AHMEDABAD: Reeling under one of the worst unseasonal rain spells in two decades, Gujarats farmers have suffered massive crop devastation across 42 lakh hectares and 16,000 villages. On Friday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a Rs 10,000-crore relief package coupled with government procurement of groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean worth Rs 15,000 crore from November 9, promising that no farmer will be left without help. Gujarats farmlands, already scarred by erratic monsoon patterns, have now been battered by unseasonal rains that struck at the end of October, which the Chief Minister described as the kind Gujarat has not seen in two decades. The deluge drenched 41 lakh hectares of cultivated land, crippling the livelihoods of over 17 lakh farmers across 16,387 villages. As assessment reports poured in, the figures told a grim story -- over 33% crop loss in nearly 31 lakh hectares, translating to an estimated Rs 1,574 crore blow to the agrarian economy. The Saurashtra belt emerged as ground zero, where 80% of the total state damage occurred. Out of 37.71 lakh hectares sown, 33.53 lakh hectares were hit, devastating 12.65 lakh farmers and causing Rs 1,218 crore in losses. The Mid-East zone followed with 52.5% of crops damaged, while South Gujarat reported 79% cultivation loss, and North Gujarat too saw heavy impact across 4.14 lakh hectares. Seeing the scale of disaster firsthand, the Chief Minister swiftly convened an emergency high-level meeting with officials from the agriculture, revenue, and finance departments. Chairing the meet himself, Patel greenlit a massive Rs 10,000-crore relief and assistance package, calling it a duty towards the sons of the soil who feed us all. Unseasonal rains of a kind unseen in the last two decades have caused huge crop losses in multiple districts, the Chief Minister said in his statement on Friday. I and my fellow ministers visited the affected districts, spoke directly to the farmers, and felt their pain. Understanding their struggle, the state government stands shoulder to shoulder with them with full sympathy. Keeping in mind their hardship, I am announcing a relief package of about Rs 10,000 crore. Alongside, we will begin procurement of groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean worth over Rs 15,000 crore at support prices from November 9, Patel added, assuring that the government was, is, and will always be with our farmers. Following Patels directive, hundreds of agricultural survey teams fanned out across the districts, covering 70% of the damaged area so far. The CM personally ordered that no farmer should be left without assistance and that all relief formalities be expedited this week. This package comes as Gujarats second major farm relief intervention in just three months, following a Rs 947-crore payout in August-September for flood-affected talukas in Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, and Junagadh. That earlier crisis had already signaled the states growing vulnerability to climate-linked agrarian distress and this latest spell has only deepened the challenge. From drought to deluge, Gujarats farmers have borne the full brunt of climate volatility this year. But with the state government now rolling out an unprecedented twin package of Rs 10,000 crore in direct relief and Rs 15,000 crore in crop procurement, the CM has sent a clear message: In every calamity, the farmer will not stand alone.
Unseasonal rains destroy crops across Gujarat, total loss estimated around Rs 1,500 crore
AHMEDABAD: Over 33% of 30 lakh hectares of Kharif crop in Gujarat have been damaged due to unseasonal rains. A government survey estimated total losses to be around Rs 1,574 crore, prompting the Gujarat government to prepare a fresh relief package. Gujarat experienced relentless rains at the end of October measuring 88.67 mm has caused widespread crop devastation across the states 71 lakh hectares of cultivated land, shattering the livelihoods of 17.06 lakh farmers in 16,387 villages. Responding to farmer representations, the state government swiftly ordered a damage assessment survey, with the Agriculture Department deploying hundreds of teams across regions. The preliminary report paints a grim picture 33% or more loss in 30.92 lakh hectares, translating to an estimated Rs 1,574.48 crore hit to Gujarats farming economy. Of this, the Saurashtra zone stands out as the worst affected. Out of 37.71 lakh hectares sown, 33.53 lakh hectares have been damaged. Surveys covering 28.28 lakh hectares reveal that 12.65 lakh farmers have lost over 33% of their crops, incurring a staggering Rs 1,218.50 crore loss nearly 80% of the total state damage. The Mid-East zone follows, with 52.54% of its 15.55 lakh hectares affected. Over 3.18 lakh hectares of land belonging to 2.59 lakh farmers have suffered major damage worth Rs 296.45 crore. In South Gujarat, unseasonal rains have lashed 79% of the cultivation, impacting 5.61 lakh hectares. Here, 1.36 lakh farmers in 1.67 lakh hectares face heavy losses worth Rs 58.45 crore. Even North Gujarat, which sowed 18.08 lakh hectares, hasnt been spared 4.14 lakh hectares of crops are hit, with 44,849 farmers suffering significant losses in 46,125 hectares, valued at Rs 28.11 crore. According to officials, 70% of the surveyed area has been preliminarily verified, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is likely to announce a comprehensive relief package on Tuesday or Wednesday. The move comes after Patel personally directed officials to complete damage reports by this week, assuring farmers that no one will be left without help. This crisis follows close on the heels of the Rs 947 crore relief package the government rolled out in August-September 2025 when heavy monsoon rains ravaged 18 talukas, including Vav-Tharad, Kutch, Junagadh, and Patan. Of that, Rs 563 crore came under SDRF norms, with Rs 384 crore added from the state exchequer a sign of Gujarats growing climate-linked agrarian distress.
