Indian Tourists Return From Nepal As Unrest Escalates

The India-Nepal border at Sonauli in UP’s Maharajganj saw an influx of Indian tourists on Wednesday as many cut short their trips and returned home due to the escalating unrest in Nepal.

The situation remains tense in Nepal following violent protests against corruption by Gen Z that resulted in Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigning from his post.

Pramila Saxena, one of the many tourists, had planned to visit Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal’s Kathmandu.

“We were going to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, from Bhopal (MP). We had boarded the flight, but it was cancelled. So, we deplaned. The situation is tense there. We are not being allowed to cross. The airport is closed. So, we have come back. We were a group of 60 people – all senior citizens. We are returning from the airport,” Saxena told ANI.

Another tourist, Ashok, said that the flight was cancelled and they had to stay in a lodge overnight.

“We were going to Kathmandu, to Pashupatinath Temple. But the flight was cancelled. We stayed in a lodge overnight and now we are returning home,” he told ANI.

Lata Mishra, a resident of Bhopal, said that they were returning home since the situation remains tense in Nepal.

“We were going to the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. However, due to the tense situation, we were unable to go there. The flight was cancelled because of the situation there. We are returning home now,” she told ANI.

Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday called on protesting citizens to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing ‘Gen Z’ movement through dialogue, The Himalayan Times reported.

President Paudel emphasised that with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation already accepted, the nation must focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction, The Himalayan Times reported, citing an official statement from the President.

“I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” he said.

The appeal comes after days of violent demonstrations that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured when security forces opened fire on protesters outside the Federal Parliament. Demonstrators later stormed key government institutions, including the parliament building and the Office of the President at Shital Niwas.

The Nepal Army had also issued a public request urging citizens, especially the youth, to exercise restraint and safeguard the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, The Himalayan Times reported.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Dang has imposed a curfew in major market areas on Tuesday in view of the violent protest across the nation, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Chief District Officer Bishwa Prakash Aryal informed that the order was issued after protests turned violent, leading to arson and vandalism of public property, government offices and private assets.

The curfew bans movement, gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings and sit-ins in an attempt to neutralise the protests, the Kathmandu Post reported.

In the last few days, the Gen Z demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.

The protests began on September 8 in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

Protesters have been demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes. The protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

A curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation. The government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and the need for regulatory compliance. Citizens saw this as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent. (ANI)

iPhone Air: Apple Launches ‘Thinnest’ iPhone Ever

Apple has come up with its “thinnest” iPhone ever, the iPhone Air.

The new model is 5.6mm thick. CEO Tim Cook said it promises “pro performance in a thin and light design.”

The new iPhone Air comes with a 6.5-inch ProMotion display and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It also has 3,000 nits of peak brightness, as per The Verge.

The iPhone Air features a ceramic shield that encloses a titanium frame on both sides.

Despite its sleek, lightweight design, Apple claims the new iPhone achieves unmatched power efficiency, thanks to iOS 26’s Adaptive Power feature and the advanced N1 wireless chip, which reduces energy consumption by up to 30 per cent.

The iPhone Air features a 48-megapixel dual camera system with a 12MP telephoto lens. The 18MP selfie camera supports Center Stage, a feature also on the regular iPhone 17, which automatically fits everyone into a photo, so you don’t have to rotate the phone into landscape mode.

The device only supports eSIMs to “maximize” battery space.

Apple claims the iPhone Air delivers all-day battery life and is also rolling out a range of new accessories, including updated MagSafe options and custom-designed cases.

iPhone Air features Apple’s new A19 Pro chipset. Tim Millet, vice president of platform architecture at Apple, said the new chip, with its six-core CPU, is the fastest smartphone processor on the market.

Apple has unveiled iPhone Air in black, white, gold and sky blue. It is priced at USD 999.

The launch of the new iPhones comes ahead of the release of iOS 26. (ANI)

India-US Negotiations Back On Track, Trump Certain Of ‘No Difficulty’ In Trade Talks

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (US local time) said that the US and India will resume negotiations to address “trade barriers” between the two countries.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”

The announcement comes weeks after the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25 per cent penalty on purchases of Russian oil.

