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AI Boeing 787 Dreamliner grounded after pilots report defect in fuel switch

An Air India pilot has reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, prompting the airline to ground the aircraft and inform the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reported the PTI. The aircraft had operated flight AI132 from London to Bengaluru and landed safely in Bengaluru on Monday morning, sources said. In a statement, Air India confirmed that one of its pilots had flagged a potential issue with the fuel control switch of the Dreamliner, according to the PTI. The airline said the aircraft has been grounded as a precaution, and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has been involved to examine the pilot’s concerns on a priority basis. The issue has also been formally reported to the DGCA. Air India said it had earlier inspected the fuel control switches across its entire Boeing 787 fleet following a directive from the DGCA and had found no issues at that time, as per the PTI. Incident raises safety sensitivities The latest report has drawn attention due to ongoing concerns in some quarters about the functioning of fuel control switches, especially in the context of the Air India Dreamliner crash in June last year. June 2025 Dreamliner crash On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers. It was one of the deadliest air accidents in India. The crash is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Preliminary findings of AAIB In its preliminary report released on July 12, 2025, the AAIB said that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a gap of one second, leading to confusion in the cockpit soon after take-off, the news agency reported. According to the cockpit voice recording, one pilot was heard asking the other why the fuel was cut off, to which the second pilot replied that he had not done so. Fuel control switch issue in Dreamliner must be investigated thoroughly: Expert According to the ANI, an aviation expert has said that the reported defect in the fuel control switch of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a highly sensitive issue that requires thorough investigation, especially in the aftermath of the Air India flight AI171 crash. Aviation expert Harsh Vardhan said the fuel control mechanism of Boeing 787 aircraft has been under scrutiny since the crash, making the latest report significant. He noted that Air India has taken the correct step by grounding the aircraft and must now verify the pilots’ observations by matching them with flight data recorder information and other technical records. #WATCH | Delhi: On an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner grounded after pilots reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch, Aviation Expert Harsh Vardhan says, "... After the Air India 171 crash, the fuel control mechanism of the 787 and Boeing aircraft has come into… https://t.co/AeNgrO1Pdd pic.twitter.com/cnTBjdX7Mz — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2026 Vardhan recalled that as early as 2018, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued guidelines regarding the sensitivity of the fuel control mechanism, indicating that the issue is not new and needs closer attention. He added that while there are multiple aspects under investigation in the AI171 crash, a possible system malfunction linked to the fuel control mechanism cannot be ruled out. According to him, the exact cause will only be known once the full investigation is completed. (With PTI and ANI inputs)

02 February,2026 10:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Maharashtra govt to raise Ladki Bahin scheme monthly aid to Rs 2,100: Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said that the state was planning to raise monthly aid under the Ladki Bahin scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, reported the PTI. He said that despite observations by the CAG on the Ladki Bahin scheme, the government will continue providing monthly financial aid to women, ahead of the Zilla Parishad Elections 2026. According to the PTI, while speaking at a rally while campaigning for Zilla Parishad Elections 2026 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, he also announced that the monthly assistance would be raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 at an appropriate time. "An amount of Rs 45,000 crore is disbursed through the Ladki Bahin scheme. Earlier, I saw reports about the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) censuring this scheme. However, the scheme will continue as it has been helping women immensely. It has spawned several stories of women entrepreneurship," he said. "If we conduct a survey, we will realise that women beneficiaries have started small businesses using the monthly aid. They are using the stipend to manage their lives efficiently," he added, reported PTI.  "Initiating such welfare measures is the duty of the government towards the people. This scheme will never be discontinued, whatever the rumours," Shinde said. About Ladki Bahin scheme The "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin" scheme was launched in June 2024 when Shinde was Chief Minister. Under this flagship initiative, eligible women aged 21 to 65 receive a financial benefit of Rs 1,500 per month via DBT. The scheme is believed to have played a crucial role in the victory of the BJP and Shiv Sena in the 2024 assembly elections. Shinde, meanwhile, accused the Opposition of doing nothing for people affected by floods and rains earlier last year. "They didn't even distribute small packets of biscuits and are questioning us why we are giving Rs 1,500 to women beneficiaries. The state government will increase the amount under the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme to Rs 2,100 at the right time," he said, reported PTI.  Shinde also assured that the loan waiver promise will be honoured by the Mahayuti government soon. Ladki Bahin scheme funds to be disbursed only after e-KYC verification Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, earlier in January, emphasised that e-KYC remains mandatory to ensure transparency and to confirm that the financial assistance reaches only eligible beneficiaries. Minister Tatkare clarified that specific groups, including widows, divorcees, and women whose husbands or fathers have passed away, must not only complete the online e-KYC but also submit the relevant supporting documents to their respective District Women and Child Development Officers to ensure uninterrupted benefits. Speaking to the media, Tatkare stated, "This scheme is a revolution for women's empowerment. Following instructions from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, we have extended the date so that no eligible sister is deprived of the benefits due to natural calamities or technical difficulties." The Minister urged all remaining beneficiaries to visit the official website (ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in) and complete their Aadhaar-linked e-KYC as soon as possible to avoid any delays in future instalments of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. (With PTI inputs)