Familys worst fears come true: Teen kills brother and pregnant sister-in-law in Gujarat village
A shocking double murder has emerged from Junagadh district. A 15-year-old boy allegedly killed his elder brother and pregnant sister-in-law. The bodies were found buried behind their house nearly two weeks later. The boy's mother reportedly helped conceal the crime. The discovery was made after the woman's family raised suspicions. The minor showed no remorse during interrogation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday emphasized Sardar Patels monumental role in uniting India and shaping the nation after independence. He highlighted Patels leadership during the integration of 562 princely states, the Hyderabad and Junagadh operations, and securing Lakshadweep on 15 August 1947. Shah, in a press briefing in Patna, Bihar, noted that the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honors Patels legacy. Constructed in 57 months using 25,000 tonnes of iron from farmers tools, 1,700 tonnes of bronze, and 90,000 cubic meters of concrete, the 182-meter statue attracts over 15,000 daily visitors. Additional tourist attractions around the site further enhance its appeal. To commemorate Patels 150th birth anniversary, a grand parade will be held annually on October 31 at Ekta Nagar, akin to the Republic Day parade. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the salute of the grand parade. The parade will include Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police forces, gallantry awardees, cultural performances, camel contingents, motorcycle stunts, tableaux, and an air show by the Indian Air Forces Surya Kiran team. A nationwide Run for Unity and Unity Pledge will also be organized across schools, universities, district police stations, and all states and Union Territories. From November 115, Bharat Parv will celebrate Indias tribal culture, concluding with a showcase of folk arts, crafts, and music on November 15. Shah emphasized that the parade and associated events aim to inspire youth, reaffirm national unity, and honor Sardar Patels lifelong dedication to the nation.
After cabinet overhaul, Gujarat BJP now plans major organizational reshuffle
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats political scene is changing again. After appointing a new BJP state president and reshuffling the state cabinet, the ruling party is now preparing for another big organizational change. The BJP plans to bring in new leaders to key posts and redraw its power structure from the state capital Gandhinagar to the district level a clear sign that the party is getting ready for the next big election. According to party sources, the next major step will be appointing new State General Secretaries one of the most powerful roles in the partys state unit. These appointments are expected within a week. Currently, the Gujarat BJP has four General Secretaries. Among them, Kutch MP Vinod Chavda is likely to keep his position, while the other three posts may go to new faces. The move aims to strengthen the partys organization and prepare for upcoming political challenges. Party insiders say this reshuffle is not just routine. It is part of a larger strategy to tighten control and improve coordination after the recent cabinet changes, in which ten ministers were dropped. The BJP wants to strengthen its structure at the district level to improve governance and maintain political balance. As part of this plan, new in-charge ministers will be appointed for 20 districts. The government now wants each minister to handle only one districtespecially those with important departmentsto improve focus and accountability. Earlier, many ministers managed two districts, which often reduced efficiency. Even Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi may see changes in his responsibilities. He currently oversees both Vadodara and Gandhinagar districts for the BJP, but he may now retain only Gandhinagar, reflecting the leaderships push for more focused roles. The 20 districts expected to get new in-charge ministers include Aravalli, Mahisagar, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Botad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Dang, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Patan, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Valsad. Each new appointment will aim to balance political representation and improve administration, helping the BJP strengthen its control both at the grassroots and state levels. With these changes on the way, the Gujarat BJP is reshaping not just its cabinet but also its political strategy getting ready for the road ahead.
Army jawan drowns after rescuing friends from Ozat river in Gujarat's Junagadh
AHMEDABAD: A Diwali outing turned tragic in Junagadhs Vanthali taluka when Army jawan Bharatbhai Bhetaria lost his life while saving his friends from drowning in the Ozat river near Tikar village. On October 22, four friends went to bathe in the river around 4 PM when three were caught in a sudden, powerful current. Bharatbhai, serving in the Indian Army, immediately jumped into the swirling waters and rescued his friends one by one. In the process, he was swept away by the fierce current. Locals alerted the Vanthali Fire Department, a rescue team conducted an overnight search. Family members and villagers waited at the riverbank during the operation. Bhetarias body was recovered at dawn on October 23, concluding the rescue efforts.
