Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal

Sonakshi, Zaheer Celebrate Their First Ganesh Chaturthi

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal celebrated their first Ganesh Chaturthi as married couple.

On Sunday, Sonakshi took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video of the festivities.

The video captures Sonakshi and Zaheer performing the aarti and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Sharing the post, she wrote, “Love grows in respect, when a couple honors each others beliefs in true harmony…Our first Ganpati after shaadi.#GaneshChathurthi.”

Sonakshi got married to Zaheer on June 23 this year in the presence of their loved ones at their residence in Mumbai. It was an intimate wedding.

The wedding was followed by a wedding bash at Bastian which saw numerous Bollywood celebrities in attendance.

The reception was attended by a constellation of Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Vidya Balan with Siddharth Roy Kapur, and veteran actress Saira Banu, who came to congratulate the couple and celebrate their union.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that commenced on September 7 and will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi.

This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. During Ganesh Chaturthi Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrated Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence.

Devotees welcomed Ganesh idols into their homes, offered prayers, and visited the colourful pandals. The streets were filled with the sounds of devotion and joy, as people came together to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and heart. The colourful decorations, lively chants, and the fragrance of sweets added to the festive spirit that could be felt everywhere.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonakshi was last seen in Kakuda alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem.

Helmed by Aditya Sarpotdar, ‘Kakuda’ is set in the village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. (ANI)

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh

Welcome Baby Girl: Deepika, Ranveer Become Parents

Bollywood power couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have become parents to a baby girl.

‘DeepVeer’ officially confirmed the news with their fans with a post on Instagram on Sunday.

“Welcome baby girl! 8.09.2024,” the picture read.

After this good news, ‘DeepVeer’ fans couldn’t keep calm and flooded the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “Congratulations Deepu and Ranveer.”

Another user commented, “Congratulations DeepVeer.”

On Saturday, several photos and videos of Deepika went viral on social media as she made her way to the hospital.

Before welcoming their first child, Deepika and Ranveer visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday evening.

The couple was clicked by the shutterbugs as they entered the temple premises.

The couple were all smiles as they arrived at the temple to see Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

Recently, the couple treated fans with their stunning maternity shoot. In the joint post shared on Deepika and Ranveer’s Instagram handles, the couple captioned it with ward off evil eye, heart and infinity emojis.

In the pictures, the couple can be seen embracing baby bump.

Deepika and Ranveer announced their pregnancy in February this year.

Ranveer-Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy’s Lake Como after dating for six long years and the duo never fail to shower love on each other on social media.

They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic drama film ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’ and later also starred in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmaavat’.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika will be next seen in ‘Singham Again,’ set to hit the big screens on the festive occasion of Diwali 2024.

Helmed by Rohit Shetty, ‘Singham Again’ also stars her husband Ranveer Singh, actors Ajay Devgn Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles.

‘Singham Again’ is the third instalment of the super-hit franchise.

‘Singham’ was released in 2011, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by ‘Singham Returns’ in 2014. Both projects were box office hits.

Ranveer, on the other hand, recently announced his new project, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal.

Ranveer Singh will also star in Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming ‘Don 3’. (ANI)

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Haryana Assembly polls AAP

Talks Between AAP, Cong On, Leaders Preparing To Oust BJP

Ahead of the Haryana Assembly polls, state AAP president Sushil Gupta confirmed that talks between the AAP and Congress were going on and the aim is to oust the BJP government.

Sushil Gupta said, “Aam Aadmi Party is a disciplined party, being the state president of the party, I am making full preparations for 90 seats. Our workers are associated with the ‘Parivar Jodo Abhiyan’, Arvind Kejriwal’s guarantee is going from village to village, our public meetings are going on… All the leaders are preparing to oust the BJP government with full readiness. It is true that talks of agreement (between AAP and Congress) are going on.”

He further said that leaders from BJP and other opposition parties are also in contact with him and AAP will try to accommodate them in this election.

