Name: Uttar Pradesh: BSP MP Sangeeta Azad joins BJP
Uploaded: 2024-03-18T19:28:28.000+05:30
Duration: T00M25S
Channel: PTI
Description: Lawyer Seema Kushwaha, who has been associated with legal cases involving women victims, also joined the party.

Sharing data on tourists, the Ministry of Tourism said the sector created 76.17 million (direct and indirect) jobs in 2022–2023, compared to 69.56 million in 2013–2014.

Culture ministry plans 'Kalagram' to showcase India's heritage at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj

Sharing data on tourists, the Ministry of Tourism said the sector created 76.17 million (direct and indirect) jobs in 2022&ndash;2023, compared to 69.56 million in 2013&ndash;2014.

The Ministry of Culture has planned to set up and run a cultural village &mdash; &lsquo;Kalagram&rsquo; &mdash; in Prayagraj to showcase the rich, spiritual and cultural heritage of the country during the upcoming Maha Kumbh in the holy city, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday.
The Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
Interacting with media persons at his residence here, Shekhawat, who holds the culture and tourism portfolios, said the Ministry of Culture aims to set up and run a cultural village &mdash; &lsquo;Kalagram&rsquo; &mdash; in Prayagraj for which an area measuring 10.24 acres has been allocated at Nagvasuki.
&ldquo;A Ganga Pandal with a capacity of 10,000 people will be set up by the Mela authority where celebrity performances would be held,&rdquo; the ministry said in a statement.
Three stage pandals with a 4,000 audience capacity each at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil as well as a 1,000-capacity amphitheatre at Kalagram will showcase the emerging Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees, National School of Drama productions, and Zonal Cultural Centre ensembles, it said.
Besides, 20 stages will be constructed throughout the city which will be equally distributed between the culture department of Uttar Pradesh government and the Ministry of Culture.
Sharing data on tourists, the Ministry of Tourism said the sector created 76.17 million (direct and indirect) jobs in 2022&ndash;2023, compared to 69.56 million in 2013&ndash;2014.
In 2023, foreign exchange earnings from tourism were USD 28.07 billion as compared to USD 19.69 billion in 2014, registering a growth of 42.53 per cent, it said.
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2023 increased to 95 lakh as compared to 77 lakh in 2014, registering a growth of 23.96 per cent.
Also, India saw 250 crore domestic tourist visits in 2023, an increase of 95.64 per cent from 123 crore in 2014, it said.
India&rsquo;s ranking in the global Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) improved significantly from 65th in 2014 to 39th in 2024.
In 2022, India ranked 6th globally in terms of tourism&rsquo;s contribution to national GDP.
Highlighting a series of &ldquo;achievements&rdquo; and ongoing initiatives taken by the ministries of culture and tourism, Shekhawat said the more than 10-year tenure of the Narendra Modi government has been driven by a &ldquo;steadfast commitment to realising the vision of &lsquo;Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas&rsquo; and &lsquo;Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi&rsquo;.
The minister also said that under the leadership of Modi, &ldquo;revolutionary reforms&rdquo; have taken place in the fields of culture and tourism, &ldquo;benefiting Indians not only socio-economically, but also intellectually&rdquo;. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

UP Government, led by CM Yogi Adityanath ji, laid the foundation for a ₹5,500 crore IKEA store in Noida, creating 9,000+ jobs and contributing 9.2% to the state’s GDP. This project highlights UP’s growth as a top destination for global investors.

UP Govt Lays Foundation for IKEA Store in Noida

CM Yogi Adityanath ji’s leadership led to the foundation of a ₹5,500 crore IKEA store in Noida, creating over 9,000 jobs and boosting the state's economy, reflecting Uttar Pradesh's growth as a top investment destination.

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HI;">The UP Government, under CM Yogi Adityanath, laid the foundation for a ₹5,500 crore IKEA store in Noida. This project will create over 9,000 jobs and contribute 9.2% to the state&rsquo;s GDP, reflecting UP&rsquo;s growth as a top destination for global investors

