Saturday, June 27

Gujarat

JP Nadda’s Bengal Visit: ‘Kamal Will Bloom in Bengal,’ Vows BJP Chief Ahead of Elections
Gujarat, Politics, State

JP Nadda’s Bengal Visit: ‘Kamal Will Bloom in Bengal,’ Vows BJP Chief Ahead of Elections

Ahmedabad/Vadodara: Ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda delivered a strong message, asserting that the lotus—BJP’s election symbol—will bloom in the state. Speaking in an aggressive tone, Nadda targeted Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) while highlighting the party’s success in implementing central schemes in other states. Targeting States That Delayed Ayushman BharatAddressing a public event during his Bengal visit, Nadda said there were three states that initially resisted the central government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. The first was Odisha, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had rejected it. The second was Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal had initially opposed it. Nadda emphasized that in both states...
PM Modi to Participate in ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ on January 11; Preparations in Full Swing
Gujarat, State

PM Modi to Participate in ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ on January 11; Preparations in Full Swing

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The much-awaited Somnath Swabhiman Parv has officially commenced in Gujarat, beginning with ceremonies at the historic Dholeshwar Mahadev Temple. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present during the inaugural events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11, as part of his three-day Gujarat tour, which will also include hosting the German Chancellor and attending key cultural and regional events. Itinerary and Key Events PM Modi will arrive in Gujarat on January 10 and will remain in the state until January 12. During his visit, he will: Lead the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a one-kilometer procession featuring 108 horses, as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. Perform pooja and rituals at the historic So...
IAS Officer Arun Mahesh Babu’s Sudden Inspection Creates a Stir in Vadodara Municipal Corporation
Gujarat, State

IAS Officer Arun Mahesh Babu’s Sudden Inspection Creates a Stir in Vadodara Municipal Corporation

Vadodara, January 7, 2026: The Vadodara Municipal Commissioner, Arun Mahesh Babu, has set the town buzzing after a surprise inspection at ward offices, sending shockwaves through the entire municipal staff. His unannounced visit to the local ward offices caught many off guard, leading to a flurry of activity. Employees, who were usually taking casual breaks or stepping out for tea, scrambled to return to their desks. During the inspection, Arun Mahesh Babu didn’t just make an appearance; he demanded records from the ward officers and made it clear that negligence and absenteeism would no longer be tolerated. His direct approach has made headlines as he took the initiative to oversee the functioning of the smallest administrative units in the city, something that has never been done befo...
Anant Ambani Offers Prayers with Father, Donates ₹5 Crore at Salangpur Hanuman Temple in Gujarat
Gujarat, State

Anant Ambani Offers Prayers with Father, Donates ₹5 Crore at Salangpur Hanuman Temple in Gujarat

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani has once again drawn public attention, this time for his spiritual journey and generous donation at one of Gujarat’s most revered temples. After offering prayers at the Somnath Temple to mark the New Year, Anant Ambani, accompanied by his father, visited the famous Shri Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple in Salangpur, Botad district. Seated on the ground alongside his father, Anant Ambani performed traditional rituals and sought blessings from Lord Hanuman. Following the prayers, he donated ₹5 crore to the temple trust, a significant contribution that will be used for temple development and improving facilities for devotees. About the Salangpur Hanuman Temple The Shri Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple, located in Salangp...
Mumbai BMC Elections Heat Up: BJP Targets Uddhav Thackeray Over “Jihadi Elements” Claims
Gujarat, State

Mumbai BMC Elections Heat Up: BJP Targets Uddhav Thackeray Over “Jihadi Elements” Claims

Mumbai: The political battle for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections has intensified, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, following remarks made by New York Mayor Joharan Mamdani praising Umar Khalid. BJP alleges that certain “jihadi elements” are attempting to take control of India’s major cities and alter their cultural identity. BJP’s Accusations Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam warned that the party will not allow Mumbai to “become New York,” referencing Mamdani’s support for Umar Khalid. Satam claimed that this is part of an international conspiracy to influence Indian cities, with attempts to weaken their cultural and political fabric. He further accused Uddhav Thackeray and his supporters of being part of thi...
Gujarat IPS Officers Celebrate New Year with Surprise Promotions as KLN Rao Appointed In-Charge DGP
Gujarat, State