Earlier this week, President Trump, while making an announcement in the White House, called the India-US ties a “very special relationship” and affirmed that he and PM Modi would always be friends, asserting that there is “nothing to worry about”.

However, he expressed displeasure over what “he (PM Modi) is doing” in contemporary times.

When asked by ANI, “Are you ready to reset relations with India at this point?”, US President Trump said, “I always will. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”

The US President also responded to his post on Truth Social, where he called out losing ‘India and Russia to China’, saying that he does not think that has happened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday also responded warmly to Trump’s affirmation of the India-US ties, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the US President’s sentiments and positive assessment of the bilateral relations.

In a post on X, PM Modi noted India-US ties as “forward-looking” towards a “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership”.

“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” the Prime Minister stated in his post. (ANI)

IndiGo Suspend Kathmandu Flights Amid Protest In Nepal, Issues Travel Advisory

IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday issued a travel advisory announcing the suspension of all flights to and from Kathmandu until 12:00 pm on September 10, citing the closure of Kathmandu Airport due to the Gen Z Protest.

“All flights to and from Kathmandu stand cancelled until 1200 hrs on September 10. If your travel plans are impacted, you may opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund through our website,” the airline said in its statement.

As part of relief measures, IndiGo has also extended waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for passengers travelling to and from Kathmandu until September 12. This waiver will apply to bookings made on or before September 9.

“If your travel plans are impacted, you may opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund through our website. As an immediate relief measure, we are extending waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Kathmandu until September 12, applicable for bookings made on or before September 9,” the statement further said.

The airline said that its teams are closely monitoring the developments and will provide timely updates once operations are cleared to resume.

“Our teams remain on standby, closely monitoring developments around the clock, and will continue to share timely updates as soon as operations are cleared to resume. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Your safety and peace of mind remain our top priority,” it added.

Meanwhile, the government held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security IndiGo suspend Kathmandu flights amid protest in Nepal,day to discuss developments in Nepal.

The meeting was held after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

PM Modi said in a post on X that the violence in Nepal is heart-rending and he is anguished that many young people have lost their lives. He said stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to India and urged “brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace”.

“On my return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab today, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the developments in Nepal. The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” PM Modi said.

There is unrest in Nepal following anti-government protests and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned. Over the past two days, Gen Z demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu. Demonstrators torched several government buildings, including the parliament. (ANI)

Nepal Army Chief Urges Restraint To Gen Z Protesters

Chief of the Nepali Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, urged Gen Z protestors to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue as Army troops are deployed to maintain order.

In a recorded video statement released late on Tuesday, the Army chief said, “During the protest, extensive damage has been incurred. To prevent further loss of properties and to maintain peace, security, and harmony, national unity and harmony are our common duty.”

General Sigdel, in his addresses, started by expressing deep sorrow over damage to public property during the nationwide protests and extended condolences to families of those who lost their lives, while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

“Easing the incumbent uncomfortable situation, the national heritages, public as well as private properties, common citizens, diplomatic missions and give the sense of security to the public and protect paramount interest is our common duty. Thus, in order to take the country out of this odd situation through peaceful measures, I would request the protesting group to cancel the plans of protest and call for the talks,” said Sigdel.

Ending his address, Sigdel called on all citizens to uphold patriotism, social harmony, and unity in moving forward together.

Minutes after releasing the statement of the Chief of the Army Staff, the defence security body of the Himalayan Nation said that it “would deploy troops alongside other security agencies from 10 PM (Local Time) if looting, arson and vandalism continued, as unrest over the Gen-Z protests spiralled further out of control.”

“Taking unfair advantage of the current adverse situation, some groups are causing extensive damage to civilians and public property, looting and arson. The Nepal Army once again urges not to engage in such activities. If such activities are not stopped, we hereby inform you that the Nepal Army and all security agencies, in their main responsibility, will remain firm from 10 pm on Bhadra 24, 2082, to control the situation for the security of Nepal and Nepalis. We also sincerely appeal to the entire nation for cooperation. Thereafter, the security situation will be reassessed and further information will be issued,” Nepal Army said.

The statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations of the Nepali Army states that some groups are exploiting the crisis to cause severe damage to civilians and public property. It called on citizens to exercise restraint and assist in preventing further destruction.

“If such activities do not stop, the Army, together with other security forces, will be mobilised to bring the situation under control,” the statement read, adding that the overall security situation would then be reassessed.

The warning comes as state institutions, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and the Parliament building, remain on fire after being stormed by protesters earlier in the day.

Attacks on political leaders, police and public infrastructure have pushed the country into a state of emergency-level turmoil.

The unrest is part of the ongoing Gen Z-led movement against corruption, government restrictions, and the deadly crackdown a day earlier that left 19 people dead, and around 500 were injured during clashes around the Federal Parliament and other sites in Kathmandu, The Himalayan Times reported.

Meanwhile, the protestors are demanding a “youth leader” to lead the country.

“The Parliament building is set on fire by the Gen-Z protestors. Yesterday, Nepal Police personnel killed at least 19 students. The protest is not because of the social media ban, but we are protesting because we want a youth leader. We want change. The Gen-Z demands a youth leader,” the protestor told ANI.

Another protestor described the anger on the ground, stating, “You all have seen how students were killed yesterday. Around 21-22 students were killed, and over 500 were injured. If students are killed like this, how will the country function? This has become a very cruel regime… We do not want such a democracy…”

Earlier, demonstrators gathered near Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence in Balkot, demanding accountability for Monday’s fatalities. During the protest, demonstrators set fire to the residence.

The central office of the Nepali Congress in Sanepa was vandalised on Tuesday afternoon, The Himalayan Times reported. Protesters have also vandalised the homes of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha. Protesters have attacked the political party office of the CPN-UML in Chyasal, Lalitpur.

As per The Kathmandu Post, protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, pelted stones at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel and attacked the house of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Protesters broke windows, threw stones, and set fire to the building, as part of demonstrations against corruption following the death of 19 protestors on Monday.

According to reports, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. Although authorities stated that security forces had been instructed to exercise restraint and that no live ammunition was authorised, there were reports of gunfire and bullet injuries, as per The Himalayan Times.

The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been fully closed following escalating demonstrations. The Nepali Army has been deployed to provide security at the airport.

The Indian Embassy also issued a travel advisory for all Indian nationals in Nepal to “defer travel” there until the situation has stabilised. The India embassy also provides emergency contact numbers for those facing any urgent situation or requiring assistance.

Sharing a post on X, the India Embassy wrote, “All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact, in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: +977 – 980 860 2881, +977 – 981 032 6134.”

Air India and IndiaGo also issued an advisory on the cancellation of several flights to and from Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes. The protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

The government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and the need for regulatory compliance. Citizens saw this as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent.

The “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens. This fueled public frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality.

Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country every day for work abroad, added to the unrest. (ANI)

Delhi Police Busts ISI-Linked Pakistani Spy Module

Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an espionage module linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) with the arrest of a 43-year-old man accused of supplying SIM cards that were later used by operatives across the border.

According to Delhi Police Special Cell, specific intelligence was received on August 28 about an individual associated with ISI handlers being present in Vijay Block, Laxmi Nagar. Acting swiftly, the team apprehended the suspect, identified as Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya.

During sustained interrogation, Chaurasiya revealed that he had procured 16 SIM cards using his Aadhaar credentials and sent them to Nepal, out of which 11 were being operated on WhatsApp from Lahore, Bahawalpur and other parts of Pakistan by ISI operatives. These were allegedly being used for espionage and other anti-India activities.

“On 28.08.2025, specific information was received that one individual associated with ISI handlers was present in Vijay Block, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi. Acting swiftly, the team apprehended the suspect, who was later identified as Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya (43). During sustained questioning, the accused revealed that he had procured 16 SIM cards using his Aadhaar credentials & sent them to Nepal, of which 11 SIMs were being operated on WhatsApp from Lahore, Bahawalpur and other parts of Pakistan by ISI operatives.”