The Uttar Pradesh Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, has taken a significant step towards economic development with the virtual foundation-laying ceremony of the new IKEA store in Noida.
The project, part of a larger investment by the INKA Group worth ₹5,500 crore, is expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 9,000 people.
With this initiative, Uttar Pradesh continues to strengthen its position as a hub for global investors. Over the past seven years, CM Yogi Adityanath has led the state through remarkable economic reforms, creating an environment that fosters business growth and invites global partnerships.
The IKEA store will not only provide a retail space but also house offices, a hotel, and a shopping center, adding further value to the project.
This investment is a testament to the state's robust legal infrastructure and ease of doing business, which have made Uttar Pradesh a top destination for both national and international investors. The economic impact of this project is significant, as it will contribute 9.2% to the state&rsquo;s GDP and open doors to further industrial development.&nbsp;
UP, under CM Yogi Adityanath's leadership, is on a fast track towards becoming a major economic powerhouse, ensuring job creation and boosting the state&rsquo;s industrial growth. This development reflects the state's commitment to modern urban infrastructure and a brighter future for its youth.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh/up-govt-inaugurates-73rd-all-india-police-wrestling-cluster-1725948592295">UP govt inaugurates 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster</a>

The UP Government, under CM Yogi Adityanath ji, inaugurated the 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster Programme, promoting fitness and discipline among police forces. Over 500 wrestlers from across India are participating in this national event.

UP Govt Launches 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster under CM Yogi Adityanath

Under CM Yogi Adityanath ji’s leadership, the UP Government launched the 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster Programme, bringing together over 500 wrestlers from police forces across India to promote fitness, discipline, and national unity.

In a move to promote physical fitness and national pride, the UP Government, led by CM Yogi Adityanath ji, inaugurated the 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster Programme.&nbsp;

In a significant move to promote physical fitness, discipline, and national pride, the Uttar Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated the 73rd All India Police Wrestling Cluster Programme. This initiative underscores the state&rsquo;s commitment to fostering sportsmanship and a robust national identity through wrestling and other physical activities.
The programme, held under CM Yogi Adityanath's visionary guidance, brings together police forces from across India to showcase their physical prowess and competitive spirit. This gathering is not just about competition but also about building a stronger, healthier nation. The event has been a grand success, attracting participation from various state and central police forces, with over 500 wrestlers competing.
CM Yogi Adityanath&rsquo;s government has always placed a strong emphasis on promoting fitness and discipline among the police force, recognizing the importance of a healthy body in serving the country. The programme's success is a testament to his administration&rsquo;s dedication to nurturing a culture of excellence, both in terms of physical fitness and professional development.
The UP Government, with its strategic initiatives, continues to lead by example, setting new benchmarks for states across the country in sports and national pride.

The loco pilot heard the sound of a blast before the derailment, an official told reporters. The railway's technical team will investigate the cause of the accident.

3 dead, 33 injured as Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derails in UP

The loco pilot heard the sound of a blast before the derailment, an official told reporters. The railway's technical team will investigate the cause of the accident.

Three passengers were killed and 33 injured when eight coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, an official said.
Ambulances and medical teams were rushed to the spot between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations, about 150 km from the state capital, as news of the derailment came in.
The loco pilot heard the "sound of a blast" before the derailment, an official told reporters. But he did not elaborate.
The dead were identified as Saroj Kumar Singh (31), a resident of Araria in Bihar, Rahul (38) from Chandigarh and one unidentified person, a list released by the Relief Commissioner's office later in the night said.
Bad weather affected the rescue operation for a while, but police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) completed the task.
Even before the relief teams arrived, passengers in the Assam-bound train had begun pouring out of the toppled coaches.
Some of them went back again to pull out their luggage. They then sat near the tracks, waiting as rescuers arrived.
"For a moment the coach was filled with dust and it was all dark. I don't remember what happened in the next few seconds. I only remember the cries and that a passenger pulled my hand, and helped me get out of the window," Sandeep Kumar recalled.
Dileep Singh, who was travelling up to Chhapra in Bihar, had climbed on to an upper berth for an afternoon nap when the accident took place at about 2.35 pm. He was thrown on to the berth on the opposite side.
A 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances reached the spot and more medical teams and ambulances were being sent, Relief Commissioner Kumar said during the initial stage of the relief operation.
"Train number 15904 Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express that left Wednesday night from Chandigarh derailed near Gonda Junction station between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations at around 2.37 pm on Thursday under the jurisdiction of North Eastern Railway (NER)," Sabyasachi De, a spokesperson said.
Union minister and local MP Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the accident spot.
"Since this train was going to Dibrugarh from Chandigarh, a special train has left from Gorakhpur to carry the passengers to their destination. The train will stop at Mankapur railway station, and buses have been arranged to take passengers to the railway station," Singh told PTI.
He said the railway's technical team will investigate the cause of the accident.
The Railway Ministry said a high level inquiry has been ordered, apart from the probe by the Commission of Railway Safety.
The ministry said an enhanced ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the relatives of those killed. The grievously injured passengers will get Rs 2.5 lakh and those with minor injuries Rs 50,000.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the local administration to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
The authorities released several helpline numbers, including 8957400965 (Gonda) and 8957409292 (Lucknow) and 9957555960 (Dibrugarh).&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, a man was bitten by snake seven times in 40 days. Chief Medical Officer called it a strange case and is investigating it. 

