National

LoP: Close Cong MLAs to CM Are Receiving Preference in Himachal

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

Jairam Thakur, the former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, has criticized Chief Minister Sukhuvinder Singh Sukhu for allegedly favoring MLAs who are close to him while disregarding legislators from the BJP. Speaking to the press on Monday, Thakur expressed that the BJP MLAs, feeling humiliated by the Chief Minister’s approach, have decided to boycott the meetings scheduled for today and tomorrow due to the Congress government’s negative attitude.

Thakur highlighted that the Congress party has been in power in Himachal Pradesh for two years, during which BJP MLAs, especially from the opposition, have traditionally participated in MLA priority meetings. He noted, however, that despite this tradition, the Congress government has failed to initiate the process of creating Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for opposition MLAs in most regions.

He emphasized that if MLAs want to address issues concerning their constituencies, the preparation of DPRs—specifically regarding the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH)—which were prioritized by the opposition, has not yet commenced. With the Congress party’s two-year tenure now complete, Thakur remarked that this would be the third MLA priority meeting, questioning how any progress could be made if DPRs have not yet been formulated.

Thakur stated, “A new trend has emerged in Himachal Pradesh where even finalized DPRs were being presented to the Chief Minister accompanied by a list. Unfortunately, the DPRs for BJP opposition MLAs were being overlooked in this list.” He further pointed out that only Congress MLAs who have close ties to the Chief Minister are receiving priority for scheme approvals, while others are being sidelined. He claimed that when the BJP decided to boycott the meeting, numerous Congress MLAs reached out to express that they too were experiencing similar treatment as the opposition.

Expressing his disappointment, Thakur recalled that when the current Chief Minister was part of the opposition, he held strong views on the significance of legislative institutions and the need for MLA rights. However, he asserted that this respect for the institution has degraded under the current administration.

Thakur noted that even though BJP MLAs have been elected to represent their constituencies, they are compelled to write to the Deputy Commissioner to request funding for their projects, which often go unapproved. He also expressed astonishment that individuals who lost elections are being invited to official meetings and events, such as inaugurating tournaments and participating in school annual functions, while BJP legislators receive no invitations to programs held in their own constituencies.

Claiming that such underhanded politics is unprecedented in the history of Himachal Pradesh, he recalled how former Chief Ministers Virbhadra Singh (Congress) and Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal (BJP) ensured that all MLAs had a proper platform and representation, a practice that is currently lacking in the present government.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.