“Being a disciplined party worker, I will say that whatever decision Arvind Kejriwal takes, we are with him. Aam Aadmi Party is a strong party, no one should consider our restraint as our weakness, we are partners of the INDIA alliance and hope that the alliance will move forward in a respectable manner but Aam Aadmi Party has emerged as a strong alternative in Haryana…Leaders from BJP and other opposition parties are also in contact with me, their scrutiny is going on and we will try to accommodate them in this election,” he further added.

Earlier, AICC in-charge of Haryana Deepak Babaria said that apart from the AAP, INDIA bloc partners, including the Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Samajwadi Party have also approached them to fight the assembly elections together in the state.

Babaria remarked that the CPI (M) and Samajwadi Party want to make their mark in the state.

“Currently we are speaking to the Aam Aadmi Party. One or two other parties have also approached, we will respond in a day or two. CPI (M) and the Samajwadi Party approached us. They are expecting a very small number. They want to make their presence felt in the state. We are also looking for a seat that is convenient for us and them,” Babaria stated.

The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. (ANI)

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Manipur The Assam Rifles (AR) have deployed anti-drone systems

Anti-Drone Systems Deployed In Manipur To Enhance Security Amid Rise In Attacks

The Assam Rifles (AR) have deployed anti-drone systems in Manipur to counter any ‘rogue drones,’ and additional anti-drone guns are being brought into the state by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to enhance security measures.

In a post on social media platform X, the Manipur Police said, “AR has deployed a few anti-drone systems in the state at fringe areas to repel any rogue drones. CRPF has also tested one anti-drone system and given it to the force deployed in the State. Some more anti-drone guns are being brought to the state by CRPF shortly.”

“The state police have also started the process for procurement of anti-drone systems to enhance its security measures and tackle threats from drones effectively,” it added.

Kuki militants reportedly deployed long-range rockets at two locations in civilian areas, killing a 78-year-old man, identified as RK Rabei, and injuring six others in Bishnupur, as confirmed by Manipur Police on Saturday.

The police also mentioned that three bunkers were destroyed due to the attack. “Two bunkers at Mualsang village and one bunker at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur were destroyed,” Manipur police confirmed in a post.

The police also reported that the Superintendent of Police (SP) was fired upon by suspected Kuki militants in the area.

Senior officers, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), have inspected the affected areas to implement immediate countermeasures and supervise the situation. A team from the Mobile Forensic Unit, DFS, Manipur, was on-site to collect evidence.

Manipur Inspector General of Police, Intelligence, K Kabib, said on Saturday that three bodies of miscreants were found after a heavy exchange of fire at Nungchappi village in Jiribam district. He also said that a 63-year-old civilian was killed in an attack by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam, adding that the three bodies of the miscreants were recovered as well.

IGP Kabib added that the Manipur Police are closely reviewing the security situation and deployment in coordination with other forces.

“The combing operations on both sides, hill and valley, are intensified, focussing on the long-range rockets and drones. The combing operations will cover a minimum of 3-5 km. The ‘nakas’ are also being strengthened,” he said.

Earlier, the district magistrate issued prohibitory orders, restricting assemblies of more than five people and the carrying of arms and ammunition.

According to Manipur police, search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts on Saturday.

“Movement of 83 and 310 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles,” Manipur police said in a post X.

“A total of 92 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 129 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State,” it added. (ANI)

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Union Minister JP Nadda 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly

Budget For Sports Tripled: Nadda Announces Vision For 2036 Olympics

Union Minister JP Nadda addressed the 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly in New Delhi on Sunday, highlighting a threefold increase in budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, driven by Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for sports development.

During his address, Nadda said, “The budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have been increased threefold. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides foreign training, equipment, and coaching. Currently, 5,000 boys and 3,000 girls are being trained in 34 sports disciplines. Through sports, we not only promote physical health but also encourage mental health and social harmony.”

