Month: March 2025

Farmer leader of Kisan Mazdoor Sanghrash Committee-Punjab, Sarvan Singh Pandher, on Friday criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and demanded compensation for the damages suffered during the farmer’s protests.

Pandher was released from the Mukhtsar Sahib jail on Friday, following which he strongly condemned the AAP-led Punjab government for “destroying” farmers’ front.

“Our movement will continue,” Pandher asserted, making it clear that the fight for farmers’ rights is far from over.

Speaking to mediapersons, Pandher said, “I have been released from Muktsar Sahib Jail today. AAP and Bhagwant Mann had been saying that the farmers’ protest was against the Union government. But today, the question arises: what was the Punjab govt’s compulsion to take action against farmers? The losses we suffered due to damage to our tents and tractors etc should be compensated by the government. Our movement will continue.”

Several farmer leaders, including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher, were detained by the Punjab Police on March 19.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led the Punjab Government and decided to release 450 more farmers from police detention.

Earlier, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal and Samyukt Kisan Morcha leader Raminder Singh refused to attend a meeting called by the Punjab government and announced a protest at district headquarters across the state on March 28, alleging repression by the state government.

The decision came after key farmer leaders accused the Punjab administration of using excessive force against protesting farmers and unlawfully detaining several leaders. They also cited unfavourable conditions for not participating in the meeting.

Notably, two days after Punjab police cleared the Sambhu and Khanauri border and removed the temporary structures erected by the protesting farmers, the state’s Agriculture minister, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, called for a meeting of farmer leaders on Friday in Chandigarh.

Harinder Singh Lakhowal said, “The Punjab government called a meeting with us. The kind of atrocities that happened to us, we were removed (from protest sites) illegally…so many people are still jailed. We have decided not to attend this meeting. We will hold a protest on 28th (March) against this at district headquarters…” (ANI)

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) call to Muslims to wear black arm bands as a mark of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill while offering namaz on the occasion of Alvida Jumma drew significant response. Several people were seen wearing the arm bands while offering the Friday prayers in Lucknow, Hyderabad and other cities.

In Hydereabad AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also part of the JPC on the Waqf bill, joined in the symbolic protest wearing a black arm band as he offered prayers on Friday.

Visuals from Hyderabad showed hundreds of people wearing black arm bands along with Owaisi while offering prayers. Ahead of the prayers, police personnel were also deployed in parts of the city to maintain peace in the region.

Meanwhile in Lucknow, joining the protest, AIMPLB member Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, along with representatives of other Muslim organisations wore the black arm band.

“On the proposed Waqf amendment bill, AIMPLB and other muslim orgs had put forward their opinion to the (Joint Parliamentary) committee that the amendment is not agreed by us. Waqf is a muslim matter and there should not be any changes on it so that waqf properties cannot be in danger zone,” AIMPLB member Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli told ANI in Lucknow.

He claimed that they had objected to the proposed changed to the Waqf Board to the Joint Parliamentary Committee but their objections were not taken into consideration.

“We had pointed out that 90 percent of properties under Waqf are of Masjid, Dargahs, cemeteries but our points were not taken into consideration. On this issue AIMPLB has started nationwide protest, appealing to all to wear a black band on the day of Jamat ul Vida wear a black band in protest and read the namaz,” Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli added.

Highlighting the other protests across the country, the Law board member reiterated that there is no call for a street protest, just an appeal to personally wear black bands while offering namaz and peacefully go to their homes after.

“There are already big protests ongoing in Delhi, Patna, and on this day there is no appeal for a street protest, just a peaceful protest of wearing the band and reading the namaz, and peacefully go back to their home,” he said.

Earlier on March 27, AIMPLB had appealed to Muslims to wear black armbands in protest on Alvida Juma, the last Friday of Ramzan.

Sharing a letter on X, AIMPLB stated, “The strong protests by Muslims at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Dharna Sthal in Patna have at least caused a stir among BJP’s allied parties. Now, a massive protest is also scheduled to take place in Vijayawada on March 29, 2025.”

