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India Gazette
31 minutes ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Oppn train guns on RSS over call to remove
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's comments pitching to remove the words 'secular and socialist' from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution has sparked massive outrage in the political circle with the opposition leaders and parties labelling it as an 'insult to the Constitution' and an attack on its framers, including Babasaheb Ambedkar. However, BJP leaders and alliance party Shiv Sena came to defend the RSS leader, reiterating their stand that secularism has been imported from the West and represents Western values and not Indian culture. Attacking the RSS, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Sangh of 'never accepting the Constitution'. He claimed that they have targeted framers of the Constitution since its inception for not being 'inspired by Manusmriti'. 'The RSS has NEVER accepted the Constitution of India. It attacked Dr Ambedkar, Nehru, and others involved in its framing from Nov 30, 1949, onwards. In the RSS's own words, the Constitution was not inspired by Manusmriti. The RSS and the BJP have repeatedly given the call for a new Constitution. This was Mr Modi's campaign cry during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India decisively rejected this cry. Yet the demands for changing the basic structure of the Constitution continue to be made by the RSS ecosystem,' read a post by the Congress leader on X. KC Venugopal lashed out at Hosabale's statement, claiming that the leader's remarks were an insult to the Constitution, a rejection of its values, and a direct attack on the Supreme Court. 'A senior RSS member surely knows that the Supreme Court declared socialism and secularism to be part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Yet, to take this stand is a clear insult to the Constitution, a rejection of its values, and a direct attack on the Supreme Court of India as well,' he posted on X. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned that the call for the removal of the words 'secular and socialist' must not be understood as a 'casual remark' but a 'long-standing agenda' to reshape the country's democracy. He highlighted RSS' persistent opposition to the mention of the terms secularism and socialism in the Constitution, which Siddaramaiah said were the 'core values of the constitution'. He added that it was a part of the long-standing agenda of the Sangh to reshape India's democracy within their ideological purview. 'The RSS has always opposed the core values of our Constitution - secularism and socialism. Now, their leaders are once again saying these words should be removed from the Preamble. This is not a casual remark - it is part of a long-standing agenda to reshape India's democracy in their ideological image,' the Karnataka CM posted on X. Focusing on the rights guaranteed by the Constitution to the marginalised communities, the Karnataka CM said, 'If not for these constitutional values, people like me would never have had the chance to study, speak, or serve. That is the power of justice, equality, and secularism.' Siddaramaiah explained that the original Preamble didn't include 'secular and socialist' since it was obvious that India would be a socially just democracy, and these terms were added later at a time when the RSS and its affiliates were attacking these values. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi added to the criticism while stating that RSS intended to violate the rights of the marginalised and the poor while enslaving them. 'The mask of RSS has come off again,' he added. 'RSS-BJP doesn't want the Constitution. They want Manusmriti. They aim to strip the marginalised and the poor of their rights and enslave them again. Snatching a powerful weapon like the Constitution from them is their real agenda,' the Congress leader posed on X. On the other hand, BJP leaders, including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, have come in defence of the remarks made by Hosabale, reiterating their argument that secularism was not fundamental to Indian culture and that 'any right-thinking person' would support such a demand as these terms were not part of the original Constitution. 'The basic sentiment of India is equality of all religions... Secularism is not the core of our culture. The word secularism was added (to our culture) during the Emergency. It should be removed... Live and let live is the basic sentiment of India... Therefore, there is no need for socialism here... There is no need for the word socialism (Samajwad) either. The country should think about this,' Chouhan told ANI. Singh emphasised that the words 'secular' and 'socialist' were added later, through the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution during the Emergency, and not by the original drafters. 'Dattatreya Hosabale has stated that the words 'secular' and 'socialist' were added to our Preamble after the Amendment. Dr Ambedkar has crafted one of the world's finest constitutions. If this was not his thinking, how did someone add these words?' the junior minister added. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC extended support to Hosabale's suggestion while reiterating that the demand to re-examine the original draft prepared by Dr BR Ambedkar stems from the view that in a republic like India, invoking terms such as 'socialist or pseudo-secular' is no longer necessary. 'The RSS is demanding to look into the original draft of the Preamble by Dr BR Ambedkar, in which there is no mention of these words. And the socialism, secularism, that is actually a symbol of India or a symbol of civilisational ethos, then why was it not in the original draft?' Shaina NC questioned. This development comes after Hosabale questioned the legitimacy of including the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution on Thursday while addressing a program on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (under the Ministry of Culture), Ambedkar International Centre. He remarked that during the Emergency, terms like 'socialism' and 'secular' were forcibly inserted into the Constitution -- a move that needs to be reconsidered today. He emphasised that the Emergency wasn't just a misuse of power but an attempt to crush civil liberties. Millions were imprisoned, and freedom of the press was suppressed. He said that those who imposed the Emergency and trampled the Constitution and democracy have never apologised. If they cannot apologise personally, they should do so on behalf of their ancestors. (ANI)
