A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century&nbsp;poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy.

The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte.

The statue, which portrays a woman in a transparent dress with one arm over her breasts, was established as a tribute to La Spigolatrice di Sapri (The Gleaner of Sapri), written by Luigi Mercantini in 1857.

Many women politicians criticised the statue for depicting “women as a sexual body.”

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hell-breaks-loose-as-lancet-describes-women-as-bodies-with-vaginas-416804">Hell breaks loose as Lancet describes women as 'bodies with vaginas'</a>

“How can even institutions accept the representation of women as a sexualised body? Male chauvinism is one of the evils of Italy,” Laura Boldrini, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the centre-left Democratic Party, said on Twitter, adding that the statue “was an offence to women and to the history it should celebrate.”

A group of female politicians from the Democratic Party's Palermo unit called for the statue to be demolished.

“Once again, we have to suffer the humiliation of seeing ourselves represented in the form of a sexualised body, devoid of soul and without any connection with the social and political issues of the story,” they said in a statement.

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La statua appena inaugurata a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sapri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sapri</a> e dedicata alla <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spigolatrice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spigolatrice</a> è un’offesa alle donne e alla storia che dovrebbe celebrare. 
 
Ma come possono perfino le istituzioni accettare la rappresentazione della donna come corpo sessualizzato? 
 
Il maschilismo è uno dei mali dell'Italia. <a href="https://t.co/2msLhgJvso">pic.twitter.com/2msLhgJvso</a>
— laura boldrini (@lauraboldrini) <a href="https://twitter.com/lauraboldrini/status/1442235735478702081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A senator from the party, Monica Cirinnà, called the sculpture a “slap in the face to history and to women who are still only sexualised bodies”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-asian-women-racism-and-sexism-are-inseparable-371648">For Asian women, racism and sexism are inseparable</a>

“This statue of the Gleaner says nothing about the self-determination of the woman who chose not to go to work in order to stand up against the Bourbon oppressor,” she said on Twitter.

Unfazed by the criticism, the mayor of Sapri, Antonio Gentile, staunchly defended the statue on Facebook&nbsp;saying it was “made with skill and impeccable interpretation” by the artist Emanuele Stifano, and that his city was “not willing to question its values, principles and traditions”.

Gentile added that the artist “took advantage of the sea breeze to highlight the body” and that the statute was intended to “represent an ideal of a woman, evoke her pride, the awakening of a consciousness”.

The design, he added, had been approved by the authorities.

The poem is based on the story of a failed expedition against the Kingdom of Naples by Carlo Pisacane, one of the first Italian socialist thinkers.

It is written from the point of view of a female gleaner —someone who collected grain left in fields by harvesters.

The gleaner leaves the job for the expedition against the Kingdom of Naples, which led to 300 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy. The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte.

A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy. The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte. The statue, which portrays a woman in a transparent dress with one arm over her breasts, was established as a tribute to La Spigolatrice di Sapri (The Gleaner of Sapri), written by Luigi Mercantini in 1857. Many women politicians criticised the statue for depicting “women as a sexual body.” Also read | Hell breaks loose as Lancet describes women as 'bodies with vaginas' “How can even institutions accept the representation of women as a sexualised body? Male chauvinism is one of the evils of Italy,” Laura Boldrini, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the centre-left Democratic Party, said on Twitter, adding that the statue “was an offence to women and to the history it should celebrate.” A group of female politicians from the Democratic Party's Palermo unit called for the statue to be demolished. “Once again, we have to suffer the humiliation of seeing ourselves represented in the form of a sexualised body, devoid of soul and without any connection with the social and political issues of the story,” they said in a statement. La statua appena inaugurata a #Sapri e dedicata alla #Spigolatrice è un’offesa alle donne e alla storia che dovrebbe celebrare. Ma come possono perfino le istituzioni accettare la rappresentazione della donna come corpo sessualizzato? Il maschilismo è uno dei mali dell'Italia. pic.twitter.com/2msLhgJvso — laura boldrini (@lauraboldrini) September 26, 2021 × A senator from the party, Monica Cirinnà, called the sculpture a “slap in the face to history and to women who are still only sexualised bodies”. Also read | For Asian women, racism and sexism are inseparable “This statue of the Gleaner says nothing about the self-determination of the woman who chose not to go to work in order to stand up against the Bourbon oppressor,” she said on Twitter. Unfazed by the criticism, the mayor of Sapri, Antonio Gentile, staunchly defended the statue on Facebook saying it was “made with skill and impeccable interpretation” by the artist Emanuele Stifano, and that his city was “not willing to question its values, principles and traditions”. Gentile added that the artist “took advantage of the sea breeze to highlight the body” and that the statute was intended to “represent an ideal of a woman, evoke her pride, the awakening of a consciousness”. The design, he added, had been approved by the authorities. The poem is based on the story of a failed expedition against the Kingdom of Naples by Carlo Pisacane, one of the first Italian socialist thinkers. It is written from the point of view of a female gleaner —someone who collected grain left in fields by harvesters. The gleaner leaves the job for the expedition against the Kingdom of Naples, which led to 300 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Bronze statue of woman dressed scantily triggers sexism row in Italy, female politicians want it demolished

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities has discovered a statue of Alexander the Great within an ancient "residential and commercial zone" in Alexandria that they believe was a trade centre during the Ptolemaic period.

After 9 months of digging, the archaeologists made their discovery.

At the site, the team discovered moulds for statues of Alexander the Great, as well as an alabaster bust of the legendary ancient leader.

Among these items were materials for making warrior amulets.&nbsp;

As they explored the al-Shatby neighbourhood of Alexandria, "the mission discovered a large network of tunnel tanks painted pink for storing rain, flood, and groundwater to be used during the draught time," said Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, to the Xinhua news agency.

Waziri went on to describe the town's layout: "it was composed of a main street and several branch roads that were all connected by a sanitation network."&nbsp;

He believes the area was active between the 2nd and 4th centuries B.C.

Waziri also mentioned that the team discovered pottery pots, coins, plates, fishing tools, and rest stops for travellers.

The ruins of the area's buildings, combined with the artefacts discovered there, have led the team to believe that the town once had a bustling market selling pots and workshops for the creation of statues, amulets, and other items.&nbsp; 
 
Alexander III of Macedon, also known as Alexander the Great, was a Greek king who ruled the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon.

He was born in 356 BC in Pella, Greece, as a member of the Argead dynasty.

At the age of 20, he succeeded his father, King Philip II, to the throne and spent the majority of his reign conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Western Asia and Northeastern Africa.&nbsp;

Hellenistic Alexandria was best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (the Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Great Library (the largest in the ancient world); and the Necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

After Rome, Alexandria was once the second-most powerful city in the ancient Mediterranean region.&nbsp;

In recent years, Cairo has announced a slew of archaeological discoveries in the hopes of reviving a vital tourism sector battered by a 2011 uprising, insurgent attacks, and the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities has discovered a statue of Alexander the Great within an ancient "residential and commercial zone" in Alexandria that they believe was a trade centre during the Ptolemaic period.

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities has discovered a statue of Alexander the Great within an ancient "residential and commercial zone" in Alexandria that they believe was a trade centre during the Ptolemaic period. After 9 months of digging, the archaeologists made their discovery. At the site, the team discovered moulds for statues of Alexander the Great, as well as an alabaster bust of the legendary ancient leader. Among these items were materials for making warrior amulets. As they explored the al-Shatby neighbourhood of Alexandria, "the mission discovered a large network of tunnel tanks painted pink for storing rain, flood, and groundwater to be used during the draught time," said Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, to the Xinhua news agency. Waziri went on to describe the town's layout: "it was composed of a main street and several branch roads that were all connected by a sanitation network." He believes the area was active between the 2nd and 4th centuries B.C. Waziri also mentioned that the team discovered pottery pots, coins, plates, fishing tools, and rest stops for travellers. The ruins of the area's buildings, combined with the artefacts discovered there, have led the team to believe that the town once had a bustling market selling pots and workshops for the creation of statues, amulets, and other items. Alexander III of Macedon, also known as Alexander the Great, was a Greek king who ruled the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He was born in 356 BC in Pella, Greece, as a member of the Argead dynasty. At the age of 20, he succeeded his father, King Philip II, to the throne and spent the majority of his reign conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Western Asia and Northeastern Africa. Hellenistic Alexandria was best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (the Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Great Library (the largest in the ancient world); and the Necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. After Rome, Alexandria was once the second-most powerful city in the ancient Mediterranean region. In recent years, Cairo has announced a slew of archaeological discoveries in the hopes of reviving a vital tourism sector battered by a 2011 uprising, insurgent attacks, and the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt dig uncovers a 2,200 year old 'Alexander the Great' statue

A black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, has been recovered by police in Bangladesh from a teacher, according to a media report on Thursday.

