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Jhukunga Nahin! Mallikarjun Kharge Fires Back at BJP Over Waqf Land Allegations

April 3, 2025, 12:14 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge initiated a blistering counterattack in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, brushing aside BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s charge of appropriating Waqf land. Drawing upon the popular Pushpa dialogue, Kharge asserted, “Jhukunga nahi!”

Kharge’s robust rebuttal came after Thakur’s allegations a day ago during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Waqf bill. The seasoned Congress leader not only denied the allegations but also called for an apology from the BJP, saying he would not be deterred by unsubstantiated attacks.

“Agar BJP ke log mujhe darakar jhukaana chahte hain, main kabhi nahi jhukunga. Main toot jaaunga but jhukunga nahi. Yaad rakho, main daraane se darrne vaala nahi (If BJP leaders want to scare me into submission, I will never bow down. I may break, but I will never bend. Remember, I am not someone who gets scared by intimidation),” he said.

अगर ये BJP के लोग मुझे डराकर झुकाना चाहते हैं, तो उन्हें याद दिला दूं कि मैं टूट जाऊंगा लेकिन कभी झुकूंगा नहीं !

I rise in deep anguish. My life has always been an open book, full of struggles and battles, but I have always upheld the highest values in public life. After almost… pic.twitter.com/SfykZTnqAY

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 3, 2025

Kharge Calls Allegations a ‘Stain’ on His Career

The Congress leader was deeply outraged by Thakur’s comments, contending that his decades-long political career had been unfairly discredited. He reiterated his commitment to honesty and public service, claiming that after almost 60 years in politics, he did not deserve such an accusation.

“My life has always been an open book. It has been full of struggles and battles. But I have always upheld the highest values in public life. After almost 60 years in politics, I don’t deserve this. Yesterday, completely false and baseless charges were hurled at me in the Lok Sabha by Anurag Thakur. When challenged by my colleagues, he was forced to withdraw his remarks. But the damage has been done,’

‘Prove It or Resign’: Kharge Challenges Thakur

Demanding accountability, Mallikarjun Kharge had appealed to Thakur either to substantiate his charges or resign from parliamentary membership. Kharge went ahead and challenged his BJP counterpart on the latter, also saying that he would resign personally if any incriminating evidence of occupation by him or any of his kin on Waqf land arose.

“He should resign. But if his charges are proved, I will resign…If he proves that even one matter of Waqf land is occupied by me or my children, I will resign. I’m not afraid of these things. I’m the son of a labourer.”

Kharge’s emotive speech has raised the political standoff to a new pitch, paving the way for more heated exchanges in Parliament.

Anurag Thakur: Pakistan ‘Unsafe’ for Champions Trophy 2025

December 6, 2024, 8:54 am

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits a final decision on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, BJP MP and former Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur raised significant concerns about the conditions in Pakistan, the tournament’s host country. He pointed out that the environment there is “not sports-friendly” and “not very safe and secure.”

Hybrid Model for ICC Tournaments

Meanwhile, a breakthrough has emerged regarding the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to reports, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are nearing an in-principle agreement to implement a hybrid model for global tournaments in Pakistan and India until 2027. This model would allow teams to play their matches at neutral venues when tournaments are hosted by the other country.

Thakur’s Concerns on Safety and Security

In light of these developments, Thakur reiterated India’s firm stance on player safety. “India has made it very clear that the safety and security of the players are very important,” he said. He also emphasized that India will not play in Pakistan unless the country addresses terrorism and cross-border activities. He added, “Until they control these issues, India is not willing to play there.” Supporting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he called their decision “right.”

India’s Major Role in Global Cricket

Furthermore, Thakur highlighted India’s immense contribution to international cricket. “India’s contribution at the international level is huge,” he stated. He reminded everyone that India is well-equipped to host major tournaments, referencing the recent successful hosting of the 50-over Cricket World Cup. “Countries across the world love to play in India, and the IPL is the most popular cricket league globally,” he concluded.

Ongoing Discussions and Hybrid Model Conditions

Although sources have confirmed the agreement on the hybrid model, the PCB, which is officially hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not yet made a public statement. Consequently, the decision remains uncertain. It is also unclear whether the hybrid model will apply to both men’s and women’s tournaments.

In the current ICC commercial cycle (2024-2027), three major events are scheduled in India and Pakistan: the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

This agreement reportedly resulted from meetings between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. A formal Board meeting to finalize decisions about the Champions Trophy is scheduled for December 7.

Key Conditions for the Hybrid Model

However, the PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model is contingent on several conditions. One critical condition is that the hybrid model should apply to all ICC events hosted by India and Pakistan at least until 2027. Moreover, the PCB is seeking compensation for any commercial revenue losses if India’s Champions Trophy games are played at neutral venues. If India progresses to the knockout stages, semi-finals and potentially the final could take place outside Pakistan, with the UAE and Sri Lanka as leading candidates for these neutral venues.

To address potential financial losses, the PCB proposed organizing a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another country. As a result, further negotiations are expected, and a final decision is anticipated at the December 7 Board meeting.

Champions Trophy Schedule Uncertain

Initially, the PCB planned to start the Champions Trophy on February 19, 2025, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as the host cities. However, due to ongoing discussions, the ICC has not yet released the tournament schedule. The BCCI informed the ICC last month that it cannot send its team to Pakistan without clearance from the Indian government.

Jay Shah’s Leadership

Meanwhile, Jay Shah, who at 36 became the youngest-ever ICC Chair, has promised a “new era” for global cricket. Shah, who previously served as BCCI Secretary, aims to take cricket to “unprecedented heights.” During his first media statement as ICC Chair, Shah outlined a roadmap for the future of the game.

Speculation continues regarding Shah’s replacement as BCCI Secretary. Since 2022, Shah has served as BCCI’s representative on the ICC Board. Although the BCCI has not yet announced his successor, joint-secretary Devajit Saikia attended ICC meetings in Dubai, suggesting that he could be the new representative.

