Month: April 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Saturday alleged that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is “anti-women” and involved in “corruption and gundagardi.”

Maliwal formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, after joining the BJP, Maliwal said, “I joined the BJP not under any compulsion, but because I believe in the leadership of PM Modi. I urge all those who want to do constructive politics to join the BJP.”

Announcing her exit from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), she said she had been associated with Arvind Kejriwal since 2006 and supported him during various movements, but alleged that she was later subjected to “harassment and pressure” within the party.

Maliwal said she had worked with Kejriwal since 2006 and supported him during “every agitation.” However, she alleged that she was assaulted at her residence. She further claimed she was denied a chance to speak in Parliament for two years.

“I have left the AAP and joined the BJP. Since 2006, I have been working with Arvind Kejriwal and supported him during every agitation. However, Arvind Kejriwal had me beaten up by a goon in my own house. I was threatened when I raised my voice against it, and he put immense pressure on me to withdraw the FIR I lodged regarding this incident. I was denied any opportunity by the party to speak in Parliament for two years; this is very shameful. Arvind Kejriwal is anti-women,” she said

Targeting AAP’s governance in Punjab, she alleged the state government is being “remotely controlled” and called Punjab “their personal ATM.”

She added, “Now, they have entered Punjab, and the state government is being remotely controlled, turning Punjab into their personal ATM. Sand mining and drug usage are at a peak in Punjab. FIRs are registered against all those leaders who raise their voices against them. Arvind Kejriwal is known for corruption and ‘gundagardi’.”

Contrasting Kejriwal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maliwal praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him “the most popular leader in the world,” and credited him and Home Minister Amit Shah for key decisions such as women’s reservation and counter-terror operations.

“On the other hand, we have PM Modi, who is the most popular leader in the world. Be it during Operation Sindoor, when we killed enemies by entering their homes and ending Naxalism in the nation, or introducing the women’s reservation bill in Parliament, PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have taken historic decisions for the development of the nation. I joined the BJP not under any compulsion, but because I believe in the leadership of PM Modi. I urge all those who want to do constructive politics to join the BJP,” she added.

On Friday, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, after joining the Bhartiya Janata Party, criticised the AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying that he abandoned the principles, values, and resolve for honest politics within the party.

Taking it to X, Maliwal outlined her journey in Indian politics, highlighted involvement in the RTI movement and the Anna movement, before finally the Aam Aadmi Party was formed.

“In 2006, I left my job to choose the path of national service. Through the RTI movement, the Anna movement, the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party, and 8 years of dedicated work in the Delhi Women’s Commission, I contributed with complete honesty and devotion at every stage. With great sorrow today, I must say that the principles, values, and resolve for honest politics with which we began this journey have been abandoned by Arvind Kejriwal ji and, at his behest, the entire Aam Aadmi Party,” she said.

Furthermore, she reiterated the 2024 allegations that Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide assaulted her at his residence, alleging that Kejriwal protected the “goon.”

“At his residence, on his signal, I was brutally beaten and treated with utmost indecency. To protect his goon, he went to extreme lengths and rewarded him with high positions. Threats were made to ruin me, and every possible effort was made against me,” she said.

The remarks come after the trio of MPs–Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal–parted ways with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday and subsequently joined the BJP in the presence of party leadership, which welcomed their decision.

On Friday, while addressing a presser in the national capital, Chadha said that he, along with six AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, has informed the Chairman of the House, in accordance with the rules, of leaving the party. Now, the Aam Aadmi Party is also set to send a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman in this matter. He formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party’s Upper House members would merge with the BJP.

Meanwhile, the AAP has now begun working on a new strategy. Deliberations are ongoing among party leaders regarding the situation. Late last night, after returning from a visit to Gujarat, senior party leader Manish Sisodia met party convenor Arvind Kejriwal at his residence. (ANI)

Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday criticised Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha over parting ways from AAP and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that such political switching for personal interests is “not right” and not in line with constitutional values.

He emphasised that elected representatives must act within the spirit of the Constitution and avoid decisions driven by personal gain, stating the need to uphold democratic ethics.