The AIMPLB expressed its concerns over the bill, describing it as a “sinister conspiracy” that aims to deprive Muslims of their religious and charitable institutions.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)

During its first general council meeting, actor Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has passed a total of 17 resolutions, including a resolution against the three-language policy, proposed delimitation and Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

TVK, in the meeting, decided that they would ask the Centre to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

The resolution on the language policy stated that the party will remain dedicated to the two-language policy and proposed a three-language policy under the New Education Policy is against “federalism” and TVK will never accept “imposition” of another language politically.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also passed a resolution against the proposed delimitation, calling it “not necessary.” The resolution states that the proposed delimitation will reduce the seats of the southern states.

During the meeting, TVK also condemned the ruling DMK government for not controlling drugs in the state. They accused DMK of making “false promises” on Old pension scheme to government employees.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam also raised the issue of fishermen arrested by Sthe ri Lankan Navy and demanded a permanent solution for it. The party extended its firm support to the fishermen.

The party also condemned the Union and Tamil Nadu government for not bringing of a permanent solution for fishermen issue. The resolution stated that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consider Tamil fishermen equal to Gujarat fishermen” and should bring permanent solution for fishermen problems.”

A resolution was also passed against new Chennai proposed airport in Parandhur.

The first general council meeting of TVK is underway at Ramachandra Convention Hall in Thiruvanmayur.

Massive cutouts welcoming the party chief, Vijay was put outside the venue, and its entrance has been designed to resemble the entrance of Tamil Nadu Secretariat.

The venue has been adorned with several banners and posters depicting Vijay’s political career. All arrangements have been put in place and the venue echoed with the sounds of dhol and nagadas.

In February 2024, Vijay announced his entry into the political domain. Earlier, on February 26, actor Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam completed its first anniversary. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bangkok from April 3 to 4 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair, and for an official visit. Following the Thailand visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from April 4 to 6.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Bangkok, Thailand from 3 – 4 April 2025 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on 4 April 2025, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair, and for an Official Visit. This will be Prime Minister’s third visit to Thailand.”

This would be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC Leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was conducted virtually on March 22.

The theme of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. The leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum into BIMSTEC cooperation during the summit.

In a statement, the MEA stated, “The Leaders are also expected to discuss various institution and capacity building measures to augment collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework.”

“India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; promoting capacity building and skill development; and enhancing people-to-people ties,” it added.

During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 3. During the meeting, the two leaders are expected to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way for future partnership between the countries. India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds which are underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties.

After concluding his visit to Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from 4 – 6 April 2025, at the invitation of Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold discussions with Disanayaka to review progress made on the areas of cooperation agreed upon in the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s State Visit to India.

Prime Minister will also have meetings with senior dignitaries and political leaders. As part of the visit, He will also travel to Anuradhapura for the inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance.

PM Modi’s last visit to Sri Lanka was in 2019. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s President paid a State Visit to India as his first visit abroad after assuming office. MEA noted that PM Modi’s visit to Thailand, Sri Lanka and his participation at the BIMSTEC Summit will reaffirm India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policy,

In a statement, MEA stated, “India and Sri Lanka share civilizational bonds with strong cultural and historic links. This visit is part of regular high-level engagements between the countries and will lend further momentum to deepening the multi-faceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka.”

“Prime Minister’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will reaffirm India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy, ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, and vision of the Indo-Pacific,” it added. (ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent recognition of India’s voter ID system in his latest executive order aimed at overhauling the US federal election process. Trump’s order mandates proof of citizenship for federal elections and imposes new restrictions on mail-in voting, drawing comparisons with election systems in India and other countries.

Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Tharoor highlighted that India has had a robust voter verification system since 1952. “The interesting thing in America is that when you go to vote, you just self-declare your citizenship. In India, we have a list, ID cards, a whole system where we verify that the person voting is actually a citizen. It has been going on since 1952,” he said.

Tharoor added that India’s well-established system has gained international recognition, stating, “Certainly, there is a lot of respect around the world… for the American President to acknowledge India by example as a country that got this right and his country, he says, has not gotten right, I think that is something we all should be happy about.”

