"Will Not Compromise On...": Sachin Pilot Amid Tussle With Ashok Gehlot

 Days after the Congress leadership projected that the tussle in its Rajasthan unit was on hold, Sachin Pilot on Wednesday made it clear that he will not budge on his demands from the Ashok Gehlot government.

On a visit to his Tonk assembly constituency, the dissident Congress leader indicated that it was the last day before what was being seen as an ultimatum to Mr Gehlot ends.

"So, let us see what happens tomorrow," he told reporters.

The feud between the chief minister and his former deputy escalated a few weeks back with Mr Pilot holding a daylong fast demanding action by the state government against "corruption" during the previous BJP term in the state.

And while ending a five-day foot march later, he said this and his two other demands should be met by this month-end or he will launch a state-wide agitation.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former party president Rahul Gandhi met the two Rajasthan leaders on Monday. The party said they both had agreed to work unitedly.

But in Tonk, Mr Pilot signalled that he is sticking to his stand.

"I want to say it again that the issues that I had raised, particularly the corruption issue... vast corruption and loot in the previous BJP rule... action will have to be taken on them.

"As far as getting justice for the youth is concerned, I think there is no possibility of any compromise on it," Mr Pilot said, referring to exams for government jobs being cancelled after paper leaks.

"I had said on May 15 that the state government should take action on the issues of corruption by the BJP government and the youth," he said, reminding that this was the "last day of the month".

Pilot said he is waiting for action by the Gehlot government.

"Talks were held in Delhi the day before yesterday. They (the leadership) said the responsibility of taking action lies with the state government. So, let us see what happens tomorrow," he said.

The Congress on Monday had sought to project that all was fine now with its Rajasthan unit, where the two leaders have tussled over leadership since the party's government came to power.

There were suggestions that the party had worked out a formula for both the state leaders to work together and fight the year-end assembly elections unitedly.

Mr Pilot said the filling of vacant posts at the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) was necessary for its better functioning.

He said the youths who live in rented accommodation while preparing for competitive examinations suffer when papers get leaked. So the aspirants should get financial compensation in such situations, he added.

Referring to the Congress win in the Karnataka Assembly elections, he said the BJP lost as it repeatedly "deceived" people.

"They talk about double engines. But now those engines have started seizing," Pilot said. The BJP uses the "double engine" analogy to claim that there is development when the party is in power both in the state and at the Centre.

Pilot said the BJP regime in Karnataka was corrupt and the Congress had accused it of being a "40 percent commission" government. The people agreed with this and voted for the Congress, he claimed.

While ending his five-day 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' in Jaipur, Pilot had made three demands -- reconstitution of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), compensation to youths affected by the leak of exam papers, and a high-level probe into allegations of corruption against the previous Vasundhara Raje government.

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India, China Agree To Hold Next Round Of Military Talks Soon Over Ladakh

India and China on Wednesday held in-person diplomatic talks here and discussed proposals for disengagement in the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in a "frank and open manner".

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said restoration of peace and tranquillity will create conditions for normalising bilateral relations and to this objective both sides agreed to hold the next round of military talks at an early date.

The meeting took place under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

"The two sides reviewed the situation along the LAC in Western Sector of India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas in a frank and open manner," the MEA said.

"Restoration of peace and tranquillity will create conditions for normalising bilateral relations," it said.

"In order to achieve this objective, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and protocols, they agreed to hold the next (19th) round of Senior Commander's meeting at an early date," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the two sides agreed to continue discussions through military and diplomatic channels.

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Action Will Be Taken Once Probe Completed, Says Rajnath Singh To Wrestlers

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that women wrestlers' complaint against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Singh is being probed and action will be taken once the investigation is over.

Some of the country's top wrestlers have been protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh, a BJP MP, demanding his sacking from the federation and his arrest. The Delhi Police has registered two FIRs against him and is probing the case.

"The matter is being investigated. The government will take action in the matter once the investigation is over," the defence minister told reporters.

He was in the district to attended a family function.

He also said all political parties should have attended the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

"The inauguration of new Lok Sabha Bhawan was a public event which should have been attended by all political parties. It was not a session of the House. It was a matter of pride for the country," the defence minister said.

The Congress and 20 other parties boycotted the inauguration of the building by the prime minister, saying it was an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, that she was not invited by the government to do the honours.

Rajnath Singh said the nation has progressed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi in recent years and there is a marked decline in unemployment.

He said the benefits of government schemes have reached everyone and the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) will again form the government with a majority in the 2024 general elections.

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Punjab Police Raid 2,000 Locations, Seize Drugs, Liquor, Phones And Cash

As many as 650 police teams, involving over 5,500 police personnel, carried out raids at 2,247 locations and conducted searches at 2,125 houses as Punjab Police Wednesday launched a statewide crackdown on those allegedly involved in the smuggling of commercial quantities of drugs, officials said.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav between 7 am and 12 noon today, an official statement said.

Operation Clean:?????? ?????? ??????? ????????? ?? ???? ?????????

650 Police teams, involving 5500+ police personnel raided 2247 locations and conducted searches at 2125 houses of persons having involvement in drug smuggling cases (1/3) pic.twitter.com/20A3y4tpiW

— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) May 31, 2023

Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said places and houses linked with alleged drug smugglers and peddlers were raided simultaneously during the operation.

In order to carry out raids in a synchronised manner, senior police officials were asked to personally monitor the operation, and form sufficient numbers of police teams under the supervision of gazetted rank officers, he added.

Shukla said police teams recovered 1.8 kg heroin, 82 kg poppy husk, 1 kg opium, Rs 5.35 lakh cash and four weapons, besides recovering illicit liquor, lahan (raw material used to make liquor) and some vehicles. Forty-eight First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered across the state.

Police also seized 78 mobile phones, which will be sent for forensic examination.

The houses of people with alleged links to drug smuggling were thoroughly searched during the operation, Shuka said, adding that police have enquired about the present occupation of such people.

Police teams also checked bank details and foreign transactions by suspected smugglers and their family members, he added.

The Special DGP said the intent of carrying out the operation was to keep a check on the influx of drugs across the inter-state borders, besides, keeping a tab on suspected drug smugglers. Such raids would continue in the future, he added.

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PM To Launch BJP's Month-Long 'Maha Jansampark' Campaign Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday will launch Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) month-long pan-India campaign, 'Maha Jansampark', in poll-bound Rajasthan's Ajmer today covering all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

PM Modi will launch "Maha Jansampark" by addressing a public meeting in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Under this Maha Jan Sampark, scheduled to be held from May 31 (today) to June 30, extensive public programmes will be done across the country after the completion of 9 yrs at the Centre.

Over 51 huge rallies, public meetings at more than 500 places, and over 600 press conferences in over 500 Lok Sabha and 4000 Vidhan Sabha constituencies will be conducted along with over 5 lakh distinguished families will be contacted.

Sharing details of the programme, which is the largest outreach in BJP's history, party national general secretary Tarun Chugh, coordinator for the programme, said, "A total of 288 top BJP leaders and 16 lakh party workers will interact with voters at ten lakh booths and 144 clusters covering all Lok Sabha seats to deliver the message of achievements in nine years of the party's rule at the Centre."

"As part of the campaign, party leaders will meet 1,000 eminent families per Lok Sabha segment, and conduct 51 mega rallies across India, along with seminars with teachers, social media influencers and other distinguished citizens," Tarun Chugh said while addressing a press briefing.

Enlightened Conference will be organized in all Lok Sabha with intellectuals. This program will also be organized on June 25, the anniversary of Emergency Day, in which a documentary will be shown on how Congress destroyed democracy.

Social Media Influencer meet will be organized with the major influencers of social media. A business conference will be organized and Vikas Teerth, the site of major development works done by the central government will be visited.

Door-to-door public meetings will be undertaken from June 20 to June 30, in which all the leaders, office bearers and workers including Union ministers and national office bearers will participate.

Yuva Morcha members will meet the beneficiaries of Mudra Loan Yojana Startup India etc. at the booths in Beneficiary Sampark, they will discuss with them the development work done during 9 years by the BJP government at the Centre.

Crores of BJP workers, over 300 MPs and more than 1400 MLAs will vigorously participate in this program to take the public welfare policies and achievements of the Modi government to the public. The achievements of the BJP government will reach everyone.

A new voter conference in which conference with voters of the age group of 18 to 25 years on 15,931 mandals will be organized. An online quiz at the national level Family meeting will be organized by inviting all the families covered under Anganwadi centres across the country. Beneficiaries of the nutrition campaign will be specially invited.

As part of the campaign, a two-wheeler tour, spanning eight days, in the assemblies across the country will also be conducted.

During the 8-day district-level two-wheeler Yuva Yatra in more than 4,000 Vidhan Sabhas, programs like Nukkad Sabhas, sports competitions, and felicitation of young achievers will be organized at the main places of the city, villages and mohallas.

