Madhya Pradesh is set to implement a partial liquor ban in 19 locations, including 17 holy cities, while simultaneously allowing “Low Alcoholic Beverage Bars” to operate from April 1 under its new excise policy. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is expected to cause a revenue loss of ₹450 crore for the state government.
As per the policy, the new bars will serve only beer, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages with a maximum alcohol content of 10% V/V. Hard liquor consumption will be strictly prohibited in these establishments.
The holy cities affected by the liquor ban include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Amarkantak, and Salkanpur. In total, 47 composite liquor shops—which sell both Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and country liquor—will be shut down in these areas.
However, officials clarified that individual possession and consumption of liquor will not be penalized in these regions, as MP does not have a full prohibition law like Bihar or Gujarat. The Excise Act in force only restricts liquor sale points and public consumption.
To compensate for lost revenue, the policy introduces a 20% hike in liquor shop renewal fees while retaining exemptions for heritage liquor manufacturers from Value Added Tax (VAT). Additionally, wine production in MP will be expanded, allowing the use of fruits, honey, and jamun, with wineries permitted to operate retail outlets and wine-tasting facilities for tourists.
Meanwhile, foreign liquor bottling units will also be allowed to manufacture, store, export, import, and sell special liquors in the next fiscal year. The 3,600 liquor shops across MP are projected to generate ₹15,200 crore in revenue this year.
The move has triggered mixed reactions, with religious groups welcoming the ban while others question the government’s decision to promote low-alcohol bars while restricting liquor in holy cities.
MLA Sneha Dube Pandit Meets CM Fadnavis to Address Rehabilitation of Displaced Palghar Residents 3
BJP MLA Sneha Dube Pandit has met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the rehabilitation of residents of 41 illegal buildings in Palghar district, where demolition action has been taken, and other key civic issues.
These buildings, constructed in the Nallasopara area on land reserved for a sewage disposal project and dumping ground using fake documents, were demolished recently by the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC).
The Bombay High Court recently asked the VVMC to clarify within three weeks its stand on the rehabilitation of thousands of residents of these illegal buildings.
On January 27, in a meeting with senior officials, Vasai MLA Sneha Dube Pandit urged the civic body to address the issue.
In this context, she met CM Fadnavis on Saturday to find a solution for the rehabilitation of the residents, a release from the MLA’s office said.
The CM assured that immediate steps will be taken in this matter and a meeting will be organised on this issue soon, and accordingly instructed the administration for further action, the release said.
During the meeting, the legislator also brought to the CM’s notice various other issues pertaining to her constituency, including the demand for the transfer of Zilla Parishad schools and primary health centres to VVMC, establishment of a well-equipped hospital with modern facilities in Vasai, and expansion of ST (State Transport) Corporation premises to resolve parking issues.
Vaidehi Taman's Book "Monastic Life" Launched at Maha Kumbh: A Testament to Spiritual Awakening 5
Prayagraj, February 13, 2025 – Amid the divine atmosphere of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vaidehi Taman, Founder Editor of Afternoon Voice, unveiled her latest book, Monastic Life: Inspiring Tales of Embracing Monkhood. The launch ceremony was graced by Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Umakantanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, along with other revered saints and dignitaries, marking a significant milestone in contemporary spiritual literature.
Unveiling the book, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Umakantanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj described it as a “profound reflection on the spiritual journeys of extraordinary individuals.” He further emphasized its relevance, stating, “This book beautifully highlights how education and wisdom play a crucial role in shaping a true spiritual seeker. It is an essential read for those yearning for deeper meaning in life.”
A Journey into Renunciation and Self-Discovery
Monastic Life explores the stories of individuals who, despite attaining material success, felt an undeniable inner calling to seek a higher truth. Through real-life narratives, the book delves into the transformation of these individuals as they relinquish worldly attachments to embrace the path of Sannyasa (renunciation).
Taman, a journalist and spiritual thinker, intertwines her own experiences with the teachings of her Guru, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant perspective. She underscores that embracing monkhood is not about withdrawing from life’s challenges but about engaging with them through a lens of wisdom, self-awareness, and higher consciousness.
A Tribute to Spiritual Luminaries
The book also pays tribute to legendary spiritual figures like Swami Vivekananda, who demonstrated that knowledge, education, and personal accomplishments can serve as stepping stones to spiritual evolution rather than obstacles. Taman argues that intellectual and professional growth can often act as catalysts for deeper introspection, leading one toward renunciation and a more meaningful existence.
