Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to the people on the commencement of the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha and prayed that the blessings of Lord Jagannath continue to be bestowed upon them. "Greetings on the start of the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that his blessings constantly remain upon us," posted Prime Minister Modi on X, on Sunday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also performed the 'Mangla Aarti' with his wife Sonal at a temple in Ahmedabad earlier today. Taking to his social media handle on X, Amit Shah posted, "Jai Jagannath! Like every year today, on the auspicious occasion of Lord Jagannathji's Rath Yatra, I had the good fortune to participate in the Mangala Aarti of Sri Jagannath Mandir located in Ahmedabad. Mangala Aarti always feels immense peace and renewed energy. I pray to Lord Jagannathji for everyone's welfare." Meanwhile, the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most significant and eagerly awaited festivals in India, commenced in Odisha's Puri district on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, along with millions of devotees from across India. The festival offers a vibrant and spiritual experience for the lakhs of devotees who will gather to witness this auspicious occasion. This year, the event will be held for two days due to specific celestial arrangements. The Jagannath Yatra also began in Ahmedabad with fanfare and excitement on Sunday morning. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also attended the Rath Yatra festival. Patel performed the 'Pahind Vidhi'--the symbolic cleaning of the path for the chariot of Jagannath for the Rath Yatra. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) in the month of Ashadh. The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled to be celebrated today, July 7, 2024. The festival is associated with Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings. During the Yatra, the deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are carried on wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri.
07 July,2024 04:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday hit out at Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar over his criticism of Congress leader P Chidambaram's remarks on the new criminal laws, and said it was not the opposition that insults parliamentary procedures on a daily basis. Sibal's remarks came a day after Dhankhar lashed out at Chidambaram over his comment that the three new criminal laws were "drafted by part-timers", terming it as "inexcusable" and urging him to withdraw his "derogatory, defamatory and insulting" observation. Dhankhar had said he was "shocked beyond words" when he read Chidambaram's interview to a leading national daily wherein he had said that "the new laws were drafted by part-timers". In a post on X, Sibal said Sunday, "Dhankar: Criticised Chidambaram's statement that part-timers drafted the three criminal laws was an 'inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament'. We are all part-timers Dhankar ji!" "And who insults parliamentary procedures on a daily basis? Not us!" said Sibal, a prominent Opposition voice and an Independent Rajya Sabha MP. Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, Dhankhar had referred to Chidambaram's remarks and said, "Are we part-timers in Parliament? It is an inexcusable insult to the wisdom of the Parliament...I do not have words strong enough to condemn such a narrative being set afloat and an MP being labelled as a part-timer." "I appeal to him (Chidambaram) from this platform, please withdraw this derogatory, defamatory and highly insulting observations about the Members of Parliament (MPs). I hope he does it," the vice president had said. Earlier, amid the NEET row, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "silence" on the issue. Sibal urged PM Modi to accept that "corruption is prevalent" in the country. The result of the NEET-UG 2024, declared on June 4, caused an uproar amid several issues- 1,500 students received grace marks, a high number of perfect scores, and allegations of a leaked question paper. Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court and high courts by students seeking a re-test alleging irregularities and discrepancies. The SC has allowed retest of over 1,500 students who got grace marks. "First of all, the Prime Minister should come in front of the people in Parliament and say that yes, we made a mistake, Corruption has been going on in the country for a long time and it is prevalent in every department. Until the government does not accept this matter, there will be no solution to this," Kapil Sibal said while speaking to ANI on Sunday from California. "I remember that the Prime Minister had said that corruption in our ministries has been eradicated. So it seems that this (NEET) is not a case of corruption, this is a matter of goods and services," Sibal quipped. He further took a dig at the Prime Minister's "silence" over the NEET row and other issues like Manipur violence, reported ANI. "I will remind the Prime Minister of what you said; if you see corruption taking place, then you must comment on it in some way or another. You always remain silent. Whether it is about Manipur, he remains silent or whether it is about terrorism, he remains silent. Terrorism will end, cash transactions will end, and corruption will also end. We are watching all this," he added, reported ANI. Sibal, who is a former HRD minister, said that the matter of NEET does not come under the purview of the HRD ministry but is a matter of the Health Ministry. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