PM Kisan Nidhi Beneficiaries will be contacted and meetings will be held with the presidents of various farmer producer organizations. Village Chaupal will be organized at mandis with SPO village head sarpanch under Gram Chaupal Gram Sabha will be organized with unorganized labourers.

A Tribal Gaurav Yatra Morcha is also on the cards, which will contact the beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes across the country. Tribal Gaurav Yatra will be taken out at the district level, and programs will be organized under the program of the day including Lord Birsa Munda, which will be organized with the representatives of Scheduled Tribes.

Beneficiaries of the backward class will be contacted at the booth level. In this program, direct contact will be made on all the 10 lakh booths of the country, and 10 crore people of India will be connected with this program.

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Brij Bhushan Singh Responds To Wrestlers' Call To Immerse Medals In Ganga

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Tuesday responded to the protesting wrestlers, who gathered at Haridwar and threatened to throw their medals in the Ganges as a mark of protest against him, saying that the charges against him are already being probed by the Delhi Police.

Mr Singh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by female wrestlers, added that the decision by the wrestlers to consign their laurels to the waters was purely a stand taken by them.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the six-time BJP MP said, "The matter is under investigation by the Delhi Police. If there's any truth to the charges (levelled against him by the wrestlers), an arrest will be made," the WFI chief added.

While the wrestlers arrived in the holy city on Tuesday to consign their medals to the Ganges, farmer leader Naresh Tikait talked them out of it.

The wrestlers later issued a five-day ultimatum to the authorities to act against the WFI chief.

"Today, they went to Haridwar to immerse their medals in the Ganga. But later, they handed them to Tikait. It's their stand, what can we do?" he added.

Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who have been demanding the removal and arrest of the WFI president over allegations of sexual harassment, reached Haridwar earlier on Tuesday to immerse their medals in the Ganges.

Earlier, the wrestlers took to Twitter to share a post about the events that have unfolded in the recent past and the way authorities handled the situation.

The protesting wrestlers said they will visit Haridwar and throw their medals in the Ganga at 6 pm on Tuesday.

In their post, the wrestlers said, "You saw everything that happened on May 28, how police treated us and the way they arrested us. We were protesting peacefully, our place has been taken away and the next day serious cases and FIR were filed against us. Have the wrestlers committed any crime by demanding justice for the sexual harassment that happened to them? The police and the system are treating us like criminals, while the oppressor is taking jibe moving freely. He is even openly talking about changing the POSCO Act."

"Yesterday, many of our women wrestlers were hiding in the fields. The system should arrest the oppressor but it is engaged in breaking and intimidating the victim women to end their protest," the grapplers said.

They claimed the medals that they won for the country don't hold any meaning or significance for them anymore.

"It is not less than death for us thinking of returning medals but how can we live compromising our self-respect? We don't need these medals anymore. If we speak against exploitation, they prepare to put us in jail," the wrestlers said.

"We are going to shed these medals in the Ganga. Our medals which we earned after hard work are as sacred as River Ganga. These medals are sacred for the entire country and the right place to keep the sacred medal can be holy Ganga and not our unholy system which masquerades us and stands with our oppressor after taking advantage of us. The medal is our life, our soul. We will sit on hunger strike at India gate till death," they added in their post.

On Sunday, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia along with Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to march to the new Parliament building where they planned to stage a demonstration.

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"I Am A Common Man," Says Rahul Gandhi As He Arrives In US' San Francisco

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived here on Tuesday for a three-city US tour during which he will interact with the Indian expatriates and meet American lawmakers.

He was received at the airport by Indian Overseas Congress chairperson Sam Pitroda and other members of the IOC. Rahul Gandhi had to wait for two hours at the airport for the immigration clearance, party sources said.

While he was waiting in the queue, several people who were travelling with him in the same flight clicked selfies with him.

When people asked him why he was standing in the queue, Rahul Gandhi replied, "I am a common man. I like it. I am no longer an MP." Starting with San Francisco where he is scheduled to interact with students at the prestigious Stanford University, Rahul Gandhi will address a press conference and have meetings with lawmakers and think tanks in Washington DC.

The 52-year-old Congress leader is also likely to address Indian Americans and interact with Wall Street executives and university students during his week-long tour of the USA. He is slated to conclude his trip with a public gathering in New York on June 4. The interaction would take place at the Javits Center in New York.

Last week, Indian Overseas Congress chairperson Sam Pitroda said Rahul Gandhi's visit is aimed at promoting shared values and a vision of "real democracy".

"The purpose of his (Gandhi's) trip is to connect, interact and begin a new conversation with various individuals, institutions and media, including the Indian diaspora that is growing in numbers in the United States and abroad to promote the shared values and vision of the real democracy with a focus on freedom, inclusion, sustainability, justice, peace and opportunities world over," Sam Pitroda said in a statement.

Rahul Gandhi received a new ordinary passport on Sunday, two days after a Delhi court gave its clearance.

The former Congress president, who had applied for an ordinary passport after surrendering the old diplomatic passport issued to him when he was a member of parliament, is set to travel to San Francisco in the United States on Monday evening on a three-city tour.

Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP in March following his conviction and two-year sentence by a Gujarat court in a defamation case over his Modi surname remark. 

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Helicopter Slithering Training Given To Commandos By Delhi Police

In view of the upcoming G20 Summit, Delhi Police gave training to its newly recruited commandos on 'helicopter slithering' at Delhi Police Academy in Jharoda Kalan, officials said on Tuesday.

The training, which is a first of its kind by the police, was given to 55 male, 25 female and 15 SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit commandos, they said. The aim of the training is to ready the commandos for any potential evacuation during disasters or any terrorist incidents, police said, adding that the exercise was conducted using an M-17 Helicopter.

The training was held in the presence of Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and other senior officers of the force, and was assisted by the Border Security Force, they added.

According to police, slithering from a helicopter is risky, not only to the commando carrying out the procedure from an airborne helicopter but also to the pilot. It is more dangerous and challenging compared to the slithering exercise from a building or a tree.

"For this training session, a makeshift helipad was prepared on the ground of Delhi Police Academy, Jharoda Kalan. A Border Security Force MI-17 IV helicopter, fitted with a slithering frame and trained men from BSF took off from Safdarjung airport and landed at the helipad of police academy, Jharoda Kalan," the police statement said.

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Punjab Cabinet Expansion Tomorrow

The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab will on Wednesday induct MLAs Balkar Singh and Gurmeet Singh Khudian as cabinet ministers, officials said.

Cabinet Minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar has tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers, citing personal reasons, they said.

Chief Minister Mann has forwarded the resignation of Local Government Minister Nijjar to Governor Banwarilal Purohit, an official said.

The Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation has sought time from the Punjab governor for the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.

Balkar Singh is a legislator from Kartarpur, in Jalandhar, while Khudian is an MLA from the Lambi seat.

Currently, the strength of the Mann-led cabinet is 15, including the chief minister. There are a total of 18 berths in the cabinet.

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2 Killed After Truck Hits Bike In Delhi: Cops

 Two motorcycle-borne men died after being hit by a truck in southeast Delhi's Kalindi Kunj area, police said on Monday.

The accident took place near the Kalindi Kunj metro station on Sunday evening, they said.

The deceased were identified as Vishal Sharma (23) and Nayan (24), both residents of Faridabad, police said.

The truck and its driver, Rajesh of Firozabad, are in police custody and legal action is being taken, they added.

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"Strictest Punishment Should Be Given": BJP Leader On Delhi Murder Case

BJP MP Hans Raj Hans on Monday termed the brutal killing of a minor girl in northwest Delhi "very painful" and said youth sometimes get "carried away by emotions" and act like "fools".

The 16-year-old girl was stabbed multiple times and then bludgeoned with a stone by a youth on Sunday. The accused, identified as Sahil (20), was arrested by the police from Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

Mr Hans who, along with local BJP leaders, met the family of the victim, said the "strictest" punishment should be given to the guilty in the murder of the girl in the Shahabad Dairy area of his northwest Delhi constituency.

He said it was a "very painful" incident that came to his knowledge on Sunday night and since then he was in touch with the police for quick action to arrest the accused.

However, while talking about the present young generation, Mr Hans told PTI, "It was unfortunate. Youth sometimes get carried away by emotions...they act like fools sometimes." Mr Hans, who is a Sufi singer called love as "pious", noting that it turns into a crime when mixed with "hate".

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva described the murder of the minor girl as a case of "love jihad" and demanded its trial in a fast-track court.

Police said that the accused and the victim were allegedly in a "relationship" that had turned sour and the two had a fight on Saturday.

