Modi launches medley version of Bapu's favourite bhajan
New Delhi, Oct 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a medley version of Bapu's favourite bhajan 'Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye' sung by artists from over 40 countries, during the closing ceremony of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference here.
As part of the year-long celebrations leading to Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, artists from over 124 countries have contributed musically and paid homage to the Mahatma through his favourite bhajan.
"All Indian missions abroad identified a local artist/group to record the bhajan in the run-up to Gandhi Jayanti, which is observed on October 2. The result is an eclectic, colourful and rich rendition of the hymn infused with the local flavours of the region," the MEA said in a release.
From Armenia to Angola, Sri Lanka to Serbia, Iraq to Iceland, prominent singers/groups have showcased their talent for the 15th century hymn that was close to Gandhi's heart.
Written by the poet Narsinh Mehta the bhajan was included in Mahatma Gandhi's daily prayers.
The different videos from world over were put together in a fusion of about five minutes to give global flavour to the bhajan. It is expected to have contribution from all the countries recognised by the UN, it said.
Amongst the star performers is President Baron Divavesi Waqa of Nauru.
"President Waqa's gesture was not just a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary but was also a personal gift from him to Modi," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Modi launched the bhajan in the presence of the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharti.
The famous Gujarati hymn used to be sung routinely before Gandhi's meetings.
The medley version, as well as the individual country contributions are available on the MEA's YouTube page.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