Through compelling and thought-provoking stories, Monastic Life sheds light on the growing number of young, educated individuals who are voluntarily choosing the monastic path, seeking purpose, peace, and self-realisation beyond material success. It serves as an invitation for readers to contemplate a life driven by inner fulfilment rather than external achievements.
Now available on all major online platforms and bookstores, Monastic Life is poised to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journey.
Power, Pride, and Controversy: The Fierce Rivalries Tearing Apart the Kinnar Akhada 7
Since gaining recognition in the spiritual sphere, the Kinnar, or Hijra transgender community, has frequently found itself in the spotlight—often for reasons that go beyond their spiritual pursuits. While the acknowledgement of their place within the religious framework was initially seen as a progressive step toward inclusion, the reality has become far more complex and contentious. At the heart of these controversies are four prominent figures: Mahamandaleshwar Kalyani Maa, Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Jagadguru Hemangi Sakhi Maa, and Mahamandaleshwar Pavitranand Giri. Each of these individuals holds significant power and influence within the Kinnar Akhada, yet their rivalry has fractured the community, turning a spiritual movement into a stage for personal ambition, public accusations, and even violence.
Among them, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi stands out as a trailblazer and a symbol of transgender empowerment. A well-known transgender rights activist, Bollywood actress, Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and motivational speaker based in Mumbai, India, she has carved out a formidable reputation. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi holds the prestigious title of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, making her one of the most influential figures in the spiritual and social landscape of the transgender community. She is credited with pioneering the inclusion of the Hijra community into the domain of sainthood—a move that brought unprecedented visibility to a historically marginalised group. Her achievements extend beyond the religious sphere; in 2008, she became the first transgender person to represent the Asia-Pacific region at the United Nations, where she spoke passionately about the plight of sexual minorities. This landmark moment not only amplified the voices of the transgender community but also showcased her as a fearless advocate for human rights. Her commitment to uplifting the community is further evidenced by her role in facilitating the first transgender team to scale Friendship Peak in the Himalayas in 2020—a symbolic achievement reflecting the breaking of societal barriers. Supported by the Akhara Parishad, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s leadership of the Kinnar Akhada is marked by a clear vision for advancing the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. Her intellectual acumen, combined with her relentless advocacy, has earned her both admiration and fierce opposition within the Akhada.
In stark contrast to Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s composed and strategic approach is Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi Ma, a figure whose defiant personality and outspoken nature have kept her at the center of controversy. Known as the world’s first transgender Bhagavad Gita raconteur (kathawachak), Hemangi Sakhi Ma is an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and has built her spiritual identity around the retelling of sacred texts. However, her spiritual journey is frequently overshadowed by her combative stance and bold public gestures. She attracted national attention when she announced her candidacy against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Varanasi constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This unexpected move, backed by the Uttar Pradesh chapter of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM), signalled her desire to challenge political and religious norms. Despite her spiritual title, critics often describe her as egoistic and arrogant, pointing to her confrontational attitude and tendency to engage in public disputes. Hemangi Sakhi Ma’s personal story is one of resilience and reinvention. Born in Baroda, Gujarat, she experienced significant upheaval after the death of her parents, leaving her to navigate life on her own. Her father, a film distributor, had relocated the family to Mumbai, where she briefly attended a convent school. Following her parents’ passing, she turned to the entertainment industry, appearing in films and television before embracing a spiritual path. Her rise to prominence within the Kinnar Akhada has been anything but smooth, as her rivalry with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and others has escalated into public conflict.
Another complex and controversial figure is Mahamandaleshwar Kalyani Maa, who has a markedly different background from her peers. Previously known as Choti Begum, she was once a well-known transgender sex worker before converting from Islam to Hinduism and adopting a spiritual life. Her transition from the margins of society to the upper echelons of the Kinnar Akhada is both remarkable and fraught with challenges. Despite her religious transformation, Kalyani Maa’s past continues to haunt her, and her journey is emblematic of the broader struggle faced by many transgender individuals seeking acceptance and legitimacy. The rivalries within the Kinnar Akhada have not remained confined to ideological disagreements; they have erupted into physical violence. During the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, Kalyani Maa was reportedly attacked and severely beaten, leaving her and two of her disciples injured. In the aftermath, Hemangi Sakhi Ma faced allegations of orchestrating the assault, an accusation that further deepened the fractures within the community. These violent episodes underscore the intensity of the power struggle, where personal ambitions and rivalries have overshadowed the Akhada’s original spiritual mission.
