मोदी विरोध के अपने राजनैतिक कर्तव्य का पालन करते हुए राहुल ने भारत को इराक के बराबर खड़ा किया

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

इससे पहले भी राहुल गांधी अपने विदेशी दौरे में देश के अंदरूनी हालात और सियासी मुद्दों को उठाकर विवादों को हवा दे चुके हैं

राहुल गांधी राजनीति की उस मानसिकता के द्योतक हैं जहा “इन्दिरा इस इंडिया” कहा जाता था, उसी के चलते वह ‘इंडिया इस मोदी’ मान कर चलते हैं ओर मोदी विरोध में वह कब भारत विरोध कर देते हैं उन्हे पता ही नहीं चलता।

कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी यूरोप में दो देशों के दौरे पर हैं. विदेशी जमीन पर एक बार फिर उन्होंने देश के अंदरूनी मुद्दों को उठाया. मोदी सरकार पर निशाना साधते हुए उन्होंने बताया कि देश में मॉब लिंचिंग की असली वजह बेरोजगारी है. साथ ही उन्होंने ये भी कहा कि अगर दलित और अल्सपसंख्यक जैसे समुदायों की विकास की दौड़ में अनदेखी हुई तो देश में आईएस की तरह विद्रोही और आतंकवादी ग्रुप बन सकते हैं.

ऐसे में सवाल उठता है कि क्या आज देश में नोटबंदी और जीएसटी की वजह से  गृहयुद्ध के हालात हैं? आखिर क्यों राहुल को इस्लामिक स्टेट जैसे आतंकी संगठन की देश में उभार की आशंका दिखाई दे रही है? लेकिन सबसे बड़ा सवाल ये है कि आखिर राहुल को ये आत्मज्ञान कहां से मिला?

आखिर राहुल कैसे कह सकते हैं कि देश में दलितों की अनदेखी होने पर  आतंकवादी संगठन बन सकते हैं? क्या राहुल को देश के हालात गृहयुद्ध जैसे नजर आते हैं? आखिर राहुल गांधी कैसे नोटबंदी, जीएसटी, बेरोजगारी के मुद्दे पर देश के हालातों की तुलना इराक की अराजकता से कैसे कर सकते हैं?  क्या पिछले 4 साल में वाकई देश में हालात राहुल के मुताबिक ऐसे हो गए हैं कि यहां अल्पसंख्यक आईएस जैसा आतंकवादी संगठन तैयार कर सकते हैं?

बात सिर्फ अल्पसंख्यक और दलित समुदायों की असुरक्षा या अनदेखी की नहीं रही. राहुल ने इस मौके पर बेरोजगारी को लेकर नया फंडा दे डाला. उन्होंने कहा कि बीजेपी सरकार ने जिस तरह से देश में नोटबंदी और जीएसटी लागू की उससे कई लोगों के उद्योग चौपट हो गए और लाखों लोग बेरोजगार हो गए. राहुल के मुताबिक बेरोजगारी की वजह से पनपा गुस्सा ही मॉब लिंचिंग की शक्ल में सामने आ रहा है. इस तरह, राहुल ने दो अलग अलग समस्याओं को नोटबंदी, जीएसटी, बेरोजगारी, दलित-पिछड़े-अल्पसंख्यकों की अनदेखी से जोड़कर देश को इराक के बरक्स खड़ा कर दिया.

देश में मॉब लिंचिंग की जितनी भी घटनाएं हुईं उनकी अलग अलग वजहें मानी जाती रहीं हैं. कहीं पर गौ-तस्करी के आरोप में लोग भीड़ के हमले का शिकार हुए तो कहीं बच्चा-चोर जैसी अफवाहों ने भीड़ के उन्माद को हत्यारा बनाने का काम किया. सवाल उठता है कि क्या उन्मादी भीड़ में शामिल लोग वो थे जो नोटबंदी का शिकार हो गए थे? मॉब लिंचिंग में शामिल लोग वो थे जिनका कारोबार जीएसटी की वजह से ठप हो गया था?

राहुल कहते हैं ‘अगर देश के लोगों को विकास से बाहर रखा गया तो देश में आईएस जैसे आतंकी संगठन बन सकते हैं.’ आखिर वो कौन लोग हैं जिनकी देश की विकास यात्रा में अनदेखी की गई या की जा रही है?

जिस देश का राष्ट्रपति दलित समुदाय से हो वहां क्या दलित समुदाय इराक के इस्लामिक स्टेट को अपनी प्रेरणा बना सकता है? इस देश के दलितों की प्रेरणा हमेशा गांधी और आंबेडकर जैसे महापुरूष रहे हैं. लेकिन ये विडंबना ही है कि दलित वर्ग का मसीहा कहलाने वाले राजनीतिक दलों ने हमेशा ही इनका शोषण किया.