02 February,2026 09:44 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajingar | mid-day online correspondent
The chargesheet was filed by the EOW against Shital Tejwani on January 28, Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar (above) stated on Monday. File Pic

Pune land deal case: EOW files 1,886-page chargesheet

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a 1,886-page chargesheet in connection with the Pune land deal case alleging that Shital Tejwani, who held power of attorney for a prime 40-acre plot in Mundhwa, executed its sale even though she knew the land belonged to owned by Maharashtra government, reported the PTI. The land was sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm co-owned by Parth Pawar, the son of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, according to the chargesheet. The sale was reportedly valued at Rs 300 crore. While First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against the signatories and vendors involved in the land deal, Parth Pawar’s name was not included in the police case, officials said, according to the PTI. The chargesheet was filed by the EOW against Shital Tejwani on January 28, Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated on Monday. The investigation is still underway against Digvijay Patil, co-owner of Amadea Enterprises LLP, and suspended tehsildar Suryakant Yeole, the police chief added, the news agency reported. Government land sold despite ownership The police in its chargesheet stated that Tejwani sold the 40-acre government-owned land to Amadea Enterprises LLP, even though she was aware that the property belonged to the state and could not be sold. The deal has been criticised for alleged irregularities and lack of required clearances. Opposition leaders claim the land’s market value was around Rs 1,800 crore. Stamp duty exemption alleged It is also alleged that the firm was exempted from paying Rs 21 crore in stamp duty, further raising concerns about the legitimacy of the transaction. Police said that Tejwani held the power of attorney for 272 original watandars of the land. She reportedly represented these owners and executed the sale deed despite knowing that the land was government property. FIRs and arrests The FIR filed by the Inspector General of Registrar’s office names Digvijay Patil, Shital Tejwani (representing 272 landowners), Sub-Registrar R B Taru. They are accused of misappropriation and cheating, police said, according to the PTI. A separate FIR lodged by the district administration at Khadak police station against Patil, Tejwani and Yeole is being probed by the EOW. Meanwhile, last month, the Maharashtra CID arrested Tejwani in connection with an old loan default and fraud case involving Seva Vikas Cooperative Bank in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Suryakant Yeole allegedly issued a notice to the Botanical Survey of India to vacate the land, claiming it had been sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP. Yeole has secured pre-arrest bail. (with PTI inputs)

02 February,2026 09:25 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Ahmedabad Air India crash investigation to be completed in time-bound manner. File Pic

Air India plane crash: AIIB probing all probable causes, soon to complete probe

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the Air India flight AI-171 crash at Ahmedabad in June last year from all angles and aims to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Parliament on Monday.  "All probable causes leading to the accident are being investigated, and all efforts are being made to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner", in accordance with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) rules, the Minister said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. "A preliminary report on the accident has been published by AAIB on 12.07.2025 and is available on their website www.aaib.gov.in. The report contains factual information based on the evidence available at that point in time and does not include any interim safety recommendations," he added. The Air India flight AI 171 crashed just seconds after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport into a medical college hostel building, killing 241 passengers and crew on board the plane and another 19 people on the ground on June 12, 2025. A preliminary report released by the AAIB on July 12 stated that both engines of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost thrust after the two fuel cut-off switches moved from the ‘RUN’ to the ‘CUTOFF’ position. However, the cockpit voice recorder has revealed that one of the pilots told the other that he did not turn off the fuel control switches. The fuel switches were then returned to the RUN position just before the plane crashed. The final report has to be submitted within 12 months of the crash, in accordance with the norms fixed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also earlier said that the AAIB’s report on the Air India crash was based on preliminary findings, and urged against reaching any conclusions until the final report is released. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