A purported CCTV footage of the gruesome killing that splashed on tv channels and social media handles sent shockwaves among people. In a shocking display of public apathy, people can be seen passing by, with some bystanders staring in alarm, but not doing anything to stop the brutal attack.

The accused is seen walking away from the victim in a casual manner only to turn back and again hit her with a slab before leaving the site.

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Arvind Kejriwal To Attend AAP's Tiranga Yatra In Haryana's Jind Next Week

AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will participate in a Tiranga Yatra in Haryana's Jind district next week as part of his party's campaign for the assembly elections in Haryana slated for next year.

The term of the state legislative assembly will expire on November 3, 2024.

"A Tiranga Yatra along with a road show has been organised in the Jind district of Haryana on June 8 to sound the poll bugle in the state," AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Gupta, who was recently appointed as the party's Haryana unit president, told PTI on Monday.

Both Mr Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will participate in the mega event in which around 50,000 people are expected to take part, he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Kejriwal held a meeting here with his party's Haryana unit leaders who came to invite him to the event.

The meeting was attended by AAP's national organisation secretary Sandeep Pathak, Gupta and other party leaders from Haryana. Ashok Tanwar, who was recently appointed as the AAP's campaign committee chairman for Haryana, was also present at the meeting.

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"Can't Proceed On Assumption": Court Bail To Man In Money Laundering Case

The Delhi High Court today granted bail to Indore-based real estate developer Vijay Agrawal in a money laundering case involving alleged hawala dealer Naresh Jain, and said when an individual's liberty is concerned, it cannot proceed merely on the basis of assumptions and presumptions.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said there is no "absolute restraint" on the grant of bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act or a requirement of "positive finding qua guilt" at this stage.

The judge said there has to be some substantial link between the money received and criminal activity relating to scheduled offence, which can be attributed to the accused.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Naresh Jain along with his brother Bimal Jain and other accomplices hatched a criminal conspiracy to cause a loss to the exchequer and banks by indulging in illegal foreign exchange transactions on the basis of forged and fabricated documents.

The agency told the court that in furtherance of the conspiracy, Agrawal acquired shares of a company at a lesser price than actual valuation and also took loans from the shell companies of the co-accused.

The court observed the claim by Agrawal, who was arrested in March 2022, that he did not know he was dealing with tainted money cannot be brushed aside mechanically and granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 25 lakh subject to conditions.

"For the purpose that evidence cannot be meticulously examined at this stage, the court cannot merely proceed on the basis of assumption. There has to be some substantial link between the money received and criminal activity relating to scheduled offence which can be attributed to the petitioner," said the court.

"The petitioner is stated to be renowned developer and his plea that he did not know that he is dealing with the tainted money cannot be brushed aside mechanically. If the liberty of an individual is concerned, the Court cannot proceed merely on the basis of assumptions and presumptions.. The twin conditions of Section 45 do not put an absolute restrain on the grant of bail or require a positive finding qua guilt," said the court.

In its order, the court stated while protecting the right and liberty of an individual, it has to consider the right of the society at large as well as the prosecuting agency as the offence of money laundering is a very serious offence which affects the financial health, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

It however added the offence of money laundering is like a "running-goods train where the bogey keeps on adding" and the question to be examined is whether a person whose role is found later knew that the money which he has been dealing with is a proceed of crime and a finding cannot be returned "merely on the basis of inferences and presumptions".

The court added it cannot meticulously examine the evidence and cannot hold a mini trial at this stage as it has to only examine the case on the scale of broad probabilities.

The court noted in the present case, Agrawal was not an accused in the predicate offence and was also not named in the ED FIR. He also suffered from a serious medical condition, it said.

"Thus taking into account the facts and circumstances, the petitioner is admitted to bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty-Five lakhs) with two sureties of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court, subject to the conditions," ordered the court.

The ED has alleged that Naresh Jain and his accomplices were operating around 337 accounts in foreign banks in Dubai, Hongkong and Singapore in respect of 104 shell firms/ companies.

It claimed before the high court that during the investigation, 603 bank accounts of 311 companies have been examined and it has been gathered that Naresh Jain and his accomplices rotated funds approximately to the tune of Rs 96,000 crore for providing accommodation entries of approximately Rs 18,679 crore to 973 beneficiaries. 

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4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Assam's Sonitpur

An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 hit Assam's Sonitpur on Monday early morning, said the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

The NCS stated that the earthquake occurred at 8:03 am on Monday.

The quake occurred at a depth of 15 km.

"Earthquake of Magnitude:4.4, Occurred on 29-05-2023, 08:03:35 IST, Lat: 26.68 & Long: 92.35, Depth: 15 Km, Region: Sonitpur, Assam," tweeted the National Center for Seismology.

No damage has been reported so far.

More details are awaited

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Smriti Irani Photobombs Amit Shah's Picture During Parliament Inauguration

Amid the grand opening ceremony of the new parliament building in New Delhi on Sunday, a lighthearted moment unfolded when Union Minister Smriti Irani snuck into the frame as the photographer was clicking Home Minister Amit Shah.

Ms Irani shared the image on Twitter, with the caption, "Photo bombed — ! When everyone wants to be a part of the ‘main frame'."

Photo bombed — ! When everyone wants to be a part of the ‘main frame'. pic.twitter.com/nAzGpqtHSu

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 28, 2023

Amit Shah can be seen posing for a picture while seated in the treasury benches of the new parliament. Smriti Irani, gleefully smiling and just a row behind Mr Shah, makes her way into the frame too.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the new Parliament building on Sunday morning and installed the historic Sengol in the Lok Sabha chamber.

In his first address in the new parliament, PM Modi said as India surges ahead, the new parliament building will also contribute to the world's progress.

"Some moments in the developmental journey of a nation get immortalised, today is one such day...The new Parliament complex will witness the realisation of our 'developed India' resolution," the PM said.

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PM Modi To Flag Off Assam's First Vande Bharat Express Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off Assam's first Vande Bharat Express on Monday as a part of the move by Indian Railways to avail joy of travelling for the people of northeast, a government official said on Sunday.

The state-of-the-art Vande Bharat train will be flagged off by the Prime Minister through video conferencing.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate New Bongaigaon--Dudhnoi--Mendipather and Guwahati--Chaparmukh newly electrified sections to the nation. He will further inaugurate the new DEMU/MEMU (workshop for trains) shed at Lumding here.

It is the first of its kind premium semi-high speed aesthetically designed, well-equipped fully Air Conditioner service between Guwahati in Assam and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

"The frequency of the train will be five days a week. There will be no service of this train on Tuesday," the official said.

This new service will cover the distance of 411 km between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri in 5 hours 30 minutes reducing the present shortest journey time by the speediest train significantly.

The Vande Bharat Express train service will operate six days a week discovering the new age rail travel with airlines like travel feelings for people of the northeast who will able to feel the comfort and speed during the journey.

This will be the fastest train in this sector and will benefit IT professionals, businessmen, students and tourists.

Vande Bharat Express is the fulfilment of an ambitious plan laid by Indian Railways to pitchfork the standards and speed of rail travel in the country.

The 'Make In India' call of Prime Minister Modi has driven this initiative with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coming up with this modern Semi-High Speed fully indigenous train showcasing superior aerodynamic design, highest operational speed, most aesthetic interiors, state-of-the-art safety features imbibing the latest rail technology. The approximate cost of each train set is around Rs 110 crore.

Vande Bharat Express runs as a self-propelled Semi-High Speed train set. The train set holds an aerodynamic design on both ends, which significantly reduces air drag and gives the train a futuristic look. The train set is equipped with the Centralized Coach Monitoring and Control System. It has eight coach Chair Car configurations, stainless steel car body with a seating capacity of 530 passengers with maximum utilization of onboard space.

The Executive chair cars of Vande Bharat Express have a seating capacity of 52 each, normal Chair cars have a seating capacity of 78 each and the driving trailer coaches have a seating capacity of 44 each.

Equipped with driver-guard communication with a voice recording facility, the bogies of Vande Bharat Express are equipped with fully suspended traction motors for 160 kmph operational speed.

The train is equipped with 'KAVACH, the indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System with optimum reliability. Advanced state-of-the-art suspension system ensures smoothness on move in the train.

Green footprint plans have been prioritized by dispensing with power cars and saving about 30 per cent of electricity with an advanced regenerative braking system.

The braking system is electro-pneumatic with disc brakes mounted directly on wheel disks, significantly reducing braking distance. Signal exchange lights on the coaches enable the hassle-free exchange of signals with wayside stations when the train is on the move.

Superior floodproofing for under-slung electrical equipment is done to enable withstand floods up to a height of 650 mm.

This energy-efficient train has a faster turnaround time in comparison to others.

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Siddaramaiah's "Need For New Parliament" Query Amid Wrestlers' Detention

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the need for a new Parliament building after protesting wrestlers were detained by the police on Sunday for demanding justice.

