India
Nainar Nagendran to lead BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit; Annamalai set for national role
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Chennai, April 11 (IANS) BJP Legislature Party Leader and former Minister Nainar Nagendran is set to become the 13th President of the Tamil Nadu BJP. His appointment comes as part of a significant reshuffle within the party’s state and national leadership.
The announcement was made by BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh at Kamalalayam, the party’s state headquarters.
Chugh stated: "We have received nominations for the post of State President from Nainar Nagendran, proposed by K. Annamalai, L. Murugan, Pon Radhakrishnan, H. Raja, Vanathi Srinivasan, V.P. Duraisamy, Kanagasabapathy, Pon V. Balaganapathy, K.P. Ramalingam, and Narayanan Thirupathy.”
Nagendran was the sole nominee for the post, effectively confirming his unopposed elevation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also acknowledged the development.
In a social media post, he wrote: “The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of State President only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji.”
HM Shah lauded outgoing state President K. Annamalai for his contributions, stating: “As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether in communicating PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s policies to the people or in taking the party’s programmes to every village, Annamalai Ji’s work has been unprecedented. His organizational skills will now be utilised at the national level.”
Nagendran’s elevation comes at a crucial time as the BJP inches closer to an alliance with the AIADMK.
The 64-year-old leader has deep roots in Tamil Nadu politics.
Initially a senior AIADMK leader, he was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the Tirunelveli constituency in 2001. During the AIADMK government under Jayalalithaa (2001–2006), he served as Minister for Transport, Industries, and Electricity.
He won re-election in 2011 but was not included in the Cabinet. He narrowly lost the seat in the 2006 and 2016 Assembly elections.
After Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, Nagendran joined the BJP and reclaimed Tirunelveli in the 2021 Assembly polls as a BJP candidate.
He was then appointed Legislature Party Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Nagendran also contested the Lok Sabha elections unsuccessfully from Ramanathapuram in 2019 and from Tirunelveli in 2024.
--IANS
aal/pgh
Pune woman death: Congress demands culpable homicide case against those responsible at hospital
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Pune, April 11 (IANS) Congress on Friday demanded that a case of culpable homicide should be filed against the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital’s trust board and a full SIT investigation led by a retired judge should be initiated into the death of pregnant woman Tanisha Bhise.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded that the hospital’s board of directors should be dissolved and the government must take over the hospital.
“Tanisha Bhise lost her life after being denied treatment by Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune due to a lack of money. This charitable hospital has violated its own conditions, but the government is dragging its feet when it comes to taking action. There is an attempt to protect those responsible at Mangeshkar Hospital. The hospital’s board of directors should be dissolved, and the government must take over the hospital. A case of culpable homicide should be filed against the hospital's trust board and a full SIT investigation led by a retired judge should be initiated,” said Sapkal.
The Congress leader told reporters, “Lata Mangeshkar’s magical voice once mesmerised everyone, but now it’s a case of ‘who were you, and what have you become?’ What happened is extremely tragic. A pregnant woman was made to wait for five and a half hours and was denied treatment for lack of money. To thoroughly investigate the matter, the hospital’s CCTV footage must be seized. The CDRs (call detail records) of the deceased’s husband and the hospital director, Dr Dhananjay Kelkar, must also be obtained. Charges should have been filed immediately, but the government continues to delay.”
“What transpired at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital is inhumane and a blot on humanity. Despite such a grave incident, the hospital administration and doctors show no shame. There is suspicion that the administration is trying to suppress the matter. The entire sequence of events is disheartening. If such incidents occur even as we celebrate the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, it is deeply sorrowful,” alleged Sapkal.
