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Wagh's sacking not politically motivated: CMChief Minister Narayan Rane today denied that removal of Vasudha Wagh, a close relative of hi...

Wagh’s sacking not politically motivated: CM

Chief Minister Narayan Rane today denied that removal of Vasudha Wagh, a close relative of his predecessor Manohar Joshi from the post of chairpersonship of the prestigious Siddhivinayak Temple Trust was politically motivated. Talking to reporters after the function to release a commemorative stamp in the memory of Dr K B Hedgewar, founder of the RSS, he said the government can transfer anybody from government bodies. Wagh was appointed chairperson of the trust four years ago and her term was to expire on May 1999.

Gudi Padwa celebrated

The Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, also known as Gudi Padwa’, signifying the first day of the traditional Hindu calender, was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety all over Maharashtra today. The day was heartily welcomed by carving rangoli designs at the house entrances and raising gudi, — a long bamboo staff crowned with an inverted water vessel — outside windows. Special sweets such as basundi and shreekhandmarked the menu for the day even as young and old, men and women, donned new cloths to greet each other wishing a very happy new year.

Declare new year as Bharat year’

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Communist ideologue Roza Deshpande has urged Prime Minister A B Vajpayee to declare the traditional Hindu year beginning on March 18 (Gudi Padwa) as Bharat Year’ to celebrate the event.

The world enters into the 52nd century of Kaliyuga which commenced from the death of Lord Krishna 5100 years ago on Varsha Pratipada today. In her letter to Vajpayee, Deshpande said it was a matter of great pride for Indian people to know that India was entering the new year of Shalivahan Shaka, as well as in the 52nd century of Kaliyuga.