Officials at special cell said, these SIMs were being used from across the border for espionage and other anti-India activities through social media platforms WhatsApp. A case has been registered at PS Special Cell, Delhi under Sections 61(2)/152 of the BNS. Further investigation is in progress to trace his associates, identify the courier network, and apprehend the foreign handlers who orchestrated this espionage module.

Police said the accused came into contact with ISI handlers in 2024 through a Nepali intermediary. He was lured with promises of a U.S. visa and opportunities in journalism abroad, and in return was tasked with supplying SIM cards and collecting information related to DRDO and Army establishments.

Investigations revealed that using his Aadhaar card registered at Latur, Maharashtra, he procured SIM cards from telecom stores in Bihar and Maharashtra. After activation, the SIMs were smuggled to Kathmandu, Nepal, through conduits and then handed over to ISI handlers.

WhatsApp accounts registered on these SIMs were later operated from Pakistan to establish contact with Indian Army personnel and pursue other sensitive espionage objectives, officials said.

A case has been registered at PS Special Cell, Delhi under Sections 61(2)/152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway to trace his associates, identify the courier network, and apprehend the foreign handlers involved. (ANI)

Won’t Breathe Easy Till I Win Olympic Gold: Nikhat Zareen

Boxer Nikhat Zareen Sails To Quarters In World Championship

India pugilist Nikhat Zareen continued her march in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Tuesday with a 5:0 win over Japan’s Yuma Nishinaka in the women’s 51kg pre-quarter-finals.

The 29-year-old faced a spirited fight from the Japanese in the opening round, but there was no stopping the Indian, who is playing her first international event this year. In fact, the Japanese even received two penalty points for excessive clinching as she tried to break Nikhat’s rhythm.

Before entering the pre-quarter-finals, Nikhat, who was crowned world champion twice before, had not competed in any international event this year, but did not show any signs of rustiness as she dominated the USA’s Jennifer Lozano from the first minute to get a 5-0 verdict.

India has fielded a 20-member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing, a recently formed international governing body for boxing, and is hoping for a good showing in both men’s and women’s events.

Three more women boxers are also just a win away from the podium, and five more are set to take the rink in their respective pre-quarterfinal bout later in the day.

However, it was the end of the road for Sachin (men’s 60kg), Sumit (Men’s 75kg) and Narender (men’s 90+kg) as they lost their respective bout late on Monday night.

Sachin went down 1:4 to Biibars Zhexen of Kazakhstan, Sumit lost to Rami Kiwan of Bulgaria 0:5, while Narender’s ended on the wrong side of a 1:4 verdict against Diego Lenzi of Italy. In the women’s 65kg pre-quarterfinals, Neeraj Phogat’s spirited fight against England’s Sacha Hickey was not enough as she lost 2:3.

Earlier, World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria booked her quarterfinal spot in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool with a dominant win over two-time Olympian Brazil’s Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu in the women’s 57kg category. (ANI)

Manisha Koirala Condemns Violence During Nepal Protests

Actor Manisha Koirala, whose grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was the first prime minister of Nepal, has strongly condemned the violence in the country.

Her reaction came in the wake of the protests led by ‘Gen Z’ demonstrators against corruption and the government’s ban on social media platforms. Manisha, who was born in Nepal, posted a gritty glimpse from the protests with a picture of a blood-soaked shoe.

Speaking out against the clash between the protestors and the police, the actor called it a “black day.” She further urged media to focus on the fact that the protests were in fact against corruption and not a ban on social media sites.

“Today is a black day for Nepal — when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice,” she wrote on Instagram.

Manisha Koirala has been sharing updates about the protests in Nepal, with an attempt to spread awareness.

On Tuesday, the ‘Heeramandi’ star also paid a tribute to her grandfather, B.P. Koirala, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal.

Marking his birth anniversary, Manisha took to her Instagram handle and reiterated his strong viewpoints in reference to the unrest in Nepal.

“Remembering B.P. BA on his birthday — Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister and a writer who gave voice to love, conflict, and resilience,” she wrote.

Quoting her grandfather, Manisha further added, “As students rise today against corruption and for freedom, his words feel timeless: ‘Democracy is indivisible; if you want democracy at home, you cannot afford to neglect all struggles for it.’ – B.P. Koirala.”

