Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi resigns as Union Minister from PM Modi's cabinet
New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday quit as Union Minister in PM Modi’s cabinet amidst the buzz that he may be a contender for the post of Vice President of India.
Naqvi's Rajya Sabha term ends tomorrow and the BJP did not name him for another term during recent elections.
Earlier in the day, Naqvi also met PM Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda.
The ruling party has been discussing a representative of a minority community for the second-highest constitutional post, especially at a time the BJP is facing an unprecedented backlash over the Prophet Muhammad comments by suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma, a report published in NDTV added.
M Venkaiah Naidu's term as Vice President ends on August 10. July 19 is the last date for nominations for Vice President. The elections will be held on August 6.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, former Union Minister Najma Heptulla and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh are also in the running, reports say.
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Special prayers offered in churches of Udupi diocese in support of Armed Forces
Udupi: As directed by the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Council, special prayers, inclusive of special offerings, were held for the safety of the Indian Armed Forces and soldiers during the Sunday Mass at the churches under the Udupi diocese.
Bishop Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, who is on his official annual visit, performed a special prayer service at St. Joseph's Church in Belman, Karkala taluk, and offered prayers for the soldiers serving the country. He also offered a special adoration in the name of the new Pope Leo XIV.
The Bishop, addressing the gathering at the prayer service, said that there was severe tension in the Indo-Pak border giving rise to fear of declaration of war. “As our soldiers guard the borders for the welfare of the entire nation and putting their lives at risk, we pray every day for their well-being. We should stand in support of our soldiers to boost their self-confidence,” he added.
“Pope Leo XIV has called for peace in the entire world and asked the citizens of all nations to cooperate for this by opting for discussion rather than war. We too should remember his message always and both nations should strive for strengthening of peace,” he added.
Church Pastor Fred Mascarenhas, Assistant Pastor Arnold Matthias and Karkala Christ King Church Pastor Clement Mascarenhas were present at the event.
