Tag: Indian Politics

National

Remembering Indira Gandhi: 41 Years Since the Day That Shook India

Tanisha Cardozo

Forty-one years ago, on this day — October 31, 1984 — India was stunned into silence. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the nation’s first and only woman Prime Minister, was assassinated as she stepped out of her 1, Safdarjung Road residence in New Delhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.

That morning began like any other. Indira Gandhi, known as the “Iron Lady of India,” was preparing for an interview with an Irish television crew led by British actor and filmmaker Peter Ustinov. As she walked along the garden path connecting her Safdarjung Road residence to the adjoining bungalow at 1, Akbar Road, her guards opened fire without warning. More than 30 bullets struck her before nearby security personnel could intervene.

Sonia Gandhi, hearing the commotion, rushed out of her home and found Indira Gandhi lying motionless. She held her in her lap as they sped toward AIIMS Hospital, just three kilometers away. Doctors worked for hours to revive her, performing continuous blood transfusions, but she was declared dead soon after arrival.

The assassins were immediately confronted — Beant Singh was killed on the spot, while Satwant Singh was captured alive, later tried, and executed in 1989.

Indira Gandhi’s assassination came in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, a military operation she had ordered in June 1984 to remove militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, and her killing was seen as an act of revenge.

What followed was one of the darkest chapters in Indian history — violent anti-Sikh riots erupted across the country, especially in Delhi, claiming the lives of over a thousand innocent Sikhs in just a few days.

Indira’s son, Rajiv Gandhi, was sworn in as Prime Minister hours later, as the nation reeled in grief.

Indira Gandhi had been both admired and criticized throughout her career. She led India to victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, strengthened India’s nuclear program, and drove the Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. Her political will, charisma, and leadership defined an era.

On this solemn day, India remembers Indira Gandhi not only for the tragedy that claimed her life but for the indomitable spirit with which she led the nation through war, reform, and change. Her legacy endures — as a symbol of courage, determination, and national pride.

National

PM Modi Unveils ₹100 Coin and Stamp Honouring RSS Centenary; Bharat Mata Features on Currency for First Time

Tanisha Cardozo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the historic centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by unveiling a special ₹100 coin and a commemorative postal stamp in New Delhi. In a moment that blends symbolism with national sentiment, the coin features Bharat Mata seated on a lion in varad mudra, with swayamsevaks bowing before her — the first time Bharat Mata has been depicted on Indian currency since independence.

Speaking at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, PM Modi praised the RSS for its 100-year journey of selfless national service, discipline, and dedication. The commemorative stamp captures a significant historical moment — RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, showcasing their commitment to India’s unity and strength.

Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister spoke with urgency and conviction about emerging demographic challenges to India’s social harmony and security. He stated that infiltrators causing demographic shifts pose a significant threat to India’s internal cohesion. Recalling his recent address from the Red Fort, he reiterated the launch of the “Demographic Mission” to counteract this growing concern.

He emphasized, “Unity in diversity has always been India’s soul. If this strength is broken, India will weaken.” Stressing that the RSS’s foundation on Vijayadashami was no coincidence, PM Modi tied the organization’s origin to the festival’s deep-rooted symbolism — the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness.

The Prime Minister also paid homage to RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, calling him a visionary of national service whose ideals continue to guide generations. “It is the fortune of our generation that we witness the centenary year of the Sangh,” he said, congratulating millions of swayamsevaks for their commitment and sacrifices.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, the RSS was created as a volunteer-led organisation with a focus on cultural awareness, service, discipline, and social responsibility. Over the decades, it has grown into one of India’s most influential and widespread socio-cultural organisations.

The unveiling of the coin and stamp not only commemorates the legacy of the RSS but also reinforces the government’s emphasis on cultural identity, unity, and national service as central themes in the journey ahead. As India reflects on the past century, the message from the Prime Minister was clear: staying alert, united, and committed to the nation’s core values is the need of the hour.

Politics

C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn In as 15th Vice-President of India

Tanisha Cardozo

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, September 12, 2025, in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and several former Vice-Presidents such as Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hamid Ansari, and M. Venkaiah Naidu.

This ceremony marked the first public appearance of Mr. Dhankhar since his resignation in July due to health reasons. Accompanied by his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, he was seated in the front row alongside other prominent leaders. Notably, some attendees expressed concerns over seating arrangements, as Mr. Kharge was placed in the second row while other Opposition floor leaders were placed as far back as the fifth row.

After the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to congratulate Mr. Radhakrishnan, describing him as a “dedicated public servant” and wishing him a successful tenure in service to the nation.

Later in the day, Mr. Radhakrishnan met with floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament. While key parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped the meeting due to short notice, Mr. Radhakrishnan expressed his intention to work inclusively with all parties. He highlighted his own experience as an Opposition leader in Tamil Nadu and underscored the importance of Opposition in a healthy parliamentary democracy. He also reflected on his political lineage, mentioning that his grandfather was aligned with the Left and his uncle with the Congress.

To mark the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, at Sadaiv Atal to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and at Kisan Ghat to former Prime Minister Charan Singh. He also visited Prerna Sthal at Parliament House, where relocated statues from the old Parliament building have been preserved.

At Parliament House, he was received warmly by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody. In a symbolic gesture, he planted a sapling in the Parliament complex, signaling growth, renewal, and commitment to the future.

Mr. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in marks a new chapter in the upper house of Parliament, and his inclusive tone in early interactions sets a hopeful tone for collaborative governance.

Politics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Holds the Longest Tenure

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a historic benchmark by becoming the longest-serving Finance Minister of India. A seasoned economist and senior BJP leader, Sitharaman has held the position of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister since 31 May 2019.

She has now presented eight Union Budgets — a record unmatched in recent Indian history, second only to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. In February 2024, she equaled Desai’s record of six budgets, and by 2025, she surpassed it by delivering her eighth budget. Her legacy also includes being the first person to present a Union Budget in the newly inaugurated Indian Parliament building, adding another historic milestone to her tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s political journey is as remarkable as her policy work. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2016, representing Karnataka, and had earlier served as a member from Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016. On 3 September 2017, she was appointed India’s Defence Minister — making her only the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi, and the first full-time female Defence Minister of the country.

Born on 18 August 1959, Sitharaman has consistently balanced economic prudence with political responsibility. Her long and continuous service in key ministerial roles demonstrates her influence and leadership within the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Her unprecedented run as Finance Minister marks a turning point in India’s political and administrative history, particularly with regard to women’s leadership in top executive roles.

Politics

Raghav Chadha Named ‘Most Stylish Politician’ at HT City Awards 2025 – A Decade of Style and Substance

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment that brought together fashion, finesse, and politics, Raghav Chadha was once again crowned HT City’s Most Stylish Politician — a title he first held exactly a decade ago in 2015.

Known for his modern, minimalist fashion sense paired with a calm, articulate political demeanor, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has remained a standout in Indian public life. At the HT City Awards 2025, held in New Delhi, Chadha’s recognition signaled not just enduring style, but the evolution of a young politician into a mature leader with an eye for detail — both in policy and personal presentation.

In his gracious note, Chadha wrote:

“Thank you, HT City, for honouring me with the ‘Most Stylish Politician’ award — the same title I was fortunate to receive back in 2015. A decade later, grateful to still be considered worthy of the word ‘stylish’.”

The award was part of a glamorous evening that celebrated personalities across entertainment, sports, and public life. But Chadha’s win stood out — reminding many that consistency, elegance, and quiet confidence still make a bold statement in politics.

With a rising youth following and a clean political track record, this decade-long style streak reflects not just fashion — but a larger symbol of staying relevant, real, and relatable in public service.