Mumbai’s iconic Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple has introduced a strict dress code for devotees, banning attire deemed “inappropriate” to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the temple management committee declared that visitors must dress modestly, in accordance with Indian cultural values. “Devotees should wear clothes that uphold decency and respect the holiness of the temple. Those wearing cut-off jeans, skirts, revealing clothes, or minimal attire will not be permitted for darshan of Lord Ganapati,” the statement read.
The move has sparked discussions on religious dress codes, with the temple urging visitors to respect the sacred atmosphere while adhering to the newly implemented guidelines.
First Them, Then Us: Akhara Parishad Puts Devotees First for 'Amrit Snan' at Maha Kumbh After Stampede 4
Mahant Ravindra Puri, the head of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, announced on Wednesday that the traditional bathing ritual of all the akharas has been postponed due to overcrowding at the Sangam ghat during the Maha Kumbh.
Multiple casualties were feared after a stampede at the Sangam in the early hours as millions of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, officials said.
However, Puri, who is the head of the apex body of 13 akharas, did not refer to the stampede and said there was “overcrowding” at the Sangam.
“We are seeing that the crowd is decreasing now, and we are in talks with the Mela administration. If the crowd is decreasing, then we would like to take the snan,” Puri told PTI Videos.
Puri said he was waiting for clearance from the Mela administration to proceed with the traditional akhara bathing rituals of saints, which, however, would be much subdued.
“As soon as we get time from the Mela administration, we will take the bath,” he said.
Asked if the bathing ritual could also happen later in the evening, he said, “As soon as things normalise, we will take the bathing ritual.” Senior seers like Chidanand Saraswati Muni ji of the Parmarth Ashram were heard making appeals to the people to be cautious, guard against overcrowding, and take baths in the ghats nearest to them.
Despite the chaos that prevailed earlier in the day and the bathing ritual on the Mauni Amavasya day that many Hindus consider auspicious, the devotees, after a brief lull, resumed the holy dip.
Earlier in the day, seers arrived at the Sangam banks at the Maha Kumbh to take the symbolic dip on Mauni Amavasya sans their traditional processions in wake of the situation at the Sangam.
“We took a symbolic dip sans our processions and shobha yatras as a gesture for those who are injured and victims. Our fullest sympathies are with them,” Juna Akhara head Mahant Avadeshanand said after the dip in which he and other saints, including yoga guru Ramdev, were seen holding hands to take a quick “symbolic dip.”
“We also prayed for the peace and progress of the country,” the saints said.
According to a government statement, about 2.78 crore people had taken the holy dip till 8 am.
The total number of devotees who had taken a bath since January 13 had reached nearly 19.94 crore by this time.
Kejriwal Urges Centre to Enact Law Banning Loan Waivers for Corporates 6
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a nationwide law to prohibit the waiver of loans given to billionaires.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Kejriwal criticised the central government, alleging favouritism toward the wealthy by writing off corporate loans worth thousands of crores. He claimed such practices burden ordinary citizens with excessive taxes while benefitting the rich.
“Common people are paying half their salaries in taxes, while the loans of the rich are being waived. Why doesn’t the central government waive home loans, car loans, or other financial burdens of ordinary citizens?” Kejriwal asked.
He asserted that stopping loan waivers for billionaires could allow the government to halve income tax and GST rates, double the taxable income limit, and eliminate GST on essential commodities.
“This is a massive scandal, and it’s time to put an end to it,” he said.
Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5 and the result will be announced on February 8.
Kejriwal is seeking a third consecutive term, following AAP’s landslide victory in 2020 when it won 62 out of 70 seats.
Baghpat Incident: 5 Dead, Over 40 Injured in Structural Collapse at Jain Event 8
A wooden structure collapsed during a Jain community event in Baghpat’s Badaut on Tuesday, leaving five people dead and over 40 injured, according to police reports.
District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed the casualties, stating that 20 of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while the remaining are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The tragic incident occurred during an annual event that has been a tradition in the area for over 30 years. Lal said, “A wooden structure collapsed at the event, injuring around 40 people and claiming five lives.”
Taking swift action, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the district administration to ensure adequate treatment for the injured. He also extended his wishes for their speedy recovery.
The mishap has cast a shadow over the long-standing event, raising questions about safety measures at large public gatherings.
Snakebite Crisis: SC Urges Centre to Collaborate with States for Nationwide Solution 10
The Supreme Court on Monday highlighted the alarming prevalence of snakebites across India and urged the Centre to collaborate with all states to address the critical shortage of anti-venom and improve treatment facilities.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and S.V.N. Bhatti, while hearing a plea on the issue, emphasized the need for coordinated action, stating, “The problem is widespread throughout the country. You need to take the states on board, have a meeting with their representatives, and try to do something. This is not adversarial litigation.”
