National

Controversy Surrounds Absence of Original RS Images in Updated Constitution Editions

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding a new edition of the Constitution of India that lacks 22 illustrations present in the original version. However, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reassured upper house members that any amendments to the Indian Constitution can only be made by Parliament with the President’s consent.
He stated, “I must be clear that the Constitution signed by the Founding Fathers, which includes 22 miniatures, is the only authentic version. Amendments can be made by Parliament alone, and any changes made by the judiciary or other institutions are unacceptable to this House.”During Zero Hour, BJP Member Radha Mohan Das Agrawal raised concerns about the exclusion of 22 illustrations, including depictions of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and King Vikramaditya, claiming these changes were unconstitutional.
Chairman Dhankhar urged the leader of the House to ensure that only the authentic version of the Indian Constitution is presented, emphasizing that any deviation should be taken seriously and addressed by the government. “The Constitution, as signed by the founding fathers and featuring 22 miniatures, is the only authentic one,” he reiterated.

Agrawal pointed out that updated copies of the Constitution on MPs’ computers included the previously mentioned illustrations, which ignited the controversy. He expressed his gratitude to the government, to which Chairman Dhankhar responded positively.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, countered Agrawal’s claims, asserting that he had never encountered the illustrations the BJP MP referenced and accusing him of misrepresenting the Constitution, which he believed disrespected B.R. Ambedkar, one of the Constitution’s framers. Subsequently, Congress members staged a walkout from the session.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda criticized the Opposition during the uproar over the illustrations, questioning why Congress was so troubled by the issue. He accused them of having a “hidden agenda” to distance future generations from India’s cultural heritage and values, pledging that the government would make the original Constitution available, prioritizing Constitutional sentiments. He took issue with Kharge’s comments, requesting that they be expunged from the records.

Outside Parliament, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari claimed that the government had “conspired to change the Constitution and its copies distributed to MPs.” He expressed concern that the government had disrespected B.R. Ambedkar, stating that the INDIA bloc parties were committed to preserving the Constitution and protecting Ambedkar’s legacy, which led to their walkout.

NCP (SP) lawmaker Fauzia Khan echoed these sentiments, alleging that the government intended to alter the Constitution and referred to the Opposition’s accusations regarding the distribution of modified copies. “The BJP’s double standards are apparent—while they discredit the Constitution at every turn, they simultaneously position themselves as its protectors,” she declared. She vowed that the INDIA bloc leaders would oppose any such disrespect towards the Constitution or B.R. Ambedkar.

Related Topics:bjp Radha Mohan Rajya Sabha

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National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.