Free LPG cylinders, AC electric buses: UP Cabinet approves more than 30 proposals

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Friday approved a number of proposals, including continuation of the scheme to provide two free LPG cylinders in a year, facilitating the operation of 1,725 air-conditioned electric buses, launching of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Skill Training and Employment Zone development scheme, and providing three sarees every year to the state's Anganwadi workers and helpers. Around 39 proposals were approved during the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The UP Cabinet approved a proposal to continue the scheme of providing one free LPG cylinder refill each on Diwali and Holi to the eligible beneficiaries of 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana' in the financial year 2026-27. In all, the eligible beneficiaries will receive two free cylinder refills during the financial year. The state government will spend Rs 2,142.78 crore on this initiative. The first free refill will be provided between October and December 2026 (coinciding with Diwali), and the second between January and March 2027 (coinciding with Holi). According to the eligibility criteria set by the government, the benefits of the scheme will be available only to those Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries whose bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar and who have completed their Aadhaar authentication. The Yogi Adityanath government will also facilitate the operation of 1,725 air-conditioned electric buses. These electric buses will operate in Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Firozabad, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura-Vrindavan, Meerut, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Shahjahanpur, Saharanpur, Varanasi, and Noida (including Jewar). As per the Cabinet's decision, the operation of all 1,725 AC electric buses will be handled by private operators through a 12-year contract, commencing from the date of commercial operations. The UP cabinet has also approved the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Skill Training and Employment Zone (SVPSTPZ) development scheme during its meeting on Friday. The scheme aims to develop Uttar Pradesh into an ultimate sourcing hub for skilled manpower and a global manpower hub. Under this initiative, an integrated system for skill training and employment will be developed across nine zones, covering all 75 districts of the state. According to the government, this will help train youth in accordance with the industry demands and connect them with employment opportunities available both domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, a proposal to rename the state's Bhadohi district to 'Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi' was also approved. During the tenure of the previous Samajwadi Party government, the name 'Sant Ravidas' was dropped, with the district being known as Bhadohi. Now, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to reincorporate the name of 'Sant Ravidas' while simultaneously preserving Bhadohi's historical identity. Further, the UP government has decided to provide three sarees every year to the state's Anganwadi workers and helpers. Currently, workers and helpers receive two sarees a year. The new arrangement is scheduled to benefit 3,80,290 workers and helpers across the state. Moreover, Chief Minister Yogi announced during a press conference after the meeting that the UP Cabinet has passed a proposal to rename Noida International Airport as Narendra Modi International Airport.

UP Politics Heats Up as OP Rajbhar Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav on Ayodhya Visits

OP Rajbhar targets Akhilesh Yadav over his absence in Ayodhya, while discussing the political climate in Uttar Pradesh. UP Politics Heats Up as OP Rajbhar Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav on Ayodhya Visits

CM Adityanath announces renaming of Noida airport as Narendra Modi International Airport

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, on Friday announced the renaming of the Noida International Airport in Jewar to Narendra Modi International Airport, following a resolution passed by his Cabinet to mark PM Modi's 25 years in public service. During a meeting on Friday, the Cabinet approved a total of 39 proposals. While announcing the decision after the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's 25-year tenure of public service as pivotal to the development of both the nation and the state. Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said: It is a moment of immense pride for the UP Cabinet as it is from the land of UP (Varanasi) that PM Modi was elected as MP. He noted that the Prime Minister shares a deep, personal bond with UP, and under his leadership, the state is scaling new heights of development. Leaders from alliance partners, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, were present alongside the Chief Minister. CM Adityanath added that the Prime Minister has made service, dedication, and nation-building his mission, and that India's global stature has strengthened under his leadership. Linking the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to the end of a 500-year wait, the Chief Minister cited the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the repatriation and installation of the idol of Goddess Annapurna from abroad as significant examples of the Prime Minister's efforts. He observed that while the state lacked basic infrastructure prior to 2017, connectivity has now improved significantly through projects such as expressways, highways, the Metro, and the Regional Rapid Transit System. The UP Cabinet is grateful to PM Modi for gifting Noida International Airport to the state, which is UP's biggest airport and is going to become the country's biggest aviation hub in the future, CM Adityanath said. Therefore, the Cabinet has passed the resolution to rename the airport as Narendra Modi International airport, Jewar, Noida, he added. The development of Jewar Airport is expected to boost UP's air connectivity and economic activity. PM Modi had inaugurated the first phase of the airport in March this year. Its initial annual passenger capacity is estimated at approximately 12 million. Upon the completion of all four phases, it is scheduled to rank among Asia's largest airports. Highlighting industrial development in the state, CM Adityanath noted that projects such as the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit and the PM MITRA Textile Park in Lucknow will generate new opportunities for investment and employment. Uttar Pradesh is also strengthening its position as a logistics hub through improved road and air connectivity, he mentioned. Meanwhile, Energy and Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma announced that 1,725 new electric buses would be deployed across 18 municipal corporation areas to enhance the urban transport system. Under the established procurement policy, 50 per cent of the buses will be purchased from the company quoting the lowest rate in the tender, while the remaining buses will be sourced from companies manufacturing buses within Uttar Pradesh. Further, the UP CM highlighted schemes implemented for the poor, farmers, women, and marginalised sections of society. He stated that over 65 lakh houses have been provided under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', and free food grains are being distributed to 3.67 crore ration cardholders. He asserted that the UP Cabinet reaffirms its commitment to work towards realising the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' 2027.

