Ganga water now fit for rituals, thanks to PM Modi's efforts: UP CM Adityanath
Varanasi (UP) (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath on Friday said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of the Namami Gange project, the once-polluted waters of the Ganga, considered unsafe even for bathing, have now become fit for rituals like 'aachman' (sipping holy water).
The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Namo Ghat by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and to mark Dev Deepawali. UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also attended the event.
"It is my privilege to witness the unique festival of Dev Deepawali," Adityanath said.
He also extended greetings on Guru Nanak Dev's 555th Prakash Parv and Tribal Pride Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Union minister Puri welcomed the guests, extending wishes for Dev Deepawali and Guru Nanak Dev's Prakash Parv. Referring to big 'Namaste' sculpture made at Namo Ghat, Puri said it was constructed using 350 tons of steel and 50 tons of 'ashtadhatu' (eight-metal alloy).
"The Namo Ghat has been developed as a model project," Puri added.
Praising the development of Varanasi, Adityanath remarked, "Over the past decade, Kashi has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its identity and appearance. Earlier, the Ganga's waters were considered unsafe even for bathing.
"Today, due to Prime Minister Modi's initiatives under the Namami Gange project, the water is now pure enough for 'aachman'," he noted.
Referring to the ghat now popularly known as Namo Ghat, Adityanath added, "The people of Kashi affectionately call it 'Narendra Modi Ghat' to express their gratitude to the prime minister."
He said under PM Modi's leadership, Kashi's identity is now defined by its clean and picturesque ghats, Vishwanath Dham, wide four-lane and six-lane roads, excellent train connectivity and an international airport.
Highlighting Namo Ghat, he described it as "more than just a riverbank", calling it an "unparalleled" location that has now become the city's "longest and most beautiful ghat".
CM Adityanath referred to Dev Deepawali as the "Diwali of the Gods", adding, "PM Modi's efforts have elevated this festival to a global stage, bringing it widespread recognition."
Meanwhile, Puri underscored the environmental efforts in Varanasi, noting that earlier pollution caused by diesel-powered boats has been addressed by converting them to CNG.
This transition not only helped reduce pollution but also created new employment opportunities for local boatmen, he said.
The Union minister said Namo Ghat now features a CNG station and, under the prime minister's directives, floating CNG and mobile charging stations have been established on the Ganga River.
The ceremony at Namo Ghat began with a traditional lighting of five lamps near the iconic 'Namaste' sculpture by the dignitaries, formally inaugurating the Dev Deepawali festival. The event also featured captivating cultural performances.
Artists from Odisha performed a dance to the tune of 'Namo Namo', followed by Kuchipudi performances by groups from the US and Australia on the theme 'Cosmic Shiva', leaving the audience spellbound.
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Marxism will remain relevant despite Left electoral's losses, says general secretary M A Baby
New Delhi (PTI): CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby on Thursday asserted that the Left movement would remain relevant despite not being in power in any state, saying the ideology would continue to endure as long as social and economic inequalities persist.
Hitting back at BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar over his reported remarks that Marxism had become irrelevant, Baby, in an interview with PTI Videos, said, "So long as there is division in society, so long as there is exploitation of the majority of workers, peasants and ordinary masses by a handful of billionaires, Marxism will remain relevant."
"That perhaps Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar may not be able to understand, but this is the fact of the matter," he said.
Baby acknowledged that the CPI(M)-led Left was currently without an elected government in any state, but maintained that electoral setbacks would not diminish the movement's role.
"We may not have an elected government in any state. There were occasions when we didn't have a government. But the red flag and the commitment to organise and struggle for the rights of the dispossessed, marginalised and exploited will always be upheld by CPI(M) and the Left movement," he said.
He said the Left continued to enjoy support among workers, peasants, agricultural labourers, youth, students and women, and argued that the movement remained necessary because "oppression and assault" continued in society.
"So long as such problems exist in society, the red flag and the working class movement will continue to work among the masses," the Left leader said.
Exuding confidence on the Left's revival, Baby said the party would reflect on the reasons behind its electoral loss.
"We may be rejected in one election, but we will stage our comeback by understanding what went wrong with us," he said, adding, "We will listen to people and we will come back with higher strength."
Baby also criticised the Congress over reported factional tensions in Kerala after the Congress-led United Democratic Front's victory in the state.
"The way they are behaving is being watched by the people of Kerala," he said, referring to infighting within the Congress.
"Those who have given a massive majority to Congress and UDF would be watching all this," he added, while urging party leaders to "settle the problem in an amicable, democratic manner".
Referring to West Bengal, Baby alleged that violence had escalated following the BJP's victory in the state assembly polls.
"It is quite unfortunate that the moment BJP snatched a massive victory in West Bengal, violence has also started on a big scale," he said.
He also accused the Trinamool Congress of being "notorious for violent activities" and alleged that the "RSS-controlled BJP" had "unleashed violence in many places" after the election results.
"This is not good for Bengal, not good for the country. We wish and hope that normalcy would be restored as soon as possible," he said.
Baby said the CPI(M) and the Left in West Bengal would continue efforts to "pacify people" and avoid violence and confrontation.
Asked about former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan not reacting publicly to the election results, Baby said Vijayan would respond "at an appropriate time".