07 July,2024 04:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi has called his upcoming Austria visit an "honour" as India and Austria celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. He expressed his anticipation for discussions with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on strengthening the bond between the two nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation. PM Modi's statement came in response to Karl Nehammer's post on X, where he described PM Modi's upcoming Austria visit as a "significant milestone". Nehammer noted that they will have the opportunity to hold talks on further deepening bilateral ties and closer cooperation on many geopolitical challenges. "I very much look forward to welcoming @narendramodi, the Prime Minister of India, the world's largest democracy, next week in Vienna. This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over forty years, and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India. We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges," Karl Nehammer said in a post on X. In response, PM Modi stated, "Thank you, Chancellor @karlnehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law form the bedrock upon which we will build an ever closer partnership." PM Modi will be travelling to Austria from July 9-10, marking the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). During his visit, he will meet Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. PM Modi and Karl Nehammer will also address business leaders from India and Austria. PM Modi will interact with members of the Indian community in Moscow and Vienna, according to the MEA. Earlier on Friday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that PM Modi's upcoming visit to Austria would help broaden the scope of the India-Austria partnership and address issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest. "The visit, we are confident, will allow us to discuss various areas of importance in bilateral engagement as well as issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest and help broaden the scope of our partnership," Vinay Kwatra said in a press conference. Kwatra also announced that PM Modi will meet Austria's President, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold delegation-level talks with officials. "In terms of programming elements, the Prime Minister, besides the ceremonial welcome being accorded to him, would also call on the President of Austria and hold restricted delegation-level talks as well as high-level business engagement in Austria," said the Foreign Secretary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on an official visit to Russia and Austria from July 8-10. After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will travel to Austria from July 9-10. Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. Austria is a steadfast and reliable partner of India. The bilateral ties between the two nations are wide-ranging, multi-dimensional, and mutually beneficial. The shared and abiding commitment to the ideals of democracy and pluralism has only reinforced close and friendly ties between India and Austria. Then-President KR Narayanan paid the first State Visit from India to Austria in November 1999. In 2005, Austrian President Heinz Fischer visited India. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Austria was Indira Gandhi in 1983. She had also visited the country in 1971. In 2011, then-President Pratibha Patil travelled to Austria. Earlier in 2017, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with then-Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in St Petersburg. He also met then-Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
07 July,2024 04:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe police on Sunday said that three persons died, and four others sustained injuries in a collision between an autorickshaw and a truck in Nanded district of Maharashtra, reported news agency PTI. An official said that the Maharashtra accident occurred in Dharmabad taluka near the Maharashtra-Telangana border on Saturday afternoon, reported PTI. An autorickshaw carrying passengers and goats was heading towards Dharmabad when it collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction, he said. The autorickshaw driver, Sheikh Mujeeb Sheikh Babumiyan (44), passengers Ganesh Ashok Murari (21) and Piraji Laxman Adkekar (50) died in the accident, the official said, reported PTI. Four injured persons are undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he said, adding that a case has been registered in this regard. In another incident, a 35-year-old man was killed and two others injured when their car broke the railing of a bridge and plunged into a river in Maharashtra's Nashik city, police said on Saturday, reported PTI. The Maharashtra accident occurred in the Gangapur Road area of the city on Friday night, an official said, reported PTI. The car driver lost control of the wheel, causing the vehicle to crash into the railing and fall into the Godavari river, he said. Nitin Bapu Kapadnis, who was driving the car, died on the spot, while two other occupants sustained injuries, the official said, reported PTI. The victims were travelling to Gangapur village from Dugaon, he said. A case has been registered with Nashik taluka police station, and further probe is underway, the official said. Meanwhile, traffic on the busy Ghodbunder road in Thane city was severely affected for more than six hours on Friday as a multi-axel truck broke down early in the morning, reported PTI. The trailer truck was carrying a heavy load in violation of rules, and it took time to offload it and remove the truck from the middle of the road, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vinay Rathod, reported PTI. Some traffic was diverted to other roads by police. The truck, which had broken down around 5 in the morning, was finally moved to the side of the road around 11 am. Police registered an FIR against the driver under sections 281 (rash driving on public way), 285 (causing danger, obstruction or injury to any person on public way) and 223 (disobeying public servant's duly promulgated order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. (Wih inputs from PTI)
