Telangana BJP chief taken into custody by police in Hyderabad

New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) The Congress on Monday demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, claiming it would offer real relief to the common people, even as it criticised the PM Modi government for what it called a delayed and poorly implemented tax policy.

Speaking to IANS, Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey said: “This decision has come very late. Eight years ago, we had clearly stated that GST should mean a single tax across all goods. But the government introduced six different tax slabs instead. This undermined the MSME sector, which contributes significantly to the economy. They destroyed it completely. This is not just our view; it’s stated in an RBI report. Lack of demand led to a fall in production, and now we face inflation. The economy has been severely damaged – an irreparable loss. We demand that petroleum products and electricity be brought under GST.”

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also criticised the government and PM Modi, saying: “I felt pity seeing your face lose its glow—perhaps you realised you were misleading the country. You introduced GST and turned it into a system of legalised loot. You’ve taken Rs 50 lakh crore from the middle class. Small industries have been wiped out. Inflation soared. And only after pressure from Rahul Gandhi did you introduce two tax slabs.”

Congress national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate added: “PM Modi introduced high GST rates and is now trying to take credit for reducing them. He wants people to thank him for the relief after years of burden. If this is now a ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ (GST Savings Festival), then what about the last eight years? Were they a ‘Loot Utsav’? Who is accountable for that? These policies were introduced without proper planning. If the Prime Minister truly wants to provide relief, he should reduce the prices of petrol and diesel. He talks about Swadeshi, but dresses head-to-toe in foreign brands.”

Earlier in the day, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the overhaul aims to inject approximately Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy by increasing the disposable income of consumers.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS) The campaign to break free from the colonial mindset continues, with the Indian Army renaming 246 roads and buildings that carried British-era names. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to shed symbols of colonial rule and reclaim India’s historical and cultural identity.

The government has been working to overhaul remnants of colonial influence, ranging from outdated laws to long-standing administrative practices. In keeping with this vision, the Indian Army has accelerated efforts to rename roads, buildings, and other infrastructure in cantonments and military establishments across the country that were named during British rule.

According to defence officials, a total of 246 locations have been renamed. These include 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities, and 18 other structures such as parks, training areas, playgrounds, gates, and helipads. Notably, all the new names honour gallantry award winners, war heroes, freedom fighters, and distinguished military leaders who played significant roles in India’s history.

Several prominent changes have taken place in Delhi Cantonment. Kirby Place has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, while the iconic Mall Road is now known as Arun Khetarpal Marg, commemorating the Param Vir Chakra awardee. In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters has been renamed Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, paying tribute to another decorated war hero.

Mathura Cantonment’s New Horn Line has been renamed Veer Abdul Hamid Lines, and in Jaipur Cantonment, Queens Line Road has been renamed Sundar Singh Marg. In Bareilly Cantonment, New Birdwood Line is now known as Thimayya Colony, while Malcolm Lines in Mhow Cantonment has been renamed Piru Singh Lines.

Changes have also been made in prestigious military institutions. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Collins Block has been renamed Nubra Block, and Kingsway Block has been renamed Kargil Block, evoking memories of India’s valour in high-altitude warfare. The sports complex at Rangapahar Military Station has been renamed the Lashram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex. At Jakhama Military Station, Spear Lake Road has been renamed Hangpan Dada Marg.

The proposal to rename colonial-era structures was first put forward by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in 2021 during the 96th Foundation Day celebrations of the Defence Estates Directorate General (DGDE). He pointed out that many roads and buildings in cantonments were named after officers and soldiers who served the British Crown. He suggested that these be renamed in honour of India’s brave soldiers and nation-builders, and that the process be completed promptly.

At the same time, the Defence Minister clarified that historical sensitivity should be maintained. He stated that if any British officer had carried out commendable work for the local population, their contributions should be documented and their identities preserved respectfully for future generations.

One of the most symbolic changes has taken place in Kolkata, where Fort William, the headquarters of the Army’s Eastern Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The gate earlier known as George Gate is now Shivaji Dwar, and Kitchener House has been renamed Field Marshal Manekshaw Bhavan. Dalhousie Barracks is now Netaji Barracks, while the Russell Block has been renamed in honour of freedom fighter Bagha Jatin.

–IANS

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