UP: Man bitten by snake 7 times in 40 days says he won't survive the ninth attack

In Uttar Pradesh, a man was bitten by snake seven times in 40 days. Chief Medical Officer called it a strange case and is investigating it.&nbsp;

In just a span of 40 days, a 24-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur was allegedly bitten by a snake for the seventh time. The man is identified as Vikas Dubey and he is allegedly being bitten by snake on Saturdays.
Dubey's mother said that her son claims that the snake will bite Dubey nine times. Dubey further told his family that he won't be able to survive the ninth attack.&nbsp;
Dubey's family said that these repeated snake bites have left them in a financial predicament, prompting to seek assistance from local authorities. Dubey also asked for Ayushman Card from the government.
As this news came to light, the chief medical officer Rajiv Narayan Giri said,"The victim came to the Collectorate and cried that he had spent a lot of money to cure the snake bite and now he requested financial help from the authorities. I advised him to visit a government-run hospital where he could get anti-snake venom free of cost."
Giri further called this case very strange. He said, "We still need to figure out if it is actually a snake that's biting him. We also need to see the competence of the doctor who is treating him. A person being bitten by a snake every Saturday and that person being admitted to the same hospital every time, and recovering in just one day seems strange."
The Chief Medical Officer said that they have formed a three-doctor team to investigate this case.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/bihar/bihar-dead-snake-found-in-mess-food-several-students-hospitalised-1718606870119">Bihar: dead snake found in mess food, several students hospitalised</a>

District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi said prima facie the bus, which was on its way to Delhi from Bihar, was speeding and hit the milk tanker from behind.

18 killed, 19 injured in bus-tanker crash on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi said prima facie the bus, which was on its way to Delhi from Bihar, was speeding and hit the milk tanker from behind.

Eighteen people died and 19 were injured when a double-decker sleeper bus hit a milk tanker on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway here on Wednesday, police said.
The accident took place around 5 am near Jojikot village in Behta Mujhawar police station area.
District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi said prima facie the bus, which was on its way to Delhi from Bihar, was speeding and hit the milk tanker from behind.
Eighteen people died and 19 were injured in the accident. A probe has been launched into the matter, he said.
Bangarmau Circle Officer (CO) Arvind Kumar said due to the impact of the collision, both the bus and milk tanker overturned. Drivers of the two vehicles were among the dead.
He said the injured were rushed to a hospital and their condition was stated to be stable.
Police are trying to identify the victims.

The SIT recorded 119 statements and submitted a report on Tuesday stating that the committee that organised the 'satsang' was responsible for inviting more people than permitted.

Hathras stampede: SDM among 6 officials suspended

The SIT recorded 119 statements and submitted a report on Tuesday stating that the committee that organised the 'satsang' was responsible for inviting more people than permitted.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the stampede in Hathras recommended action against six officials for negligence in performing their duties, following which they have been suspended from their services.
The local SDM, CO, Tehsildar, Inspector, and Chowki in charge have been held responsible for negligence in performing their duties.
The suspended officials include Sub- the District Magistrate of Sikandrarao, the Police Circle Officer of Sikandrarao, the Station Officer of Sikandrarao, the Tehsildar of Sikandrarao, Chowki Incharge of Kachora, and Chowki Incharge of Pora.
The investigation committee also found the program organizer and tehsil-level police and administration guilty.
The SIT probing the stampede mishap recorded 119 statements and submitted a report on Tuesday stating that the committee that organized the 'Satsang' was responsible for inviting more people than permitted.
The program was not taken seriously by the said officials, and senior officials were not even informed, following which the SIT recommended action against the concerned officials.
As per the report, the Sub-district Magistrate of Sikandrarao granted permission for the event without inspecting the venue and did not inform senior officials.

The principal, Parul Solomon, filed a police complaint alleging that another person appointed in her place was then asked to take over.

Principal forcibly removed from office in Prayagraj school | Watch

The principal, Parul Solomon, filed a police complaint alleging that another person appointed in her place was then asked to take over.

