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Showing posts from May, 2024

In Top Court's Order On Acquiring Private Property, A "Procedure" Caveat

Compulsory acquisition of private properties will be unconstitutional if proper procedure is not established or followed before depriving a person of their right to property, the Supreme Court said on Thursday. In a significant verdict, the top court said even the statutory scheme of payment of compensation in return for acquisition of private properties will not be justified if the due procedure is not followed by the state and its instrumentalities. While making the observations, a bench comprising justices PS Narasimha and Aravind Kumar dismissed the appeal of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The civic body had approached the top court challenging the judgment of a division bench of the Kolkata High Court which had quashed acquisition of a property at Narkeldanga North Road in the city for constructing a park. The high court had held that the civic body had no power under a specific provision to go for compulsory acquisition. "We are of the considered opinion that the Hi

IPL Playoffs Scenario: How SRH vs GT Washout Impacts RCB, CSK, LSG, DC

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IPL 2024 Playoffs Scenario: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Thursday got its third play-off-qualified team in SunRisers Hyderabad. The Pat Cummins -led side reached 15 points in 13 games after its match against Gujarat Titans got washed out due to rain in Hyderabad. It ensured that SRH will be among the top-four sides along with Kolkata Knight Riders (19 points in 13 matches) and Rajasthan Royals (16 points in 13 matches). SRH still have a game left against PBKS on Sunday. With three spots already sealed, the fight is among three teams for the final playoff spot -  Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Lucknow Super Giants. Out of the three, the real fight is between CSK and RCB. LSG have only mathematical chance of advancing in all practical sense. Here's the full details of the scenario for the four teams after SRH pocketed the third playoff spot. Chennai Super Kings (14 points in 13 matches, NRR +0.528) Matches remaining - 1 (vs RCB) The Ruturaj Gaik

Man, 35, Kills 50-Year-Old Live-In Partner In Noida, Arrested: Police

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing his 50-year-old live-in partner here over suspicion that she was also involved with other men, police officials said on Wednesday. Accused Gautam and victim Vineeta were staying together in Sector 42, the police said. They were in a relationship for the last three years since the death of the woman's husband, they added. "On Tuesday night, the duo had a heated argument after which the accused assaulted her to the extent that she fell unconscious. He then left the house," a senior police officer said. "Later when the woman was taken to a hospital with the help of some locals, she was declared dead by doctors," the officer added. An FIR in the matter was lodged under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) at the Sector 39 police station. A probe was launched, during which Gautam was traced and taken into custody, the officer said. During interrogation, the accused told the police about their a

S Jaishankar Explains Why Force Deployment On LAC With China "Abnormal"

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the deployment of forces at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is "abnormal" and the security of the country should not be disregarded. At an event organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here, Mr Jaishankar said India responded to the Galwan clash by counter-deployment of forces there. "After 1962, Rajiv Gandhi went to China in 1988 in many ways that were the key step towards normalising the ties (with China)... there was a clear understanding that we will discuss our boundary differences but we will maintain peace and tranquillity on the border. And the rest of the relationship will carry on," he said. Since then, it has been the basis of the relationship with China, he said. "What changed now is what happened in 2020. In 2020, the Chinese, in violation of multiple agreements, brought a large number of forces to our border and they did it at the time when we were under COVID lo

Pakistanis Own Properties Worth $12.5 Billion In Dubai: Report

With cash-strapped Pakistan running from pillar to post to get loan, its rich nationals own between 17,000 to 22,000 properties worth USD 12.5 billion in Dubai, according to the leaked data used by an international consortium of journalists to access details of properties in Dubai, it emerged on Tuesday. According to Dawn.com, the leaked data provides a detailed overview of hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai and information about their ownership or usage, largely from 2020 and 2022. It was obtained by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), a non-profit organisation based in Washington, D.C., that researches international crime and conflict. The data was then shared with Norwegian financial outlet E24 and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which coordinated an investigative project with media outlets from around the world. Titled ‘Dubai Unlocked', the collaboration includes 74 partners from 58 countries. The website reported that the

