National

The Lingering Shadow of Emergency in Indian Politics

Published

1 year ago

March 22, 2025

The repercussions of the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 continue to influence Indian politics even today, nearly fifty years later. This haunting legacy resurfaced in the Rajasthan Assembly last Friday during the discussion of the Rajasthan Ke Loktantra Senani Samman Bill 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to confer official status to the benefits of pensions, medical care, and complimentary travel for those who were incarcerated under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and the Defense of India Rules (DIR) during the Emergency.

Throughout the debate, members of the ruling BJP shared personal accounts or anecdotes of suffering from that tumultuous period. In contrast, opposition Congress MLAs contended that the Bill rewarded lawbreakers and criticized the focus on historical events from fifty years ago rather than addressing urgent contemporary issues.

BJP legislator Tara Chand Jain kicked off the discussion, characterizing the Emergency as a time marked by injustice and cruelty, where individuals were often imprisoned for minor infractions. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Joga Ram Patel, supported the Bill, asserting that the Loktantra Senanis were not incarcerated due to their own misdeeds but for their struggle in service of the nation. He further accused the Congress party, noting, “Those purporting to honor the Constitution should not forget that Indira Gandhi disregarded the Allahabad High Court’s ruling.”

Government Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg, who was himself imprisoned during the Emergency, rebuked opposition members for attempting to rationalize the excesses of the time. He recounted instances of arbitrary detainment, including an 83-year-old veteran and a mere 13-year-old child, and claimed that simply chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” was considered a crime, with many magistrates delaying or avoiding hearings altogether.

In contrast, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully played down the severity of the Emergency, stating, “If the situation had been as grave as portrayed, Indira Gandhi would not have returned to power in 1980 with a significant majority.” He also highlighted Gandhi’s achievements, including the withdrawal of the US 7th Fleet, the surrender of 92,000 Pakistani soldiers, and India’s inaugural nuclear test in Pokhran.

Ultimately, the Bill was passed via a voice vote, formalizing pension provisions for Loktantra Senanis, who currently receive a monthly pension of Rs 20,000, Rs 4,000 for medical treatment, and complimentary travel on state-run buses. This pension was first instituted in 2008 under the BJP-led government of Vasundhara Raje but was terminated in 2009 when Congress leader Ashok Gehlot assumed power. The BJP reinstated the scheme in 2016, only for it to be discontinued once again in 2019 after the Congress returned to power. With the enactment of this Bill, the pension scheme can no longer be abruptly retracted by the sitting government.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 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.