Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference, responded to the Centre’s claim of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by stating that true peace means no armed troops patrolling the streets.

He also challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government, questioning whether they still believed Article 370 was responsible for terrorism in the region. The former chief minister emphasized that despite having control over Jammu and Kashmir for the past five years, the Centre had not successfully curbed terrorism.

“How many troops are stationed here? How heavily armed are the forces on the streets? Is that peace? Peace should exist without these troops,” Abdullah said in an interview with India Today.

As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections draw closer, Abdullah called for the immediate restoration of statehood. Criticizing Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, he said, “I want full statehood, now. Why should we remain under the control of Delhi’s representative? He can impose decisions or make changes as he pleases.”

Abdullah made these comments when asked if an alliance with Congress would aid in restoring statehood after the elections. He clarified that the alliance was not a matter of compulsion but was essential for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the restoration of statehood.

He also criticized the BJP-led government for reducing Jammu and Kashmir’s status, remarking, “Since India’s independence, I’ve never seen a state being downgraded to a Union Territory, except for Jammu and Kashmir.” Abdullah further accused the BJP of dividing the country along religious lines, saying, “The way they are trying to separate people based on religion is concerning.”

Farooq Abdullah also commented on Omar Abdullah’s decision to contest from two seats in the upcoming elections. He said that active participation was crucial to changing the political landscape.

Omar Abdullah’s Candidacy in Ganderbal

Omar Abdullah has filed his nomination to contest from the Ganderbal constituency in the upcoming assembly elections. At a public gathering, Omar removed his skull cap, asking for the people’s support, saying, “Today, I entrust my turban, my honor, and this cap into your hands.”

Addressing the crowd in Kashmiri, he made a heartfelt appeal, “Give me a chance. I appeal to Ganderbal with folded hands to grant me the opportunity to serve and represent you.”

Ganderbal has been a stronghold for the National Conference, with three generations of the Abdullah family winning from the constituency. NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was elected in 1977, followed by his son Farooq Abdullah in 1983, 1987, and 1996. Omar Abdullah secured the seat in 2008.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue an apology to every citizen in Maharashtra following the collapse of the statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, Maharashtra.

“A few days ago, the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was damaged,” Gandhi said. “After this, Narendra Modi said, ‘I apologize to Shivaji Maharaj’… But, Narendra Modi has disrespected Shivaji Maharaj. He should apologize not just to Shivaji Maharaj, but to every person in Maharashtra.”

Gandhi made this statement while addressing a gathering in Sangli, where he also unveiled a life-size statue of the late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam, who had held various ministerial positions in Maharashtra.

“…I guarantee that Kadam ji’s (Patangrao Kadam) statue will stand here for the next 50-70 years,” Gandhi said.

He also emphasized that Congress’ ideology is deeply embedded in Maharashtra’s identity, and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of only benefiting a privileged few under its rule.

“…Congress’ ideology is in Maharashtra’s DNA. There used to be political debates, but today, we are engaged in an ideological struggle in India. We aim for social progress, while they (BJP) seek to ensure that only a select few gain all the advantages,” he added, as reported by ANI.

Shivaji’s Statue Collapse

The 35-foot statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort collapsed on August 26 due to gusty winds, sparking a major political controversy in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance for installing a poorly constructed statue and accused them of corruption. Modi had originally unveiled the statue on Navy Day in December 2023.

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Police arrested 24-year-old sculptor-contractor Jaydeep Apte from Kalyan, who was wanted in connection with the collapse.

Last week, Prime Minister Modi issued an apology for the incident during an event in Palghar.

“For me and my colleagues, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not merely a name or a king, but a revered deity. Today, I bow my head at my revered deity’s feet and apologize. I also apologize to all those who worship Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as I understand their sentiments are deeply hurt,” he said.

The Indian government is expected to soon decide on imposing non-tariff barriers on solar cell imports by including them in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This move could reshape the solar industry by reducing Chinese imports and encouraging domestic production.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, confirmed that the ministry is actively considering this proposal.

The ALMM is a government-approved list of solar module models and manufacturers eligible to supply to state-supported projects. In April, Mint reported that after applying the ALMM to solar modules earlier this year, the government is now contemplating similar measures for solar cells to promote Indian-made products.

When asked about extending the ALMM to solar cells, the minister said, “It is under consideration, and we will make a decision soon.”

This initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on Chinese imports, which dominate the global solar market, while boosting the country’s domestic solar equipment manufacturing sector.

Initially introduced in 2021, the ALMM was temporarily suspended until FY24 due to concerns over low module supplies and its potential impact on solar capacity expansion. However, the list was reinstated in April, currently allowing only India-made modules, with an approved solar module capacity of around 54 GW.

In recent years, key government initiatives to promote domestic production include high import duties on solar modules and cells, the ALMM, and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at strengthening the solar module ecosystem.

As India targets 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030—with 292 GW expected from solar power—the country will require an annual solar cell and module manufacturing capacity of 25-50 GW. Currently, India’s solar cell manufacturing capacity is just over 6 GW.

At the Bharat Electricity, PowerGen, and Indian Utility Week 2024, Joshi highlighted India’s progress in renewable energy, noting that the country’s installed renewable capacity increased from 75.52 GW in March 2014 to 203 GW today, marking a 165% growth in 10 years. He stressed that India’s achievements serve as a model for nations aiming to transition to a low-carbon economy.

The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and fostering innovation in the energy sector. He also invited global investors and companies to explore opportunities in India’s renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors.

These initiatives align with India’s broader goals of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.