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Beset with violence & politics, other campuses try to turn over a new leaf
Kolkata: Law colleges in the city have a history of campus violence and skirmishes. While some, including the college where the gang rape took place on Friday, continue to grapple with such issues, others have made efforts in recent years to improve their reputation by enforcing discipline, adhering to academic schedules, and strengthening safety and security measures. The college that came under the spotlight on Friday has witnessed vandalism and violence between rival students' groups. A few months ago, another south Kolkata-based institution, Jogesh Chandra Choudhury Law College, hit the headlines when students of the college had to organise the Saraswati Puja under police protection after Calcutta High Court intervened when students went to the court alleging intimidation by outsiders. During the 1980s and 1990s, violence frequently occurred on law campuses in the city, including incidents of bombs being lobbed during union elections. Several former students from this period said entry into law campuses was unhindered. Some indicated that a reference from a former prominent Congress leader sufficed to secure admission to a law college near Sealdah. "Some of our batchmates at that time got their college admission forms while sitting at the leader's house, and political affiliation was the only criterion to get admission where merit didn't play any role. " You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Jatindra Kumar Das, head of the department of law and dean, faculty of law, Calcutta University, stated that systematic classes and exams motivated students to study regularly, while the institution took necessary actions to enhance campus safety and security. "We have tried to reduce political interference by involving students in academics and other activities. Previously, classes were not held regularly, and students engaged in politics, leading to brawls and fights. However, the situation has changed completely. We have restricted outsiders on campus, and students are encouraged to participate in academics and activities that aid their careers. These have helped us reform the college's image. Security was enhanced," he added. Surendranath Law College was notorious for campus violence in the past. But it has improved its image considerably in recent years by implementing measures to address untoward incidents, particularly gender-based violence. Shibasish Banerjee, visiting faculty and advocate at Calcutta HC, said: "We have a strong mechanism in place to prevent untoward incidents. The campus is almost entirely covered with CCTV cameras. Students must vacate the common room by 2 pm. If there is a programme and students need to stay until late evening, access is limited to areas covered by CCTV cameras. We try to prevent students from staying beyond 8 pm. There is a grievance cell, and two female teachers are assigned duties to check on female students for any issues in college."
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prayers pour in for Shibu's health, 2 mins head to Delhi
Ranchi: Two ministers — Irfan Ansari (health) and Sanjay Yadav (industries) — left for Delhi on Friday to oversee the health condition of JMM patriarch and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren, who is currently admitted in Gangaram Hospital for the last few days. CM Hemant Soren, his MLA wife Kalpana and other family members continued to camp in Delhi. Several high-profile people like President Droupadi Murmu and Jharkhand governor Santosh Gangwar among others visited the hospital and checked on Shibu's health. Speaking for the first time on Friday since he left for Delhi, Hemant said, "Despite being Rath Yatra today, I am unable to offer prayers in person by visiting the Jagannath temple in Ranchi as I am away due to Guruji's ill health. However, I pray to Lord Jagannath for prosperity for everyone back home in my state." In Ranchi, both JMM and Congress workers, held special puja at the Jagannath temple for his quick recovery while party cadres also laid "chadar" at Risaldar Baba in Doranda in the evening to pray for his health. Taking to X, former chief minister Raghubar Das said he spoke to Hemant over Shibu's health and wished for his speedy recovery. "Today, I have spoken to hon'ble CM Hemant Soren over Guruji's condition. I am told that he has suffered a slight paralytic attack. I wish to almighty that Guruji recovers soon and returns to Jharkhand to serve this state." Meanwhile, prayers continued to pour in for Shibu's recovery. JMM workers, holding Shibu's posters, turned up at the Jagannath temple to offer prayers for his well-being. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said, "We learnt that his (Shibu) health is slightly critical but we are more than hopeful that Bhagwan Prabhu (Lord Jagarnnath) will bless the entire state by ensuring our beloved Guruji stay healthy." Addressing devotees during the Rath Yatra, senior Congress leader Alok Dubey appealed to the public to pray for Guruji's health.