The principal of a school in Prayagraj was forcibly removed from her office, a video of which has gone viral on social media.
The principal, Parul Solomon, filed a police complaint alleging that another person appointed in her place was then asked to take over.
According to the Indian Express, Solomon was reportedly removed from her post four month ago after the allegations of UPPSC exam paper leak surfaced.&nbsp;
One person was arrested in connection with the alleged paper leak.

Congress blames the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for the tragedy that killed 121 people.

Rahul Gandhi reaches Aligarh, meets kin of Hathras stampede victims

 Congress blames the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for the tragedy that killed 121 people. 

Congress blames the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for the tragedy that killed 121 people.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday met here the family members of those who lost their lives in the stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, according to Congress leaders.
Gandhi left from Delhi on Friday early morning by road for Hathras and was accompanied by state Congress chief Ajay Rai, state Congress in-charge Avinash Pande, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate and other office bearers.
The senior Congress leader landed in Pilakhna village in Aligarh around 7.15 am after he left by road from Delhi. Later, Gandhi is scheduled to meet families of the stampede victims in Hathras's Vibhav Nagar area.
According to police, of the 121 people who died due to the stampede on July 2, 17 were from Aligarh and 19 were from Hathras.
"Rahul ji left for Hathras from Delhi at around 5.10 am (on Friday)," Rai told PTI.
Elaborating the senior Congress MP's schedule for the day, Rai said, "Rahul Gandhi will make a condolence visit to the family of the victims of the Hathras tragedy at Pilakhna in Aligarh. Later, he will meet the families of the victims at Green Park and Vibhav Nagar near Navipur Khurd in Hathras." Rai had on Thursday told PTI that Gandhi will meet the family members of the victims of the Hathras stampede tragedy, which claimed the lives of 121 people at a religious gathering.
He had blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for the incident.
"The incident of Hathras is a failure of the UP government... Yesterday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Hathras and later Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also went there. But they did not go together; this shows the infighting," Rai had said, while addressing the media at the state party headquarters here.
He had also reiterated the demand of the Congress for compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of those who were killed in the stampede and Rs 25 lakh to the injured.
"We also want a judicial inquiry into the incident to be conducted by a sitting judge of the high court, not a retired judge," Rai had said.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday formed a three-member judicial commission headed by a retired High Court judge to probe the Hathras tragedy, looking also into the possibility that a conspiracy was behind the stampede.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/jharkhand/hemant-soren-takes-oath-as-13th-chief-minister-of-jharkhand-1720097411286">Hemant Soren takes oath as 13th chief minister of Jharkhand</a>

In a press briefing, Aligarh Inspector General of Police Shalabh Mathur said that all of the arrested are members of the organising committee and worked as 'sevadars'.

Hathras stampede: UP Police arrest six 'sevadars', ₹1 lakh bounty on main accused 

In a press briefing, Aligarh Inspector General of Police Shalabh Mathur said that all of the arrested are members of the organising committee and worked as 'sevadars'.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on the 4th of July announced that they have arrested six people, including two women, in connection with the Hathras stampede that killed 121 people.
This is the first arrest in the tragedy that took place on the 2nd of July.
In a press briefing, Aligarh Inspector General of Police Shalabh Mathur said that all of the arrested are members of the organising committee and worked as 'sevadars'.
"Six people including four men and two women have been arrested in the incident. They all are members of the organising committee and worked as 'Sevadars'."
The top cop further said that after the stampede, all of the members of the organising committee and preacher Bhole Baba fled the spot, leaving the people, mostly women and children, at the lurch.
Mathur said that the police will issue a non-bailable warrant against chief sevadar Devprakash Madhukar and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh.
Mathur said that the bodies of all victims of the Hathras stampede have been identified and handed over to their families.&nbsp;

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Lawyer Seema Kushwaha, who has been associated with legal cases involving women victims, also joined the party.

Uttar Pradesh: BSP MP Sangeeta Azad joins BJP

Lawyer Seema Kushwaha, who has been associated with legal cases involving women victims, also joined the party.

BSP MP Sangeeta Azad, who represents Lalganj seat from Uttar Pradesh in the outgoing Lok Sabha, joined the BJP on Monday in the presence of several senior leaders of the ruling party.
The Dalit leader was inducted into the BJP by its national general secretary Vinod Tawde, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and state BJP president Bhupendra Singh.
Lawyer Seema Kushwaha, who has been associated with legal cases involving women victims, also joined the party.
Tawde said the BJP will give Azad full opportunity to make her contribution.