RTI reply exposes audit lapse of over Rs 2 lakh crore in eight Gujarat Municipal Corporations
AHMEDABAD: A massive accountability crisis has exploded in Gujarat as eight major Municipal Corporations have not been audited for several years, leaving a budget worth over Rs 2 lakh crore unaudited and unverified. The revelations, made through an RTI response, expose systemic neglect, violation of audit laws, and a stunning breakdown of financial transparency. Citizens of these cities have effectively been left in the dark about how public money is being spent. Now, Gujarats urban governance is staring at a financial storm. RTI documents have exposed that not a single audit has been completed for several years for eight major Municipal Corporations: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Surat and Vadodara. The data, obtained from the Director of the Local Fund Accounts Office in response to an RTI filed under Section 4(1) of the Act, reveals how thousands of crores of rupees in civic funds have remained unaudited, violating the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The backlog means that over Rs 2 lakh crore of municipal expenditure across Gujarats largest cities has never undergone mandatory financial scrutiny. With an annual budget of around 12,000 crore in 202425, the Ahmedabad civic body hasnt completed an audit since 201718, which roughly translates to approximately 50,000 crore in unverified accounts for just one city. Similar patterns are seen in Surat and Vadodara, while other corporations have remained unaudited for four to six years. Experts say that this is not a mere technical lapse, but a deep governance failure. Ignored directives, defied laws This financial vacuum exists despite clear legal obligations and repeated directives. Notably, the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963, under Section 4 mandates annual audits of all local bodies. The 11th Central Finance Commission (200005) had recommended that the audit of Municipal Corporations be done under the guidance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports submitted to the State Assembly. A Finance Department resolution on May 6, 2005, and later a circular on December 23, 2011, made this legally binding. The CAG had also flagged the non-compliance in August 2009, urging Gujarat to ensure timely audits. In 2011, Section 108A was added to the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to reinforce the obligation. Yet, the RTI reply confirms that none of these directives have been implemented effectively. Last Audited Year, Municipal Corporation and Pending Years. The failure has also meant that no audit reports have been tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for years, as the audits were never done. The Finance Departments 2011 circular was meant to bring in accountability through CAG-supervised audits of Municipal Corporations. These reports were to be presented before the Assembly, debated, and acted upon. Instead, the process has been derailed for over a decade. Neither the CAG nor the Local Fund Audit Office has enforced strict timelines, and successive governments have allowed this crisis to deepen. RTI applicant raised red flag RTI Activist and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah has slammed the government, alleging a deliberate shielding of irregularities. In a democracy, the audit report for the previous financial year should be presented in the new year, debated by corporators, and acted upon as per rules. If the audit itself is not done for years, transparency collapses, and irregularities get buried, Shah claimed. He further alleged, This is a clear violation of the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The State Assembly has failed in its duty to ensure annual presentation of audit reports. Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. When 2 lakh crore goes unaudited, the publics right to know how their money is used is crushed. Citizens kept in the dark The lack of audits not just weaken financial scrutiny but also denies Gujarats urban citizens of transparency over how civic budgets are spent on critical services like roads, water, housing, and sanitation.Over two crore people live in these eight municipal areas. However, no red flags were raised, no mismanagement was officially recorded. Political and governance questions mount The revelation has triggered serious concerns: Why has the State not enforced its own audit rules for over a decade? How is financial scrutiny being bypassed despite repeated CAG interventions? Who is responsible for this 2 lakh crore transparency vacuum? Legal experts say this is not just an administrative lapse, but a potential violation of constitutional principles governing local self-government. What next? With RTI evidence out in the open, pressure is likely to mount over the State government to immediately initiate pending audits and present reports in the Assembly. Activists and former bureaucrats argue that independent CAG oversight and public disclosure of audit findings are the only way to restore credibility. However, with seven years already lost in some corporations, the process of auditing such massive backlogs will be long, complex and politically sensitive. Whether the State acts decisive or let the lapse unchecked will determine the future of transparency and accountability in Gujarats urban administration. Notably, Hemant Kumar Shah said,If audits are not done, irregularities remain invisible. And when irregularities remain invisible, accountability dies.
Lion Goes Missing From Tamil Nadu's Vandalur Zoo, Search Op Underway
The lion was brought to Vandalur Park from the Chakkarbagh Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat, under the National Animal Exchange Program.
From teacher to trickster: Gujarat police nab car scam kingpin in Mumbai
AHMEDABAD: A fraudster who rocked Gujarats online car market with a Rs 73 lakh fraud has finally landed in police net. Junagadh police nabbed the fraudster from Dahisar, Mumbai, after a high-tech chase across states. For three years, he duped car buyers and sellers on apps like OLX and CAR-24, trapping victims in 31 cases across 11 districts of Gujarat. The accused, Piyush Maheshbhai Patel (39), a resident of Visnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat was caught from Dahisar, Mumbai, after an intensive three-day surveillance operation. The story broke from Junagadh, where on September 25, 2025, a resident filed a complaint at the A-Division Police Station. The fraudster, posing as Dhaval Patel from CAR-24, trapped a local doctor by offering an inflated price for his Swift and luring him with a Brezza in return. Once the deal was set for just Rs 2.25 lakh through Angadiya payment, the scammer switched off his phone and vanished. The victims complaint led SP Subodh Odedara to order immediate action. PI and his team tracked the fraudsters digital trail, discovering he was operating from Mumbai. Using local intelligence, officers lay in wait inside a Mumbai salon for three days before finally nabbing the accused in Dahisar. Police interrogation peeled back Patels web of deceit. A former schoolteacher and car showroom worker, debt drove him into crime. His modus operandi was chillingly systematic: he would scan car-sale ads on OLX, pose as a CAR-24 agent, and bait owners with high offers. At the same time, he would tempt dealers in nearby cities with quick-sale cars at throwaway prices. Once both sides were convinced, Patel collected payments through Angadiya, then switched off his mobile and re-emerged with a new number and a new name. Patels aliases ranged from Dhawal, Arpit, Hardik, Sanjay, Rajendra Panchal, Jaimin, Hemala carousel of fake identities that helped him cheat buyers and sellers of 42 cars in three years. The confession is staggering: 31 cases registered in 11 districts, including Ahmedabad (6 cases), Gandhinagar, Bharuch, Botad, Banaskantha, Rajkot, and Kutch, with a total fraud of Rs 73.30 lakh. Earlier, he had already duped victims of nearly Rs 1 crore. From Patels possession, police seized a Samsung Galaxy A-35, 13 SIM cards, 3 blank HDFC cheques, and fraud-linked materials. His record reveals he turned Gujarats car market into his hunting ground, repeatedly exploiting digital platforms with surgical precision. The police have now tightened the investigation to identify possible accomplices and recover the looted money.
