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Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

OpIndia Staff
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Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

On Thursday, 31st October, the Shiv Sena (UBT) issued a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by organizing the “Deepotsav” in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area of Maharashtra during the ongoing Diwali festival.

The SS-UBT stated that the full Deepotsav expenditures shall be included in the election spending of the MNS nominee from the Mahim constituency, Amit Thackeray, the son of party head Raj Thackeray.

It is crucial to note that the MNS has been celebrating Deepotsav every year, but the Shiv Sena is protesting against the same this year because the MCC is in place owing to the upcoming Assembly elections on November 20th. 

“The model code of conduct is applicable in the entire state. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, however, has given its consent to MNS to celebrate Deepotsav at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, which is under the civic body’s jurisdiction. The MNS has displayed the party banners installed gates and put up lanterns in the area. This is a clear violation of the MCC,” SS-UBT Deputy Secretary Sachin Parasnaik said in an official statement issued on Thursday.

Parasnaik noted that Amit Thackeray, the MNS candidate, was present during Deepotsav’s inauguration. He argued that the event’s expenses should be counted as part of Thackeray’s election expenditures for the Mahim assembly seat, which would be in line with established regulations.

Parasnaik further called for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict action against officials who allegedly illegally allowed political campaigning in public spaces. The Shiv Sena-UBT has fielded Mahesh Sawant in Mahim, from where Amit Thackeray, Shiv Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar, and others are also contesting.

BJP hits back

The BJP took cognizance of the event and slammed Shiv Sena UBT for approaching the ECI during the Hindu festival. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Park, a historical place in Mumbai a testimony to the legacy of Swargiya Balasaheb Thackeray’s historical speeches on Hindutva. Such a downfall to the legacy being tainted by his own son as UBT has gone to Election Commission complaining over Diwali Celebrations at Shivaji Park Are Hindu Festivals hurting Aurangzeb Fan Club?” the party asked.

MNS also reacted to the SS-UBT’s protest over the Diwali celebration. “We have been holding the Deepotsav here for many years. This has no connection with Amit Thackeray’s campaign. Shiv Sena (UBT) is objecting to a Hindu festival as it has stopped following the Hindu ideology. They must now officially change their religion,” MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said.

Shiv Sena UBT further blatantly cornered the BJP over Hindutva policy. “Using Hindutva for dirty politics is what you do. It is clear that the opposition is not to celebrate ‘Diwali’ but to its political use. But by continuously telling lies and spreading a ‘Fake Narrative’, even now you have shown your ‘Chunavi Hindutva’! You also used Ram Mandir for the election. The temple was inaugurated before it was even completed and Lord Ramchandra was taken to the half-built structure. The result was the same, Shriram also showed you your place. Ayodhya, where Sri Ram lived, became BJP-free! Now Maharashtra will also be ‘BJP free’!” the party said.

Bhushan Gagrani, Mumbai’s district election officer and municipal commissioner, has stated meanwhile that the expenses of the Shivaji Park festival will be considered into election expenditure. 

The Shiv Sena-UBT’s decision to approach the poll panel coincided with the BJP and Shiv Sena supremo and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to provide MahaYuti support to Amit Thackeray in the Mahim constituency.

Sada Sarvankar, the Shiv Sena nominee and sitting MLA has resisted withdrawing his nomination. Sarvankar pleaded with Raj Thackeray “not to do injustice to him but to extend his support” on Wednesday.

Bangladesh targets Hindus with ‘sedition’ after they organise massive protest rally against attack by Muslims: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh targets Hindus with ‘sedition’ after they organise massive protest rally against attack by Muslims: Here is what happened

Days after the Hindu community carried out a massive protest rally in the historic Lal Dighi ground in Chittagong city of Bangladesh, the police booked 19 members of the ‘Sanatan Jagaran Mancha (SJM)’ on Wednesday (30th October).

The rally was organised on 25th October this year to protest against the Islamist onslaught on Hindus. A police complaint was filed by one Firoz Khan against SJM spokesperson Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari, ISKCON priest Lilraj Das Brahmachari and others.

Khan accused the Hindus of ‘disrespecting’ the national flag of Bangladesh by allegedly placing a saffron Hindu flag atop it in the New Market intersection of Chittagong. The Kotwali police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) and booked the Hindu leaders.