BJP’s Anurag Thakur Accuses Congress of Anti-India Stand: “Congress Ka Haath, Bharat Virodhiyon Ke Saath”

September 22, 2024, 2:20 pm

BJP MP Anurag Thakur launched a fierce attack on Congress and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, accusing them of aligning with “anti-India” forces. Thakur claimed, “Congress Ka Haath, Bharat Virodhiyon Ke Saath” (Congress’ hand is with anti-Indians), during the statement.

Thakur compared Rahul Gandhi’s conduct with that of National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, alleging that both change their statements depending on whether they are in Delhi or outside India. He stated, “The way Farooq Abdullah changed statements in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi similarly changes his statements when he is abroad. Whenever he goes on foreign trips, he disrespects and insults India by spreading lies.”

Rahul’s comment on the Sikh community

Anurag Thakur further criticized Rahul Gandhi’s past comments on Sikh traditions, such as wearing turbans, kadas, and kirpans, alleging that the Sikh community faced disrespect during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. He mentioned that it was the Modi government that formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to seek justice for the victims.

The BJP leader intensified his attack by referencing the recent statement by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, stating, “It is clear that Congress and Pakistan have similar agendas, thoughts, and targets.” He also accused Rahul Gandhi of being pro-China and pro-Pakistan, alleging that the Congress leader met with anti-India U.S. parliamentarians and Chinese officials, both abroad and in India.

Thakur emphasized that in opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi has begun opposing India itself. “Congress cannot understand that PM Modi is representing India on his U.S. visit. They always join hands with anti-India forces and meet the U.S. MP who has launched an agenda against India. Rahul Gandhi should feel ashamed of it and apologize to the public,” he added.

The sharp criticism from Anurag Thakur comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on the reservation system during his visit to the United States, which has stirred a political debate back home.

Anurag Thakur Slams Congress for Silence on Bangladesh Hindu Atrocities

August 9, 2024, 7:38 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur has criticized Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Congress party for their focus on Gaza while remaining silent about the atrocities against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Thakur highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reminded the interim head of Bangladesh’s government about the importance of ensuring the peace, security, and development of Hindus and other religious minorities in the country.

Thakur stated, “We are all concerned about the recent events in our neighboring country, Bangladesh. Prime Minister Modi not only congratulated the head of the interim government but also stressed the need to protect Hindus and religious minorities there. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have not expressed any concern about the safety of Hindus in their statements.”

Thakur questioned why the Congress party had not addressed minority protection in their congratulatory messages to Bangladesh’s new interim government. He asked why, amidst nationwide concern for Hindus in Bangladesh, the Leader of the Opposition and other opposition members have been reluctant to address the issue.

Thakur further added, “The Congress Party often makes grand statements about Gaza, expressing concern over the situation there, yet they choose to remain silent about the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Why is Congress and Rahul Gandhi so focused on Gaza while ignoring the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh? Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi write extensively about Gaza, but their double standards are clear when they have nothing to say about the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.”

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Professor Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government and emphasized the need to restore normalcy and protect Hindu minorities.

“We hope for a swift return to normalcy and the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared goals of peace, security, and development,” Modi stated in a post on X.

In response to the situation, the central government has formed a five-member committee to monitor the India-Bangladesh border (IBB). The Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that the committee will maintain communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh.

The committee will be chaired by Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Eastern Command. It will also include an Inspector General (IG) from BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal, an IG from BSF Frontier HQ Tripura, a Member of the Planning and Development Division of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), and the Secretary of LPAI.

The political situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with broader anti-government protests following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid student-led demonstrations demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs.

Kangana Ranaut trends on Twitter for sharing morphed picture of Rahul Gandhi

August 4, 2024, 1:25 am

Kangana Ranaut, an actor-turned-MP, recently launched another attack on Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition. On Saturday, she posted a morphed image of him on her Instagram stories, depicting him with a skull cap, turmeric tika, and a cross necklace. This was in response to his recent remarks on the caste census in Parliament. Subsequently, she trended on Twitter for her ‘trolling.’

Accompanying the picture, Kangana wrote, “Jaati jivi jise bina jaati pooche jaati ganana karani hai (He who wishes to hold a caste census without asking anyone’s caste).”

Currently, ‘Kangana’ is trending on Twitter with over 20,000 tweets. Many users criticized her, calling her a ‘troll’ and unfit for Parliament. One tweet read, “This is an appeal to @siddaramaiah, @revanth_anumula and @mkstalin. Kangana Ranaut has shared a shameful below-the-belt morphed image of Rahul Gandhi on Instagram. This is the time she gets dragged to court, just an online FIR won’t do the trick. This is absolutely sick from #KanganaRanaut and she just can’t be left unpunished.”

Shame on Kangana Ranaut ???
What kind of manners your parents gave you.
Please @INCIndia take action.@TeamSaath pic.twitter.com/WW4oIsHE0O

— Mr Yuuto (@MrYuuto7) August 3, 2024

Despite the backlash, some people supported Kangana and encouraged her to continue posting such content.

Previously, Kangana had shared old videos of Rahul Gandhi invoking caste in public meetings on her Instagram stories. She wrote, “Apni jaat ka kuch ata pata nahi, nanu Muslim, dadi Parsi, mummy Christian aur khud aisa lagta hai jaise Pasta ko kadi patte ka tadka lagakar kichadi banane ki koshish ki ho, aur inko sabki jaat pata karni hai. (You know nothing of your own caste, your grandfather is Muslim, grandmother Parsi, mummy Christian and it feels like someone tempered pasta with curry leaves to make rice and lentils, but he wants to know everyone’s caste.)”

She also added, “How can he publicly ask people their caste in such a crude, condescending manner, shame on Rahul Gandhi.”