आज राहुल विदेशी जमीन पर बैठकर जिन दलित और मुस्लिम समुदाय की बात कर रहे हैं, वो ये भूल रहे हैं कि कभी दलित-मुस्लिम ही कांग्रेस के कोर वोटर हुआ करते थे. उसके बावजूद आज ये वर्ग हाशिए पर क्यों है? खासतौर से तब जबकि देश में पचास साल से ज्यादा कांग्रेस का शासन रहा. सच्चर कमेटी की रिपोर्ट ने तो कांग्रेस शासन के वक्त ही देश के मुसलमानों की बदहाल तस्वीर को नुमाया किया.

जर्मनी के हैम्बर्ग में छात्रों से बात करते हुए राहुल ने कहा कि साल 2003 में इराक पर अमेरिकी हमले के बाद एक कानून लाया गया जिसने वहां की एक विशेष जनजाति को सरकार और सेना में नौकरी पाने से रोक दिया था. राहुल ने कहा कि इराक सरकार के उस फैसले की वजह से कई लोग विद्रोही हो गए और ये विद्रोही संगठन इराक से लेकर सीरिया तक फैल गया जो बाद में  IS जैसा खतरनाक ग्रुप बन गया.

राहुल की इस्लामिक स्टेट को लेकर सोच पर सवाल उठते हैं. क्या इराक में इस्लामिक स्टेट का उभार बेरोजगारी और समाज में भागेदारी में अनदेखी की वजह से हुआ?

साल 2003 में इराक के राष्ट्रपति सद्दाम हुसैन के अपदस्थ होने के बाद हालात गृहयुद्ध की तरफ बढ़ चुके थे. इराक में शिया-सुन्नियों के बीच बम धमाकों के चलते नफरत और अविश्वास की खाई गहराती चली गई थी. ‘बांटो और राज करो’ की नीति के जरिये अमेरिका इराक में सुन्नियों के प्रभुत्व को कम करने में जुटा हुआ था. इस वजह से शिया-सुन्नी के बीच अमेरिका की वजह से नफरत की दीवार बड़ी होती चली गई.

इराक का आम सुन्नी खुद को अपदस्थ राष्ट्रपति सद्दाम हुसैन से जोड़ कर देखता था. सद्दाम हुसैन में आम इराकी को ही अपना गौरव और शौर्य दिखाई देता था. खुद सद्दाम हुसैन सुन्नी थे लेकिन इसके बावजूद सद्दाम के दौर में इराक में कभी शिया-सुन्नी विवाद नहीं था. शिया बहुल इराक में सुन्नी शासन था. सद्दाम की बाथ पार्टी में शिया और सुन्नी बराबरी से थे और किसी एक समुदाय की अनदेखी नहीं थी.

लेकिन सद्दाम की फांसी ने शिया और सुन्नियों के बीच की नफरत को झुलसा कर रख दिया. इराक की शिया सरकार ने अमेरिका के इशारे पर फांसी की सजा सुनाई थी. उन तेजी से बदलते हालातों में इराकी सरकार के इशारे पर सेना ने सुन्नियों पर जमकर कहर बरपाया. जिससे वहां सुन्नी, कुर्दों और तमाम कबीलों में अमेरिका और इराकी सरकार के खिलाफ नफरत बढ़ती चली गई जिससे हिंसा बढ़ती गई. उस नाजुक मौके का कुख्यात आतंकी संगठन अल कायदा ने भरपूर फायदा उठाया. अमेरिकी सेना के खिलाफ जंग के नाम पर विद्रोही अलकायदा के साथ इकट्ठे होते चले गए.

लेकिन जब इराक में अलकायदा का कमांडर अबू मुसाब अल जरकावी मारा गया तो इराक में अलकायदा कमजोर पड़ने लगा. अलकायदा के कमजोर होने पर इस्लामिक स्टेट का उभार होता चला गया. अबू बक्र अल बगदादी के इस संगठन से तमाम कबीले, लड़ाके, विद्रोही जुड़ते चले गए और देखते ही देखते इस्लामिक स्टेट दुनिया का सबसे दुर्दांत और अमीर आतंकी संगठन बन गया.

सवाल उठता है कि आखिर राहुल इराक की राजनीतिक और समाजिक परिस्थितियों से भारत की तुलना कैसे कर सकते हैं? बल्कि अपनी इस सोच के जरिए राहुल देश के दलितों और अल्पसंख्यकों को लेकर विदेशी जमीन पर कौन सा विज़न रख रहे हैं?

