Rajkot, August 10, 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda launched a scathing critique of the Congress party during his address at the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ event in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday. Nadda accused Congress leaders of being “fake patriots” and focused his ire on their perceived neglect of key historical figures and contributions to India’s unity.

Addressing a gathering before flagging off the BJP’s Tiranga Yatra, Nadda targeted Rahul Gandhi, though he did not name him directly. “These people with narrow thinking and small minds,” Nadda said, referring to the Congress party, are preoccupied with their ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ while overlooking the significant role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in uniting India.

Nadda expressed dismay that no Congress leader had visited the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, dedicated to Sardar Patel. “I have to say with sadness that till date, not a single Congress leader has gone to Kevadia to offer flowers at the Statue of Unity,” he stated, highlighting what he sees as a lack of respect for Patel’s contributions.

He further criticized Congress leaders for focusing on a single family, presumably the Gandhi family, while neglecting the contributions of other freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. “Through your glasses, you see only one family,” Nadda said. “You forget the contributions of countless others who sacrificed their lives to free India from British rule.”

Nadda also praised Gujarat for its role in India’s freedom struggle, emphasizing the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. He commended Patel’s efforts in integrating 562 princely states into India, calling it a monumental task accomplished within two years.

Union Minister of Jalshakti C.R. Paatil and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were present at the event, where Nadda urged the youth to pledge their commitment to building a developed India by 2047, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. “When we participate in the Tiranga Yatra, we must pledge to advance our Gujarat and our country, striving to make it a developed nation,” he urged.

Highlighting the progress made under Modi’s leadership, Nadda spoke of India’s strides toward self-reliance, including becoming the world’s second-largest steel producer and the third-largest automobile hub. He noted that India now produces 97% of its mobile phones domestically and has transitioned from importing to exporting bulletproof jackets.

“India is moving towards self-reliance and achieving new heights under the leadership of PM Modi,” Nadda declared. He emphasized that it is the duty of every Indian to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047, using the freedom and opportunities afforded by the country’s progress.

As the Tiranga Yatra commences, Nadda’s remarks reflect a broader political narrative, positioning the BJP as a champion of national unity and development, while criticizing the opposition for its perceived shortcomings.

WAYANAD (KERALA), Aug 10 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey today of the disaster-stricken areas in Wayanad, Kerala, following devastating landslides that have claimed hundreds of lives. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the severity of the disaster and the urgent need for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Aerial Survey and Inspection

Modi flew over the severely impacted regions of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattom aboard an Indian Air Force helicopter. The aerial survey began from Kannur Airport at approximately 11:15 a.m. and provided a comprehensive view of the extensive damage caused by the landslides.

Accompanying Officials

The Prime Minister was joined by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi. Their presence highlights the collaborative efforts at both state and central levels to address the disaster.

Planned On-Ground Inspection

Following the aerial survey, Modi is scheduled to land at the SKMJ Higher Secondary School in Kalpetta. From there, he will travel by road to visit several landslide-affected areas to assess the ground situation and understand the immediate needs of the affected communities.

Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

The Kerala government has formally requested Rs 2,000 crore in assistance from the central government to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. The landslides, which struck on July 30, are considered one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Kerala in recent years, with at least 226 confirmed deaths and many individuals still unaccounted for.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Wayanad underscores the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts and support for the affected communities. The federal and state governments are working together to provide aid and ensure the swift recovery of the region. The situation remains critical, and further updates will be provided as the response efforts continue.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday that the Indian government is actively seeking the release of 69 Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian army. The Minister highlighted growing evidence that many of these individuals were misled into joining the Russian forces.

Addressing questions in the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar revealed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated criminal proceedings against 19 individuals and entities involved in this case, with evidence pointing to 10 human traffickers. To date, four individuals have been arrested—two on April 24 and two more on May 7.

“We should not jump the gun and assume the Russians are not serious about this matter. Our primary goal is to secure the release of these 69 individuals. It is crucial that Indian citizens are not employed in foreign armed forces,” Jaishankar stated during the Question Hour.

The issue was brought to light by AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi, who inquired about the actions taken against those deceiving youth into joining the Russian army and whether India might reconsider its purchase of discounted Russian oil if these concerns are not addressed.

The Minister detailed that, out of 91 cases of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army, eight have died, 14 have been discharged or returned with the government’s assistance, and 69 remain in Russian custody. The remains of four deceased individuals have been returned to India, while DNA samples have been sent to Russia for the remaining two cases. In one instance, the family chose to have the body cremated in Russia.

Jaishankar clarified that while Russian authorities maintain that these Indians entered contracts voluntarily, the Indian government believes many were misled under false pretenses. This matter was also discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, resulting in assurances that any Indian nationals currently in the Russian military would be discharged.

Congress member Adoor Prakash highlighted that five youths from his constituency in Kerala had been recruited but were later released. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is actively working to ensure their safety and expedite their return.

In response to queries about cyber trafficking, Jaishankar reported significant efforts to combat human trafficking involving Indian nationals. So far, 650 individuals have been repatriated from Cambodia, 415 from Myanmar, and 548 from Laos. The government remains vigilant and committed to prosecuting agents involved in these crimes.

The Minister stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between state and central governments to address these issues and emphasized that the situation is being handled with utmost seriousness by all relevant authorities.

“We are committed to taking swift and decisive action against any breaches of law and ensuring the well-being of Indian citizens abroad,” Jaishankar concluded.

This ongoing issue underscores the need for greater vigilance against human trafficking and the protection of Indian nationals overseas.