Rahul Gandhi recently accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of ‘insulting and abusing’ him in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget discussion. Anurag Thakur had stated, “Those whose caste is not known, talk about the caste census,” without naming anyone. He later clarified, “I had said that someone who doesn’t know about caste talks about census. I did not name anyone.”

Rahul Gandhi, who had promised a nationwide caste census if the INDIA bloc came into power, responded, “You can insult me as much as you like but we will pass the caste census in Parliament. Anurag Thakur has abused me and insulted me. But I do not want any apology from him.”

Congress Responds To Anurag Thakur’s Remark On Rahul Gandhi’s Caste

July 30, 2024, 10:15 pm

On Tuesday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized BJP MP Anurag Thakur for allegedly questioning Rahul Gandhi’s caste. She stated that 80% of the country’s population was insulted in Parliament. During the Union Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Thakur remarked about the unknown caste of those advocating for a caste census, which caused an uproar. Thakur later clarified he did not name anyone.

Priyanka’s Statement:
“A socio-economic caste census is the demand of 80% of the people of this country. Today, it was said in Parliament that those whose caste is not known talk about a caste census,” Priyanka said in a Hindi post on X. She questioned if 80% of India’s population would be abused in Parliament and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the situation.

Pawan Khera’s Statement:
Congress’s media and publicity department head Pawan Khera declared that the caste of Rahul Gandhi’s family is “martyrdom.” He criticized the BJP’s mindset, stating, “This mindset can only be of the BJP that such abuses are used for a person who is the son of a family of martyrs. He is told that your caste is not known. We will tell you what his caste is. Rahul Gandhi’s father is a martyr and this family’s caste is martyrdom. This the RSS, the BJP, and Thakur can never understand.”

Rahul Gandhi’s Response:
Rahul Gandhi claimed he was insulted and abused by Thakur. “Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit, and the backward, is abused. I will happily accept these abuses…Anurag Thakur has abused me and insulted me. But I do not want any apology from him,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Anurag Thakur’s Original Remark:
Earlier, Thakur said, “Those whose caste is not known, talk about the caste census. I want to remind the Speaker that in this House itself, a former prime minister RG-1 (Rajiv Gandhi) had opposed reservation for OBCs.”

Support from Akhilesh Yadav:
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, an ally of Rahul Gandhi, also criticized Thakur, questioning how he could ask about Rahul Gandhi’s caste.

WATCH | Rahul Gandhi vs Anurag Thakur Over ‘Caste’ Remark: ‘He Insulted Me’

July 30, 2024, 7:17 pm

On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of “insulting and abusing” him during a Lok Sabha discussion on the Union Budget. Thakur had made a remark suggesting that those whose caste is unknown are discussing the caste census. Gandhi responded, asserting that anyone who raises issues related to Adivasi, Dalit, or backward communities is subjected to abuse.

In his statement, Thakur said, “Those whose caste is not known talk about the caste census. I want to remind the Speaker that in this House, a former prime minister, RG-1, had opposed reservation for OBCs.”

VIDEO | Monsoon Session: “Those whose caste is not known, talks about the caste census. I want to remind the Speaker that in this House itself, a former prime minister RG-1 had opposed reservation for OBCs,” says BJP MP Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) in Lok Sabha.

“You can… pic.twitter.com/MPaFnDECB8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2024

Rahul Gandhi, who had previously pledged to implement a nationwide caste census if the INDIA bloc came to power, reaffirmed his commitment. “You can insult me as much as you like, but we will pass the caste census in Parliament,” Gandhi declared.

Later, Thakur clarified that his comment was not directed at any specific individual. “I had said that someone who doesn’t know about caste talks about the census. I did not name anyone,” he explained.

Gandhi responded by accusing Thakur of both abuse and insult, though he emphasized that he does not seek an apology. “Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit, and backward communities is abused. I will gladly accept these abuses. Anurag Thakur has abused and insulted me, but I do not want any apology from him,” Gandhi added.

The caste census was a central promise of the Congress party in the 2024 general elections. Rahul Gandhi had described the caste census as an “X-ray of India” prior to the elections. “No one knows the number of backwards, Dalits, and tribals in the country. Those who form the largest segments of the population are uncounted. The BJP government does not want caste data. However, we will get an X-ray of India done to determine the population of various caste groups. The country will change once the caste census is completed,” Gandhi had stated.

The BJP accuses the Congress of attempting to divide the country along caste lines.

Congress Seeks Action Against PM Modi’s ‘Factually Incorrect’ Parliament Speech: Writes To Speaker

July 4, 2024, 8:56 pm

On Thursday, the Congress party lodged a formal complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Anurag Thakur for allegedly making “factually incorrect, inaccurate and misleading statements” in Parliament.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore requested the invocation of provisions under direction 115(1) to address the statements made by PM Modi and Thakur. Tagore specifically criticized Thakur’s claim that PM Modi has never taken a holiday, questioning the categorization of election campaigns in terms of leave.

During his response to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, PM Modi criticized Congress’s promise of Rs 8,500 per month to women, noting it was contingent on winning the election and forming a government. Tagore countered this by alleging that PM Modi made misleading statements about Congress’s vote share, stating that their vote share had actually increased in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Telangana.

Addressing PM Modi’s assertion that Congress did not provide bulletproof jackets to the Army, Tagore clarified that there was a shortage, not a complete absence, of jackets, citing that even the police had bulletproof jackets during incidents like the Mumbai attacks. He also highlighted that under Congress rule, India possessed advanced military equipment, including Jaguar, Mig 29, SU-30, and Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Tagore also rebutted Thakur’s claim that Congress failed to equip the Army with arms and fighter jets, listing India’s possession of nuclear bombs and missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Aakash, Nag, Trishul, and BrahMos.

