FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms FREE PRESS Vol. XLI No. 238 | INDORE | TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 4, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 www.freepressjournal.in Sports ‘PICASSO IN PYJAMAS’ LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY P.13 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE UJJAIN MONEY GST rates rationalisation needed: Finance Secretary PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Edit No sure recipe to make US... P.6 Cinema Bad is the new good P.12 80 MP rly stns set for revamp as 'Amrit Stations’ Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL In a major boost to railway infrastructure in state, 80 railway stations, including Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur, are set to be renovated as ‘Amrit Stations.’ This initiative was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a video conference on Monday. The Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated Rs 14,745 crore for the expansion and modernisation of the state's rail network. A total of 31 new railway pro- fp jects, spanning 5,869 km, have been approved with a proposed investment of Rs 1,04,987 crore, according to the minister. The Rs 2,708 crore redevelopment plan for 80 stations will include key locations such as Akouria, Amla, Anuppur, Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Banapura, Bargawan, Byohari, Berchha, Betul, Bhopal, Bijuri, Bina, Byawara, Rajgarh, Chhindwara, Dabra, Damoh, Datia, Dewas, Gadarwara, Ganjbasoda, Ghoradongri, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Harpalpur, Indore Junction, Itarsi Junction, Ja- balpur, Junnardev, Kareli, Katni Junction, Katni Murwara, Katni South, Khachrod, Khajuraho Junction, Khandwa, Khirkiya, Laxmibai Nagar, Maihar, Maksi Junction, Mandla Fort, Mandsaur, MCS Chhatarpur, Meghnagar, Morena, Multai, Nagda Junction, Nainipur Junction, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad), Narsinghpur, Nepanagar, Neemuch, Orchha, Pandhurna, Pipa- riya, Ratlam, Rewa, Ruthiyai, Sanchi, Sant Hirdaram Nagar, Satna, Sagar, Sehore, Seoni, Shahdol, Shajapur, Shyamgarh, Sheopur Kalan, Shivpuri, Shridham, Shujalpur, Sihora Road, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, Ujjain, Umaria, Vidisha, and Vikramgarh Alot. Moreover, major stations such as Rani Kamlapati, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Satna, Indore, Bina, and Jabalpur are being redeveloped with an investment of Rs 1,950 crore. The Railway Ministry has also approved installation of the 'Kavach' safety technology on 3,572 km of railway routes to reduce accidents and enhance passenger safety. Currently, work is underway on 1,422 km of this safety technology. To further improve passenger experience, four Vande Bharat Express trains are being operated across Madhya Pradesh, connecting 14 districts and offering 18 unique stoppages. Additionally, 69 lifts, 41 escalators, and Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at 408 stations for the convenience of travellers. VASANT PANCHAMI | Third Amrit Snan proceeds smoothly, akharas take out grand processions Briefs NEW DELHI Delhi poll campaign ends The high-octane campaigning for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with big guns from all three major parties holding roadshows, public meetings, padayatras and bike rallies in a final push to sway voters. As the canvassing wrapped up, the mandatory silence period began, which would remain in effect till voting begins at 7 am on Wednesday. NEW DELHI No proposal to raise working hrs The government on Monday told Parliament that it is not considering any proposal to increase the maximum working hours to 70 or 90 hours a week. Recently, some of the corporate leaders proposed to increase the maximum working hours to 70 and even 90 hours a week. "No such proposal to increase the maximum working hours to 70 or 90 hours a week is under consideration of the government," stated Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. TIKAMGARH Man demands father’s half body In a bizarre incident, a man demanded half of his father's dead body following a dispute with his brother over the last rites in Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh district, prompting the police to intervene, an official said on Monday. The ruckus occurred on Sunday at Lidhorataal village, around 45 km from the district headquarters, he said. TWO CRORE TAKE AMRIT SNAN Biswajeet Banerjee PRAYAGRAJ The third grand ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh took place on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami, drawing two crore devotees from across the globe to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims, sadhus, and kalpvasis gathered in massive numbers, seeking spiritual liberation through the holy dip, reinforcing the centuries-old faith that a bath in these holy waters cleanses one of past sins and paves the way for moksha (salvation). At the break of dawn, the ceremonial bathing processions began with the arrival of the revered Naga sadhus, their bodies smeared in ash, wielding tridents, and chanting sacred hymns. The akharas, following the time-honored tradition, led the way as thousands watched in reverence. By evening, around 2 crore devotees had performed the sacred ritual, raising the total number of bathers since Janu- SC rejects plea