The internal conflicts within the Kinnar Akhada paint a troubling picture of a community divided by power and personal ambition. What began as a groundbreaking effort to bring transgender people into the fold of Hindu monastic life has devolved into a series of public spats, physical altercations, and character assassinations. Each figure within the Akhada appears to be vying for supremacy, using their titles and influence to assert dominance over their rivals. This ongoing turmoil raises serious questions about the spiritual authenticity of their pursuits. Critics argue that none of these self-proclaimed saints have undergone the rigorous training and discipline traditionally required of Hindu monastics. They point out the absence of Gurukul education, a deep understanding of the Vedas, or the ascetic practices that define genuine spiritual commitment. Furthermore, the opulent lifestyles of these leaders—characterised by lavish attire, makeup, and public spectacles—stand in stark contrast to the ideals of renunciation and humility expected of Hindu saints. This apparent disconnect between their public personas and the essence of monastic life has fueled scepticism about their claims to spiritual authority.
As the power struggle within the Kinnar Akhada intensifies, the future of the community hangs in the balance. While figures like Laxmi Narayan Tripathi have undeniably advanced the cause of transgender rights and visibility, the bitter rivalries and public controversies threaten to undermine the credibility of their spiritual mission. What was once a movement rooted in the quest for dignity and recognition now appears mired in personal disputes and the relentless pursuit of power. The Kinnar Akhada, once seen as a beacon of hope for transgender inclusion within the spiritual domain, risks becoming a cautionary tale of how internal discord and ambition can erode even the most revolutionary of movements.
10 Devotees Heading to Maha Kumbh Killed After Car-Bus Collision on Prayagraj Highway 9
At least 10 people were killed after a car collided with a bus on Friday night. The incident occurred around 2 AM on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway in the Meja area. Additionally, 19 pilgrims were injured in the crash.
According to the police, the victims, who were from Korba district in Chhattisgarh , were returning from the Maha Kumbh when the accident took place. Authorities responded promptly, with the injured being sent to a local hospital for treatment.
The police recovered the bodies trapped in the Bolero vehicle and sent them for post-mortem.
DCP Yamunanagar, Vivek Chandra Yadav, confirmed that 10 people had died after the Bolero, carrying devotees from Chhattisgarh, collided with a bus. The accident occurred on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway near the Meja police station at midnight. The bodies were taken to Swaroop Rani Medical Hospital for post-mortem.
“An unfortunate incident occurred in Prayagraj when a bus and Bolero collided. All the passengers in the Bolero died in the accident. The victims were traveling to Prayagraj from Chhattisgarh, while the bus was en route from Prayagraj to Raigarh,” said CMO AK Tiwari.
Reports suggest the crash happened when the speeding Bolero collided with the bus. Images from the scene show the front of the Bolero completely smashed.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
Man Held for Operating Sex Racket at Housing Complex in Thane 11
A man has been arrested for allegedly running a sex racket from his flat in a housing complex in Maharashtra’s Thane city, police said on Saturday.
Based on a tip-off, the anti-human trafficking cell (AHTC) of the Thane police raided the premises on February 12 and rescued a woman, senior inspector Chetna Chowdhari said.
She said the accused, Dattaram Sawant (58), was using the flat in the Vartak Nagar area to operate the racket.
The official said a case was registered against the accused under section 143(1) (trafficking of person) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA).
Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' to Be Probed Over Renovation of 'Lavish' Bungalow: BJP 13
The Central Vigilance Commission has directed the Public Works Department of Delhi government to conduct a detailed probe into the alleged merger of properties to expand the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow and the expenditures incurred on its interiors, BJP leader Vijender Gupta said on Saturday.
The bungalow labelled as “Sheesh Mahal” by the BJP for alleged corruption was occupied by Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister of Delhi from 2015 till the first week of October last year.
No immediate reaction was available from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or its convenor Kejriwal on the matter.
Gupta said the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) took cognisance of his two earlier complaints and sought factual reports from the Public Works Department (PWD) based on which it has now directed to conduct a detailed probe.
In his first complaint to the CVC, the newly-elected BJP MLA from Rohini alleged that Kejriwal flouted building regulations to construct a lavish mansion covering 40,000 square yards (8 acres) of land.
Government properties, including plot Nos. 45 and 47 on Rajpur Road (previously housing senior officials and judges in Type-V flats) and two bungalows (8-A and 8-B, Flag Staff Road) were demolished and merged into the new residence, violating ground coverage and floor area ratio norms and lacking proper layout plan approvals, Gupta alleged.
In his second complaint, Gupta alleged “extravagant spending” on the renovation and interior decoration of the bungalow on 6, Flag Staff Road.