Security personnel stopped and detained protesting wrestlers as they try to march towards the new Parliament building from their site of protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In a tweet, the Karnataka Chief Minister said, "What's the need for the new Parliament building if it can't give justice to the Wrestlers who are protesting? It is unfortunate to know that few wrestlers have been detained for demanding justice. We as humans and Indians should stand with them and voice their concerns. They had made Indians proud by winning medals for us and we should make them feel proud to be Indians!!"

The ongoing wrestler protest in the national capital has taken a new toll as star grappler Bajrang Punia said the Mahila Mahapanchayat will definitely take place in front of the new Parliament building which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Several ace grapplers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.

Wrestlers were trying to march towards the new Parliament as they want to hold a women's Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament.

"Democracy is being killed in the country, no one is getting the justice they deserve," Bajrang Punia told reporters ahead of the protesting wrestlers' march towards the new Parliament building.

Mr Punia said, "Many people are very cooperative with us but there are few police officials who are misbehaving with us, they are not allowing our family members to go inside."

Asked about whether the Mahapanchayat will take place or not, the 29-year-old wrestler said, "Mahapanchayat will definitely take place. We have given a letter to seek permission. Police are just making a fool out of us and are constantly keeping us under pressure."

Without naming Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Punia said, "The one, who is accused of offences, is roaming freely. He banters about changing the law, defaming POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act controlling the government, no harm is done to that person, whereas, those who are peacefully protesting are getting ill-treated."

Further attacking WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Bajrang Punia said, "He is only doing politics, he wants to change the POCSO Act."

Bajrang Punia stated that about 2,500 persons have been detained by police.

"Police are camping at the home of our coaches, players, and leaders of Kisan Union and Khap Panchayat. Whether it be Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, or Rajasthan," he said.

"I request to the government and to the police department to release our people who have been detained because we want to establish this as a peaceful protest and carry it on in the same manner. We are protesting for the self-respect of our sister and daughter, we are not protesting for any political motive," the Olympic Bronze medalist added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"No Central Discrimination Against Bengal": BJP State Chief

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "pet phrase" of central discrimination against the eastern state was wrong as facts and figures show the opposite.

Mr Majumdar, while presenting the nine-year "report card" of the BJP government at the Centre, said that from constructing roads to providing water connection to households, the Narendra Modi government has always helped the state.

Sukanta Majumda claimed that even though the faulty land policy of the TMC government prevented land acquisition for highway expansion, the Centre never plugged the fund flow for building new highways in the state.

"Take the example of the slow pace of widening of National Highway 34. While it takes only five hours to reach Lucknow from Delhi, it takes around a whole day to reach Balurghat from Kolkata. Why is it so? There is no central discrimination in this," he said.

Majumdar said he wants the state to be known as a place of job-givers and not job-seekers.

"There is only one fully functional airport in the state. Andal has very few flights and the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,884 crore for the expansion of Bagdogra airport," he said.

Mr Majumdar said the state government never acknowledged the Centre's help in developing medical colleges in the state, including AIIMS, Kalyani.

He, however, praised the state for cooperating with the Centre in child immunisation.

BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, "Our efforts in presenting our rich ancient history are shown as saffronisation effort in some quarters and this perception should change."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man Kills Parents Over Land Dispute In UP's Firozabad

A man shot dead his parents over a land dispute in a village here on Sunday, police said.

The incident happened in area under Eka police station and the deceased were identified as Rakesh Yadav (55) and his wife Guddi Devi, they said.

Additional Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Mishra said the couple had an old argument over possession of a piece of land with their elder son Bitu Yadav.

Prima facie, it appears that Bitu had an argument with the duo on Sunday that escalated and he shot them dead, he said.

The bodies were found on a farm, he said, adding that the accused is absconding.

According to locals, the couple had moved to the nearby Etah district. They had come to Firozabad to discuss the possession of the disputed land.

Efforts are on to nab Bittu, police said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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'Sengol' Installed In New Parliament: 5 Facts About The 'Symbol Of Justice'

1. The ceremonial sceptre, next to the Speaker's seat, is called "sengol" - which derives from the Tamil word "semmai", meaning "righteousness".
2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the 'Sengol' has played a key role in India's history. This sceptre was handed over to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to mark the transfer of power from the British to Indians.
3. Until now, the sceptre was housed at a museum in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad.
4. Ahead of its installation in the new Parliament building, the 'Sengol' was handed over to PM Modi by nearly 30 pontiffs from different Adheenams in Tamil Nadu.
5. The one accorded the 'sengol' is expected to impart a just and impartial rule.

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5 Facts About New Parliament Building, The Temple Of Democracy

1. The new parliament building has a grand constitution hall to showcase India's democratic heritage, a lounge for MPs, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas and ample parking space.
2. The triangular-shaped four-storey building has a built-up area of 64,500 square metres. It has three main gates - Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar and Karma Dwar - and separate entrances for VIPs, MPs and visitors.
3. The material used for the new building has been acquired from across the country.
4. The building can comfortably seat 888 members in the Lok Sabha chamber and 300 in the Rajya Sabha chamber.
5. For a joint sitting of both the houses, 1,280 MPs can be accommodated in the Lok Sabha chamber.

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PM To Inaugurate New Parliament Today Amid Opposition Boycott: 10 Points

1. According to the tentative schedule, PM Modi will arrive at 7.15 am, followed by a puja 15 minutes later. He will enter the Lok Sabha chamber at 8.35 am.
2. With carpets from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, bamboo flooring from Tripura and stone carvings from Rajasthan, the new parliament building reflects India's diverse culture. The government has announced a commemorative Rs 75 coin to mark the historic event.
3. The new parliament building, built by Tata Projects Ltd, has a grand constitution hall to showcase India's democratic heritage, a lounge for MPs, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas and ample parking space.
4. The triangular-shaped four-storey building has a built-up area of 64,500 square metres. It has three main gates - Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar and Karma Dwar - and separate entrances for VIPs, MPs and visitors.
5. The material used for the new building has been acquired from across the country. The teakwood was sourced from Maharashtra's Nagpur, while the red and white sandstone was brought from Sarmathura in Rajasthan, to name a few.
6. The new parliament building can comfortably seat 888 members in the Lok Sabha chamber and 300 in the Rajya Sabha chamber. For a joint sitting of both the houses, 1,280 MPs can be accommodated in the Lok Sabha chamber.
7. The present parliament building was completed in 1927, and is now 96 years old. Over the years, the old building was found to be inadequate for present day requirements.
8. The Sengol, first received by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from the British, had been kept in a museum in Allahabad until now. It will be placed near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
9. The Congress has rejected the BJP's claim that the Sengol symbolised the transfer of power from the British to an independent India.
10. BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, has hit back, saying the Congress needs to "reflect" on its behaviour. Mr Shah rejected the Congress's claim that there was no evidence of the Sengol being a symbol of transfer of power.

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"Maligned India's Image": Court On Mumbai Teen Sexually Harassing Tourist

Stating that his crime tarnished the country's image and leniency will send the wrong message outside India, a city court has sentenced a 19-year-old man to two years in jail for molesting a woman tourist from Peru.

Metropolitan magistrate at Mazgaon court P I Mokashi convicted and sentenced accused Riyaz Ahmed on Friday, a little over two months after the incident.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on him.

The judgement, which became available on Saturday, held that "no such woman like the informant with good background and reputation and being a foreigner can come to the court merely to falsely implicate the accused without any reason unless such incident shall have taken place." During arguments on the quantum of punishment, the accused's lawyer had prayed for leniency considering his age.

As he was young and it was his first offence, he should be released on probation of good conduct, the lawyer had said.

But the court noted that the accused had entered the woman's room only to touch her, and now she was afraid of traveling in India.

"Thereby this act of the accused has maligned the image of our country. If the accused is given benefit under Section 4 of Probation of Offenders Act, wrong message will be sent throughout the world," the magistrate observed.

The accused worked as a manager at the guest house where the 38-year-old woman from Peru, on a solo trip to Mumbai, was staying in March this year.

He kept visiting her room, insisted that she click selfies with him and touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions, she had alleged.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"He Talks Bad About...": Union Minister On Rahul Gandhi's US Visit

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to visit the USA at the end of this month, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday took a jibe at the former Wayanad MP saying he visits abroad 60-times in a year and every time "tears down" the country.

"I usually don't comment on Rahul Gandhi because I scratch my head to try to understand why he is saying what he is saying. When PM Modi travels abroad, he speaks about our country's achievements and earns respect for India. This man (Rahul Gandhi) goes abroad 60 times a year. On every visit, he tears down India and our institutions. He talks bad about our democracy, about EVMs, the justice system, media, and everything," the Minister said.