Nadda echoed Prime Minister Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympics in 2036, saying, “The Prime Minister has shown a willingness and given a vision to host the Olympics of 2036. I believe the OCA will do its best to turn this vision into a reality. I acknowledge the efforts made by OCA to enhance sports infrastructure for athletes. We are at a time when the world of sports is evolving rapidly. We must spread the message of peace and unity through sports. Let us all move together forward in a new direction where the world of sports becomes even brighter.”

Nadda also praised India’s ancient sports heritage, citing chess and archery as enduring examples. He said that these games of ancient India are still present in modern times, and the government has been taking steps to ensure the betterment of the sports in the nation.

“India has a strong sports heritage dating back to the Vedic period. Games such as archery and chess are still relevant today. PM Modi has consistently advocated for the betterment of sports, and the government has taken various steps to support this.”

He welcomed the international guests to India and expressed gratitude to Indian sports administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh for bringing the OCA General Assembly to India after 25 years.

“I welcome all distinguished guests to India for the 44th OCA General Assembly. This gathering in itself is a testimony to how sports can bring a diverse group of people together and create a feeling of brotherhood, we all must thrive to take it forward. I must also congratulate Randhir Singh Ji for bringing back the OCA General Assembly to Delhi after a gap of 25 years. The decision made here will be instrumental in shaping the future of Asian athletes and the broader sports landscape across the continent. All of us are well aware that Randhir’s personal achievement as an international shooter and sports administrator, as well as his family, has served well to the cause,” he added.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya is also present at the event.

The 44th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly is being conducted at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Indian sports administrator and former Indian shooter Randhir Singh will be officially named as the first Indian President of the Olympic Council of Asia in this event.

A day before the crucial 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly, key foreign dignitaries and delegates from around the world were hosted by the OCA at a special cultural event in Delhi on Saturday.

Prominent sports leaders from Asian and European nations attended the event, along with Raja Randhir Singh, the Acting President of the Olympic Council of India, who was elected as OCA President on Saturday after emerging as the sole candidate for the top position earlier this year. (ANI)

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Kargil War Indian Defence expert Anil Gaur

High Time Pak Stopped Viewing India As Adversary: Def Expert

After Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s recent acknowledgement of Pakistan Army’s role in the Kargil War, Indian Defence expert Anil Gaur zeroed in on the development and said that underscores Pakistan’s ongoing fixation with Kashmir, indicating that even after 75 years, the issue remains unresolved for them.

The defence expert said that it is high time that the Pakistan Army stopped matching up to the Indian Army or viewing India as an adversary and instead started focussing on addressing their own domestic issues, such as hunger and unemployment, which are affecting their population.

Speaking to ANI, Indian Defence expert Anil Gaur said, “Now, after 25 years, Pakistan has acknowledged their army’s involvement in the Kargil War with India in 1999. This is a kind of development in the sense that if Pakistan acknowledges that its army had taken these intrusions into their planning back then, it reflects that even after 75 years, they have still not given up on Kashmir.”

“Though Kashmir is a part of India, and that is acknowledged by the world, but even now, after all the wars Pakistan has fought and lost, they are still arguing about Kashmir,” said the expert.

“It is high time that the Pakistan Army stopped trying to match up with the Indian Army or trying to take India and its army as an adversary and look after their own people who are dying of hunger and who have no employment,” said the defence expert.

Adding further, he said, “The money that is being spent there for the arms and ammunition in the Pakistan Army should be diverted for the public interest.”

In apparently the first such public acknowledgement by a serving top military officer in Pakistan, the country’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Army in the Kargil War with India in 1999.

The Pakistan Army chief made the remarks during the Defence Day address on September 6 in Rawalpindi.

“Pakistan is a bold and courageous nation and knows the importance of freedom and the price to pay for it. Be it 1948, 1965, 1971 (wars), the Kargil War, or the Siachen conflict, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country,” the Pakistan Army Chief said, according to a video of his address posted by Geo News.

The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and ended on July 26, 1999, with a gallant victory for India. Indian armed forces successfully reclaimed the command of the high outposts which were treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers during winter months.