In his letter, Tagore labeled PM Modi’s and Thakur’s statements as “grossly misleading,” urging the Lok Sabha Speaker to take appropriate action to uphold the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

Anurag Thakur Leads Motion Of Thanks Discussion In Lok Sabha Today

July 1, 2024, 11:49 am

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Anurag Thakur will initiate the discussion on the Motion of Thanks for President Droupadi Murmu’s address in Lok Sabha on Monday. The motion will be seconded by first-time MP Bansuri Swaraj. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi initiated the discussion in Rajya Sabha on June 28.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will propose motions on elections to committees in Lok Sabha. Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kirtivardhan Singh, and L Murugan will lay papers on the table in Rajya Sabha, while Arjun Ram Meghwal, Pankaj Chaudhary, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Sukanta Majumdar, and Raj Bhushan Choudhary will do the same in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Both houses of Parliament faced an uproar on Friday over the ongoing National-Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) controversy. No business was conducted in Lok Sabha as the opposition demanded a discussion on alleged NEET irregularities. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s actions in the well of the House drew criticism from ruling MPs and the chairman. The opposition is expected to raise NEET concerns again today in both houses of Parliament.

Parliament Set For Intense Debates Today: NEET And Agnipath Scheme Take Center Stage

July 1, 2024, 7:39 am

As Parliament reconvenes on Monday, July 1, a series of heated debates are expected to unfold. The opposition is set to focus on a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy, the Agnipath initiative, and inflation. Additionally, concerns about unemployment are likely to be raised.

Anurag Thakur to Initiate Motion of Thanks Discussion

In the Lok Sabha, BJP member and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur will initiate the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, with first-term Lok Sabha member Bansuri Swaraj seconding the motion. In the Rajya Sabha, 21 hours have been allocated for the debate, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to reply on Wednesday. The Lok Sabha has set aside 16 hours for the debate, concluding with the Prime Minister’s reply on Tuesday.

NEET-UG Paper Leak Row Dominates Parliamentary Proceedings

The NEET-UG paper leak controversy has significantly impacted parliamentary proceedings. The NEET-UG exam, conducted by the NTA on May 5, saw around 24 lakh candidates appear. The results were announced on June 4, but allegations of question paper leaks in states such as Bihar, along with other irregularities, have sparked significant controversy.

Opposition members of the INDIA bloc forced an adjournment in the Lok Sabha on Friday, demanding a dedicated discussion on the NEET issue. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed vociferous protests, with opposition members, including Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, calling for a discussion on the NEET row.

Incident in Rajya Sabha

Amid the sloganeering in the Rajya Sabha, Congress member Phulo Devi Netam from Chhattisgarh fainted while raising slogans, apparently due to high blood pressure. She was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Opposition members criticized the government for not adjourning the House proceedings and showing a lack of concern for the health of a Rajya Sabha member.

The debates and discussions are expected to be intense, reflecting the critical issues at hand and the opposition’s determination to hold the government accountable.

Who Is Mansukh Mandaviya? The New Sports Minister In Modi 3.0 Cabinet, Replacing Anurag Thakur

June 10, 2024, 11:15 pm

Mansukh Mandaviya was named the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled his third-term cabinet. Mandaviya replaces Anurag Thakur, who previously held the position.

Mandaviya secured a decisive victory in the 2024 General Elections, winning the Porbandar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat by defeating his Congress rival Lalit Vasoya with a margin of 3.83 lakh votes. Besides the sports portfolio, Mandaviya will also oversee the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Who Is Mansukh Mandaviya?

Born on June 1, 1972, in Hanol, Gujarat, Mandaviya’s political career began with his involvement in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP’s student wing. He served as the secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Patilana from 1994 to 1996 and was the Taluka president of BJP’s Patilana unit from 1998 to 2003. Mandaviya was a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from 2002 to 2007 and later chaired the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. from January 2011 to March 2012. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2012 and re-elected in 2018. In 2021, during the COVID-19 crisis, Mandaviya took over the health portfolio, succeeding Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Mandaviya’s Health Ministry Tenure

During the severe second wave of COVID-19, Mandaviya’s ministry was responsible for ramping up the supply of oxygen and medicines and overseeing the vaccination program. In the newly formed government, the health ministry has been assigned to JP Nadda.

Outgoing Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Anurag Thakur, who has represented the Hamirpur constituency in Himachal Pradesh five times, served as the Sports Minister since July 7, 2021. During his tenure, India achieved its best-ever performance at the Tokyo Olympics, winning a record seven medals. Thakur also oversaw the government’s decision to make medal winners in all Khelo India competitions eligible for government jobs, a move aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of nurturing grassroots talent and making sports a viable career option.

Thakur had been optimistic about India’s potential to secure hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games, crediting the country’s improving sporting performance to the Khelo India initiative, which was launched in 2017. Despite his departure, the initiatives and changes implemented during Thakur’s tenure are expected to continue shaping India’s sports landscape.

Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur, Narayan Rane Excluded From Modi 3.0 Cabinet

June 9, 2024, 8:11 pm

BJP leaders and former Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur, and Narayan Rane are not part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third cabinet. Smriti Irani, who was the Women and Child Development Minister in the second term of the Modi government, lost the Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi by over 1.6 lakh votes to Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma.

She had defeated Congress’s Rahul Gandhi in his family bastion five years ago. Anurag Thakur, who held the sports information and broadcasting portfolios, won the general election from Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur but is not included in the Union Cabinet this time. Narayan Rane, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Minister in Modi 2.0, won the Lok Sabha election from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg but has also been excluded from the new cabinet.

Some of the BJP leaders who are part of the Modi 3.0 cabinet include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Mansukh Mandaviya, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, Prahlad Joshi, Kiren Rijiju, CR Paatil, L Murugan, Hardeep Puri, ML Khattar, Shivraj Chouhan, Gajendra Shekhawat, Suresh Gopi, and Jitin Prasada. Leaders from other parties in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) who have been included are HD Kumaraswamy, Jayant Chaudhary, Pratap Jadhav, Ram Mohan Naidu, Sudesh Mahato, and Lallan Singh.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost to Shashi Tharoor in a close contest, is also missing from the new government. However, a majority of the outgoing ministers are set to continue in the Modi 3.0 cabinet.

