Politics - Abapkf

Cockroach Janata Party Protests at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Demands Education Minister's Resignation

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:58 +0530

Pune | Sanjay Suryawanshi, June 11

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Thursday staged a protest at the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, paper leak allegations, and reported discrepancies in various educational examinations and recruitment processes.

The demonstration, held near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the university campus, was led by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke and drew participation from students, parents, youth activists, and representatives of several social organizations. The protest was conducted with prior permission from the university administration and under prescribed conditions.

Addressing the gathering, protesters alleged that repeated irregularities in examination and recruitment systems have eroded students' trust in public institutions and adversely impacted their academic and career prospects. They urged the Central Government to take serious cognizance of the concerns raised by students and implement concrete measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and credibility in the examination process.

Participants raised slogans such as “Narendra Modi, Answer Us” and “Justice for Students,” calling for accountability over the alleged lapses in national-level examinations. Demonstrators also demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities and sought systemic reforms to safeguard the interests of students and job aspirants.

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Several prominent personalities, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, social activist Vishwambhar Chaudhary, and advocate Asim Sarode, attended the event and expressed concern over issues relating to educational governance, examination integrity, and transparency in public recruitment systems.

The protest witnessed a brief period of tension when a verbal altercation reportedly broke out between a few participants and media representatives, leading to momentary commotion at the venue. Some protesters alleged attempts to divert attention from the issues being highlighted by the movement. Police personnel and security officials closely monitored the situation, while organizers appealed to participants to maintain peace and discipline throughout the demonstration.

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Speaking on the occasion, CJP leaders stated that the movement aims to protect students' interests and ensure equal and fair opportunities in education and employment. They reiterated their demand that the Union Education Minister accept moral responsibility for the alleged examination irregularities and step down from office.

The party announced that its agitation would continue until its demands are met and resolved to mobilize students and youth across the country to build a broader movement against alleged irregularities in the education sector. Organizers also revealed plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on transparency and accountability in educational examinations and recruitment processes.

The Pune protest follows a similar demonstration organized earlier at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. With concerns over examination integrity continuing to spark debate across the country, the agitation at Savitribai Phule Pune University underscored growing student dissatisfaction and renewed calls for comprehensive reforms in India's examination and recruitment systems.

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PM Modi’s Tenure Gives a New Direction to Maharashtra’s Development: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:58 +0530

NEW DELHI, CORRESPONDENT

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his position in building a new, self-reliant India is unshakeable and that Maharashtra's development has received a revolutionary new direction during his twelve-year tenure. The Chief Minister congratulated PM Narendra Modi on behalf of Maharashtra for achieving the historic milestone of serving 4,399 consecutive days as the elected Prime Minister of the country—the longest tenure to date.

The Chief Minister was speaking during a media interaction at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi today. Emphasizing that PM Modi's 4,399 days in office are not just numbers on a calendar but a significant era of India's holistic development, the Chief Minister said that during this period, monumental work was done to lift crores of citizens out of poverty. An unprecedented network of roads, railways, ports, airports, expressways, and modern infrastructure has been built across the country. India has made a giant leap in the economic sector, securing its place among the world's leading economies. To benefit farmers, irrigation projects were fast-tracked, and record investments were made in water conservation and agricultural development.

The concept of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) is visibly turning into reality across the country today. In the defense sector, India has marched toward self-reliance and proven its capabilities to the world. India, which was once a major importer of weapons, has now become a country exporting defense equipment worth thousands of crores of rupees. Through UPI and digital payment systems, India has set a global benchmark for the digital revolution. Centering his governance around the motto ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage), PM Modi has successfully balanced economic progress with cultural heritage. The Chief Minister stated that India's progress has received a new direction due to his visionary leadership.

Central Support for Maharashtra's Infrastructure

Expressing gratitude for the substantial cooperation Maharashtra received from PM Modi over the last twelve years, the Chief Minister said that the Central Government has provided massive support to several ambitious irrigation projects in the state, Vadhavan Port, an extensive network of highways, metro projects, railway modernization, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and various other infrastructure projects. Projects that once existed only on paper are now becoming a reality.

