UCC Expansion Continues: West Bengal Prepares to Table Uniform Civil Code Bill Amid Political Debate
After Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is now set to be implemented in West Bengal as well. The West Bengal government is preparing to table the UCC Bill in the Legislative Assembly on June 29, 2026. Under this law, regulations concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption will be uniform for all citizens. Key aspects of the UCC in West Bengal include the process of establishing legal timelines. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the UCC Bill would be introduced during the Assembly’s current budget session. Notably, the West Bengal government will follow the roadmap adopted by Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat; a committee headed by a retired judge will be constituted for the UCC. It is worth noting that implementing the UCC in West Bengal was a key promise in the BJP’s election manifesto, in which the party pledged to enforce the UCC within six months of forming the state government. While this move is garnering support from Muslim women, it is also facing stiff opposition from the opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Congress. They argue that personal laws specific to certain religions are linked to cultural and religious identities, and that the UCC would effectively strip various religions of their distinct cultural identities.
Uttarakhand to Become National Model in Economy, Wellness & Sustainable Development: CM Dhami
During the NITI Aayog meeting, Chief Minister Dhami set the goal of making Uttarakhand a national model for economics, wellness, and sustainable development. He presented the model chosen for Uttarakhand’s development at the 11th Governing Council of NITI Aayog. He also stated that work is progressing rapidly towards developing Uttarakhand into a knowledge-based economy, wellness economy, and sustainable development, which is aligned with the national resolve for a developed India 2047. Sectors such as natural farming, horticulture, medicinal plants, yoga and wellness, tourism, and green energy are being developed as future development avenues. Special Needs of Himalayan States Chief Minister Dhami stated that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has a special responsibility to preserve the country’s environmental and spiritual heritage. The Himalayas, the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the state’s vast forest areas are invaluable assets not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. In such a situation, the Himalayan states need special policy support and long-term financial assistance on issues related to climate change, ecological conservation, disaster management, carbon neutrality, green energy, and mountain development. He also mentioned the government’s achievements, such as the Devbhoomi Parivar Pehchan Yojana, digital monitoring system in the mining sector, and online simplification of land use change feedback, which have made governance more transparent and effective, and promoted women’s empowerment. He said that Uttarakhand will continue to contribute with all its energy, capacity, and commitment to this national campaign, further strengthening India’s position to achieve its goal of becoming a major global power.
Cockroaches Are Coming’: Abhijeet Dipke-Led Protest at Jantar Mantar Calls for Dharmendra Pradhan to Quit
The Cockroach Janata Party held a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, June 6th. It is being reported that the Delhi Police has granted permission for their proposed protest. The party announced via social media that supporters would go directly to the protest site and would not need to go to the Parliament Street Police Station. They wrote, “Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar” and “Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is leaving.” It is being reported that on June 6th, under the leadership of Abhijeet Dipke, party members protested at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to the system over examination controversies. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka also appealed to supporters to bring the tricolor flag, books, flowers, and their families. He appealed to the Prime Minister, saying, “Prime Minister, your Education Minister is incompetent, due to whom our education is being ruined. Paper leaks, the suffering of millions of children, and the increasing number of suicide cases are occurring. Dismiss him and restore our faith in democracy.” As Abhijit Dipke emerged from the airport, he was seen holding a book by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, which he displayed with his hands raised before exiting. He also demanded a VIP exit, for which CJP representatives spoke with GMR officials for 30 minutes. After the talks, the Delhi Police and CISF intervened and rejected Dipke’s