The Centre’s counsel assured the court that the government would submit details of the measures taken to tackle the issue. Meanwhile, representatives from several states sought time to file their responses, prompting the bench to grant six weeks and schedule a follow-up hearing.
The plea, filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, highlighted India’s grave public health crisis stemming from snakebites, which result in approximately 58,000 deaths annually—the highest in the world. The petition, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, cited the scarcity of anti-venom in rural areas as a significant cause of delayed treatment and fatalities.
The plea urged the government to launch a “snakebite prevention health mission” and public awareness campaigns to mitigate mortality rates, particularly in rural regions. It also sought the establishment of specialized snakebite treatment units in government district hospitals and medical colleges, staffed by trained doctors following standard medical norms.
The court’s intervention comes as the country grapples with inadequate resources and infrastructure to combat the snakebite crisis, particularly in remote areas where timely medical intervention is crucial. The case will be revisited after the states file their affidavits.
Ambedkar Statue Vandalized on Republic Day in Amritsar, CM Mann Vows Stern Action 12
A shocking act of vandalism unfolded in Amritsar on Republic Day as a man attempted to damage the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Town Hall on Heritage Street, which leads to the Golden Temple. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the incident on Monday, promising strict action against the perpetrator.
The police arrested the accused, a resident of Punjab’s Moga district, shortly after the incident. An FIR has been registered, and the Amritsar Police Commissionerate is investigating the matter. A video of the act showing the man climbing the statue with a steel ladder and wielding a hammer has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
CM Bhagwant Mann, in a post on X, labelled the incident as “highly condemnable,” adding, “Whoever is responsible will face severe punishment. No one will be allowed to disrupt the brotherhood and unity of Punjab.” He assured the public that instructions have been issued for a thorough investigation.
The opposition has also expressed outrage, with many leaders hinting at a larger conspiracy. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring called for a high-level probe, suggesting a “deep-rooted conspiracy” behind the incident. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh echoed similar sentiments, demanding strict punishment for the culprit and an investigation to expose any hidden motives.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the act, calling it a “heinous act” that hurt the sentiments of millions. “This shameful incident must be thoroughly probed to uncover the conspiracy. Let’s stand united against such vile attempts to create divisions in society,” Badal said in a statement.
The incident, which took place on a day symbolising national pride and unity, has triggered widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, with calls for stringent measures to prevent such divisive acts in the future.
Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State to Enforce Uniform Civil Code 14
In a historic move, Uttarakhand on Monday became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), fulfilling a key promise made by the ruling BJP during the 2022 Assembly elections. The landmark step aims to establish a single set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion, as envisioned in Article 44 of the Constitution.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the UCC notification, released the rules for its implementation, and launched a dedicated portal for mandatory online registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships. The event, held at the “Mukhya Sevak Sadan,” the CM’s official residence, was attended by ministers and senior officials.
Speaking at the occasion, CM Dhami hailed the UCC as a tool to end discriminatory practices against women across all religions. “The implementation of the UCC is a historic moment for Uttarakhand and the entire nation. It stands as a testament to the people’s mandate and their faith in the vision of equality,” Dhami stated.
The UCC, modeled on the constitutional principle of equal laws for all, was a central promise in the BJP’s campaign leading to the 2022 polls. The BJP’s re-election marked the first time a party retained power consecutively in the state since its formation in 2000. Dhami credited the resounding mandate to the party’s commitment to implementing the UCC.
Immediately after taking office in March 2022, Dhami’s government approved the formation of an expert committee to draft the UCC. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the committee conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders before submitting a comprehensive draft on February 2, 2024. The state legislature passed the legislation on February 7, 2024, and it received presidential assent in March, paving the way for its enforcement.
Another committee, led by former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh, was tasked with framing the rules and regulations for implementation. After receiving the committee’s report late last year, the state cabinet recently approved it, authorizing the chief minister to decide the date of enforcement.
With the UCC now officially in force, Uttarakhand has set a precedent that could reignite the national debate on its adoption across the country.
Uttarakhand: Gun-Waving Chaos: MLA and Ex-MLA Clash in Roorkee Over Rivalry 16
A long-standing feud between former BJP MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion from Laksar and Independent MLA Umesh Kumar from Khanpur spiralled into chaos on Sunday as both leaders, accompanied by their supporters, allegedly attacked each other’s offices in Roorkee. The incident saw them waving pistols and hurling abuses, escalating tensions to a dangerous level.
Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Doval confirmed that both politicians were taken into custody after complaints were filed by each side. Champion was detained at the Ranipur police station, while Kumar was held at the Roorkee police station. Doval also announced plans to recommend the cancellation of their firearm licenses and a review of the security provided to them, emphasising, “No one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”
Champion was picked up from his residence in Dehradun after the incident and transported to Haridwar. A viral video captured him speaking to reporters from a police van, claiming that his actions were a response to Kumar’s alleged attack on his Landhaura mansion the previous night. “This is injustice. I will fight against it,” he asserted.
Champion’s wife, Devyani Singh, backed his claims, stating that they had reported Kumar’s alleged attack to the police on Saturday night but received no action. She defended her husband’s response as necessary to “protect their honour.”
The violence escalated on Sunday evening when Champion, along with his supporters, stormed Kumar’s Roorkee office and fired multiple rounds into the air. Upon learning of the incident, Kumar retaliated by marching to Champion’s office with his own group of supporters, allegedly brandishing a pistol and shouting threats.
Kumar accused Champion of using offensive language about his parents on social media, which he claimed provoked him to confront Champion at his Landhaura residence on Saturday night. Videos of both incidents have gone viral, further fuelling the controversy.
The police are investigating the matter as the shocking public showdown between the two political rivals continues to make headlines, raising questions about the conduct and accountability of public representatives.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has ignited intense debate, with members of a parliamentary panel suggesting a staggering 572 amendments to the proposed legislation. The Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, chaired by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, circulated the consolidated list of amendments late Sunday as discussions reached a critical stage.
The committee is set to review the clause-by-clause amendments during its Monday meeting. Notably, the amendments have been submitted by members of both the BJP and the opposition, while BJP allies are absent from the list of contributors.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address challenges in the regulation and management of Waqf properties. However, the proposed changes have created a rift between the government and the opposition, intensifying the legislative tussle.
As the panel enters the final phase of its deliberations, the high number of amendments underscores the contentious nature of the bill, which remains a flashpoint in Parliament.
BJP Sweeps Urban Local Body Polls in Uttarakhand, Wins 10 of 11 Mayoral Seats 20
The BJP on Sunday swept the urban local body elections in Uttarakhand, winning 10 out of 11 mayoral seats to emerge as the dominant party in the municipal councils and nagar panchayats.
While the BJP won 10 mayoral seats, an Independent candidate bagged the remaining seat, State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar told the news agency.
However, the counting which began on Saturday is still underway and the results of all the 100 urban local bodies which went to the polls on January 23 are likely to be out by late afternoon, Kumar said.
Polling to 11 municipal corporations, 43 municipal councils, and 46 nagar panchayats was held by ballot on Thursday with 65.4 per cent of voters exercising their franchise.
A total of 5,405 candidates, including 72 running for 11 mayoral posts, 445 for municipal council chairperson and 4,888 for municipal councillors and members, were in the fray.
The mayoral seats won by the BJP included Dehradun (Saurabh Thapliyal), Rishikesh (Shambhu Paswan), Kashipur (Dipak Bali), Haridwar (Kiran Jaisdal), Roorkee (Anita Devi), Kotdwar (Shailendra Rawat), Rudrapur (Vikas Sharma), Almora (Ajay Verma), Pithoragarh (Kalpana Devlal), and Haldwani (Gajraj Bisht).
Arti Bhandari , an Independent nominee, won the Srinagar mayoral seat in Pauri district, Kumar said.
Congress, which won two mayoral seats in the last urban local body polls held in 2018, drew a blank this time.
In municipal councils too, it finished third behind the BJP and independents.
In the run-up to the urban local body polls, the BJP had sought votes in the name of a triple-engine government to keep the pace of development “uninterrupted” in the state.
As the results showed a BJP sweep, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the winning party candidates and asked them to speed up development works in their respective areas.
“Heartiest congratulations to all the winning candidates of BJP. People have elected capable public representatives. Now it is the job of all the elected representatives to speed up development in their respective areas and strengthen the system.
“Our aim is to implement the concept of clean and green city on the ground through municipal bodies so that tourists coming to the state from across the country and abroad return with positive and inspiring experiences,” Dhami said after unfurling the Tricolour at the state BJP office here to mark the 76th Republic Day.
He also thanked the state election commission for holding the polls peacefully.
Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt termed the poll verdict another stamp of approval by the people on the policies and programmes of the BJP governments in the state and at the Centre.
“The verdict is a trailer of BJP’s third consecutive victory in the assembly polls due in 2027,” he said.