Anurag Thakur Likely To Be Excluded From ‘Modi 3.0’, Extends ‘Best Wishes’

June 9, 2024, 7:41 pm

Ahead of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, BJP MP-elect Anurag Thakur conveyed his “best wishes” for Modi’s third successive term in office. Modi is scheduled to take oath at 7:15 pm in a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by the swearing-in of his council of ministers.

Thakur, who previously held the Sports portfolio in the Modi-led government, is expected to miss out on a ministerial position this time. Despite not attending the tea meeting at the PM-elect’s residence, Thakur extended his congratulations to Modi and his team, expressing hopes for their successful tenure.

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP MP-elect Anurag Thakur says, “I extend my best wishes and congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his third term and heartiest wishes to all his ministers and may they do a wonderful job and take the country forward in the next 5 years. As far as… pic.twitter.com/CloLEZuy7t

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024

Anurag Thakur, 49, secured victory from Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, defeating Congress candidate Satpal Singh Raizada by a margin of 182,897 votes. This win marks Thakur’s continued representation of the constituency since his initial election in a 2008 by-election, followed by successful campaigns in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009, 2014, and 2019.

Notably, several BJP leaders who served as Union ministers in the previous Modi-led government are also expected to miss out on ministerial berths this time around. This includes prominent figures such as Smriti Irani, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Meenakshi Lekhi, and General (Retired) VK Singh, among others.

“Can Do Roadshow In 47 Degrees…,” Anurag Thakur Takes Dig At Kejriwal

May 29, 2024, 3:11 pm

After the Supreme Court’s Registry refused to accept the request for an urgent hearing of Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for an extension of his interim bail, BJP candidate and Union Minister Anurag Thakur said the Delhi Chief Minister can undertake a roadshow in the national capital’s sweltering 47-degree temperature but is seeking bail on the pretext of ill health.

“He is exposed once again. It is visible to everyone that he can do a roadshow in 47-degree temperatures but asks for bail on the pretext of ill health,” Thakur said.
The Supreme Court’s Registry on Wednesday said that the apex court’s previous order gave Kejriwal the liberty to move the trial court for regular bail.

On May 10, the Supreme Court provided temporary bail to the Delhi Chief Minister until June 1, allowing him to campaign for the Lok Sabha election, with a directive to surrender on June 2.

In the request for a one-time extension, Kejriwal explained his need for medical diagnostic examinations, including a PET-CT Scan. The application highlighted recent medical assessments indicating heightened blood glucose and ketone levels, indicating potential kidney-related issues and damage.

Further, Anurag Thakur lashed out at Congress and said, “They cheated people for seven years. Congress kept giving slogans about eradicating poverty but poverty never got eradicated. Modi ji is a great boon for the poor who have got a Pukka house, electricity connection, LPG cylinder, free food grains and treatment.”
“Congress people insulted Himachal by calling me “Himachal ka chokra”. Today this same “Chokra” works for the people here and also silences the Congress,” he said.

‘140 crore people of India are ‘Modi’s parivaar,’ Smriti Irani slams ‘fodder thief’ over ‘parivaar’ dig

March 5, 2024, 2:08 pm

Union minister Smriti Irani strongly criticized RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and the opposition’s Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc for their “parivaarvad” (dynasty) remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the ‘Namo Yuva Maha Sammelan’ in Nagpur, Irani declared that the 140 crore people of India are Modi’s family, and no one can harm the “Pradhan Sevak” (PM Modi).

She asserted, “…By being ‘pradhan sevak,’ he (PM Modi) worked for the family ‘India’…The fodder thief of INDI alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to tell him that, we are ‘Modi’s parivaar,’ these youths are ‘Modi’s parivaar’…nobody will be able to touch even a hair of that person whose family are 140 crore people of India.”

Irani also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to debate the differences between the 10 years of UPA rule and the Narendra Modi-led union government. She claimed that Rahul Gandhi wouldn’t be able to face even an ordinary BJP worker and guaranteed that he would lose the strength to speak in front of them.

Irani’s remarks came after Lalu Prasad Yadav questioned PM Modi’s Hindu credentials and mocked him for not having a family. PM Modi responded by emphasizing his commitment to non-nepotism and opposing dynastic rule. The BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, added “Modi ka parivar” (Modi’s family) to their social media handles.

Farmers’ Protest: Union Minister Anurag Thakur Affirms Readiness for Dialogue

February 22, 2024, 10:19 am

Underscoring the significance of dialogue in addressing farmers’ concerns, Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed the government’s willingness for discussions, acknowledging farmers as the nation’s ‘Annadatas’ (food providers). Thakur criticized the UPA government, contending that the Modi-led government has allocated more funds for farmers compared to the UPA’s expenditure during its tenure.

Thakur highlighted the government’s initiatives to curb the increase in fertilizer and urea costs for farmers, providing subsidies totaling Rs 3 lakh crore. He spotlighted the introduction of Nano Urea and emphasized that the Modi government has allocated Rs 18 lakh 39 thousand crores for MSP, surpassing the UPA’s spending by more than 3.50 times.

Illustrating with examples, Thakur pointed out that the Modi government allocated more than Rs 55,000 crore for pulses, in contrast to the UPA’s Rs 1936 crore. He continued to critique the UPA, asserting that during their era, farmers lacked respect and adequate funding.