demand, forcing him to exit via the normal route. People from various parts of India participated in the protest According to sources, a crowd of lakhs gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, due to which a heavy police force and Rapid Action Force were deployed there since Friday. Due to the large crowd, Delhi Police appeared very cautious about the protest. They only allowed people to enter after checking, and the protesters were also monitored through drones. People from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bulandshahr, Uttarakhand, and Punjab participated in the protest, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Some Aam Aadmi Party councillors were also seen at the Cockroach Janata Party protest. The CJP distributed pamphlets in Hindi and English to the protesters, outlining the objectives of the protest. During the protest, two groups shouted slogans against the RSS, leading to an argument between them. Sources indicate that the police began arresting protesters at 4:30 pm, with permission until 5:00 pm. Sonam Wangchuk reached Jantar Mantar and thanked the government for allowing the protest Sonam Wangchuk reached Jantar Mantar and thanked the government for allowing the protest, saying, “I have brought a message of goodwill for everyone. I thank the government for allowing a peaceful protest.” Addressing the crowd from the stage, he said, “Today we have peacefully presented our views. The government has given shelter to cockroaches. We have come to this issue of education, not to demand elections or protests. We hope the government will take positive action in the future. There is talk of resignation, but let’s talk about responsibility.” He also said, “We are happy with the government’s decision because people say they will not allow this to happen. However, since the issue of education has been raised, we hope the government will take the right steps and meet our demands in the coming days.” As Sonam Wangchuk arrived at Jantar Mantar, slogans in his support were continuously raised, “What kind of Education Minister should we have? He should be like Sonam Baghchuk.” Sonam Bagchuk stopped the crowd, saying, “I have no desire; the youth should come forward, and the factories of a developed India are the village schools. The children of all public representatives should be in government schools. When will the system change when their children are in government schools, not private schools?” After this, CGPA organizers, including Abhijeet Dipke, announced the end of the protest on the microphone and told the people to vacate Jantar Mantar.
Senior Leaders & Ex-Army Officers Inducted: Dhami Government Strengthens Organization with New Appointments..
The Dhami government has announced new responsibilities for several party workers, senior leaders, and former servicemen, including them in the government. Under orders issued by the Council of Ministers, Anurag, on Wednesday, six individuals were appointed to key positions in various councils and commissions. The government has also conveyed that those loyal to the organization will be given due respect and responsibility. By assigning responsibilities to former cabinet ministers Dinesh Agarwal and Jyoti Singh Bisht, who left the Congress and joined the BJP, the state government has made it clear that senior leaders joining the party will be given due importance, respect, and recognition. Former cabinet minister Dinesh Agarwal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party a long time ago. The Dhami government has honored his experience and seniority by appointing him as an advisor to the Bridge Commission. Jot Singh Bisht appointed as the vice-chairman of the Rural Engineering Services Council Jyot Singh Bisht, who represents the Dhanaulti assembly constituency of Tehri district, has also been given a significant responsibility by the government. He has been named vice-chairman of the Rural Engineering Services Council. His appointment is considered significant given his deep understanding of issues such as hilly region development, rural infrastructure, and road construction, and his active role among activists. In addition, two important appointments have been made to the Uttarakhand State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Advisory Council. Shamsher Singh Bisht of Dehradun district has been named Vice President of the Council. Shamsher Singh Bisht has long been active in issues related to ex-servicemen welfare. Captain Gambhir Singh Dhami, a resident of Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district, has been appointed to the important position of Senior Vice President of the Council. Gambhir Singh Dhami, a former Captain in the Army, has always been vocal about the rights and welfare of ex-servicemen. Jyoti Kotia has been appointed President of the Council Two key appointments have also been made to the Gorkha Kalyan Parishad, which works