Gujarat monsoon forecast: Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch experience active monsoon conditions. Extremely heavy rain occurred in isolated areas. A low-pressure area influences weather patterns. It may intensify into a depression. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain for the next seven days across the region. Heavy showers are expected in South Gujarat and Saurashtra.
AHMEDABAD: Tension erupted in Vadodaras old city on Friday night after a controversial AI-generated social media post targeting minority religious sentiments went viral. Crowds clashed, stones were thrown, and more than 50 people were detained as police restored order amid heightened communal anxiety. Vadodara witnessed a sharp spike in communal tension late Friday after the viral post inflamed locals in the old city area. The locality became a flashpoint as residents gathered in large numbers, creating a highly volatile situation and hurling stones. Police rushed to the scene as the mobs anger escalated, attempting to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. The unrest quickly spread to the Vadodara City Police Station, where a mob demanded strict action against the individual responsible for the post. A heavy police presence, including convoys and barricades, was deployed to manage the crowd. About 50 suspects linked to the stone-throwing incident were taken into custody by the Crime Branch from the police station, further intensifying tensions in the area. City police moved swiftly, filing complaints against the accused for spreading communal provocation and registering cases of rioting. Additional security measures were put in place, including two policemen stationed outside the city police station to prevent escalation, while police patrolled the Junagadhi area to maintain calm. Additional Police Commissioner Lina Patil confirmed that separate police and Crime Branch teams intervened promptly, calming the crowd and restoring peace in the affected areas. Addl CP Lina Patil said, There was an incident in the citys old area that hurt religious sentiments. Following this, a crowd gathered outside the police station. Our teams, including separate units from the local police and Crime Branch, immediately intervened to control the situation. The matter has now been contained, and peace has been restored. Police personnel remain deployed in different areas to ensure continued safety, and action is being taken against all those involved in inciting communal tension. DCP Andrew McEwan added that the viral video had triggered the unrest and that police conducted combing operations across the city to prevent further incidents. Legal action has been taken on the viral post and rioting incidents. More than 50 people have been detained so far, DCP McEwan said, underscoring the polices resolve to curb any communal flare-ups.
Rahul Gandhis visit to Gujarat's Junagadh Camp postponed to September 19 due to bad weather
AHMEDABAD: Rahul Gandhis Gujarat push hit turbulence as bad weather in Delhi grounded his flight, forcing the cancellation of his second visit to Junagadhs Congress training camp today. The camp, aimed at reviving the party in Prime Minister Modis home state, has already seen top leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, guiding 41 city and district presidents. Congress plans to finalise a two-year strategy to challenge the BJPs three-decade dominance in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhis mission to revive the Congress in Gujarat, a state where the party has been in political exile for 30 years, faced a setback today as bad weather in Delhi grounded his flight, forcing the cancellation of his visit to Junagadh. Rahul was scheduled to return to the foothills of Bhavnath in Junagadh, where a 10-day intensive training camp is underway for 41 newly appointed city and district Congress presidents. The camp is a cornerstone of Congresss Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, designed to rebuild the party from the ground up ahead of crucial state and national battles. On September 12, Rahul had spent four hours personally mentoring local leaders, signaling the partys renewed seriousness about Gujarat. Today, he was expected to participate again and oversee strategy sessions, but Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Amit Chavda confirmed the cancellation, saying, Today, Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to join us again to mentor the leaders personally and review their progress. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions in Delhi, his flight could not take off, and his visit had to be postponed. We now expect him to arrive tomorrow for the camps concluding day, where every city and district president will present their action plans and Congress vision for the people of Gujarat. The camp is being conducted with inputs from experts across sectors, focusing on inclusive politics and grassroots outreach without caste or class barriers. Tomorrows concluding session will see district leaders present their programs and Congresss vision for Gujarats future. However, the absence of some key figures has drawn attention. Gir Somnath district president Punjabbhai Vansh attended only on the opening day and has been missing for the past eight days. Amreli district Congress chief Pratap Dudhat has also skipped the sessions, a fact noted at the partys top level. Chavda defended both leaders, attributing their absence to personal social reasons. Congresss urgency stems from Gujarats status as the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, making every election here symbolically and strategically vital. The party aims to draft a comprehensive two-year roadmap to challenge the BJP juggernaut. The electoral data underscores the enormity of Congress task. In 2009, the BJP secured 47% of the votes to Congresss 44%, winning 15 of Gujarats 26 Lok Sabha seats. But 2014 was a game-changer: BJPs vote share surged to 59% a 12% jump, while Congress fell to 33%, losing all seats. The 2019 polls deepened this gap, with the BJP rising to 62% and the Congress slipping to 32%, again resulting in a clean sweep for the BJP. The 2024 elections brought little relief, as Congress managed to win just one seat, marking a symbolic breakthrough but highlighting the uphill battle ahead. Rahul Gandhis push through this leadership camp is Congresss most aggressive attempt yet to reclaim relevance in Gujarat, a state that has been the BJPs political fortress for over three decades. Tomorrows session will test whether the party can translate training into a tangible action plan to dent the BJPs dominance.