Thakur drew comparisons in spending on oilseeds, wheat, and compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana, underscoring the Modi government’s proactive measures compared to the UPA’s tenure. He stressed the government’s commitment to farmers and the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under Modi’s leadership. Thakur highlighted various schemes and initiatives designed to support farmers and provide financial assistance

Centre approved 340 sports infrastructure projects across India worth Rs 3566.68 cr: Anurag Thakur

December 7, 2023, 5:02 pm

Union Minister Anurag Thakur informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved 340 sports infrastructure projects of various categories in various States and the Union Territories (UTs) across the nation, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, at a total cost of Rs 3566.68 crores. “Whether the government has taken any steps to improve the sports infrastructure in the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh?” was the question Thakur addressed in a written response. Since sports are a state subject, the state governments are in charge of building and maintaining sports infrastructure, according to Thakur. The federal government supports these efforts by filling in important gaps.

However, he further said, that under the “creation and upgradation of Sports Infrastructure” component of the Khelo India Scheme, this Ministry renders financial support for the creation of basic sports infrastructure such as sports complex, synthetic athletic tracks, synthetic hockey fields, synthetic turf football grounds, multipurpose halls and swimming pools along with sports equipment.

“Further, under National Sports Development Funds (NSDF), the government supports various institutions and individuals for the creation and upgradation of Sports facilities across the country. Till date, this Ministry has sanctioned 340 sports infrastructure projects, the total cost of various categories in various States/UTs across the country, including the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh at a total cost of Rs 3,566.68 crores,” added the Minister.

When asked if any new Khelo India Centers (KICs) had been established by the government in Rajasthan, Gujarat, or Madhya Pradesh, the Minister provided data indicating that 820 of the 1,000 KICs that have been notified are currently operational. As of November 30 of this year, 20,489 athletes had received training in these KICs, according to the data.

Goa to host 54th international film festival of India, date announced!

November 6, 2023, 6:00 pm

The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), a globally renowned cinematic event, is set to kick off in Goa on November 20, showcasing a lineup of over 270 films spanning ten days. Anurag Thakur, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, disclosed the festival’s schedule during a curtain raiser event held in the national capital.

Thakur praised the Indian film industry, highlighting its global reach and burgeoning growth, which has positioned India as the fifth-largest entertainment market with a consistent annual growth rate of 20% over the last three years. The festival will begin with a screening of the UK thriller ‘Catching Dust’ and end with a screening of the American biographical sports drama ‘The Featherweight in 2023.

Highlighting the festival’s importance, Thakur announced that acclaimed Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas will be honored with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award. The festival received an impressive 2926 entries from 105 countries, indicating a significant spike in international submissions, particularly in the International Section, which includes premieres from across the globe.

Moreover, Thakur introduced the OTT Awards to acknowledge outstanding content creators in the booming Indian OTT industry, reflecting the sector’s 28% annual growth. The festival will prioritize inclusivity, providing facilities and access for the specially-abled across all venues, catering to various needs such as audio descriptions, sign language, and dubbed content in multiple languages.

The Indian Panorama segment will feature 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films from India, showcasing a diverse selection capturing modern Indian values, chosen from a pool of 239 modern Indian non-feature films.

The festival will also present prestigious awards such as the Golden Peacock and Silver Peacock for Best Film and Best Feature Film – Debut Director, respectively, along with awards for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

In addition, the IFFI Kaleidoscope will exhibit 19 award-winning films from renowned international film festivals, while the ‘Cinema of the World’ section will present a staggering array of 103 films from diverse global cinemas.

Asian Para Games: Anurag Thakur lauds athletes for breaking India’s record medal tally

October 27, 2023, 11:18 am

Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Sports, commended the Indian para-athletes for breaking the previous mark at the Asian Para Games. With two days remaining in the current 4th Asian Para Games, India will be looking to surpass its previous record of 72 medals set in Indonesia by finishing the day with 82 medals overall.

In 2018, India won 72 medals, consisting of 15 gold, 24 silver, and 33 bronze. But this time India has outdone itself in Hangzhou, securing their best-ever medal tally at the games. The historic 73rd medal was clinched by Nithya Sre, as she settled for a bronze medal with a remarkable effort in the women’s singles SH6 event.
“Because there are others beyond the stars. Indian para players have given their best performance this time and have broken the previous record of 73 medals in the Asian Games. The game is still on, new records will be made and will be broken due to the determination of our players,” the Union Minister said in a post on X on Thursday night.

In the ongoing Asian Para Games India’s medal tally of 82 comprises 18 gold, 23 silver, and 41 bronze. India has won 13 bronze medals in Para badminton itself.

Anurag Thakur on ‘Operation Ajay’: “Today India doesn’t ask for help, but offers it”

October 13, 2023, 3:33 pm

Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Friday that the Center has extracted citizens from conflict zones over the past nine years. He added that the government no longer seeks the assistance of other nations in such missions but instead offers it. This came hours after a chartered flight carrying Indian citizens caught up in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas arrived in the capital. As part of “Operation Ajay,” 212 Indian nationals from Israel arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday morning. In the midst of the ongoing offensive in Gaza and in response to the numerous terrorist attacks carried out by the terror group Hamas, the operation to repatriate Indians from Israel was started.

On Friday about the ongoing operation to extract Indians willing to return amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Union minister said, “Whether it was during the Covid-19 pandemic or the Ukraine-Russia conflict or the ‘Arab Spring’ (civilian uprising in Egypt), India has successfully one such mission after another to bring back every single citizen from conflict zones. We have carried out many such missions over the last 9 and a half years. Not just our citizens, we have also rescued foreign nationals from conflict zones as well. Today, India does not ask for help, rather it offers assistance to others.”
Earlier, on Friday, the first batch of Indians from Israel arrived to chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar personally greeted the returning citizens while keeping his hands folded. Additionally, he spoke with students arriving from Israel. The minister assured travelers of the Center’s “unwavering commitment” to every Indian traveling abroad in safety. He continued, “Prime Minister Modi is committed to protecting all Indians living abroad.”