विदेश जमीन पर कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी मोदी सरकार पर बरसने का कोई भी मौका नहीं छोड़ते. लेकिन इस तरह भारत की छवि पर भी सवाल उठते हैं. राहुल के जवाब से दुनिया में ये संदेश जा सकता है कि आतंकवाद को मिटाने के नाम पर दुनिया के तमाम देशों को एक साथ लाने की मुहिम में जुटे भारत में ही अस्थिरता का आलम ये है कि यहां इस्लामिक स्टेट जैसे आतंकी संगठन सिर उठा सकते हैं. कम से कम राष्ट्र की आंतरिक सुरक्षा और अखंडता को लेकर राहुल गांधी को इस तरह के बयानों से बचना चाहिए.

 

इससे पहले सिंगापुर और मलेशिया के दौरे पर राहुल गांधी ने देश के अंदरूनी हालातों पर सवाल उठाया था. सुप्रीम कोर्ट के जजों की प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस के मामले में राहुल ने सिंगापुर में कहा था कि लोग इंसाफ के लिए न्यायपालिका के पास जाते हैं, लेकिन पहली बार चार जज इंसाफ के लिए लोगों के पास आए.

इससे पहले बहरीन में भी उन्होंने मोदी सरकार पर हमला करते हुए कहा था कि देश में विघटन के हालात पैदा हो रहे हैं. राहुल ने कहा था कि मोदी सरकार देश में नौकरियां पैदा नहीं कर पा रही है जिससे लोगों में गुस्सा है.

वहीं सितंबर 2017 में अमेरिका की बर्कले यूनिवर्सिटी में राहुल ने नोटबंदी के फैसले पर निशाना साधते हुए कहा था कि नोटबंदी की वजह से भारत में नई नौकरियां बिलकुल पैदा नहीं हो रही हैं. आखिर राहुल अपने सियासी फायदे के लिए विदेशी धरती पर देश की कौन सी छवि रखना चाहते हैं? वो अप्रवासी भारतीयों को कौन सा संदेश देना चाहते हैं?

राहुल दरअसल इस तरह से देश की छवि खराब करने का ही काम कर रहे हैं. वो विभिन्न समुदायों, पंथों, धर्मों, जातियों, भाषाओं से बने और समरसता के एक सूत्र में पिरोए हुए भारत को दरअसल बंटा और टूटा हुआ बता रहे हैं. वो ये बताना चाह रहे हैं कि भारत में राष्ट्रीयता के मूल्य इतने कमजोर हैं कि यहां इस्लामिक स्टेट जैसे आतंकी संगठन खड़े हो सकते हैं.

राहुल को ये सोचना चाहिए कि भारत वो मुल्क है जो भौगोलिक परिस्थितियों की वजह से सिर्फ नक्शे में ही बंटा हुआ दिख सकता है. जबकि राहुल अपने सियासी नजरिए से देश को विघटन की कगार पर देख रहे हैं.

Amarinder Wants Kartarpur Corridor Opened For Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Anniversary , Writes to Sushma for Intervention

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Chandigarh, August 22, 2018 :

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has sought the personal intervention of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in seeking access from the Pakistan government to enable devotees to visit the historic Gurudwara Sahib in Kartapur on the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.

In a letter to the Union Minister, the Chief Minister has urged Sushma to take up the matter with her counterpart for having the corridor from the International Border to Kartarpur opened for the duration of the celebrations. “This will allow the faithful to pay their respects at the Gurudwara Sahib in Kartarpur,” said Captain Amarinder, pointing out that Kartarpur is located across the river Ravi at a distance of around 4 kms from the International Border near Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district.

The Chief Minister noted that the 550th Birth anniversary of the first Guru, who breathed his last in Kartarpur, is being observed in November 2019. He pointed out that one of the historical demands of the Sikh community has been to have access to the revered Gurudwara Sahib in Kartarpur. “The Government of Punjab has been requesting Government of India time and again for taking up the matter with the Government of Pakistan for a corridor from the International Border to Kartarpur,” he added.

Captain Amarinder further observed that in pursuance of the long-standing demand, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had made an announcement to this effect at Amritsar on 1st September 2004 on the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Prakash Utsav of Guru Guru Granth Sahib ji. He had reiterated the same during his subsequent visits to the State in 2005 and 2006. However, despite best efforts this has not materialized, said the Chief Minister, urging Sushma to make personal efforts in the matter.

Anil Ambani Issues “Cease & Desist Notice” to Congress Spokesperson

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Anil Ambani had written to Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress has been “misinformed, misdirected and misled” by “malicious vested interests and corporate rivals” on the Rafale deal issue.

