Raj BJP chief Madan Rathore distributes Melody toffees, calls Rahul Gandhi’s remarks ‘childish’

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Jaipur, May 21 (IANS) Amid protests against Congress leader and the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Madan Rathore on Thursday distributed chocolates among party workers and mocked LoP Gandhi over his “toffee” remarks.

Referring to Italy as Rahul Gandhi’s maternal home, Rathore said the Lok Sabha LoP became restless after seeing “Melody toffee” and amid this restlessness and anxiety, he even failed to notice Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy and diplomacy.

The State BJP President also called the LoP’s remarks “childish” and described his statements reflective of “political frustration”.

During a protest organised at the state BJP headquarters in Jaipur, Rathore personally distributed chocolates among party workers and mocked Rahul Gandhi over his alleged “Melody toffee” remarks.

He also claimed that Rahul Gandhi was “a child in intellect” who “has not developed mentally”, adding that such remarks were not suitable for a national leader.

The BJP protest was held against what the party described as “derogatory language” used by the LoP against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.

BJP workers raised slogans against the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and held a procession from the state BJP office to Chaumun House Circle, where they burned an effigy of the Congress leader.

Addressing BJP workers during the protest, Rathore said Mahatma Gandhi had once called for the Congress to be dismantled after Independence, but political interests kept it alive.

“Today Rahul Gandhi himself is moving the Congress towards destruction through his statements and actions. His remarks are digging the grave of the Congress party,” the State BJP President added.

He alleged that Congress was rapidly losing public support and accused the opposition party of resorting to “cheap and frivolous rhetoric” instead of constructive politics.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strengthening India’s global standing and economy through diplomacy and development, while Opposition leaders are busy making immature statements,” he said.

Rathore also criticised the Congress’ protest over the alleged NEET exam paper leak and its attempt to surround the BJP headquarters in Jaipur.

He claimed that Congress lacked the public support needed for any major movement and accused the party of staging protests merely for political attention and media headlines.

He also said that the BJP government has no role in the NEET exam paper leak issue.

“Rajasthan has not witnessed paper leaks under the BJP rule. During Congress governments, paper leaks happened repeatedly, but no effective action was taken,” he added.

The BJP leader said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) had acted swiftly in the current NEET exam paper leak case and dismissed Congress’ allegations as baseless.

The protest witnessed participation from a large number of BJP workers, who raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi and accused Congress leaders of insulting Constitutional offices and the dignity of national leadership.

–IANS

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Women central to India’s growth story: Modi govt celebrates 11 years of ‘Shashkt Nari’

New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) As the BJP-led NDA government marks 11 years in power, it is celebrating “New momentum for Nari Shakti- 11 years of Shashkt Nari” — a decade-long journey of empowering women through targeted reforms and ambitious missions.

The Central government, in a press release, has hailed its efforts as a transformation of Indian women from “passive recipients to active agents of change, central to India’s growth story.”

Nari Shakti, now recognised as a national mission, aims to empower every woman — urban or rural, young or elderly — to live with dignity, safety, and self-reliance.

According to the government, the approach has been bold, inclusive, and lifecycle-based, spanning healthcare, education, digital access, sanitation, financial inclusion, and more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that India can only progress when its women are equally empowered.

Since 2014, women have increasingly taken the lead in entrepreneurship, science, defence, sports, and governance.

With women and children forming nearly 67.7 per cent of the population, the government sees women’s empowerment not just as social reform, but as a strategic necessity for national growth.

The Modi government’s efforts have been anchored in a comprehensive, lifecycle-based policy framework. Landmark initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, and the constitutional passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam have shifted the focus from women’s development to women-led development.

This act reserves 33 per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, with representation for SC and ST women — a legislative milestone in India’s democratic journey.

Women’s representation in education, especially in STEM fields, skilling programmes, and entrepreneurship, has surged.

Legal and labour reforms have improved workplace safety, while schemes like PM Awas Yojana, DAY-NRLM, and support for women farmers have deepened financial and social empowerment.

Health and nutrition have been a major pillar of the government’s strategy. Mission POSHAN integrates nutrition and health services for children, adolescent girls, and mothers.

Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the Centre aims to upgrade two lakh Anganwadi Centres by the end of the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

The Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative integrates early education with nutrition, and the award-winning Poshan Tracker app has modernised monitoring efforts.

Additional schemes such as Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Janani Suraksha Yojana, SUMAN, PMSMA, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana have enhanced maternal and child healthcare.

The government also cites housing and hygiene schemes like PMAY-G, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission as transformative, especially for rural women. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao continue to support girls’ education and financial independence.