Along with this, PM Narendra Modi's sensitivity in resolving Maharashtra's water scarcity issue is truly commendable. During the severe drought of 2015, he paid special attention to strengthening schemes like 'Jalyukt Shivar' and took the initiative to complete 100 pending dam projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

"It is Maharashtra's good fortune to have a leader who works with such sensitivity and promptness on our state's issues. On behalf of the 12.5 crore people of Maharashtra, I heartily congratulate our beloved and popular Prime Minister and wish him a healthy, long, and successful life," the Chief Minister expressed.

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Bengal Congress Leaders Give Mixed Reactions to Speculation Over Mamata Banerjee’s Possible Congress Entry

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:57 +0530

Kolkata

Speculation over Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee’s possible alignment with the Congress has generated a fresh political debate, with senior Congress leaders in West Bengal offering mixed reactions to the reports.

The buzz comes amid claims in political circles that the Congress leadership is exploring a larger opposition realignment following recent electoral setbacks suffered by the Trinamool Congress.

Sources suggested that Congress President Sonia Gandhi has offered former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee the post of the party's All India Vice President, while Trinamool National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee is said to have been offered a national-level organisational role. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the Congress or the Trinamool Congress.

The speculation gained further momentum after reports emerged that Congress General Secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal will hold a meeting of state Congress presidents on Thursday.

Reacting to the developments, former West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee chief and veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury maintained that his political differences with the Trinamool Congress had never been personal.

“I never had any personal animosity with Trinamool leaders or the party. Trinamool tried to finish my party politically, and I fought to protect the Congress. I considered it my political duty,”Chowdhury said.

Taking a swipe at Mamata Banerjee, he added, “Who is approaching whom is for them to explain. But it is true that Mamata is coming now only after losing the election. Earlier, she never came. Whether there is a merger or demerger taking place, I do not know. If my party takes any decision, it will inform everyone.”

West Bengal Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar struck a more accommodative note. Without directly referring to Mamata Banerjee, he indicated that the Congress would welcome leaders willing to fight the Bharatiya Janata Party under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.

“Politics is an art of possibilities. If anyone wishes to join our party accepting Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and has the determination and strength to fight the BJP, we will certainly welcome that person,” Sarkar said.

Senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan, however, remained sceptical about any such political rapprochement. Questioning Banerjee’s credibility, Mannan remarked, “Nobody can place complete trust in Mamata Banerjee’s political conduct. Her credibility in national politics has reached a low point. Everyone knows that, including Sonia Gandhi. There was a time when it was said that the Left could be trusted more than Mamata.”

As speculation continues to swirl, neither the Congress high command nor the Trinamul Congress has issued any formal statement, leaving political observers glued to the developments.

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BJP Alleges ₹39,000 Crore Scam in Waste Management Deal, Demands Investigation

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:56 +0530

Bengaluru

The political temperature in Karnataka surged sharply on Wednesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party levelled explosive corruption allegations against the Congress government, claiming a massive ₹39,000 crore scam in Bengaluru’s waste management system.

Opposition leader R Ashoka launched a direct attack on the government, alleging largescale manipulation in the award of solid waste management contracts. "This is one of the biggest municipal scams in the country," he said, accusing the government of engineering a system that enabled "massive kickbacks running into thousands of crores."

He further alleged that the tender process was structured to benefit select private entities and claimed that statutory and technical recommendations, including those from the government-backed consultancy RITES, were deliberately ignored. "Expert advice was set aside to accommodate preferred bidders," he alleged.

According to the BJP, the controversial contract awarded to MSW Solutions Limited, linked to a private group, has locked Bengaluru into a 35-year arrangement that will significantly inflate public expenditure. The opposition claimed that while the current annual waste management cost stands at around ₹1,344 crore, the revised framework could push the long-term liability close to ₹39,000 crore, calling it an “unsustainable financial burden on taxpayers.”