NEW DELHI:

Businessman Anil Ambani led Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Defence and Reliance Aerostructure has sent notices to Congress leaders asking them to behave responsibly while speaking on Rafale deal or face legal action. In a cease and desist notice addressed to Congress Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, Reliance said that freedom of expression of politicians does not mean that they have a license to behave irresponsibly to suit their interests.

“Freedom of expression and speech should not be mistaken as a license to behave irresponsibly and make false, frivolous, misleading and distorted statements to suit your political interest,” the notice said.

Reliance named other Congress leaders viz Randeep Surjewala, Ashok Chavan, Sanjay Nirupam, Anugrah Narayan Singh. Oommen Chandy, Shaktisinh Gohil, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sunil Kumar Jakhar and Priyanka Chaturvedi saying that they have been indulging in making incorrect, false, frivolous statements against Reliance.

The notice alleged that Congress leaders are indulging in what appears to be a “vilification campaign” to “deliberately besmirch” the name and reputation of the company for “petty personal and political gains”.

Warning the party members against making such statements, the Reliance group said that it reserves right to take legal recourse for the “protection of their name, brand, reputation and goodwill in case of any scurrilous statements being made against them”.

Reacting to the notice, Jaiveer Shergill said such notices cannot scare him away. “Received “Cease & Desist” Notice from Sh Anil Ambani threatening me with legal consequences if I speak on #RafaleDeal; My reply-I’m a Congress Soldier, a Proud Punjabi who doesn’t get scared with such notices-Tax Payer of this country deserves to know why they paid extra 42000 Cr,” he tweeted on Wednesday.

Anil Ambani had recently written to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on the Rafale fighter jet deal saying his party has been “misinformed, misdirected and misled” by “malicious vested interests and corporate rivals” on the issue.

Congress led by Rahul has been attacking the government for inking the Rafale deal claiming that the contract was signed at a much higher price than the one the previous UPA regime had negotiated. While Rahul has accused the government of changing the deal to benefit “one businessman”, his party has demanded a JPC probe into the deal.

मारीशस ने अपने साइबर ओवर का नाम अटल जी के नाम पर रखा ओर ध्वज भी झुका दिया

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

मॉरीशस ने भारत के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी के सम्मान में अपने साइबर टावर का नाम अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी करने का फैसला किया है। इससे पहले मॉरीशस ने अपने देश का राष्ट्र ध्वज आधा झुकाया था।

नई दिल्ली:

पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी अब हमारे बीच नहीं रहे। अब सिर्फ उनकी यादें हीं हमारे साथ हैं। हर किसी ने उनके प्रति अपना सम्मान प्रकट किया। देश ही नहीं बल्कि कई दूसरे देशों के नेता भी उनको अंतिम विदाई देने के लिए भारत आए। मॉरीशस में वाजपेयी जी के सम्मान में देश के सभी सरकारी भवनों में मॉरीशस और भारत के राष्ट्र ध्वज आधे झुके रहे। मॉरीशस के प्रधानमंत्री प्रविंद कुमार जगन्नाथ ने प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी को पत्र लिखकर वाजपेयी के निधन पर शोक प्रकट किया और दिवंगत नेता को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की।

अब उन्होंने वाजपेयी जी के सम्मान में साइबर टावर को अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी टावर नाम देने का ऐलान किया है। पोर्ट लुई में वर्ल्ड हिन्दी कॉन्फ्रेंस के मौके पर प्रविंद कुमार जगन्नाथ ने इसकी घोषणा की है। उन्होंने कहा कि साइबर टावर जिसे मॉरीशस में स्थापित करने में अटल जी ने योगदान दिया था अब से अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी टावर के नाम पर जाना जाएगा।

मॉरीशस के पोर्ट लुई में हो रहे वर्ल्ड हिन्दी कॉन्फ्रेंस में प्रधानमंत्री प्रविंद जगन्नाथ और भारत की विदेश मंत्री सुषमा स्वराज की मौजूदगी में अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की गई। गौरतलब है कि यहां स्वामी विवेकानंद अंतरराष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन केंद्र में 18 अगस्त से तीन दिवसीय 11 वां विश्व हिंदी सम्मेलन शुरू हो रहा है। आयोजन स्थल को गोस्वामी तुलसी दास नगर नाम दिया गया है।

जगन्नाथ ने कहा कि जब मॉरीशस 11 वें विश्व हिंदी सम्मेलन की मेजबानी कर रहा है, हम हिन्दी भाषा में वाजपेयी की महारत को याद कर रहे हैं, जो उनके भाषणों और कविताओं में बखूबी जाहिर हुई है। वह एकता, इतिहास को जोड़ने के साधन, साझा मूल्यों और साझा संस्कृति के प्रतीक के तौर पर हिंदी की शक्ति में पूरा यकीन रखते

England vs India third Test | Woakes strikes; removes Dhawan

/0 Comments/in , , /by

England team are in a huddle before the start of the first day’s play against India in Nottingham on August 18, 2018

Virat Kohli’s men will seek to channel some of Clough’s spirit as they attempt what history tells us is a nearly-impossible turnaround

England skipper Joe Root won the toss and elected to field against India in the third cricket Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Saturday.