Trump’s order specifically highlights the contrast between the US election process and systems in other nations. It points out that while India and Brazil link voter identification to biometric databases to ensure greater accuracy, the US primarily relies on self-attestation for citizenship, raising concerns over verification. The order also draws attention to voting methods in Germany and Canada, where paper ballots are publicly counted by local officials, a practice aimed at reducing disputes. By comparison, the US follows a patchwork system that can create chain-of-custody issues.

The executive order also underscores mail-in voting restrictions in countries like Denmark and Sweden, which allow postal ballots only under specific circumstances and reject late-arriving ballots regardless of postmark. In contrast, many US states have widespread mail-in voting, with some even accepting ballots that lack postmarks or arrive well after Election Day. (ANI)

Three workers, working in a factory in Ghaziabad, died on Friday due to a boiler blast in a roller factory, according to Uttar Pradesh Police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gyan Prakash told ANI, “Three workers died on the spot in a boiler blast incident in this factory today.”

The incident took place in the early hours of Friday morning in the factory located at Modinagar area of Ghaziabad.

Investigation into the incident is currently underway.

In a separate incident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on March 27, a fire broke out in the basement of Silver Apartment in Hazratganj area, causing damage to parked vehicles.

The blaze gutted seven two-wheelers and four four-wheelers, while firefighters successfully saved 10 other vehicles from burning. After an hour of relentless efforts, the fire department managed to douse the flames. According to reports, the fire started on the ground floor, and thick smoke spread across all five floors of the apartment. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Karishma Kapoor stole the show as she turned showstopper for Satya Paul at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI on Thursday.

She looked ethereal in a monochrome belted sari. The ‘Raja Hindustani’ actress confidently walked the ramp as a showstopper at this fashion celebration in Mumbai.

While speaking to the media, she said, “I love Satya Paul’s work….aap sabko pata hai mujhe sari bahut pasand hai, black and white bahut pasand hai..(I like sari and black and white colour). So, I am very happy. This outfit is bold and speaks of today’s woman…”

Lakme Salon x Satya Paul presented Alchemy at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. Lakme Fashion Week and FDCI posted about the collection on their official Instagram handle.

While sharing the snap of Karisma, they explained the Satya Pail collection and its importance for women in the caption section of the post.

“This collection from Satya Paul, in collaboration with Lakme Salon, celebrates transformation with silhouettes that elevate everyday dressing. Designed for the woman on the go, the collection features flowing kaftans, delicate dresses, and vibrant tunics, all exuding effortless elegance and capturing the spirit of a Roman holiday. Complementing these ensembles, Satya Paul’s signature handbags–leather-bound, instantly recognizable, and spacious enough to pack a friend–add a vivacious burst of colour to every journey.”

They continued, “Crafted in luxurious blends of linen, crepe, satin, organza, and chiffon, these pieces are both sun and skin-friendly. Select styles are delicately embroidered with glass bugles, beads, and sequins, reflecting light like drops of dew. Creative directors David Abraham, Kevin Nigli, and Rakesh Thakore draw inspiration from mid-century American modernists Ellsworth Kelly and Henri Matisse, infusing the collection with bold patterns and artistic expression.”

“Completing the transformation, Lakme Salon’s runway looks take cues from the ever-changing hues of a perfect day. With shades inspired by dusk, moonlight, twilight, sunset, and sunshine, Lakme introduces a world of possibilities for those who love to switch up their hair from day to night,” it concluded.

Lakme Salon x Satya Paul presented the Alchemy show, which took place at the Jio World Convention Centre. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday slammed the Trinamool Congress,  saying Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas enter India through West Bengal and fencing work of 450 km is pending because the state government is not giving land for it.

Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which was later passed by the House, Amit Shah also expressed confidence that the BJP will win next year’s assembly polls in West Bengal.

He alleged that Aadhar cards are issued to illegal migrants from Bangladesh in a district of West Bengal and they then travel to other parts of the country.

Amit Shah also targeted Congress on the issue of illegal migration in the country.