The BJP has formally escalated the issue to the Governor, demanding a detailed probe into the tendering process, financial structuring, and alleged irregularities in the award of the contract.

The Congress government strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as “politically motivated and misleading.” It maintained that the waste management overhaul is part of a broader civic reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and long-term urban sustainability in Bengaluru.

With both sides entrenched in a sharp political confrontation, the controversy has now emerged as a major flashpoint in Karnataka politics, intensifying the ongoing war of words between the ruling establishment and the opposition over governance and transparency.

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Kerala to Form 500-Member Special Reserve Force to Prevent Wild Elephant Attacks

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:55 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram

The Kerala government has decided to constitute a 500-member Special Reserve Force to address the growing threat posed by wild elephants and to strengthen measures aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts across the state.

Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has directed the immediate formation of the force in response to increasing incidents of wild elephant intrusions that have been disrupting the lives of people living near forest fringes.

The Special Reserve Force will comprise 100 units, each consisting of five members, and will be deployed in identified hotspots where the presence of wild elephants is frequently reported.

The force will draw its members from tribal communities familiar with wildlife habitats and animal behaviour, retired forest department personnel, experienced local residents, and individuals with relevant technical expertise. These teams will be stationed across the state to support ongoing wildlife conflict management efforts.
Among the key responsibilities of the Special Reserve Force will be the continuous monitoring of elephant corridors and movement patterns.

The teams will provide timely warnings to residents whenever elephants are sighted in or near populated areas, using direct communication as well as various media platforms to ensure public safety.

The force will also monitor the effectiveness of wildlife prevention infrastructure, including solar-powered fences and other protective systems installed along forest boundaries.

In addition, it will assist Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) engaged in safely driving elephants away from human settlements and back into forest areas.

Officials said the Special Reserve Force will play a crucial role in conflict mitigation activities, supporting existing forest department operations and strengthening field-level response mechanisms.

The units will function round the clock and undertake regular patrolling in conflict-prone regions to help prevent wildlife-related incidents and safeguard both human lives and wildlife.

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BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik Pushes for Early Election Readiness, Focus on Voter Rolls

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:54 +0530

Bhubaneswar

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday called upon party leaders and workers to intensify preparations for the forthcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections in Odisha, while urging them to remain vigilant during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Addressing an organisational meeting of the party’s candidates who contested the 2024 Assembly elections at the BJD headquarters here, Patnaik said Odisha had earned a unique and positive identity across the country during the BJD’s uninterrupted 24-year tenure, driven by remarkable achievements in multiple sectors.

Highlighting the party’s governance record, the former Chief Minister said Odisha had emerged as a model state in disaster management, food security, healthcare, education, sports, irrigation and infrastructure development.
He noted that several welfare programmes implemented by the BJD government had significantly benefited farmers, women and economically weaker sections of society.

With local body elections on the horizon, Patnaik asked party workers to begin preparations with confidence and commitment.

He also stressed the growing importance of digital engagement and urged leaders to strengthen the party’s outreach through social media platforms.

Expressing concern over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, Patnaik described the process as a matter of utmost importance.

Referring to reports of irregularities during similar exercises in some other states, he cautioned party members to closely monitor the revision process and ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of voting rights due to minor clerical or typographical errors.

Launching a sharp attack on the BJP government in the state, Patnaik alleged that Odisha’s law-and-order situation had deteriorated significantly over the past two years.

He claimed that incidents of murder, rape, robbery and crimes against women had risen alarmingly, creating an atmosphere of fear among the people.

The BJD president further alleged that the state's economic health had weakened under the present administration.
He said that when the BJD demitted office, it had left behind a revenue surplus of Rs 45,000 crore, but the state's debt burden had continued to mount thereafter.

Patnaik also voiced concern over reports that elderly citizens and differently-abled beneficiaries were facing difficulties in receiving social security pensions under the current government.

