Month: February 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the government after it objected to his remarks at the beginning of his speech during debate on motion of thanks to the President’s address and asked, “why are they so scared of the Army Chief’s perspective?”

Rahul Gandhi sought to quote from a magazine report on the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, which cited an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief MM Naravane.

Talking to reporters, the Congress leader alleged that the book is not being allowed to be published.

Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, told reporters that the government is scared because if it comes out, “the reality of Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh will be revealed to the people”

“This is not me, this is what the Army Chief (former) has written in a book. The book is not being allowed to be published. It is languishing, and this is the (former) Army Chief’s perspective. Why are they so scared of the (former) Army Chief’s perspective? Why are they so scared of what the (former) Army Chief has to say? We will learn something from it. Of course, we will learn something about a Prime Minister. We will learn something about Rajnath Singh ji. But we will also learn something about the Army and how it was let down by the political leadership of the country,” the Congress leader said.

“I’m saying that Naravane ji has clearly written about the Prime Minister and Rajnath Singh ji in his book. It has appeared in an article. I am quoting the article. They are not letting me speak… They are scared because if it comes out, the reality of Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh will be revealed to the people and what happened to the 56-inch chest when China was standing against us, advancing,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi said he wants to speak in the House, “but is not being allowed to speak”.

“I want to speak in the House. I don’t know why they are scared. The point here is exactly what the Prime Minister said and what Rajnath Singh Ji said. Whether the land was taken or not, that’s a different question. We’ll come to that. But before we come to that, the leader of the country is supposed to give direction. The leader of the country is not supposed to run away from decisions and leave decisions to other people’s shoulders. That is what the Prime Minister has done,” he said.

“I am not being allowed to speak. I just have to speak 2-3 lines. It is a matter of national security. These are the words of the Army Chief (former), and it is a conversation that he has had with Rajnath Singh ji and PM Modi. All I am saying is that I want to say in the House what the Army Chief (former) has written and what orders did Rajnath Singh and PM Modi give him,” he added.

Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed repeated interruptions and was adjourned for the day amid prolonged stalemate over Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on speaking about a specific matter pertaining standoff with China during border tensions in 2020 while referring to report citing unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. BJP members strongly objected to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and said he was speaking against the rules of the House.

The House, which began discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, was adjourned till 3 pm, than till 4 pm and later for the day.

Speaker Om Birla ruled that Rahul Gandhi should not make references to the unpublished book and the article. When the House met at 3 pm, the Speaker urged the Leader of Opposition to proceed with his speech without mentioning his intended reference. He said that the House works according to the rules.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to demoralize the armed forces.

“Our party initiated the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. All of us were seated to hear the speech of LoP Rahul Gandhi. But right from the beginning, Rahul Gandhi flouted rules and started quoting from a book whose publication and authenticity of a book is not clearly mentioned. Defence Minister and all of us said that the House will function as per rules and one should speak as per rules…One cannot challenge the Chair. Even after the ruling of Lok Sabha Speaker, Rahul Gandhi kept repeating the same mistake…He wasted half an hour, violated rules and kept saying the same thing. He started speaking on China border…Can Congress party bring back the landmass that was captured by China in 1959 and 1962?…Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation,” he said

“If someone is born in a known family, are they above the Parliament? Are they above the rules? India is a democratic nation and function as per rules…Rahul Gandhi doesn’t follow any rules. He considers himself above Parliament. Senior Congress leaders got up and started clapping…Rahul Gandhi should use his brains and make his MPs understand to follow rules. That is my request to him. He should apologise for the sin of Congress with respect to China border,” he added.

Amid Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on making his intended remarks about the border standoff with China, Rijiju said the House should also discuss “what should be done with a member who doesn’t obey the Speaker’s ruling in Lok Sabha”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also urged the Chair to not allow the Congress leader to make such reference. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia and former Punjab Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), who has been accused in a disproportionate assets case.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that the petitioner had already been granted bail in the earlier NDPS case in 2022, and the appeal filed by the Punjab government against that order was dismissed in 2025.

It further observed that the disproportionate assets case pertains to the period between 2006 and 2017, though the FIR was registered only in 2025. In these circumstances, the Court granted him bail.

The Court also noted that Majithia has been in custody since the last seven months.

The case against Majithia was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets exceeding ₹540 crore. He was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.

In December last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had rejected Majithia’s bail plea by noting that there was a possibility of the investigation being influenced by him.

Earlier, the apex court had agreed to consider an interim bail plea filed by the SAD leader in the matter. (ANI)

In an industry often shaped by appearances and expectations, veteran actor Neena Gupta has spoken candidly about the difficult but defining conversations she had with her daughter, designer and actor Masaba Gupta, while guiding her through the realities of Hindi cinema and creative life.