Cases were also filed against other members of the Hindu community. They include Ajay Dutta, Gopal Das Tipu, Kathak Das, Amit Dhar, Roni Das, Rajiv Das, Krishna Kumar Dutt, Jiku Chowdhury, Newton Dey, Tushar Chakraborty, Mithun Dey, Rupon Dhar, Rimon Dutt, Sukant Das and Biswajit Gupta.

The police also gave in to the diktat of the local Muslims and arrested two Hindus, namely, Rajesh Chowdhury and Hriday Das, on charges of ‘sedition.’ The local administration also removed the saffron flag from the New Market intersection of Chittagong.

The Hindus, who have voiced their angst against the targeting of their temples, shops and businesses, are now accused of ‘rejecting the integrity of the state’, ‘undermining the country’s sovereignty and creating unrest’, and ‘destabilising the state by displaying religious flag above national flag’.

Following the motivated FIR and arrest of two Hindus, the community organised a protest march at the Cheragi Pahar intersection of Chittagong. The Sanatan Jagaran Mancha has also announced demonstrations in 65 districts of Bangladesh on Friday (1st November).

On 25th October, the Hindu community put forth 8 demands and sought their immediate implementation:-

  1. Speedy trial in cases of atrocities on minorities, adequate compensation and rehabilitation of the victims.
  2. Enactment of Minority Protection Act.
  3. Formation of Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  4. Upgradation of Hindu Welfare Trusts to Hindu Foundations.
  5. Implementation of the ‘Property Recovery and Preservation Act and Transfer of Entrusted Property Act’ should be properly implemented.
  6. Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allotment of prayer rooms in every hostel
  7. Modernisation of Board of Sanskrit and Pali Education.
  8. Mandatory 5 days holiday on Durga Puja.

Donald Trump vows to protect Hindu Americans from radical Left’s anti-religion agenda, condemns anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

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Donald Trump vows to protect Hindu Americans from radical Left’s anti-religion agenda, condemns anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

Ahead of the upcoming presidential elections, former US President Donald Trump vowed to safeguard the interests of Hindu Americans, protecting them from the “anti-religion agenda of the radical left.”

In a bid to strengthen ties with India, Trump also expressed his desire to boost partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a “good friend.”

Sharing a post on X, Trump wrote, “We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi.”

The former President also condemned the violence against the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”

Notably, Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post of Prime Minister on August 5 and fled to India in a military aircraft, following mounting protests against the contentious government job quota system that had sparked widespread anti-government demonstrations. Following Hasina’s resignation, a caretaker government was formed in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Trump also criticised President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and said that they have ignored Hindus globally and in the United States. He said, “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!”

Trump’s criticism also extended to other areas, including economic policies. He said, “Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before–and we will Make America Great Again.”

He also extended his Diwali wishes and said, “Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil!”


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Muslim man pretends to be Hindu and marries woman in temple, forces her to convert to Islam after that, wants to sacrifice their son, woman seeks protection: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Muslim man pretends to be Hindu and marries woman in temple, forces her to convert to Islam after that, wants to sacrifice their son, woman seeks protection: Details

A Hindu woman from Bengaluru has approached the police seeking protection for herself and her son, saying that her husband, Sadam, wants to sacrifice their 3-year-old child for a black magic ritual. In the shocking case that has emerged, the woman alleged that the RK Puram police had refused to register her complaint when she approached them on the 27th of September 2024. She again sought protection from the police on the 28th of October, saying that her 3-year-old and she were facing harassment, threats, and pressure to convert to Islam.

As it turns out, the woman had met Sadam in 2020. At that time, Sadam had pretended to be a Hindu man named Aadhi Eshwar. Since Sadam was keen to marry her, in November 2020, the woman and Sadam married as per Hindu rituals. At this time, the woman still believed that Sadam was a Hindu.

After marriage, however, Sadam forced the woman to remarry him as per Islamic rituals. He had promised the woman that it would bring them good fortune. In 2020, Sadam took her to an undisclosed location, pressured her to convert to Islam, gave her a new Muslim name and even forced her to sign Islamic marriage documents. The conversion did not stop the abuse. After the Nikah, the abuse by Sadam only intensified. The woman constantly faced physical assault and abuse while she was pregnant as well.

