Politics
Abhishek Banerjee Leads TMC Protest at Rajghat; BJP Calls it ‘Drama’ to Divert Attention from Scams in Bengal
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee along with party leaders and workers sat on a dharna at Delhi’s Rajghat on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on Monday demanding the release of funds for West Bengal by the Centre.
The Lok Sabha member, accompanied by party leaders including MPs, MLAs and state ministers who had arrived from West Bengal, paid tributes to Gandhi at the memorial and held the protest for two hours, sporting black armbands and displaying placards, after which they were escorted out by security personnel.
”They are scared that is why they are doing this… They talk about being a big party, but it is now visible that they are scared,” Banerjee told media persons outside Rajghat before he and other TMC protesters were asked to clear the area.
The TMC lashed out at the central government for ”stopping” it from holding a ”peaceful protest” and alleged that the protesters were heckled and manhandled by the security personnel.
The BJP hit back accusing the TMC of committing theft of government funds. Union Minister Anurag Thakur alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent her party leaders under a ”corrupt and tainted” MP to stage the protest to divert the public attention from the ”numerous scams” that took place in her state.
At a press conference, Thakur dismissed TMC’s allegations that the state’s funds were being withheld and claimed there was no shortage of money for the centrally-sponsored schemes in West Bengal.
The BJP also fielded its state leaders, including unit president Sukanta Majumdar, Union minister Subhas Sarkar and MP Locket Chatterjee, who accused TMC of doing a ”drama” in Delhi.
Majumdar made light of Abhishek Banerjee’s charge that the BJP has been trying to scuttle his party’s protests, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not that idle to target a ”petty leader” such as the TMC’s heir apparent.
Abhishek Banerjee later visited Lal Bahadur Shastri’s memorial Vijay Ghat and paid tributes to the former prime minister on his birth anniversary.
At Gandhi’s samadhi, Banerjee held a placard demanding that the Centre ”release fund for Bengal”. Another placard read ’Bengal Deprived: 1 lakh 15 thousand crore families, Rs. 15,000 crore owed’.
The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has accused the BJP-led NDA government of withholding Rs 15,000 crore in dues to the state under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and PM Awas Yojana.
The demonstration was held for about two hours, after which the TMC leaders were escorted out by security personnel. Banerjee addressed the media outside Raj Ghat but loudspeakers were used by police to ask the TMC leaders and supporters to move out of the area.
”Our leaders peacefully protesting for the rights of the people were abruptly asked to leave by the police. All Shri Abhishek Banerjee asked for was ten minutes, but was ungracefully refused. What is the BJP-led Central Government scared of?” the Trinamool Congress said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
They also shared a video of a police official asking the TMC leaders to leave.
The party leaders alleged that derogatory remarks were made by an IPS officer about the peaceful protest and that women leaders were ”manhandled” by police.
”It is deeply disheartening to witness such a lack of respect for the democratic process and the voices of the people under the BJP-led central government,” Trinamool Congress said in a post on X.
”Raising our voice for people’s rights is labelled as Tamasha. On Gandhi Jayanti, all we sought was a peaceful dharna for the betterment of our people. However, the anti-people BJP-led central government chose to silence us,” the party alleged.
Speaking to the media before leaving the area, Banerjee said the BJP government is ”scared”.
The TMC leaders and supporters will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday over the issue.
The party claimed that over 50 lakh letters have been brought by the protesters from West Bengal that are addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the non-payment of dues.
TMC sources said letters will also be brought from BJP-ruled Assam, Goa, Tripura and Meghalaya highlighting alleged corruption in central schemes.
Biswajit Dev, a spokesperson of the Trinamool Congress and member of the party’s state committee, accused the Centre of destroying the rural employment scheme MGNREGA and said it’s an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, after whom the scheme has been named.
”Is this democracy? Centre is using schemes for political benefits,” he alleged.
”This is an insult to the poor people and to Mahatma Gandhi after whom MNREGA has been named,” Dev told PTI.
Chaiti Barman Barua, a TMC leader from Coochbihar, said they have come to Delhi to make their voice heard.
Joy Banerjee, who came from Purulia in West Bengal, alleged that the many trains and flights on which the TMC leaders were scheduled to travel to Delhi were cancelled.
”We are here to make our voices heard by the Centre, not for any confrontation. Why is the BJP so worried?” he said.
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to attend the programme in New Delhi, but is unlikely to do so as she has been advised ten days of rest by doctors after she suffered an injury in her left knee during a recent trip to Spain and Dubai.