The parliamentarian was booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, (theft of power or unauthorised use of electricity).

FIR against Samajwadi Party’s Sambhal MP for power theft

The parliamentarian was booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, (theft of power or unauthorised use of electricity).

The Samajwadi Party&rsquo;s Sambhal MP Ziaur Rehman Barq was booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday for alleged theft of electricity at his residence in the Deepa Sarai neighbourhood here.
The parliamentarian was booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, (theft of power or unauthorised use of electricity).
&ldquo;On checking the meter of the consumer received from the electrical testing laboratory, it is clear that electricity theft has been done by bypassing the meter and using electricity illegally,&rdquo; stated the FIR lodged on a complaint by a power department official.
The department inspected the Sambhal MP&rsquo;s residence on Thursday morning amid heavy security.
Barq is among those booked by the police in connection with the November 24 violence that led to the death of four locals in a clash with security personnel during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the city&rsquo;s Kot Garvi area.
He has filed a writ petition in the Allahabad High Court, seeking a stay on his arrest and has also sought the quashing of the FIR registered against him. The MP was accused of instigating people on November 24 and police alleged that his provocative speech was the reason behind the violence during the survey.
In the writ petition, the MP has pleaded innocence, saying he was wrongly implicated in the matter. According to his counsel, he was not present at the place of the incident, yet he was named as accused in the FIR.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading," the statement said.

No provision of free travel for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela: Railways

"Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading," the statement said.

The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday dismissed as "baseless" claims that passengers would be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela, and said no such provision exists.
"It has come to the attention of Indian Railways that certain media outlets are circulating reports claiming that passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela," it said in a statement.
"Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading," the statement said.
"Travelling without a valid ticket is strictly prohibited under the rules and regulations of Indian Railways and constitutes a punishable offence. There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion," the ministry added.
It added that the Indian Railways was committed to ensuring seamless passenger travel during the Maha Kumbh.
"Adequate arrangements are being made, including the establishment of special holding areas, additional ticket counters, and other necessary facilities to manage the anticipated influx of passengers," the Railways said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".

BJP Leader Urges CM Yogi to Reclaim Ayodhya Mosque Land Citing Non-Compliance

BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to reclaim the land allotted for the construction of a mosque here and claiming that no substantial endeavour has been undertaken to build it.
On November 9, 2019, settling a fractious issue that went back more than a century, a five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, at the site where the 16th century Babri Masjid once stood. It also ruled that an alternative five-acre plot would be found for a mosque in the holy town.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676288b2ac9c6_1734510770.jpg" width="500" height="327">
The Sunni Central Waqf Board later formed the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation to build a new mosque on the land allotted by the state government in the Dhannipur area of the district.
BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".
Their "intention was never to establish a mosque there but to perpetuate the discord under the pretext of a mosque", he alleged.
"In compliance with the Supreme Court's order, the land allocated to Sunni Central Waqf Board in Ayodhya is being used by the mosque's responsible persons for other purposes. The Muslim community's intention was never to construct the mosque but rather to keep the disturbance and disorder alive under the guise of a mosque. However, this has not been possible due to your leadership," Singh said in the letter to Adityanath.
Asserting that "a mosque is not necessary for offering prayers anyway," he appealed to the chief minister to "issue strict instructions to the officials of the Ayodhya mosque trust to use the land in compliance with the Supreme Court orders".
In case of being unable to do so, issue directives to return the land to the government to prevent its misuse, Singh said.
In a conversation with PTI, he said, "The Muslim community merely wishes to preserve Babar's legacy through this mosque and aims to manipulate Hindu sentiments in the name of Babri Masjid."
When PTI contacted Athar Husain, the secretary of the Ayodhya Masjid Trust, for his reaction to the issue, he refused to comment.
In 2022, Singh petitioned the Allahabad High Court, claiming that the Taj Mahal mausoleum is an ancient temple dedicated to the deity Lord Shiva and is known as the "Tejo Mahalaya". (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Bhasma Shankar Temple is drawing a surge of devotees, many of whom are arriving to offer prayers now that the temple has been reopened.

Ancient Idols, Including Lord Ganesh, Unearthed from Well Near Sambhal's Reopened Temple After 46 Years

The Bhasma Shankar Temple is drawing a surge of devotees, many of whom are arriving to offer prayers now that the temple has been reopened.