seeking recall of TN Governor Thousands killed, claims Opposition Agencies NEW DELHI An aerial view of devotees taking a holy dip on the Basant Panchami during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela 4Continued on | P8 vasis, who observe a monthlong spiritual retreat, and 6.58 lakh general pilgrims. The significance of this Hearing-speech impaired minor girl raped in Kumbh deaths rock both Houses Narsinghgarh Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking direction to the Secretary of the President of India and others to recall Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, who walked out without delivering his customary address from the Legislative assembly on January 6. A bench of Chief Justice of India and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said petitioner CR Jaya Sukin's prayers were "ill-conceived" and no such directive for the Governor's removal could be issued to the secretary of the President of India. Ravi walked out of the Assembly as Tamil Thai Vazhthu was being sung at the beginning of his customary address instead of the national anthem. The plea filed by advocate CR Jaya Sukin said, "He (Governor) has completed a hattrick of walkouts from the Legislative Assembly. He claimed that the national anthem was not played, as per his request, at the beginning of his official address. ary 13 to an estimated 35 crore, according to Information Director Shishir. This staggering figure includes 10 lakh kalp- NEW DELHI Opposition MPs held protests in both Houses of Parliament on Monday seeking a discussion on the stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in which they claimed “thousands were killed” and accused the administration of mismanagement and not releasing the bodies of the victims to their families. While the Lok Sabha witnessed a loud and long protest during Question Hour, the Opposition MPs staged a walk-out in Rajya Sabha as their demand for a discussion was turned down. In the Lok Sabha, as soon as the House assembled and Speaker Om Birla took up the Question Hour, the Opposition MPs demanded a dis- cussion on the stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in which, officially, at least 30 lives were lost and many were injured. As the Speaker proceeded with the questions, the Opposition MPs stormed the well of the House and began raising slogans, including “Tanashahi nahin chalege”. They sought suspension of the Question Hour and a discussion on the stampede. Several Congress MPs, including Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi and general secretary K.C. Venugopal, were seen speaking on the issue. The opposition MPs demanded the government provide a complete list of those who died and were injured in the stampede. 4Continued on | P8 Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Monday stoked controversy through her remarks that the Ganga water in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, where thousands of people are taking a dip during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is allegedly highly contaminated as bodies of those killed in the recent stampede were dumped in the river. A hearing and speech impaired minor girl was raped by an unidentified person in Narsinghgarh town of Rajgarh district, the police said on Monday. The girl, who went missing on Saturday, used to live in a hut behind the government rest house, the police said. Narsinghgarh police station in-charge Shivraj Singh Chauhan said the girl was found in a distressed state in a forest area on Sunday. The matter was reported to the police. The girl was taken to the civil hospital on Monday where a medical examination confirmed rape, the police said. The girl has been referred to Bhopal for proper treatment Narsinghgarh civil hospital official Dr Monika Sharma told reporter. Kurawar police station incharge Sangita Sharma is heading the probe into the case. Govt to give scooties to 7.9K school toppers Our Staff Reporter Madhya Pradesh government is all set to reward 7,900 school toppers of 2023-24 academic session with scooties on Wednesday and later funds for laptops. The announcement comes after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav clarified the details of the scheme fol- lowing his return from a tour of Japan. The School Education Department has fasttracked preparations for the distribution. A special event to hand over scooties will be held on February 5 at Kushabhau Thackeray Hall in Bhopal. Students who topped the 12th-grade exams will be recipients of these scooties. The distribution Special event to hand over scooties will be held on February 5 at Kushabhau Thackeray Hall in Bhopal of laptop funds to students scoring over 75% in the 12th exams will follow, with the money expected to be disbursed before Feb- ruary 15. CM Yadav, in his address emphasised that the government has remained committed to all its welfare schemes and reassured the public that no changes had been made to the basic structure of these initiatives. He also noted that the scheme had been awaited for over a year by students who achieved academic excellence in the previous Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL session. A total of 7,900 students who topped their respective 12th-grade exams in 2023-24 session will receive scooties. After this, approximately 90k students with marks above 75% will receive financial aid