Business Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Times
Wealthy Silicon Valley investors in line for US$17 billion windfall in US senate Republican tax Bill
[NEW YORK] Silicon Valley's favourite tax break may be getting an upgrade. Venture capitalists, along with successful tech founders and early startup employees, already pay no taxes on billions of US dollars of gains annually, thanks to a lucrative and complicated provision called Qualified Small Business Stock, or QSBS. Now the carve-out could get even more generous in changes included in Senate Republicans' proposed tax and spending Bill moving through Congress. The once-obscure provision is the subject of 'every dinner conversation in Silicon Valley,' said Christopher Karachale, a partner at law firm Hanson Bridgett in San Francisco. 'It's already an exceptional benefit for people who take risks on startups.' Taxpayers claimed US$51 billion of QSBS gains in 2021, a record year for venture capital deal activity, according to a Treasury paper earlier this year, with the benefits skewed to a select group. While about 33,000 people reported QSBS to the Internal Revenue Service annually over the decade studied by Treasury, 90 per cent of the total income went to individuals reporting more than US$1 million of gains on eligible stocks. Shares qualify as QSBS if they're acquired early enough in a startup's life cycle and held for more than five years. Once sold, capital gains aren't taxed up to certain limits, which advisers to the wealthy have figured out how to stretch and multiply several-fold. With the right planning, a venture capital investor or founder can end up with hundreds of millions of US dollars of tax-free income. Now the QSBS break could get even better. Though it was not addressed in previous versions of US President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' Senate Republicans slipped into their version tweaks relaxing its complex rules. Taxpayers would be able to invest at later stages in startups and still get QSBS, cash out earlier and still get a partial benefit, and skip taxes entirely on up to 50 per cent more of their windfalls. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'I'm surprised' Critics say the QSBS provision is unnecessary and overly expensive. House Democrats proposed restricting the tax break in 2021. 'I'm surprised they're not killing this thing, but I guess the lobbyists did their work,' said Manoj Viswanathan, a professor at the University of California Law San Francisco who has studied QSBS. 'I just don't think it's worth it.' The Treasury projects the current QSBS break will cost the US$44.6 billion over the decade beginning in 2025. The Senate bill's proposed changes would boost that by another US$17.2 billion over that period, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates. Defenders of the provision have spent several years pushing Congress to expand it, arguing it encourages innovation and risk-taking. 'It brings more capital off the bench and into the game that might otherwise go to different asset classes,' said Patrick Gouhin, chief executive officer of the Angel Capital Association. 'QSBS encourages long-term investment in high-growth startups across the country by lowering the cost of capital,' Bobby Franklin, president and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association, said in a statement. 'It tells investors and founders alike: building something new in America is still worth it.' Despite the name Qualified Small Business Stock, the vast majority of small businesses are not eligible. Only C-corporations issue stock that qualifies as QSBS. Service industries are generally excluded, and the break is most valuable for technology or biotech that can grow quickly and generate large capital gains. The Senate proposal would be a potential boon to investors in artificial intelligence and other hot areas. 'Stacking' strategy To qualify under current law, taxpayers must have obtained their shares in a C-corporation at an early stage, when it had less than US$50 million of gross assets, an accounting definition often significantly less than its valuation. People who hold QSBS for at least five years can avoid taxes on up to US$10 million of capital gains or 10 times their initial investment, whichever is more. An early investor who puts US$30 million into a startup, therefore, can theoretically receive US$300 million tax-free. Founders can maximise their initial basis, and thus their potential QSBS-eligible gains, by transferring intellectual property into a startup from a predecessor company. Through a process called 'stacking,' QSBS holders can multiply the benefits of the US$10 million exclusion as well. 