Speaking to ANI here, Hazare said, “Leaving one party and joining another party is not right… Changing political parties for our selfish needs is not the right thing. This is not mentioned in our Constitution. Our Constitution is supreme. Our country functions based on the Constitution…”

Hazare was the primary figurehead and ideological mentor for the Aam Aadmi Party’s formation via his 2011 anti-corruption movement, though he later distanced himself from Arvind Kejriwal due to the move into mainstream politics.

Hazare’s remarks come amid political buzz after the trio of MPs–Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal–announced parting ways from the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday and joined the BJP later in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin, who later welcomed the decision.

While addressing a presser in the national capital, Chadha said that he, along with six AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, has informed the Chairman of the House, in accordance with the rules, of leaving the party. Now, the Aam Aadmi Party is also set to send a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman in this matter.

He formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party’s Upper House members would merge with the BJP.

Meanwhile, the AAP has now begun working on a new strategy. Deliberations are ongoing among party leaders regarding the situation. Late last night, after returning from a visit to Gujarat, senior party leader Manish Sisodia met party convenor Arvind Kejriwal at his residence.

Manish Sisodia was in Rajkot to campaign for the party in the Gujarat municipal elections. Party sources said, “After returning to Delhi late at night, Sisodia went straight from the airport to the residence of party convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The two leaders met for more than half an hour. During the meeting, they also discussed the possible impact of the split and what the future strategy should be.”

Party sources said, “The chief whip in the Upper House, ND Gupta, will submit a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman against Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.”

“Gupta’s letter will seek action as per the anti-defection law. These 3 leaders were seen in public joining the BJP. Rest four were not seen in the public domain, making that move. Hence, the chief whip will lodge the complaint against the three MPs seen in the BJP office,” a party source added. (ANI)

The Election Commission of India has suspended five police officers in West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour district and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them for serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality during the 2026 Assembly elections.

According to an official statement sent to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the Commission directed the immediate suspension of Sandip Garai, Additional SP, Diamond Harbour; Sajal Mondal, SDPO, Diamond Harbour; Mausam Chakraborty, Inspector-in-Charge, Diamond Harbour Police Station; Ajay Bag, Inspector-in-Charge, Falta Police Station; and Subhechha Bag, Officer-in-Charge, Usthi Police Station.

The Commission cited “serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality” as the grounds for action. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against all five officers.

The poll panel further issued a warning to Diamond Harbour SP Ishani Pal for alleged failure to ensure discipline and fairness among subordinate officers in sensitive election-related matters.

The Commission has directed that the action be implemented immediately and a compliance report be submitted by 11 AM on Saturday.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday stated that West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest-ever voter turnout since Independence as polling concluded at 6 pm.

“Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence – ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

Polling for the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

Several districts in West Bengal recorded over 90 per cent voter turnout. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%. The figures reflect consistently high voter participation across the state, with all major districts comfortably staying above the 90% mark.

Polling for the 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in West Bengal began amid tight security this morning. Polling in the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal is slated for May 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)

Former Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha on Saturday launched her new political party, Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS), nearly seven months after parting ways with the BRS.

Holding a launch event in Hyderabad, K Kavitha announced that her party will be called TRS. Interestingly, her father and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had also launched Telangana Rashtra Samithi- ‘TRS’, before renaming the party to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

Earlier today, Kavitha paid floral tributes to the people who died during the 1969 agitation for Telangana as a separate state, at the Amaraveerula Stupam in Gun Park in Hyderabad.

On Friday, Kavitha announced plans to launch a new regional political force in the state, asserting that it will focus on the “aspirations and unfinished agenda” of the state.

Speaking to ANI, Kavitha noted she and her supporters were “expelled” from the BRS and had not left the party voluntarily.

“The BRS party was made to fulfil the regional aspiration of Telangana, but they changed their name, work and the very soul of the party, which resulted in the breaking of their bond with the people. When a party gets distracted from its fundamental core issue, then it cannot survive. We need a regional party for the unfulfilled agenda and aspirations of Telangana, which will be our party,” she said.