He further slammed the Congress leader and said that only Rahul Gandhi has a problem with Indian democracy.

As per the sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was scheduled to fly to the United States for 10 days on May 31 has rescheduled his tour and will now embark on his journey on May 28.

Rahul Gandhi will attend a program at Stanford University and meet the Indian expatriates on May 29-30.

He was earlier scheduled to embark on a 10-day visit to the USA beginning on May 31.

Rahul Gandhi dominated the headlines as he returned from London after giving speeches at Cambridge University, critical of the government and throwing light on Indian democracy.

In March 2023, Rahul Gandhi delivered a speech at Cambridge University, at a convention organized by the Association of Journalists in London, and finally during an in-conversation session at the Chatham House think tank in London.

"Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space," Rahul Gandhi said at Cambridge University in the UK.

"The institutional framework which is required for a democratic Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilization, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," he had added.

The remarks by the Congress MP gave fresh ammunition to the ruling BJP, who demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.

Several of his statements in the UK stoked controversy in India. BJP intensified its attack on Rahul Gandhi with party chief JP Nadda alleging he is a "permanent part of the anti-India toolkit".

The BJP leader demanded an apology from the former Wayanad MP.

The second leg of the Budget session of Parliament witnessed deadlock.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologize for remarks that he made in London about democracy in India; the Congress insisted on the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe allegations of dubious financial transactions and dishonest business practices against the Adani Group of companies.

On April 11, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from his position as a Member of Parliament after his conviction in a defamation case. He was disqualified in accordance with Article 102(1)(e) of the Indian Constitution read with Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Goa Police Files Chargesheets Against 2 Restaurants For Playing Loud Music

Anjuna Police have filed charge sheets in sound pollution cases against the owner and manager of two restaurants in Goa, which played music beyond the permissible limits, police said on Saturday.

On January 12, Gaurish Naik lodged a complaint against Cafe LA MusicaVagator, Anjuna, Bardez Goa for playing music beyond the permissible limits thereby causing nuisance, and annoyance to the public.

The investigation of the crime was taken over by the police.

"Further, after the collection of evidence chargesheet has been submitted before the Hon'ble JMFC, Mapusa against accused Vijay Arora, owner and Sudipta Ghosh of Cafe LA Musica, under Sec 15 of Environment (Protection Act) section 57 of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control Rule)2000," police said.

"In another case, on January 13, the police acting on a tip-off, registered a case against XOXO Bar and Restaurant for playing music beyond the permissible limits within the premises and thereby causing a nuisance, and annoyance to the public by emitting the sound in air in the locality of Anjuna," police added.

The chargesheets have been filed against both the cafes, police said. Further information is awaited.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Poet Iqbal, Who Wrote 'Saare Jahan Se Achha', May Be Dropped From Syllabus

The Academic Council of Delhi University on Friday passed a motion to remove a chapter on Pakistan's national poet Muhammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal, from the political science syllabus, members of the statutory body confirmed.

Born in 1877 in Sialkot in undivided India, Iqbal wrote the famous song 'Saare jahan se achha'. He is also known for giving birth to the 'idea of Pakistan'.

The chapter titled 'Modern Indian Political Thought' is part of BA's sixth-semester paper, officials said, adding that the matter will now be presented before the Executive Council of the university that will take the final call.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), meanwhile, welcomed the development.

"A motion was brought regarding a change in the syllabus of political science. As per the motion, there was a chapter on Iqbal that has been removed from the syllabus," said an Academic Council member.

A unit on Iqbal titled 'Iqbal: Community', which is part of the syllabus was reviewed by news agency PTI.

There are 11 units as part of the course with the objective to study important themes through individual thinkers.

Other thinkers that are also part of the course include Rammohan Roy, Pandita Ramabai, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bhimrao Ambedkar.

"The course has been designed to give students a glimpse into the richness and diversity within the Indian political thought," the syllabus mentions.

The course is aimed to equip students with a critical understanding of modern Indian thought, it adds.

"The thematic exploration of ideas is meant to locate the topical debates on important subjects on a historical trajectory and reflect over the diverse possibilities exhibited in the writings of the respective thinkers," it further stated.

Meanwhile, the ABVP welcomed the move, saying "fanatic theological scholar" Iqbal was responsible for India's partition.

"Delhi University academic council decided to scrap fanatic theological scholar Mohd Iqbal from DU's political science syllabus. It was previously included in BA's sixth-semester paper titled 'Modern Indian political thought," the ABVP said in a statement.

"Mohammad Iqbal is called the 'philosophical father of Pakistan'. He was the key player in establishing Jinnah as a leader in Muslim League. Mohammad Iqbal is as responsible for India's partition as Mohammad Ali Jinnah is," it added.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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3 Brothers Killed As House Collapses In Jammu And Kashmir: Cops

Three brothers were killed when their house collapsed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Friday, police said.

The house collapsed at night in the mountainous hamlet of Puller in Nagseni tehsil, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khalil Poswal told PTI.

Three brothers -- identified as Rajesh, Sajan and Papu -- were killed in the incident, police said.

The other members of the family are safe, police added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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5 Arrested Over Involvement In Fake Gold Smuggling From Assam: Cops

Police on Friday arrested five persons and recovered a fake gold statue of Jesus Christ, biscuit in two separate operations in Assam's Nagaon and Sonitpur districts, police said.

In the first operation, police conducted an operation at Namdoboka Pathar area under Doboka police station in Nagaon district and arrested three persons.

The police team recovered one fake gold statue of Jesus Christ weighing 1.700 kg in possession from them.

A police officer of Doboka police station said that they launched the operation based on secret information.

"We have recovered one fake gold statue of Jesus Christ and arrested three persons. The arrested have been identified as Aslam Talukdar, Zubair Hussain and Iqbal Hussain. Our investigation is on," the police officer said.

In a separate operation, Sonitpur district police arrested two persons and recovered a fake gold biscuit from the Tezpur Salanibari area.

The arrested persons were identified as Ikramul Hussain and Jamal Ali.

Further investigation is underway.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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High Court Slams Cops' "Week-Kneed Approach" Over Unhealthy Religious Acts

The contention that animal sacrifice is an essential and integral part of one's religious belief and cannot be interfered with even if it causes nuisance to others, has to be rejected, the Kerala High Court has said.

Hearing a writ petition against the inaction of the authorities to stop the illegal slaughter of birds and animals in the guise of ritualistic sacrifice at a private residence in Kochi, Justice V Arun said such unhealthy, unscientific and deleterious practices are to be prevented, even if it is done in the name of religion.

The court, in an order issued on May 24, directed the Ernakulam district panchayat, the revenue divisional officer, Ernakulam Rural SP and other officials to stop the activities carried out in a structure, resembling a temple, constructed by a private person on the second floor of his residential building, after conducting a probe, at Edathala Grama panchayat near Aluva in Kohi.

"Going by the precedents and on a proper understanding of the rights under Article 25 and the liberty guaranteed under Article 21, the contention that, animal sacrifice being an essential and integral part of the 8th respondent's religious belief and practice, cannot be interfered with even if it causes nuisance to others, has to be rejected," the court said.

As opined by none other than Dr BR Ambedkar, true religious practice should be guided by reason, equality and humanistic values, rather than blind adherence to traditions, the court added.

"All unhealthy, unscientific and deleterious practices are to be prevented, even if it is done in the name of religion," the order said.

The court observed that it was disconcerting to note the "weak-kneed and jittery approach of the police and revenue authorities" when illegalities committed under the garb of religion are brought to their notice.

"The authorities should be mindful of the fact that the laws of this country are equally applicable to all citizens and no special treatment can be meted out to any person on religious grounds," the court observed.

The writ petition said that objectionable activities are carried out in a structure, resembling a temple, constructed by Anand P on the second floor of his residential building and has exhibited a board with the name 'Sree Bhramarambika Vishnumayaswami Devasthanam' and is canvassing devotees through notices and other modes of advertisement.

The petition also said that Anand was conducting poojas and rituals in his building day-in and day-out, accompanied by the ringing of bells, blowing of the conch and shrieks and cries of animals and birds.

"The blood of the slaughtered animals is flown to the road and carcasses are strewn all over the place. Additionally, vehicles of persons visiting the place for conducting poojas and rituals are parked indiscriminately. All these factors have made life impossible for me (petitioner) and the other residents of the area," the petitioner claimed.

It also said that the construction was illegal and it was done without obtaining the permission envisaged under the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Congress Finalises Names For Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Report

After two days of hectic deliberations, the Congress finalised the names of new members of the Karnataka cabinet led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and 24 more ministers are set to take oath on Saturday morning, sources said.

They said the decision was finalised after hours of parleys between Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar with top central leaders including AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi gave their final nod to the list which balances caste and regional equations in the southern state.