Gujarat scholarship scam: Rs 4.60 crore embezzled, four arrested
AHMEDABAD: A massive Rs 4.60 crore scholarship scam has been busted in Junagadh, Gujarat, where 12 educational institutions siphoned off funds meant for Scheduled Caste students by using fake documents. Police have arrested four key accused, while a manhunt is on for another administrator as the probe deepens. The scam has rocked Junagadh, exposing a deep-rooted nexus between educational institutions and alleged corruption in welfare schemes. Funds meant to empower Scheduled Caste students were embezzled, leaving thousands of deserving youths cheated of their rights. The case came to light after Kishore Bharkhada, Deputy Director of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Office, lodged a formal complaint, triggering the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Junagadh City Division. Acting swiftly, investigators seized documents related to 2,245 students submitted by 12 institutions, which became the foundation of the probe. Upon scrutiny, investigators discovered that between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016, administrators of these institutions hatched a calculated conspiracy. They fabricated student records and submitted them as genuine to the welfare office. These fake documents were then used to issue scholarship cheques, which were pocketed by the accused, never reaching the students they were intended for. The SIT also sought detailed records from banks linked to these institutions. After cross-checking financial transactions, the involvement of five prime accused surfaced. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gujarat Police moved in and arrested four of them, Ramesh Kalubhai Baku, Ramanik Nathabhai Rathod, Bhavin Laljibhai Dadhaniya, and Jagdish Bhikhabhai Parmar. A manhunt has been launched to nab Umar Farooq Ibrahim Amrelia, Administrator and Principal of Mangrols Indian Institute, who remains absconding. Investigators revealed that the scam involved a staggering 4,60,38,550, stolen over a three-year period. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the Scheduled Caste community, where students are now grappling with anger and distrust towards institutions meant to support them. Junagadh C Division Police have filed cases against the principals, trustees, and other office-bearers of the implicated institutions. Authorities have warned that more arrests could follow as the investigation widens. This scandal has sparked outrage, raising serious questions about the accountability of educational institutions and the safeguards within Gujarats scholarship system. The betrayal of vulnerable students has now become a flashpoint for public anger, with calls for stricter oversight and swift justice.
Ahmedabad Diary | Rahuls homework to pep up cadre
Gujarat, a BJP stronghold, is witnessing a fierce political push as Congress gears up for the 2027 Assembly polls. During a Junagadh training camp, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi urged district and city presidents to set aside their differences, focus on the Congress ideology, and mobilise workers. He assigned homework to leaders, promising to review their answers during his visit on September 18. A sealed report card evaluating their performance will also be handed out, with warnings for underperformers. he plans to spend time in each constituency, staying with local leaders, as Congress intensifies groundwork to challenge the BJPs three-decade dominance in Gujarat. Dairy elections trigger BJP infighting Political temperatures have soared in Gujarats Bharuch district as the Dudhdhara Dairy elections, scheduled for September 19, have turned into a fierce BJP vs. BJP battle. Vagra MLA Arunsinh rana has openly rebelled, fielding his Vikas Panel against the partys official candidates and declaring he will win without the lotus symbol. The BJP suspended nine rebel candidates from ranas panel and three from Narmada, shocking the cooperative sector. Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava slammed leaders, warning of a future blow in local polls, but State General Secretary rajni Patel defended the suspensions. Perform or perish, Congress chiefs told At a special training camp in Junagadh, the Gujarat Congress sent a stern message to its newly appointed city and district presidents. Citing Mallikarjun Kharges warning that non-performers will lose their posts, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal issued a 90-day ultimatum to improve. Addressing 41 presidents, Venugopal compared nine poorly performing leaders to rotten mangoes spoiling the basket, signaling sweeping action ahead. Amreli district chief Pratap Dudhats repeated absence drew sharp criticism. Dilip Singh KShatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Vote Chori Main Issue Before Country Today, PMs Manipur Visit Now No Big Deal: Rahul
Junagadh, Sep 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the strife-torn state now is not a big deal as he insisted vote chori (vote theft) remains the main issue before the country currently. Talking to reporters outside the Keshod airport in Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed everywhere people are raising vote chor (vote thief) slogan. [] The post Vote Chori Main Issue Before Country Today, PMs Manipur Visit Now No Big Deal: Rahul appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, now another two are dividing us': Mallikarjun Kharge
AHMEDABAD: In an address in Junagadh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP, vowing to safeguard the Constitution and energise party workers for a 2027 Gujarat Assembly battle. With Rahul Gandhi set to join later, Kharge invoked Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, and Nehru to rally Congress cadres, accusing the BJP of weakening democracy and stealing votes. He declared, Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, now two Gujaratis are working against it by dividing people. The three-day Congress training camp aims to rebuild the partys grassroots network in Gujarat and reignite a movement for change. The Congresss roadmap to reclaim Gujarat was visible in Junagadh, as party president Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated a massive training camp, declaring it the launchpad for a decisive fight against the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections. With Rahul Gandhi scheduled to attend on September 12 and 17, the camp at Prernadham will run till September 19, training newly appointed district and city Congress presidents. Kharges speech was a blend of history, ideology, and firebrand politics. Without directly naming Prime Minister Modi or BJP leaders, he tore into their agenda, warning, Two Gujaratis gave us freedom, united this nation. Now, two others are destroying that legacy by dividing people and weakening our Constitution. Constitution and Legacy in Focus Kharge reminded the audience that this year marks 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi became Congress President, underlining Gujarats historic role as the birthplace of Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, and Dadabhai Naoroji. He said, Gandhiji told us Congresss job is to uplift those at the bottom and bring equality. Sardar Patel believed strength without organisation is useless, and Nehruji taught us to adapt to change and stay connected with people. Tracing Congresss journey, Kharge divided its 140-year history