Gujarat IPS Officers Celebrate New Year with Surprise Promotions as KLN Rao Appointed In-Charge DGP

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: As the New Year ushered in celebrations across the country, Gujarat Police officers on duty received an unexpected dose of good news. Late on 31st December, the Gujarat government appointed KLN Rao as the in-charge Director General of Police (DGP) following the retirement of IPS officer Vikas Sahay. Just hours later, at midnight marking the start of 2026, the government released promotion orders for 14 IPS officers, making it a New Year to remember for the state police force. Promotions Across Top RanksThe promotions span multiple top-level positions, including DGP, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Among the newly promoted, Narasimha Komar, the Police Commissioner of Vadodara and chai...
Gujarat University Introduces PM Modi’s ‘Jyoti Punj’ and Veer Savarkar’s Autobiography in Curriculum
Gujarat, State

Gujarat University Introduces PM Modi’s ‘Jyoti Punj’ and Veer Savarkar’s Autobiography in Curriculum

In a significant academic development, Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Vadodara, has incorporated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book Jyoti Punj and Hindutva thinker Veer Savarkar’s autobiography Inside the Enemy Camp into its new BA (English) minor course. The course, launched under the National Education Policy 2020, aims to foster nationalism and cultural awareness among students. Course Focus and StructureTitled Analysis and Understanding of Non-Fiction Writings on India, the course also includes selected works of Sri Aurobindo, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Swami Vivekananda, and episodes from PM Modi’s radio program Mann Ki Baat. The course integrates English studies with India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Dr. Hitesh D. Ravia, Head of the English Department, said th...
Gujarat CM’s Office Gets a New Team Ahead of 2027 Polls, Signals BJP’s Early Election Blueprint
Gujarat, State

Gujarat CM’s Office Gets a New Team Ahead of 2027 Polls, Signals BJP’s Early Election Blueprint

Ahmedabad: Even as the Gujarat Assembly elections are nearly two years away, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun laying the groundwork for 2027. Following recent political and administrative reshuffles, the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has undergone a significant restructuring ahead of the New Year, a move widely seen as strengthening Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s governance apparatus. The changes come soon after the appointment of M.K. Das as the new Chief Secretary of Gujarat. A 1990-batch IAS officer and the senior-most bureaucrat of the Gujarat cadre, Das has put in place what is being described as his own handpicked team in the CMO. Political observers believe this team will play a crucial role over the next two years, leading up to the Assembly elections schedul...
Lion Sparks Panic Among Devotees at Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat
Gujarat, State

Lion Sparks Panic Among Devotees at Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat

Devotees climbing the 3,800 steps of the famous Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat were thrown into panic when a lion suddenly appeared on the temple steps. The incident occurred on the Shatrunjaya hills, a renowned pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees from across the world. As pilgrims slowly ascended the steep stone steps, a lion emerged from the surrounding bushes and began pacing on the main staircase, causing chaos among the crowd. Despite the commotion, some devotees continued chanting prayers, showcasing their faith even in the face of danger. The 11th-century temple complex on Shatrunjaya hills comprises over 3,000 Jain temples, constructed over a span of 900 years. Every year, more than 500,000 pilgrims undertake the strenuous climb to seek blessings at this sacr...
Mumbai BMC Elections: Thackeray Brothers to Announce Alliance at Noon Today, Seat-Sharing Formula Emerges
Gujarat, State

Mumbai BMC Elections: Thackeray Brothers to Announce Alliance at Noon Today, Seat-Sharing Formula Emerges

In a major political development ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce their alliance today. The two cousins, who are coming together after nearly two decades, will address a joint press conference at 12 noon at Hotel Blue Sea in Mumbai. The alliance is expected to significantly alter the political equations not only in Mumbai but also across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Along with the BMC, the Thackeray brothers are likely to contest several other municipal corporation elections together. Seat-Sharing Formula According to sources, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest around 150 seats, while Raj Thackeray’...