On Friday, the Kerala unit of the BJP announced a signature drive seeking the Center’s intervention in the management of the Sabarimala temple after the gold theft case. Party leaders in the national capital said that it was the central leadership that had asked the state unit to intensify the attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the issue. The announcement of the Kerala state unit came just days after its president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, briefed senior officers about the outrage over the issue. The campaign, expected to intensify between November 10 and 20, may allay Congress criticism that the BJP is “secretly supporting” Vijayan.
For the first time possible
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NITI Aayog is looking forward to presenting its tableau at the 2026 Republic Day event. If approved, this will be the think tank’s first appearance at the annual parade. The proposed theme is “Samriddhi ka Mantra – Atmanirbhar Bharat (Prosperity Mantra – Self-Reliant India)”. While the Defense Ministry is yet to shortlist the proposal, it has been learned that NITI Aayog was planning to highlight two of its initiatives: the Aspirational Districts Program and the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
Change of heart
The announcement by the Federal Education Ministry late on Friday night of rescinding its decision to change the constitution and composition of the Senate and Syndicate of Punjab University came as a surprise. Earlier this week, the Center stood firmly behind the move. It is learned that several delegations of university students met Higher Education Minister Vineet Joshi this week, and that he listened to their concerns. It is learned that the ministry credits the students with convincing the government to change its mind.
© Indian Express Private Limited
(tags for translation) Sabarimala temple robbery
