Lucknow(PTI): Former Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, who was given premature retirement, will be contesting the next year's state assembly polls against Chief Minister Adityanath, his family has announced.
In a statement issued here, Amitabh Thakur's wife Nutan said it is a fight for principles for him.
"Sri Adityanath undertook many undemocratic, improper, suppressive, harassing and discriminatory steps during his tenure as Chief Minister," she alleged. "Hence, Amitabh shall be contesting the election against Sri Adityanath from any place he contests."
"It is a fight for principles for him, where he shall be presenting his protest to the wrongdoings," she said.
Following a decision taken by the Union Home Ministry, Thakur was given compulsory retirement on March 23 in "public interest".
He was "not found fit to be retained for the remaining tenure of his service", an order from the Union Home Ministry had said of Thakur, who would have completed his service in 2028.
"In the public interest, Amitabh Thakur is being given premature retirement before completion of his service with immediate effect," the order had said.
In 2017, Thakur had urged the Centre to change his cadre state. The officer was suspended on July 13, 2015, days after he had accused Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh of threatening him.
A vigilance enquiry was also initiated against him.
However, the Lucknow Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal stayed his suspension in April 2016 and ordered his reinstatement with full salary with effect from October 11, 2015.
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Chennai: In an interaction with students at IIT Madras, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi contrasted the ideologies of the Congress and the BJP, emphasising his party's focus on equitable distribution of resources and inclusive growth. He described the BJP's approach as more aggressive, rooted in a "triple-down" economic model.
Gandhi explained that the Congress envisions a harmonious society with less conflict, which he believes benefits the nation. On international relations, he acknowledged some differences between the two parties but suggested similarities in certain areas.
The Congress leader strongly criticised India's education system, calling it "narrow, restrictive, and top-down." He advocated for increased government spending on education, asserting that privatisation and financial incentives fail to deliver quality education. Highlighting the achievements of institutions like IIT Madras, Gandhi argued that government-funded institutions are the backbone of quality education in India.
"Our system undervalues many professions while overvaluing a select few like engineering, medicine, and civil services," he remarked, urging reforms to promote innovation and broaden career opportunities for students.
Gandhi emphasised the importance of fostering creativity and innovation among students. He argued that real progress lies in physical production and skill development, which require substantial investment. Reflecting on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, he noted that children's aspirations often revolve around a narrow set of professions, underscoring the need for an education system that values diverse talents.
"The current system measures success too narrowly. It should empower children to explore multiple fields and pursue their interests," he said.
The Congress leader concluded by advocating for systemic changes to allow children the freedom to experiment and thrive in various fields.
Innovation comes from skill pic.twitter.com/CXDqmAIjqI
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 5, 2025