He remarked that Odisha had never witnessed such levels of administrative disarray under any previous regime.
Referring to the party’s recently concluded Nari Adhikar Abhiyan, Patnaik said the overwhelming response to the campaign reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government and increasing demand for change.
He particularly criticized what he termed the BJP’s “deceptive approach” towards women’s reservation.

Thanking party workers for ensuring the success of the statewide campaign, Patnaik also expressed gratitude to thousands of women who participated despite the scorching summer heat.

He noted that the programme had been successfully conducted across all Assembly constituencies of Odisha, demonstrating the party’s strong grassroots connect and organisational strength.

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UP Will Continue to Play Its Best Role in Nation-Building Under PM Modi’s Leadership: CM Yogi

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:53 +0530

Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 4,399 days in office as India's elected Prime Minister, making him the longest-serving public representative in the position.

In a detailed letter, Yogi extended greetings on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh and praised Modi's 12 years of leadership dedicated to nation-building, good governance, and public welfare. He expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh would continue to make its strongest contribution to the country's progress under the Prime Minister's guidance.

The Chief Minister highlighted major achievements during Modi's tenure, including the consecration of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya, the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and the implementation of the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He said these initiatives have strengthened India's development journey and inspired Uttar Pradesh's growth.

Yogi noted that welfare schemes have benefited millions across the state. Over 3 crore toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, around 65 lakh families have received homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and nearly 10 crore eligible citizens have been covered under Ayushman Bharat. He also highlighted free ration distribution to about 15 crore people and benefits provided to farmers through PM-Kisan and other agricultural schemes.

The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh has witnessed major progress in employment, skill development, infrastructure, and industrial growth. More than 9 lakh youth have secured government jobs, while 25 lakh have received skill training. He added that investments, MSMEs, startups, and self-employment initiatives have generated over 3 crore employment opportunities.

Emphasising improved law and order, Yogi said Uttar Pradesh is now recognised as an attractive investment destination. He added that the state's economy and per capita income have nearly tripled since 2017, while unemployment has fallen significantly, moving UP closer to its goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.

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Siddaramaiah Slams BJP Over Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:53 +0530

Bengaluru

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging misuse of the election machinery after the nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan for the Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh was rejected.

In a post on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah called it “peak irony” that while the BJP was celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long tenure in office as a milestone for Indian democracy, the nomination rejection had taken place under what he termed a “cooked-up” democratic process.

He alleged that the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was “not a routine scrutiny decision” but a “blatant illegality and political conspiracy.”

Siddaramaiah claimed that the BJP, despite having numbers to win only two Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh, fielded a third candidate and attempted “horse-trading” by offering money to Congress legislators. He further alleged that when those efforts failed, the election machinery was misused to reject the Congress candidate’s nomination.

He also argued that the grounds cited for rejection were “completely illegal,” asserting that there was no criminal case against Natarajan and that a private complaint or mere court notice does not amount to a criminal case requiring disclosure.

Stating that these legal points were already placed before the Returning Officer, Siddaramaiah questioned the impartiality of the decision and said it was politically motivated to favour the BJP.

“The Congress will strongly oppose this assault on democracy and the Constitution,” he said, adding that the party would continue its fight through all democratic means.

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PM eats 'Jhal Muri' once again, this time served by CM Adhikari As TMC rebel bloc set to join NDA

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:52 +0530

Jayanta Roy Chowdhury, New Delhi

At a gathering of leaders from the National Democratic Alliance here on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paused to enjoy a serving of 'jhal muri' offered by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Modi's public appearance with 'Jhal muri' (spicy puffed rice) in hand comes about a month and half after he was seen eating the snack at a wayside shop in West Bengal's Jhargram.

Wednesday's 'Jhal muri' episode, analysts said, was to symbolically underscore not only the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bengal but also the coming importance of Bengal within the NDA where rebel TMC MPs have formed a separate bloc and sought to join the BJP, buttressing the strength of the alliance which stands 313 in the lower house of Parliament.