Brave soldiers of the Indian Army overcame seemingly insurmountable odds and hostile terrain to win the Kargil war with the help of the Indian Air Force which gave air support.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the success of Operation Vijay, is celebrated on July 26 every year and rich tributes are paid to bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country.

After initial days, it was found that soldiers of Pakistan’s Northern Light Infantry were fighting against the Indian Army wearing civilian dresses.

According to a report in Dawn, General Asim Munir also called for “not allowing political differences turn into hatred”. He also said that “efforts to weaken national solidarity will never succeed,” and that the Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan shared a “heartfelt relationship”, which would continue to strengthen the resolve of the security forces. (ANI)

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Turkey's Entry Into BRICS

Can Turkey’s Entry Into BRICS Be A Threat For India?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 70, has been Turkey’s president since 2014. Before that, Erdogan, a strongman who wields an iron hand in his country, was prime minister for around 11 years. His party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), is socially conservative and emphasises traditional Islamic values, and Erdogan often employs nationalist rhetoric and policies.

Erdogan is not typically described as a fundamentalist, but his approach to Islam in politics is significant. He comes from a background of political Islam and has roots in Turkey’s Islamist movement and although he initially portrayed himself as a moderate, pro-Western Islamic democrat, over time, he has increasingly emphasised Islamic values in public policy and rhetoric. Yet, while he has challenged aspects of Turkey’s traditional secularism, he hasn’t sought to completely dismantle it.

Erdogan’s relationship with Russia is complex and pragmatic rather than strictly pro or anti-Russia. He has cooperated with Russia on energy projects, military purchases (e.g., S-400 missile system), and in Syria but he has also had significant conflicts with Russia, including Turkey’s downing of a Russian jet in 2015 and opposing sides in conflicts like Libya. 

Erdogan can seem to be trying to balance relations with Russia and the West, often playing them against each other for Turkey’s benefit. This is significant because, since 1952, Turkey has been and remains a member of NATO whose purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members, who represent most of the Western world, through political and military means

Why is the focus on Erdogan and Turkey?

Why am I going on about Erdogan? Because as of last week, Erdogan’s Turkey has made a formal bid to join BRICs, the intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Formed in 2006, the purpose of BRICS was to bring together the world’s most important developing countries, to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe. As it has expanded, with new members such as Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates invited to join the organisation this year, it has emerged as a powerful geopolitical counterweight to the West.

The expansion and growing influence of BRICS represent a significant shift in the global order that has prevailed since the end of World War II. This change reflects the broader trend of power diffusion from the West to emerging economies, particularly in Asia.

The significance of Turkey’s bid to join BRICS is important because if that happens, it will become the first NATO member to come aboard. 

While BRICS is not a military alliance, its growing economic and political coordination could indirectly affect NATO’s strategic calculations. The strengthening of ties between Russia and China, in particular, presents a complex challenge for NATO’s strategic planning. Now, with a NATO member trying to join BRICS, the situation can turn rather complex.

Turkey’s geographic position, straddling Europe and Asia, has made it a crucial NATO ally, particularly during the Cold War. It controls access to the Black Sea through the Bosphorus Strait and borders several key regions, including the Middle East and the Caucasus. 

On the one hand, Turkey has been a key member of NATO. Turkey maintains the second-largest army in NATO after the United States. It has participated in numerous NATO operations, including peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and has hosted NATO missile defense systems, including early warning radar as part of the alliance’s missile shield project. It has also been a key partner in NATO’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly given its experience in combating domestic terrorist groups and its proximity to conflict zones in the Middle East.

ALSO READ: All Eyes on Russia as its Tiny Neighbour Finland Joins NATO

On the other hand, in 2017, Turkey signed a deal to purchase the Russian S-400 air defence system, leading to significant tension with NATO allies, particularly the US. Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria, particularly against Kurdish forces who were US allies in the fight against ISIS, have caused friction within NATO. These actions have sometimes been viewed as undermining NATO’s cohesion and objectives in the region. 