Three damaged idols, including one of Lord Ganesh, were recovered from a well near the newly reopened Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. The temple, which had been sealed since the 1978 riots, was reopened on December 14 after 46 years. The idols were found during excavation work in a well linked to the temple, located in the Khaggu Sarai area.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: Three idols recovered from the well near Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal that was reopened on December 14, reportedly for the first time after 1978. <a href="https://t.co/lAF8L0iG6Y">pic.twitter.com/lAF8L0iG6Y</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1868544629962145826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
According to Shrish Chandra, Sambhal&rsquo;s Additional Superintendent of Police, the idols, believed to also include one of Lord Kartikeya, were discovered while digging through debris and soil. "These are broken idols that were found during the digging of the well. There is an idol of Lord Ganesh. The other one seems to be of Lord Kartikeya, more details are being sought. There was debris and soil in the well. The idols were discovered when it was dug. The area has been secured so that excavation can be done smoothly," he explained.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra says, "These are broken idols that were found during the digging of well. There is an idol of Lord Ganesh. The other one seems to be of Lord Kartikeya, more details are being sought. There was debris and&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/88CWJrUQgf">https://t.co/88CWJrUQgf</a> <a href="https://t.co/hmaTK8oCzk">pic.twitter.com/hmaTK8oCzk</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1868544892055716097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
The discovery occurred amidst restoration efforts for the Shri Kartik Mahadev Temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar Temple, which had remained closed since 1978. The well and temple were unearthed during an anti-encroachment drive that had uncovered the long-forgotten structure. Local officials have said that other idols, including those of Lakshmi and Parvati, were also found in the well.
Security and Restoration Plans
In light of the discovery, the district administration has secured the temple area with CCTV cameras and a permanent police presence. The authorities are also working on restoring the temple to its original form. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra confirmed that more details are being gathered regarding the idols, while security has been heightened to ensure smooth excavation.
The Bhasma Shankar Temple is drawing a surge of devotees, many of whom are arriving to offer prayers now that the temple has been reopened. Security measures have been ramped up, including a round-the-clock police presence and the installation of cameras to monitor the area.
Carbon Dating and Historical Significance
The Sambhal district administration has reached out to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating of the idols and the temple site, which may provide further insights into the historical significance of the area. Carbon dating will help determine the age of the ancient artefacts and the structure, shedding light on the temple&rsquo;s long-standing cultural heritage.
The discovery of the temple and its religious artefacts has become a topic of significant interest, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasizing the temple's importance as a symbol of enduring heritage. "This temple represents our enduring heritage and the truth of our history," Adityanath said, reflecting on the temple's historical and cultural significance.
Temple's Role in the Community
The Shiv-Hanuman Temple, part of the larger Shri Kartik Mahadev complex, is set to become a vital place of worship for the community. Local officials and residents are working together to remove encroachments around the temple, with efforts underway to restore its former glory.
This significant archaeological find comes at a time of heightened tensions in the area following recent communal unrest. With heightened security and active restoration efforts, the reopened temple is set to become a beacon of both spiritual and historical importance for the people of Sambhal.

The prime minister inaugurated 167 key development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.

PM Modi Calls Maha Kumbh a 'Mahayagya of Unity'

The prime minister inaugurated 167 key development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, aimed at improving the city&rsquo;s infrastructure for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday termed the Maha Kumbh 2025 a &ldquo;mahayagya of unity&rdquo; which would take the country&rsquo;s cultural and spiritual identity to new heights.
Addressing a public meeting here while inaugurating various developmental projects, the prime minister said the differences of castes and sects disappear at the Maha Kumbh.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/675c0fd9b949a_1734086617.jpg" width="551" height="313">
&ldquo;The Maha Kumbh is a mahayagya of unity,&rdquo; Modi said. &ldquo;It will take the country&rsquo;s cultural and spiritual identity to new heights.&rdquo; The prime minister inaugurated 167 key development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, aimed at improving the city&rsquo;s infrastructure for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.
The projects also included Sah&rsquo;AI&rsquo;yak Chatbot &mdash; an Artificial Intelligence-based platform to streamline communication for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/675c0ffa4007d_1734086650.jpg" width="578" height="328">
Before attending the public meeting, the PM began the visit with the ceremonial puja and darshan at the holy Sangam &mdash; the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Modi undertook a river cruise before the puja.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present with the prime minister at the puja.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/675c0f8c9fcbe_1734086540.jpg" width="536" height="304">
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will be held from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri) at Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is organised every 12 years.&nbsp;

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