Speaking to ANI, Neena Gupta recalled an early moment when Masaba was considering acting.

Addressing whether she supported or directed Masaba’s eventual move into fashion, Gupta said the shift was never a planned decision.

“It was not her decision. It just happened. Circumstances were like that,” she explained, adding that Masaba initially did not want to act but considered it because others around her were doing so.

Gupta said she chose to be honest with her daughter about the industry’s rigid standards at that time.

“I told her, look, your face is like this, your body is like this. You won’t get the heroine of a Hindi film because you don’t look like that. It’s a fact. You don’t look like the heroine of a Hindi film of that time,” she said.

Gupta added that she encouraged Masaba to consider character roles and formal training if she wanted to pursue acting.

Despite her practical advice, Gupta admitted she was deeply moved by Masaba’s performance abilities.

“I cried when I saw her work. She is such a good actor. She’s very natural,” she said, acknowledging her daughter’s talent.

Reflecting on their Netflix series ‘Masaba Masaba’, Gupta described the experience as unexpectedly seamless.

“It was real, so real. She was playing Masaba, I was playing her mother,” she said.

Initially concerned about Masaba’s lack of acting experience, Gupta said she was taken aback by her daughter’s confidence on set. “I was shocked. She was like a pro.”

Neena and Masaba share a close bond and successful individual careers in acting and fashion.

In the late 1980s, Gupta made a trailblazing personal choice to raise Masaba as a single mother following her relationship with legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards.

Over the years, both have carved distinctive identities in their respective fields.

Today, Neena Gupta continues to earn acclaim for performances in various projects such as ‘Panchayat’ and ‘Badhaai Ho’, while Masaba Gupta has established herself as a prominent fashion designer through her brand, House of Masaba. (ANI)

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday expressed his admiration for veteran Bollywood singer Udit Narayan, thanking him for enriching the state with his timeless music.

While describing the beauty of Anini, the headquarters of the Dibang Valley district in the state, the ace singer sang his famous track ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ from Shah Rukh Khan starrer 2004 romantic drama ‘Veer-Zaara’.

While expressing gratitude to Udit Narayan, CM Khandu wrote on X, “Thanks, Udit Narayan ji, for filling Anini with timeless songs.”

Udit Narayan, who have given several hits in different languages, is celebrated for his soulful renditions and versatility. ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ celebrates India’s rich heritage, diversity, and unity. Picturised on SRK and Preity Zinta, the song is known for its patriotic sentiment, resonates with audiences across the country and has been a favourite among music lovers.

The acclaimed singer also dedicated the track to Anini and Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, to boost tourism in the North-Eastern region, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in several Purvodaya states during the Budget 2026-27.While presenting the Budget,

Sitharaman said, “I propose to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. The scheme will cover the preservation of temples and monasteries.”

She added that the initiative aims to highlight the North-East’s rich spiritual heritage, stating, “Buddhist sites from the Northeast region… this scheme for the development of Buddhist Circuits in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other NE states is a historic step that honours our rich spiritual heritage. It will transform the region into a powerhouse of culture, commerce & connectivity.” (ANI)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Members of Parliament on Monday staged a protest in the premises of Parliament, raising multiple issues related to Bihar, including the demand for special category status, law and order concerns, and the recent death of a NEET aspirant.

Speaking to ANI during the protest, RJD MP Misa Bharti said that the party decided to raise “burning issues” of Bihar during the ongoing Budget Session as the Union Budget failed to address the state’s long-pending demands.

“There are several issues in Bihar, several demands of the people there which have not been met. Budget Session is underway. So, we all thought that the burning topics of Bihar be raised, especially that of the special status to Bihar. There was nothing for Bihar in the budget. We are also raising the issue of law and order in Bihar, of NEET aspirants’ death. We want the Govt to respond and that action be taken…,” Bharti said.

Holding placards and raising slogans, RJD leaders accused the Centre of neglecting Bihar in the Union Budget and alleged that pressing concerns of the state were being ignored despite repeated demands raised by the opposition.

The demand for special category status for Bihar has been a long-standing issue, with opposition parties arguing that the state requires additional central assistance due to its socio-economic challenges, frequent natural disasters, and comparatively low per capita income.

Apart from the special status demand, the RJD MPs also highlighted the issue of deteriorating law and order in the state. Referring to the death of a NEET aspirant, the party demanded accountability and immediate action.

The protest comes following the motion of thanks for President Droupadi Murmu’s address in the Lok Sabha.

The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply on February 4 (Wednesday). Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply on February 11.

