Wednesday, July 1

Politics

PM Modi in Bengal: Assures Right to Stay for Matua and Namashudra Communities, Signals BJP’s Electoral Strategy in Malda
Politics, State, West Bengal

PM Modi in Bengal: Assures Right to Stay for Matua and Namashudra Communities, Signals BJP’s Electoral Strategy in Malda

Kolkata/Malda, January 17, 2026: Amid ongoing religious violence in neighboring Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to West Bengal assured refugees coming to India on account of religious persecution that they would receive full protection. Addressing a public rally in Malda, PM Modi emphasized that communities such as Matua and Namashudra, who fled neighboring countries due to communal violence, need not fear and have the constitutional right to reside in India. Drawing a parallel with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), PM Modi said, “Through CAA, we have provided complete protection to refugees. This is my guarantee.” Political and Electoral Significance At the Malda event, PM Modi inaugurated the Made-in-India Vande Bharat sleeper trains while taking a s...
Manikarnika Ghat Controversy: CM Yogi Hits Back at Congress, Claims AI Video Spreads Misinformation
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

Manikarnika Ghat Controversy: CM Yogi Hits Back at Congress, Claims AI Video Spreads Misinformation

Varanasi, January 17, 2026: Amidst the ongoing development work and related controversy at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday to address the issue. Speaking at a press briefing in Varanasi, CM Yogi explained the purpose and necessity of the ongoing project while also questioning the intentions of the Congress party. He accused the opposition of spreading misinformation using AI-generated videos claiming that a temple at Manikarnika Ghat had been demolished. “The Congress has always been opposed to Sanatan Dharma, and their actions in this case are no different. They are creating a false narrative by circulating AI-generated videos on social media,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized that the temple mentioned in the...
Shocking Statement by MP Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya on Rape Sparks Outrage
Madhya Pradesh, Politics, State

Shocking Statement by MP Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya on Rape Sparks Outrage

Datia, Madhya Pradesh, January 17, 2026: Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya from Bhind has once again stirred political controversy in Madhya Pradesh with a highly disturbing statement linking rape to caste and religion. Baraiya claimed that women from Dalit, Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities are targeted because committing rape against them is considered “meritorious” according to certain ancient texts. The Controversial RemarksIn a media interview, Baraiya, who himself comes from the Dalit community and is a father of two daughters, made the shocking claims. He stated, “In India, the majority of rape victims belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities. Some ancient scriptures suggest that raping women from these communities brings spiritual merit, equivalent t...
Kangana Ranaut Reacts to BMC Election Results, Targets Thackeray Family
Nation, Politics

Kangana Ranaut Reacts to BMC Election Results, Targets Thackeray Family

Celebrating the BJP’s sweeping victory in the Maharashtra civic elections, Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut expressed her delight and took a dig at the Thackeray family for losing control after 28 years. Kangana References Bulldozer Action on Her Home Speaking to NDTV, Kangana recalled the incident in 2020 when her Bandra West bungalow was demolished by the BMC during the Shiv Sena government under Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. She highlighted that the Bombay High Court had ruled the BMC action as malicious, stating that it completely disregarded her rights. Reflecting on the recent election results, she said, “Those who insulted me, demolished my home, and threatened me to leave Maharashtra have now been rejected by the people of Maharashtra.” Praise for BJP’s Win The ac...
BJP Leader Amit Malviya Slams Mamata Banerjee for Allegedly Humiliating Gold Medalist Athlete
Nation, Politics

BJP Leader Amit Malviya Slams Mamata Banerjee for Allegedly Humiliating Gold Medalist Athlete

Ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, political tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP are intensifying. BJP leader Amit Malviya has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of publicly humiliating India’s gold medal-winning athlete Swapna Barman during a recent event. The Allegation Malviya claimed that Banerjee removed a ceremonial scarf (uttariya) already presented to Barman by Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb and placed it around Barman’s neck herself, which he described as “unjust and humiliating.” He added, “Swapna Barman is a champion who has brought pride to the nation. She deserves respect and dignity, not such a public display of insult. One cannot ignore the question—was this mistreatment because she belongs to the Rajbanshi community?” Bengal BJP Questions...
Sanjay Raut on Mumbai BMC Election Results: “Only 4-Member Majority for BJP, Will Not Let Mumbai Fall into Adani’s Pocket”
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Sanjay Raut on Mumbai BMC Election Results: “Only 4-Member Majority for BJP, Will Not Let Mumbai Fall into Adani’s Pocket”

