The case involving the construction of the Treasure Island mall in Indore, Madhya Pradesh during the tenure of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh will be reportedly reopened, according to state president of the BJP, V D Sharma. The case was previously closed when Singh was given a clean chit by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2014. The CBI had investigated alleged irregularities in the mall’s construction. Meanwhile, the Congress party has accused the ruling BJP of corruption in relation to the falling and breaking of six idols installed in Shri Mahakal Lok in Ujjain due to strong winds. Sharma dismissed the claims, stating that it was a natural calamity. Sharma also accused former Congress Chief Ministers Kamal Nath and Singh of corruption in their role in the state’s Vallabh Bhavan. Finally, Sharma also attacked Rahul Gandhi’s comments during an event in the US, stating that Gandhi has genes of slavery in his blood.
Hanuman Temple in Uttar Pradesh District Imposes Dress Code for Devotees
A temple in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh has set guidelines for devotees to follow a dress code. Hanuman Dham, a revered shrine, has put up a notice at its entrance, urging visitors to adhere to the prescribed dress code. According to the notice, individuals wearing shorts, half pants, bermudas, miniskirts, nightwear, and ripped jeans will be denied entry into the temple premises. The chief priest and head of the temple committee, Salil Dwivedi, said that this decision aligns with the longstanding traditions followed in temples for years. He added that the dress code had been implemented to prevent people from treating temples as picnic spots. Other temples in Aligarh, Mathura, and Muzaffarnagar have also imposed similar restrictions on the dress code for pilgrims.
Nepal PM to Observe Indore’s Cleanliness Model
The Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka ‘Prachanda’, will visit Indore on June 2 to witness the successful cleanliness model implemented in the city. Indore has been accredited as the cleanest city in India for six consecutive years. The Nepal PM will be accompanied by five ministers from Nepal and government officials. The Indore Municipal Corporation has made necessary preparations to showcase their waste management facilities, including the garbage processing unit and bio-plant at the trenching ground, to the Nepal PM. The PM will visit Ujjain first and then come to Indore at 10 am. During his visit to Indore, he will observe the dry waste processing plant and Bio CNG plant at the trenching ground, followed by a presentation by the municipal commissioner on the garbage management system. On June 3, the Nepal PM will visit the TCS and Infosys Special Economic Zone in the city and later leave for New Delhi in the afternoon. Before his departure, Chief Minister Chouhan will host a dinner in his honour. The CM has instructed city collectors to provide a dignified welcome to the Nepal PM.
Opportunity Arises for Rahul Gandhi After Disqualification from Lok Sabha
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress party leader, spoke at Stanford University in California during his US tour, stating that his disqualification from Lok Sabha (India’s lower house of parliament) has provided an opportunity to serve the people. Gandhi was disqualified earlier this year due to a conviction in a criminal defamation case over his Modi surname remark. He expressed that when he began his political career in 2000, he did not anticipate facing such circumstances. Despite this, he believes that his disqualification provides him with a bigger opportunity to fight for democracy and better governance. During his interaction with Indian students and academics, he emphasised the need to connect with the youth of India to continue the fight for democratic rights and against financial dominance. Gandhi noted that he is not seeking support for himself but emphasised the need for the Prime Minister to interact with students and academics at events like this.
Latest US Visa Policy Will Not Affect Awami League: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Momen
Bangladesh’s foreign minister, AK Momen, has stated that the most recent US visa policy aimed at promoting free and fair elections within the country will not have any impact on the ruling party Awami League and its workers, as the party is devoted to people and democracy. The US policy involves denying visas to individuals believed to be involved in undermining the democratic election process, including law enforcers and political leaders. The policy covers a range of individuals, both pro-government and opposition, as well as members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services. The announcement comes ahead of the Bangladeshi national election in 2023, set to take place in December. The government of Bangladesh has emphasised to the US State Department its commitment to upholding democracy and holding free and fair elections in the country.
GOC Chinar Corps Denies Infiltration of Taliban Fighters into Kashmir Post-Fall of Kabul
According to a senior Army officer, there has been no infiltration of Taliban fighters into Kashmir since the fall of Kabul in 2021. General Officer Commanding of Chinar Corps Lieutenant General A D S Aujla stated that there are currently no concerns regarding Kashmir due to the ongoing internal crisis in Pakistan. He did note the need for armed forces to remain alert for any attempts to push infiltrators, narcotics, or weapons across the border. The GOC mentioned that while there was some apprehension regarding an influx of Taliban fighters, it did not realize. Despite some reported chatter and signature on the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir side, there was no infiltration of any Afghani Taliban. The GOC remains cautious about the smuggling of narcotics and ammunition through the border. He stated that last year saw the lowest infiltration into the valley and enforcement measures would continue.
Congress Appoints Sunil Kanogolu as Advisor to Karnataka CM for Upcoming LS Polls
In preparation for the upcoming Parliamentary elections in Karnataka, the Indian National Congress has appointed Sunil Kanugolu as the Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kanugolu is best known for his successful campaign strategies during the state assembly elections in 2018, which led the Congress to victory despite relentless campaigning by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other national leaders. In the 2019 general elections, the Congress was only able to win one out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, prompting the high command to seek Kanugolu’s help in securing more seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Kanugolu and his team conducted surveys across all 224 Assembly constituencies in the state, resulting in a change in the Congress’ campaign strategy and the promotion of their five guarantees to voters. The party is now hoping to win over 20 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. The appointment of Kanugolu is seen as a move to ensure the best possible outcome for Congress in the polls.
Indian Overseas Congress refutes allegations of minority group influence during Rahul Gandhi’s US visit.
The Indian Overseas Congress, USA (IOCUSA) has spoken out against allegations that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s current trip to America is being controlled by a specific minority group. Gandhi’s visit, which began in San Francisco, will take him to three American cities where he will interact with the Indian diaspora and meet with American lawmakers. In a statement, the IOCUSA dismissed claims that his visit was being manipulated by an outside interest group. The statement emphasized that the Indian Overseas Congress, USA is an independent entity that stands for inclusivity and welcomes anyone to participate in the events. IOCUSA believes the negative reactions towards Gandhi’s tour are a coordinated effort to diminish its significance, but they are hopeful that people will see past the fake news and intimidation tactics and embrace dialogue and openness.
Uddhav to attend Nitish’s meeting in Patna
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray is set to attend a meeting of opposition parties called by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 12. The meeting is aimed at forging unity among non-BJP parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Sanjay Raut, a Sena MP, said all opposition parties would be attending the meeting and that Thackeray would be present. The move comes after Nitish Kumar and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav met with NCP President Sharad Pawar and Thackeray last month to discuss opposition unity at the national level. Thackeray’s visit to Patna is significant ahead of the Sena’s move to unite anti-BJP parties for next year’s parliamentary elections. Last year, Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray visited Patna and met with Yadav.
MP CM Chouhan Extends Greetings on Bhopal Gaurav Diwas, Announces Govt Holiday on June 1 Starting Next Year
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has extended his greetings on the occasion of Bhopal Gaurav Diwas, and announced a government holiday in Bhopal on June 1 from next year. This historical day marked the merger of Bhopal into India on June 1, 1949, after a public movement and the strict stand of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In fact, Bhopal did not gain independence on August 15, 1947, the day when India received its independence. CM Chouhan paid tribute to all the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the merger of Bhopal. To ensure the true history of Bhopal is known to everyone, a research institute will be established to conduct research on Bhopal. The Chief Minister also expressed his desire for the Bhopal Gaurav Divas to be celebrated annually on June 1, hence the government holiday announcement from next year.