Earlier, the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar described the Mangeshkar family as a "gang of looters" that has never done any good for society. “The Mangeshkar family is a blot on humanity. They are a gang of looters. Have you ever heard of them donating for social good? Just because they sing well, they were appreciated. The person who donated land for the hospital wasn't treated well. The act of taking advantage of starting a charity hospital and looting poor people should stop," he claimed.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar has expressed serious displeasure over Wadettiwar’s statement. “It is not just the country but the world also knows the contribution of the Mangeshkar family. There is a respect for the Mangeshkar family, so no one should speak in such a manner,” he said.
Further, the state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said,” Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Lata Didi, Ashatai Bhosale and the entire Mangeshkar family have contributed immensely to making our country glorious in the world through their art. In such a situation, Wadettiwar’s statement is definitely not appropriate as an Indian citizen. I request that Wadettiwar should make responsible statements.”
--IANS
sj/uk
Welcome Cong’s ‘Palayan Roko’ yatra but RJD did all this long ago: Tejashwi Yadav
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Patna, April 11 (IANS) Bihar Leader of Opposition (LoP), Tejashwi Yadav, on Friday responded to the Congress party's ongoing ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ yatra and its attempted siege of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence, asserting that such movements were initiated by his party RJD much before anyone else.
“We were the first to raise these issues. Be it the 'Berozgari Hatao', 'Reservation Bachao', or 'Samvidhan Bachao' yatras, we brought these issues to the streets first. These are national issues, but they deeply impact Bihar. It's good that others are also joining this cause now,” Tejashwi told reporters in Patna on Friday.
He welcomed the participation of other parties in raising unemployment concerns while maintaining that his party had long been at the forefront of such campaigns.
When asked about political strategist Prashant Kishor’s rally in Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Tejashwi responded diplomatically, “Anyone can hold a rally. Everyone is doing their work. We are also doing ours.”
He also recalled Lalu Yadav's historic ‘Garib Rally’, calling it the largest in Bihar’s political history. “The public decides everything. Our job is to raise their voice,” he added.
Tejashwi didn’t hold back his criticism of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, expressing concern about his health and effectiveness.
“The Chief Minister’s condition is worrying. His age and health are clearly affecting his functioning. Everything will be clear after the elections,” he said.
He described the current state of law and order in Bihar as "criminal disorder", citing daily incidents of violence.
“Every day more than 200 bullets are fired. Murders, kidnappings, and robberies have become routine. Even the CM’s Home Ministry is unable to control it,” he alleged.
LoP Tejashwi also accused the Bihar government of promoting corrupt officials to shield criminals and passing laws that enable protection for wrongdoers.
Referring to the recent murder of a JD(U) leader’s nephew, he stated, “Whether it’s a common citizen or someone with influence, no one is safe in Bihar anymore.”
Commenting on the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to India, Tejashwi welcomed the move sating, “Action against those involved in such acts is necessary and appropriate. It’s a good step.”
--IANS
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Govt welfare schemes reflect Advaita’s ‘Spirit of Service’: PM Modi
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Isagarh (Madhya Pradesh), April 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, underscored the "principle of service" as a foundation of Advaita's teachings and highlighted how this philosophy has been seamlessly integrated into several transformative welfare initiatives of his government.
He was addressing a gathering of devotees at the Anandpur Dham in Isagarh town of Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district.
Citing examples, PM Modi mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which ensures that no poor individual goes hungry, and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Yojana, which has alleviated the burden of medical expenses for underprivileged communities.
He further elaborated on the PM Awas Yojana, which guarantees secure and permanent housing for many poor people, and the Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana, which has brought clean water solutions to villages across the country.
The Union government, the Prime Minister noted, has also made significant strides in expanding educational and healthcare infrastructure, with a record number of new AIIMS, IITs, and IIMs being established, enabling even the most disadvantaged children to fulfill their dreams.
The Prime Minister commended the Anandpur Trust for its exemplary charitable contributions, noting that this spirit of service aligns seamlessly with the ethos of government programmes.
Reflecting on his recent discussion with Sixth Padshahi Vicharpurna Anandji Maharaj of the Advaita sect at the Anandpur Dham, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the Union government's unwavering dedication to inclusive development, describing it as a testament to the nation's collective "spirit of service".
