The government announced Bharat Ratna for L K Advani, the face of the Ram temple movement, conveying support for both the Mandal and Mandir movements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Advani s transparency, integrity, and contribution to national unity. Advani accepted the honour, expressing gratitude to his party workers. The decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Advani coincides with the consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Notably, Advani has no notable achievement since receiving the Padma Vibhushan, unlike his close associate Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The summons follow NCBC s repeated letters to the West Bengal government seeking latest social, educational and economic data of the 87 castes recommended for inclusion. West Bengal had recommended 87 castes, including 80 from Muslim community, for the central OBC list.
Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu said enrolment of Scheduled Caste students has increased by about 44 per cent, that of Scheduled Tribe students by more than 65 per cent and that of OBC by more than 44 per cent.