'It's the biggest game in town,' Brian Gray, a partner at accounting firm Gursey Schneider in Los Angeles, said of the strategy. His clients typically set up six or seven trusts, each benefiting a different family member, to get up to US$60 million or US$70 million in tax-free gains rather than just US$10 million. Senate Republican lawmakers would turbo-charge those benefits. They would set a US$75 million limit on an eligible startup's gross assets, up from US$50 million, on QSBS issued after the bill is enacted. Maximum tax-free gains would jump to US$15 million, from US$10 million. Both limits would be adjusted for inflation starting in 2027. The bill would also make it easier for QSBS holders to exit their investments sooner than five years without forfeiting tax benefits, allowing them to exclude half their gain after three years and 75 per cent after four years. That will be valuable to serial entrepreneurs, according to Gouhin of the Angel Capital Association. 'This gives you an added incentive to turn that company as quickly as possible.' BLOOMBERG
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Speeds Up Tax Bill Deadline as Tentative SALT Deal Reached
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump amped up pressure on Congress to speed passage of his tax-cut bill as Republicans reached a tentative deal on the state and local tax deduction, one of the key sticking points in the negotiations. Philadelphia Transit System Votes to Cut Service by 45%, Hike Fares US Renters Face Storm of Rising Costs Squeezed by Crowds, the Roads of Central Park Are Being Reimagined Mapping the Architectural History of New York's Chinatown Sprawl Is Still Not the Answer 'The House of Representatives must be ready to send it to my desk before July 4th — We can get it done,' Trump said on Truth Social Friday. The new deadline — before July 4 — is somewhat of a reversal for the president who, hours earlier told reporters that it wouldn't be the 'end-all' if Congress missed the self-imposed Independence Day goal. On Friday afternoon, the tentative SALT deal suggested that Republicans may have momentum on their side. The agreement involved raising the limit on the state and local tax deduction to $40,000 a year for a five-year period, Senator John Hoeven told reporters. New York Republican Mike Lawler, a key negotiator, later confirmed the deal and told Bloomberg TV he believes it 'will pass.' The new cap would provide complete SALT relief to more than 90% of his constituents, he estimated. Senators said the tentative plan is to begin voting on the bill Saturday midday. It wasn't immediately clear whether SALT Caucus member Nick LaLota of New York would back the deal. His vote could end up being needed due to the narrow Republican majority in the House. GOP lawmakers from New York, New Jersey and California have pressed to preserve a deal included in the House bill that increased the deduction cap to $40,000, up from the $10,000 in current law, for 10 years. The original Senate draft kept the write-off at $10,000. The latest deal retains a House proposal to phase out the deduction for taxpayers with at least $500,000 in income, a person familiar said, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Republicans also plan to drop new limits they had sought on pass-through businesses' deductions of state and local tax taxes, the person said. Until now, some business owners in most states haven't actually needed to abide by the SALT cap that applies to everyone else, thanks to legal workarounds approved by legislatures in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and dozens of other states. The House version of Trump's massive tax and spending package put curbs on those workarounds. The SALT provision has been one of several holdups for the Trump tax bill in the Senate. Senate Republican Leader John Thune is also trying to navigate competing demands from conservatives and moderates on social safety net cuts and the elimination of clean energy tax credits. He will need to resolve most of the disputes to secure the votes he needs to pass the bill. The massive tax and spending package is the legislative centerpiece of Trump's economic agenda. The Senate version makes permanent individual and business tax breaks enacted in 2017, while adding temporary new breaks for tipped and overtime workers, seniors and car-buyers. The bill would add hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending for the military, border patrol and immigration enforcement. To partly pay for the revenue losses, the bill reduces spending on Medicaid health insurance for the poor and disabled, food assistance for low-income Americans and financial aid to college students. The measure would also avert a US payment default as soon as August by raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion. --With assistance from Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu. (Updates with Lawler in fifth paragraph) America's Top Consumer-Sentiment Economist Is Worried How to Steal a House Inside Gap's Last-Ditch, Tariff-Addled Turnaround Push Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags Apple Test-Drives Big-Screen Movie Strategy With F1 ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