Police recovered the statue from Boro Goali village in Cumilla district, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

The height of the black stone statue is about 23 inches and its width is 9.5 inches. It weighs about 12kg.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/japan-marks-hiroshima-bomb-anniversary-with-low-key-ceremonies-403321#call-for-world-peace-403312">Also read |&nbsp;Japan marks Hiroshima bomb anniversary with low-key ceremonies</a>

Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Daudkandi Police Station, said: "A teacher named Abu Yusuf found the statue one and a half months ago. But he didn't inform us. On secret information, we recovered it from his house on Monday night."

However, Yusuf said: "I noticed this statue about 20-22 days ago while digging soil from a pond... We could not inform the police as we were busy with work."

"The unearthed Lord Vishnu statue is very valuable. It is possibly more than 1,000 years old. It should be immediately handed over to Mainamati museum for proper preservation," Ataur Rahman, former regional director of Chattogram divisional archaeology department, said.

A black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, has been recovered by police in Bangladesh from a teacher, according to a media report on Thursday.

A black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, has been recovered by police in Bangladesh from a teacher, according to a media report on Thursday. Police recovered the statue from Boro Goali village in Cumilla district, The Daily Star newspaper reported. The height of the black stone statue is about 23 inches and its width is 9.5 inches. It weighs about 12kg. Also read | Japan marks Hiroshima bomb anniversary with low-key ceremonies Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Daudkandi Police Station, said: "A teacher named Abu Yusuf found the statue one and a half months ago. But he didn't inform us. On secret information, we recovered it from his house on Monday night." However, Yusuf said: "I noticed this statue about 20-22 days ago while digging soil from a pond... We could not inform the police as we were busy with work." "The unearthed Lord Vishnu statue is very valuable. It is possibly more than 1,000 years old. It should be immediately handed over to Mainamati museum for proper preservation," Ataur Rahman, former regional director of Chattogram divisional archaeology department, said.

Bangladesh police recover Lord Vishnu's centuries-old black stone statue

A statue of George Floyd that was defaced in Brooklyn has been cleaned and is headed for Manhattan's Union Square. 
The artwork was unveiled on the Juneteenth holiday in a spot on Flatbush Avenue. Five days later on June 24, it was vandalised with black paint and marked with the logo of a white supremacist group.

But members of the group that installed the statue painstakingly cleaned it, and local residents and one of Floyd's brothers gathered around it this week to bid farewell ahead of its long-planned move to Union Square as part of an exhibition in September.

"I heard the news about the vandalism. I was so proud that I got word that Flatbush held it down. They really supported us, looked out for the statue, looked out for the spirit of my brother," Terrence Floyd said at the gathering.

He added to news reporters: "You try to stop us, but you can't stop us. And we still gonna continue, with love." 
Andrew Cohen of Confront Art, the group behind the statue, said people spent hours cleaning off the paint with toothbrushes and hands.

"The only method that worked was really, really putting the elbow grease into it," he said. The statue is going back to a studio on Monday for further cleaning.

No arrests have been made in the vandalism.&nbsp;

A statue of George Floyd that was defaced in Brooklyn has been cleaned and is headed for Manhattan's Union Square. The artwork was unveiled on the Juneteenth holiday in a spot on Flatbush Avenue.

A statue of George Floyd that was defaced in Brooklyn has been cleaned and is headed for Manhattan's Union Square. The artwork was unveiled on the Juneteenth holiday in a spot on Flatbush Avenue. Five days later on June 24, it was vandalised with black paint and marked with the logo of a white supremacist group. But members of the group that installed the statue painstakingly cleaned it, and local residents and one of Floyd's brothers gathered around it this week to bid farewell ahead of its long-planned move to Union Square as part of an exhibition in September. "I heard the news about the vandalism. I was so proud that I got word that Flatbush held it down. They really supported us, looked out for the statue, looked out for the spirit of my brother," Terrence Floyd said at the gathering. He added to news reporters: "You try to stop us, but you can't stop us. And we still gonna continue, with love." Andrew Cohen of Confront Art, the group behind the statue, said people spent hours cleaning off the paint with toothbrushes and hands. "The only method that worked was really, really putting the elbow grease into it," he said. The statue is going back to a studio on Monday for further cleaning. No arrests have been made in the vandalism.

After vandalism, NYC George Floyd statue cleaned, will move

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in&nbsp;London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol

The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7.

It was dragged through the city and dumped in the harbour, as anger at the death of George Floyd in US police custody the previous month prompted protests in numerous British cities and around the world.

Later this year, four people will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges of criminal damage.

The statue was retrieved from the harbour and a conservation team at local museum M Shed cleaned it and stabilised spray painted graffiti to prevent flaking.

The statue will be centrepiece of a temporary exhibition opening next Friday.

Meanwhile, Bristol's city council is going to launch a survey, asking locals about what they think should happen to the statue.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who previously described its toppling as a "piece of historical poetry", said the exhibition and survey aim "to start a conversation about our history".

In response to the incident, Rees formed the We Are Bristol History Commission last September, which he said would "be leading that conversation with citizens over the coming months".

"The 7 June 2020 is undoubtedly a significant day in Bristol's history and had a profound impact not just in our city but also across the country and around the world," he said.

"The future of the statue must be decided by the people of Bristol," Rees added, urging all residents to participate.

(With inputs from agencies)

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7.

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7. It was dragged through the city and dumped in the harbour, as anger at the death of George Floyd in US police custody the previous month prompted protests in numerous British cities and around the world. Later this year, four people will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges of criminal damage. The statue was retrieved from the harbour and a conservation team at local museum M Shed cleaned it and stabilised spray painted graffiti to prevent flaking. The statue will be centrepiece of a temporary exhibition opening next Friday. Meanwhile, Bristol's city council is going to launch a survey, asking locals about what they think should happen to the statue. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who previously described its toppling as a "piece of historical poetry", said the exhibition and survey aim "to start a conversation about our history". In response to the incident, Rees formed the We Are Bristol History Commission last September, which he said would "be leading that conversation with citizens over the coming months". "The 7 June 2020 is undoubtedly a significant day in Bristol's history and had a profound impact not just in our city but also across the country and around the world," he said. "The future of the statue must be decided by the people of Bristol," Rees added, urging all residents to participate. (With inputs from agencies)

Toppled statue of UK slave trader to go on temporary display

Students at the University of Winchester protested the installation of a Greta Thunberg statue worth $33,000. Could the funds not have been used to expand remote learning or support foreign students?

Gravitas: Greta Thunberg statue stirs outrage

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before. But he still commands political clout within the Republican Party and his gold-coloured statue at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference is being talked about as a symbol of the same. US conservatives praised Donald Trump at the annual gathering on Friday (February 26)

Prominent congressional conservatives - including Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley and Representatives Steve Scalise and Matt Gaetz - were among the Trump loyalists speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, which the former president will address on Sunday (February 28).

The gold-coloured statue of Donald Trump is dressed in a jacket, red tie and boxer shorts with Stars-and-Stripes. The statue was on display at the conference site.&nbsp;

Two participants wheeled the larger-than-life statue through the conference center lobby, according to a video on social media. It was initially unclear why the statue, showing a cartoonish version of Trump with an oversize head, was there.

The statue drew instant derision online, with commentators comparing it to the golden calf that enraged the prophet Moses in the Old Testament.

Later in the day, Tommy Zegan told Reuters he was the artist behind the statue and that he came up with the idea three years ago as a "more tasteful" antidote to some unflattering effigies of Trump at the time, such as the 'Baby Trump' balloons and the Trump 'golden toilet'.

Zegan said the statue contains several symbolic elements that convey the spirit of Trump: the suit is for Trump's status as a businessman, the red tie represents the Republican party, the sandals are because Zegan thinks this is the time for Trump to be vacationing "in the lap of luxury" and the magic wand?

"The magic wand basically represents what Obama had said. You know, 'how is he going to bring back all these jobs? What does he have, some sort of magic wand?' " Zegan told Reuters.

It is expected that Trump will talk at CPAC on Sunday. He will likely speak on future of Republican Party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office.

(With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before.