In 2021, the woman gave birth to their son. After their son was born, Sadam repeatedly told her that he wanted to sacrifice their son for a ritual that would bring them money. The ritual involves dangerous practices the woman said, adding that Sadam even wanted to harm her and her mother for the ritual.

After the abuse intensified, fearing for her and her son’s life, she moved to Tumakuru. Sadam and his friend, Langda Nayaz, in whose presence the Islamic marriage was conducted, followed her to her new house, trespassed and attempted to abduct her son on the 13th of September 2024.

“I request police to initiate prompt action against Sadam and Nayaz. I fear for my safety, as well as for my son and mother. I urgently request police protection. If any harm befalls us, I hold Sadam entirely responsible,” she said.

According to KR Puram police, the woman vacated her house in KR Puram in 2021. She stayed in Tumakuru and is now residing near Nelamangala. “We took her complaint as a petition in Sept and asked her to lodge a complaint with police in whose jurisdiction her present residence is. We asked her to provide her husband’s number for inquiry, but the number she provided is not connecting. She has not come back again to the station. We didn’t even know that she has approached the commissioner of police’s office. Based on our senior officers’ instructions, we will take further necessary steps. According to her, Sadam works as a welder,” police added.

Los Angeles Dodgers wins World Series defeating NY Yankees, fans celebrate by burning bus, looting stores, clashing with cops

OpIndia Staff
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Los Angeles Dodgers wins World Series defeating NY Yankees, fans celebrate by burning bus, looting stores, clashing with cops

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 Baseball World Series Championship by defeating New York Yankees 7-6 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. Following the eighth win of the championship by the team, Los Angeles erupted in celebrations on Wednesday night. But soon the celebration turned into chaos, as some Dodgers fans resorted to vandalism.

Some of the fans set a bus on fire, while others clashed with police on the streets. Some others chose to loot shops to celebrate the win. Responding to a tweet on the looting in LA downtown, the Los Angele Police Department said that it is aware of the looting during celebrations, and arrests have been made.

In another tweet, LAPD said that several businesses have been looted. Some of the thugs broke into a Nike store and stole boxes of merchandise. Videos of people coming out of the store with several boxed in hands have appeared on social media. Some people also attacked police by throwing fireworks and other projectiles.

Apart from widescale looting, some goons surrounded a bus and set in on fire. As per police, some members of the celebration crowd vandalised the bus, and then set some of the seats ablaze. Fortunately, the female driver of the metro bus and the five passengers were able to evacuate safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

One eyewitness said that the driver was still inside when the bus was set on fire. After she got out, the mob started throwing fireworks inside the bus, while cheering and dancing.

Apart from these, the goons took over the streets to perform stunts using their vehicles.

At least a dozen people have been arrested in connection with the incidents.

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar defends Hindus’ right to burst crackers, Maulana Tauqeer Raza opposes it and says Diwali is not a festival of firecrackers

OpIndia Staff
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Bageshwar Dham Sarkar defends Hindus’ right to burst crackers, Maulana Tauqeer Raza opposes it and says Diwali is not a festival of firecrackers

On Wednesday, 30th October, ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali, Hindu spiritual leader Bageshwar Dham Sarkar (also known as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri) slammed all those who call to avoid bursting of firecrackers during the Hindu festivals. He said that people have gotten used to the habit of blaming Hindu festivals for pollution.

“During Diwali, they say that bursting firecrackers cause air pollution. During Holi, they show fake concern for water. But these people forget to teach the same lesson during New Year. Why this bias and hatred towards Hindu festivals?” Bageshwar Dham Sarkar said.

The statement issued by Bageshwar Dham Sarkar has been backed by several people who emphasised the importance of upholding cultural practices during the festival. People said that the ‘liberals’ who are concerned about pollution during Hindu festivals should also show worries during Bakrid or New Year.

Several other Hindus also backed the statement by Pandit Dhirendra Shastriji saying that no one has right to blame and defame Hindu festivals like this.

However, controversy erupted when Muslim cleric Tauqeer Raza commented on the firecracker issue and said that the extensive use of firecrackers was a waste of money. Criticising Shastri for his comments, Raza said that Diwali is the festival of lights and not firecrackers.