In addition to addressing social and educational needs, PM Modi highlighted the Union government's commitment to environmental conservation.
He praised the "Mother Tree" campaign, under which millions of trees have been planted across the country, reflecting a profound dedication to protecting and nurturing nature for future generations.
At the heart of this mission, the Prime Minister said lies the principle of ensuring progress for all sections of society.
This philosophy fosters resilience and unity among citizens through "acts of service," a value deeply rooted in the teachings of Advaita.
Such acts, he remarked, enrich not only society but also individual character.
PM Modi observed that devotees and others at Anandpur Dham were rendering selfless service through initiatives such as free medical camps, modern cowsheds, and schools.
These efforts, he noted, not only uplift humanity but also champion environmental conservation.
Rooted in the ethos of service, these initiatives drive national development while strengthening individual capacity to overcome challenges, the Prime Minister said.
The Union government's resolve, he affirmed, reflects its unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and safeguarding the environment, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive journey of progress.
Reiterating the significance of Advaita's philosophy, which advocates unity and harmony by recognising the divine essence in all beings, the Prime Minister emphasised how this perspective dissolves barriers between individuals, fostering a collective spirit of service and inclusivity.
He also drew attention to cultural preservation efforts, including granting the GI tag to Chanderi Sarees (at nearby town), establishing a handloom tourism village in Pranpur (a nearby village), and marathon preparing for the forthcoming Ujjain Simhastha.
He said the Union government is also developing Ram Van Gaman Path, which would add another 'Unique' identity to Madhya Pradesh as a large stretch of the 'Path' will pass through the state.
These initiatives, he remarked, exemplify the balance between heritage conservation and progress and a gesture from the government to return something to society.
Concluding his address, PM Modi affirmed the importance of safeguarding India's cultural and spiritual identity amid its developmental journey.
He expressed confidence that Anandpur Sahib Dham would continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the vision of a developed and inclusive India.
Earlier, PM Modi offered his reverences to the Guruji Adwait Anand Parmanand Dayalji Maharaj (first Padshahi) and all six Gurus.
He also offered flowers to the Anandpur Sarovar.
The Anandpur Trust was established on April 22, 1954.
--IANS
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Janakrosh Yatra: K’taka BJP slams Cong govt over ‘targeting party workers unjustly’
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Karwar (Karnataka), April 11 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP's 'Janakrosh Yatra', organised against the Congress-led government over price rises and reservations for Muslims in tenders for public work, entered its fifth day on Friday. The party slammed the Siddaramaiah-led government for targeting BJP workers across the state unjustly.
Speaking at the ‘Janakrosh Yatra’ public meeting held in Yellapur town in Karwar district, Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary charged that BJP workers were being targeted unjustly across the state.
“BJP workers were allegedly beaten just because a senior police official of the rank of Inspector General was arriving in the coastal Karnataka region. When questioned, FIRs were reportedly filed against 40 BJP workers. What kind of state is this?” he asked.
He reminded the police department that it was the BJP that had taken to the streets to fight for justice when 1 lakh police officers in the state were being treated unfairly.
Poojary criticised the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying: "This government is administratively dead -- it is no longer alive."
He alleged that law and order in the state had completely collapsed.
Referring to the murder case of Hindu activist Praveen Kumar Nettaru, he said: "When the accused was brought to court in the presence of police, someone kissed him on the forehead. What is this government doing? What is the Home Department doing?"
He questioned the silence of the police in such matters.
He brought up the recent incident in Udayagiri locality in Mysuru, where a police station was set on fire, and asked: “Where is the law and order?”
He also questioned how the government, which is supposed to prevent terrorists from entering the state with bombs hidden in pressure cookers, can tolerate senior ministers referring to such terrorists as "our brothers".
“If such a situation is created, where is the law and order?” he asked.
