Shehnaaz Gill’s Film ‘Ishqnama’ Announced, Poster Out

Punjabi actress-singer Shehnaaz Gill will be seen headlining a romantic drama titled ‘Ishqnama’.

On Thursday, Shehnaaz took to Instagram and unveiled the first poster of the upcoming film, which is set to be released on July 24.

The poster offers a striking glimpse into Ishqnama’s world – “a romance drama rooted in true events and unfolding against the fraught India-Pakistan backdrop,” as per press note.

In one image, Shehnaaz is seen hugging an injured Jayy Randhawa, her expression heavy with pain, resilience and devotion, capturing a love bruised by conflict yet refusing to break. In another visual, she appears in a bridal avatar, draped in the old Punjabi aesthetic, hinting at a love story shaped as much by sacrifice as by longing.

“First picture from My upcoming Movie…..”ISHQNAMA” True Story of True Lovers NIMMA-NASIMA Releasing 24th july 2026 in Cinemas worldwide @arvindrkhaira @jayyrandhawa @saurabhsachdeva77 @jaani777 @bpraak @sourabh_rana #shehnaazgill,” Shehnaaz posted on her Instagram handle.

Meanwhile, last year, Shehnaaz achieved a major milestone with the Punjabi film Ikk Kudi, marking her debut as a producer under Shehnaaz Gill Production. In 2023, she was featured alongside Salman Khan in ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’. (ANI)

Anurag Kashyap Left ‘Weeping’ After Watching ‘Kohrra Season 2’, Calls It ‘Unmissable’

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is full of praise for Mona Singh and Barun Sobti starrer ‘Kohrra Season 2’, stating that he was left crying after watching the show.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Kashyap penned a long note, dedicating it to the ‘Kohrra’ team as he hailed directors Sudip Sharma and Faisal Rahman.

“Could not stop watching it. Sudip Sharma is officially the first showrunner in India who now has two better second seasons of two great shows. First Paatal Lok and now Kohraa. The story telling is peak, taking its time to unfold, letting characters breathe. Is in no hurry to solve the mystery, and in the process unpacks a whole town of people that needs therapy, including its protagonists. Mona Singh and Barun Sobti’s characters and performances are so cathartic. By the last episode I was weeping. You won’t believe that it’s directed by two first time filmmakers,” he wrote.

Hailing the show’s narrative, cinematography, perfoirmances, and music, he added, “Gives me a lot of hope. Unmissable and unmistakably world class. Haven’t seen better writing in a long time. And then congratulations @netflix.in for letting the language of the land be and not alter with the genetics of its milieu. Cinematography, music, performances, every single department deserves all the praise. This is going to blow up.”

A Film Squad Production in association with Act Three, ‘Kohrra Season 2’ is produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani.

Directed by Sudip Sharma and Faisal Rahman, ‘Kohrra Season 2’ was released on Wednesday, February 11 on Netflix.

The sequel picked up after the events of the first season, introducing Mona Singh as the new commanding officer Dhanwant Kaur and Rannvijay Singha.

Barun Sobti made a strong return as Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi. (ANI)

MK Stalin Credits ₹5,000 To Tamil Nadu Women Under Kalaignar Rights Scheme

As the Tamil Nadu assembly elections near, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced that ₹3,000 has been credited in advance to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, along with an additional ₹2,000 as a “summer special package”. In total, CM Stalin deposited ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women across the state.

In a post on X, Stalin said the ₹3,000 amount was given as an advance payment for the months of February, March and April. He also alleged that “some” were trying to block the Women’s Rights Grant for three months, citing the upcoming elections, but said his government acted ahead of time to ensure beneficiaries did not face any disruption.

“For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women’s Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it. Citing the elections as a reason, they are trying to block the Women’s Rights Grant for three months. But our #DravidianModel government has acted ahead of them! As an advance for the months of February, March, and April – ₹3,000, along with a summer special package of ₹2,000! A total of ₹5,000 has been credited this morning to all 1.31 crore beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme,” the post read.

He added that under “Dravidian Model 2.0,” the current ₹1,000 monthly assistance would be doubled to ₹2,000 if voted back to power, calling it a promise to Tamil Nadu women.

“With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! Under #DravidianModel 2.0, we will increase the ₹1,000 Women’s Rights Grant to ₹2,000! This is the promise that Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin makes to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether,” the post further read.

Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) recently unveiled a set of five election promises, including raising social security pensions from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 for senior citizens, elderly widows, unmarried elderly women, women abandoned by their husbands, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons.

Other promises made by the AIADMK include waiving education loans obtained from banks in order to safeguard the welfare of students and their parents, providing three free LPG cylinders per year to rice ration card holders, support for the traditional sport Jallikattu with compensation for injuries or deaths, and interest-free loans for women from minority communities to start self-employment ventures.

Earlier in January, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had unveiled the first phase of the party’s poll promises, including the Women’s Welfare Kulavilakku Scheme with ₹2,000 monthly assistance to all ration card-holding families, credited directly to the bank account of the woman head of the family, a free bus travel scheme will be implemented for men on city buses, while the existing free travel scheme for women will continue uninterrupted, housing under the Amma Illam Scheme, an enhanced 150-day employment scheme, and two-wheelers for 5 lakh women beneficiaries.

In the midst of the electoral buildup, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to hold a tightly controlled election meeting on Friday at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem. Party chief Vijay is expected to address 4,998 participants at the KVP Garden venue.

The meeting will be strictly limited to those holding entry passes with QR codes, with heavy police deployment, vehicle checks, and traffic diversions in place to ensure safety. Authorities emphasised that those without passes should watch the programme through live broadcast channels.

Heightened security measures come in the wake of a September stampede at a previous TVK gathering that claimed 41 lives, prompting authorities to ensure strict crowd management during high-profile political events.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of the year. The DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4, and others won 8. (ANI)

‘Against Religious Freedom’: Muslim Board Opposes MHA Direction On Vande Mataram

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification mandating the playing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events.

In a press statement, the Board’s General Secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision, calling it unconstitutional, against religious freedom and secular values, contrary to the Supreme Court judgment, and directly conflicting with the religious beliefs of Muslims.

He stated that the decision is therefore completely unacceptable to Muslims.

The Maulana noted that, following Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it had been agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used.

He said that a secular government cannot forcibly impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion upon followers of other religions. He added that the song was written in the context of Bengal and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities.

“Whatever the political considerations behind implementing this decision ahead of the West Bengal elections, Muslims cannot accept it, as it directly conflicts with their faith. A Muslim worships only One God, Allah, without partners, and Islam does not permit any form of associating partners with God.”

The General Secretary further stated that Indian courts have also held that the other verses are inconsistent with secular values and have restricted their recitation.

Therefore, the Board demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw the notification, warning to challenge MHA’s decision in court.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released detailed guidelines for the national song Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, stating that when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at an event, all six stanzas of the official version of Vande Mataram must be presented first.

“The duration for which the song shall be played or sung shall be 3 minutes and 10 seconds,” the order states.

The MHA instructions on ‘Vande Mataram’ coincide with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the song.

Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani criticised the Union government’s directive to play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events, calling it a “blatant attack on freedom of religion”. (ANI)

Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus

Beginning Of Journey Towards New Bangladesh: Yunus As Elections Conclude

As voting for the 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum concluded across 299 constituencies in Bangladesh on Thursday, Chief Adviser of the country’s interim government Muhammad Yunus congratulated the nation for the peaceful and orderly conclusion of polls and referendum, calling it “the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh.”

In a statement released after voting ended, Yunus lauded voters for their enthusiastic participation, political parties for their responsible conduct, candidates for showing restraint, and all institutions involved for their professionalism.

He said the collective effort demonstrated Bangladesh’s strong commitment to democracy and the people’s active role in shaping the country’s future.

“I express special thanks to the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, the administration, observer teams, media personnel, and all officials involved in conducting the polls. Their dedication and hard work ensured the successful completion of this large democratic exercise,” Yunus said, as quoted in the statement.

He urged political parties and candidates to maintain democratic decorum, tolerance, and mutual respect even after the final results are announced.

“Differences of opinion will remain, but we must stay united in the national interest,” the statement added.

Describing the election as the most peaceful and festive in Bangladesh’s history, Yunus said it marked a moment of national joy and celebration, signalling a new phase for democracy in the country and called upon all citizens to work together to strengthen democracy and build an accountable, inclusive, and just state.

“Let us work together in this journey to strengthen democracy,” he said, emphasising that the election reaffirmed that the people are the ultimate source of power in Bangladesh.

Earlier, voting in Bangladesh for the 13th Parliamentary Election and referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter concluded across 299 constituencies, with election authorities initiating the counting process shortly after polling hours ended.