The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (ANI)

BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy on Monday urged the Telangana government to complete the investigation in the alleged phone-tapping case and file a chargesheet, saying the prolonged probe could lead to the loss of important evidence.

Reddy noted that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) was questioned for several hours and asked why the probe had dragged on for nearly two years.

Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, “Former Telangana CM KCR was interrogated for 4-5 hours yesterday…It is one of the top interrogations. SIT is investigating the case, and I don’t know for how long they will continue their investigations. The Govt has the documentary evidence now. But despite that, I don’t understand why the Telangana Govt is dragging the investigation. It has been almost 2 years. Still, the Govt is continuing its interrogation, and SIT is interrogating.”

“People of Telangana cannot understand what exactly is going on. Due to delay, we may lose the proper evidence. So, I appeal that instead of continuing the investigation for years together, complete the investigation at the earliest and file a chargesheet,” he said.

The phone-tapping case surfaced after former DCP P Radhakrishna Rao alleged that telephones belonging to media personalities, retired police officers, and politicians were monitored during the BRS government tenure to track KCR’s political rivals.

The SIT, which is probing the phone-tapping case, had issued fresh notices to KCR on January 30. Several BRS leaders, including KCR’s son KT Rama Rao and nephew T Harish Rao, were earlier questioned in connection with the case.

A day earlier, BRS leader RS Praveen Kumar defended party chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) amid questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the alleged phone-tapping case.

“KCR is the man who fought for Telangana. He is the most senior politician in Telangana. He ruled Telangana for 10 years as one of the best chief ministers in this country. Unfortunately, he is being questioned as a witness in a so-called tapping case,” Kumar said.

He added, “The way the police have issued the notice is completely illegal. Instead of going to his house, these policemen illegally pasted the notice at KCR’s residence. Therefore, we have strongly protested against the police’s aggressive, illegal behaviour and that of Mr Revanth Reddy. Telangana people are going to teach a befitting lesson to these people.” (ANI)

Lok Sabha witnessed sharp verbal exchanges on Monday during the Budget Session after Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House of Parliament Rahul Gandhi sought to quote a magazine article containing excerpts from Former Indian Army chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir.

Gandhi’s reply during the motion of thanks on the President’s Address was interrupted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who raised concern about the fact that the Congress MP cannot quote from an unpublished book, which he said has not been authenticated.

Moments into his speech, Rahul Gandhi referred to an allegation made by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya against the Congress, linking it to questions of patriotism and national culture.

The ruling benches objected to Gandhi’s attempt to cite excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Naravane.

Responding to Tejasvi Surya’s allegation, Gandhi said, “A young colleague over there made an allegation against the Congress Party. I was not going to raise this issue, but because he has raised the issue about our patriotism, our understanding of Indian culture, I’d like to start by reading something. And this is from the memoir of Army Chief Naravane. And I’d like you to listen nicely. You will understand exactly who is patriotic, who is not.”

Gandhi further said that the passage related to an incident at Doklam, when “four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory” and attempting to take control of a ridge. He added, “The Army Chief writes, and I quote from an article that is quoting his book.”

“This is from the memoir of Army Chief Naravane. And I’d like you to listen nicely. You will understand exactly who is patriotic and who is not. It will take a little while, so this is about when four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory. They were taking a ridge in Doklam. And the Army Chief writes, and I quote from an article that is quoting his book,” Gandhi added.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs objected, arguing that the memoir had not been published and could not be quoted in the House.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sought clarification from the Leader of the Opposition on whether the book he was citing had been formally published. Rajnath Singh said, “I want that LoP, Lok Sabha (Rahul Gandhi), should present before the House the book he is quoting from, because the book he is referring to has not been published.”

Rahul Gandhi responded, stating that his source was authentic and that the quotations appeared in a published magazine article citing the unpublished memoirs of former Army Chief General M M Naravane, who served as Chief of the Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022.

However, the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ruled that unpublished material could not be read out in the House and denied permission to proceed with the reading. Opposition members repeatedly demanded that Gandhi be allowed to read the memoir, while treasury bench members insisted that House rules did not permit references to unpublished works.

The Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said,”The Speaker has given a ruling that articles from magazines or newspapers cannot be quoted in the House…Debate in the House should be held according to the laws.”

“We should also discuss what should be done with a member who doesn’t obey the Speaker’s ruling in Lok Sabha,” Rijiju said as LoP Rahul Gandhi continued raise the unlisted issue of China and attempts to quote from a magazine article in contravention of House rules.

The standoff continued for nearly 30 minutes, with disruptions from both sides, as the ruling party maintained that the opposition could not read from an unpublished article or book.