Speaking at a public meeting during the BJP's Janakrosh Yatra, the BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said that the BJP is not the one calling the Congress government corrupt—it's the Congress party’s own MLA and Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, who has certified it as such.
Appreciating the massive turnout, he said the BJP launched this campaign to raise public awareness against the Congress government's price hikes and corruption.
He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for introducing a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, calling it an act of appeasement that insults Hindus.
Vijayendra also alleged that Rs 38,000 crore earmarked under the SCSP (Scheduled Caste Sub Plan) and TSP (Tribal Sub Plan) -- funds meant for the development of Dalits -- have been diverted by Siddaramaiah to other purposes, where corruption is also taking place. He said this misuse is sparking public outrage.
Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of overseeing maximum price hikes during the past 20 months of his administration. He claimed that instead of focusing on development, the Chief Minister has set up an expert committee to recommend price hikes on essential goods.
He further said the Congress is misleading the people in the name of “guarantees", while Siddaramaiah has increased the prices of over 50 essential commodities in the last 20 months.
Vijayendra slammed Siddaramaiah for walking to the Krishna River before the elections but failing to allocate even a rupee for irrigation projects after coming to power.
Similarly, he criticised Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for taking part in the Mekedatu padayatra (protest march) before the elections but forgetting the project after assuming power.
He noted that diesel prices have been increased by Rs 7.50 under the Congress government, severely impacting the cost of daily-use goods. Farmers, who rely on diesel for tractors and other agricultural machinery, are particularly affected, he added.
Vijayendra said that while the Congress government promotes schemes like "Shakti" (free bus travel for women), it owes Rs 6,500 crore to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Thousands of government buses in rural areas have stopped operating, leaving students without transportation to schools and colleges.
He also pointed out that the hike in milk prices by Rs 9 has made it difficult for poor families to provide nutritious food to their children. "The Congress government gives with one hand and takes away with the other," he alleged.
--IANS
mka/pgh
CM Vishnu Deo Sai lays foundation of Chhattisgarh’s first semiconductor plant in Maoist-hit area
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Nava Raipur, April 11 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday laid the foundation stone for the country’s first Ultra-edge technology-based Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor fabrication unit in Nava Raipur.
“This isn’t just a plant... it's the identity of the new Chhattisgarh," said CM Sai, hinting that its biggest social impact will be seen in Bastar and other Maoism-affected areas, where youth will be linked to this modern industry by giving them technical training.
"Our aim is not only to attract investments but to ensure that youth from tribal, rural, and backward regions receive technical training and become active participants in India’s technological revolution,” said the CM, according to an official statement.
At the event, the Managing Director of the company setting up the unit also announced an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore in Chhattisgarh. He said that commercial production from the plant will start from April-May 2026.
Developed with an investment of Rs 1,143 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will produce high-frequency GaN chips designed to operate between 5.925 GHz and 13.75 GHz (Nodes N102–104), catering to advanced 5G and 6G telecommunications infrastructure and marking a major milestone in India’s technological journey.
The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities for local talent, while attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and boosting regional economic development.
The plant aims to manufacture 10 billion chips annually by 2030, with potential to generate thousands of direct jobs and lakhs of indirect employment opportunities, said the statement.
It directly supports the Central's government's 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives by reducing dependency on imported semiconductors and promoting domestic innovation.
The company will handle the advanced packaging of these high-frequency chips at the Raipur facility, which will also serve as a hub for innovation in RF systems, defence electronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and high-performance computing.
Gallium Nitride is globally recognised as a superior alternative to silicon in high-power, high-frequency applications, due to its efficiency, thermal performance, and durability.
The establishment of this facility marks India's entry into a high-value, strategic segment of the global semiconductor market.
The statement said that the Chhattisgarh government has shown its commitment towards not just ‘ease of doing business, but also delivering ‘speed of doing business’. The state government took swift action to prevent any hindrance in setting up this unit.