As many as eight ministers along with the chief minister and his deputy have already taken oath in Karnataka on May 20.

The Karnataka cabinet can have a total of 34 ministers including the chief minister. The sources said the expanded cabinet will have four new ministers belonging to the Lingayat community and an equal number from the Vokkaliga community, besides two each from among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, one from the Muslim community, a Brahmin and a woman.

According to the sources, the list of probable ministers who are likely to take oath on Saturday include Dinesh Gundu Rao, Krishna Byre Gowda, Eshwar Khandre, Raheem Khan, Santosh Lad, K N Rajanna, Peeriyapattana Venkatesh, H C Mahadevappa, Byrathi Suresh, C Puttarangashetty, Shivaraj Tangadi, R B Timmpur and B Nagendra, all of whom are considered close to Siddaramaiah.

The sources added that Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Madhu Bangarappa, D Sudhakar, Cheluvaraya Swami, Mankul Vaidya and M C Sudhakar are also among the list of ministers included in the expanded cabinet, all of whom are considered close to Shivakumar.

They added that the list of new ministers will also include H K Patil, Sharanprakash Patil, Shivanana Patil, SS Mallikarjuna, besides Sharanbasappa Darshanapura, approved by the party high command.

Besides, the name of N S Boseraju, who is the lone MLC, has also been approved in the list of new ministers to be included in the state cabinet.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been in the national capital for the last three days and they have held several rounds of discussions.

The final list was approved after discussions with Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, the two Karnataka leaders also met Sonia Gandhi, for the first time after government formation in the state.

Differences between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had emerged over names of probable ministers but these were sorted out during the discussions, the sources said.

Meanwhile, all the leaders left for Bengaluru for the oath-taking ceremony of the new ministers. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren also left with Shivakumar and Surjewala for Saturday's event.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Will Face Legally": Karnataka BJP MLA Over His Remark Against Siddaramaiah

On the issue of a case filed against him for his alleged "finish off Siddaramaiah" remark, former Karnataka Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA CN Ashwath Narayan on Thursday said that he will face it politically as well as legally.

BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan said that he had made it clear that his statement had no intention to hurt Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or his sentiments and added that then the opposition had accepted his clarification.

"I had made it very clear that my statement had no intention of hurting CM Siddaramaiah, his sentiments or feelings and I expressed my regret too. The opposition party accepted my statement. Now they are opening 3 months old closed chapter. I will face it politically as well as legally", he said.

MLA Narayan's reaction came a day after the Karnataka Congress registered an FIR against him for his alleged statement to "finish off" Siddaramaiah like "Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda finished off Tipu Sultan".

A delegation of Congress leaders led by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson M Lakshmana and Mysuru District Congress Committee President B J Vijaykumar on Wedneday submitted a fresh complaint at Devaraja police station in Mysuru.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 506 and 153 of the IPC.

Earlier in February this year a complaint was filed by KPCC spokesperson at the Malleshwaram police station against Ashwath Narayan but no action was taken.

While addressing a public event this February, the Karnataka minister had exhorted people to "finish off" Siddaramaiah the way the two Vokkaliga chieftains -- Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda -- had killed 17th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan. Congress has maintained that the duo are fictional characters.

Subsequently, Ashwath Narayan in a series of tweets said that his remarks were casual allusions and not malicious.

"Let me make my stand clear. The words used to compare Tipu Sultan and Siddaramaiah in Mandya are casual allusions and not malicious words. But my words are being misconstrued. It wasn't meant to hurt anyone," he tweeted.

"Debate is an integral part of politics & essential for a healthy democracy. It is in this spirit that my words should be interpreted. It may be Siddaramaiah's culture to be calling the Prime Minister a "mass murderer" and assailing the Chief Minister," read his tweet.

Ashwath Narayan further added that he had only mentioned that Congress should be defeated in the elections.

"The people of the State are well aware of Siddaramaiah's language proficiency. I was merely alluding to the fact that Congress should be defeated in this election. And, after all, our people of Mandya do not possess the brutal mentality of Tipu," he had tweeted.

To this Siddaramaiah had then stated that love and friendship cannot be expected from leaders of a party, which "worships the murderer of Mahatma Gandhi".

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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2 Killed, 4 Injured After Two Trucks Collide In Delhi: Cops

 Two persons have died and four others injured after a truck hit a stationary truck on a flyover near Welcome Metro Station.

The truck was carrying bricks to the Karol Bagh area and was hit by another truck at the flyover in the early hours of Thursday.

An FIR has been lodged under the relevant sections of IPC at the Police station of the Welcome Metro Station area, police said.

Prem Singh, Sunil (helper) and Jagdeep Singh (driver of the truck) were injured while the other two helpers Ravi and Satish died in the incident. Also, the driver of the other truck Mahesh is also injured.

Prem Singh said that while they were taking bricks to the Karol Bagh area, one of the front tyres got punctured at the flyover. He was opening the tyre bolts when another truck came from behind and bumped into their truck.

The investigation is underway. Further details are awaited.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man Beaten To Death On Suspicion Of Being Thief In Mumbai: Cops

A man died after being assaulted by a mob which mistook him for a thief in the early hours of Thursday in Borivali East area in Mumbai, a police official said.

A police team managed to rescue Pravin Lahane from the mob and first took him to Kasturba Marg police station and then to a nearby hospital, he said.

"He was discharged after preliminary treatment and went to the police station again. However, he developed uneasiness some time later and was rushed to the same hospital, where he died," he said.

"We are awaiting the post mortem report. A few persons have been detained in connection with the assault on Lahane. Further probe is underway," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Gyanvapi Row: Court To Hear Petition Filed By Waqf Board Today

The Allahabad High Court will hear on Friday a petition filed by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board and the Gyanvapi masjid management committee that has challenged the maintainability of a suit pending before a Varanasi court, seeking the restoration of a temple at the site of the mosque.

The petitioners have also challenged an April 8, 2021 order of the Varanasi court, directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

On November 28, 2022, Justice Prakash Padia had reserved his judgment in the matter after hearing both sides at length.

However, in its order dated May 24, Justice Padia said more clarifications were required from the counsel for the parties. Considering this, the matter was put up, along with other connected matters, for further hearing on Friday.

The high court had earlier reserved its judgment on the maintainability of the suit pending in the Varanasi court. Now, all connected matters on the suit's maintainability and the order for the ASI survey will be heard together by the court.

On April 8, 2021, the Varanasi court, while hearing a suit seeking the restoration of the temple at the Gyanvapi mosque site, had directed the ASI to conduct a comprehensive survey of the mosque complex.

Subsequently, the Varanasi court's order was challenged before the high court by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM), the Gyanvapi management committee and the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board.

On September 9, 2021, the high court stayed the Varanasi court's order. The stay order was extended from time to time during the hearing of the matter.

Hearing the petition filed by the AIM and the waqf board, Justice Padia reserved his judgment on November 28, 2022 and directed that the interim stay on the Varanasi court order asking the ASI to conduct a survey of the mosque complex will continue till the delivery of the judgment.

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24 Ministers To Take Oath On Saturday In Siddaramaiah's Karnataka Cabinet: Sources

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's government will have another 24 ministers who will take oath on Saturday, sources have said. The names have been finalised in the meeting between Mr Siddaramaiah, his deputy DK Shivakumar and Central leaders of the party in Delhi, sources have said. The Chief Minister will meet Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a sign-off.

On May 20, Siddaramaiah and state Congress President DK Shivakumar took oath as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
Eight MLAs -- including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge -- also took oath along with them for ministerial posts.

There, however, has been no allocation of portfolios till now -- a situation that has drawn jeers from the BJP.  The Congress has countered it with a reference to the weeks during the pandemic when then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was the only minister in the cabinet.

The drawing up of minister's list or allocation of portfolios will be a tricky job for the Congress given the need to balance and represent various communities.

The most politically crucial community in the state, the Lingayats, had staked claim to the Chief Minister's post, citing their big contribution to the Congress victory.

In absence of a Lingayat Chief Minister, there is speculation that a chunk of ministerial berths will go to MLAs from the community.
With general elections due next year, the Congress is also under pressure to show quick results and deliver on the promises it made before the elections.

Karnataka sends 28 MPs to the Lok Sabha, which makes it a major battleground state.  

New minister Priyank Kharge today made it clear that the new Congress government intends to review policies of the previous BJP government and "set it right" – raising speculation that decisions on the Muslim quota, hijab ban and the anti-conversion law are due for a rollback.

"Any bill, executive order, or government order or any other bills that are regressive to the economic policies of Karnataka, that does not create employment, that creates disharmony in the state will be reviewed or rejected, if necessary," he told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

The Congress won a huge victory in Karnataka earlier this month, winning 135 of the state's 224 seats. The BJP, which was ruling the state, won 66 and HD Kumaraswamy's Janata Dal Secular 19 seats.
The Congress had also upped its vote share from 38.1 per cent in 2018 to 42.9 per cent. The difference came from JD(S) votes, which slid from 18.3 to 13.3 per cent.  The BJP maintained its 36 per cent vote share from 2018.