India made three changes to the playing XI, handing young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant his maiden Test cap, while fit-again Jasprit Bumrah was back in the fold replacing Kuldeep Yadav and Shikhar Dhawan came in for Murali Vijay.

England made just one change, bringing in all-rounder Ben Stokes in place of Sam Curran.

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan passes away at 80

/0 Comments/in , /by

A file picture of former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan died on Saturday. He was 80.

An official statement from The Kofi Annan Foundation was shared on Mr. Annan’s Twitter handle: “It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness.”

The Nobel Peace Prize winner served as the U.N. special envoy to Syria, and was the first black African to be appointed as Secretary-General. He served two terms in the post from 1996-2006.

In 2016, Mr. Annan was named by the Myanmar government to head a panel to find “lasting solutions” to the conflict in Rakhine state, where human rights groups have documented widespread abuses against the minority Rohingya Muslims.

Under his leadership, the UN introduced the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, in which countries of the world committed to ending poverty within 15 years. Under his leadership two intergovernmental bodies, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council, were established. In 2001, Kofi Annan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace along with the United Nations.

Mr. Annan played a central role in the creation of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. He launched the Global Compact initiative, the world’s largest effort to promote corporate social responsibility, in 1999.

“His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days,” said the statement on Mr. Annan’s Twitter handle.

‘Global statesman’

The statement said:

“Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.

“After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike.

“Kofi Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa. He was particularly committed to African development and deeply engaged in many initiatives, including his chairmanship of the Africa Progress Panel and his early leadership of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

“Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. He will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our hearts forever.

“The family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning. Arrangements to celebrate his remarkable life will be announced later.”

Sidhu in Pakistan: will “thoko tali”

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday preferred to cross the border to attend Pakistan cricket legend and his “friend” Imran Khan’s swearing-in ceremony, to be held on Saturday, over paying last tributes to his “mentor” in politics Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

All enthused, Sidhu, the Local Government Minister in the Congress Government in Punjab, crossed the Indo-Pak border at Wagah in the afternoon, when the nation was biding a final adieu to its “most loved” Prime Minister.

Not only the leaders from across the parties, but representatives from India’s neighbouring nations including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, have converged in the national capital to attend Vajpayee’s last rites.

But before leaving for Lahore, he did not forget to offer his condolences on Vajpayee’s death. “I had spiritual relations with Vajpayee sahib. Cutting across party lines, there is respect for this wonderful statesman. He elevated the BJP party from mere two seats to the majority. His demise is an irreparable loss for all of us. Vajpayee sahib will be remembered as an institution,” he said.

In an interview, Sidhu had once revealed that he had contested and won in Amritsar in 2004 Lok Sabha elections at 14 days’ notice on receiving a phone call from Vajpayee.

Sidhu, who was more than excited to attend Imran’s swearing-in, considered himself “fortunate to have a chance to be a conduit between both India and Pakistan to ease the tension and will try to work towards strengthening the trade and cultural ties between the two nations”.

For the occasion, Sidhu has got arranged a special ‘Pashmina shawl’ for Imran as a gift. “I am excited to meet my dear friend with whom I shared relationship for the past 35 years,” he said adding that since “I am representing India, this gesture is on behalf of India for Imran.”

After getting mandatory clearance from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Sidhu was overwhelmed to receive a call from the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. “Being a law abiding citizen, I am very disciplined when it comes to the norms of a nation. I waited for clearance of my Pakistan visit. I was surprised when madam Sushma called me personally to intimate that the requisite clearance has been granted,” he said.

Sidhu has got 15-day visa for Lahore and Islamabad. Sources revealed that he will be meeting Khan on Friday night.

Earlier, Sidhu had hailed the Pak Prime Minister designate as a “man of character” and hoped that he would mend relations between the two countries.

“Men of genius are admired, men of power are feared, but men of character are trusted. Khan Sahab is a man of character. He can be trusted. Sportsmen build bridges, break barriers, unite people,” he had said.

However, Sidhu’s decision to attend Imran’s swearing-in has attracted criticism from Shiv Sena, and also from BJP senior leader Subramanium Swamy who said that the former cricketer “is “not mentally stable”, and SAD president Sukhbir Badal who advised him “to stay back in Pakistan only”.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Left for Heavenly Abode

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee ,93, left for Heavenly Abode  today at05:05  pm  according to an official declaration .

