Category: Politics

In a rare and politically charged reunion, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray came together on Saturday at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai, for a joint rally titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi). The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back its controversial policy of introducing Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1 in state schools. This public display of unity — the first in over 18 years — between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has sparked fresh speculation about a potential political realignment in the state. The rally witnessed participation from Marathi writers, poets, educators, editors, artists, and hundreds of Marathi language enthusiasts. During the event, Raj Thackeray asserted that the strong show of unity among Marathi people forced the Devendra Fadnavis-led government to withdraw the two government resolutions (GRs) introducing Hindi. Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Raj questioned, “If Maharashtra is ahead of Hindi-speaking states like UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, why are we being forced to learn Hindi?” He added that “Marathi is our core agenda. The BJP is forcing Maharashtra to follow Hindi.” Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, launched a direct attack on the BJP, declaring, “Hindutva is not anyone’s monopoly. We are deeply rooted Hindus. Don’t teach us Hinduism.” He further stated, “Hindu and Hindustan are acceptable, but the imposition of Hindi will not be tolerated — not even by your seven generations.” The former Maharashtra CM also took aim at industrialist Gautam Adani, claiming, “Most of Mumbai’s land has been grabbed by Adani. We should be ashamed that our martyrs sacrificed their lives for Mumbai, and today, we can’t even protect our land.” Reflecting on their reunion, Uddhav said, “We have come together to stay together. This unity is for the protection of Marathi identity.” Raj, echoing the sentiment, jokingly noted that CM Fadnavis had done what Balasaheb Thackeray never could — unite the two cousins on the same stage. The rally marked a significant moment in Maharashtra’s regional politics, not just as a celebration of linguistic pride, but as a possible harbinger of new political equations in the state.

Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Siddharth Kaushal has voluntarily stepped down from service, ending a distinguished career spanning over 13 years in Andhra Pradesh’s law enforcement. In his official statement released on Wednesday, Kaushal clarified that his decision to resign from the IPS was based entirely on personal grounds, dismissing speculative media reports that suggested political pressure or harassment as the cause. “I have tendered my voluntary resignation from the Indian Police Service, a decision made on purely personal grounds after deep personal reflection. It is a step taken in alignment with my long-term life goals and the wishes of my family members,” the statement read. The 2012-batch officer, who still had 21 years of service remaining, made it clear that the choice was independent and deliberate, asserting that rumors of external compulsion were baseless and misleading. Legacy in Andhra Pradesh Police Kaushal earned widespread recognition during his tenure as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Krishna and Prakasam districts, where his innovative policing methods and reforms drew appreciation. Throughout his service, he was known for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to community engagement. A New Chapter Ahead While Kaushal has not formally revealed his next move, sources close to him suggest that he is likely to join a multinational company following government acceptance of his resignation. An IIM Indore alumnus with a Master’s degree, Kaushal appears set to transition into the corporate world. Expressing deep gratitude, he thanked the State government, colleagues, seniors, juniors, and citizens for shaping his journey. “Serving in the IPS has been the most fulfilling and enriching journey of my life. Andhra Pradesh has been a privilege, and I will always carry the people of this state in my heart with affection and pride,” he said. As he looks ahead, Kaushal underlined his intent to contribute to society through new and meaningful avenues, leaving behind a legacy of service marked by integrity, innovation, and public trust.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, launched on June 28, marks the first such exercise since 2003. While aimed at updating and streamlining the voter rolls ahead of the Assembly elections due later this year, the initiative has stumbled at the very start, triggering widespread confusion and anxiety among rural voters—particularly in districts like Saran. “Is this to check if I’m dead or alive?” In villages near Chapra, Saran’s district headquarters, most voters remain unaware of the ongoing revision. Chandra Mohan Singh, a 65-year-old resident of Mahmada village and voter from booth no. 240, was handed an SIR form—but it still lies blank. When asked about it, he remarked wryly, “I think this form is to confirm whether I am dead or alive.” Others in his family, like his wife Ramdai Devi, are similarly bewildered. Neither she nor her son can read the form. Like many, she has been instructed by the booth-level officer (BLO) to fill and return it immediately—but without any idea of what’s required. Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID… None Valid? Adding to the chaos is the Election Commission’s strict criteria for acceptable documents. Common ID cards like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving License—held by nearly every villager—are not considered valid proof for the SIR. Instead, the EC has demanded older and far less accessible documents like: This has left many like Yogendra Baitha, who proudly displayed all his ID cards, feeling frustrated. “If these are not valid, then what is? How can I get a birth certificate before the deadline of July 26?” Complex Requirements, Low Awareness The rules vary depending on the voter’s age: This complexity has made compliance nearly impossible for voters like Daulti Kumari, 26, who now lives with her husband’s family and has no papers from her parents. Others, like Shiv Kumari Devi, who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, are shocked at the possibility of being deleted from the voter list. “How can I be valid last year and invalid this year?” she asked. “Where will we get these documents?” Kanti Devi, from Dharampur village, says that the BLO filled out her form but she was told to submit documents she doesn’t have. “If they remove my name, I will sit on dharna at the block office,” she declared. Similarly, Meena Devi, 66, criticised the impracticality of the process: “The government should open special counters at block offices for these documents, otherwise how will poor villagers get them in time?” BLOs Admit Helplessness Booth-level officers, who are frontline workers in this process, say they are simply following EC instructions. Dinesh Kumar, BLO of booth 240, admitted that there’s urgent need for mass awareness via radio, TV, and loudspeaker announcements. “We can guide voters, but we can’t fill everyone’s form personally,” he said. Other BLOs echoed similar concerns. Bhupendra Kumar from booth 239 fears many voters may be unjustly removed. Ugrin Mahto of booth 271 added that some voters are being asked to produce documents of parents who are no longer alive, leaving even BLOs clueless about how to proceed.