Passenger Gets Into Argument With Lufthansa Staff In Delhi, Airline Reacts

A viral video of a heated argument between a passenger and Lufthansa staff at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has prompted the airlines to open an investigation into the matter. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user 'Ghar Ke Kalesh', shows the passenger repeatedly asking the ground staff why she was denied boarding the plane. It also shows a Lufthansa ground staff member leaving her cubicle and asking a fellow staff member to call security.  Notably, the specific reason for the passenger's denied boarding remains unclear, however, the video has received significant attention online and has even caught the attention of Lufthansa Airline. "Kalesh b/w Air lufthansa crew & a passenger for Delhi - Munich - Toronto flights with return ticket (Full context in Clip)," the X user wrote while sharing the video, which has accumulated more than 620,000 views.  Take a look below:  Kalesh b/w Air lufthansa crew & a passenger for Delhi - M

4-Time MP, Expelled MP And Ex-Cricketer: Phase 4's Key Battles

Another 96 seats will go to the polls today as the Lok Sabha elections reach their halfway mark in terms of the number of phases -  three stages of polling have been completed and three more will be left after today. Voters will decide the fate of candidates in 10 states, including all 17 seats in Telangana. Andhra Pradesh will also see voting on all 25 of its Lok Sabha constituencies as well as 175 Assembly seats. Assembly elections will begin in Odisha too. Here's a look at some of the key contests: Asaduddin Owaisi vs Madhavi Latha, Hyderabad With a four-time sitting MP who is still considered popular contesting again, the electoral battle for Hyderabad would ordinarily not have received much attention. But the heated rhetoric and even theatrics, exemplified by the BJP candidate's alleged gesture of shooting an imaginary arrow towards a mosque - which has led to a case being filed against her - has made the contest the talk of the town. In one corner of the ring is All I

IPL 2024 Points Table: How Can RCB Reach Playoffs After Crucial Win vs DC

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their fifth consecutive victory to keep their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive as the Faf Du Plessis -led side defeated Delhi Capitals by 47 runs on Sunday. The win means that RCB now have 12 points from 13 matches and their final league match against Chennai Super Kings can decide the fate for both teams. RCB will reach 14 points if they can beat CSK and that will put them in a good position to end up in the Top 4. CSK earlier defeated Rajasthan Royals and as a result, RCB will have to win by a good margin in order to end up with a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). Lucknow Super Giants are also in the race for the playoffs and they need to lose one of their remaining two matches for RCB to qualify. DC and Gujarat Titans can also reach the 14-point mark but considering their disappointing NRRs, it seems unlikely that they will be able to qualify for the next stage. Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowled and fielded brilliantly to beat Delhi Capitals by 47 r

India's New York Consulate To Be Open 365 Days For "Genuine Emergencies"

The Indian Consulate in New York has announced that it will remain open throughout the year, including weekends and other holidays, to address the "emergency requirements" of people. In a press release, the Consulate General of India, New York said that it will be open from 2 pm to 4 pm during all holidays, with effect from May 10. "The Consulate will remain open during all holidays (including Saturday/Sunday and other public holidays) from 2 pm to 4 pm to address emergency requirements of the general public w.e.f. May 10, 2024," the release stated. "It is reiterated that this facility is for people with genuine emergencies and not for regular consular services," it added. 📣New announcement Consulate General of India, New York to remain open 365 days for emergency services. @binaysrikant76 @MEAIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @IndianDiplomacy @ANI @PIB_India @ITVGold @tvasianetwork @CPVIndia @Newsweek pic.twitter.com/1FFvgOxiFC — India in New York