Turkey’s warming relations with Russia, including energy cooperation and the purchase of military equipment, have raised concerns among NATO allies about Turkey’s commitment to the alliance’s collective security objectives.

Most recently, Turkey initially opposed the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, citing concerns about these countries’ alleged support for Kurdish groups that Turkey considers terrorist organisations. This led to prolonged negotiatioAns and delays in the expansion process.

Will Russia back Turkey’s bid to join BRICS?

The short answer to that question is yes. So could China. BRICS is a relatively loose organisation compared to NATO. There are no military treaties that bind BRICS members and, ostensibly, the organisation’s main focus was on economic development and trade cooperation among members. 

In fact, the concept and the BRICS moniker were initially coined in 2001 by an investment banker, Jim O’Neill, then-chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. In his paper, “Building Better Global Economic BRICs.” O’Neill identified these countries as having the potential to become dominant economies in the 21st century.

Since its formation, the organisation has come a long way. Two of its members, China and Russia, are formidable forces, economically and militarily, and are allies that pose a real challenge to the west-dominated world order. Another member, India, has grown into a major global economy and, in the West’s scheme of things, plays a critical strategic role against the rise of China. 

BRICS’ importance has, therefore, transcended its role in promoting trade and development among its members to becoming a key player in the changing dynamics of geopolitics. With the entry of a NATO member, the complexity of BRICS would increase.

What does this mean for India?

Let’s take a look first at India’s relations with Turkey. Trade relations between Turkey and India have been growing, with both countries seeking to expand bilateral trade and investment. The two countries maintain diplomatic ties and engage in high-level visits.

That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that there have been some points of tension between the two countries in recent years.

Turkey’s support for Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute has been a significant source of friction with India. Turkey has raised the Kashmir issue at international forums like the UN, which has not been well-received by India. While there have been some defence collaborations between the two countries, the relationship in this area is limited compared to Turkey’s ties with Pakistan or India’s ties with other countries.

Turkey’s closer ties with Pakistan and its attempts to increase its influence in the Muslim world have sometimes put it at odds with India’s interests.

Turkey’s move to join BRICS comes at a time when there are major shifts in the geopolitical situation. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is entering its third year. Since Hamas’s attack against Israel on October 7, Israel’s offensive in Gaza is continuing and the risks of escalation, involving Iran and other entities in the region, is now real. In the US, all eyes are on what happens in the November 5 presidential election: the two contenders, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, have diametrically opposite views on NATO’s role in Ukraine and peace moves in the Middle East.

India has for long adopted a non-aligned or, as some call it, multi-aligned foreign policy. It balances a cordial relationship with Russia with its strategic relationship with the US. India’s Prime Minister has visited both Russia (to meet with President Vladimir Putin) and Ukraine (to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky). India’s relationship with China is testy, mainly driven by the fact that China is a huge economic rival, several-fold more powerful than India; its advances in India’s neighbourhood have been rapid; and continuing conflicts with India over territorial disputes have been irksome. 

If BRICS is shored up further by the entry of a critical player such as Turkey and a strong China-Russia-Turkey axis emerges within that organisation, where would that leave India? Would it unbalance its foreign policy strategy of tightrope walking?

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BJP leader Manoj Tiwari on Saturday slammed Omar Abdullah'

Manoj Slams Omar’s Remarks On Afzal Guru Hanging

BJP leader Manoj Tiwari on Saturday slammed Omar Abdullah’s remarks pertaining to hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and said National Conference leader had made remarks which are “anti-country” and against the verdict of Supreme Court.

He also targeted Rahul Gandhi over the remarks and asked if the Congress leader agreed with such remarks of his ally in Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP MP accused Omar Abdullah of “siding with a terrorist”.

“This statement of Omar Abdullah is a direct challenge to the Supreme Court’s verdict. Afzal was hanged because he planned an attack on the Parliament. The terrorists did not succeed in entering the Parliament but around a dozen of our security personnel lost their lives. Omar Abdullah siding with a terrorist is directly against the Supreme Court’s verdict,” Tiwari told ANI.