for the welfare and upliftment of the Gorkha community. Jyoti Kotia, a resident of Hathibarkala, Dehradun, has been appointed President of the Council. She has been given this important responsibility in recognition of her contributions to social service and women’s empowerment. Additionally, Abhishek Shahi of Dehradun has been appointed Vice President of the Gorakh Kalyan Parishad. Abhishek Shahi is known as a young and energetic activist. Anuradha Walia of Dehradun has been appointed Vice President of the Mati Kala Board. According to orders issued by Anurag, the Council of Ministers, all nominated officials will be provided with appropriate facilities. There is tremendous enthusiasm among workers and supporters upon receiving the new responsibility, and they have expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Rahul Gandhi to arrive in Uttarakhand on a two-day visit, will interact with ex-servicemen…
The Congress party has devised a strategy to corner the BJP in the 2027 electoral arena by focusing on the Agnipath recruitment scheme and other critical state-level issues. To this end, Rahul Gandhi—the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha—will arrive in Uttarakhand on a two-day visit on Thursday, June 4. It is reported that, through an ex-servicemen’s conference scheduled to be held in Pauri on June 4, the Congress aims to reach out to and mobilize both ex-servicemen and the youth. During the conference, Rahul Gandhi will address significant issues such as the Agnipath scheme and ‘One Rank, One Pension’ (OROP). Additionally, the issue of bringing ex-servicemen’s pensions under the ambit of income tax is expected to be a central topic of discussion. Ex-servicemen and the youth constitute a substantial vote bank in Uttarakhand; consequently, the Congress party has specifically targeted this demographic. According to Congress leaders, these issues impact a large segment of the country’s population. Considerable dissatisfaction regarding the Agnipath scheme has been observed among the youth, and Rahul Gandhi intends to engage with them to discuss various facets of this initiative. The ‘One Rank, One Pension’ issue has long been a matter of critical importance to ex-servicemen; recognizing this, Rahul Gandhi may also use this platform to criticize the BJP government’s policies concerning ex-servicemen’s issues. The Congress party’s ex-servicemen’s wing has previously organized Rath Yatras (chariot processions) across the state to stage protests and raise awareness among the youth and ex-servicemen regarding the shortcomings of the Agnipath scheme. It is understood that Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Uttarakhand will place a specific focus on ex-servicemen and the youth. State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal has asserted that the Agnipath recruitment scheme constitutes a betrayal of the future of the state’s youth. He noted that while the youth of Uttarakhand have historically made the greatest contribution to military service, the Agnipath recruitment process has nevertheless left both the youth and their families deeply anxious. Addressing this concern, the Congress party intends to utilize the ex-servicemen’s conference during its Uttarakhand visit to engage in dialogue with ex-servicemen and the youth regarding all these pertinent issues.
Petrol and diesel prices rise again across the country, with prices rising by more than ₹2.50…
Petrol and diesel prices have risen again across the country. Petrol and diesel prices have risen by more than ₹2.50, doubling the burden of inflation on the general public. Petroleum companies have increased petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in 10 days. This began on May 15th, when petrol prices were increased by ₹3. Additionally, on May 25th, petrol prices were increased by more than ₹2.50. Due to the rise in international crude oil prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East, oil marketing companies are continuously increasing fuel prices. Following this new increase, petrol prices in the national capital, Delhi, have reached ₹102.12 per liter and diesel ₹95.20 per liter. In Mumbai, petrol has risen ₹111.21 per liter and diesel ₹97.83 per liter. In Chennai, the price of petrol has increased to ₹107.77 per liter and diesel to ₹99.55 per liter. Following the increase in petrol and diesel prices, new fuel prices have now been implemented in Uttarakhand as well. In Dehradun, petrol prices have reached ₹100.50 per liter and diesel ₹95.90 per liter. Even in hilly districts like Bageshwar, Chamoli, Tehri, and Uttarkashi, petrol prices have crossed the ₹100 per liter mark. The continuous increase in diesel and petrol prices is directly impacting transportation and logistics. The rising prices have also increased the concerns of the common people, leading to the rise in prices of daily necessities, vegetables, and other consumer goods.
