On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the streets of Hyderabad buzzed with energy as the annual Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra unfolded. But this year’s procession took a dramatic turn, thanks to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Raja Singh from Goshamahal. Despite clear orders from the Hyderabad police banning high-volume sound systems, Raja Singh cranked up the volume with powerful DJ equipment, turning heads and raising eyebrows.

The event kicked off near Begum Bazar in the Old City, and it wasn’t just the music that made waves. Raja Singh, never one to shy away from bold moves, stirred the crowd with fiery words. “Tel lagaya Dabur ka, naam mitaya Babur ka,” he declared—a catchy jab referencing the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He didn’t stop there, rallying his supporters with, “Ek dhakka laga tha na, toh abhi dusra dhakka lagane ke liye tayyar hona hai,” hinting at more action to come. Translated, it means, “One push was given, now get ready for the second one.”

The Hyderabad police had laid down the law ahead of time, allowing sound systems but with strict decibel limits. Videos from the rally, however, tell a different story—blaring speakers and high-energy vibes clearly pushed past those boundaries. This isn’t Raja Singh’s first brush with defiance. Last year, the Afzalgunj police booked him for an unauthorized rally during the same procession on April 17, citing violations like Islamophobic songs and lack of permission.

For Raja Singh and his followers, the Shobha Yatra is more than a religious event—it’s a statement. A day earlier, he personally checked out the DJ setup in Dhoolpet, tweaking lights and ensuring the sound system could deliver a punch. He’d vowed the procession wouldn’t bow to restrictions, and he stuck to his word.

The police presence was heavy, with nearly 10,000 officers on duty to keep things under control. Yet, Raja Singh’s actions left many wondering: will there be consequences this time? His history of pushing limits—coupled with his unapologetic style—keeps him in the spotlight, for better or worse.

As Hyderabad recovers from the noise and fervor, the clash between celebration and regulation lingers. For now, Raja Singh’s defiance has added another chapter to his controversial legacy, leaving the city buzzing long after the procession wrapped up.

In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) swooped into action, arresting the former General Manager of the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation (KBDC) in a staggering money laundering case. This isn’t just another headline—it’s a story of trust shattered and a community let down. The ED alleges the ex-GM masterminded the diversion of ₹97 crore, funds originally meant to uplift the marginalized Bhovi community through job creation. Imagine the heartbreak for families who counted on those resources for a better life.

Shocking Raids in Karnataka – Uncover a ₹97 Crore Fraud Network

The arrest came after a meticulous investigation triggered by the Karnataka Lokayukta’s initial probe into financial irregularities. ED officials raided multiple spots across Bengaluru, including the KBDC office at V V Tower and the ex-GM’s residence. What they uncovered was jaw-dropping: digital records and property details linked to the ill-gotten gains, all tied to a web of fake beneficiary accounts. Over 500 sham accounts were allegedly set up to siphon off the money, leaving the intended recipients in the dark.

For the Bhovi community, established in 2016 to empower those below the poverty line, this betrayal cuts deep. The corporation’s mission—to provide loans and support through job schemes—has been tainted by this scandal. The ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office is now tracing the money trail, determined to hold every culprit accountable. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger: How could such a scheme go unnoticed for so long, and who else might be involved? For now, the ex-GM’s arrest marks a critical step toward justice, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected by this brazen fraud.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood at the edge of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to unveil a game-changer: the new Pamban Sea Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge—it’s India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge, a sleek, modern marvel linking the sacred island of Rameswaram to the mainland. With a wave of his hand, Modi flagged off the first train, the Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) express, chugging across the bridge, while a Coast Guard ship glided beneath its raised span. For the people of Tamil Nadu, it’s a moment of pride, a symbol of progress stitching together tradition and technology.

But the day wasn’t without its drama. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was noticeably absent from the grand event. Instead of joining the celebrations, he chose to focus on a different mission, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations across the state.

Why Stalin Skipped the Big Reveal

Stalin didn’t just miss the event by chance—he had a point to make. While Modi was busy cutting ribbons in Rameswaram, the CM was miles away, delivering a speech in Ooty at the opening of a new 700-bed hospital. But it wasn’t just a scheduling conflict. Stalin used the moment to press a bigger issue: delimitation. He’s been vocal about his concerns, urging Modi to promise Tamil Nadu that its share of parliamentary seats won’t shrink under the proposed redistricting plan. For Stalin, it’s about fairness—states like Tamil Nadu, which have worked hard to manage population growth, shouldn’t lose out, he argues.

“I’ve already told the PM I couldn’t make it due to prior commitments,” Stalin later explained, brushing off any speculation of a snub. Yet, his absence spoke louder than words, turning a day of celebration into a subtle political standoff.

A Warm Welcome and a Bridge to the Future

Modi didn’t arrive alone. Fresh from a trip to Sri Lanka, he was greeted with open arms by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, and a lineup of BJP heavyweights like L. Murugan and K. Annamalai. The mood was festive, with the crowd buzzing about the bridge’s promise: faster trains, smoother travel, and a lifeline for Rameswaram’s pilgrims and residents.

Spanning 2.07 kilometers across the Palk Strait, the new Pamban Bridge replaces an aging icon from 1914. At a cost of over ₹550 crore, it’s built to last, with a vertical lift that rises 17 meters to let ships pass—a feat of engineering that’s got everyone talking. For locals, it’s more than steel and concrete; it’s a connection to the world beyond the waves.

What’s Next for Tamil Nadu?

As the train rolled out and the ship sailed through, Modi’s visit underscored a vision of growth. But with Stalin’s absence and his delimitation demands hanging in the air, the day left a lingering question: can progress on the ground bridge the political divides above it? For now, Tamil Nadu’s newest landmark stands tall, ready to carry its people into the future—one train ride at a time.