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before. But he still commands political clout within the Republican Party and his gold-coloured statue at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference is being talked about as a symbol of the same. US conservatives praised Donald Trump at the annual gathering on Friday (February 26) Prominent congressional conservatives - including Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley and Representatives Steve Scalise and Matt Gaetz - were among the Trump loyalists speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, which the former president will address on Sunday (February 28). The gold-coloured statue of Donald Trump is dressed in a jacket, red tie and boxer shorts with Stars-and-Stripes. The statue was on display at the conference site. Two participants wheeled the larger-than-life statue through the conference center lobby, according to a video on social media. It was initially unclear why the statue, showing a cartoonish version of Trump with an oversize head, was there. The statue drew instant derision online, with commentators comparing it to the golden calf that enraged the prophet Moses in the Old Testament. Later in the day, Tommy Zegan told Reuters he was the artist behind the statue and that he came up with the idea three years ago as a "more tasteful" antidote to some unflattering effigies of Trump at the time, such as the 'Baby Trump' balloons and the Trump 'golden toilet'. Zegan said the statue contains several symbolic elements that convey the spirit of Trump: the suit is for Trump's status as a businessman, the red tie represents the Republican party, the sandals are because Zegan thinks this is the time for Trump to be vacationing "in the lap of luxury" and the magic wand? "The magic wand basically represents what Obama had said. You know, 'how is he going to bring back all these jobs? What does he have, some sort of magic wand?' " Zegan told Reuters. It is expected that Trump will talk at CPAC on Sunday. He will likely speak on future of Republican Party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office. (With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump's golden statue at CPAC reflects his hold on Republican Party

Weeks after the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old emergency room technician, a sculptor from Oakland was able to finally install a statue of Breonna Taylor. However, within a few weeks, the sculpture of the Black woman has now been smashed from different angles.

A statue was erected in memory of the Black woman who was shot in her own bed by local police officers. However, the statue has now been smashed and the local police are investigating it as an act of vandalism.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/policeman-involved-in-breonna-taylors-shooting-says-it-was-not-about-race-336898">Policeman involved in Breonna Taylor's shooting says it was 'not about race'</a>

Saddened by the act, the sculptor, Leo Carson,&nbsp;described the incident as "an act of racist aggression aimed at suppressing the fight for black freedom".&nbsp;

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Who would vandalize statue of Breonna Taylor? That’s what Oakland PD is asking after her newly installed bust was smashed on Saturday. Good news: Bay Area law firm has offered to fully fund statue’s restoration. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayHerName?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayHerName</a> <a href="https://t.co/vdT2H1QlLh">pic.twitter.com/vdT2H1QlLh</a>
— Matt Bigler (@mattbigler740) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattbigler740/status/1343579705736220672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The ceramic statue took weeks to be completed. In memory of Taylor, Carson gave the statue a&nbsp;dark brown satin glaze and shaped the clay from his own hands. The artist claims to have spent nearly&nbsp;$600 in making the statue.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breonna-taylor-grand-jury-audio-reveals-conflicting-accounts-of-fatal-raid-332157">&nbsp;Breonna Taylor grand jury audio reveals conflicting accounts of fatal raid</a>

Established on the plaza on December 12, the artist claims he was expecting backlash fo the statue but was still hoping he could be proven wrong. "It was always in the back of my mind," he said. "I just had a feeling like I had to do it anyway. It didn’t matter."

The Oakland Mayor, Libby Schaff, took to Twitter to condemn this act of vandalism. "It’s a vicious attack against the light + justice sought in Breonna Taylor’s name. We will keep moving forward; Oakland will not tolerate acts of hatred," she tweeted.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ban-no-knock-warrant-biden-harris-react-to-breonna-taylors-unjust-ruling-329887">'Ban no-knock warrant': Biden-Harris react to Breonna Taylor's unjust ruling</a>

Local police department has started investigating the matter but has not found any leads yet.

Breonna Taylor was a&nbsp;26-year-old emergency room technician who was with her boyfriend at her home when the police barged into her home claiming to execute&nbsp;a late-night 'no-knock' raid. Taylor's boyfriend mistook the police officers to be intruders and pointed a gun at them, after which the police opened fire which resulted in Taylor's death.

Weeks after the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old emergency room technician, a sculptor from Oakland was able to finally install a statue of Breonna Taylor. However, within a few weeks, the sculpture of the Black woman has now been smashed from different angles.

Weeks after the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old emergency room technician, a sculptor from Oakland was able to finally install a statue of Breonna Taylor. However, within a few weeks, the sculpture of the Black woman has now been smashed from different angles. A statue was erected in memory of the Black woman who was shot in her own bed by local police officers. However, the statue has now been smashed and the local police are investigating it as an act of vandalism. Also read| Policeman involved in Breonna Taylor's shooting says it was 'not about race' Saddened by the act, the sculptor, Leo Carson, described the incident as "an act of racist aggression aimed at suppressing the fight for black freedom". Who would vandalize statue of Breonna Taylor? That’s what Oakland PD is asking after her newly installed bust was smashed on Saturday. Good news: Bay Area law firm has offered to fully fund statue’s restoration. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/vdT2H1QlLh — Matt Bigler (@mattbigler740) December 28, 2020 × The ceramic statue took weeks to be completed. In memory of Taylor, Carson gave the statue a dark brown satin glaze and shaped the clay from his own hands. The artist claims to have spent nearly $600 in making the statue. Also read| Breonna Taylor grand jury audio reveals conflicting accounts of fatal raid Established on the plaza on December 12, the artist claims he was expecting backlash fo the statue but was still hoping he could be proven wrong. "It was always in the back of my mind," he said. "I just had a feeling like I had to do it anyway. It didn’t matter." The Oakland Mayor, Libby Schaff, took to Twitter to condemn this act of vandalism. "It’s a vicious attack against the light + justice sought in Breonna Taylor’s name. We will keep moving forward; Oakland will not tolerate acts of hatred," she tweeted. Also read| 'Ban no-knock warrant': Biden-Harris react to Breonna Taylor's unjust ruling Local police department has started investigating the matter but has not found any leads yet. Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old emergency room technician who was with her boyfriend at her home when the police barged into her home claiming to execute a late-night 'no-knock' raid. Taylor's boyfriend mistook the police officers to be intruders and pointed a gun at them, after which the police opened fire which resulted in Taylor's death.

Breonna Taylor's statue smashed in Oakland; Police starts investigation

The US President Donald Trump claims to have signed a "very strong" executive order to protect the statues and monuments from vandalism.

"I just had the privilege of signing a very strong executive order protecting American monuments, memorials and statues -- and combatting recent criminal violence. Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our great country!" Trump tweeted.

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I just had the privilege of signing a very strong Executive Order protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues - and combatting recent Criminal Violence. Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1276633518433538049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet came after Trump tweeted a 'wanted' poster claiming he will be punishing the protestors who tried to vandalise the statue of former US President Andrew Jackson, which is housed in the park opposite the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903">Also read|&nbsp;Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues</a>

The Veterans' Memorial Preservation Act passed in 2003 already empowers authorities to impose fines and a jail term of up to 10 years for "attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the US."

The President has, even in the past, expressed his displeasure over toppling of statues of the 'racist' leaders.

While the President has made it Twitter-official that he has signed an executive order, the White House has not yet announced any details about the order.

Trump has expressed his opposing thoughts regarding the 'Black Lives Matter' protest several times in the recent past, after protests broke out in the US due to the killing of an unarmed African-American man, George Floyd, by a White policeman.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US President Donald Trump claims to have signed a "very strong" executive order to protect the statues and monuments from vandalism. "I just had the privilege of signing a very strong executive order protecting American monuments, memorials and statues -- and combatting recent criminal violence.

The US President Donald Trump claims to have signed a "very strong" executive order to protect the statues and monuments from vandalism. "I just had the privilege of signing a very strong executive order protecting American monuments, memorials and statues -- and combatting recent criminal violence. Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our great country!" Trump tweeted. I just had the privilege of signing a very strong Executive Order protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues - and combatting recent Criminal Violence. Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020 × The tweet came after Trump tweeted a 'wanted' poster claiming he will be punishing the protestors who tried to vandalise the statue of former US President Andrew Jackson, which is housed in the park opposite the White House. Also read| Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues The Veterans' Memorial Preservation Act passed in 2003 already empowers authorities to impose fines and a jail term of up to 10 years for "attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the US." The President has, even in the past, expressed his displeasure over toppling of statues of the 'racist' leaders. While the President has made it Twitter-official that he has signed an executive order, the White House has not yet announced any details about the order. Trump has expressed his opposing thoughts regarding the 'Black Lives Matter' protest several times in the recent past, after protests broke out in the US due to the killing of an unarmed African-American man, George Floyd, by a White policeman. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump signs executive order to protect statues; makes it Twitter-official

The bronze statue of 26th US President Theodore Roosevelt on horseback and flanked by an African American and a Native American is being taken down by the American Museum of Natural History from outside its main entrance where it was placed in 1940.&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muhammad-alis-son-says-dad-wouldnt-have-supported-protests-over-george-floyds-death-307494">Dad wouldn't have supported protests over George Floyd's death: Muhammad Ali</a>

The decision came after several statues of colonial figures were brought down across the United States. These figures were linked to slavery and the dispossession of indigenous Americans and were being vandalized as the protests against racism continues to rage in the country.&nbsp;

Roosevelt was the American President from 1901 to 1909, he helped the museum to form its collection.