Telangana Jagruthi chief added, “The BRS party, of which my father is the president, has expelled us. We haven’t left them, neither the family nor the party. We have been expelled. I don’t want to go into that. But I am a daughter of Telangana. I have the blood of Telangana, the grit of it. We are very stubborn, very committed to our goal. We have spent 20 years of our lives in the Telangana agitation. To develop Telangana, to fulfil its aspirations, whether we have our old party or not, whether our family is with us or not, I believe the people of Telangana are my family. The fragrance of Telangana’s soil will drive us.”

Kavitha’s exit from the BRS turned into an ugly turn of events after she was suspended from the party in September 2025 for alleged “anti-party activities.” Her suspension after her remarks against BRS leaders T Harish Rao and J Santosh Rao.

Following her suspension, she lashed out at Harish Rao and Santosh Rao, accusing them of “planning to destroy our family and party” in connivance with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. She also tendered her resignation as an MLC.

After her suspension from the party, Kavitha formed her NGO, Telangana Jagruthi. (ANI)

Tamil actor Akshaya Hariharan has claimed that someone else voted in her name during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, which took place on Thursday, April 23.

The actress shared a video on X, stating that she visited her polling booth in Adyar, Chennai, after checking her details online, as she had not received her voter slip. Akshaya said she had travelled from Velachery to cast her vote.

Describing the “shocking” experience, Akshaya alleged that she waited at the polling station for nearly an hour before officials informed her that her vote had already been cast. She further claimed that while the name and details matched hers, the photograph on record belonged to another woman.

“Hi, I am just here to say that someone else has already cast my vote. It is really shocking. I am from Velachery in Tamil Nadu, and I did not get my voter slip. Then the details were shared online that my booth was in Adyar, so I went there and waited for an hour. Then I was told that someone else had already cast my vote,” Akshaya said.

“There was another photo of a woman claiming to be a 24-year-old, and they had taken a fingerprint. My second name is Hariharan, so everything is correct on the paper, but only the photos are different. They should have checked beforehand. How can someone else cast my vote?” she added.

The actress further said she was later allowed to cast an alternative vote but expressed dissatisfaction with the process. She called it “really disappointing” that no one at the booth was able to answer her questions.

“Finally, after waiting for so long, I cast my tender ballot vote, or challenge vote, I am not really sure about the term. I do not find it appropriate because it was just a paper, and they did not even seal it in front of me. How can you let things like this happen in the first place? No one had answers to my questions,” she said.

“It is really disappointing that things like this are happening. A few lawyers have got in touch with me, so I took the alternative vote. What I did was the right thing, but I am going to raise a complaint with my nearest RO office,” she added.

Voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections was held on April 23. Several well-known names from the Tamil film industry, including Rajinikanth, Suriya and Kamal Haasan, were also seen at polling booths. (ANI)

Sneaker lovers and fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, there’s great news for you. The ‘Dhurandhar’ star has teamed up with Adidas Originals to launch India’s first co-created Superstar sneaker, inspired by the Royal Bengal Tiger and his bold personal style.

A bold black-and-white anchors the silhouette, elevated with tiger-inspired detailing across the signature three stripes, a bespoke ‘Ranveer Singh’ insignia, and jewel-like accents that introduce depth, texture and dramatic intensity.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ranveer in a press note shared, “The Superstar has always been a part of my journey. From my first pair in college to co-creating my own today, this feels like a full-circle moment. This design is an extension of who I am. The Royal Bengal tiger, my spirit animal, represents a raw, instinctive energy that felt natural to bring into the design. ‘Unleash the Original’ is something I deeply believe in, owning who you are. I am excited to share my take on this iconic silhouette with the community and be part of a legacy that continues to inspire originals around the world.”

The adidas Originals Ranveer Superstar is priced at Rs 11,999.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Ranveer is basking in the success of ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise directed by Aditya Dhar.

With the phenomenal performance of both instalments, the combined worldwide gross of the Dhurandhar duology recently surpassed the Rs 3000 crore mark, making it the first Indian film series ever to achieve this extraordinary feat. It is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar under the banner of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. (ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has since undergone treatment.