07 July,2024 04:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire official said a fire broke out at the boys' hostel of a college in Maharashtra's Pune city on Sunday morning, reported news agency PTI. No one was injured in the blaze, he said. The fire brigade control room received a call about the blaze at the Pune boys' hostel of the Sir Parashurambhau College and a team was immediately sent to the spot, reported PTI. The blaze was caused by a short-circuit in an electrical meter installed on the outer wall of the Pune boys' hostel, the official said, reported PTI. The college staff quickly used fire extinguishers in a effort to put out the blaze and contacted the fire brigade and the electricity department. The fire brigade team responded promptly to the emergency and extinguished the blaze completely, the official said, reported PTI. "Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident," he said, reported PTI. The fire brigade team ensured everyone's safety and prevented any further damage, he added, reported PTI. The college is governed by a private education society. In another incident, last month, a watchman died and more than 40 girl students were rescued after a fire broke out in a five-storey Pune building that houses a hostel in Shanipar area of Maharashtra's Pune city, reported PTI. According to the police, the fire was reported on the first floor of the institute and on the second floor which was used as a PG-type accommodation by girl students. The incident occurred around 1.30 am, said Pune Municipal Corporation's chief fire officer Devendra Potphode, reported PTI. According to the fire officials, the fire was doused within 45 minutes after it broke out. Forty-two girl students who were living in the hostel on the second floor of the Pune building were evacuated following the fire, he said. "The fire brigade received a call about the fire in a five-storey Pune building. After our team reached the spot, it was found that the blaze had erupted at an accounting academy on the ground floor," Potphode said, reported PTI. By the time the fire brigade team reached the site, people in the area evacuated the girl students in the hostel, he said. When the fire was being doused on the ground floor, one person in his early 40s was found dead there with the death apparently being caused by burn injuries, he added. According to officials, the watchman of the building who was sleeping on the ground floor was charred to death in the fire incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-1) Sandip Singh Gill said that deceased man was a watchman who was inside a room on the ground floor, reported PTI. "After he was found there, he was referred to the Sassoon General Hospital, but was declared dead by doctors," he said, reported PTI. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
07 July,2024 02:10 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentIslamic New Year, also known as Muharram, holds great historical significance in the Islamic calendar. It marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijra, which took place in 622 CE. This migration not only provided a safe haven for Muslims but also laid the foundation for the establishment of the first Islamic state. Muharram is a time of reflection, remembrance, and mourning, particularly for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. In this article, we will explore ten key points that shed light on the historical significance of the Islamic New Year. - Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered a significant time for Muslims around the world. - The Islamic New Year commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event is known as the Hijra and marks the establishment of the first Islamic state. - The migration to Medina was a pivotal event in Islamic history, as it not only provided a safe haven for Muslims but also marked the beginning of a new era of growth and expansion for the Islamic community. - Muharram holds historical significance as it symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of the early Muslim community. Despite facing persecution and hardship in Mecca, they were able to establish a flourishing society in Medina. - Muharram is a time of reflection and remembrance for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions in their quest for religious freedom and justice. - The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the date of Muharram shifts each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. - While Muharram is primarily a time of commemoration, it is not celebrated with festivities or joyful activities. Instead, it is a period of mourning and reflection, particularly for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during this month. - The martyrdom of Imam Hussein took place on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura. This event occurred in the year 680 CE and is a significant historical event for Shia Muslims. They observe this day with mourning rituals, processions, and recitations of lamentations. - The events of Ashura are seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny. Imam Hussein's refusal to pledge allegiance to the unjust ruler of his time, Yazid, highlights the importance of standing up for justice and truth, even in the face of adversity. -Muharram serves as a time of spiritual renewal for Muslims, as they reflect on the lessons of the past and strive to improve themselves in the coming year. It is a month of introspection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah.