to purchase laptops. The government has earmarked an impressive budget of Rs 250 crore for these initiatives. In a bid to curb begging and related issues, Bhopal collector Kaushelendra Vikram Singh has issued an order prohibiting giving of alms to beggars. The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), states that both giving alms and purchasing items from beggars will be considered a punishable offence. The city’s traffic signals, rotaries, religious places, and markets will now be monitored using CCTVs to enforce the ban. According to the collector’s order, begging has been causing traffic disruptions at major intersections and rotaries Jaishankar denies US invite errand FP News Service FP News Service NEW DELHI A sharp uproar erupted in Parliament on Monday as a group of BJP MPs from the tribal community filed a breach of privilege notice against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for remarks deemed derogatory towards President Droupadi Murmu. The group, led by Rajya Sabha MP Sumer Singh Solanki, met Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, urging swift disciplinary action against Gandhi, whose words, they claimed, tarnished the dignity of the President’s office. The controversy began after Gandhi’s 4Continued on | P8 BHOPAL TOO BANS BEGGING Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL offgrid BHOPAL year’s Maha Kumbh is further heightened by the rare ‘Triveni Yog,’ a celestial alignment that occurs once in 144 years, be- lieved by astrologers to magnify the spiritual potency of the event. For many devotees, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "This is not just a bath; it is a divine calling. The presence of Triveni Yog makes it all the more sacred," said Manoj Tripathi, a pilgrim from Varanasi. However, the spiritual fervor was accompanied by heightened security concerns following the tragic stampede during the previous ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and left 60 others injured. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has significantly intensified security and crowd management measures to ensure a safe and seamless event. “After the unfortunate incident, we have doubled security personnel at key entry and exit points, ensuring a regulated flow of devotees. Sonia Gandhi faces Privilege Motion over ‘poor thing’ remark on Prez in the city, with beggars often engaging in criminal activities and substance abuse. As part of the initiative, beggars will be relocated to a shelter home in Kolar, near the Community Health Centre. The ban comes after a man was arrested in Bhopal under the Madhya Pradesh Begging Prevention Act for seeking alms at a traffic signal. The arrest followed a complaint from a resident who reported the beggar’s refusal to seek alternative work. Earlier this year, Indore collector had also implemented a similar ban, effective from January 1, 2025, warning that both begging and almsgiving would face strict legal consequences. media address along with her family members, Rahul and Priyanka, following President Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament. In a video circulating on social media, Gandhi was purportedly heard referring to the President as “the poor thing ” who was “getting very tired by the end” and “could hardly speak.” The remark sparked immediate backlash, particularly from tribal MPs, who took offense at what they saw as elitist and condescending language. In their notice, the BJP MPs asserted that Gandhi’s comments reflected an “anti-tribal mindset” and showed a lack of understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. “Her remarks demean the stature and dignity of the President of India, the highest constitutional office in our nation,” they said. 4Continued on | P8 Chandrika’s Vedic chant wins Grammy FP News Service MUMBAI NEW DELHI Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday sparked controversy by accusing the government of sending the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to the United States to secure an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend US President Donald Trump's inauguration. Gandhi made these remarks during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Lok Sabha, highlighting what a potential INDIA bloc government would do differently in its foreign policy. 4Continued on | P8 In a night of musical marvels at the 67th Grammy Awards, Indian-American global business leader and musician Chandrika Tandon captured hearts and headlines by winning the coveted Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. At 71, Tandon’s triumph with Triveni—an album that weaves ancient Vedic chants with world music—stands as a testament to a lifetime dedicated to melding heritage with innovation, spirituality with modernity, and passion with precision. Chandrika is the elder sister of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, who has consistently ranked among the world's 100 most powerful women. Triveni is much more than a collection of seven meditative tracks; it is a carefully crafted journey designed to awaken inner healing and ignite joy even in the darkest moments. Collaborating with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, Tandon created a musical confluence that echoes the album’s namesake—the merging of three distinct rivers, each representing a unique musical tradition. 4Continued on | P8