02 February,2026 08:19 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
On September 14, 2023, the Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-DBL) met with an accident at Mumbai airport. PIC/ X

2023 Learjet 45 crash at Mumbai: Probe in final stages, says AAIB

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Monday said that the probe into the nearly three-year-old crash of a VSR Ventures-owned Learjet 45 at Mumbai airport in September 2023 is nearing completion, according to the news agency PTI.  The January 28 Baramati air crash, which claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, also involved a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures. Baramati crash sparks questions over AAIB delay in 2023 Learjet report In the wake of the Baramati crash, questions have been raised over the delay by the AAIB in publishing the final report on the September 2023 accident involving a similar aircraft. Against this backdrop, AAIB said the investigation team has analysed all evidence and other documents related to that accident. "The investigation is in the final stages. The investigation team is trying their best to finalise the report as a top priority," the AAIB said in a statement, reported PTI.  On September 14, 2023, the Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-DBL) met with an accident at Mumbai airport. Mumbai Learjet 45 drifted off runway before crash: AAIB "The aircraft had earlier taken off from Visakhapatnam airport, and while landing at Mumbai airport, it continuously drifted to the right of Runway 27 and crash-landed at the shoulder of the intersection of Taxiway W and N," the bureau said, reported PTI.  According to AAIB, the investigation team prepared a detailed preliminary report on the accident, which included the initial outcomes of the flight recorders and published the report on its website. There were eight people on board, including two crew members. "The co-pilot suffered serious injuries, whereas the PIC (Pilot in Command) and six passengers suffered minor injuries. The co-pilot could not be interviewed for a long time as he was in bad condition. The aircraft was destroyed during the accident," the statement said. Meanwhile, the agency is probing the VSR Ventures Learjet 45 aircraft crash near the Baramati airstrip on January 28. "The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the Black Box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered," the Civil Aviation Ministry said on January 29. (With PTI inputs)

02 February,2026 08:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Weather experts have advised residents to remain cautious. Representational Pic

Moderate rainfall forecast for western ghats due to cyclonic circulations: IMD

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate rainfall in some districts along the western ghats on Monday, due to the influence of multiple low-pressure systems over nearby sea regions. According to the news agency IANS, officials said a low-level cyclonic circulation is currently active over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the Lakshadweep and Kerala coasts. Another low-level cyclonic circulation has also formed over the Comorin Sea and surrounding regions. These systems are expected to impact weather patterns across parts of southern India, bringing moderate rainfall to the Western Ghats districts. As per IANS, weather experts have advised residents in these regions to remain cautious, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas, as intermittent rain could affect daily activities and travel. The IMD has also issued a fog advisory for several interior districts. From Monday until the 5th of this month, moderate fog conditions are expected during the early morning hours in Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Nilgiris, and Dindigul districts. Visibility may be reduced in these areas, and motorists have been advised to drive with caution, especially during the early hours of the day. Meanwhile, Chennai is expected to experience relatively stable weather conditions. The sky over the city is likely to remain partly cloudy throughout the day, reported IANS.  The minimum temperature in the Tamil Nadu capital is forecast to hover around 23 degrees Celsius, providing relatively pleasant conditions compared to the cooler and wetter interior regions. Weather officials stated that while no extreme weather warnings have been issued at present, the evolving nature of the low-pressure systems will be closely monitored, reported IANS.  Any significant changes in rainfall intensity or wind patterns will be communicated promptly through official advisories. Residents across affected districts are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Fishermen along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts have also been urged to remain alert, as sea conditions may vary due to the prevailing cyclonic circulations. The current weather pattern highlights the seasonal transition phase, during which fluctuations in rainfall, fog, and temperature are commonly observed across southern India. (With IANS inputs)

02 February,2026 07:12 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Crude oil falls over 5 percent amid strong US dollar and weak global sentiment. Representational Image