Anurag Thakur unveils ‘Bharat Hain Hum’ animated series trailer

October 11, 2023, 5:42 pm

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur launched the trailer of the enthralling animated series ‘Bharat Hain Hum’ in New Delhi on Wednesday. Speaking about the series, the Union Minister said, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under his vision, it is our humble endeavor to reignite the nation’s memory and ignite gratitude towards these unsung heroes, who deserve our unwavering admiration and respect. We have very few heroes that the country has celebrated, but there are so many unsung heroes who were not given their due credit in our history. Thirty percent of these heroes are women, and these stories will inspire generations to come.”

“We will do a lot more to ensure students and people of our country get to know about these heroes. We will also screen the series in the parliament so that the members can spread the word in their territories,” he added.
Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, co-creators of the series, passionately assert, “We aim to revive tales of patriotism and the relentless pursuit of freedom, paying tribute to remarkable sacrifices. Our goal is to inspire India’s children and youth, fostering pride in our heritage. Animation is the ideal medium to bring these glorious stories to life and bridge the knowledge gap beyond school textbooks. This entertaining, informative series is designed for all Indians, regardless of age.”
“We are delighted to launch ‘Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy – Bharat Hain Hum’ on Prime Video starting on the 15th of October. A unique initiative, the series will introduce our next generation to the numerous heroes who played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and give young viewers in India and across the world a chance to explore our rich history,” said Sushant Sreeram, the Country Director of Prime Video, India. “We would like to congratulate the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the Central Bureau of Communication, and Graphiti Studios for producing this wonderful series. We are excited to be launching the show globally. Customers from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada, and more than 100 countries will be able to watch ‘Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy – Bharat Hain Hum’ on Prime Video. Showcasing local stories that celebrate Indian culture and history was one of the key tenets outlined in the Letter of Engagement between Amazon and MIB, announced earlier this year, and we are glad to take that commitment further with this animated series.”
Launching on Prime Video, Netflix, and Doordarshan, this series is a vital part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, illuminating India’s unsung freedom champions. While celebrated figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, and Subhash Chandra Bose are well-known, this show unveils lesser-recognized yet equally instrumental freedom fighters. Icons such as Rani Abbakka, Tilka Manjhi, Tatya Tope, and more will finally receive their due recognition.
Created by Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, the series comprises 26 episodes in Season 1, each lasting 11 minutes. Premiering on October 15 on Doordarshan, Prime Video, and Netflix in 12 Indian and 7 international languages, it features popular characters Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy from the acclaimed KTB Movie series. Produced by the Central Bureau of Communication and Graphiti Studio, the series highlights the unity of India’s diverse faiths and regional freedom fighters.

Anurag Thakur extends his best wishes to Team India ahead of campaign opener against Australia

October 8, 2023, 2:18 pm

Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Sports, sent his congratulations to the Indian cricket team, which will play Australia on Sunday in the opening match of the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup. Speaking in his home state of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, Thakur expressed his optimism that the men’s cricket team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, will take home the coveted trophy following the rousing performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the Indian delegation recorded its biggest medal haul with 107.

“I want to extend my best wishes to the Indian Cricket team for the ICC World Cup. We are launching our campaign against Australia today. After our success in the Asian Games, I am hopeful that our cricket team will lift the World Cup trophy as well. PM Modi’s vision to encourage sportspersons and the provision of new-age sporting infrastructure for them, combined with the hard work put in by our athletes, got us our best-ever medal haul at the Asian Games,” he added.

With a win-loss record of 83-58 against the hosts, Australia will have a definite advantage going into the exciting World Cup match. The recent 2-1 ODI series victory over the Baggy Greens will give India, the favorite at home, a lot of confidence. Since many players on both teams have competed in the IPL under the same uniforms, they are familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses and will enter the match with optimism and faith. Australia won a closely contested match against India when the two teams last faced off in Chennai in March of this year.

However, Australia is concerned about star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ health, and India is waiting to hear from the team’s doctors about the availability of opener Shubman Gill for the start of their season.

‘The Kingpin is still out’: Union Minister Anurag Thakur takes on AAP following Sanjay Singh’s Arrest

October 5, 2023, 12:08 pm

Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, took potshots at the Aam Admi Party on Thursday. He also went after AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, saying, “People to whom Kejriwal issued a certificate of honesty are in jail.”
Anurag Thalur claimed that Kejriwal was next in line.

“People are laughing at Arvind Kejriwal. They can see the tension on his face. The Deputy CM is in jail, the Health Minister is in jail, they are people who came to the front by raising the slogans of India Against Corruption but are now involved in corruption,” Thakur said.
“The kingpin is still out now. His number will also come. Investigation is underway. All those people to whom Arvind Kejriwal issued a certificate of honesty are in jail for a year”, he added.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal criticised Singh’s detention, saying it revealed the BJP’s uneasiness ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“The arrest of Sanjay Singh is completely illegal. This shows Modi ji’s nervousness. They will arrest many more opposition leaders till the elections” Kejriwal said.
The AAP MP’s arrest triggered sharp reactions from the leaders of the INDIA alliance.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said, “It is not the ED that has arrested Sanjay Singh, he has been arrested by the unit of BJP that comprises ED-IT-CBI. Dark days have begun…In this era of dictatorship, jo dar gaya wo mar gaya. The dictators themselves are scared. This fear will be retaliated against soon”.

The AAP also plans to protest Singh’s arrest outside the BJP headquarters on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear AAP leader Manish Sisodia’s bail application in the liquor policy violations case today.

Shimla Rozgar Mela:Union Minister Anurag Thakur empowers job seekers

September 26, 2023, 1:48 pm

Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs, attended the Shimla Rozgar Mela and gave 110 appointment letters to hopeful job seekers.
Approximately 51,000 employment letters will be given out at the event, which is a part of a nationwide drive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for newly hired personnel in various government agencies.

