Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday criticized state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after allocation of the portfolios and giving crucial Home and Finance to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while only keeping Urban Development and 11 other ministries with himself
Thackeray argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had amassed the majority of the desired ministries, resulting in a “major imbalance of power.” The Shinde-Fadnavis administration’s lack of female participation in the cabinet was another issue that the Yuva Sena leader criticised.
When the focus is on Government and not Governance, it takes 41 days for cabinet expansion (with a promise of another one), and then 5 days for portfolio allocation (with a major imbalance of power), in a dispensation with no representation for women and State’s capital- Mumbai.
“When the focus is on Government and not Governance, it takes 41 days for cabinet expansion (with a promise of another one), and then 5 days for portfolio allocation (with a major imbalance of power), in a dispensation with no representation for women and State’s capital- Mumbai,” the Worli MLA wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on the people of India to take “panch pran” (five pledges) for a developed nation and aim to fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters by the year 2047- the 100th year of India’s Independence.
The Prime Minister while addressing the nation on the 76th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort talked about the five pledges the country needs to focus on for the next 25 years.
“The first pran is to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India. The second pran is to erase all traces of servitude. Even if we see the smallest things of servitude, inside us or nearby us, we have to get rid of them.
The third is to take pride in our legacy. Four is the strength of unity for our dreams of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The fifth pran is the duties of citizens which include the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers also.
This is a big pranshakti for fulfilling the dreams of the country in the next 25 years,” the Prime Minister said.
After his arrival at the Red Fort, the PM inspected the inter-services and police Guard of Honour at Red Fort., which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
Ahead of his speech to the nation, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag. Flower petals were showered at the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters. The Air Force band played the National Anthem hoisting of the National Flag and presenting of the ‘Rashritya Salute’
Apart from around 250 eminent personalities are arrive at the Red Fort on Monday, nearly 8,000-10,000 people attended the programme.
Several events have been held over the last 75 weeks to celebrate the 75 years of India’s independence. Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till today.The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes.
The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 76th anniversary of independence.
Youngsters run holding the flag ahead of 75th Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu. Credit: PTI
Wish you all a very happy 75th Independence Day.
Today is a day to gloat on our achievements. And these achievements are the achievements of every single Indian – regardless of political affiliations and the Nation. And there should be no politics, no one upmanship or pettiness in celebrating these achievements.
Sixth largest economy in the world
In 2022, Indian GDP was at $3.21 Trillion, making it the sixth largest economy in the world. And we are just marginally short of the UK, with a $3.3 Trillion GDP in 2022 and with the projected growth rate upwards of 7% for FY 23, India is set to become the fifth large economy in the world, overtaking the looters and plunderers of India, which is poetic justice. And the growth in the Indian economy began in 1991, courtesy Mr. Narasimha Rao, and India has only gone from strength to strength since then.
We are no longer apologetic about our growth aspirations. We are no longer shy of flaunting our capabilities. And this shows in our Economic policies. Today, despite COVID, our forex position is really strong. It has not happened by chance. It is by choice. And for the second year running, we are likely to be the fastest growing large economy in the world.
Vibrant democracy
Whatever, the Congress and the opposition may say, we are and will remain a vibrant democracy. We take a decision to choose the people who will govern the country. This happens time and again. And no one but no one can take the electorate for granted. A B Vajpayee did some great work and went in with a campaign, India Shining. And India truly was shining those days. But the electorate rejected him and the campaign. Because they did not see the shine.
We may see political parties doing their circus and changing governments and chief ministers post elections and what have you. Latest example being change over in Bihar who switched partners from BJP to the most corrupt political family in India. But when the politicians go back to the people, the people will decide who needs to be given a chance. I would take this choice any day and celebrate our democracy by going and voting in each and every election.
However, we also are the people (especially the upper EDUCATED middle class), who would not step out of the comfort of our airconditioned homes and if a wrong person or party is elected, we let our mouths run. You have a chance and a choice. Exercise it or shut the hell up.
Our democratic credentials are borne out by the fact that we have four prime ministerial candidates for 2024. Kejri baba has already called out the PM for treason and all his advertisements on the eve of Independence Day is almost like he is the Prime Minister; Nitish Kumar has split with the BJP as he has believed he would be a better PM than the current PM. And dear old Didi is ever ready to throw her hat into the PM sweepstakes and she has collected a cash pile to fund the campaign. And the fourth – Clown Prince – all his protests inside and outside parliament. Must say he looked cute in black.
Vaccinators to the world
When COVID imploded, India was in the forefront of the vaccination effort, including our own home-grown vaccine. Global Pharma ensured that our home-grown effort was subjugated. And when we started exporting vaccines, there were all kinds of noise, including from three of the above-mentioned PM candidates, that we were ignoring the nation and doing service to the world.