The Chhattisgarh government signed an investment proposal with the company during the 'Chhattisgarh Investor Connect' held in New Delhi in December 2024.
According to the Industry Department officials, the company was allotted land in Sector 5 of Nava Raipur through the tender process in less than 45 days and the registration of the lease deed was completed in less than 25 days.
--IANS
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Drug trafficker nabbed in Punjab with 18.2 kg heroin
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Chandigarh, April 11 (IANS) Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Friday that striking a major blow to the cross-border drug smuggling amid the ongoing anti-drugs campaign 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have apprehended a key drug trafficker and recovered 18.2 kg heroin from his possession.
The arrested drug smuggler has been identified as Hira Singh, alias Hira, a resident of Khaira village in Amritsar district.
DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that accused Hira Singh and his associate, Kulwinder Singh, alias Kinda, of Dauke village in Amritsar, were in touch with Pakistan-based drug trafficker identified as Billa.
The latter has been using drones to drop the large consignments of heroin from across the border for the past one year, he added.
The DGP said that raids are being conducted to nab the accused Kulwinder Singh.
Further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), ANTF, Nilabh Kishore, said that police teams of ANTF Border Range Amritsar had received a reliable input that accused Hira Singh and Kulwinder Singh are notorious drug smugglers and had been receiving heroin consignments via drones from a Pakistan-based drug smugglers for the past year.
Acting swiftly, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (Amritsar), Gupreet Singh, launched an operation and arrested the accused Hira Singh, when he was leaving his house on a motorcycle to deliver the heroin consignment.
Police teams have recovered 12 packets of heroin (1.5 kg each), totalling 18 kg 227 gm, from his possession, he said.
The ADGP said that in order to break the chain of heroin supply, the questioning will be conducted of an accused.
Thereafter, action will be taken against the culprits on the basis of facts, he added.
--IANS
vg/khz
MahaGenco inks MoU with ROSATOM for thorium nuclear reactors development
Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) The state-run Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MahaGenco) and the Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation ROSATOM on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of thorium-based Nuclear Reactors with fuel supply in the state.
Commercialisation of thorium reactors will be as per the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety norms.
The establishment of an assembly line for Thorium reactors will be done under the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and officers from both companies.
According to the chief minister's office, the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will provide strategic support for the joint development of the Small Modular Reactors with Thorium fuel. All development will take place in accordance with the guidelines of the Government of India and AERB.
A Joint Working Group will be formed for the project, comprising representatives from the signatory organisations- MahaGenco, ROSATOM Energy Projects, MITRA, and Global Technology Alliance.
The implementation will strictly follow all legal provisions and safety guidelines laid down by the Government of India in the use and development of nuclear energy.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the administration to examine the financial viability of E-Transit and submit a report. He said that E-Transit is a good option for urban transportation.
He chaired the representatives of HESS-AG regarding the launch of E-Transit on a pilot basis in the Pimpri-Chinchwad metropolitan area.
Stressing the need to examine the feasibility of the project, CM Fadnavis suggested that the company should manufacture its products in India, which would reduce production costs and, in turn, the overall project expenditure.
If the company can offer an efficient urban transport system at an affordable cost, such projects can be implemented in at least 10 cities across the state.
He directed the company to begin manufacturing its E-Transit buses within India and to submit a detailed report on initiating the project in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area.
CM Fadnavis further added that a proposal should be prepared considering the economic and operational aspects of the current E-buses, Metro, and E-Transit systems together.
The company must present a practical and viable proposal. He mentioned that an alternative alongside Metro is currently necessary for cities, and if E-Transit can fulfill that role, it would be most welcome.
It is proposed that a High-Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMT) system will be developed by integrating the existing Metro and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) systems in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal area.
--IANS
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After NSA detention ends, Papalpreet sent to police remand by Punjab court
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Chandigarh, April 11 (IANS) Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of Khalistan sympathiser and Lok Sabha MP from Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh, who was arrested by Punjab Police after his two-year detention under the National Security Act (NSA) ended, was produced in a court in Ajnala which sent him to four-day police remand on Friday.