Earlier, another US President, Ulysses S Grant's statue was taken down from San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Grant led Union armies to victory in the civil war and as president fought the Ku Klux Klan. But before defeating the slave-owning Confederacy he married into a slave-owning family and briefly owned a slave himself.

In an interview with the New York Times, museum president Ellen Futter said: &nbsp;"Over the last few weeks, our museum community has been profoundly moved by the ever-widening movement for racial justice that has emerged after the killing of George Floyd." 
&nbsp; 
George Floyd was an African American, who was killed in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked the rage of violent protests across the world. These protests were against such killings and all police brutality and systemic racism.

The statue of Theodore Roosevelt has been a target of the protestors and calls for it being taken down are been made for some time now as it depicts blacks and indigenous people to be inferior.&nbsp;

"We have watched as the attention of the world and the country has increasingly turned to statues as powerful and hurtful symbols of systemic racism," Futter said. "Simply put, the time has come to move it."

New York's mayor Bill de Blasio, who is a democrat, has said that the museum had asked to remove the statue "because it explicitly depicts black and indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior. The city supports the museum’s request. It is the right decision and the right time to remove this problematic statue."

The great-grandson of the former president, Theodore Roosevelt IV is a museum trustee and he told the New York Times that he supports the decision.&nbsp;

“The world does not need statues, relics of another age, that reflect neither the values of the person they intend to honour nor the values of equality and justice,” he said. “The composition of the Equestrian Statue does not reflect Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy. It is time to move the statue and move forward.”

Ellen Futter said: “It’s very important to note that our request is based on the statue, that is the hierarchical composition that’s depicted in it."

"It is not about Theodore Roosevelt who served as governor of New York before becoming the 26th president of the United States and was a pioneering conservationist," she said. 
&nbsp;

The bronze statue of 26th US President Theodore Roosevelt on horseback and flanked by an African American and a Native American is being taken down by the American Museum of Natural History from outside its main entrance where it was placed in 1940.

The bronze statue of 26th US President Theodore Roosevelt on horseback and flanked by an African American and a Native American is being taken down by the American Museum of Natural History from outside its main entrance where it was placed in 1940. Also read: Dad wouldn't have supported protests over George Floyd's death: Muhammad Ali The decision came after several statues of colonial figures were brought down across the United States. These figures were linked to slavery and the dispossession of indigenous Americans and were being vandalized as the protests against racism continues to rage in the country. Roosevelt was the American President from 1901 to 1909, he helped the museum to form its collection. Earlier, another US President, Ulysses S Grant's statue was taken down from San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Grant led Union armies to victory in the civil war and as president fought the Ku Klux Klan. But before defeating the slave-owning Confederacy he married into a slave-owning family and briefly owned a slave himself. In an interview with the New York Times, museum president Ellen Futter said: "Over the last few weeks, our museum community has been profoundly moved by the ever-widening movement for racial justice that has emerged after the killing of George Floyd." George Floyd was an African American, who was killed in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked the rage of violent protests across the world. These protests were against such killings and all police brutality and systemic racism. The statue of Theodore Roosevelt has been a target of the protestors and calls for it being taken down are been made for some time now as it depicts blacks and indigenous people to be inferior. "We have watched as the attention of the world and the country has increasingly turned to statues as powerful and hurtful symbols of systemic racism," Futter said. "Simply put, the time has come to move it." New York's mayor Bill de Blasio, who is a democrat, has said that the museum had asked to remove the statue "because it explicitly depicts black and indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior. The city supports the museum’s request. It is the right decision and the right time to remove this problematic statue." The great-grandson of the former president, Theodore Roosevelt IV is a museum trustee and he told the New York Times that he supports the decision. “The world does not need statues, relics of another age, that reflect neither the values of the person they intend to honour nor the values of equality and justice,” he said. “The composition of the Equestrian Statue does not reflect Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy. It is time to move the statue and move forward.” Ellen Futter said: “It’s very important to note that our request is based on the statue, that is the hierarchical composition that’s depicted in it." "It is not about Theodore Roosevelt who served as governor of New York before becoming the 26th president of the United States and was a pioneering conservationist," she said.

Bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt to be taken down by American Museum of Natural History

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wendys-in-atlanta-burned-down-by-protestors-after-black-man-was-slain-by-police-305740" hreflang="en">Wendy's in Atlanta burned down by protestors after black man was slain by police</a>

Before the arrests, the New South Wales police were alerted to graffiti on Cook's statue in Hyde Park in the central district of Sydney just after 4 a.m. (2000 GMT on Saturday).&nbsp;

The women carried a bag containing several spray-paint cans, as per the police statement. They were refused bail and will be charged with the destroying and damaging property, it said.

From Cecil Rhodes in England to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, statues of empire builders have been under attack in recent weeks around the world, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised.

The defaced statue was cleaned on Sunday morning by the council workers.&nbsp;

The anti-racism protestors demand that the legacies of some of the architects of Europe's empire-building be revisited and their statues are taken down.

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia.

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia. Also see: Wendy's in Atlanta burned down by protestors after black man was slain by police Before the arrests, the New South Wales police were alerted to graffiti on Cook's statue in Hyde Park in the central district of Sydney just after 4 a.m. (2000 GMT on Saturday). The women carried a bag containing several spray-paint cans, as per the police statement. They were refused bail and will be charged with the destroying and damaging property, it said. From Cecil Rhodes in England to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, statues of empire builders have been under attack in recent weeks around the world, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised. The defaced statue was cleaned on Sunday morning by the council workers. The anti-racism protestors demand that the legacies of some of the architects of Europe's empire-building be revisited and their statues are taken down.

Two protestors in Australia arrested as they deface Captain Cook's statue

The two ducks resting on the plinth of a statue in front of Paris's Musee D'Orsay had struck out boldly from their usual habitat: to get there from the River Seine involves waddling across a four-lane highway.

What lockdown? Birds go out in Paris with humans in confinement

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday.

"The effigy of Mukherjee was vandalised by unidentified persons late night on Sunday. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter," Shahpura police station in-charge, Bhajan Lal told ANI.

District collector Rajendra Bhatt, police officer Harendra Magawar and other officials also conducted a recce of the area.

According to locals, the statue was vandalised after the abrogation of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir."Mukherjee was the first person to protest against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This could be the reason why it was demolished," said a local.&nbsp;

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday.

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday. "The effigy of Mukherjee was vandalised by unidentified persons late night on Sunday. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter," Shahpura police station in-charge, Bhajan Lal told ANI. District collector Rajendra Bhatt, police officer Harendra Magawar and other officials also conducted a recce of the area. According to locals, the statue was vandalised after the abrogation of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir."Mukherjee was the first person to protest against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This could be the reason why it was demolished," said a local.

Statue of Syama Prasad Mukherjee vandalised in Rajasthan

A new museum opening at the Statue of Liberty is giving visitors another opportunity to explore its history and the impact the iconic structure has had on the world.

New Statue of Liberty Museum set to open

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades.

The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron.

According to the city of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/attackers-throw-explosive-at-russian-consulate-in-athens-204869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiigPad_9vhAhW863MBHWXmDMwQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw27DPxrVe_kjLFQFHp_36qM">Athens</a>, it was completed in 1972 and acquired by the state in 1992, at a time of intense nationalist feeling over a bitter name dispute with the newly-independent former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis insisted Friday the move had "nothing" to do with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-in-athens-as-tens-of-thousands-protest-macedonian-name-deal-191676&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiigPad_9vhAhW863MBHWXmDMwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2flBoPk7BW-5MH3P6F_opu">Macedonia </a>dispute.

"The decision to erect the statue was taken in 2015. This is a mark of the delays of Greek bureaucracy," Kaminis told AFP.

The fourth-century BC warrior king, born in today's northern Greek region of Macedonia, is a hero figure to Greeks.&nbsp;

For decades, Athens accused Skopje of seeking to usurp its ancient heritage.

Until now, there had also been no agreement in Athens on where to place the statue.

A decade ago, a nationalist government in Skopje launched an initiative to erect its own statues to Alexander and his father Philip.

In February, the former Yugoslav republic was officially renamed North Macedonia following a landmark deal with the leftist government in Greece that ended the three-decade dispute.

Earlier this month, North Macedonia renamed its main football stadium, formerly known as Philip II arena, after the father of Alexander the Great.

Skopje in recent months has also dropped Alexander the Great from the name of an airport and a highway.

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades. The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron.