into three phases the freedom struggle till 1947, the nation-building years after independence, and the past 11 years of serving as a strong opposition. From giving India the Constitution and voting rights to enacting historic laws like MNREGA, Right to Information, and Food Security Act, Congress empowered the people, he said, contrasting it with the BJPs record. Modiji has not brought a single law of such magnitude, Kharge added. Attack on BJP and Vote Theft Claims Taking direct aim at Gujarats BJP government, Kharge accused it of running on remote control from Delhi, saying real power lies outside the state. He alleged widespread vote rigging, claiming that in the Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, 30,000 fake or duplicate voters were found during verification. Referring to the controversial Surat Lok Sabha seat, he warned, This is how BJP comes to power by stealing votes. But this time, Congress will expose and defeat them. Kharge also mocked the Prime Ministers China stance, stating, When Chinese soldiers attacked, PM said no one entered. When Rahulji raised questions, they called him a Chinese agent. Today, he himself is visiting China. Rahul Gandhis Movements Turn Into Mass Campaigns Rahul Gandhis political yatras were presented as a blueprint for mobilising the nation. From the 3,200 km Bharat Jodo Yatra to the 6,700 km Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, and most recently the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Kharge said Rahul turned issues of unemployment, inflation, and farmer distress into peoples movements. Rahulji has shown what determination can achieve, he said, urging workers to channel this spirit in Gujarat. Vision for 2027: Strength Through Training The 10-day training camp, Kharge emphasised, is not just about lectures but about forging identity and strategy. You will leave here stronger, informed, and ready to fight for change. If our district units are strong, no one can stop the storm of change in Gujarat, he declared. Kharge recalled the 2017 elections, where Congress prevented the BJP from winning a single seat in seven districts, cutting its tally below 100 for the first time. This proves the people of Gujarat are ready for change. We just need to unite and channel their anger, he urged. Sardar Patels 150th Anniversary to be Congress Showcase Kharge announced nationwide celebrations for Sardar Patels 150th birth anniversary starting October 31, with a special push in Gujarat. We will respect Sardar, but we will never allow BJP to distort his ideas, he said, positioning Congress as the true custodian of Patels legacy. As the camp opened with patriotic fervour, Kharges message was clear: revive the organisation, reclaim Gujarat, and protect Indias democracy. He ended with Gandhijis words: A handful of committed souls with unbounded faith can change history.
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government admitted in the Assembly on Wednesday that 307 Asiatic lions, have died in just two years, despite spending Rs 37.35 crore to prevent unnatural deaths. The disclosure raises serious questions about conservation strategies, as the lion population now stands at 891, spread across seven districts. The deaths, driven by disease, internal fights, and accidents, reveal a grim battle for survival inside the Gir ecosystem and surrounding areas. Gujarat is the only home to Asiatic lions in the world, but behind the celebratory headlines of a rising lion population, a silent tragedy is unfolding. The 16th Asiatic Lion Census, conducted on May 13, 2025, counted 891 lions spread across seven districts, with the highest concentration in Amreli (339), followed by Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191), Bhavnagar (116), Porbandar (16), Rajkot (6), and Devbhoomi Dwarka (1). These numbers, while impressive on paper, mask a disturbing reality: 307 lions have died in the last two years, revealing cracks in Gujarats much-touted conservation model. According to Government Data, between August 2023 and July 2024, the state lost 141 lions, a toll already alarming for a critically endangered species. Yet, instead of improving, the situation worsened. From August 2024 to July 2025, the death count spiked to 166, pushing the two-year total to a staggering 307 lions lost, a figure that threatens to undo decades of conservation efforts. While most deaths were classified as natural, many were preventable, exposing failures in disease control, veterinary care, and basic habitat safety. The year 2023-24 set the stage for this unfolding crisis, with disease emerging as the single largest killer, claiming 60 lives. Shrinking habitats forced lions into closer contact, leading to 38 deaths from violent territorial fights, while another 24 perished from old age. Human-linked threats also played a deadly role; seven lions fell into open wells, five were struck by trains, three drowned, and one each died in a road accident and by electrocution. By the end of that year, the total death toll stood at 141, painting a bleak picture of a fragile ecosystem under pressure. But the following year, 2024-25, the situation turned even grimmer. Illness-related deaths surged to 81, a 35% jump, highlighting growing gaps in disease monitoring and treatment. Internal fights remained a serious problem, killing 36 lions, while 27 succumbed to old age. Open wells turned deadlier, with 13 lions plunging to their deaths, while six drowned, two died from electric shocks, and one was hit by a vehicle. The result was 166 deaths in a single year, the highest in recent memory and a wake-up call for the states conservation machinery. The crisis is most visible in Amreli district, which, despite housing the largest lion population, has also become a graveyard for the species. Between January and July 2025 alone, 31 lions including 14 cubs and 17 lions, died, most of them from illnesses that could have been treated with timely intervention. Multiple organ failure claimed five cubs and six lions, while pneumonia, anaemia, and anoxia took five more lives. Pneumonia and septicemia together killed four lions, while respiratory, liver, and kidney failures accounted for six additional deaths, including two cubs. A fatal spinal cord injury ended the life of one cub, and a parasitic disease, anaplasmosis, claimed another four lives. These patterns reveal systemic weaknesses in veterinary care and health monitoring, with infections and preventable diseases spreading unchecked. Even as deaths mounted, the Gujarat government insists it has been pouring resources into conservation. Over the past two years, it spent Rs 20.35 crore in 2023-24 and another Rs 17 crore in 2024-25, totalling Rs 37.35 crore. However, the rising death toll tells a different story. Despite massive financial outlays, lions continue to die from basic, preventable causes such as open well accidents, poor disease management, and lack of emergency infrastructure, raising serious questions about accountability and effectiveness. This crisis matters not just for Gujarat but for the entire world. Asiatic lions are critically endangered, and Gujarat is their only natural habitat on Earth. While the census figures may create an illusion of stability, the sharp rise in deaths suggests a dangerous tipping point. If disease control, veterinary systems, and habitat safety measures are not urgently overhauled, Gujarats celebrated success story could collapse into a silent tragedy.