After PM's 'Name Districts' Dare, Naveen Patnaik Reminds Him Of Promises

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi dared Naveen Patnaik to name all the districts of Odisha and their district headquarters without referring to any notes as a test of his knowledge of a state he has governed since 2000, the chief minister has hit back and reminded the PM of all his forgotten promises. The Biju Janata Dal chief - who was seen as close to PM Modi, had supported the BJP in crucial votes in Parliament, and was reportedly also in talks for an alliance with the party - also accused the PM of ignoring the "brave sons of Odisha" for the Bharat Ratna, including his father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik, as well as the Odia language. In a video statement on Saturday, Mr Patnaik said he was asked how much he knew about Odisha and then turned the question on its head and asked the Prime Minister how much he remembered about the state and the promises he had made to it.  "Even though Odia is a classical language, you forgot about it. You allotted Rs

US Says Israel May Have Violated International Law Using American Weapons

The Biden administration on Friday said it was reasonable to assess that Israel has used U.S.-supplied weapons in instances that are "inconsistent" with its international humanitarian law obligations. However, the administration said it still found credible and reliable Israel's assurances that it will use U.S. weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law because it did not have complete information to verify that U.S. weapons were used in specific actions that were alleged to be breaches of international humanitarian law. U.S. State Department was asked to deliver to Congress under a new National Security Memorandum (NSM) that President Joe Biden issued in early February, whether it finds credible Israel's assurances that its use of U.S. weapons does not violate U.S. or international law. "Israel has not shared complete information to verify whether U.S. defense articles covered under NSM-20 were specifically used in actions that have been allege

On Airports Body Denying Maternity Leave To Employee, High Court Says...

Becoming a mother is a natural phenomenon, and an employer has to be considerate and sympathetic towards women staffers, the Bombay High Court said on Friday, while cancelling a communication issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) denying maternity leave to an employee on the ground that she already had two children. A division bench of Justices AS Chandurkar and Jitendra Jain said women who constitute almost half of the segment of our society have to be honoured and treated with dignity at places where they work to earn their livelihood. Whatever the nature of their duties, vocation and workplace, women must be provided all the facilities to which they are entitled, it added. The bench quashed a 2014 communication issued by the AAI, Western Region Headquarters, which refused maternity leave to an employee, citing that she already had two children. "To become a mother is the most natural phenomenon in the life of a woman. Whatever is needed to facilitate the birth of a

Did Not Permit Research By Chinese Vessel In Our Waters: Maldives Minister

Emphasising that "peace and security" of the Indian Ocean is important for countries in the neighbourhood including India, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Thursday said that his government has "not permitted the Chinese vessel" for research purposes in the Maldivian waters. The statement by the Maldivian Foreign Minister came in the wake of the Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 returning to Maldivian waters, marking its second visit to the archipelago nation within two months. "The peace and security of the Indian Ocean is important for both India and Maldives and Sri Lanka and the rest of the countries that we have in the neighbourhood. So, we will continue to work together as I said earlier," he said. Elaborating on the port call for Chinese vessels, he said, "Our government issued personal rotation and friendly portable permits, and diplomatic clearances came from the Chinese side, which is very common in Maldives."

Markets plunge amid fears of uncertain poll outcome

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Watch: LSG Owner's 'Animated' Chat With Rahul After 10-Wicket Thrashing

The KL Rahul -led Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday were quite literally thrashed by SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024. The SRH, led by openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma power-hitting, chased down a 166-run target in just 9.4 overs. With 62 balls to spare, this was the quickest successful chase (100+ targets) in the history of IPL. SRH's 167/0 in 9.4 overs is also the highest that a team has ever scored in the first 10 overs in the tournament.  Needless to say, KL Rahul was a dejected man after the loss. "I am at a loss for words," Rahul said after the game. After the match, Rahul and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka could be seen having an intense chat. The broadcasters captioned the interaction as: "Animated reactions from LSG camp." LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka doesn't look happy. pic.twitter.com/xpSr21ElXT — Prasenjiit Dey (@CricPrasen) May 8, 2024 Post match meet b/w Sanjiv Goenka & KL Rahul. #IPL2024 | #LSG pic.twitter.com/hGXmrVsCQV — SuperG