According to the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), voting officially took place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (local time). However, officials clarified that individuals who had entered polling station premises before the close of voting were permitted to cast their ballots.

According to EC’s Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, voter turnout across 36,031 polling stations stood at 47.91 per cent as of 2:00 pm (local time), the Daily Star reported. However, a total of 42,651 polling centres were set up for Thursday’s national election.

The elections come at a critical time in the country’s history, almost two years after the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted following a student-led movement in July 2024.

The 2024 July Uprising ended the Bangladesh Awami League’s regime, which has now been barred from participating in the current election.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamic conservative party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which is leading an alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed following the student-led uprising, along with other parties on a seat-sharing basis, are the main competitors in the elections.

A total of 2034 candidates are contesting the polls, with 51 parties participating, according to the Daily Star. (ANI)

Hopeless In Love: Riteish On 24 Years Of Togetherness With Genelia

Bollywood power couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh are celebrating 24 years of togetherness, offering fans a heartfelt glimpse into their enduring love story.

Beginning from their early days of friendship to building a family together, the duo is known for consistently setting major couple goals.

Taking to their respective social media handles, Genelia and Riteish shared heartwarming posts, offering a nod to their journey.

“Exactly 24 years ago, our hearts found each other and never let go. You’ve been my safe place, my wildest adventure, my softest dream come true. Thank you for choosing me every single day. My friend, my lover, my forever baiko… I am endlessly, hopelessly in love with you,” Riteish wrote in his post.

The actor also added their old pictures, seemingly from their dating days as both Genelia and Riteish appear visibly younger.

Reacting to the post, Genelia wrote, “Always Forever @riteishd. I love being in love with you even 24 years later.”

While fans couldn’t help but adore the couple, their friends from the industry also showered love in the comment section. Actors Bobby Deol and Suniel Shetty dropped heart emojis, while Anupam Kher added, “You both are the bestest. May God bring you both together in all your other lives.”

On the other hand, Genelia also shared a picture with her husband on her Instagram story and wrote, “24 years and nothing Eva changes.”

Riteish and Genelia made their Bollywood debuts with the 2003 film ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’. They fell in love with the sets of the film and have been together for over two decades now.

Genelia and Riteish tied the knot on February 3, 2012. They welcomed their son Riaan in November 2014 and their second son Rahyl in June 2016.

Earlier in a conversation with ANI, Riteish Deshmukh spoke about his married life, explaining how he prioritises Genelia’s needs.

“I think that eventually, every couple will figure out their equilibrium in their relationship. I can only say what the three things in my relationship on which I concentrate are. I feel that in a relationship, a couple of things that are very important and prime most are respect. If you respect your partner immaterial of anything. That respect should be there even when you are arguing. Because when you argue, there is a time when it slips. And then you start disrespecting. Once it comes, that crack, it is always visible. So be very careful. It’s like a broken plate; you stick it together. Even then, you see the crack. That’s why do not lose respect. If you think that you are going to say something because of which things can get worse, then be quiet. So one is respect. Second is the needs of your partner should be above your needs. It’s not what you want. Her needs should be above yours. These are two things if you follow. And have a sense of humour,” he said.

On the work front, Riteish Deshmukh has an exciting lineup of films in the pipeline, including ‘Raja Shivaji’ and ‘Dhamaal 4’. (ANI)

‘Ghaziabad Triple Suicide Resulted From Isolation, Not Korean Craze’

Aayushi Rana, a digital investigator & research analyst, says the digital sphere offers a comforting bubble to distressed kids, and parents must know the signs. Her views:

Three sisters recently died by suicide by jumping from the ninth floor of their residential society in Ghaziabad. The media and Police were quick to describe the reason behind this fatal act as ‘influence from Korean culture’, fantasy dramas, K-pop etc. In my opinion, this convenient term ‘Korean influence’ or ‘Korean Craze’ oversimplifies what is actually a complex pattern among lonely beings of seeking emotional refuge.

The tragic episode isn’t about Korean culture being inherently problematic; it is about the vulnerable young finding solace in narratives that speak to them during a period of profound isolation. Online Korean content, comprising K-pop, dramas, animation etc seem to have offered something that resonated deeply with the three teenagers.

Korean storytelling mostly operates within collectivist family structures similar to Indian culture, but explores the tension between personal desires and family obligations with nuance and emotional depth. Male characters demonstrate what some call “soft masculinity” or emotionally expressive, vulnerable, and communicative. For young girls navigating their own emotional landscapes, often in environments where such expression isn’t modeled, this representation can feel validating and comforting.