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades. The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron. According to the city of Athens, it was completed in 1972 and acquired by the state in 1992, at a time of intense nationalist feeling over a bitter name dispute with the newly-independent former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis insisted Friday the move had "nothing" to do with the Macedonia dispute. "The decision to erect the statue was taken in 2015. This is a mark of the delays of Greek bureaucracy," Kaminis told AFP. The fourth-century BC warrior king, born in today's northern Greek region of Macedonia, is a hero figure to Greeks. For decades, Athens accused Skopje of seeking to usurp its ancient heritage. Until now, there had also been no agreement in Athens on where to place the statue. A decade ago, a nationalist government in Skopje launched an initiative to erect its own statues to Alexander and his father Philip. In February, the former Yugoslav republic was officially renamed North Macedonia following a landmark deal with the leftist government in Greece that ended the three-decade dispute. Earlier this month, North Macedonia renamed its main football stadium, formerly known as Philip II arena, after the father of Alexander the Great. Skopje in recent months has also dropped Alexander the Great from the name of an airport and a highway.

Athens installs Alexander the Great statue after 27-year delay

Myanmar will drop charges against dozens of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-police-fire-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-to-scatter-ethnic-minority-protest-196896"> ethnic minority protesters </a>who demonstrated against a statue of independence hero General Aung San and will hold talks with them, state media said on Wednesday, offering a rare concession.

The surprise climbdown comes as Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the ruling National League for Democracy and the general's daughter, faces rising dissatisfaction in ethnic minority areas ahead of elections set for next year.

On Tuesday, police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd of 3,000 protesters in Loikaw, capital of the eastern state of Kayah, also known as Karenni.

Aung San brokered a 1947 pact among some of Myanmar's ethnic groups that is marked by an annual holiday on February 12, but the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-charged-after-protesting-independence-hero-statue-196112">Karenni protesters</a> say its promises were not implemented after the general's assassination that year.

On Wednesday, the official Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said state officials had negotiated with protesters the previous day and agreed to revoke the charges against them.

In turn, the activists agreed to suspend their protests, it said, adding negotiations would take place within a month, covering issues such as an inscription on the statue's pedestal.

The statue may be moved from its prominent position in a Loikaw park, the paper added.

"The protest group dispersed after we got that agreement," said Khun Thomas, one of the Loikaw protest leaders.

He said the activists expected the charges of unlawful assembly, incitement and defamation filed against more than 50 people to be formally dropped when they went to court on Wednesday.

Officials unveiled the statue in Loikaw this month, triggering the latest in a spate of protests begun when plans for the monument were first announced in mid-2018.

Ethnic minority activists pushing for a federal system of government in Myanmar oppose the statue and other monuments to a leader from the country’s Burman majority.

On taking power in 2016, Suu Kyi set her top priority as securing peace with ethnic armed groups, but progress has been slow.

Myanmar will drop charges against dozens of ethnic minority protesters who demonstrated against a statue of independence hero General Aung San and will hold talks with them, state media said on Wednesday, offering a rare concession.

Myanmar will drop charges against dozens of ethnic minority protesters who demonstrated against a statue of independence hero General Aung San and will hold talks with them, state media said on Wednesday, offering a rare concession. The surprise climbdown comes as Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the ruling National League for Democracy and the general's daughter, faces rising dissatisfaction in ethnic minority areas ahead of elections set for next year. On Tuesday, police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd of 3,000 protesters in Loikaw, capital of the eastern state of Kayah, also known as Karenni. Aung San brokered a 1947 pact among some of Myanmar's ethnic groups that is marked by an annual holiday on February 12, but the Karenni protesters say its promises were not implemented after the general's assassination that year. On Wednesday, the official Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said state officials had negotiated with protesters the previous day and agreed to revoke the charges against them. In turn, the activists agreed to suspend their protests, it said, adding negotiations would take place within a month, covering issues such as an inscription on the statue's pedestal. The statue may be moved from its prominent position in a Loikaw park, the paper added. "The protest group dispersed after we got that agreement," said Khun Thomas, one of the Loikaw protest leaders. He said the activists expected the charges of unlawful assembly, incitement and defamation filed against more than 50 people to be formally dropped when they went to court on Wednesday. Officials unveiled the statue in Loikaw this month, triggering the latest in a spate of protests begun when plans for the monument were first announced in mid-2018. Ethnic minority activists pushing for a federal system of government in Myanmar oppose the statue and other monuments to a leader from the country’s Burman majority. On taking power in 2016, Suu Kyi set her top priority as securing peace with ethnic armed groups, but progress has been slow.

Myanmar to drop charges against ethnic minority protesters in statue dispute

The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">world's tallest statue</a>, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/things-to-know-about-statue-of-unity-174538">'Statue of Unity'</a> at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday.

This information was given by Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan in reply to a question asked by senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

"A total amount of Rs 300 crore has been released by the Central Government for construction of the Statue of Unity," the Minister said in the written reply.

He further said, the Ministry of Finance did not direct any public sector undertaking (PSU)/Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) to provide funds towards the construction of the statue.

Besides, Radhakrishnan said there were no details available with the ministry of any foreign funding for construction of the statue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-ram-sutar-the-sculptor-who-carved-vallabhbhais-statute-of-unity-174566">statue</a> to the nation on October 31 last year.

The total cost of the statue is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore.&nbsp;

The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of world's tallest statue, the 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday.

The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of world's tallest statue, the 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday. This information was given by Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan in reply to a question asked by senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. "A total amount of Rs 300 crore has been released by the Central Government for construction of the Statue of Unity," the Minister said in the written reply. He further said, the Ministry of Finance did not direct any public sector undertaking (PSU)/Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) to provide funds towards the construction of the statue. Besides, Radhakrishnan said there were no details available with the ministry of any foreign funding for construction of the statue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the statue to the nation on October 31 last year. The total cost of the statue is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore.

Centre provided Rs 300 crore towards Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Parliament informed

In a spate of vandalism of statues of iconic leaders and ideologues in different parts of the country which started on Wednesday, B R Ambedkar's statue was found decapitated by miscreants on Thursday morning.

Earlier, the bust of Mahatma Gandhi's statue was found decapitated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan on Thursday.

Three people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the vandalisation of Gandhi's statue on the basis of CCTV footage.

Those&nbsp;arrested were&nbsp;identified as Kuldeep, Arvind and Ankit. The accused confessed that they vandalised the statue on late Monday night, reports said. However, the intention behind their act is not yet clear and the police is investigating the matter.

Recently, the Rajasthan police had arrested a person for vandalising the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Jaisalmer.&nbsp;

Last month, a statue of the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was defaced with ink in West Bengal.

In a similar incident, Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee's idol was vandalised in Kokrajhar's Assam.

The incidents of vandalism began after a statue of communist icon Vladimir Lenin was razed after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the Left front government out of power in the assembly elections in Tripura.

Soon after, the statue of social reformer and rationalist leader E V Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, was vandalised in Vellore.

The incidents of vandalism began after a statue of Vladimir Lenin was razed after the BJP swept the Left front government out of power in the assembly elections in Tripura

In a spate of vandalism of statues of iconic leaders and ideologues in different parts of the country which started on Wednesday, B R Ambedkar's statue was found decapitated by miscreants on Thursday morning. Earlier, the bust of Mahatma Gandhi's statue was found decapitated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan on Thursday. Three people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the vandalisation of Gandhi's statue on the basis of CCTV footage. Those arrested were identified as Kuldeep, Arvind and Ankit. The accused confessed that they vandalised the statue on late Monday night, reports said. However, the intention behind their act is not yet clear and the police is investigating the matter. Recently, the Rajasthan police had arrested a person for vandalising the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Jaisalmer. Last month, a statue of the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was defaced with ink in West Bengal. In a similar incident, Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee's idol was vandalised in Kokrajhar's Assam. The incidents of vandalism began after a statue of communist icon Vladimir Lenin was razed after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the Left front government out of power in the assembly elections in Tripura. Soon after, the statue of social reformer and rationalist leader E V Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, was vandalised in Vellore.

Ambedkars statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh

A statue of Bhartiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee was found vandalised in Kokrajhar town of Assam today, police said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strongly condemned the incident and said the government would not tolerate such acts.

The face of Mukherjee&#39;s statue at Rabindra Nagar area of the town was found damaged this morning. The locals immediately informed the police.

Korajhar Deputy Commissioner Niranjan Baruah, who rushed to the spot along with Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh, told newsmen that the statue was damaged apparently with a hammer and stones by miscreants in the early hours.

&#39;&#39;Such acts of vandalism will not be tolerated,&#39;&#39; he said.

The Kokrajhar SP said stern action would be taken against the miscreants.

In a statement in Guwahati, the chief minister directed the Kokrajhar deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to take stern action and book the miscreants under relevant provisions of law.

He also directed the administration to step up the vigil and take all measures to prevent such vandalism.

Executive members of the Bodoland Territorial Council-- Doneswar Goyari and Rajib Kumar Brahma also condemned the incident.

President of United People&#39;s Party-Liberal, U G Brahma demanded stern action against the miscreants.

A bust of Mukherjee was vandalised on March 7 in Kolkata by seven persons, including a woman, allegedly belonging to a left-wing group.