US Police Arrest Dozens From Pro-Palestinian University Encampment: Report

Washington police cleared an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at George Washington University on Wednesday, authorities said, making several pre-dawn arrests. Just after 4:00 am (0800), hundreds of officers moved in on a university quad, making arrests and using pepper spray, the student-run GW Hatchet newspaper reported. CNN said around three dozen people were arrested. Police remained on the scene around 10:00 am, an AFP reporter saw, as tents were being dragged toward a garbage truck and a student held a poster reading "Free Palestine" on the sidewalk. The arrests came as the mayor and police chief from the nation's capital were expected to testify in front of Congress later in the day about why the encampment -- which had entered its second week -- had taken so long to clear. However, after the encampment was cleared, Republicans who control the House Oversight Committee said they were canceling the hearing. "It was unfortunate the situation at GW fo

No Mic? No Problem. Priyanka Gandhi's Address From Atop Car In Raebareli

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Assam Congress's X Account Hacked, Profile Name Changed To 'Tesla Event'

The official X account of Assam Congress was allegedly hacked on Wednesday with the profile name changed to 'Tesla Event' and the profile picture to American electric carmaker Tesla's logo. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee lodged a police complaint and demanded the arrest of the culprit. "We would like to inform you that our official Twitter (sic) handle, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, was hacked but has now been restored and is currently under review to ensure full security," APCC said in a post on X in the afternoon. "This attempted silencing by the government will not deter us. We remain committed to our principles and will continue our fight to speak the truth. Thank you for your unwavering support. Stay strong, we will not be silenced," APCC said. In the complaint filed at Bhangagarh police station in Guwahati, APCC Social Media & IT Chairman Ratul Kalita said that the account was hacked around 4 am on Wednesday. "This Twitter (

Manipur Tribal Group With Alleged Links To Khalistanis Holds US Event

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Nearly two weeks after India trashed a report by the US State Department alleging human rights abuse in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, a group of people from the Kuki tribes settled in the US held a "congressional briefing", and took swipes at India. In the event organised by the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), which allegedly maintains ties with Canada-based Khalistani separatists, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commissioner David Curry alleged that violations of religious freedom in India has been growing unchecked. Mr Curry, who is also the chief of the religious advocacy group Global Christian Relief, connected the alleged "atrocities on the Kuki minority Christians to the broader issues prevalent nationwide." "Unfortunately, these instances in Manipur mark a broader, widespread pattern of deteriorating religious freedom conditions throughout India," Mr Curry alleged. NAMTA in a statement on Monday s

Samson Out Or Not? Close Call By Umpire Irks RR Captain, Refuses To Leave

The Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2024 match saw a controversial moment surrounding the dismissal of Sanju Samson . The Rajasthan Royals batter was on 86, and leading RR's 222-run chase in fine fashion vs DC, when he was caught by Shai Hope off Mukesh Kumar . It was a tight catch as Hope was almost on the boundary line. The third umpire gave it a out but Sanju Samson refused to leave. He kept talking with the on-field umpires, even as DC owner Parth Jindal kept shouting 'Out hain'. Reluctantly, as Samson was walking back, the RR dugout suggested that he might review that decision. However, it was not to be as he walked off.  Later, former India cricket and expert on Star Sports, Varun Aaron said: "I think from the angles shown, it looked like a fair catch. Sanju Samson and Kumar Sangakkara everyone wasn't happy when Umpires giving Sanju out. pic.twitter.com/9Onw3ABWRf — Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 7, 2024 Worst umpire Sanju Samson clearly not

TikTok Sues To Block US Law Seeking Sale Or Ban Of App

TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance sued in U.S. federal court on Tuesday seeking to block a law signed by President Joe Biden that would force the divestiture of the short video app used by 170 million Americans or ban its use. The companies filed their lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, arguing that the law violates the U.S. Constitution on a number of grounds including running afoul of First Amendment free speech protections. The law, signed by Biden on April 24, gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban. "For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban," the companies said in the lawsuit. The White House and U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit said the divestiture "is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. ... There is no qu

IPL 2024 Points Table: MI Out Of Playoff Race? Win vs SRH Takes Them To...