Mumbai: Following the results of the Mumbai BMC elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut reacted to the defeat of the Shivshakti alliance of Shiv Sena UBT and MNS. Speaking on Saturday, Raut said that several seats were lost by very narrow margins. “If 12-13 of these close contests had gone in our favor, the picture you see in Mumbai today would have been entirely different,” he remarked. Raut highlighted that even after the results, the BJP-Shinde faction holds only a four-member majority in the BMC. He emphasized that the opposition remains a significant force in the municipal body. “We will not allow Mumbai to fall into Adani’s pocket or let contractors take over. Over 100 of our corporators will block any such moves at every step,” he added. Comments on Internal BetrayalRaut...
BJP Breaks the Spell of Thackeray and Pawar Brands in Maharashtra Civic Polls
Maharashtra, Politics, State

BJP Breaks the Spell of Thackeray and Pawar Brands in Maharashtra Civic Polls

Mumbai, January 17, 2026: Maharashtra’s civic and BMC elections have signaled a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, breaking the long-standing dominance of political families like the Thackerays and Pawars. Historically, parties in the state relied heavily on the personal clout of leaders such as Bal Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Ajit Pawar, whose names alone guaranteed electoral success in different regions. However, the latest results reveal that BJP’s strategic campaigns have significantly weakened this traditional political advantage. Thackeray Brand Loses Its ShineThe Thackeray family, which had controlled the BMC for 25 years through a strong network strategy, faced a historic setback. Despite efforts by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena’s trad...
Navneet Rana Reigns in Amravati, Makes Husband Ravi Rana the ‘Kingmaker’ for BJP Victory
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Navneet Rana Reigns in Amravati, Makes Husband Ravi Rana the ‘Kingmaker’ for BJP Victory

Amravati, January 17, 2026: While the nation celebrates BJP’s sweeping victory in Mumbai, it is Navneet Rana—who left her husband’s party in 2024 to join BJP—who has made headlines in Amravati. Despite losing the 2024 Lok Sabha election herself, she successfully turned the tide for BJP in the Amravati Municipal Corporation elections and elevated her husband Ravi Rana to the position of ‘kingmaker’. In the Amravati Lok Sabha constituency, Congress candidate Balwant Wankhede had defeated Navneet Rana. Yet, with her characteristic bold style, Navneet took charge of BJP’s campaign in the city. Her efforts paid off handsomely, with BJP emerging as the single largest party, winning 25 of the 87 seats. Ravi Rana’s party, meanwhile, secured 10 seats, cementing his influence in local politics. ...
“Even Jeevika Didis Have Their Stalls Here”: Nitish Kumar Delighted on Arrival in Motihari
Bihar, Politics, State

“Even Jeevika Didis Have Their Stalls Here”: Nitish Kumar Delighted on Arrival in Motihari

Patna/Motihari: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on the second day of his Samriddhi Yatra, reached Motihari where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development projects. During the visit, he also inspected an exhibition showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship, and livelihood initiatives, with special attention to stalls run by Jeevika Didis (women associated with the Jeevika self-help group programme). After completing the official inaugurations, the Chief Minister moved towards the exhibition area, beginning his tour with a stall displaying indigenous drone technology. As he walked through the exhibition, he reached the stalls set up by Jeevika Didis, which visibly pleased him. “Even Jeevika Didis have their stalls here,” Nitish Kumar remarked with appreciation, drawing...
UP SIR: Objections Invited on Draft Voter List, BLOs to Be Present at Polling Booths; Special Dates Announced
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

UP SIR: Objections Invited on Draft Voter List, BLOs to Be Present at Polling Booths; Special Dates Announced

Lucknow: The process of claims and objections on the draft electoral rolls published under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway. To facilitate voters, a special statewide drive is being conducted on Sunday, during which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be present at all polling stations to address voters’ concerns and receive objections. Under the initiative, BLOs will read out the draft voter list at polling booths and assist electors in verifying their details. Voters who find discrepancies or have doubts regarding inclusion, deletion, correction, or transfer of names can submit their objections on the spot. Adequate numbers of required forms have been made available at polling stations for public convenience. Badaun District Magistrate and Di...