When the dust finally settled down, not only did we vaccinate all our citizens, but we also discharged our obligation to the world by supplying vaccines. And I must say here, when the world powers were grappling with the outbreak, our very own Prime Minister took the leadership to exhort the world to come together to fight the pandemic. India had gone from being a follower to a leader.
Supplier of brain power to the world – especially developed economies
Why is it that Indians when we leave the country, we end up heading the largest corporations in the world. Today, virtually all the largest global corporations are headed by Indians. That’s because our brain power is allowed a free reign abroad while there are serious attempts to curtail free thinking in the Country. Therefore, the best and brightest leave the Country because they have the freedom to think outside the box and reach for the stars. It is also interesting that in the developed economies, the countries are ruled by a few very bright people but because they have strong processes and strict adherence to law, execution is easier. For India to be truly a world beater, we need to imbibe this. Do I see this happening? Not in my lifetime.
Aggressive New India
This is an aggressive, new India. The credit for this muscular approach should go to Mr. A B Vajpayee, who set off nuclear testing and was not at all bashful about it. He believed that India should be on the high table of Nuclear Powers and went about achieving the same. And in Cricket, the great Dada, Saurav Ganguly demonstrated what India can do, when he twirled his T-shirt at Lords after winning an impossible game, with absolute rookies.
Today, our External Affairs Minister is accused of letting go of Indian “soft” diplomacy and flaunting our capabilities. What is wrong?. We are strong. We have confidence in our capabilities. Let us flaunt it. If you are not open and proud of your capabilities, no one else will come and take you seriously. What happens if you flaunt. The Pappus of the world will criticize. Let them, after all they must have their soundbites.
All in all, India at 75 is a vastly different nation, proud of its achievements, its capabilities and its rightful place under the sun. We all should be truly honored and proud to be Indians and more importantly, being here at this moment in history.
Kathy Hochul thanks trooper who arrested Salman Rushdie's attacker 5
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday (local time) thanked the trooper who arrested novelist Salman Rushdie’s attacker during an event in the Western New York state.
Gov Hochul and New York State Police (NYSP) Kevin P Bruen were in Chautauqua following Friday’s attack on author Salman Rushdie.
“Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSP Superintendent Kevin P Bruen at @chq Sunday following Friday’s attack on author Salman Rushdie.
Governor Hochul thanking the Trooper who arrested the suspect for his quick actions, as well as others who also assisted,” tweeted NYSP.
Renowned author Rushdie, who faced death threats over his book ‘The Satanic Verses’, was stabbed on stage in Western New York state.
The Booker prize-winning author was attacked as he was about to give a lecture in western New York state.
Rushdie has suffered years of death threats over his book ‘The Satanic Verses’ which was severely criticised by Islamic clerics. Earlier, a bounty of as high as USD 3 million was also declared for anyone who kills Rushdie.
The interviewer with Rushdie was also attacked during the incident and he suffered a minor head injury
“On August 12, 2022, at about 11 am, a male suspect ran up onto the stage and attacked Rushdie and an interviewer. Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck, and was transported by helicopter to an area hospital. His condition is not yet known. The interviewer suffered a minor head injury. A State Trooper assigned to the event immediately took the suspect into custody. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene,” it added.
CNN citing a Chautauqua spokesperson said medical staff and police were called to the amphitheatre.
The seventy-five-year-old author hogged the limelight with his novel ‘Midnight’s Children’ in 1981. The India-born author won Booker Prize for the novel which was also adapted for the stage.
But his 1988 book ‘The Satanic Verses’ led to a fatwa, a religious decree, by the then Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The threat forced him into hiding for several years.
Rushdie’s books have been translated into several languages.
On Sunday, Rushdie was disconnected from the ventilator and is now able to talk. Rushdie’s agent, Andrew Wylie, confirmed that Rushdie was taken off a ventilator and could be able to talk, without giving further details, according to The Washington Post.
Meanwhile, Hadi Matar, who is suspected of stabbing Rushdie, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in the second degree and other charges in a New York court.
Under the “Freedom to Travel” offer on Independence Day, commuters can travel at any distance for just Rs 10 on Kochi Metro on Monday. According to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the Kochi Metro is all prepared to celebrate the 75th year of Indian Independence.
Many programmes have been arranged at various stations for the commuters as part of the 75th year of India’s Independence celebrations on Monday. Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL will hoist the national flag at 8 am at OCC Building at Muttom.