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Nearly 100 Men, Women Arrested After Raids At Ghaziabad Mall Spas: Cops

Sixty women and 39 men were arrested in raids at eight spa centres in Pacific Mall located on the UP-Delhi border, police here said on Thursday.

"Police have arrested 60 women and 39 men from these spa centres most of them allegedly involved in immoral sex trafficking and were found in objectionable state," DCP Trans Hindon Vivek Chandra Yadav said.

In the raids that were made Wednesday midnight, the Link Road police also arrested seven managers, two of them women, and booked them under sections of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

The seven managers were identified as Kushal, Preet Kaur, Subhash, Rohit, Renu, Rohit Singh, and a 23-year-old Sumit, Yadav said.

"We have identified 11 others who are the owners or managers running these centres and were involved in encouraging prostitution. They will also be arrested soon," said the officer.

The arrested patrons and managers were produced before a court here and were later sent to jail, he said.

The DCP said Sub-Inspector Shishupal Solanki, In-charge, Maharajpur Police Outpost, was suspended for dereliction of duty.

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Arvind Kejriwal's Insistence On Full State Powers Misplaced: Pawan Khera

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday said Arvind Kejriwal is the only chief minister of Delhi who is seeking full powers to function and is blaming external factors for his failure to deliver.

He said Sheila Dikshit had been chief minister of Delhi for 15 years who initiated a host of developmental projects in her time with the same powers even when there was a BJP government at the Centre.

"Whenever we raised the demand from the central government, we tried to work together with it and worked successfully. No wonder 150 flyovers were made, metro was introduced and CNG/ clean fuel was brought and industries were relocated," he said.

Mr Khera also claimed Arvind Kejriwal was unique in his insistence on grant of full powers to him as Delhi chief minister, something no other politician who headed the state ever did.

"What is the reason that Arvind Kejriwal is alone in asking all powers? Neither Madan Lal Khurana, nor Sahib Singh Verma, nor Sushma Swaraj, nor Sheila Dikshit ji sought so, but Arvind Kejriwal is the only Chief Minister who wants full powers to function. You blame external factors for your failure," Mr Khera told PTI.

"The Hindi proverb 'Naach na jaane, aangan tedha' ideally fits Kejriwal," he said when asked about Delhi chief minister's opposition to the Centre's ordinance which seeks to create an authority for transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi.

Another Congress leader and former Union minister Ajay Maken, however, said other leaders, including Dikshit, did indeed fight for expansion of powers to Delhi the government but were thwarted in their request by the Centre. "It's invigorating to witness that, finally, leaders from Aam Aadmi Party are acknowledging the substantial technical concern I raised."

"Never claimed that Sheila Dikshit Ji didn't seek full statehood or expanded authority. My assertion was - 'Kejriwal (wants to) gain a unique privilege previously denied to Chief Ministers like Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj'," he said.

He said Sheila Dikshit asked for more powers in 2002, while Madan Lal Khurana, Bhagat, and Brahm Prakash, among others, made similar demands in the past.

"Notwithstanding, from Ambedkar Ji in 1947, through Patel, Nehru, Shastri, Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee, to Manmohan Singh till 2014, none granted what AAP is currently demanding from Modi or what other Delhi leaders asked for.

"Regardless of not being fully empowered, all previously Chief Ministers exhibited excellent performance due to their intent to serve, a trait unfortunately missing in Kejriwal. His singular goal appears to be to advance his personal ambitions and consolidate more power," he said in a long tweet.

Mr Maken said the refusal to grant full state powers has behind it the peculiar nature of Delhi, which also serves as the national capital.

"... the principle of cooperative federalism doesn't apply here. As such, the constitution refers to Delhi not merely as Delhi, but as the 'National Capital Territory of Delhi'. If AAP followers comprehend the essence of 'National Capital Territory', they should respectfully retract their demands," he said.

"Rather than seeking more authority to mask inefficiency and conceal corruption, focus on improving the city for which you have been given the mandate," Mr Maken said.

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Bhojpuri Film Director Subhash Chandra Tiwari Found Dead At UP Hotel: Cops

Bhojpuri film director Subhash Chandra Tiwari was found dead inside a hotel room in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, police said.

As per Yashveer Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sonbhadra, Subhash, who hails from Maharashtra, was staying with his team in Hotel Tirupati in Sonbhadra for a film shoot. However, on Wednesday, he breathed his last.

"There is no visible wound on his body. The body has been sent for a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. Further investigation will be done after getting the post-mortem report," Yashveer Singh added.

The news of Subhash Chandra's demise comes hours after actor Nitesh Pandey was found dead in a hotel in Igatpuri, Maharashtra.

Nitesh,51, appeared in shows such as 'Tejas', 'Manzilein Apani Apani', 'Saaya', 'Astitva Ek Prem Kahani', 'and 'Durgesh Nandini'. He also acted in films like 'Badhaai Do', 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', among others. 'Anupamaa' and 'Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara' are few of his last works.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Bhojpuri Film Director Subhash Chandra Tiwari Found Dead In UP Hotel: Cops

Bhojpuri film director Subhash Chandra Tiwari was found dead inside a hotel room in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, police said.

As per Yashveer Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sonbhadra, Subhash, who hails from Maharashtra, was staying with his team in Hotel Tirupati in Sonbhadra for a film shoot. However, on Wednesday, he breathed his last.

"There is no visible wound on his body. The body has been sent for a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. Further investigation will be done after getting the post-mortem report," Yashveer Singh added.

The news of Subhash Chandra's demise comes hours after actor Nitesh Pandey was found dead in a hotel in Igatpuri, Maharashtra.

Nitesh,51, appeared in shows such as 'Tejas', 'Manzilein Apani Apani', 'Saaya', 'Astitva Ek Prem Kahani', 'and 'Durgesh Nandini'. He also acted in films like 'Badhaai Do', 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', among others. 'Anupamaa' and 'Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara' are few of his last works.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Gujarat Police Brings Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi To Delhi

Gujarat Police on Thursday brought Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to Delhi from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Central Jail.

He was taken to Gujarat by Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in connection with a case of cross-border smuggling of drugs.

In April, the magistrate's court in Nalia, Kutch granted Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) a 14-day custody of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Earlier, Bishnoi was also in the custody of NIA and Punjab Police.

On Wednesday, Delhi Police Special Cell arrested one absconding gangster of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Jitendra Gogi syndicate after an exchange of fire.

According to the police, the accused has been identified as Yogesh alias Himanshu and was arrested on Monday.

As per the police, the accused was absconding for three years after being released on interim bail in a case of attempt to murder pertaining to Narela police station in Delhi.

"The accused was involved in 16 criminal cases of attempt to murder, robbery, dacoity, hurt, criminal intimidation and Arms Act etc., in Delhi/NCR and was absconding for three years," said the police.

The officials also informed that firearms including a semi-automatic pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from the possession of the accused.

A case under relevant sections of law was registered at PS Special Cell in this regard, added the police.

Bishnoi accused in the Siddhu Moosewala murder case was arrested by the Punjab police last year.

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"Hypocrisy": BJP Slams Opposition Over New Parliament Building Row

What was the "locus standi" of Sonia Gandhi when she along with the then PM Manhoman Singh inaugurated legislative buildings in Manipur and Tamil Nadu, the BJP asked on Wednesday while countering the Congress' criticism over the inauguration of new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP alleged that opposition parties were making it an issue because of their "extreme hatred" for Modi.

"Congress' hypocrisy knows no limits," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla charged as he reminded the opposition party that former prime minister Indira Gandhi had inaugurated the Parliament House Annexe and her successor Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the Parliament Library building in 1987.

Many opposition parties, including the Congress, have announced a boycott of the ceremony on May 28, demanding that President Droupadi Murmu and not PM Modi do the inauguration.

Accusing the government of "completely sidelining" President Murmu, 19 opposition parties have, in a statement, said they find no value in a new building when the "soul of democracy has been sucked out".

Mr Poonawalla alleged that the Congress had no problem when the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Assembly building and complex in Manipur in 2011.

"PM Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi inaugurating the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly building complex is ok," he said on Twitter.

"What was locus (standi) of Sonia Gandhi at these inaugurations?" he asked.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had inaugurated the central hall in Bihar Legislature, Mr Poonawalla said on Twitter.

"In these five instances were the President, Governors insulted?" he said, calling the Congress "mother of hypocrisy".

Parties like the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJD and YSRC as well as the BJP's NDA allies have said they will participate in the event.