Acting as an expert on Hindu festival Diwali, Tauqeer Raza said, “If anyone has to take the help of firecrackers to express their happiness during festivals, that cannot be called as happiness. I am not asking for a complete ban on firecrackers but people must definitely restrict its use. The environment must be taken care of. I weddings even we Muslims burst firecrackers but the same are banned during Ulema.”

It is important to note that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also  backed the ban on firecrackers in Delhi and claimed that the decision had nothing to do with religion. He said that both, the Supreme Court and the High Court, had emphasised a ban on firecrackers due to pollution concerns.

“..Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers, we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not firecrackers. It is not as if we are doing a favor to anybody. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone’s life is important..” Kejriwal said while addressing the media on Wednesday.

Notably, Kejriwal had no problems with his party members bursting crackers all over Delhi to celebrate his return from Tihar Jail, but he has issued an appeal to Hindus not to burst crackers during Diwali.

Spain: “Flood of the century” claims nearly a 100 lives, search on for bodies

OpIndia Staff
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Spain: “Flood of the century” claims nearly a 100 lives, search on for bodies

Eastern part of Spain, especially Valencia, has been suffering from extreme floods as the area received one year’s worth of rain within a few hours. Due to the rain, the area saw massive floods, destroying property all around, and also taking lives of dozens of people.

At least 95 people have been killed due to the sudden floods, and there are several missing following the floods.

As the water ran through the affected areas, it tossed cars everywhere, swept away homes, and took away bridges in the area. The country’s AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología), state weather agency, issued its highest level of alert for the province of Castellon.

“There are already very strong storms in the area, especially in the north of Castellon,” AEMET posted on its X account. “The adverse weather continues! Beware”, it added, advising people not to travel to that area.

It is not yet known how many people are still unaccounted for following the deadly floods. Over a thousand soldiers from Spain’s emergency rescue units have joined regional and local emergency workers in the search for bodies and survivors, according to the Associated Press.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that he is heading to the region to witness the destruction firsthand as the nation starts a three-day period of official mourning.

Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar opposes ticket given to Nawab Malik by NCP, says BJP can’t associate with such people

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Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar opposes ticket given to Nawab Malik by NCP, says BJP can’t associate with such people

Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Ashish Shelar said on Thursday that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar should not have given a ticket to Nawab Malik, considering the serious allegations against him. Shelar stated that the BJP cannot associate with such individuals.

Nawab Malik is the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.

In an interview with ANI, Shelar emphasised, “Ajit Pawar should not have given him a ticket; many in Maharashtra think this way. The serious allegations and chargesheet against him are unacceptable to Maharashtra… The BJP has made its stance clear. Maharashtra opposes an international terrorist like Dawood. Despite this, if he has been given a ticket, the BJP cannot associate with such people. We won’t campaign for this candidate. Instead, we’ll support the candidate running against him.”

He further expressed confidence in Ajit Pawar’s popularity in Baramati, predicting a comfortable win for him.

“I visited Baramati and saw that Ajit Pawar’s work there is commendable. He delivers on his promises, which has built his reputation across Maharashtra. I believe his victory will be straightforward,” he remarked.

Targeting the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Mumbai BJP Chief asserted that it no longer holds any significance.

“The Maha Vikas Aghadi as an entity no longer exists. They don’t listen to each other. There is conflict between Nana Patole and Sanjay Raut. Congress itself has splintered into three factions. Soon, they will all disintegrate,” Shelar said.

He added, “Uddhav Thackeray has never won an election on his own merit. He always relies on others. Those who rely on others should refrain from criticising other leaders.”

Shelar also reflected on the BJP’s defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, acknowledging that internal mistakes had contributed to the outcome.

“In the Lok Sabha elections, we did not secure the expected votes, which was disappointing. The Maharashtra BJP made mistakes, but we have corrected them. The disillusionment among our workers has now transformed into enthusiasm, especially after the Haryana elections. Congress’s so-called ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ was actually a ‘Nafrat ki Dukaan’ that could only work once, and that has already happened,” he said.