He also claimed “massive financial irregularities” and expenditure of crores of rupees from the taxpayers’ money on luxurious amenities in the bungalow.
Betrayal, Struggle, and Victory: Dumak's Relentless Fight for a Road 15
In India, justice takes time, and politicians take people for granted. Corruption is another issue where many villages need urgent attention because they are deprived of basic necessities such as roads, water, electricity, job opportunities, and medical facilities. During elections, politicians beg for votes with lofty promises, but once the elections are over, those promises vanish. People suffer, but in Uttarakhand, the resilience of the people has set a strong example of determination and unwavering struggle for their rights. Their courage deserves recognition, and their fight for justice is a lesson in perseverance.
After months of protest and an indefinite strike, there is now a glimmer of hope for the road to reach Dumak, the most remote village in Chamoli district. The government has finally given financial approval to connect Dumak with the Saanji Laga-Maikot-Dumak-Kalgoth (32 km) road. On paper, this road already existed—a classic case of corruption where public money is syphoned off while development remains stagnant. Villagers took the government to court, exposing the blatant fraud. However, the legal system’s limitations meant that justice remained elusive for the voiceless. Undeterred, the villagers continued their agitation, and their persistence paid off. The defining moment came when spiritual leader Shri Kalikanand Saraswati joined the hunger strike, becoming the bridge between the authorities and the villagers. His presence reinforced the movement, and the villagers’ courage remained unstoppable.
Eventually, the District Magistrate informed the villagers that during a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, financial approval for road construction had been granted, with a formal government order soon to follow. This road is not a luxury but a necessity—without it, villagers are forced to carry pregnant women, senior citizens, and critically ill patients on their shoulders for miles to reach a hospital.
The struggle for this road dates back to 2007-08, when the government first approved the Saanji Laga-Maikot-Dumak-Kalgoth road, yet nothing materialised. Road connectivity in Uttarakhand, especially in the higher hills, remains a serious issue. Some remote areas in border districts have been neglected for decades, with repeated demands falling on deaf ears. For this project, Rs. 15.85 crore was sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Pokhari scheme. In 2018, the department cleared about 19 km of road till Syun village, but the remaining 12 km was abandoned. PMGSY later proposed an alternative route directly to Kalgoth, citing landslide risks between Syun and Dumak—an excuse rejected outright by the villagers. They demanded road construction along the original alignment, leading to eight geological surveys since 2010. Now, after years of bureaucratic delays, the government has finally agreed to construct the road along the 2010 alignment. However, the so-called high-level meetings that were postponed twice earlier do not inspire much confidence.
A recent meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary led to verbal financial approval for the project. The District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, played a key role in pushing the demand forward. Until now, PMGSY officials merely made empty promises, but it was the villagers’ relentless struggle and the DM’s proactive stance that pushed the government into action. The villagers’ phased agitation stretched over six years, intensifying in 2024 with prolonged protests throughout the year. A 115-day gradual fast took place, even reaching the Collectorate premises. This victory is the result of people’s relentless fight and the guiding influence of the monk who stood with them.
Earlier, the agitation reached the district headquarters, where angry villagers burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami. The government had been lying to them for years, offering false assurances while doing nothing. Despite government officials visiting occasionally to pacify them, their demands remained unmet. More than 75 years since independence, they still lack basic road access. Frustrated by years of deception, villagers finally burnt the effigy of the Rural Development Secretary in the Panchayat Bhawan courtyard, raising slogans against the administration. The movement gained support from several think tanks and spiritual leaders, adding pressure on the authorities.
One of the most striking moments of the protest came when a 100-year-old resident of Dumak, Bachhi Devi, began a fast unto death, demanding road construction. The villagers had already been participating in a relay fast for 40 days, and her involvement drew national attention. Despite her age, Bachhi Devi remained firm, declaring that she would not break her fast until the administration met their demands. Dumak, a remote village in Jyotirmath tehsil, is situated 52 km from the sub-district headquarters and 119 km from the district headquarters in Gopeshwar. With only 68 households and a population of around 311, Dumak has been left in isolation for far too long.
Villagers in hilly states like Uttarakhand endure immense hardships due to a lack of roads, particularly in remote areas where even basic amenities remain out of reach. The villagers of Dumak, having suffered for years, are demanding that the administration restart the long-pending construction of the Saanji-Maikot-Dumak-Kalgoth road on the previously approved route. Their frustrations have escalated to the point where they have threatened to boycott the Lok Sabha polls, a bold move signalling their desperation.
