Cong workers protest fuel price hike in Gujarat
Supporters of the Indian National Congress staged an unusual protest in Gujarat by distributing Melody chocolates at petrol pumps to highlight the continuous rise in petrol and diesel prices. The symbolic demonstration drew public attention as Congress workers interacted with commuters and motorists, questioning the government over increasing fuel costs and their impact on common citizens. Party workers said the protest was meant to express public anger over soaring fuel prices, which they claimed were putting pressure on transportation expenses and household budgets. Activists distributed Melody toffees at fuel stations while raising slogans against the government’s fuel pricing policies. The situation later turned tense after police intervened and detained several Congress workers participating in the protest. Authorities stated that the action was taken to maintain law and order and prevent any disruption at petrol pumps. Despite the detentions, Congress leaders defended the campaign, describing it as a peaceful and creative protest aimed at drawing attention to inflation and the rising cost of living. The demonstration has further intensified the political debate over fuel prices, with opposition parties continuing to target the government on economic issues ahead of upcoming elections.
Jain community seeks probe after two Sadhvis death
The Jain community has expressed deep anguish and outrage following the death of two Jain sadhvis in a hit-and-run incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. The tragedy occurred on May 20 near the Collectorate area and has triggered widespread protests, with community members demanding a thorough and impartial investigation along with strict action against the accused. According to reports, three Jain sadhvis were walking as part of their religious journey when a speeding car allegedly struck them before fleeing the spot. Aryika Shri 105 Shrutmati Mataji and Aryika Shri 105 Upashammati Mataji later succumbed to their injuries, while another sadhu remains critically injured and is currently undergoing treatment. Police later apprehended the driver after a chase, but the incident has continued to spark anger and suspicion among members of the Jain community. Demonstrations, silent marches, and protests have been organised in several cities, with many demanding the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a judicial probe into the case. Community leaders have also urged authorities to preserve all CCTV footage related to the incident, invoke stringent legal charges against the accused, and strengthen security arrangements for Jain monks and sadhvis who travel on foot as part of their spiritual practices. Several Jain organisations have questioned whether the crash was purely accidental and have called for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Alongside demands for justice, they have proposed the introduction of a “Sant Security Protocol” aimed at ensuring the safety of religious ascetics during their journeys. The Madhya Pradesh administration has assured appropriate action, while the investigation remains underway. Meanwhile, the Jain community continues to seek justice for the deceased sadhvis and is urging the government to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future, stressing that the safety of Jain monks and sadhvis must remain a priority.
“I don’t believe in that ganda dharm of BJP”: Mamata Banerjee
Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal after an FIR was filed against Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri over remarks she allegedly made during an Eid gathering in Kolkata last year. The complaint accuses Banerjee of hurting religious sentiments after she reportedly referred to the BJP’s version of religion as “ganda dharm” while criticising the party. The complaint was lodged by advocate Rinki Chatterjee Singh at the Siliguri Cyber Police Station. According to the FIR, Banerjee allegedly said, “I do not believe in that ganda dharma of the BJP,” while drawing a contrast between the BJP’s ideology and the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, whom she described as symbols of harmony and inclusiveness. The FIR invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to intentional insult, criminal intimidation, and promoting enmity between communities. The complainant alleged that the remarks offended followers of Sanatan Dharma and could potentially disturb communal harmony in the state. The controversy has further intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal, with BJP leaders accusing Banerjee of insulting Hindu sentiments for political gain. Senior BJP figures, including Suvendu Adhikari, strongly criticised her remarks and demanded action. So far, Banerjee has not issued a detailed response to the FIR. The development has once again brought attention to the increasingly charged political and communal discourse in West Bengal ahead of the next phase of political realignment in the state.
Clashes In Mumbai’s Mira road society over Eid sacrifice
Tensions escalated in Mumbai’s Mira Road area after a dispute broke out over goats being kept inside a housing society ahead of Bakrid celebrations. What began as an argument soon turned into a confrontation between local residents and protesters, forcing police to intervene and restore order. According to reports, some residents objected to the presence of the goats inside the society premises before Eid-ul-Adha, leading to heated exchanges outside the locality. The situation became more sensitive when protesters allegedly brought a pig near the area where the goats were being kept, triggering anger and strong reactions among residents. Videos and photographs from the incident quickly spread across social media, intensifying public reactions and raising concerns about communal harmony in the area. Police teams were deployed to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Security was tightened, officers conducted patrols in the locality, and authorities appealed to the public not to spread or believe rumours circulating online. Officials later stated that the situation had been brought under control, though tensions remained high for some time. Police have launched an investigation to identify those involved and determine how the unrest unfolded. The incident comes just ahead of Bakrid, a period during which law enforcement agencies across several cities remain on alert to prevent communal disturbances and maintain peace.