“To celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in a befitting manner, KMRL has introduced the Freedom to Travel offer on August 15 with which any person could travel in Kochi Metro for just Rs 10. Any distance ticket taken from any metro station from 6 am to 11 pm would cost only Rs 10,” the KMRL said in a statement.
“10,000 milange bags would be distributed to commuters at metro stations as part of the ‘Freedom from the plastic campaign’. ‘Freedom Ride’, a cyclothon in association with MyByk will start from JLN stadium metro station at 6:30 am,” it said.
The commuters can enjoy patriotic songs, dances various programmes by students of Greets Public school at Edappally metro station from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Students of Crescent Public school will entertain the commuters and public at Aluva metro station with flash mobs, magic show and Karate performances from 11: 30am to 1 pm.
People travelling via Vytilla metro station could witness ‘Freedom Night’, a music performance by a music band named Untagged from 5 pm to 7 pm while Edappally Metro station will have a music performance by Plug and Play Foundation from 5: 30 pm.
As August 14 is observed as Partition Horror Remembrance Day, to bring to light the agony, suffering and pain of millions of people, a digital exhibition has been organized in all metro stations from August 12 to August 15. August 15 commemorates India’s independence from colonial rule after two centuries of oppression and suppression at the hands of the British.
The celebration of Independence Day honours the sacrifices and tireless efforts of our courageous leaders and freedom fighters who gave their entire life for the sake of the nation and the countrymen.
The lengthy struggle for freedom resulted in the birth of the largest democracy in the world. Heroic freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s independence movement through civil disobedience and nonviolent protests.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
The government of India has organised several events this year under the banner of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav,’ with the theme ‘Nation First, Always First.’ The government also plans to hoist 200 million tricolours to commemorate the occasion.
For that government has launched a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional.
The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and promote awareness about the tricolour. Earlier, Indian citizens were not allowed to hoist the National Flag except on selected occasions.
This changed after a decade-long legal battle by industrialist Naveen Jindal culminated in the landmark SC judgement of January 23, 2004, that declared that the right to fly the National Flag freely with respect and dignity is a fundamental right of an Indian citizen within the meaning of Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
Lauding the Centre and PM Modi for the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign, Naveen Jindal has urged every Indian to make ‘Har Din Tiranga’ their motto.
PM Modi calls "India as the mother of democracy" 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, said that India is the “mother of democracy” and everyone is working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation.
Addressing the nation today on this historic day, PM Modi said, “India is the mother of democracy. India has proved that it has a precious ability and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years.”
The Prime Minister recalled the philosophies of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. “Based on the philosophy of Gandhi ji, we are working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation … be it Dalit, women, farmers, Divyang … from north to south, east to west,” said PM Modi.
“An aspirational society is important for any nation. Today, we are proud that these aspirations are present in every household in India.
Every citizen is enthisiastic and works with progress for the progress of New India. This Amrit Kaal is providing us with a golden opportunity to fulfill the dreams and goals of this aspirational society,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that despite challenges faced post-Independence, nothing could hamper the zeal of Indian citizens. “This soil has power. Despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward,” PM Modi said
Speaking at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism. He added that Indians must also retain their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties
PM Modi also recalled the contributions of the women freedom fighters of India. “Every India is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India, be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Maha,” PM Modi said
Beginning his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path with a new resolve. Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the National Flag amid a 21- gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals by helicopters. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects.
A multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry/exit point at the fort. Security personnel also deployed trained catchers to ensure that the premises remain monkey-free during the day. As many as 231 regular kite-flyers from the walled city area were roped in by the police to ensure a clear sky for about three hours on the morning of August 15
Image: ANI | Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hoisted the national flag on Monday in Thane city on the occasion of Independence Day.
With the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of the 75th Independence Day, the streets and every nook and corner of the country echo the feeling of oneness and patriotism.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign will run till August 15. The Central government has urged people to hoist or display tricolour in their homes from August 13 to 15 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
A citizen, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist or display the National Flag on all days and occasions. There is no restriction on the timing of flag display.
The government has amended the Flag Code of India to allow tricolour to be displayed in the open and on individual houses or buildings day and night.
The Flag Code of India was earlier amended in December last year allowing the use of polyester, apart from cotton, wool, silk and khadi for making hand-spun, hand-woven and machine-made flags.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional.
The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and promote awareness about the tricolour. Earlier, Indian citizens were not allowed to hoist the National Flag except on selected occasions.
This changed after a decade-long legal battle by industrialist Naveen Jindal culminated in the landmark Supreme Court judgement of January 23, 2004, that declared that the right to fly the National Flag freely with respect and dignity is a fundamental right of an Indian citizen within the meaning of Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
Lauding the Centre and PM Modi for the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign, Naveen Jindal has urged every Indian to make ‘Har Din Tiranga’ their motto. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged citizens of the country to use ‘tiranga’ as their profile picture on social media accounts between August 2 and August 15.