The accused were arrested from the spot. They had told a TV channel that they defaced and vandalised the Jan Sangh founder&#39;s bust to protest against the pulling down of communist icon Lenin&#39;s statues in Tripura.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strongly condemned the incident and said the government would not tolerate such acts.

A statue of Bhartiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee was found vandalised in Kokrajhar town of Assam today, police said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strongly condemned the incident and said the government would not tolerate such acts. The face of Mukherjee's statue at Rabindra Nagar area of the town was found damaged this morning. The locals immediately informed the police. Korajhar Deputy Commissioner Niranjan Baruah, who rushed to the spot along with Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh, told newsmen that the statue was damaged apparently with a hammer and stones by miscreants in the early hours. ''Such acts of vandalism will not be tolerated,'' he said. The Kokrajhar SP said stern action would be taken against the miscreants. In a statement in Guwahati, the chief minister directed the Kokrajhar deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to take stern action and book the miscreants under relevant provisions of law. He also directed the administration to step up the vigil and take all measures to prevent such vandalism. Executive members of the Bodoland Territorial Council-- Doneswar Goyari and Rajib Kumar Brahma also condemned the incident. President of United People's Party-Liberal, U G Brahma demanded stern action against the miscreants. A bust of Mukherjee was vandalised on March 7 in Kolkata by seven persons, including a woman, allegedly belonging to a left-wing group. The accused were arrested from the spot. They had told a TV channel that they defaced and vandalised the Jan Sangh founder's bust to protest against the pulling down of communist icon Lenin's statues in Tripura.

Syama Prasad Mukherjee's statue vandalised in Assam

Dalit leader&nbsp;Dr BR Ambedkar&#39;s statue was vandalised in&nbsp;Azamgarh in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.&nbsp;

The statue was found beheaded in the middle of the ground in Azamgarh. The police, who were&nbsp;informed about the incident rushed to the spot.&nbsp;

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BR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ambedkar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ambedkar</a> &#39;s statue vandalized in Azamgarh, police at the spot <a href="https://t.co/QkrehFKMis">pic.twitter.com/QkrehFKMis</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/972366568222019585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The miscreants who attacked the statue have been identified and will be arrested soon, police said in the evening.

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A statue of Dr BR Ambedkar was vandalised in Azamgarh, DIG Vijay Bhushan says &quot; 3 men have been identified, currently they are absconding, will be arrested soon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/65PEFvxXmy">pic.twitter.com/65PEFvxXmy</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/972484469818056705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is the latest in the flurry of attacks on the statue of iconic leaders in the country. On Wednesday, a bust of Ambedkar was defaced by unknown people&nbsp;in north Chennai in Tamil Nadu, days after a statue of Dravidian icon EV Ramasamy Periyar was vandalised in South Indian state after a senior BJP leader&rsquo;s inflammatory post on Facebook.

On Tuesday, an Ambedkar&#39;s statue was vandalised by unidentified persons in Meerut&#39;s Mawana locality&nbsp;leading to protests from members of the Dalit community and BSP workers.

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Dr BR Ambedkar&#39;s statue vandalised by unidentified people in Meerut&#39;s Mawana late last night; Dalit community held protest &amp; blocked traffic in the morning, ended the protest after assurance from the administration of installation of new statue <a href="https://t.co/DAAcq6g5Wf">pic.twitter.com/DAAcq6g5Wf</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/971305543720669184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Besides promising a thorough investigation into the matter, the local administration has also assured that hey would install&nbsp;a new statue of Ambedkar in the same place.&nbsp;

There has been a series of attacks on statues of political figures in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala after a Communist icon Vladimir Lenin statue in Tripura was toppled on Monday.

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in north Kerala&rsquo;s Kannur district on Wednesday by unidentified miscreants who hurled stones and bottles damaging the spectacle and garland of the &#39;&#39;Father of the Nation&#39;&#39;.

The statue was found beheaded in the middle of the ground in Azamgarh. The police, who were informed about the incident rushed to the spot.

Dalit leader Dr BR Ambedkar's statue was vandalised in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. The statue was found beheaded in the middle of the ground in Azamgarh. The police, who were informed about the incident rushed to the spot. BR #Ambedkar 's statue vandalized in Azamgarh, police at the spot pic.twitter.com/QkrehFKMis — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 10, 2018 × The miscreants who attacked the statue have been identified and will be arrested soon, police said in the evening. A statue of Dr BR Ambedkar was vandalised in Azamgarh, DIG Vijay Bhushan says " 3 men have been identified, currently they are absconding, will be arrested soon." pic.twitter.com/65PEFvxXmy — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 10, 2018 × This is the latest in the flurry of attacks on the statue of iconic leaders in the country. On Wednesday, a bust of Ambedkar was defaced by unknown people in north Chennai in Tamil Nadu, days after a statue of Dravidian icon EV Ramasamy Periyar was vandalised in South Indian state after a senior BJP leader’s inflammatory post on Facebook. On Tuesday, an Ambedkar's statue was vandalised by unidentified persons in Meerut's Mawana locality leading to protests from members of the Dalit community and BSP workers. Dr BR Ambedkar's statue vandalised by unidentified people in Meerut's Mawana late last night; Dalit community held protest & blocked traffic in the morning, ended the protest after assurance from the administration of installation of new statue pic.twitter.com/DAAcq6g5Wf — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 7, 2018 × Besides promising a thorough investigation into the matter, the local administration has also assured that hey would install a new statue of Ambedkar in the same place. There has been a series of attacks on statues of political figures in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala after a Communist icon Vladimir Lenin statue in Tripura was toppled on Monday. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in north Kerala’s Kannur district on Wednesday by unidentified miscreants who hurled stones and bottles damaging the spectacle and garland of the ''Father of the Nation''.

Ambedkar's statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh

A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was found defaced in Kannur district&#39;s Taliparamba town today, police said.

The spectacle carving was damaged and a garland on the statue was lying nearby, an official said, giving details of the vandalisation, the latest in a series of similar incidents being reported from various parts of the country.

The Gandhi statue was close to the Taliparamba Taluk office, the official said, adding that a probe was on to identify those behind the incident. A CCTV visual showed the suspected man behind the incident walking away from the site.

Some locals on the spot were reported as saying that they saw a man hurling a stone at the statue before fleeing the spot.

A complaint was received from Deputy Tahsildar C V Prakasan, based on which investigations are on, the official said.

Yesterday, a bust of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee was vandalised in Kolkata. The day before, a statue of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar was damaged in Meerut. The incidents came close on the heels of Communist leader Lenin&#39;s statues being damaged in Tripura and Dravidian movement founder E V Ramasamy Periyar&#39;s bust being desecrated in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Ambedkar statue vandalised:&nbsp;

Adding to the list of statues of leaders being vandalised in various parts of the country, a bust of Dalit leader B R Ambedkar in a residential locality in Chennai was found defaced on Thursday, triggering a protest by locals, police said.

The bust, placed inside a structure covered with a grill in a residential neighbourhood in Tiruvotriyur, was splattered with paint.

As news of the defacement spread, people in the north Chennai area staged a protest. A police team led by Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) G Shashank Sai visited the spot and assured action against the culprits.

&quot;Based on a complaint from the local people, we have registered an FIR and two special teams have been formed to trace the culprits,&quot; the DCP said.

More police pickets have been posted in the area for maintenance of law and order, he said.

A series of incidents of desecration of statues of various leaders, including Ambedkar, rationalist E V Ramasamy &quot;Periyar&quot; and Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, have been reported from different parts of the country.

The incidents began after statues of Communist icon Vladimir Lenin were pulled down in Tripura following the BJP&#39;s victory in the Assembly elections, ending 25 years of Communist rule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the vandalism and said stern action would be taken against those found guilty.

Locals said they saw a man throw a stone at the Gandhi bust before fleeing the spot

A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was found defaced in Kannur district's Taliparamba town today, police said. The spectacle carving was damaged and a garland on the statue was lying nearby, an official said, giving details of the vandalisation, the latest in a series of similar incidents being reported from various parts of the country. The Gandhi statue was close to the Taliparamba Taluk office, the official said, adding that a probe was on to identify those behind the incident. A CCTV visual showed the suspected man behind the incident walking away from the site. Some locals on the spot were reported as saying that they saw a man hurling a stone at the statue before fleeing the spot. A complaint was received from Deputy Tahsildar C V Prakasan, based on which investigations are on, the official said. Yesterday, a bust of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee was vandalised in Kolkata. The day before, a statue of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar was damaged in Meerut. The incidents came close on the heels of Communist leader Lenin's statues being damaged in Tripura and Dravidian movement founder E V Ramasamy Periyar's bust being desecrated in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Ambedkar statue vandalised: Adding to the list of statues of leaders being vandalised in various parts of the country, a bust of Dalit leader B R Ambedkar in a residential locality in Chennai was found defaced on Thursday, triggering a protest by locals, police said. The bust, placed inside a structure covered with a grill in a residential neighbourhood in Tiruvotriyur, was splattered with paint. As news of the defacement spread, people in the north Chennai area staged a protest. A police team led by Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) G Shashank Sai visited the spot and assured action against the culprits. "Based on a complaint from the local people, we have registered an FIR and two special teams have been formed to trace the culprits," the DCP said. More police pickets have been posted in the area for maintenance of law and order, he said. A series of incidents of desecration of statues of various leaders, including Ambedkar, rationalist E V Ramasamy "Periyar" and Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, have been reported from different parts of the country. The incidents began after statues of Communist icon Vladimir Lenin were pulled down in Tripura following the BJP's victory in the Assembly elections, ending 25 years of Communist rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the vandalism and said stern action would be taken against those found guilty.

