Letters to The Editor — July 25, 2025
It has been an exceptionally expedition and it has turned out to be fruitful. This new development heralds a new era of innovation, exploration, and opportunities for both nations which have had a complex history.
Balagopal Gopinath,
Keerikkad, Alappuzha, Kerala
Maharashtra Bill
I write this letter as the Deputy Director (News), Directorate General Of Information and Public Relation, Government of Maharashtra. The Editorial ('Danger of thought', July 24) is a gross misrepresentation of a necessary and carefully considered legislative measure. The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill is aimed at providing the legal framework for handling unlawful activities of unlawful organisations that are a part of the united front of banned CPI(Maoist) and other left-wing extremist organisations. The Government of Maharashtra is steadfast in its commitment to upholding both the security of its citizens and the democratic freedom enshrined in the Constitution. The MSPS Bill does not exhibit police thought. The legislation targets organisations whose actions, whether through the written or spoken word, signs, or other activities, 'constitute a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquillity'. This is a critical distinction. The Bill is not aimed at commentators, critics, or political opponents engaging in legitimate dissent. It is designed to tackle the insidious, overground network of Maoist front organisations that engage in the recruitment, fundraising, and radicalisation of youth and professionals, thereby fuelling violence and threatening to undermine the constitutional order.
Varsha Andhale,
Mumbai
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
EC must stop SIR, says opposition; calls it ‘exercise of exclusion'
NEW DELHI: Ahead of SC hearing on special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, opposition INDIA bloc on Sunday alleged it is an "exercise of exclusion", questioning data released by Election Commission after SIR's first phase that 66 lakh people might be excluded on grounds such as "deceased, permanently shifted or untraceable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Congress functionary Abhishek Singhvi said EC should not show "institutional arrogance" with INDIA bloc parties from Bihar urging the poll panel to stop SIR as it will result in "large-scale disenfranchisement of poor and marginalised sections". "Recent pressers of EC and refusal to accept Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration card as valid documents clearly point towards the fact that the entire SIR process is a citizenship verification process," he alleged. EC responded by asking why opposition parties are trying to create "an impression that the draft list is the final list, which it is not, as per SIR order. " It said it is not able to understand the big fuss now, when a full one month period from Aug 1-Sept 1 is available to point out wrongful inclusion or wrongful exclusion of any name. "Why don't the parties ask their not 1.6 lakh booth level agents to submit claims and objections from Aug 1-Sept 1 ?" it asked. Gearing up to step up the protests both inside and outside Parliament, Congress, RJD, CPM and CPI (ML)-Liberation leaders at a presser expressed fear that many more people will be excluded from rolls during the verification process ahead due to lack of documents like birth, caste and domicile certificates. RJD MP Manoj Jha said the whole SIR process is based on presumptions. "Clearly, opacity has become the hallmark of EC functioning," Jha said. "There is no time or option for the right to appeal for people who will be excluded in the whole process. There are also numerous reports of people found alive who are included in the dead list," he alleged. On the number of deceased, CPI (ML)-Liberation Dipankar Bhattacharya said, "Does this mean that in just six months, around 22 lakh people have passed away? So, does this mean the EC's January 2025 summary revision was a flop?"
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Tripura Allies BJP And Tipra Motha Workers Clash During Mann Ki Baat Broadcast
Guwahati: In a major political development in Tripura, members of the BJP and its key ally Tipra Motha clashed on Sunday at an area where BJP supporters claimed to have assembled to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat. The police said they have filed a case following the clash that broke out in Khowai district. Political analysts said the incident indicated the growing strain in the relationship between the two allies in Tripura. "I have no idea, but local people know who attacked first. They know the culprits as well, so they filed a police case. The police will take strong action and arrest the suspects," Triprua Chief Minister Manik Saha told reporters. According to police sources, some 30 BJP functionaries and their supporters were assembled at a house in the district's Asharambari assembly constituency to listen to Mann Ki Baat. A large group of Tipra Motha workers and supporters also reached the place. The clash broke out after that. The immediate cause is not known. Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Manikya Debburman in a recorded video posted on social media confirmed the clash happened. "We don't want any political violence in Tripura. If we the Tiprasa still keep fighting for the sake of a political flag, one day we will be left with no land. The BJP should also be careful. Many CPI(M) supporters are either in BJP or Motha and indulging in all these," he said. Eight motorcycles and two cars were damaged in the clash. A large number of police personnel have been posted in the area. Tension is still high, sources said.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Industry welcomes India-UK trade pact
Ludhiana: The recently signed India-UK FTA, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), has been welcomed as a transformative development for Punjab's industrial landscape by key industry leaders in the region. Upkar Singh Ahuja, president of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings, said, "This agreement is a transformative opportunity for Punjab's industrial and economic landscape." He emphasised that it will allow Punjab-based exporters to gain a competitive edge through reduced tariffs and improved market access, leading to a significant increase in exports. "It paves the way for technology exchange, skill development, and joint ventures, particularly MSMEs," he said. Echoing similar sentiments, Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade & Industrial Undertakings, hailed the pact as a "historic development" that will reshape India-UK trade relations over the next five years. "This landmark pact will double India-UK trade by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports," Sharma said, adding that labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear, and jewellery would gain the most. Pointing out the implications for Punjab specifically, Sharma said cities like Ludhiana, home to a vast network of textile and hosiery units, and Jalandhar renowned for its sports goods industry, stand to benefit directly. "Zero tariffs on textile exports will allow our manufacturers to compete on equal footing with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia," he added. The agreement also grants tariff exemptions on exports of basmati rice, fruits, and cotton, major agricultural commodities from Punjab, thus promising a boost for farmers and agro-industries. Sharma further added that the FTA would open up new horizons for young entrepreneurs, especially those working in emerging sectors and advanced manufacturing technologies. BOX BOOST TO BIZ TIES By providing duty-free access to the UK market for key products such as textiles, auto components, tractor parts, and sports goods, including soccer balls, cricket gear, and non-electronic toys, as well as packaged food and vegetables, the FTA will strengthen our manufacturing sectors, known globally for quality and innovation Upkar Singh Ahuja, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings This landmark pact will double India-UK trade by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear, and jewellery will gain the most Pankaj Sharma, president, Association of Trade & Industrial Undertakings