Congress main concern is to protect Constitution and democracy, says Kharge
Junagadh, Sep 10: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said his partys main concern was to save the Constitution and democracy, and alleged that those in power were not working for protecting these institutions. He was speaking to reporters before inaugurating a 10-day training camp for the Gujarat Congress district and city presidents here. In democracy, it is common to fight elections. Our main issue is to save the Constitution and protect democracy. Gujarat is the land where people like [] The post Congress main concern is to protect Constitution and democracy, says Kharge appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
School Students Assaulted In Gujarat Hostel, Videos Go Viral
Two students of a private school were allegedly brutally assaulted by their hostel mates in separate incidents in Gujarat's Junagadh city last month, sparking concerns of safety and well-being of students across educational institutes.
Ahmedabad Diary | Buzz over CM Patel meeting PM in Delhi
In a surprise political move, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Delhi on Thursday, holding a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, held just hours before the Vibrant Gujarat Roadshow in the capital, has triggered intense buzz about the imminent announcement of a new BJP state president. Patel, who will interact with top industrialists, diplomats, and global delegates at the roadshow, praised Modis leadership for making Gujarat a Most Preferred Investment Destination. Political circles are abuzz that this sudden visit signals key policy shifts and a decisive political reshuffle in the state BJP. BJP faction war over joblessness campaign BJPs factional feud in Junagadh burst into the open after former cabinet minister Jawahar Chavda launched an unemployment assistance campaign from his Manavadar bastion. The initiative, aimed at addressing youth joblessness, drew sharp attacks from within his party. BJP MLA Arvind Ladani slammed the drive as a political drama, while Savj Dairy Chairman Dinesh Khataria accused Chavda of betrayal, recalling his switch from the Congress to the BJP. Unfazed, Chavda hit back: My campaign has poured oil in some stomachsanswers will come in time. The escalating war underscores deep rifts in the party. Major reshuffle awaits Gujarat police set-up Gujarat Police is set for a major structural shake-up with plans to increase the number of range IGPs from nine to ten. Sources reveal that Gandhinagar may soon be granted a Police Commissionerate, replacing the SP system, which would prompt Patan and Banaskantha to be transferred out of the Border Range. According to sources, a new Mehsana Range could be formed, while Morbi may merge with East and West Kutch SP areas to create a Kutch-Morbi Range. Simultaneously, Ahmedabad is likely to get a Zone 8 DCP office, driven by the citys growing population and area, signaling sweeping changes in law enforcement operations. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Dalit man beaten with belt, threatened with life in Gujarat
A young Dalit man was severely beaten, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh district. This is the third reported case of caste-based violence in the area in a month. The assault took place on August 16 at the Swami Vivekanand School. The victim was affronted by a person who claimed his brother was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dalit youth brutally assaulted in Gujarat's Junagadh, third such case in 21 days
AHMEDABAD: A Dalit youth was brutally thrashed, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh marking the third caste atrocity in just 21 days. The chilling attack, captured in a viral video, has once again exposed how caste violence remains deeply entrenched in society despite decades of independence. Even after 78 years of independence, caste violence refuses to die down. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of August 16, when the victim had gone to meet a friend. A boy ran up to him, pleading for help as his brother was being taken away. The Dalit youth and his friend followed him to the Swami Vivekanand School ground, only to find out that he had walked into a trap. There, three Upper Caste youths confronted him, asking about his background. When he replied that he was from Kadiawad, the attackers led by one Hitesh and two unidentified accomplices began to abuse him with casteist slurs, and thrashed him with belts and sticks until injury marks covered his body. The assailants then snatched the victims mobile phone and threatened to kill him if he dared complain to the police. They beat me up with a belt and a stick, robbed my phone, and threatened my life. Today its me, tomorrow it could be someone else. I only demand justice, the victim said from Junagadh Civil Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police have since registered a case under multiple sections of the IPC at Junagadh A Division Police Station. Separate teams have been formed to nab the accused. DySP Hitesh Dhandhaliya assured that strict legal action will be taken at the earliest. The Junagadh assault is not an isolated act of cruelty. It is the third atrocity against Dalits in Gujarat within the last 21 days, a chilling reminder that caste prejudice continues to fuel violence even today. Each incident is another crack in the promise of equality, and another urgent call for justice. Dalit youth, father-in-law brutally beaten in Gujarat for upper-caste moustache; 5 accused on the run
New veterinary & animal husbandry college to be set up in North Gujarat
This will be the fifth veterinary college in the state after Anand, Navsari, Junagadh, and Dantiwada
A surprising encounter occurred in Gujarat. A cement factory worker in Junagadh had a face-to-face meeting with a lion. CCTV captured the incident. Both the man and the lion were startled. They ran in opposite directions. The video went viral on social media. People reacted with amusement and caution. The incident serves as a reminder of wildlife encounters.