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Mumbai Indians kept their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive with a crucial victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The win took Mumbai Indians to the ninth spot with 8 points from 12 matches with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.212. Although the chances of MI reaching the playoffs remain slim, the win means that victories in the remaining two matches will give them a chance to end up in the Top 4. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, remain fourth with 12 points from 11 matches. Coming to the match, Suryakumar Yadav scored a sensational century after brilliant bowling performances from Hardik Pandya and Piyush Chawla as MI defeated SRH by 7 wickets. Here's a look at the three conditions that can lead to MI reaching the IPL Playoffs - Condition 1:  First and foremost, the Hardik Pandya-led side has to win all of its remaining two matches in the IPL 2024 league campaign. MI are scheduled to take on Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants next. Condition 2: Hope that n

Will Not Allow Anyone To Play With The Constitution, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that he will not allow anyone to play with the Constitution, especially when it comes to the issue of reservation based on religion. "The Constitution does not allow reservation on the basis of religion but the INDIA bloc, as part of its appeasement policy, is planning to give the share of reservation of SC/ST, OBC to Muslims. They also have an eye on your ' mangalsutra ', your field, your property because even former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that Muslims have the first right on resources. The Congress wants to implement the Karnataka model of reservation in the country," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Dhaurahra. PM Modi also slammed the Congress and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of planning to redistribute the country's wealth to their vote bank. "I will stand like a wall against them if they attempt to do this. They also say that they will bring back Article 370 in Kashmir but I will not all

"Titanic", "Lord Of The Rings" Actor Bernard Hill Dies Aged 79

British actor Bernard Hill, best known for his supporting roles in "Titanic" and "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, died on Sunday aged 79, his agent announced. He played Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 epic romance "Titanic", and earned worldwide recognition playing Theoden, King of Rohan, in two of the three "The Lord Of The Rings" films directed by Peter Jackson. His agent Lou Coulson confirmed his death in the early hours of Sunday to British media outlets. Early in his career, Hill featured in the BBC's 1982 acclaimed drama "Boys from the Blackstuff", which won numerous awards and is still lauded as one of the finest examples of its genre from the era.  He was set to return to television screens in series two of a contemporary BBC drama, "The Responder", starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing in the UK later on Sunday. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and i

Fans Fume As Pak Coach Gary Kirsten, On IPL Duty, Guides Team Virtually

Former South Africa player and decorated coach Gary Kirsten has been recently appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's white-ball team. The coach interacted with the players of the senior men's national squad but it was a virtual meeting as Kirsten is currently in India on Indian Premier League duty. He is the batting coach of Gujarat Titans at the marquee event. The idea of Kirsten guiding the Pakistan players virtually was not taken down well by many fans of the side. As a result, many of them lashed out at the management and the new coach. Here is the video of the interaction - Pakistan white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten connects with players in virtual meet-up. Let the journey begin #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/rjpbxPkyhZ — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 4, 2024 "How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?" wrote a fan. "Like Mickey Author, he will also do online coaching. PCB, is this cricket or is it a joke?" wrote an

After US, Pro-Palestinian Student Protests Spread To More Countries

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Student protests against the Israeli military assault on Gaza following the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel have spread to several countries. Here is a round-up of the main campaigns. United States Demonstrators have gathered on at least 40 US university campuses since April 17, often erecting tent camps to protest against the soaring death count in the Gaza Strip.  Nearly 2,000 people have been detained, according to US media, in demonstrations reminiscent of protests against the Vietnam War. Students during a Pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan's spring commencement ceremony Photo Credit: AFP In recent days, police have forcibly dismantled several student sit-ins, including one at New York University at the request of its administrators.  Demonstrators barricaded inside Columbia University, the epicentre in New York of the student protests, complained of police brutality when officers cleared the faculty.  At the University of Calif

"Absent From Contest": BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay's Swipe At Opposition

