Patel's Birth Anniversary, Internal Security Pledges and Urban Naxal DebateA debate on National Unity Day highlighted contrasting views between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress regarding national security, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's historical legacy, and the definition of urban Naxals. Dr Vikram Singh highlighted the importance of internal security, the integration of over 600 princely states by Sardar Patel, and the ongoing challenge posed by urban Naxals despite victories over left-wing extremism.
Congress spokesperson Nishant Rawal questioned the scope of the term urban Naxal, arguing that it should not be applied to the political opposition, media, or student protesters, while asserting the Congress heritage of Sardar Patel. In response, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dr Syed Zafar Islam accused the Congress of taking decades to recognise Sardar Patel's contributions and prioritising the Nehru-Gandhi family over him, pointing out delays in conferring the Bharat Ratna.
The panel examined the broader implications of these political claims on historical recognition and national unity.PM Narendra Modi Leads Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations At Ekta Nagar In GujaratIndia marks Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, celebrating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Ekta Parv celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, accompanied by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
Prime Minister Modi reviewed the National Unity Parade featuring flags and contingents of state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces. For the fifth consecutive time, the National Flag Guard contingent was led by women personnel, commanded by Border Security Force Assistant Commandant Dr.
Rudla, the force's first female parachutist officer. Prior to the parade, the Prime Minister inaugurated 31 development projects worth 426 crore rupees aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening infrastructure around the Statue of Unity.
During the event, Prime Minister Modi administered the national unity oath to attendees and the nation, reiterating dedication to preserving the country's unity, integrity, and internal security.Opposition Levels Treason Allegations Against Poll Body Chief as Ruling Party CounterattacksThe opposition alliance staged a mock parliament session, tabling a resolution for the public impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner. Alleging that the poll body facilitated electoral malpractice, the opposition brought forward six primary charges, including criminal conspiracy to influence elections, the unauthorized amendment of Form 6, and the deletion of over 13 crore voters from the electoral rolls.
The resolution further contended that constitutional rights under Article 326 were being threatened, citing actions taken without consulting the other election commissioners and acting under executive instructions. In counter arguments, the ruling party strongly disputed the claims, questioning the vigilance of opposition booth-level agents during the revision exercises.
The ruling party clarified the status of the deleted voter entries, noting that nearly three crore were deceased individuals, while others were shifted or absent voters who were being registered at their updated locations. The ruling party also condemned the symbolic mock proceedings as an inappropriate political spectacle.Sambit Patra: 'Form 6 amend nahi hua', slams Congress over ECI claimsBharatiya Janata Party MP Sambit Patra addressed a press conference countering the Congress party's allegations regarding the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision process.
Explaining the ASDD framework covering absent, shifted, deceased, and duplicate entries, Patra detailed how names were revised to maintain a clean electoral roll. He stated that over 2.8 crore deceased individuals and one crore duplicate voter entries were removed from the rolls, while shifted voters retain the provision to re-enlist via Form 6.
Rejecting claims made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Patra asserted, 'Form 6 amend nahi hua', citing a Supreme Court judgement confirming the inclusion of a declaration rather than an amendment. He questioned the opposition's Booth Level Agents for failing to verify rolls and defended the unanimity of the Election Commission's decisions.