Statue wars continue: Gandhi bust defaced in Kerala, Ambedkar in Chennai

Amid his next keenly awaited move in politics, veteran star Rajinikanth today unveiled a statue of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran at a private medical college here in the presence of a huge crowd.

Arriving at a grand reception by fans and supporters and accompanied by some prominent faces from the Kollywood, the actor unveiled the statue located at the premises of ACS Medical College and Hospital here.

Actors Prabhu, son of late thespian Sivaji Ganesan, and Vijayakumar were amongst those from the film industry present on the occasion.

This is Rajinikanth&#39;s first major public engagement since he revealed his political intentions on December 31, 2017.

The &#39;superstar&#39; had then announced that he will join politics, and field candidates in all 234 Assembly segments in the next general elections.

The road leading to the function venue was dotted with banners and posters hailing and welcoming the actor.

Rajinikanth gave away awards to some students on the occasion.

His event today comes days after contemporary Kamal Haasan launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Observers feel that by unveiling the statue of Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR - also a matinee idol who held sway over the masses of Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth is apparently seeking to invoke his legacy.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth has launched a website to enable people to register themselves as members of his Rajini Mandram (forum). His team is also busy appointing district wise office bearers. This meeting also comes close to the release of his film Kaala next month, the teaser for which was released a few days ago.

(With inputs from PTI)

This is Rajinikanth's first major public engagement since he revealed his political intentions on December 31, 2017

Amid his next keenly awaited move in politics, veteran star Rajinikanth today unveiled a statue of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran at a private medical college here in the presence of a huge crowd. Arriving at a grand reception by fans and supporters and accompanied by some prominent faces from the Kollywood, the actor unveiled the statue located at the premises of ACS Medical College and Hospital here. Actors Prabhu, son of late thespian Sivaji Ganesan, and Vijayakumar were amongst those from the film industry present on the occasion. This is Rajinikanth's first major public engagement since he revealed his political intentions on December 31, 2017. The 'superstar' had then announced that he will join politics, and field candidates in all 234 Assembly segments in the next general elections. The road leading to the function venue was dotted with banners and posters hailing and welcoming the actor. Rajinikanth gave away awards to some students on the occasion. His event today comes days after contemporary Kamal Haasan launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam. Observers feel that by unveiling the statue of Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR - also a matinee idol who held sway over the masses of Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth is apparently seeking to invoke his legacy. Rajinikanth has launched a website to enable people to register themselves as members of his Rajini Mandram (forum). His team is also busy appointing district wise office bearers. This meeting also comes close to the release of his film Kaala next month, the teaser for which was released a few days ago. (With inputs from PTI)

Rajinikanth unveils M G Ramachandran statue amidst fanfare

A 1700-year-old Buddha has been discovered by archaeologists near Bhamala Stupa in Haripur district in Pakistan on Wednesday, as an initiative to&nbsp;uplift tourism and project religious harmony in the region.

The 48-foot high Kanjur stone Budhha was first found in Bhamala province in 1929. Eighty-eight years later, the statue was unearthed and unveiled in&nbsp;presence of the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&nbsp;Imran Khan, reports said.&nbsp;

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Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party, along with the members of the media, looks on during the unveiling ceremony of the Buddhist-period archeological site. (Reuters)
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&ldquo;This is from the 3rd century AD, making it the world&rsquo;s oldest sleeping Buddha remains,&rdquo; Abdul Samad, director of Bhamla&rsquo;s archaeology and museums department, told Reuters.

&ldquo;We have discovered over 500 Buddha objects and this 48-foot-long sleeping Buddha remains,&rdquo; he added.

Opposition leader Imran Khan also said: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a question of preserving these heritage sites which are an asset for our country.&rdquo;

These discoveries by archaeologists have given more insight into the history of the ancient Taxila Valley civilisation, reports stated.

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A general view of the main stupa is seen after it was discovered and unveiled to the public, during a ceremony at the Buddhist-period archeological site. (Reuters)
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The region was once the center of Buddhist civilization that took root under the Mauryan king Ashoka 2,300 years ago.&nbsp;

The region was once the center of Buddhist civilization that took root under the Mauryan king Ashoka 2,300 years ago.

A 1700-year-old Buddha has been discovered by archaeologists near Bhamala Stupa in Haripur district in Pakistan on Wednesday, as an initiative to uplift tourism and project religious harmony in the region. The 48-foot high Kanjur stone Budhha was first found in Bhamala province in 1929. Eighty-eight years later, the statue was unearthed and unveiled in presence of the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan, reports said. Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party, along with the members of the media, looks on during the unveiling ceremony of the Buddhist-period archeological site. (Reuters) × “This is from the 3rd century AD, making it the world’s oldest sleeping Buddha remains,” Abdul Samad, director of Bhamla’s archaeology and museums department, told Reuters. “We have discovered over 500 Buddha objects and this 48-foot-long sleeping Buddha remains,” he added. Opposition leader Imran Khan also said: “It’s a question of preserving these heritage sites which are an asset for our country.” These discoveries by archaeologists have given more insight into the history of the ancient Taxila Valley civilisation, reports stated. A general view of the main stupa is seen after it was discovered and unveiled to the public, during a ceremony at the Buddhist-period archeological site. (Reuters) × The region was once the center of Buddhist civilization that took root under the Mauryan king Ashoka 2,300 years ago.

Pakistan unveils oldest sleeping Buddha remains

October 31, 2017, is the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Unlike the past, political parties of all orientations particularly BJP and Congress are into competitive contest to appropriate Sardar Patel. Undoubtedly, it is a welcome sign. As a mark of respect, all the leaders who served immensely in shaping India as a modern united country deserve special tribute.

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<h5>Sardar Patel&rsquo;s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals.</h5>
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It does not mean that political regimes should prefer one leader over another or exaggerate the contributions of one while hiding the others to suit their ideological temperament. It has happened in the past and it is happening now. For many of us, both are wrong. And two wrongs cannot make right.

Sardar Patel&rsquo;s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. His personality was multifaceted. He was known for a strong sense of determination, quick decision-making, straightforwardness in discussions, firmness in action, believe in unity in diversity and deep sense of patriotic pride. Alas! These characteristics are visibly lacking in the present leadership.

In the past, Congress has named many policies, monuments, places, roads, institutions after Sardar Patel. But comparing the people belonging to Nehru dynasty, the name of other stalwarts did not figure much in its governance model of commemoration. It is because of this gap, BJP is able to gain the strategic edge in appropriating them.

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<h5>The much-hyped World&rsquo;s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation.</h5>
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Sardar Patel is now an easy co-opt for the BJP. &nbsp;October 31 is declared as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014. The much-hyped World&rsquo;s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. Interestingly, public sector companies like ONGC, HPCL, IOCL and OIL have decided to contribute over hundreds of crore towards the construction of this statue as a part of their corporate social responsibility. These are extravaganza but often justified because similar things had been done in the past too.

Ministries of the Centre and States are giving special focus to observe &ldquo;Nation Salutes Sardar Vallabbhai Patel&rdquo; on October 31, 2017. Cultural, literary and sports programmes including essay competitions and &lsquo;Unity Run&rsquo; are organised across India. Despite all these, the renewed and unprecedented interest of the BJP in Sardar Patel is more strategic than its love for the ideas and actions of Sardar Patel. It can be seen in overuse of these exercises in the electoral campaigns beginning with 2014. Sardar Patel hardly gained the present prominence in the framework of Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for one and half decade.

One may agree or disagree on the methods and approaches of Sardar Patel, but his commitment to preserving India&rsquo;s unity cannot be doubted. He is rightly credited along with V.P. Menon to save the country from balkanisation by putting up the representatives of more than 500 states on one platform and transforming them into 14 administrative units and later shaping them into uniform administrative, financial and judicial mechanism of India. At many instances, his impersonal and hard actions were the outcome of the then expediency than conscious choice. Despite achieving this herculean task, Sardar Patel had neither tried to adopt the narcissistic politics nor indulged in populist and ideological actions.

