National
PM Modi: Congress’s Political Approach Centers on ‘Family First’ in Rajya Sabha
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the nation for re-electing the BJP-led NDA government for a third term. “The people of India have tested our agenda for progress and witnessed our fulfillment of promises. We have consistently worked under the banner of ‘Nation First,’” Modi emphasized.
In a pointed remark aimed at the Congress, he cautioned against expecting the party to grasp the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “Much has been said here about ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ yet I fail to see why it concerns others so deeply. It is a shared responsibility, and the Indian populace has entrusted us with that duty. However, it would be a grave error to think that Congress can comprehend this principle, as the party is solely devoted to one family. Hence, embracing ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is simply beyond them,” Modi argued.
He reiterated, “‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is a collective responsibility. That’s why the country has offered us all a chance to occupy these seats.”
Criticizing the previous Congress administrations, he remarked that for five to six decades, there was no alternative governance model for the country. “Since 2014, India has embraced a new model of governance, one that prioritizes satisfaction over appeasement,” he declared.
Modi further accused Congress of harbored animosity towards BR Ambedkar, claiming that they only raise the slogan of ‘Jai Bhim’ out of obligation. He alleged that the party took numerous measures to defeat Ambedkar in elections, driven by their “hatred” for him, and highlighted their failure to award him the Bharat Ratna.
“It is well-documented how deeply rooted Congress’s disdain was for Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. They attempted to thwart his electoral success in 1952 and 1954 because they found discomfort in his words. They never deemed him fit for the Bharat Ratna. Now, under compulsion, they announce ‘Jai Bhim’. Congress is astutely adept at changing its colors, as is clearly visible,” Modi added.
He also accused Congress of destabilizing democratically elected governments while in power. “The current state of Congress stems from their neglect to better their position and their continuous efforts to hinder others’ progress,” Modi claimed.
“Congress has historically destabilized governments, maintaining their motto of ‘Dusre ki lakeer chhoti karo’ (to limit others). Why does the country’s once-great party, intertwined with the freedom struggle, find itself in such disarray? If they focused on extending their own reach, perhaps they’d eventually earn the chance to sit on the ruling side of the Parliament,” he stated.
Modi asserted that there are ongoing attempts to sow “caste poison” in society. “For years, OBC MPs from across the political spectrum have sought constitutional status for the OBC Panel, a demand Congress has consistently ignored because it conflicts with their political interests. However, we have conferred constitutional status upon this panel,” Modi announced.
Criticizing the imposition of the Emergency as an act meant to appease the Congress’s royal family, Modi recalled how freedom of expression was suppressed and how actors, singers, and poets faced persecution for their refusal to support the government during that dark era. He recounted specific cases, like the targeting of singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni.
The Prime Minister further condemned Jawaharlal Nehru’s government for placing restrictions on the media while professing a commitment to democracy. Citing the plight of MPs like George Fernandes, who were handcuffed during the Emergency, Modi lamented how the Congress government effectively imprisoned the nation to satisfy its aristocratic ambitions.
To lighten the mood in the House, Modi resorted to poetry, responding to the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who expressed a newfound interest in poetic exchanges. He recited: “Tamasha karne walon ka kya khabar, humney kitne tufano ko par kar diya jalaya hai,” (Those engaged in theatrics don’t realize the sacrifices we’ve made to ignite the lamp).
Furthermore, he echoed the sentiments of poet Neeraj, stating, “Hai bahut andhiara, ab suraj nikalna chahiye, jis tarah se bhi ho, yeh mausam badalna chahiye,” (The sun must rise to dispel the darkness, the weather should change for the better).
National
11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake
Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.
According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.
They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.
The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.
The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.
READ MORE:Saif Ali Khan Turns 56: A Look at His Simple Diet Plan
In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.
The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.
National
Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express
Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.
The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.
The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.
When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.
The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.
After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.
In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.
Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.
The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.
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The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.
This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.
National
West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links
Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.
The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.
Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.
According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.
Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.
Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.
During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.
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Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.
The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.
The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.
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