The chief minister held a two-day sit-in in March this year against the Centre’s alleged move of ”not releasing funds” to the state for MGNREGA and other welfare schemes.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur targeted the TMC saying its leaders ”have come to Delhi under the leadership of a tainted party MP, who himself is accused of several corruption charges and is currently under the investigation by the ED”.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
Politics
Maharashtra Dussehra Rallies Updates: ‘We Freed Shiv Sena,’ Says CM Shinde; Uddhav Attacks BJP With ‘Kauravas’ Jibe
22:09 IST
Tata Gave Us Salt, Some Industrialists Are Taking Away Mumbai’s Saltpan Lands: Uddhav
The Tata group gave India salt, but some industrialists are taking away Mumbai’s saltpan lands, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday, as homage was paid to late Ratan Tata at the party’s Dussehra rally here.
Ratan Tata, 86, died on October 9 at a city hospital.
Thackeray and other leaders stood in silence as a mark of respect to the veteran industrialist before Thackeray addressed the rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai.
21:40 IST
CM Shinde Takes Dig At Uddhav Over CM Face
Challenges Udhhav Thackeray to have a debate on what he did.. only Facebook Lives and I will present report card of my Govt.. let’s talk face to face..
I go to Delhi for development of Maharashtra and not for asking me to make CM..
The double engine Govt is for the development of Maharashtra
People have restored faith in us they have show who is real Shivsena in the Loksabha Polls.
Now there is no difference between you and AIMIM
No one can change the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar
I promised and gave reservation to Maratha Community, who have challenged it?
21:22 IST
Thiis Dussehra Rally is of Freed Shiv Sena: Shinde
Garv se kaho hum Hindu he this slogan was given to the country by Late Balasaheb Thackeray but some people get allergy while saying this slogan. but we feel proud saying it.
We freed Shivsena. this Dussehra Rally is of freed Shiv sena
Don’t take me lightly and I will never run away.. will make them.. what I have earned the blessings of people of Maharashtra…
We are Ladka Bahincha Ladka Sarkar.. we have become the most loved Govt in just 2 years..
21:09 IST
Shinde Slams Uddhav, Says No Difference Between Shiv Sena (UBT) and AIMIM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the Lok Sabha poll success of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was like a flash in the pan which won’t be replicated in the upcoming assembly polls.
Addressing the Dussehra rally of Shiv Sena at Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai, Shinde likened the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) with the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM, suggesting Muslim appeasement politics.
“Maha Vikas Aghadhi’s Lok Sabha poll success in Maharashtra was accidental, not permanent. Shiv Sena won 7 seats in a direct fight against Sena (UBT) in the Lok Sabha elections, restricting them to six constituencies. This success shows we are the real Shiv Sena,” Shinde added.
Recalling his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership in June 2022, Shinde said he freed the real Shiv Sena from the clutches of those who betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals.
21:08 IST
This Is EVM Fraud: Sanjay Raut On BJP’s Haryana Win
Addressing the party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, “In the Haryana elections, the Election Commission website showed Congress getting 72 seats in the morning, but in the afternoon, the BJP formed the government. How did this miracle happen? This is only EVM fraud, nothing else, but this will not happen in the Maharashtra elections.”
21:07 IST
I Will Cancel This Project Of Adani In Dharavi: Uddhav Thackeray
Addressing the party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray says, “Amit Shah came to Maharashtra and he said that this time only Mahayuti but in 2019 he said something else… I am not fighting only for myself I am fighting for all of you. They sold Dharavi to Adani and the people of Dharavi are facing many problems. I assure all of you and promise you that when we come to power I will cancel this project of Adani in Dharavi… I want to tell the CJI that if you want to make history then give the right decision. You are only speaking, not giving any decision. You do aarti with Narendra Modi it is fine but if you do not give any decision then everyone will lose faith in the judiciary. People believe only in judiciary and democracy…”
20:55 IST
‘People Never Liked Babu’s Leadership, That’s Why People Brought Down His Government’, Says CM Shinde In Dig At Uddhav Thackeray
“Our government started the Dharavi project and I want to tell the people of Dharavi that no matter what the opposition says, our government is going to give you good houses… Earlier Babu (Uddhav Thackeray) used to wake up, take a bath and go live on Facebook. People never liked Babu’s leadership, that’s why people brought down his government. Mahayuti government is going to be formed in Maharashtra. I thank the Prime Minister for giving Marathi the status of a classical language,” said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, addressing the Shiv Sena’s Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
20:47 IST
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Is A Vote Bank For Them, But For Us He Is God, Says Uddhav Thackeray While Taking Swipe At Mahayuti
“It (Mahayuti government) built the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj only for votes and that statue collapsed, but I want to tell you and promise you that when we come to power, we will build a temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a vote bank for them, but for us he is God. I respect RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, but I don’t like his views. He is saying come together to save Hindutva, why didn’t you or Modi save Hindutva in the last 10 years?” said Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, addressing the party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
20:46 IST
Our Government Started The Dharavi Project: Shinde
Addressing the Shiv Sena’s Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, “Our government started the Dharavi project and I want to tell the people of Dharavi that no matter what the opposition says, our government is going to give you good houses… Earlier Babu (Uddhav Thackeray) used to wake up, take a bath and go live on Facebook. People never liked Babu’s leadership, that’s why people brought down his government. Mahayuti government is going to be formed in Maharashtra. I thank the Prime Minister for giving Marathi the status of a classical language.”