Though he has a dominant presence in the organisational wing of Congress from the late 1930s until his death in 1950, he has neither used principally untoward means to achieve personal gains nor side-lined his political opponents within the party. It can be seen in his acceptance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the President of the Congress and later stepping aside to allow Jawaharlal Nehru to become Prime Minister despite being the choice of the majority of the political leaders in the provinces. However, the death of Patel in 1950 was a great loss for the Congress but a gain for the Nehru family as the absence of his unique leadership clearly drifted the party towards dynastic ambitions that finally culminated in the virtual decay of the Congress in today&rsquo;s time.

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<h5>Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year.</h5>
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Sardar Patel&rsquo;s biographer Narhari Parikh has highlighted that Patel was always willing to fight for what he considered right. He always took a procedural route to express his anguish while respecting the party hierarchy. At the same time, he accommodated dissent and a great variety of opinions. For instance, his opposition to socialist politics was paternalistic as can be seen in his offer to Purshottam Trikamdas, a renowned socialist to form the government in the State of Bombay to prove the promises of a clean and efficient government. Similarly, despite being loyal to Congress, Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year.

Ironically, BJP has emerged as the ardent admirer of Sardar Patel but without subscribing to his leadership quality, understanding his idea of patriotism and treatment to secular ethos. The uniqueness of Patel&rsquo;s leadership lies in its judicious character that treated everyone with the same yardstick. Sardar Patel has certainly believed in strong and united India but his patriotism was rarely rooted in extreme nationalism, in general, or Hindu nationalism. He was a secularist to the core but with a difference of Nehru and Gandhi. Nehru&rsquo;s secularism was religious neutral while Patel&rsquo;s notion of secularism was rooted in his religious and cultural socialisation. Similarly, Gandhi&rsquo;s approach towards secularism was to grant dignified concessions to Muslims while Patel wanted to treat everyone as a citizen without creating minority-majority dyad.

There has always been made an attempt to vitiate the communal atmosphere of the country by looking at things through the polarised spectacles. Contrary to the wishes of Patel, communal harmony has become a unrealised goal. Much against the belief of Patel, he is being glorified as the champion of anti-Muslim tirade. Selective reading and un-contextual quotes of his speeches are cited to support the proposition. In fact, after Independence, it was Patel who asked the people of India in plain-speaking terms, &ldquo;to forget the past, because it is a manly virtue to do so... in India, every Muslim should feel that he is an Indian citizen and has equal rights as an Indian citizen&rdquo;.

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<h5>His dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.</h5>
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At the same time, he frankly told Muslims that for &ldquo;a community to think that its interests are different from that of the country in which it lives is a great mistake.&rdquo; He, therefore, advised them that &ldquo;the future of a minority-any minority-is to trust the majority&rdquo;; that they should &ldquo;make friends with others and create a change in the atmosphere.&rdquo; His advice to Muslims is very much in tune with the advices of Dr M.A. Ansari, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and all other patriotic citizens. One can have a detailed understanding of Patel and Muslim relationship while reading the timely book Sardar Patel and Indian Muslims by Rafiq Zakaria published in 1995.

Be that as it may, Sardar Patel&rsquo;s tone and approach may be harsh and at time suspicious, but he never aimed at creating hatred between minorities and majority. Let the country know on his 142nd birth anniversary that Sardar Patel&rsquo;s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities. Like many others, his dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.

Sardar Patel?s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities

October 31, 2017, is the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Unlike the past, political parties of all orientations particularly BJP and Congress are into competitive contest to appropriate Sardar Patel. Undoubtedly, it is a welcome sign. As a mark of respect, all the leaders who served immensely in shaping India as a modern united country deserve special tribute. Sardar Patel’s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. × It does not mean that political regimes should prefer one leader over another or exaggerate the contributions of one while hiding the others to suit their ideological temperament. It has happened in the past and it is happening now. For many of us, both are wrong. And two wrongs cannot make right. Sardar Patel’s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. His personality was multifaceted. He was known for a strong sense of determination, quick decision-making, straightforwardness in discussions, firmness in action, believe in unity in diversity and deep sense of patriotic pride. Alas! These characteristics are visibly lacking in the present leadership. In the past, Congress has named many policies, monuments, places, roads, institutions after Sardar Patel. But comparing the people belonging to Nehru dynasty, the name of other stalwarts did not figure much in its governance model of commemoration. It is because of this gap, BJP is able to gain the strategic edge in appropriating them. The much-hyped World’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. × Sardar Patel is now an easy co-opt for the BJP. October 31 is declared as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014. The much-hyped World’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. Interestingly, public sector companies like ONGC, HPCL, IOCL and OIL have decided to contribute over hundreds of crore towards the construction of this statue as a part of their corporate social responsibility. These are extravaganza but often justified because similar things had been done in the past too. Ministries of the Centre and States are giving special focus to observe “Nation Salutes Sardar Vallabbhai Patel” on October 31, 2017. Cultural, literary and sports programmes including essay competitions and ‘Unity Run’ are organised across India. Despite all these, the renewed and unprecedented interest of the BJP in Sardar Patel is more strategic than its love for the ideas and actions of Sardar Patel. It can be seen in overuse of these exercises in the electoral campaigns beginning with 2014. Sardar Patel hardly gained the present prominence in the framework of Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for one and half decade. One may agree or disagree on the methods and approaches of Sardar Patel, but his commitment to preserving India’s unity cannot be doubted. He is rightly credited along with V.P. Menon to save the country from balkanisation by putting up the representatives of more than 500 states on one platform and transforming them into 14 administrative units and later shaping them into uniform administrative, financial and judicial mechanism of India. At many instances, his impersonal and hard actions were the outcome of the then expediency than conscious choice. Despite achieving this herculean task, Sardar Patel had neither tried to adopt the narcissistic politics nor indulged in populist and ideological actions. Though he has a dominant presence in the organisational wing of Congress from the late 1930s until his death in 1950, he has neither used principally untoward means to achieve personal gains nor side-lined his political opponents within the party. It can be seen in his acceptance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the President of the Congress and later stepping aside to allow Jawaharlal Nehru to become Prime Minister despite being the choice of the majority of the political leaders in the provinces. However, the death of Patel in 1950 was a great loss for the Congress but a gain for the Nehru family as the absence of his unique leadership clearly drifted the party towards dynastic ambitions that finally culminated in the virtual decay of the Congress in today’s time. Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year. × Sardar Patel’s biographer Narhari Parikh has highlighted that Patel was always willing to fight for what he considered right. He always took a procedural route to express his anguish while respecting the party hierarchy. At the same time, he accommodated dissent and a great variety of opinions. For instance, his opposition to socialist politics was paternalistic as can be seen in his offer to Purshottam Trikamdas, a renowned socialist to form the government in the State of Bombay to prove the promises of a clean and efficient government. Similarly, despite being loyal to Congress, Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year. Ironically, BJP has emerged as the ardent admirer of Sardar Patel but without subscribing to his leadership quality, understanding his idea of patriotism and treatment to secular ethos. The uniqueness of Patel’s leadership lies in its judicious character that treated everyone with the same yardstick. Sardar Patel has certainly believed in strong and united India but his patriotism was rarely rooted in extreme nationalism, in general, or Hindu nationalism. He was a secularist to the core but with a difference of Nehru and Gandhi. Nehru’s secularism was religious neutral while Patel’s notion of secularism was rooted in his religious and cultural socialisation. Similarly, Gandhi’s approach towards secularism was to grant dignified concessions to Muslims while Patel wanted to treat everyone as a citizen without creating minority-majority dyad. There has always been made an attempt to vitiate the communal atmosphere of the country by looking at things through the polarised spectacles. Contrary to the wishes of Patel, communal harmony has become a unrealised goal. Much against the belief of Patel, he is being glorified as the champion of anti-Muslim tirade. Selective reading and un-contextual quotes of his speeches are cited to support the proposition. In fact, after Independence, it was Patel who asked the people of India in plain-speaking terms, “to forget the past, because it is a manly virtue to do so... in India, every Muslim should feel that he is an Indian citizen and has equal rights as an Indian citizen”. His dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country. × At the same time, he frankly told Muslims that for “a community to think that its interests are different from that of the country in which it lives is a great mistake.” He, therefore, advised them that “the future of a minority-any minority-is to trust the majority”; that they should “make friends with others and create a change in the atmosphere.” His advice to Muslims is very much in tune with the advices of Dr M.A. Ansari, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and all other patriotic citizens. One can have a detailed understanding of Patel and Muslim relationship while reading the timely book Sardar Patel and Indian Muslims by Rafiq Zakaria published in 1995. Be that as it may, Sardar Patel’s tone and approach may be harsh and at time suspicious, but he never aimed at creating hatred between minorities and majority. Let the country know on his 142nd birth anniversary that Sardar Patel’s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities. Like many others, his dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.

Sardar Patel never wanted hatred between religious communities

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