After filing his nomination from the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat, BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, on Saturday said that he has respect for the opposition but it seems they are not very active or present in the current election race. "I do not underestimate them (opposition), but I find that they are not on the ground. They are absent from the contest," he said. BJP has fielded Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Tamluk while TMC has fielded Debangshu Bhattacharya from the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat. TMC's Adhikari Dibyendu won from the Tamluk garnering 724433 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. TMC defeated BJP Sidharthashankar Naskar who got 534268 votes. The TMC secured 50 percent. Voting in the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat will be conducted on June 25 in Phase 6. West Bengal, which sends 42 MPs, to Parliament, is voting in all seven phases. Polling for six Lok Sabha seats in Bengal was held across the first two phases on April 19 and

Ex-Ranji Top Run-Getter To Play vs India In T20 World Cup For This Team

Former Delhi batter and 2018-19 Ranji Trophy top run-getter Milind Kumar found a place in the United States of America squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting June 1. The USA, a co-host of the event alongside the West Indies, announced its 15-member squad to be led by Gujarat-born Monank Patel . Right-handed batter Milind, who scored 1331 runs in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, had before that played seven seasons for Delhi and then migrated to the USA in search of better opportunities. Milind, a Delhi-born cricketer, played for the state, Sikkim and Tripura in the Indian domestic before migrating to the US. The 33-year-old batter also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. During the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, he finished as the highest run-scorer for the season playing for Sikkim before making his cricketing debut in the US in 2021 with The Philadelphians in the Minor Cricket League. Former Mumbai left-ar

Rahul Gandhi May Contest From Raebareli, Say Congress Sources

Congress's Rahul Gandhi may contest from Raebareli – the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi -- and the party could field senior leader and longtime Gandhi family loyalist KL Sharma from Amethi, sources have told NDTV. The Gandhi siblings were told to take a call on the issue by Thursday night, but the party is yet to make a formal announcement.  Friday is the last date for filing of nomination. At a meeting with Mr Gandhi on Thursday evening, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had suggested that both siblings contest, but left the final decision to them in view of their "knowledge of the ground reality". KL Sharma is one of the close aides of the Gandhi family and represented Sonia Gandhi in the constituency when she was its MP. Mrs Gandhi has now moved onto the Rajya Sabha, leaving a vacuum in which Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was expected to step in.    Ms Gandhi Vadra, though, remains firm on her decision not to contest despite much pressure. Party sources hinted that

My Skull-Cap: Badruddin Ajmal On Why His Party Is Not Part Of INDIA Bloc

AIUDF chief and sitting MP from Assam's Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal claimed that he could not be a part of the INDIA bloc because he was told that Rahul Gandhi did not want a skull-cap-wearing bearded man in the alliance fearing an adverse impact on the Hindus votes. "They have fear, I was told straight. I spoke to Sharad Pawar and Nitish Kumar, who initially was the architect of this new bloc. He told me straight: 'Rahul Gandhi does not want you to be part of this since it will affect Hindu votes. They don't want any bearded and skull-cap-wearing person to be part of it.' But I feel after this election, they will need me. There might be a new third front. That's what I feel," he told NDTV. In Assam, where in Phase 3 of the seven-phased elections, one of the key candidates contesting is the three-time MP from Dhubri and the chief of the All India United Democratic Front, or AIUDF, Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal. The veteran politicia

"Has There Been A Deal In Wayanad That Muslims...?" PM Modi Attacks Congress

Attacking the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked if there has been a 'deal' in Wayanad to extend the benefit of reservation to the Muslim community. Asserting that giving religion-based reservations is "unconstitutional", he accused Congress of snatching reservations from the SC, ST and OBC communities. In an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh, PM Modi said, "There is a question in my mind. Has there been a deal in Wayanad, that Muslims will be given a share in the reservation, and in return make us win the seat of Wayanad? The country wants to know this." "Today, what is happening, is they (Congress) are finding ways to snatch the reservation for SC, ST and OBC, given to them by the Constitution. They want to give religion-based reservation," he added. PM Modi further said that it was decided by the makers of the Constitution that reservation can't be given on the basis of religion. "When the Constitution was formed, mont

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