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

Protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

On Monday, the police used deadly force against protesters in which at least 19 individuals were killed and over 200 injured in Kathmandu and nearby towns. Late last night the government rolled back the ban on several social media sites.

Since then, the country’s prime minister, KP Sharma Oli submited his resignation that was accepted by president, Ram Chandra Poudel. Many ministers’ homes, including Oli’s house, were attacked by the students during the protests.

Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country every day to seek work abroad, has added to the unrest. (ANI)

Vivek Roots For Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0 On Modi’s B’day

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi calls for the participation of Indian citizens to donate blood on the Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0 in Ahmedabad on September 17, 2025.

The Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0 is organised by Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad (ABTYP) and the Ministry of Health in Ahmedabad, marking ABTYP Foundation Day and honouring Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s birthday this year.

While talking to ANI, Vivek Oberoi called the Prime Minister an “inspiration” for the nation’s youth, signifying the organisation of Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0 on the occasion of PM Modi’s birthday.

While talking to ANI, Vivek Oberoi said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an inspiration for the youth of India. The ABTYP foundation day and the Prime Minister’s Birthday fall on September 17. That’s why we are organising a huge program in the Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.”

Vivek Oberoi, who played the titular character in the biographical drama ‘PM Narendra Modi’, said that the Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0 is the best way to honour PM Narendra Modi on his birthday.

“If on the occasion of PM Narendra Modi’s birthday we could do some social service like blood donation, organ donation, registration or any other selfless or beautiful act, then I think it will be the best way to commemorate him,” added Vivek Oberoi.

Earlier, actor Vivek Oberoi portrayed the role of PM Narendra Modi in the biographical drama film titled ‘PM Narendra Modi’. It was directed by Omung Kumar and was co-written by the actor Vivek Oberoi.

The film’s plot was loosely based on the life of Narendra Modi, the 14th Prime Minister of India. It was released in 2019.

Vivek Oberoi was last seen in the film ‘Kesari Veer’ alongside Suniel Shetty. (ANI)

Rajasthan Passes Anti-Conversion Bill With Life Imprisonment Provision

During the monsoon session of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, the “Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025” was passed after a discussion in the House.

Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel said the anti-conversion law passed by the Assembly carries stringent provisions, including prison terms of up to life imprisonment, and was cleared despite protests by the Opposition.

Speaking to ANI, Patel said, “There were some people in the Congress legislative party who did not want a discussion to take place on this bill. Their protest was condemnable. Amid protests from the Opposition, this bill was passed.”

The minister underlined that the new law provides stringent punishment for forced or fraudulent religious conversions. “There are strict provisions regarding imprisonment from 7 years to life imprisonment in this law. This law has been made after studying other such laws in the country,” Patel added.

Rajasthan Minister Avinash Gehlot accused the Congress of boycotting the Assembly discussion on the anti-conversion law due to appeasement politics, after the bill was passed amid Opposition protests.

Speaking to ANI, Gehlot said, “Congress did not take part in the discussion on the bill because four of their MLAs belong to the minority community. Due to this appeasement politics, Congress is in the situation it is today.”

Rajasthan Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said the state Assembly has taken a historic step by passing a stringent law to curb incidents of forced religious conversions.

Speaking to ANI, Bedham said, “The Rajasthan Assembly today has done the work of giving a stringent law to put an end to incidents of religious conversion in the state.”

Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully criticised the state government for passing the anti-conversion law, arguing that the legislation lacked statistical justification and was part of the BJP’s political agenda.

Speaking to ANI, Jully said, “First of all, you have to present the statistics. The questions that these people have raised — in the last five years, not a single case of bloodshed has come up. In the last five years, only 13 cases have come up. These people themselves are telling us. If there is such a large scale of religious conversion, then why have they closed their eyes?”

He demanded a proper investigation before framing such a law. “Let’s do the investigation,” he added.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP of pushing its political agenda by enacting similar laws across states.

“This is an agenda that they have spread. They are bringing in Haryana, they are bringing in Madhya Pradesh, they are bringing in Uttarakhand, they are bringing in Uttar Pradesh. If this is the case, then the Indian government is yours. Bring such a strong law in the entire country,” Jully said. (ANI)