Crude oil futures slump over 5 pc to Rs 5,671 per barrel amid global sell-off

Crude oil prices slumped more than 5 per cent to Rs 5,671 per barrel in futures trade on Monday, tracking a sharp fall in global benchmarks as a strong US dollar and weak market sentiment weighed on the commodity. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude oil for February delivery declined Rs 309, or 5.17 per cent, to Rs 5,671 per barrel in a business turnover of 12,512 lots. Similarly, the March contract also depreciated Rs 294, or 4.94 per cent, to Rs 5,659 per barrel in 4,027 lots. In the international markets, crude oil futures suffered heavy losses, with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for March delivery slipping by USD 3.38, or 5.18 per cent, to USD 61.83 per barrel. In addition, Brent Crude for April contract fell USD 3.38, or 4.88 per cent, to USD 65.94 per barrel in New York. "Crude oil prices remained highly volatile and slipped from their highs after Kevin Warsh was nominated by President Donald Trump as the next chief of the Federal Reserve. "The nomination boosted the US dollar and bond yields, which weighed on oil prices," Rahul Kalantri, Vice-President of Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd, said. He added that weak sentiment and selling pressure in global markets also dragged crude lower. However, supply worries linked to Washington-Tehran tensions and severe winter weather in the US may provide some support on dips. "We expect crude oil prices to remain volatile in Monday's session," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

02 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
MP Sunil Tatkare. File Pic

NCP will continue with NDA, says Sunil Tatkare amid merger speculation

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sunil Tatkare on Monday said the party, under the late Ajit Pawar’s leadership, had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA and would continue with the alliance. According to the news agency PTI, he said that those talking about a merger between the two NCP factions must clarify their stand on the issue. “There should be clarity on which party is merging with which,” Tatkare told reporters in Karad, located in Maharashtra’s Satara district. He was speaking while accompanying Maharashtra’s newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar, who paid tributes at the memorial of the state’s first Chief Minister, YB Chavan, in Karad. Sunetra Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, three days after her husband and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district. Before taking the oath, she was elected as the NCP’s legislative party leader during a meeting held in Mumbai. Replying to a question on his opposition to the proposed merger, Tatkare said there was no question of him or party MP Praful Patel holding a different opinion on the issue, reported PTI.  “Under the leadership of Ajit Dada, we had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA, and the people of the state have stamped their approval of Ajit Dada’s decision in the Assembly elections. Those speaking of a merger should answer whether they are fine with it,” he said, reported PTI.  The Lok Sabha member also asserted that the NCP legislature party was strong enough to take its own decisions, including appointing a new leader. Leaders of the Opposition NCP (SP), including its chief Sharad Pawar, have claimed that the merger talks were at an advanced stage and that his nephew Ajit Pawar had finalised February 12 to announce a merger between the NCP factions. NCP merger could not happen without BJP having information: CM Fadnavis Maharashtra CM Fadnavis on Sunday said that if talks about the merger of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions were at an advanced stage, the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would have informed him, reported the PTI. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district in Maharashtra on January 28, shared all important political matters with him. He said he had no information about any proposed merger date. (With PTI inputs)

02 February,2026 05:06 PM IST | Karad | mid-day online correspondent
Congress claims that all 150 party rebels in the Nagpur civic poll fray have withdrawn. File pic

Nagpur civic polls: Congress claims 150 rebels withdrew, BJP says 96 pulled back

Days after the conclusion of Maharashtra local body elections, Congress on Friday claimed that all 150 party rebels in the Nagpur civic poll fray have withdrawn. However, the BJP said that 96 applications have been withdrawn. Congress said that the party is working unitedly for its mission to win 100 seats in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, as per PTI.  It said, "Around 150 Congress leaders, including over 10 former corporators, withdrew their nomination papers today and resolved to oust BJP from Nagpur Municipal Corporation and bring Congress back to power after 19 years." Amid the scramble on the last day for the withdrawal of nominations for the January 15 civic polls, supporters of a BJP candidate locked him inside his house here to stop him from taking back his candidature on Friday.  Following the cluttered situation in Nagpur, the candidate, however, later withdrew from the contest. Nagpur city BJP chief Dayashankar Tiwari said 96 applications have been withdrawn after discussions with the party leadership. Tiwari further added, “BJP is once again moving as one united family in the elections,” as per PTI. BJP won Nagpur civic polls significantly The BJP, earlier in January, recorded a strong 'saffron surge' across several major cities in the state, winning a record number of seats in the Maharashtra local body elections. On the home turf of CM Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, the results for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation appeared to be a near-repeat of the 2017 results, leaving the Congress struggling to make significant inroads despite an aggressive campaign. CM Fadnavis talks about the development in Nagpur Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, days after the election results were announced, said that the BJP government transformed Nagpur into a modern city and plans to make it one of the best cities in the country in the times to come. Addressing a public rally ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, CM Fadnavis said that the opposition parties neither have any policy nor strength to work like the BJP.  The Maharashtra Chief Minister further added that, “There is no need to speak about the kind of development that has taken place in Nagpur because it is before everyone to see,” as per PTI. “The development that has taken place in Nagpur under the leadership of Union minister Nitin Gadkari in the last 10 years is not limited to basic facilities, but it is moving ahead in industries, logistics, IT and start-ups," Fadnavis added. (With inputs from PTI)