Four charred to death in collision involving heavy vehicles, car in Gujarat
MORBI: Four persons, among them two children, were charred to death in a collision involving two heavy vehicles and a car on a highway in Gujarat's Morbi district, police said on Friday. The accident occurred on a national highway near Haripar village around 11 pm on Thursday, an official said. Superintendent of Police Rahul Tripathi said a container entered the road from the wrong side and overturned, causing a collision between a truck and a car, which caught fire. Prima facie, a major fire broke out in a car after it collided with a truck going alongside. The truck also caught fire in the collision. Four people died of burn injuries, he said. The deceased included two students travelling in the car and two occupants of the truck, the official said. Students from a boarding school in Junagadh were travelling to their home towns in Kutch district, Tripathi said. Seven others suffered minor injuries and were rescued by the fire department personnel and shifted to a private hospital, an official from the Morbi fire department said. Rudra Gujaria (15), Jamin Babariya (17), both car passengers, and one Shivram Nai, a resident of Bikaner in Rajasthan, were among the deceased, while the identity of another victim is yet to be ascertained, an official from Maliya Miyana police station said. The bodies were shifted to Rajkot for post-mortem, and a probe was underway, police said.
Three lion cubs dead, six isolated: Amreli scare fuels fresh worry over Gujarats lion losses
AHMEDABAD: Three lion cubs have died and six more are under observation in Gujarats Amreli district, triggering alarm over a possible health threat in the Asiatic lion population. While officials rule out a contagious epidemic, the mysterious deaths have raised concern across the state, especially given the rising lion mortality figures reported in recent years. In a concerning development from Gujarats lion territory, three Asiatic lion cubs were confirmed dead near Kagvadar village in Amrelis Jafrabad taluka, while six others have been isolated following signs of weakness and illness. The incident has sparked widespread concern amid growing scrutiny over lion deaths in the state. The forest department initiated a rescue operation after reports emerged that a group of cubs in the Jafrabad Range were unable to walk and appeared critically weak. The rescue team, upon arrival, found the condition of the cubs grave. Despite immediate medical attention, three of the cubs died during treatment. Confirming the incident, Forest Minister Mulu Bera said, Three lion cubs died two days ago near Kagvadar village. This is extremely unfortunate. He added that blood samples have been collected from six cubs and three lionesses for further testing. All animals have been isolated as a precaution, while veterinary experts from Junagadh College are probing the cause. Addressing speculation around a possible outbreak, DCF Dhananjay Sadhu of Palitana Shetrunji Division clarified that there is no evidence of a contagious disease. These deaths appear to be due to anemia or pneumonia as per preliminary assessments. When lionesses give birth, some cubs are naturally weak. The rescue was part of routine protocol, not emergency containment, Sadhu emphasized. He further stated that the remaining lions under observation are stable, and there are no visible signs of infection. The lions will be reintroduced into the wild once cleared through medical tests. Rumors of a spreading epidemic are false, he asserted. Gujarat government confirms it lost 286 lions, 456 leopards in two years This is not the first such incident in the area. Just 25 days ago, four weak lion cubs had wandered from the Mines area of Jafrabad Range into the Rajula Range. All were rescued and are still undergoing treatment at the Babarkot Animal Care Center. The deaths come amid growing scrutiny of Gujarats handling of lion conservation. Earlier this year, the state government revealed in the Gujarat Assembly that 286 lions including 143 cubs died between January 2023 and December 2024. While most deaths were attributed to natural causes, at least 58 lions and 17 cubs died unnaturally. This comes even as Gujarat celebrates a rise in its lion population. On May 21, 2025, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the state is now home to 891 Asiatic lions, up from 674 in 2020, a 32% increase in just five years. However, the rise in cub mortality casts a shadow over the population growth. Officials say investigations are ongoing and results from blood tests will determine whether these recent deaths are isolated or symptomatic of a larger problem. Gujarats Asiatic lion count leaps from 674 to 891 in five years
Shivraj Chouhan Leaves Wife Behind At Gujarat Event, Makes U-Turn With 22-Car Convoy
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan left Junagadh for Rajkot, unknowingly leaving his wife behind. Realizing after 10 minutes, he returned to fetch her.