Historically, politicians have manipulated these villagers during election seasons. Before elections, construction agencies rush machinery to the village, raising false hopes, only to withdraw them once polling concludes. Dumak, one of the most remote polling stations in Chamoli district, has been consistently used as a pawn in this game. The residents of Dasholi and Pankhanda have twice boycotted elections since the 1990s to demand road construction, yet their appeals remained ignored.
In 2019, Dumak residents announced an election boycott, prompting the authorities to hastily send machines a week before polling day, tricking them into withdrawing their protest. However, as soon as voting ended, the machines disappeared. Five years later, the road remains incomplete. The agitation intensified again in January 2024, with villagers launching a full-scale protest. Despite Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s intervention and assurances, construction has yet to begin, pushing villagers to renew their election boycott.
The demand for the Sainji-Lagga-Maikot-Bemru-Dumak-Kalgoth motor road has been pending for decades. Dumak, one of the highest-altitude villages in Chamoli, hosts the second-highest polling booth in the state at an elevation of around 10,000 feet. The village falls within the Badrinath Assembly segment, part of the Garhwal (Pauri) Lok Sabha constituency. BJP’s national media in-charge, Anil Baluni, contested and won the elections, playing a role in addressing the villagers’ grievances. Finally, there is hope that this road will soon become a reality, offering some relief to the high-altitude residents who have been deprived of basic infrastructure for far too long.
This is not just about a road; it is about justice, dignity, and holding the government accountable. The villagers of Dumak have fought long and hard, proving that persistence and solidarity can challenge even the most negligent authorities. The question remains: how many more years will it take for the government to honor its promises?
Pune's GBS Crisis Deepens: Death Toll Hits 7, Cases Surge to 19 17
A 37-year-old driver from Pune, diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), has succumbed to the rare nerve disorder, pushing the death toll in Pune to seven. The city’s suspected GBS cases have surged to 192, with 167 confirmed infections and 21 patients currently on ventilator support, according to health authorities.
The deceased, who worked as a driver, initially sought treatment at a Pune hospital after experiencing weakness in his lower limbs. However, his relatives declined hospitalisation and instead shifted him to Nipani, Karnataka, on February 1. Later, he was admitted to a hospital in Sangli, where he received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment, the standard therapy for GBS.
On February 5, despite medical advice, the family discharged him and admitted him to PMC-run Kamala Nehru Hospital in Pune. His condition deteriorated, leading to supraventricular tachycardia, a severe heart rhythm disorder. He suffered a cardiac arrest on February 9 and died, officials confirmed.
As per state health department data, of the 192 suspected GBS cases, 167 have been officially diagnosed. The geographical spread includes 39 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas, 91 from newly-added villages, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 25 from Pune rural, and eight from other districts.
Currently, 91 patients have been discharged, while 48 remain in ICUs, and 21 are on ventilators, raising concerns over the outbreak’s severity. With cases continuing to rise, health officials are on high alert, investigating the cause and possible links to environmental or medical factors.
Engineer Rashid's Bail Limbo Ends? Delhi HC Lists Plea After SC Clarity 19
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the hearing of jailed MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid’s bail plea, for February 24, following the Supreme Court’s clarification regarding the jurisdiction of the NIA court in his terror funding case.
Justice Vikas Mahajan deferred the hearing after the High Court administration informed them that the Supreme Court had ruled that the NIA court could hear Rashid’s bail application. Rashid had earlier approached the High Court, arguing that his case was stuck in a legal vacuum since the NIA court handling his bail plea was not designated as a special MP/MLA court, leaving him without a legal remedy.
Meanwhile, as an interim relief, Rashid was granted two-day custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session on February 11 and 13.
The Baramulla MP, who won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections while incarcerated, has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019, after being arrested by the NIA under the UAPA in a 2017 terror-funding case. The agency alleges that Rashid financed separatist and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue of which court should hear Rashid’s bail plea arose due to a 2016 Supreme Court ruling, which designated special MP/MLA courts to handle cases involving lawmakers. Rashid had urged the High Court to either expedite his bail plea’s disposal by the NIA court or intervene directly.
In December 2023, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh had refused to rule on Rashid’s pending bail plea, stating that only a designated MP/MLA court could handle the matter. This led to further confusion until the Supreme Court’s clarification now allows the NIA court to proceed with the bail application.
With the legal deadlock now seemingly resolved, all eyes will be on the February 24 hearing, where Rashid will seek bail in a case that has sparked political and legal debates.