Later, speaking in support of the Leader of the Opposition, Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav said, “The matter relating to China is very sensitive. LoP, Lok Sabha should be allowed to speak.”

Further, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened during the exchange as the House remained divided over the issue, before the proceedings moved ahead amid continued interruptions.

The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply on February 4 (Wednesday). Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply on February 11.

The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (ANI)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu slammed YSR Congress Party on the alleged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu preparation controversy, saying that his allegations of the usage of adulterated ghee were backed by the National Dairy Development Board report.

Chandrababu Naidu cornered the opposition said that they are “attacking him” to cover up the laddu controversy and “politicising the Lord Venkateswara.

“A report has come regarding the Tirumala laddu controversy. We are taking steps to protect the sanctity of Tirumala. The NDDRB report has arrived… it stated that the laddu was adulterated. Even after this, a SIT was formed to submit another report, and they have reached the point of making allegations against me again,” he said.

“Although I could enter through the Maha Dwaram, I go for the darshan of the Lord simply as a common devotee. They committed wrongdoing and a great sin, and now they are attacking me again to cover it up. Even Lord Sri Venkateswara is being politicised,” he added.

This comes after YSRCP leaders rejected the allegations, asserting that claims of animal fat being used were baseless and politically motivated.

YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said the allegations had triggered unnecessary controversy and were even questioned by the Supreme Court.

“Regarding this allegation against animal fat in sacred laddu preparation. CM Chandrababu Naidu has created such a wild reaction that even the Supreme Court questioned how you could make such a wild allegation. An allegation without any basis. Two national institute laboratories also refuted that allegation, and they said there is no trace of any animal fat,” he said

YSRCP leader Bharat Margani alleged that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, along with his son Nara Lokesh and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, had conspired to make “derogatory and defamatory statements” about the Tirupati laddu.

“Chandrababu Naidu conspired with his son Nara Lokesh and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. They made derogatory and defamatory statements about Tirupati laddu and demeaned the divine Lord Venkateshwara Swami. He stated, and I quote, that in Tirupati laddu, animal fat is included in the preparation, where beef, pig fat, and fish oil are used. Last year, he made that defaming statement that has hurt millions of people across the globe,” said YSRCP leader Bharat Margani.

The CBI, acting on orders from the Supreme Court, had formed an SIT to investigate the matter. The remand report confirmed adulteration in the supplied ghee, and, according to the investigating agency, AR Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and Bhole Baba Dairy were involved in the case.

According to a SIT report, adulterated ghee supplied to TTD was made by mixing palm oil, palm kernel oil, along with some others chemicals like beta-carotene, acetic acid ester and artificial ghee flavour. However, it does not mention that animal fat was used in the adulterated ghee. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday hinted at foul play in the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, ahead of the speculated merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Expressing “suspicion” over Ajit Pawar’s death, Sanjay Raut said the BJP had threatened the NCP chief with irrigation scam files after he expressed a desire for the merger, adding that the former Maharashtra Deputy CM “died mysteriously within 10 days”.

Sanjay Raut demanded an investigation into the plane crash incident.

“Questions will indeed be raised on the accident of Ajit Dada; questions should indeed be raised. The manner in which a leader like Ajit Pawar, a tall leader of Maharashtra, died in a plane crash and the facts which are coming to light – it should be investigated, I think there is something dubious here. These questions are being raised by Ajit Dada’s party. His death is suspicious,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Something did happen behind the curtains. Ajit Dada had said that he wants to ‘return home’, after that, the people of the BJP threatened him with Sinchan Scam files. Ajit Pawar then responded to them over the same Sinchan Scam files. He died mysteriously within 10 days of that. What do we understand from this? This reminds us of Justice Loya. Did someone do something here?” he added.

Ajit Pawar, 66, died on the morning of January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati airport in Pune district. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots.

Earlier, NCP leader Amol Mitkari had said that there were some suspicions about the circumstances of the death of party leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and demanded a high-level probe into the tragedy.

“A prominent leader of Maharashtra, Ajit Dada, is no longer with us… There were district council elections recently, and he was coming to Baramati for election campaigning… In his final moments, there was a sudden change of route, a sudden change of pilot… Not a single piece of paper was burned, but the bodies were burned. This raises some suspicions,” he said.

“I have requested the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ensure justice by ordering a CBI inquiry. He has given an assurance that a CBI inquiry will be conducted, and I myself will try to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah next week to ensure a high-level investigation,” he added.

However, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has urged people not to politicise the death of his nephew Ajit Pawar, saying that the plane crash was an accident.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation into the accident that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others.

Afterwards, Sunetra Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and widow of the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, took oath as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. (ANI)