned for campaigning against Special Status for J&K. "The removal of the wall of Article 370 and the realisation of the mantra of 'One Nation, One Constitution' have been our true tribute to him," said Modi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Mixed Pink Salt With This - Now She Can't Stop Losing Weight Break The Weight Learn More Undo Although Sangh was invited to be a part of the Republic Day parade in 1963, this was, perhaps, the first instance of praise for the organisation which has defied bans, controversies and intense opposition from influential political and academic quarters to become one of the country's major influences and a challenge to the Nehruvian/ "liberal" version of nationalism and secularism. Interestingly, the high praise comes amid persisting speculation about a strain in Sangh's equations with BJP. Modi went the full distance in expressing his veneration for the organisation. "Today, from the ramparts of Red Fort, I salute all the swayamsevaks who have contributed to this century-long journey of national service, and the nation takes pride in the grand and dedicated journey of RSS, which will continue to inspire us," he said.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Multi-party delegations are to secure support for India, not highlight domestic political differences, says Salman Khurshid
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday (June 1, 2025) took to social media to clarify that the multi-party delegations formed by the Centre, which are visiting different countries to explain India's stance on Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack, are seeking to secure 'explicit support for the country and not highlight domestic political differences'. Mr. Khursid's comment came after reports that he had endorsed the Modi government's decision to abrogate the Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and talked about how the move brought prosperity to the Union Territory. The Congress leader is part of the delegation that has visited Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia. In a long Facebook post, Mr. Khurshid, who is a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), took a very nuanced position, explaining how 'our instincts told us to stand by the government and support the need to bring the offenders to justice'. In all strategic matters, there are varying opinions and questions will be asked of the government as more information comes out, he added. 'But this debate should not spill over into the national endeavour to persuade the world about the core issue of terrorist attacks on India,' Mr. Khursid wrote, adding, 'Our parties sent us to secure explicit support from the countries we are visiting, not to highlight domestic party-political differences. In conclusion, we hope to be back home soon with some gain for the country. Ma thuje salaam'. Unlike Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's comment on surgical strikes, which triggered sharp reactions from party colleagues, the Congress has been silent on Mr. Khurshid's statement on Article 370. The difference in the stance is because the Congress position on Article 370 has undergone a change -- from strongly opposing the dilution in August 2019 to complete silence on it. Instead, the party now pushes for restoration of complete Statehood for J&K. However, with media reports pitching Mr. Khurshid's statement as being at odds with his party, he wrote, '…we understand public duties and national interest a lot better than armchair critics and TRP chasers'.