07 July,2024 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muharram holds special significance for Muslims around the world. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. However, the date of Muharram varies each year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The exact date is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Historical Significance: Muharram is a month of great historical significance for Muslims. It commemorates several important events, the most prominent being the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. During this battle, Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and loyal companions were martyred by the forces of the ruling caliphate. This event is considered as a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and standing up for justice in the face of oppression. Mourning and Remembrance: Muharram is observed by Shia Muslims in India and across the world. Shia Muslims who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his companions through various rituals and gatherings. These rituals include processions, recitation of elegies (Marsiya), recounting the events of martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali in Karbala, Iraq and delivering sermons. Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds special significance. Shia Muslims observe the day as a day of mourning and reflection on the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his followers. Sacred month in the Islamic calendar: Muharram is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar, observed with deep reverence by Muslims worldwide. It serves as a time for reflection, self-evaluation, and spiritual renewal. The commemoration of Imam Hussain ibn Ali's martyrdom in Karbala is at the heart of Muharram's significance. It symbolizes the struggle against injustice and tyranny, reminding believers of the values of sacrifice, bravery, and unwavering commitment to truth. Muharram's rituals foster a sense of community and unity among Muslims, as they come together to mourn. Universal Messages: Muharram carries universal messages of sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of justice that resonate with people of different faiths and beliefs. The story of Karbala inspires Muslims to uphold truth and justice, even in the face of adversity, and promotes compassion, unity, and empathy among individuals.
07 July,2024 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Islamic New Year is celebrated during the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Islamic New Year marks the start of the month of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide as it is Islamic New Year, also known as Al Hijri or Arabic New Year. However, the date of Muharram varies each year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The exact date is determined by the sighting of the new moon. History and significance: The Islamic New Year began in 622 AD when Prophet Muhammad and his companions were forced to migrate from Mecca to Medina. They were facing persecution for spreading the message of Islam in Mecca. He returned to the city following the conquest of Mecca in 629 AD. Muharram is seen as a time for reflection and penance. The Islamic New Year provides followers with an opportunity to be hopeful about their future and reflect on the good and bad they have done in their lives. The first ten days of Muharram are considered to be a sacred time of remembrance for Muslims as the death anniversary of the Prophet’s grandson Hussein is marked during the period. Hussein died at the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of Muharram. Also known as Ashura, the day is mourned by Shia Muslims around the world. Significance: Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, signifying a time of renewal and spiritual contemplation. The word Muharram means ‘not permitted’ or ‘forbidden’ hence, Muslims are prohibited from taking part in activities like warfare and use it as a period of prayer and reflection. However, Muharram is also a month of mourning and reflection for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions, highlighting principles of justice, bravery and standing up against oppression. Observance and rituals: Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year, and along with it, observe the month of Muharram in various ways. Many processions and marches are organised where the Muslim population, especially the Shia Muslims, mourn the death of Imam Hussain. Muharram is observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims, although mourning and remembrance are common aspects. Shia Muslims engage in mourning processions, hold gatherings called "Majlis," and commemorate this tragic event through mourning rituals, processions and gatherings in mosques, Hussainiyas or community centers to listen to sermons by religious leaders that recount and highlight the events of Karbala, paying homage to the martyrs and expressing grief and sorrow. As for Sunni Muslims, observing a fast on this day is considered a ‘sunnah’ since Prophet Muhammad kept a roza on this day after Prophet Musa or Moses as per the Sunni tradition.
07 July,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhirubhai Ambani's name is synonymous with business brilliance and creativity in India. As the founder of Reliance Industries, he transformed the Indian industrial scene and inspired a generation of new entrepreneurs. Dhirubhai Ambani passed suddenly on July 6, 2002. Remembering Dhirubhai Ambani, the legendary businessman who demonstrated his distinct approach to business and life. Early Life and Humble Beginnings Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, or Dhirubhai, was born on December 28, 1932, in Chorwad, a tiny hamlet in Gujarat. His father was a schoolteacher with low financial resources. Dhirubhai showed entrepreneurial qualities from an early age. He started his first venture selling bhajias (fried food) to pilgrims on Mount Girnar in Gujarat. This early experience in business gave him a taste of what it meant to be self-reliant and resourceful. A Journey to Aden One of Dhirubhai's lesser-known chapters is his time in Aden (now Yemen). At the age of 17, he relocated to Aden to work as a clerk for his brother at A Besse & Co, a trading company. During his time there, Dhirubhai learned about commerce, commodities, and the stock market. His excellent observation and analytical abilities helped him comprehend the complexities of international commerce. This event helped shape his future commercial ventures. The Polyester Prince Dhirubhai recognised the potential of India's textile sector early on in his career. He began by importing polyester and exporting spices under the brand 'Vimal', named after his elder brother Ramnikbhai's son. The brand quickly became a household name, known for its quality and affordability. Dhirubhai's inventive marketing methods, such as arranging fashion shows to promote Vimal textiles, were ahead of their time and established new industry standards. The Stock Market Strategy Dhirubhai Ambani has a unique approach to the stock market. One lesser-known feature is his systematic approach to managing and exploiting the stock market to raise funds. He made investing in Reliance shares possible for average Indians, fostering a culture of equity investment. He made investing in Reliance shares accessible to ordinary Indians, creating a culture of equity investment. His annual general meetings were massive events, often held in stadiums to accommodate thousands of shareholders, reflecting his belief in inclusive growth and transparency. Overcoming Challenges Throughout his career, Dhirubhai encountered several challenges, including competition, regulatory obstacles, and political pressure. One significant example was the conflict with Bombay Dyeing's chairman, Nusli Wadia. Despite these challenges, Dhirubhai's determination and strategic thinking enabled him to sail through difficult times and emerge stronger. His ability to transform adversity into opportunity reflects his resilience and visionary leadership. Legacy and Impact The businessman's legacy lives on through Reliance Industries, a worldwide corporation led by his sons Mukesh and Anil Ambani. His ambition of making India self-sufficient and his contributions to the country's economic prosperity are well known. Under his leadership, Reliance expanded into a variety of areas, including petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail, dramatically altering India's industrial environment.