“Whether Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas, earlier they used to enter India through Assam when Congress was in power. Now they enter India through West Bengal where Trinamool Congress is in power. Who issues them Aadhaar cards, citizenship?… All the Bangladeshis who have been caught have Aadhaar cards from 24 Parganas district. You (TMC) issue Aadhaar cards and they come to Delhi with voter cards… In 2026, the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal and we will put an end to this,” he said.

He said fencing work of 450 km is pending because the West Bengal government is not giving land for it.

“Whenever the process of fencing is done, the ruling party workers indulge in hooliganism and religious sloganeering. The fencing work of 450 km of border has not been completed because the West Bengal government is showing mercy to the infiltrators…our border with Bangladesh is 2216 km. Out of that, 1653 km has been fenced. The road near the fence has also been built and checkposts have also been built. Of the remaining 563 km, there cannot be fencing on 112 km due to difficult terrain such rivers, drains and hills. Fencing on 450 km is pending as Bengal government does not give land… seven meetings have been held,” he added.

Amit Shah also said India is not a ‘Dharamshala’ and those who pose a threat to the national security will not be allowed to enter the country.

“Those who pose a threat to the national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. The nation is not a ‘Dharamshala'(rest house)…If someone comes to the nation to give its contribute to the development of the nation, they are always welcome,” he said.

The bill was later passed by the House.

He said whether it is Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, if they come to India to create unrest, strict action will be taken against them.

“In the last ten years, India has become the fifth-largest economy. India has emerged as a bright spot among the world’s largest economies. India has become a hub of manufacturing and it is natural for people from all over the world to come to India… The number of people taking refuge in India for personal gain and making the country unsafe has also increased… Be it Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, if they come to India to create unrest, strict action will be taken against them,” he said.

“Immigration is not a separate issue. Many issues of the country are linked to it… From the point of view of national security, it is very important to know who enters the nation’s border… We will also keep a close watch on those who will endanger the security of the country,” he added.

Amit Shah referred to Citizenship Amendment Act and said people from six oppressed communities from neighbouring countries are taking refuge in the country through the law.

“India is a geo-cultural nation, not a geo-political nation… Persians came to India and are safe in the country today. The world’s smallest minority community is safe only in India. Jews fled from Israel and stayed in India,” he said.

“Immigration is not an isolated issue. For the security of India, we must know who is entering our country, for how long, and for what reasons. These concepts are not new; such rights have been mentioned in various laws, and we have now integrated them. With the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, we will establish a detailed and structured system to track every foreigner entering the country. This will help us develop the nation and monitor those coming for business. It will also allow us to keep a sharp eye on individuals who may pose a threat to our security,” he added. (ANI)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday took a dig at the BJP, saying the party’s dependence on two allies is a significant blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim of winning 400 seats.

Kharge emphasised this point while addressing District Congress Committee Presidents in New Delhi.

In his address, Kharge highlighted the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress Party secured almost 100 seats, limiting the BJP’s majority to 240 seats and the impact of the INDIA bloc’s unity, which restricted the BJP’s dominance.

“In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, INDIA Bloc parties fought unitedly against the BJP alliance, restricting them to 240 seats. Our ‘Save Constitution’ campaign exposed the BJP-RSS’s secret desire to change the Constitution. Today, the BJP is short of a majority and dependent on two allies. A Prime Minister who arrogantly claimed 400 seats was dealt a significant blow by us,” he said.

“The Congress Party secured almost 100 seats. If we had worked harder, we could have gained 20-30 more seats. A gain of such seats could have led to the formation of an alternative government in the country. Had we achieved this, we could have halted the systematic assault on our independent institutions, democracy, and the Constitution,” Kharge said.

The Congress President stressed the importance of unity, strategic planning, and focusing on people’s issues, including economic challenges, rising unemployment, and attacks on marginalised communities.

Kharge’s address emphasised the Congress Party’s commitment to fighting against the BJP and RSS, both inside and outside Parliament. He urged District Presidents to take a crucial role in leading the party’s efforts on the ground.