However, the real issue here is alienation, not the content. These girls were withdrawn from school post-COVID apparently due to financial hardship, isolated and confined to their home, and living with parents who seem to be overwhelmed by their own hardships.

The digital world didn’t create their vulnerability; it merely filled a void left by the breakdown of their support systems. When children lose access to school, peer relationships and parental emotional availability, simultaneously, they will seek connection and meaning elsewhere. The digital sphere offers a comforting refuge.

This pattern is common in the contemporary era, but is often ignored, and goes unrecognized until a serious crisis strikes. The content these children consume becomes a scapegoat when the actual problem is systemic isolation, lack of dignified supervision, and the absence of healthy emotional outlets.

The father in this case was burdened with a debt of ₹2 crore, shame of financial failure, and other crushing burdens for a middle class family. When parents are in survival mode, their capacity for emotional attunement understandably diminishes. They genuinely believed they were doing their best by keeping a roof over their children’s heads and food on the table.

However, parenting requires more than physical provision. When you bring children into this world, you assume responsibility not just for their survival, but for their complete emotional and psychological well-being. The parents made a series of choices driven by financial desperation, withdrawing the girls from school, allowing them unsupervised digital access as a babysitter, then abruptly removing that access without offering alternative support.

Each decision is understandable in isolation, but together they created a dark and depressive storm of isolation, helplessness and dependency.

What the parents missed was that their children had developed an emotional eco-system in the digital world. When they confiscated the phones to pay the electricity bill, they weren’t just taking away devices; they were severing their daughters’ only remaining connection to joy, meaning and emotional stability.

The girls had already experienced one traumatic rupture after losing school and friends. The second rupture, without any transition or support, broke their back.

Modern parents, especially working parents, face a unique challenge. Their children are born in a technological world, and expecting them to exist outside this bubble is unrealistic. The responsibility lies in maintaining balance, sensitivity and awareness.

Rana’s body of work includes strengthening critical thinking in digital spaces

Some parents adapt well, staying respectful yet curious about their children’s digital lives, setting sensible boundaries, and spotting behavioral changes as signals that warrant attention. But this requires a bandwidth that most ‘parents in crisis’ often don’t have.

Outright bans on mobiles or digital networks, though politically appealing, aren’t the solution. Australia’s recent ban demonstrates this clearly. Teenagers report easily bypassing age verification through various means, using older siblings’ identification, exploiting flawed age-estimation technology, or, simply, by lying. However, certain perverse content, violence, pornography, abuse of various kinds etc, should be strictly regulated or stopped, as was the recent ‘Grok undressing’ episode.

Children need education about digital citizenship, boundary-setting, and recognizing when their relationship with technology becomes unhealthy. This education works best when it’s collaborative rather than punitive. Parents, teachers and elders need to understand that in today’s world, guidance requires both stepping in and stepping out, providing structure, stability and wisdom, while allowing children a dignified space to negotiate, process and develop their own judgment.

The triple suicide illustrates what happens when both individual parenting and systemic support fail simultaneously. These parents needed financial counseling, mental health support, and parenting guidance. The children needed continued schooling, peer interactions, and professional support for processing their family’s crisis. Instead, it seems, everyone was left to manage alone until tragedy struck.

Most importantly, we need to recognize that children’s digital behavior is often symptomatic of needs unmet in the physical world. When we address the symptom without treating the underlying condition, whether that’s isolation, trauma, or lack of emotional support, we solve nothing.

The question isn’t just how to keep children off certain platforms, but how to ensure they have a rich, fulfilling, creative, connected and supported lives that don’t require digital escape in the first place.

(Aayushi Rana has trained journalists and students, globally, in digital forensics, cyber security and safety, misinformation detection, and verification techniques. Her work centers on media literacy, socio-political research, and strengthening critical thinking in digital spaces)

As told to Amit Sengupta

PM Modi To Inaugurate Seva Teerth And Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 Tomorrow

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will unveil the name of the Seva Teerth building complex in the national capital on February 13. Prime Minister will thereafter formally inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 and also address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 PM, an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem.

For decades, several key government offices and ministries operated from fragmented, ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area. This dispersion led to operational inefficiencies, coordination challenges, escalating maintenance costs and sub-optimal working environments. The new building complexes address these issues by consolidating administrative functions within modern, future-ready facilities.

Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located in separate buildings.

Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Both building complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities. These features will foster collaboration, improve efficiency, enable seamless governance, enhance citizen engagement, and enhance employee well-being. Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes.

These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors. (ANI)

Kerala HC Grants Anticipatory Bail To Expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil In Assault Case

Kochi (Kerala) [India], February 12 (ANI): The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the first of three alleged sexual assault cases filed against him, effectively securing his protection from arrest in all the current cases.

While granting relief, the High Court observed that the allegations, at this stage, did not prima facie establish a case of rape. However, the court imposed stringent conditions on the expelled Congress MLA.

As part of the bail conditions, Mamkootathil has been barred from leaving Kerala and directed to surrender his passport and mobile phone to the investigators. The court has also strictly prohibited him from contacting the complainant or attempting to influence any witnesses.

On January 28, the Pathanamthitta District Court in Kerala granted bail to expelled Congress MLA Mamkootathil in an alleged sexual assault case. The court allowed bail on the 18th day of his arrest, in connection with the third rape case.

On January 17, the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvalla denied bail to Mamkootathil. He had earlier obtained relief from courts in the first two complaints filed against him, but was arrested and remanded to custody in connection with the third case.

According to the prosecution, the third case is based on allegations that the MLA sexually assaulted a woman after allegedly calling her to a hotel on the promise of marriage.

This third sexual assault complaint against the Palakkad MLA involves serious allegations such as physical assault, financial exploitation, and forced abortion.

Earlier, the bail hearing was conducted in camera following a request by Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) MG Devi to prevent disclosure of the survivor’s identity and details. The magistrate sought the opinion of the defence counsel, Shasthamangalam Ajith Kumar, on holding the hearing in a closed courtroom, after which the request was accepted.

All persons not connected with the case were asked to leave the courtroom, and arguments were heard at length before the court dismissed the bail application.

Meanwhile, in the first sexual assault case, the High Court had stayed Mamkootathil’s arrest, while a trial court had granted anticipatory bail in the second case.

On December 12, the investigation into the first alleged rape case against Mamkootathil was transferred to the State Police Crime Branch following an official order. The case was earlier handled by the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner.

With the transfer, both rape cases registered against the expelled Congress MLA are now being supervised by Assistant Inspector General of Police Poonguzhali, who was already heading the probe into the second case. (ANI)

‘Did Not Abuse Anyone,’ Says Priyanka Gandhi, Rejects Rijiju’s Charge Of Instigating MPs

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday rejected Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s claim that she encouraged Congress MPs during a confrontation in the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chamber, asserting that no abuse took place and that she spoke only peacefully at the end.

Responding to Rijiju’s remarks, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told reporters,”We did not abuse anyone. 1-2 MPs were agitated, and they expressed it. He also said that I was encouraging them, which is a lie. I was sitting quietly. In the end, I said a few things peacefully,” she said.

Priyanka Gandhi also targeted the government over the India-US trade deal, alleging that it would adversely impact farmers.

“The trade deal (India-US) that they have signed is going to incur heavy losses to the farmers. The entire labour union is on strike today, and we are supporting them,” she told reporters.

Commenting on action being taken against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, she said such moves would not deter him. “They will do FIR, cases and whatnot against Rahul Gandhi, but nothing is going to affect him,” she added.

Her remarks came after Rijiju alleged that around 20-25 Congress MPs entered the Speaker’s chamber and verbally abused him. Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister claimed that senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal, were present during the incident and were encouraging confrontation.

“I was also there. The Speaker is a very soft person; otherwise, strict action would have been taken,” Rijiju said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Rijju said that Bharatiya Janata Party members in Lok Sabha will give a privilege notice against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “for misleading the House and also making baseless statements”.

He said Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, has made useless and false allegations against the government and against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We are going to file a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for misleading the House and also making baseless statements. There are very clear-cut rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. When a member intends to make serious charges against another member, then you have to give notice and also substantiate the allegation,” he said.

“I have requested that Rahul Gandhi be called to the floor of the House to authenticate the points he has made. Rahul Gandhi has made useless and false allegations against the government, against the Prime Minister, saying that the Prime Minister has sold India and Indian interests. On what basis? He has made a serious allegation against Hardeep Singh Puri without giving any notice,” he added.

Rijiju objected to Rahul Gandhi leaving the House after making his speech during the debate on Union Budget 2026-27.

He said the BJP will counter the Congress leader’s “lies”. (ANI)