Delhi CM Kejriwal pushes for free bus and metro rides for Delhi’s women
On June 2, Kejriwal revealed his plan to waive bus and metro fares for Delhi’s women, in order to “encourage” them to use public transport. He clarified that this perk would not be enforced on anyone, that is, those who can afford can pay the fare. He further added that this rule would come into effect “within 2-3 months”.
Tamil Nadu politicians criticise Kasturirangan’s three-language recommendation to the Centre
Politicians in Tamil Nadu have responded adversely to K. Kasturirangan Committee’s three-language proposal to the Centre. The three-language proposal recommends making Hindi a compulsory subject in schools in South India, which has drawn flak from Tamil politicians. Kanimozhi, Kamal Haasan, and S. Ramadoss have expressed their disapproval of the proposed policy, referring to it as an act of imposing Hindi on non-native speakers.
NPP acquires National Party status, becomes first North-eastern party to do so
Meghalaya’s ruling party, National People’s Party (NPP), was declared as a “National Party” by the Election Commission of India on June 7. The party is a recognised political party in four states (Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland), thus fulfilling the basic requirement, defined by the EC, for gaining “National Party” status. The party has chosen the image of a “book” for its election symbol.
Mamata Banerjee sends a veiled warning to BJP while unveiling Vidyasagar’s new bust
On June 11, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee implicitly slammed the ruling party, BJP, at an event held for unveiling Vidyasagar’s new bust. The original bust had been vandalised last month after a fight broke out between TMC and BJP workers during BJP Chief Amit Shah’s rally. Targeting the Saffron Party, Banerjee warned those listening in Delhi, “West Bengal is not a toy. You cannot play with it …”. She also claimed to have “all the documents” to substantiate her accusation of BJP workers being involved in the vandalism act.
Doctors across India go on strike, demand rules for safer working environment
In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, etc., doctors organised a strike in support of their West Bengal counterparts who had been rallying for a safer working environment. The strike was in response to an incident that happened on June 10, where a doctor was seriously beaten up by the relative of a patient whom the former couldn’t save. During the strike, normal operations suffered, but emergencies were still attended to by the doctors.
Minister of State says Centre has received no request related to Kejriwal’s new scheme
On June 27, Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri said that the Centre had not yet received any request from the Delhi Government regarding free bus and metro rides for women in Delhi. Puri has been a strong critic of the proposal since it was first announced, labeling it as a “jumla” of the state government, and had previously bashed the Delhi CM for not holding intense deliberations with the Centre and DMRC before making his announcement.
Blog of Kartikeya Goel 