 

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee continues to be on life support system since Wednesday and as per hospital sources at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) his condition “is very critical”.

A press release from the AIIMS on Thursday morning said: “Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s condition continues to be the same. He is critical and is on life support systems.”

On August 16 morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited AIIMS to enquire about the health condition of Mr. Vajpayee, his second visit in less than 24 hours. Mr. Modi had visited the hospital on Wednesday evening to enquire about the BJP leader’s condition.

On Thursday morning, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu and BJP leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, party president Amit Shah and BJP veteran L.K. Advani, also visited the AIIMS to enquire about him.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an iconic leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for his cultural moderation, liberalism and political reasonableness. He became the Prime Minister of India thrice. It was during his tenure that India successfully conducted nuclear tests at Pokhran and renewed hopes for peace between India and Pakistan emerged with the start of the New Delhi-Lahore bus service. His government has been till date the only non-Congress government to stay in power for five years. Besides being a seasoned politician and outstanding parliamentarian, Atal Bihari Vajpayee is also a renowned poet and a highly popular personality across the political spectrum.

The Narendra Modi Government has announced the conferment of Bharat Ratna on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His birthday on 25 December has been declared as ‘Good Governance Day’. Famous for his oratorical skills.

Early life

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born in a middle-class Brahmin family to Krishna Devi and Krishna Bihari Vajpayee on 25 December, 1924 in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). His father was a poet and a school teacher. Vajpayee did his schooling from the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Gwalior. Later, he studied at Victoria College, Gwalior – now Laxmi Bai College, for his graduation. It was at Dayanand Anglo-Vedic College, Kanpur that Vajpayee completed his post-graduation in Political Science.

Joining as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker in 1939, Vajpayee became a pracharak (full-time worker) in 1947. He also worked for Rashtradharma Hindi monthly, Panchjanya Hindi weekly and the dailies Swadesh and Veer Arjun.

Vajpayee chose to stay bachelor for whole life.

Political Career

Atal Bihari Vajpayee began his career in politics as a freedom fighter. Later he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), a Hindu right-wing political party, under the leadership of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He became national secretary of BJS in charge of the Northern region.

As the new leader of BJS, Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1957 from Balrampur. He rose to become the national president of the Jana Sangh in 1968. Supported by his colleagues Nanaji Deshmukh, Balraj Madhok and L K Advani, Vajpayee took the Jana Sangh to greater glory.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee participated in the Total Revolution movement launched by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) against the Internal Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. In 1977, Jana Sangh became a part of the Janata Party, the grand-alliance against the Indira Gandhi government.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee became a Union Minister in 1977 when Morarji Desai-led Janata Party coalition came to power for the first time. He became the Minister of External Affairs. As foreign minister, Vajpayee became the first person to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi. His career as a minister was short-lived as he resigned from his post following the resignation of Morarji Desai in 1979. But by then, Vajpayee had established himself as a political leader.

Vajpayee along with Lal Krishna Advani, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and others from the BJS and Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) formed the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980. He became a strong critic of the Congress (I) government that followed the fall of Janata Party government.

Vajpayee did not support Operation Blue Star and raised his voice against the anti-Sikh violence after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 by two of her Sikh bodyguards.

The BJP won two parliamentary seats in the 1984 elections. Vajpayee functioned as BJP President and Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament. Known for his liberal views, Vajpayee bemoaned the demolition of the Babri Mosque on 6 December, 1992 and declared it as the BJP’s “worst miscalculation”.

As Prime Minister of India

By 1984 elections, the BJP had established itself as an important political party in Indian politics. Vajpayee was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of India following the 1996 General Elections, where the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. However, the government collapsed after only 13 days after his government could not gather support from other parties to obtain a majority. He thus became the shortest serving Prime Minister in India.

The BJP-led coalition government came back to power as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 1998. Vajpayee was again sworn in as the Prime Minister.

Vajpayee’s second term as PM is known for Nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in May 1998. Vajpayee also pushed for peace process with Pakistan. He inaugurated the historic Delhi-Lahore bus service in February 1999. He also pitched for resolving the Kashmir dispute and other conflicts with Pakistan.

But Pakistan ditched India by launching Kargil War, wherein Pakistani soldiers infiltrated into the Kashmir Valley and captured border hilltops around the town of Kargil.

Indian army units, under Operation Vijay, fought Pakistani intruders braving heavy artillery shelling amidst extremely cold weather, and treacherous hilly terrain, and ultimately emerged victorious. However, Vajpayee’s government lasted 13 months when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) withdrew its support to the government in mid-1999.