A list of the score or so MPs is being sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker, on Wednesday itself according to TMC leader Shatabdi Roy. The 'Jhal muri' episode happened close on the heels of Bengal's former chief minister Mamata Banerjee met up with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi sparking speculation that she may be considering merging the rump of her party still loyal to her with the Congress.

However, sources said the meeting on Tuesday was to work out ways to strengthen coordination between the Congress and TMC in the days ahead. Wednesday's brief exchange between Modi, Adhikari with 'Jhal muri' as the main bond, captured on video, has gone viral on social media.

Behind the lighter moment, the NDA meeting was focused on the next phase of the BJP's expansion across India, according to sources. Party leaders discussed how the organisation's approach which has evolved from a highly visible, campaign driven politics of yesteryears to a quieter strategy focused on consolidation through a mix of governance, development and administrative delivery in states under its control.

The conversation reflected a broader reassessment within the political grouping as it seeks to consolidate its position while expanding into regions where it has traditionally struggled to gain a foothold. Leaders examined electoral road maps for several states, including Punjab, where the BJP is increasingly seeking to establish itself as the principal alternative to both the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The discussions suggested that the BJP sees its future growth not merely in mobilising existing supporters, but in persuading new voters that it can serve as a credible governing alternative in states where regional and opposition parties have long dominated the political landscape.

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RSS veterans given charge of education; Major reforms indicated in Bengal

Nagabhushan M — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:45:52 +0530

Kolkata, Jun 10

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari allocated the portfolios, where though he has retained some of the key departments, but assigned Jagannath Chattopadhaya and Dipak Burman – two RSS veterans in the cabinet, the key responsibility of education, strongly indicating significant changes in the state's educational framework.

Jagannath Chattopadhyay has been appointed Minister for Higher Education, while Deepak Barman will oversee the School Education Department.

Their appointments have sparked political discussions, with observers noting the RSS background of both ministers at a time when debates over education policy and curriculum reforms have intensified.

The allocation of two cabinet ministers comes just a few days after state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya alleged that school textbooks were promoting a distorted version of Indian history while neglecting the country's glorious past.

He argued for the inclusion of what he described as accurate historical narratives and stressed the need for younger generations to learn about India's heritage.

Referring to figures such as grammarian Panini and poet Kalidasa, Bhattacharya emphasised the importance of nationalism and asserted that Bengalis are Indians first and Bengalis thereafter.

Similar views have been expressed on multiple occasions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders, who have spoken about correcting historical distortions, promoting nationalism, highlighting the achievements of ancient India, Vedic science and culture, and celebrating the legacy of the freedom movement.

Education has been one of the controversial departments in recent times, not only because of allegations of large-scale recruitment irregularities during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, but also because of allegations of Left leniency in the syllabus for the last 50 years.

During the Left Front era, the department was divided, reportedly due to pressure from coalition partners. The arrangement continued during the initial years of the Mamata Banerjee government before the department was later unified.

Political observers believe that, although there were administrative changes in the department, ideally, the syllabus and the teaching mechanism didn’t move too much from the left modelled design.

In this context, many political observers believe that the decision to hand over the two education portfolios to Jagannath Chattopadhyay and Deepak Barman is a significant move by the new administration.

Soon after taking charge, Jagannath Chattopadhyay visited Bikash Bhavan and held discussions with senior officials. Addressing reporters later, he criticised the recent controversy surrounding Surendranath College, where photographs allegedly showing a bedroom-like setup on campus surfaced publicly.

"Instead of discussions about libraries, photographs of bedrooms in colleges are coming to light. That itself reflects the poor state of education," the minister said.

"We will work as a team. Our goal is to restore Bengal's prominence in higher education," he said.
Chattopadhyay also promised regular recruitment examinations, including SSC, CSC, and PSC, every year. He pledged that appointments would be made through a transparent and corruption-free process to prevent a repeat of the controversies that marked the previous administration.

The minister further vowed to expose corruption within the education sector and expressed his ambition to make Bengal's education system the best in the country. Ending on an emphatic note, he remarked, "Just wait and watch what happens next."

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