Thakur said, “In Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, 700 people have been appointed, out of which 600 are from the postal department and the rest are in some banks, some in Central Research Institute (CRI). So you can see for yourself how the Modi government has created the possibility of increasing jobs in the government sector”.
Rozgar Melas are being organized across 46 locations in India to facilitate employment opportunities for the youth.

Anurag Thakur hails passage of the quota Bill: Women can now contribute more significantly to nation-building

September 22, 2023, 10:45 am

Union Minister Anurag praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accomplishing what others couldn’t in thirty years after the women’s reservation bill passed its final legislative hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” passed the legislative test in the Upper House on Thursday with 214 members voting in favor and none voting against, following its passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday with a brute majority.

Stepping out of the new Parliament building after the quota Bill for women was declared to have passed the legislative test with flying colours, Thakur thanked parties across the political aisle for extending their support for this historic piece of legislation.
“I want to thank PM Modi firstly and all political parties that voted for this Bill. PM Modi has accomplished what no other leader or government could in the last 30 years,” Thakur exclaimed.

“We are in the Amrit Kaal. The country is coursing through its golden phase in which women can now contribute more significantly to nation-building. They can also engage more deeply in policy-making and the welfare of the poor. They will now have a bigger and more prominent role to play in taking the country to new heights. The 33-per cent reservation that this Bill provides will ensure their active participation in our legislative processes. Modi-ji has done what nobody could in 30 years. It is not for no reason that people say ‘Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai’ (Nothing is impossible when PM Modi is there),” Thakur said.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die on Thursday following the Rajya Sabha’s passage of the Bill. As each female MP expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the proposed legislation, chants of “Modi Modi” were raised.

Lot could be saved, says Anurag Thakur as praises the benefits of one nation, one election

September 4, 2023, 4:40 pm

Every year, a lot of time is spent in the country to conduct elections, which could be wisely invested in the nation’s development, Union minister Anurag Thakur said on Monday, commenting on the Centre’s prospect of holding simultaneous elections in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipal bodies, and panchayats under the one nation, one election drive.

While highlighting the benefits of such a move, Thakur stated that millions of crores of rupees are spent on elections by competing parties on both sides every year, which might potentially be avoided.

“In elections, a lot of time is consumed every year. If that time is invested mindfully in the development of the nation, then the country will get the benefit. The government and the candidates spend thousands of crores on conducting elections.

“If it happens at the same time, then a lot of money could be saved. All in all, it is for the benefit of the nation. If the opposition has a better solution, they can give it,” the Union minister told the reporters.

Earlier, the Centre announced the formation of an eight-member committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to investigate the feasibility of implementing the one-nation, one-vote campaign.

The Kovind group would investigate the feasibility and method of holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections concurrently. These polls were in place until 1967. Following the statement, the Opposition and the government engaged in a political brawl.

Anurag Singh Thakur congratulates R Praggnanandhaa, the FIDE World Cup 2023 runner-up

September 1, 2023, 12:11 pm

The International Chess Federation FIDE World Cup 2023 runner-up, R Praggnanandhaa, and his parents were honored by Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Friday for their remarkable play in the World Cup in New Delhi.

Praggnanandhaa expressed his gratitude for the wishes he has received and claimed that it inspires him to put in more effort.

Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Sports, praised Praggnanandhaa for bringing honor to India during the ceremony.
Anurag Thakur heard saying, I’m happy for him. He has boosted India’s pride. He accomplished what others could not at the age of 16. He serves as an inspiration for many young people to play chess. Chess originated in India, but it took hundreds of years for the nation to host a Chess Olympiad, which was done well.

Centre announces 10K e-buses, subsidized loans for craftsmen, here’s key points

August 16, 2023, 4:48 pm

Union minister Anurag Thakur stated at a press conference following the Union cabinet meeting that the cabinet has approved the PM e-bus seva to boost green mobility. He stated that the plan has been given 57,613 cores.

Here’s the key points of briefing:

Thakur stated on the PM e-bus Seva initiative that 100 cities will be picked through a challenge mechanism out of 169 cities.
Explaining the new scheme further, he stated, “Out of 57,613 crores, the Central government will provide 20,000 crores.” The initiative would apply to cities having populations of three lakh or more. This proposal will implement municipal bus operations with 10,000 e-buses using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach. This program will support bus operations for the next ten years.”
Union railways, communications, electronics, and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during the brief that the cabinet also approved the Vishwakarma Yojana scheme.
The PM Vishwakarma initiative will encourage ancient skills such as pottery, blacksmithing, masonry, tailoring, and boat building that have been passed down through generations.
The Vishwakarma Yojana is anticipated to assist 30 lakh families of artisans. According to Vaishnaw, the 13,000 crore scheme will allow craftsmen to receive subsidized loans of up to 2 lakh.
“There are two types of skill program under the scheme and a stipend of ₹500 will be given to those who are taking benefit of the scheme and to buy modern tools, Rs. 15,000 in mode of support will be given. And loans up to Rs. 1,00,000 to the beneficiaries of the Vishwakarma scheme,” said Vaishnaw.

‘Violence and corruption new normal in Bengal’: Anurag Thakur slams Mamata

June 12, 2023, 2:54 pm

Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur hit out at the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress for the increase in violence ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections in the state.According to Thakur, violence and corruption are the new normal in West Bengal. “Violence and corruption are the new normal in Bengal. Violence has increased ahead of the upcoming Panchayat Elections. Bengal is known for ‘cash for the job,” said Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

“During UPA there was so much corruption but today in PM Narendra Modi’s government there is no corruption,” he added.The West Bengal panchayat elections will be held in a single phase on July 8. The counting of votes will be done on July 11.Earlier the West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government was creating an atmosphere of fear in West Bengal in the run-up to the panchayat polls.