In the following election, however, the NDA came back with full majority and Vajpayee was able to complete five years (1999-2004) in office as a non-Congress PM for the first time. Atal Bihari Vajpayee took oath as Prime Minister of India for the third time on 13 October 1999.

However, his third term also saw India yielding to terrorists when in December 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC 814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi was hijacked and taken to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The government had to release dread terrorists including Maulana Masood Azhar from prison to secure the freedom of passengers. On the brighter side, the Vajpayee government introduced many economic and infrastructural reforms, including encouraging the private sector and foreign investments. It also undertook National Highway Development Projects and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Vajpayee adopted pro-business, free-market reforms approach to boost India’s economic development.

In March 2000, Vajpayee signed the Historic Vision Document during the visit of the then US President Bill Clinton. The Declaration incorporated several strategic issues, apart from pitching for expansion in trade and economic ties between the two countries.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee again tried for peace with Pakistan during the Agra summit with the then Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, but the talks failed to achieve any breakthrough as Musharraf declined to leave aside the Kashmir issue.

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime also witnessed an attack on Indian Parliament on 13 December 2001, when Pakistan-supported terrorists stormed the Parliament building in Delhi. They were ultimately foiled in their attempts by the Indian security forces.

Vajpayee as PM was pained when communal riots broke out in Gujarat in 2002 after the Godhra train tragedy.

Retirement

The 2004 General Election brought about the downfall of the NDA, which lost almost half its seats and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) assumed the reins of power. Vajpayee refused to take up the position of the Leader of the Opposition paving the way for Lal Krishna Advani’s leadership of BJP. He now lives in retirement and seclusion owing to ill health.

Awards

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj (far right) hand over the Liberation War award to Vajpayee’s family members.
  • Padma Vibhushan in 1992
  • D. Lit. from Kanpur University in 1993
  • Lokmanya Tilak Award in 1994
  • Best Parliamentarian Award in 1994
  • Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant Award in 1994
  • Bharat Ratna in 2015
  • Liberation War award (Bangladesh Muktijuddho Sanmanona) in 2015

Facts and Information about Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Born 25 December 1924 (age 93) at Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Parents Krishna Devi, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee
Education Victoria College (Now Laxmibai College), Gwalior ; DAV College, Kanpur .
Marriage Unmarried but has an adopted daughter, Namita
Recognition Known for his liberal social, cultural and political views
Awards Padma Vibhushan (1992), Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the Kanpur University (1993) and Bharat Ratna (2014)
Other than Politics An acclaimed poet, journalist and a brilliant orator
Political career Started as a freedom fighter; took part in Quit India Movement in 1942. Met Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) leader Syama Prasad Mookerjee, took over BJS leadership after Mookerjee’s deathFounded the Bharatiya Janata Party (the BJP), along with his colleagues such as Lal Krishna Advani and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in 1980. Served as the president of this party, during the first five years.

Served as a Member of Parliament for 50 years. Was elected 10 times to Lok Sabha beginning with 1957, represented six different constituencies.
As Prime Minister Elected as the Prime Minister of India thrice: 1996 – Vajpayee became Prime Minister for the first time but had to resign in just 13 days after the BJP failed to get the support of other parties.1998 – Headed the National Democratic Party (NDA) government as the Prime Minister for the second time but could rule only for 13 months when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) withdrew its support.

1999 – Completed his full five-year term, becoming the longest serving non-Congress Prime Minister at the Centre (13 October 1999- 19 May 2004).

Vajpayee retired from politics in 2005.
Legacy – In May 1998, the Vajpayee government conducted five underground nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan.– Strongly pitching for India-Pakistan friendship, he inaugurated a bus service from Delhi to Lahore in Pakistan in 1999.

– His government set out on a number of economic reforms and encouraged foreign investment and privatisation.

– Asked the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to abide by his ‘Rajdharma’ after the Gujarat communal riots.

Live update of PM speech from the Red Fort

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his fifth Independence Day speech as Prime Minister, from the ramparts of Red Fort.

He announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan, a national healthcare scheme that will “impact 50 crore Indians.” He also announced ‘Gaganyaan’, a space programme to be launched by 2022.

Here are the updates:
8: 45 AM
PM on triple talaq
Speaking on triple talaq, the PM says, “The practice of triple talaq has caused great injustice among Muslim women. We are trying to end this practice but there are some people who are not wanting it to end. I ensure the Muslim women that I will work to ensure justice is done to them.

8: 35 AM
Justice for women
PM Modi says, “We have to free our country from this mentality of rape. In Madhya Pradesh, rapists were given death penalty within 5 days. We should make people more aware.”