02 February,2026 04:14 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Union Minister JP Nadda reviews healthcare system with Rajasthana and Maharashtra ministers. File pic

JP Nadda reviews healthcare delivery with Rajasthan, Maharashtra ministers

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday held a comprehensive review meeting with the health ministers and senior officials of Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The meeting aimed at evaluating healthcare delivery mechanisms and fast-tracking the implementation of priority national health initiatives. As reported by news agency ANI, the discussions between JP Nadda, state ministers, and the officials centred on reinforcing public health infrastructure, improving patient-centric services, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and advancing India's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis as a public health challenge. During the review, Nadda emphasised the critical role of a strong, vigilant drug regulatory system. He further stressed that end-to-end oversight from manufacturing to last-mile distribution is indispensable to ensure quality, safety, and public confidence. Nadda urges the state to address supply-chain inefficiencies He called for the adoption of best regulatory practices and emphasised that patient satisfaction, compliance, and regulatory supervision must be pursued as a sustained and continuous endeavour.  Reviewing the progress of the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Initiatives, Nadda further urged both the states to address supply-chain inefficiencies and close monitoring gaps, as per ANI. More Jan Aushadhi Kendras to be established The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare further emphasised the need to establish more Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacy stores in these states. He also stated that strengthening this network would play a crucial role in further expanding access to quality, affordable medicines for the people of these states. On the contrary, representatives from Rajasthan emphasised that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should be established on a population-based basis, particularly to address scattered habitation patterns and ensure effective primary healthcare coverage, as per ANI.  According to the official statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nadda highlighted that timely and quality diagnostics are foundational to effective healthcare delivery and must be robustly integrated across all levels of care: primary, secondary, and tertiary. He also noted that while clinical services depend heavily on doctors, hospital administration and regulatory compliance require professional management structures.  “Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening regulatory oversight of blood banks, hospital operations, and patient safety standards,” Nadda added. Health Minister proposes sensitisation workshops for MLAs The Union Health Minister also proposed conducting sensitisation workshops for Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), encouraging them to actively engage with Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Block Medical Officers (BMOs) through structured review mechanisms, as reported by PTI.  He further reiterated that Jan Bhagidari, or people's participation, is crucial for strengthening accountability, improving health outcomes, and building trust in public health systems. As per the official statement, the Health Ministers of Rajasthan and Maharashtra assured JP Nadda of their full cooperation and commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen implementation and improve outcomes across all priority health programmes. (With inputs from ANI)

02 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Home minister Amit Shah rebukes Congress MP over Tejasvi Surya debate in Lok Sabha. Pic/PTI

HM Amit Shah shuts Congress MP after criticism over Tejasvi Surya's remarks

During the Motion of Thanks to the President's speech, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's challenge to the Congress caused uproar, inviting interruption from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Tejasvi Surya, during his address, criticised the Congress, stating that its government has never mentioned India's civilisational ethos. He challenged Congress leaders to show any instance while reading from the previous President's addresses. "Other than once during Swami Vivekanand's 150th birth anniversary footnote, in 10 years of Congress rule, there is no mention of India's culture, tradition, civilisational values and ethos. This shows their commitment to the country," Surya alleged. "Meanwhile, in 2014, the Prime Minister promised to improve tradition and technology. The only one who has fulfilled that promise is PM Narendra Modi," Surya added. Surya's remarks met with immediate opposition from the Congress leaders, amid which Congress MP Hibi Eden rose to counter Surya. He said that PT Thomas, a former member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, had talked "a lot" about Shri Narayan Gurudev, calling Surya's remarks an insult to him. "PT Thomas has said a lot about Shri Narayan Gurudev. How can Tejasvi Surya claim that no Congress leader has spoken about Indian traditions? He has insulted Shri Narayan Gurudev," Eden said. To Eden's statement, Home Minister Amit Shah interrupted and said that the Congress MP is "focused on Kerala and not the Parliament." "He is focused on Kerala, not here. Surya is talking about the President's mention while he is mentioning statements from the Kerala Assembly," Shah ridiculed. Earlier in his address, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hailed the nation's growth under the BJP-led central government in contrast to the previous government. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

02 February,2026 04:03 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
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