In defence, STEM, and public administration, Indian women are now occupying leadership roles once considered beyond reach. And with the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, their role in governance will be permanently etched into India’s democratic framework.

Major legal reforms have also shaped this decade. The abolition of Triple Talaq offered Muslim women long-overdue dignity and protection. Raising the legal age of marriage from 18 to 21 enabled young women to focus on education and careers.

Maternity leave was doubled to 26 weeks; and with the repeal of Article 35A, women in Jammu and Kashmir now enjoy equal property rights.

Women entrepreneurs have received special focus. Flagship schemes such as PM MUDRA Yojana, Stand-Up India, and DAY-NRLM have removed barriers to institutional credit and encouraged grassroots innovation.

Mission Shakti, launched in mission mode, continues to unify efforts across sectors and lifecycle stages to ensure safety and empowerment.

The government says these policies have transformed social welfare from a safety net into a springboard for dignity, leadership, and opportunity.

“From housing to hygiene, each initiative has uplifted lives and strengthened the foundation of Nari Shakti in rural India,” the Centre stated.

The last 11 years, according to the government, have not just witnessed an increase in the presence of women across sectors but have institutionalised a framework to sustain and grow this progress.

According to the government, as India enters Amrit Kaal, the Centre envisions Nari Shakti as the driving force of a stronger, more inclusive nation — where women are not just participants but the leaders, innovators, and architects of tomorrow.

–IANS

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88 mineral blocks successfully auctioned this fiscal to date: Centre

New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) The government on Friday said that 88 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned in the current financial year (till December 10).

The successful auction of 24 critical mineral blocks in four tranches were completed by the central government in this period.

The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has approved 120 mineral exploration and procurement projects with an approved cost of Rs 609.54 crore.

“Amendment in the Second Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957 was done to rationalise the royalty rate of 12 critical and strategic minerals,” informed the Ministry of Mines.

Last week, the ministry organised a webinar to showcase 13 mineral blocks in offshore areas of India that are being put up for e-auction in a landmark initiative aimed at tapping the vast undersea mineral wealth within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The 13 offshore mineral blocks being auctioned include 3 Construction Sand blocks off the Kerala coast and 3 Limemud blocks off the Gujarat coast. Another 7 Polymetallic and Nodules and Crusts blocks off the Great Nicobar Islands also form part of the first tranche on offer.

A comprehensive walkthrough by MSTC of the e-auction platform showcased the seamless registration process and bid submission steps for potential participants, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Mines.

With over 7,500 km of coastline and an EEZ spanning 2.3 million square km, India offers unparalleled opportunities for mineral exploration in the Indian Ocean, supporting both economic growth and sustainability goals, the Ministry said.

China, Japan, Norway, Brazil, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Namibia are among the major countries pursuing offshore mining. Offshore areas include territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone, and other maritime zones of the country.

The ministry was also awarded the First Position (Gold) for excellence in display in India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2024.

—IANS

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Rain forecast in Western Ghats districts till April 27, slight rise in temperatures across TN

Chennai, April 22 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast moderate rainfall across districts along the Western Ghats till April 27, bringing some relief from prevailing heat conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu.

According to an official statement by the weather department, several regions are likely to receive rainfall on Wednesday, particularly the Western Ghats districts and adjoining areas. Coastal regions along the Ghats, parts of southern Tamil Nadu’s coastal belt, and delta districts are expected to witness light to moderate showers during the day.

The forecast indicates that weather activity will remain favourable for intermittent rainfall over the next few days, especially in hilly and adjoining districts. However, despite the rainfall outlook, temperatures across the state are not expected to drop significantly.

The RMC said that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal, are likely to remain largely stable, with only a marginal increase expected in some areas. Interior districts of Tamil Nadu may record temperatures 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal in isolated places, reflecting continued heat stress in non-coastal regions.

In contrast, coastal Tamil Nadu, including Puducherry and Karaikal, is expected to experience temperatures closer to normal levels due to the moderating influence of sea breeze and cloud cover associated with the rainfall activity.

Meteorologists have attributed the current weather pattern to atmospheric conditions favourable for moisture incursion over the Western Ghats and adjoining regions. These conditions are likely to sustain scattered rainfall episodes over the coming days, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.

Authorities have advised residents, especially in hilly and coastal districts, to remain cautious of sudden weather changes, including brief spells of rain and gusty winds. Farmers and local administrations have also been urged to take necessary precautions to manage weather-related disruptions.

The rainfall is expected to provide temporary relief in some areas, but with temperatures remaining above normal in interior districts, heat conditions are likely to persist alongside sporadic showers across the state.

–IANS

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