On Wednesday, PM Modi said the Indian national flag does not contain only three colours in itself but is a reflection of the pride of our past, our commitment to the present and our dreams of the future.
Addressing a Tiranga Rally in Surat via video conferencing, PM Modi recalled that in a few days’ time, India is completing 75 years of its independence and said that all of us are preparing for this historic Independence Day as the Tricolour is hoisted on every corner of the country. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that the Tiranga Yatras being held across the country are a reflection of the power and devotion of the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan. “From August 13 to 15, the Tricolour will be hoisted in every house of India. People from every section of society, every caste and creed are spontaneously joining with only one identity. This is the identity of the conscientious citizen of India,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from a tribal community, on Sunday said that the government’s decision last year to observe November 15 as ‘Janajatiya Gaurav Divas’ is welcome because our tribal heroes are not merely local or regional icons but they inspire the entire nation.
“Our glorious Freedom Struggle was waged bravely across the vast territory of our country. Many great freedom fighters did their duty and passed on the torch of awakening leaving little trace of their heroic deeds. Forgotten for long were many heroes and their struggles, especially among the peasant and tribal populations. The government’s decision last year to observe November 15 as ‘Janajatiya Gaurav Divas’ is welcome because our tribal heroes are not merely local or regional icons but they inspire the entire nation,” said President Murmu in her address to the nation.
“For a nation, particularly an ancient one such as India, the passage of 75 years is merely a blink of an eye. But for us as individuals, it is a lifetime. Senior citizens among us have witnessed a dramatic change in their lifetime. They have seen how, after Independence, all the generations have toiled hard; how we met great challenges and how we have taken charge of our destiny. The lessons learnt in the process will prove useful as we move towards the next milestone in the journey of the nation – the Amrit Kaal, the 25 years to the celebration of the centenary of our Independence,” she said.
The President said that India is already on course to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat and by the year 2047, India would have fully realised the dreams of our freedom fighters.
The President said, “By the year 2047, we will have fully realised the dreams of our freedom fighters. We will have given a concrete shape to the vision of those who, led by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, drafted the Constitution. We are already on course to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat, an India that would have realised its true potential.”
The President said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India. “For 75 weeks now, the nation has been commemorating these noble ideals that won us freedom. In March 2021, we began the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with the re-enactment of the Dandi March. This way, our celebrations began with a tribute to that watershed event which had put our struggle on the world map. This festival is dedicated to the people of India,” she said.
She said, “Citizens from all age groups have keenly participated in a series of events held across the country. This grand festival is going ahead with the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’. The Indian tricolours are fluttering in every nook and corner of the country. Great brave hearts would have been thrilled to see the spirit of the Independence Movement coming alive again on such a massive scale.”
President Murmu delivered her maiden address to the nation on Sunday on the eve of the 76th Independence Day, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement.
Murmu, 64, a tribal hailing from Odisha, took oath as the 15th president on July 25. She is the youngest and first tribal to hold the top constitutional post. She is the first president to be born after independence.
Ahead of Independence Day celebration a “Tiranga Yatra” was carried in Mumbai from Malad till Borivali station and approximately more than 4000 people had participated in this intiative. In this yatra people were carrying 1.5 km long Indian flag in their hand for spreading awareness.
People in the Yatra were feeling very happy to celebrate this yatra. Most of the students from the colleges and schools had started this rally at 7:00 am starting from Malad.
People who participated in this Yatra were school, college students, teachers and BJP workers and many other common people.
People were seen holding a huge flag of 1.5 km length and in this rally people had a slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”
A BJP leader also stated “ They are very happy to celebrate 75 years of Independence celebration and the concept of “Har Ghar Tiranga” as this is the first time that everyone has experienced a rally ahead of Independence Day celebration.
Students from all the caste,class,age, community were seen participating in this rally. There were many BJP leaders to support the rally and many police personnel were deployed to complete this rally.
In this rally most of the people were excited on the street and people were seen saying many slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”
The BJP leaders have stated that they did not have any idea of any celebration in the past years . This year they got an opportunity of marking a 75 years of “azadi ka amrit mahaotsav”
The state cabinet recently authorized chief minister Eknath Shinde to recommend to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari the names of 12 experts for nomination on the state legislative council.
According to a senior official, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis submitted in Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that Shinde is authorized to make recommendations to the governor on the appointments of experts to the council.
Under Article 171 of the constitution, the governor has powers to appoint experts from the fields of literature, science, cooperation and sports on the legislative council.