“I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God, it’s behind me,” Netanyahu posted on X.

“A year and a half ago, I underwent successful surgery for an enlarged benign prostate, and since then I have been under routine medical monitoring. In the last monitoring, a tiny spot of less than a centimeter was discovered in the prostate. Upon examination, it turned out to be a very early stage of a malignant tumor, with no spread or metastases whatsoever,” he added.

The Israeli PM said that his doctors gave him two options: not to treat it and monitor it, or remove the problem entirely. He chose to undergo treatment to annihilate the problem.

“When I’m given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. This is true on the national level and also on the personal level. That’s what I did. I underwent targeted treatment that removed the problem and left no trace of it. I went to a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The spot disappeared completely,” Netanyahu said.

“I wish to thank the doctors and the wonderful medical teams at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. From you, citizens of Israel, I have only one request: Take care of your health. Get checked, and follow the doctors’ instructions,” he added.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Israeli PMO released two letters from his doctors to accompany the statement shared on social media.

“This is an early detection of a very small lesions, with no metastases, as all other tests confirmed beyond any doubt,” one letter said.

While it was not revealed when the last check was, an Israeli source familiar with the matter told CNN that the cancer was diagnosed several months ago.

The source told CNN that Netanyahu began undergoing radiation therapy about two and a half months ago, and had recently completed the treatment.

As per CNN, the Israeli PM in July 2023 was fitted with a pacemaker after he was urgently admitted to the hospital because of what doctors said was a “transient heart block.” A week earlier, doctors said he had a “fainting episode,” though his office only said he had experienced dizziness. Since he was sedated for the operation to insert the pacemaker, he appointed a minister to temporarily take his place.

Later in March 2024, Netanyahu underwent surgery to treat a hernia. He had a similar surgery 11 years earlier, as reported by CNN. (ANI)

Popular Entertainment Network (Pen Studios), the film distribution media company, has announced an investment of Rs 100 crore in the upcoming Mohanlal starrer film ‘Drishyam 3’.

Drishyam 3 is one of the highly anticipated films of the entertainment industry, which stars Mohanlal in the lead role. It is directed by Jeethu Joseph.

Taking to their Instagram, Pen Studios shared their next venture in the entertainment industry by announcing an investment of Rs 100 crore in Ashirvad Cinemas through Panorama Studios for the film Drishyam 3 starring Mohanlal.

“Pen Studios to invest Rs 100 cr in Aashirvad Cinemas through Panorama Studios for the film

Drishyam 3 starring Mohanlal,” read the announcement.

While sharing the post, the media distribution company wrote, “Pen Studios backs one of India’s most iconic thrillers, Rs 100 Cr investment. Drishyam 3 in Cinemas 21st May.”

In September 2025, the makers commenced the film’s shooting and shared pictures from a puja ceremony. The inaugural function was marked by a traditional lamp-lighting and pooja.

Director Jeethu Joseph and producer Antony Perumbavoor joined Mohanlal at the event. In the snaps, Mohanlal was seen holding a clapperboard of the film, followed by the traditional lamp lighting and pooja with the cast and crew of the movie.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award-winning actor plays the character of Georgekutty in the ‘Drishyam’ franchise. The first instalment of the franchise was released in 2013.

The ‘Drishyam’ franchise follows the struggle of Georgekutty and his family, who come under suspicion when the son of the Inspector General (IG) of Police goes missing. (ANI)

Actor Sanjay Dutt has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, unveiling his first look from the much-awaited sequel to his iconic film ‘Khalnayak’, marking a dramatic return to one of his most celebrated on-screen avatars.

Unveiling a striking new look, the makers, on Friday, dropped the first look teaser of ‘Khalnayak Returns’.

In the clip, Dutt could be seen in a rugged, battle-worn avatar, exuding a dark intensity. With a hardened expression and a visibly aggressive aura, his character could be seen consumed by violence and chaos.

The teaser instantly struck a chord with fans, reminding many of his unforgettable portrayal in the 1993 blockbuster, generating excitement across social media.