As his detention ended, Papalpreet Singh, who was arrested in a police operation in Hoshiarpur on April 10, 2023, was brought back to Punjab from Assam's Dibrugarh jail. He was charged along with others, including Amritpal Singh, for storming a police station in Ajnala town in Amritsar district in February 2023, demanding the release of one of their close associates, Lovepreet Toofan.
However, his family members claimed that no damage was done to the police station and that he only tried to stop drug use in Punjab. They claimed he only tried to stop drug abuse. “It is clearly in front of the world. He tried to keep people away from drugs and encouraged them to learn their Gurus’ preaching,” Papalpreet’s mother, Mandhir Kaur, said, and demanded that he should be released.
Papalpreet’s uncle, Amarjeet Singh, questioned how many were charged under the NSA during the 1984 riots or during the Vadodara riots in Gujarat. “Papalpreet is a journalist,” he added.
Papalpreet Singh was hiding in a ‘dera’ in a village in Hoshiarpur, from where he was arrested in a joint operation of Punjab Police and the special cell of Delhi Police. He and others have been booked under several criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants.
Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh, along with his nine aides, was detained and kept in Dibrugarh Jail. After staying there since 2023, nine, except the Member of Parliament, have been released from jail. Papalpreet has long advocated for the Khalistan movement that calls for an independent homeland for Sikhs.
--IANS
vg/uk
Varanasi witnessed tremendous transformation under PM Modi’s leadership: Nagendra Pandey
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Varanasi, April 11 (IANS) Nagendra Pandey, former President of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, on Friday hailed the unprecedented transformation of Varanasi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a remarkable example of development and vision-driven governance.
Speaking to IANS, Nagendra Pandey said that the scale of change in Varanasi is visible on the ground and doesn’t need documentation to be validated.
“The development in the Varanasi parliamentary constituency doesn’t require reading newspapers or reports. One only needs to walk around the city. Even a young visitor to Varanasi is surprised to see the transformation. Roads that were once only five metres wide have now been expanded to ten metres. Narrow lanes have turned into smooth, four-lane roads. This is the reality people see and experience,” he said.
Pandey further emphasised the impact of infrastructure growth on the local economy.
“So many flyovers have been constructed in Banaras in just ten years. Roads have been developed at an incredible pace, connecting cities like Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Ramnagar, and Allahabad. If you speak to hotel owners or taxi drivers, you’ll hear how their incomes have increased. Someone who once ran a small tea stall has built a hotel today. That’s the scale of transformation,” he added.
He noted that Varanasi has not only expanded physically but has also grown in terms of educational and healthcare infrastructure.
“Schools and colleges have better facilities now. The establishment of Ishwar Medical College and a major Ayurveda college here stands as a testament to our progress. Even our airport and railway station now appear world-class, offering ten times more amenities than before,” he added.
Commenting on Prime Minister Modi’s 50th visit to Varanasi, where he laid the foundation stone for 44 new development projects, Pandey expressed appreciation.
“The Prime Minister said that Maa Ganga has called him to Kashi, and we believe there is a divine purpose behind his work. He didn’t come here with any personal agenda but to serve—whether by distributing Ayushman cards or implementing welfare schemes. He doesn’t just make promises; he fulfills them,” Pandey said.
Addressing the ongoing discussion around the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Pandey clarified misconceptions.
“Some are spreading confusion about the Waqf Act. This amendment wasn’t brought up suddenly. It was well thought out. There are many marginalised ‘Pasmanda’ Muslims who were previously neglected. This law brings equality and inclusiveness for them. The critics are often those misusing the system for personal gain,” he said.
Pandey concluded by saying that the positive outcomes of the amended Waqf Act will become evident in the coming years, benefiting communities that were long overlooked.
--IANS
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