“We must take this fight to the streets. District Presidents, your role is crucial. You are not just our messengers but the generals of the Congress Party, leading from the front on the ground. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi ji and I recognised the need for direct communication with you. It is essential to appoint the most capable, committed, and hardworking individuals to these positions rather than making selections based on local leaders’ recommendations,” he emphasised.

Kharge highlighted rising unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and increasing attacks on marginalised communities.

“Unemployment is at an all-time high. Skyrocketing inflation has resulted in the lowest household savings in decades. Attacks on the poor, marginalized communities, women, and weaker sections of society are increasing,” the Congress Chief said.

Further, speaking on the “counter-tariffs”, Kharge said that countries like the USA are not only insulting our citizens but also embarrassing us by imposing counter-tariffs.

“Meanwhile, the BJP governments at the Centre and in the states remain focused on creating communal disharmony to divert public attention. These communal issues are deliberately manufactured in the media to benefit the BJP rather than the people,” he said.

The Congress President stressed the need to take the fight to the streets and ensure the discourse remains centered on people’s issues.

“Our fight is much larger! We must ensure the discourse remains centred on people’s issues. The BJP will try to distract, but You (District Committee Presidents) and Your Teams must bring the focus back to real concerns,” he said.

Kharge discussed the importance of winning elections at the state level, with a focus on unity and long-term strategy.

“Most importantly, we must remember to work in unity with a long-term strategy to win elections at the state level. Our ideology is strong, but without power, we cannot implement it,” Kharge emphasised.

The Congress National president asserted further that the Indian National Congress is the 140-year-old party that played a pivotal role in shaping modern India.

“Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and countless others laid the foundation of the India we see today. The independent institutions we built are now under attack by those in power over the past 11 years. Such institutions are being controlled by a handful of people with allegiance to a particular ideology,” he said.

He emphasized that the Congress’ guarantees should serve as a success tory.

Kharge also discussed the need for stronger organizational structures at the state level, ahead of upcoming elections in several states.

“Next year (March-April 2026), elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. It is your responsibility to ensure victory for every candidate in your district. We will work together, but you are our first line of defense on the ground. Your inputs will be crucial in planning our strategy, and we will take them into account,” Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke on the voter list discrepancies. He said that it is another “critical area” that requires attention.

“You must have noticed the increasing discrepancies in voter lists, particularly in Maharashtra. We have formed an EAGLE Team to cope up with this issue. The team constantly keeping an eye on the activities of the Election Commission,” he said.

“In West Bengal, the ECI itself admitted that Unique Voter IDs were not actually unique. The same Voter ID number had been issued to different individuals in different states,” he said. (ANI)

Nearly five years after the demise of celebrity manager Disha Salian, her father Satish Salian has sought the Bombay High Court’s intervention for a fresh probe into her death and called for narco tests to be conducted on all accused individuals, including Shiv Sena (UBT leader) Aaditya Thackeray, actors Sooraj Pancholi, and Dino Morea.. 

Satish Salian recently filed a written complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner seeking the registration of an FIR against Aditya Thackeray and others accused in connection with the offences of gang rape and murder of his daughter. As per his advocate Nilesh Ojha, the complaint had been accepted by the Joint Commissioner of Police. The accused in the case, include Aaditya Thackeray, former Commissioner of Police Parambir Singh, Officer Sachin Vaze and actor Sooraj Pancholi.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Satish Salian claimed that he was misled earlier, prompting him to believe that his daughter had died by suicide. He also claimed that former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had paid him a visit.

“Kishori Pednekar (former Mumbai Mayor) had visited me at my residence. She told me that the media is showing incorrect things about my daughter, which is not good. She said that they have come to put an end to it. I was being told that this was suicide and nothing else. Police told me that they have her phone call records, places where she went and people she met. So, I was misled, that there was no false play, that it was a suicide,” he said.

Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, six days before her client and actor Sushant Singh Rajput allegedly committed suicide in his apartment in Bandra.

This development came on the heels of the CBI reportedly submitting a closure report on the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. (ANI)