He noted that the current electoral atmosphere is distinct from that of the last Lok Sabha elections, adding, “The public is now satisfied… Mahayuti will form the government with a comfortable majority.”

Discussing the Worli seat, Shelar emphasised that the Mahayuti candidate, Milind Deora, has a better understanding of the constituency than MVA candidate Aaditya Thackeray.

“Milind Deora knows Worli better than Aaditya Thackeray. He served as an MP there and has known the area since his father’s time. Aaditya Thackeray lives in Bandra but contests elections in Worli. The BJP will put its full strength behind ensuring Milind Deora’s victory,” he added.

The Mumbai BJP Chief also clarified that there is no dispute over the Chief Ministerial candidate.

“We will contest under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, and after the elections, all three parties will come together to decide on the Chief Ministerial face,” he said.

The BJP is currently in alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the Mahayuti banner.

The Assembly elections for the 288 Maharashtra constituencies will take place in a single phase on 20 November, with vote counting scheduled for 23 November.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Man dies in cylinder blast in Kanpur, wife injured

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Uttar Pradesh: Man dies in cylinder blast in Kanpur, wife injured

One person died on the spot after an explosion occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur on Thursday, officials said. His wife has been hospitalised.

The explosion occurred when the victim identified as Surendra was unloading a cylinder in Kanpur’s Sisamau on the occasion of Diwali.

ADCP Kanpur Mukesh Kumar told ANI, “A person named Surendra was bringing the cylinder and the explosion occurred as the cylinder was being unloaded. Surendra died on the spot and his wife has been admitted to the hospital…”

Following the blast, police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams reached the spot. The area has been cordoned off and an investigation is underway.

Following the blast, people also gathered at the spot. Visuals showed the windows of a car shattered. A couple of motorbikes were also damaged in the blast, as shown in the visuals.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Bharat can’t compromise on even an inch of its borders, we trust our soldiers, not enemies: PM Modi while celebrating Diwali with armed forces in Kachchh

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Bharat can’t compromise on even an inch of its borders, we trust our soldiers, not enemies: PM Modi while celebrating Diwali with armed forces in Kachchh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that today Bharat can’t compromise on even an inch of its borders and said we trust the determination of our soldiers.

“Today, Bharat cannot compromise on even an inch of its borders. That’s why our policies are aligned with the resolve of our armed forces. We trust the determination of our soldiers, not the words of our enemies,” PM Modi told soldiers on the occasion of Diwali in Gujarat’s Kachchh.

PM Modi also hailed the unrelenting bravery of army jawans and said, “Serving our motherland is a privileged opportunity. When the nation sees your unwavering resolve, your unrelenting bravery, and unparalleled valor, it feels assured of safety and peace! When the world sees you, it sees India’s strength, and when enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans! When you roar with enthusiasm, the masters of terror tremble with fear.”

PM Modi stressed on the fact that the country had seen a lot of positive momentum on the Atmanirbhar front with production of indigenous weapon systems.

“Today India is building its own submarine. Today our Tejas fighter plane is becoming the strength of the Air Force. Earlier, India was known as a country that imported weapons. Today, India is exporting defence equipment to many countries of the world,” he said”

“Keeping in mind the needs of the twenty-first century, today we are equipping our armies, our security forces, with modern resources. We are putting our Army in the league of the world’s most modern military forces. The basis of these efforts of ours is self-reliance in the defence sector,” he added.

PM Modi lauded the forces for their hard work and sacrifice that kept the country safe.

“Our nation is a living consciousness, which we worship as Mother India. It is because of the hard work and sacrifice of our soldiers that the country is safe today, the citizens are safe. Only a safe nation can progress. Therefore, today when we are moving so fast towards the goal of developed India, you all are the protectors of this dream,” PM Modi said.

“Today, every citizen is contributing to the nation’s development with their cent percent effort because they have faith in you! I am confident that your bravery will continue to strengthen India’s trust,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area in Kachchh, Gujarat.

The area PM is spending time in is an extremely inhospitable place, due to the very hot days and very cold nights. The terrain is also challenging. Prime Minister Modi has been spending Diwali with the troops since he took over in 2014.

Earlier in the day, the PM honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat on the occasion of National Unity Day. He also attended the parade organised and observed the air show by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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