20:44 IST
There Is No Difference Between Shiv Sena (UBT) And AIMIM: Eknath Shinde
There is no difference between Shiv Sena (UBT) and AIMIM: Maharashtra CM at Dussehra rally in Mumbai.
20:43 IST
BJP Should Be Ashamed Of Calling Itself Bharatiya: Uddhav
BJP should be ashamed of calling itself Bharatiya, it no longer belongs to people: Uddhav Thackeray.
20:42 IST
RSS Should Introspect Whether It Agrees With Today’s ‘Hybrid’ BJP: Uddhav Thackeray
RSS should introspect whether it agrees with today’s ‘hybrid’ BJP: Uddhav Thackeray at his party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park
20:41 IST
We Are Real Shiv Sena: Eknath Shinde
Shiv Sena won 7 seats in direct fight against Sena (UBT) in LS polls which shows we are real Shiv Sena: Maharashtra CM in Mumbai
20:40 IST
Will Build Temple Of Chhatrapati Shivaji In Every Maharashtra District: Uddhav
Addressing the party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray says, “It (Mahayuti government) built the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj only for votes and that statue collapsed, but I want to tell you and promise you that when we come to power, we will build a temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a vote bank for them, but for us he is God. I respect RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, but I don’t like his views. He is saying come together to save Hindutva, why didn’t you or Modi save Hindutva in the last 10 years?”
20:38 IST
Why Uddhav Parted Ways With BJP?
Parted ways with BJP as I don’t believe in its version of Hindutva: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at Dussehra rally.
20:36 IST
MVA’s Lok Sabha Poll Success In Maharashtra Accidental, Not Permanent: Shinde
MVA’s Lok Sabha poll success in Maharashtra accidental, not permanent: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.
20:30 IST
I Am Ready To Fight Against This Delhi Rulel: Uddhav Thackeray
Addressing the party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray says, “…I am ready to fight against this Delhi rule and corrupt government. Late Ratan Tata once came to my house and after returning from ‘Matoshree’ he told me that Uddhav you and I have a legacy and heritage behind us which we have to take forward. Ratan Tata has the legacy of his father and I have the legacy of my father Balasaheb Thackeray. We are the real Shiv Sena and Balasaheb Thackeray’s name is with me.”
20:26 IST
BJP Is Like Kauravas, Smacks Of Arrogance: Uddhav Thackeray
BJP is like Kauravas, smacks of arrogance, Uddhav Thackeray said at Shiv Sena (UBT) Dussehra rally
20:25 IST
Eknath Shinde On Dharavi Rehabilitation
Earlier CM said only eligible residents of Dharavi be rehabilitated, but I included all 2.10 lakh people: Maharashtra CM Shinde in Mumbai
20:23 IST
Mumbai Should Be Made Slum-Free: Eknath Shinde
Raising the issue of development, the Chief Minister alleged that during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray, developmental work was halted, including that of the Dharavi redevelopment project.
“The development of Dharavi is an international project, but they even worked to stop that. We stand with the people of Dharavi. I request them not to pay attention to rumours. Mumbai should be made slum-free. We will resettle those who had left Mumbai back in the city. The decisions I am making have stopped their corrupt activities,” Shinde said.
Politics
Bangladesh’s ‘India is Enemy’ Narrative May Lead to Alliance With Nuclear-Armed Pakistan: RSS Chief in Dussehra Speech
The political instability in Bangladesh has triggered a dangerous narrative of India being the enemy and, coupled with Pakistan’s nuclear power, both nations may strike up a dangerous alliance and try to contain India, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday in his Vijayadashmi speech as he emphasised how such a divisive propaganda not only undermines regional stability but also fuels hostility.
Every year, Bhagwat’s Vijayadashami address is known to carry the most crucial directions from the Sangh head to the cadres and all affiliate organisations. In Nagpur, the RSS chief was joined by Dr Koppillil Radhakrishnan, former chairperson of ISRO and the chief guest for the event.
Condemning the recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Bhagwat said: “What unfolded in Bangladesh may have immediate causes, but the underlying issue is the repeated atrocities against Hindus. For the first time, Hindus united to protect themselves, but as long as this radical violence persists, not just Hindus, but all minorities are at risk. They need global Hindu support and India’s government must step in. Being weak invites atrocity. Wherever we are, we must be united and empowered — weakness is not an option.”