“The Supreme Court should take cognisance of this because these people have also been on CM’s chair and are making anti-country and anti-Supreme Court statements. Has Rahul Gandhi come to an agreement with Omar Abdullah’s party for this reason?” he added.

Omar Abdullah had told ANI in an interview that he did not believe any purpose was served by “executing” Afzal Guru.

“The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru’s execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn’t have done it. I don’t believe that any purpose was served by executing him,” Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir will go for assembly polls in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. Votes will be counted on October 8.

These are the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. Omar Abdullah is contesting from two constituencies – Ganderbal and Budgam.

Congress and National Conference are fighting the polls together as allies. (ANI)

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Vinesh Phogat and Bajran Punia Brij Bhushan

Vo Khalnayak Hai Haryana Ke: Brij Bhushan On Vinesh, Bajrang

Former Wrestling Federation of India President and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday termed Congress leaders and wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajran Punia “khalnayak” (villains).

On September 6, the two ace wrestlers joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls.

Brij Bhushan said, “Vo khalnayak hai Haryana ke. Visheshkar khildaiyo ke (They are villains of Haryana, especially to athletes).”

“Who is Bajrang Punia to even talk to me? He used his wife for political gains. Vinesh Phogat broke the rules by participating in a trial. The rule is that a player cannot give a trial in two weight categories on the same day. She took away the rights of junior wrestlers by giving an incorrect trial. They hijacked the entire system. The same weight she hid here became her downfall there (in Paris Olympics),” Bhushah said.

He further asserted that if the two wrestlers step aside India will win atleast five medals in next Olympics in wrestling.

“If these people hadn’t protested, we would have won five medals in wrestling. Let them step aside, and I announce that we will bring five medals in the next Olympics,” the BJP leader said.

“Today, if female athletes can’t walk with their heads held high, the reason is Bajrang, Vinesh, Bhupender Hooda, and the Congress party,” Brij Bhushan said.

Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final in Paris last month.

The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways earlier on Friday too.

Within hours of them joining the party, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming Haryana polls. Whereas, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress.

The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP, with 40 seats in the 90-member assembly, formed a coalition government with the JJP, which had won 10 seats, while the Congress secured 31 seats. Earlier this year, the BJP-JJP alliance was dissolved. (ANI)

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Omar Abdullah Article 370

Not Something That We’ll Surrender: Omar Abdullah On Article 370

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has reiterated his stand on Article 370 and said that it is not something that they will surrender, and it’s a long struggle as it is part of his party’s political ideology.

In an interview with ANI, Abdullah said that it took the BJP decades to revoke Article 370.

“Article 370 and the special status of J&K are part of the National Conference’s ideology. It’s not something that we will surrender. But it’s not something that this assembly will be able to do. A couple of government changes will be needed at the centre before we even begin to address this issue. It took the BJP decades to do this, and we are not foolish to think that we will be able to undo it in 5 years. It’s a long struggle. It’s an issue that we believe is important to keep alive,” he said.

He also pointed out that his party’s manifesto is more on governance and related to development.

“It is not the only issue on which we are fighting the elections. It’s important to remember that our manifesto talks about these political issues in only two paragraphs. Our entire manifesto is governance and development related. It talks about jobs, social welfare schemes, electricity, water and free education,” Omar Abdullah said.

Further, the National Conference leader mentioned that nobody could believe that the BJP would be in a position to do anything on Article 370 after having only 2 MPs in the Parliament in 1984, adding that the things changed and it took decades for them to reach there.

“It’s a long fight. When BJP was reduced to 2 MPs in the Parliament (in 1984), did anyone believe that they would be in a position to do anything on Article 370 or the Ram Mandir? But things changed and it took decades to reach there,” Omar added.

“A court decision does not close the chapter. Court decisions can be changed. That being said, this issue cannot be resolved in the life of this assembly. This assembly is about giving us the assembly and the state that we want and start putting into play corrections for what was done over the last 4-5 years,” he asserted. (ANI)

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