Banshidhar Tiwari Sets an Example by Cycling to Office Amid Uttarakhand’s Fuel Saving Drive
Following the fuel conservation appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched several major initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and promote sustainable transportation. However, beyond government orders and policy announcements, one official’s action has now become the center of attention across the state. Banshidhar Tiwari Leads by Example Banshidhar Tiwari, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Director General of Information, and MDDA Vice Chairman, chose to cycle to his office instead of using an official vehicle. He travelled from his residence on Sahastradhara Road to the Information Directorate on Ring Road, sending out a strong message about energy conservation and responsible leadership. His decision quickly became a talking point among officials and the public, as it reflected the idea that true leadership is not only about issuing instructions but also about personally following them. Government’s Major Fuel Saving Measures The Uttarakhand government has recently approved several reforms aimed at reducing fuel dependency. The Chief Minister and cabinet ministers have reduced the use of official vehicles by 50 percent. The state has also introduced a weekly “No Vehicle Day” to encourage ministers, public representatives, and government officers to use public transport. In addition, the government has approved work-from-home options for employees to reduce daily commuting and fuel consumption. The state is also expanding its Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, under which more than 50 percent of newly purchased government vehicles will be electric. A Message Beyond Administration Banshidhar Tiwari’s initiative is being viewed as more than just a symbolic act. At a time when fuel conservation and environmental protection have become national priorities, his effort highlighted how individual responsibility can strengthen government campaigns. His bicycle ride to office has now emerged as a practical example of sustainable governance, inspiring many officials and citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.
Replication of West Bengal and Assam Election Approach in Uttarakhand..
The BJP is adopting a unique strategy to connect directly with the public ahead of next year’s assembly elections in Uttarakhand. This approach was previously adopted in the assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam. To achieve a hat-trick of victories in the Assam assembly elections and defeat the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, the BJP’s strong organization was tested on many levels. A transparent system of constant communication and feedback with the public was developed, allowing the organization to correct its shortcomings from time to time. Similarly, in Bengal, this strategy helped identify voter-related issues with the organization at the booth level. Mandal-level meetings will be held every week The BJP is also adopting this strategy for next year’s assembly elections in Uttarakhand. This will help it understand the real problems of the public and increase direct engagement with them, thereby strengthening election preparations. In this regard, Mandal-level meetings will be held every week, district-level meetings every second week, and state-level meetings in the last week of the month. Following the success in Assam, pressure has increased to achieve a hat-trick in Uttarakhand as well. Due to this, BJP National President Nitin Naveen will be visiting Uttarakhand this month. During this time, he will review the government and organizational preparations for the upcoming elections. In view of this, the organization has focused special attention on the 23 assembly seats held by the opposition and independents. The 47 constituencies where BJP MLAs are facing booth-wise problems will be addressed and voters will be contacted. BJP State General Secretary Organization Kundan Parihar stated that the victory in Bengal and Assam has boosted the BJP’s morale. The success achieved by the organization in these states will be replicated in Uttarakhand. For this purpose, the organization will hold a Mandal-level meeting every week.
Pushkar Singh Dhami: From Student Leader to Youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was born on September 16, 1975, in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. His mother’s name is Vishna Dhami, and his father’s name is Sher Singh Dhami. His father is a retired army subedar. Pushkar Singh Dhami is the only child of three sisters and is married to Geet Dhami. Education From Lucknow Regarding Pushkar Singh Dhami’s education, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations from Lucknow University and his LLB from Lucknow University.Talking about Pushkar Singh Dhami political career, he began his political career in 1990 with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Among his various responsibilities, he played a key role in organizing and conducting the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s national conference in Lucknow. Entry In Politics In 2001, when Bhagat Singh Koshyari served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, he served as an advisor and Officer on Special Duty to Koshyari. Pushkar Singh Dhami has twice served as the President of the BJP’s Uttarakhand Yuva Morcha, from 2002 to 2008. Pushkar Singh Dhami has so far successfully contested elections from the Khatima Assembly seat in Udham Singh Nagar. In the 2017 elections, Pushkar Singh won this seat by a margin of 2,709 votes. Pushkar Singh Dhami was subsequently sworn in as the tenth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in July 2021, becoming the youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand at the age of 45. On March 21, 2022, he was re-elected to the post of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and was elected as the 11th Chief Minister. Although he lost the 2022 assembly elections from the Khatima constituency of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly to Congress candidate Chandra Kapati, despite losing, Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the 11th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The swearing-in ceremony took place on 2022. With this swearing-in, he became the 11th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.