“Kuch kahaani khatam nahi hoti… woh dobara shuru hoti hai. ‘Khalnayak Returns,” Dutt wrote alongside the teaser.

The teaser was unveiled in a grand event in Mumbai. The makers also dropped the film’s posters, giving a closer look at Dutt’s character. “Har kahaani ka ek waqt hota hai…aur uska waqt aa gaya hai. Khalnayak Returns,” the caption read.

While Sanjay Dutt features in the lead role, further details around the remaining cast and the plot are yet to be unveiled. ‘Khalnayak Returns’ is made in association with Jio Studios, Aspect Entertainment, and Three Dimension Motion Pictures.

Aspect Production, the entertainment arm of Aspect Global Ventures, has officially acquired the production rights for ‘Khalnayak Returns’ and roped in Jio Studios and Jyoti Deshpande to creatively helm it.

Talking about this collaboration, Sanjay Dutt said, “Khal Nayak is a film that is close to my heart, and even today it’s remembered with fondness. It’s been a long-cherished dream of mine to be able to revive this film, and hence we have legally acquired the rights for it. I want to thank Subhashji and the team of Mukta Arts for entrusting us with this legacy. With Jyoti on board and Jio Studios presenting the film and partners like my dear sister Aksha, we are looking forward to creating something truly special for both longtime fans and a new generation,” as per a press release.

Jyoti Deshpande, President of Jio Studios President also chimed in, hailing Dutt’s performance in the ‘Dhurandhar’ films.

“Khal Nayak stood out as an era-defining film just as the Dhurandhar duology has done today. It truly redefined mainstream storytelling in its time, driven by an unconventional narrative, unforgettable dialogues and characters, and a truly memorable performance by Sanjay Dutt as Ballu. At Jio Studios, we are delighted to present this collaboration with Sanjay and Aksha as we look to reintroduce this iconic character back to the big screen for a new generation, while rekindling the nostalgia that still surrounds it for those who experienced it in the 90s,” she said.

First released in 1993 and directed by Subhash Ghai, ‘Khal Nayak’ secured its place as a landmark film in Bollywood history. Celebrated for its gripping narrative, chart-topping music, and memorable performances by Bollywood superstars Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit, the film emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes of its time and continues to enjoy enduring popularity. (ANI)

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh on Friday announced that he will formally move to disqualify three of Rajya Sabha members — Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak — following their move to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His assertion comes after Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal, decided to break away from the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

In an X post, Sanjay Singh said that the party would be approaching the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha to invoke the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which details provisions of disqualification on the grounds of defection.

“I will submit a letter to the Hon’ble Rajya Sabha Chairman, in which a demand will be made to declare Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak disqualified from Rajya Sabha membership for joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as this is tantamount to voluntarily relinquishing membership of their original party under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal joined the BJP after severing ties with the AAP. The MPs formally joined the BJP in the presence of party president Nitin Nabin at its headquarters in Delhi.

Chadha said that the decision to merge stems from AAP “moving away from its core ideology” and alleged that it is now working for “personal benefits”.

“The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits. For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to the public,” he said.

In response, the MPs have been labelled “traitors of Punjab” by the AAP’s top brass, with Sanjay Singh, stating, “Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have begun their ‘Operation Lotus’ to stop the good work of Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann Government. 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are joining the BJP. The people of Punjab should remember these 7 names. These ‘traitors’ of Punjab would never be forgiven by the people.”

AAP leader Manish Sisodia also branded them “traitors” who have bartered the “blood and sweat” of Punjab’s workers for personal gain.

In an X post, Sisodia claimed that while thousands of AAP workers were enduring “threats” from the BJP, to strengthen the party’s ideology, these members “struck a deal” out of fear and greed.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal expressed his disappointment in an X post, saying, “BJP ne fir se Punjabio ke sath kia dhakka’ (The BJP has once again given Punjabis a shove).”

The merger move came days after AAP removed Chadha as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.

Following the decision, several party leaders had attacked Chadha and accused him of being soft towards the BJP.

Chadha had hit back at the allegations, calling it a “coordinated attack” and denying claims that he refused to walk out of Parliament or sign an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. (ANI)