On the opposition parties calling the inauguration of the new Parliament building an insult to President Murmu, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia hit back and asked why they didn't support her when she was nominated as a candidate for the presidential polls.

"When a woman from the scheduled tribe community assumed the constitutional post of the President, why didn't Congress oust its leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for calling her Rashtrapatni," he also asked.

Mr Bhatia alleged that standing against "every positive work and historic moment" has become "the character" of the opposition parties as "they have an extreme hatred for Prime Minister Modi" who, he said, is taking India forward.

"Their motive is to violate the sanctity of Parliament, which the people of the county will not allow. More history will be scripted in the same temple of democracy (new Parliament building) and the country will progress," he added.

Mr Bhatia said it is unfortunate that instead of playing a positive role, the Opposition is changing the "goalpost".

"First they said this is Modi Mahal. It was not Modi Mahal. It was a unique initiative and a need…..Prime Minister Modi is such a leader that he fulfilled what the Congress and the then Speaker Meira Kumar dreamt of (a new Parliament building)," Mr Bhatia said.

The Congress, TMC, SP and AAP are among the parties that have announced a boycott of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

Noting that it is a momentous occasion, the 19 parties in a joint statement said, "Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion." However, Prime Minister Modi's decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building by himself, "completely sidelining President Droupadi Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response," they said.

The DMK, Janata Dal (United), CPI-M, CPI, NCP, SS (UBT), RJD, IUML, JMM, NC, KC (M), RSP, VCK, MDMK and RLD are the other signatories of the joint statement.

Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said his party will also skip the ceremony.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that it was mere "drama" as these parties had never supported the project.

He also maintained that another reason for the boycott might be that the inauguration will be held on a day "associated with Veer Savarkar".

"The boycott is obvious. They had opposed the construction of the Parliament building in the first place," Mr Sarma told reporters in Guwahati.

The BJP leader claimed that the Opposition had never thought the construction of the new Parliament House would be completed so soon and it came to them like a "bouncer".

"So, just to save their face, they are enacting a drama of boycott. But the point remains that they never supported the project from day one... We never expected them to be in the function," he added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi urged the parties to reconsider their decision to boycott the ceremony.

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Hindu Devotees Move Mathura Court To Offer Prayers At Shahi Idgah

A plea has been filed before a court here seeking permission to allow Hindu devotees to offer prayers at the Shahi Idgah complex that it claimed was built on the land which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and where a temple had existed.

With this, the number of suits filed in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case, in different courts of Mathura, has gone up to 15.

"The new suit has been filed by Supreme Court advocate and Delhi resident Hari Shankar Jain who along with some others are the petitioners. The next hearing on the matter has been fixed on May 25," District Government Counsel Sanjai Gaur said.

The plea has made secretary of the Shahi Idgah, the chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board Lucknow, the managing trustee of the Srikrishna Janmabhumi Trust and the secretary of the Srikrishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan parties in the case.

Mr Jain told reporters here on Wednesday that it has been requested in the petition to pass an order that devotees have the right to pay their obeisance at the birthplace of Lord Krishna situated within the Idgah premises.

He said the petition has also sought that the trust of the Shahi Idgah remove structures made over the area.

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"To Put Congress In...": Shiv Sena On Uddhav Thackeray-Arvind Kejriwal Meet

The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said that Uddhav Thackeray's meeting with AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann here was an attempt to put Congress, Thackeray's ally in Maharashtra, in a fix.

In a statement, the Shinde-led party also came out in support of the Union government's controversial ordinance for the control of services in the national capital.

Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and his party comrade and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday met Thackeray at the latter's residence `Matoshri' here to seek support for the AAP's fight against the ordinance. The Shinde-led Sena said this meeting was "Uddhav Thackeray's ploy to put the Congress in a tough spot." The Narendra Modi government's ordinance "completely adheres to the Constitution framed by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar", the statement said, adding that Kejriwal had criticised the ordinance, and Thackeray was backing him.

Thus, Thackeray was "insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar," it said.

The Congress and NCP have dubbed Uddhav Thackeray "younger brother" in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, and now the Congress is mum on the ordinance issued by the Centre, the Shinde group said.

"This is Thackeray's attempt to put the Congress in a tough spot by dragging Kejriwal into state politics," the statement said.

The Union government's ordinance is in "national interest" as Delhi, being the capital of the country, belongs to every Indian citizen, the Shinde group said, adding that Kejriwal's "high-handedness" can not be accepted.

Recounting how Delhi's political status changed post-1947, the statement said the present ordinance is "completely constitutional".

The Shinde-led Shiv Sena also said that Bhagwant Mann should pay attention to the "deteriorating law and order situation" in Punjab before turning his gaze to Maharashtra.

Mann meeting Uddhav Thackeray showed the latter's "desperation," the statement claimed. 

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Won't Tolerate "Hooliganism, Drug Mafia" In State: Siddaramaiah Tells Cops

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday addressed a meeting of senior police officers at Vidhansouda conference hall and instructed the police officials to give priority to solving traffic problems in Bengaluru city and controlling cyber crimes.

"People have elected a new government with the expectation of change. Officials should work to respond to their problems," CM Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister said that he will hold a separate meeting to discuss the issue of traffic congestion in Bengaluru city, and strict legal action should be taken against disturbing, inflammatory and provocative posts on social media.

He suggested that the Hoysala patrol should be always vigilant to prevent crimes.

He further said, "Senior officers should visit and inspect police stations. People who come to the police station should be treated politely."

He directed that their problems should be solved and justice should be provided.

"Police officers should take ruthless action to control illegal activities within the police station. Our government does not tolerate hooliganism, illegal club activities, or drug mafia," he said.

Be careful about maintaining social harmony, if the peace and order situation deteriorates, the concerned authorities and officers will be held responsible, he added.

He said that action will be taken without hesitation if there is any dereliction of duty.

In the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Minister KJ George, KH Muniyappa, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, MP Patil, Satish Jarakiholi, Deputy Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Rajneesh Goyal were present.

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Arvind Kejriwal To Meet Uddhav Thackeray Today Over Centre's Ordinance Row

As part of his efforts to drum up opposition support for his government's fight against the Centre over an ordinance on the control of administrative services in the national capital, AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday.

Earlier, the meeting between both leaders was scheduled to be held at 4 pm now they will meet at 12:30 pm today.

Meanwhile, the Delhi CM has left for his Maharashtra visit.

During his visit to Mumbai, the Chief Minister will be accompanied by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, AAP MPs Sanjay Singh, and Raghav Chaddha and AAP Minister Atishi.

Notably, Mr Kejriwal met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday.

The Delhi Chief Minister on Tuesday embarked on a nationwide tour to seek support from the Opposition parties against the ordinance brought by the Central Government on the transfers and postings of bureaucrats in the national capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor accused the Centre of "taking away the rights" of the people of Delhi and said that the ordinance "should not" be allowed to pass in Rajya Sabha.

On 25 May, Mr Kejriwal will meet Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo, Sharad Pawar, the party said.

This comes after the Union Government on May 19 brought an ordinance to notify rules for the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) regarding the 'transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters'.

The ordinance was brought to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and it circumvents the Supreme Court judgement in the Centre vs Delhi case.

Shortly after meeting with Mr Kejriwal, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the Opposition parties should oppose the ordinance.

"Only Supreme Court can save the country. Even Media has been purchased. They want to control the judiciary and all the agencies. I would appeal to all the Opposition parties to oppose the ordinance. My party has decided to oppose the ordinance. This will be the justice of the Supreme Court," she said.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also putting in efforts to rally the opposition against the Centre ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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"Opportunity To Reaffirm Close Partnership": US Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit

 The White House has said the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep, close partnership between US and India.

PM Modi's visit "will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of the family and friendship that link America, Americans and clearly, Indians together. And so that's very important to the (US) President," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre on PM Modi's state visit to the US.

Pierre further said: "The President and the First Lady are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi for the official state visit which is going to happen on June 22."

The White House Press Secretary said the visit will also strengthen US-India shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and shared resolve to evaluate strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy and space.

"Once we get closer to the 22nd, surely we'll hold background calls and have more information and more details," Pierre said.

Recently, highlighting the partnership between the US and India, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said that they are looking forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country.

"We very much look forward to hosting PM Modi and members of the Indian Government. We have an important partnership with India and we look forward to continuing to take steps to deepen that. This state visit will be an immense opportunity to talk about a number of shared priorities," Vedant Patel said.

He said that India and US "have an important partnership," and are looking "forward to deepen that".

"We have an important partnership with India and we look forward to continuing to take steps to deepen that. And this next state visit will be an immense opportunity to talk about a number of shared priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, addressing trade issues, deepening our security cooperation, and a number of other areas as well," added Patel.

Earlier, the White House in a statement announced that US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official state visit next month.

The statement released by the White House read, "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023."

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