07 July,2024 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNearly four terrorists were neutralised and two Indian Army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir encounter. The defence officials on Sunday said that four terrorists have been neutralised and two Indian Army soldiers were killed in action in separate encounters with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, reported news agency ANI. According to officials, two separate encounters broke out in Kulgam district on Saturday and were ongoing, reported ANI. The first Jammu and Kashmir encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Modergam village. Hours later, another encounter broke out in the Frisal Chinnigam area of the district. "Four terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operations in Kulgam. Two Indian Army soldiers also lost their lives in the Jammu and Kashmir encounter. The operations are still on," defence officials said, reported ANI. More details are awaited. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a "spike" in the number of terrorist attacks in the past few months. In June, three terrorists were neutralized in an encounter with security forces in the Gandoh, Bhaderwah sector of district Doda in Jammu and Kashmir, ADGP Anand Jain had said, reported ANI. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain on Saturday handed over appointment letters to the Special Police Officers (SPOs) who recently neutralised three terrorists in the Gandoh area who had sneaked into the Doda District, reported ANI. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain said, "When the police personnel, which includes SPOs, work in this manner to keep the public safe, then to encourage them we absorb them as constables and we want that under this one ceremony, their families, community, people, cities, and villages, everyone should feel proud of their boys who come forward and work for their soil, for its protection...," reported ANI. An encounter between terrorists and security personnel began on June 26 at the Gandoh area of Doda in Jammu and Kashmir. On June 27, three terrorists were neutralized in an encounter with security forces in the Gandoh, Bhaderwah sector of district Doda in Jammu and Kashmir, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
07 July,2024 09:13 AM IST | Kulgam | mid-day online correspondentLeader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi congratulated United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his remarkable electoral victory on Saturday. In his letter to Keir Starmer, Gandhi said that the Labour Party's emphasis on economic growth with equality, better opportunities for all through stronger social services, and community empowerment struck a chord with the people of the UK. "I extend my heartiest congratulations on your remarkable electoral victory, a significant achievement for the Labour Party and for you personally. Your campaign's emphasis on economic growth with equality, better opportunities for all through stronger social services, and community empowerment clearly struck a chord with the people of the UK, reflecting their aspirations for a brighter future," Gandhi said in his letter. He said that he too believed in the same ideals stated in their campaign. "As someone committed to these ideals, I congratulate you and the people of the UK for championing them. Your victory is a testament to the power of a politics that puts people first. I also look forward to the continued strengthening of the bilateral relationship between India and the UK," the letter further reads. "I wish you all the best for your tenure, and I look forward to meeting you in the near future," he said. Rahul Gandhi on Saturday also expressed his commiserations on the defeat of the Rishi Sunak-led Conservative party in the UK general elections. He stated that victories and setbacks are both "inevitable parts" of the journey in a democracy. "I would like to extend my commiserations on the recent electoral outcome. Victories and setbacks are both an inevitable part of the journey in a democracy, and we must take both in our stride," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement. The Congress leader also praised Sunak's public service and commitment to people and his efforts in strengthening India-UK ties. With results in 648 out of 650 seats of the House of Commons declared, Labour has won 412 seats, while the Tories are down to only 121. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 July,2024 08:39 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