He added: “As long as the tyrannical fundamentalist nature exists in Bangladesh, the sword of danger will hang over the heads of not only Hindus, but all minority communities. Unprovoked brutal atrocities on the Hindu community residing in Bangladesh were repeated. A specific narrative is in circulation in Bangladesh about India being an anti-Bangladesh force. They say that Pakistan is their real friend. Since Pakistan has nuclear powers, a combination of Pakistan-Bangladesh may deal with India and try to contain it. The country that received full support in its creation is now encouraging such a narrative against Bharat.”
Bhagwat warned that India’s rise is being challenged by forces attempting to create alliances based on fear and aggression. However, these attempts will fail as India continues to stand strong, united, and prepared to face any threat.
Cultural Marxism, Wokism Exist
Noting that “being weak is a crime”, Bhagwat said: “If we are divided and disorganised, we invite trouble. Unity, empowerment, and support are essential to protect ourselves and all these vulnerable groups.”
He added: “Foreign forces with vested interests seek to destabilise India’s progress. Deep state conspiracies, cultural Marxism, and woke ideologies infiltrate institutions — be it educational, environmental, or societal — aiming to control the narrative and undermine India’s cultural integrity.”
“It’s critical to recognise that narratives are often manipulated to serve selfish agendas. This distortion is visible globally, but especially resonates within India’s neighbourhood, where instability spills over.”
The RSS chief also said: “The recent turmoil in Bangladesh is a stark reminder of how external influences continue to fuel religious violence, with Hindus repeatedly becoming targets of atrocities. The foreign force that wants to hurt India’s global interest, destabilise its interest is spreading and funding such radicalism, particularly in the neighbouring countries. It is intended to pose a significant threat not just to Hindus, but to all minorities.”
He said: “The Western forces which talk about and promote global friendship before the whole world are conspiring behind the backs of many such developing nations. There may have been reasons behind the political uprising in Bangladesh but it would have never taken such a shape had there not been outside support, motivation and planning.”
India must remain vigilant as enemies of tradition and nationhood are not only external but also find local allies who push anarchist and separatist agendas, he added. Bhagwat’s words echo the need for strength, pointing out that even divine forces do not protect the weak. “It is time to rise united, ensuring that India’s progress is safeguarded against forces that attempt to derail it.”
Several other important political and business personalities were present at the event, including Sajjan Jindal and Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw, however, left to look into a train crash after 12 coaches of Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Superfast Express derailed following collision with a stationary goods train near Chennai on Friday night.
‘RG Kar Incident A Disgrace’
In a culture that upholds ‘Maatrivat Paradaareshu’ (seeing all women as mothers), incidents like the rape of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital are a stain on Indian society, said Bhagwat, adding, “The dilly-dally attitude of the state government, in a way its efforts to shield the culprits, expose the dangerous nexus of crime, politics, and a poisonous culture. We must reclaim our values and stand firm against this moral decay.”
The distorted propaganda and decay of values spread by various institutions is corrupting the minds, words, and deeds of Bharat’s younger generation, he said. “Children now have unchecked access to mobile phones and are consuming indecent content with no oversight. There is an urgent need for legal control over harmful ads and perverse visuals in our homes and society,” Bhagwat pointed out.
“The rise of drug addiction is hollowing our society from within, and we must revive values that promote virtue,” he added.
Last Updated:
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini | Image/PTI (File)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form a government for the third consecutive term in Haryana with an oath-taking ceremony for Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister on October 17.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form a government for the third consecutive term in Haryana with an oath-taking ceremony for Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister on October 17.
Union Minister and former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said, “We have received the nod of the PM that on October 17, in Panchkula, the CM and council of ministers will take oath.”
A 10-member committee headed by the Panchkula District Commissioner has been formed by the chief secretary to take care of the oath-taking ceremony arrangements.
Nayab Singh Saini had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders in Delhi on Wednesday ahead of his likely swearing-in as the head of the new dispensation in the state following the party’s win in the assembly polls.
On Thursday, Saini also met the Union minister and the BJP’s election in-charge for Haryana, Dharmendra Pradhan, in the national capital.
The BJP had indicated during the elections that Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister in March and hails from the Other Backward Classes, will be its choice for the top post if it wins.
In the assembly elections, the party recorded its best-ever haul of 48 seats, 11 more than the Congress. The JJP and the AAP were decimated and the INLD managed to win just two seats.
Eight out of 10 ministers in the outgoing Saini cabinet faced defeat in the Haryana assembly polls. The two who won were Mahipal Dhanda and Mool Chand Sharma from Panipat Rural and Ballabhgarh seats respectively.
Both Dhanda, who comes from the Jat community, and Sharma, a senior leader and a Brahmin face, are among the ministerial probables in the new government, sources said.
Haryana can have a maximum of 14 ministers, including the chief minister.
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