8: 25 AM
PM announces Jan Arogya Abhiyaan
“Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan will be launched on 25th September this year. It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare

“The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare,” he says.

8; 20 AM
PM announces Gaganyaan space programme
An Indian astronaut, be it a man or a woman, will go on a space odyssey by 2022 on board ‘Gaganyaan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says.

“When India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022 and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter will undertake a manned space mission on board ‘Gaganyaan’ carrying the national flag.”

8: 15 AM
Will bring modernity to agricultural sector: PM Modi
“Out of the 13 million who have taken the Mudra loan, 4 million people have taken it for the first time. This presents a new India.

“Today our full focus is to bring modernity to change in the agricultural sector. With a ‘Beej Se Bazar Tak’ approach, we are bringing remarkable changes in the agriculture sector. The aim is to double farmer incomes by 2022.

“Due to Swachh Bharat mission, lakhs of children can lead healthier lives. Even the World Health Organisation has lauded the movement,” he says.

8: 10 AM
Talent from North East
North East is nowadays coming up with news that is giving inspiration to the country, PM Modi says. “There was a time when it felt like it was too far from Delhi. Now we have brought it to the doorstep of Delhi.”

8: 07 AM
PM Modi presents NDA report card
Speaking about the achievements of the BJP government in the last four years, PM Modi says,

“The demand for higher MSP was pending for years. From farmers to political parties to agriculture experts, everybody was asking about it but nothing happened. With the blessings of the farmers, the decision on MSP was taken by our Government.

“Who did not want the passage of the GST? Yet it was pending for years? Last year GST became a reality.

“The OROP demand was pending for decades. The people of India, our brave army personnel had faith in us and we were able to take a decision on OROP.

“From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are poised for record economic growth. India’s voice is being heard effectively at the world stage. We are integral parts of forums whose doors were earlier closed for us.

8: 05 AM
Modi takes a dig at UPA govt
In a veiled dig at the UPA government, PM Modi says. “If we had continued at the same pace at which toilets were being built in 2013, the pace at which electrification was happening in 2013, then it would have taken us decades to complete them

“We are very proud of what we have achieved but at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realize the unbelievable strides the nation has taken.”

7: 55 AM
‘Social justice for all’
PM Modi says, “The Constitution of India, given to us by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has spoken about justice for all. We have to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly.

“The poor get justice, everyone has the opportunity to move forward according to his will and aspirations.”

7:45 AM
Modi invokes Bharathiyar
The Prime Minister in his I-Day speech invoked Tamil poet Subramanya Bharathiyar. Speaking in Tamil, he says, “Bharathiyar wrote that India would not only emerge as a great nation but also inspire others. He said India will show the whole world the way to get rid of all kinds of shackles.”

7: 35 AM
Modi kicks off Independence Day speech
After unfurling the tricolour at Red Fort, PM Modi kicks off his last Independence Day address before the Lok Sabha election in 2019.

He says,

My beloved Indians, I wish you a Happy 72nd Independence Day.

I salute the women of India. Our daughters have crossed all seven seas and have coloured the world in tricolour.

I salute the children of tribals who unfurled the national flag on Mount Everest and made India proud.

PM Modi speaks about the Monsoon Session of Parliament

He says,

The recently concluded Parliament session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission.

Mr. Modi speaks on the monsoon floods that have ravaged many states across the country. “Many parts of the nation witnessed a good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been affected by flooding. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to floods in various parts of India,” he says.

7:30 AM
PM Modi arrives at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Red Fort, accompanied by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Earlier, he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

7:20 AM
Health scheme to be announced
Mr. Modi is expected to announce the pilot launch of the Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Scheme in his last Independence Day address before the Lok Sabha election in 2019.

Read more
7: 00 AM
Shaurya Chakra for Major Aditya, Aurangzeb
Major Aditya Kumar who fired on a stone-throwing mob, and rifleman Aurangzeb who was abducted and killed by terrorists, both in Jammu and Kashmir, were selected for the Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day.

Ayushmaan Bharat on cards today

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

 

New Delhi:

With the nation gearing up to celebrate its 72nd independence on August 15, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to launch Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Scheme (AB-NHPS) on Wednesday. The full roll-out of the world’s largest government-funded public health insurance scheme is expected to be announced from September 25 onwards.

The announcement is expected to come during PM Modi’s Independence Day speech at Delhi’s Red Fort.

Ayushman Bharat, also referred to as ‘Modicare’, is the national healthcare policy launched by the Government of India in February this year. The ambitious healthcare policy promises to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospitals across the country.

The scheme is entitlement based, with the entitlement decided on the basis of deprivation criteria in the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) database. The beneficiaries can avail the facilities in both public as well as empanelled private healthcare centres.