BJP Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav for Alleged Political Opportunism in Ayodhya Visit

BJP leaders have attacked Akhilesh Yadav for not visiting the Ram Temple during his Ayodhya trip, accusing him of political opportunism. BJP Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav for Alleged Political Opportunism in Ayodhya Visit

'He engages only in appeasement politics': BJP leaders target Akhilesh Yadav over Ayodhya visit

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, on Friday accused Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav of engaging in appeasement politics after he visited Ayodhya but did not go to the Ram Temple, with other BJP leaders also criticising the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister over the issue. Speaking to IANS, Pathak claimed, They engage only in appeasement politics. Even if they disguise themselves and enter the Sanatan culture wearing yellow clothes and applying a tilak, all they care about is appeasement and the Muslim vote bank. Samajwadi Party leaders never truly accept Sanatan culture. Ask them to answer for the massacre of the kar sevaks. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also criticised Akhilesh Yadav for not visiting the Ram Temple during his Ayodhya trip, alleging that the SP chief was concerned about retaining minority votes ahead of the upcoming elections in the state. BJP MLA Rajani Tiwari also took a swipe at the SP chief, saying that he could not have darshan of the deity without divine blessings. Unless they receive Lord Ram's blessings, they will not be able to have His darshan. Lord Ram's blessings are not upon them, which is why they are not gaining wisdom or receiving the opportunity to have His darshan, Tiwari said. UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also questioned Akhilesh Yadav's decision to stay away from the Ram Temple during his visit to Ayodhya. He referred to the SP chief's photograph while accepting prasad and contrasted it with his alleged comfort during visits to religious figures from other communities. Then why didnt he go for darshan? I have seen his photograph; he appeared worried while accepting prasad, unsure whether to eat it or not. But when he visits a maulanas place, he happily eats naan and roti. Here, he is sitting and worrying about whether he will get a chair or not, Rajbhar claimed. Akhilesh Yadav visited Ayodhya on Thursday to attend a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at the residence of former minister Tej Narayan Pandey, also known as Pawan Pandey, which was 12 kms away from the Ram Temple. However, he did not visit the Ram Temple during his trip. During the visit, the SP chief emphasised equality and social justice, stating that discrimination should have no place in society. The feeling of belonging should be paramount, and compassion should be the first condition of governance, Akhilesh Yadav said.

Yogi Adityanath Challenged to Contest from Ayodhya: Sapa Leader Ravidas Mehrotra

Sapa leader Ravidas Mehrotra challenges CM Yogi Adityanath to contest from Ayodhya, claiming his bail would be forfeited. Yogi Adityanath Challenged to Contest from Ayodhya: Sapa Leader Ravidas Mehrotra

Ayodhya student to take Dharma-Yuddha research to Oxford

'Contest UP polls from Ayodhya': Akhilesh Yadav dares CM Yogi Adityanath

Akhilesh Yadav has urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to contest the upcoming assembly elections from Ayodhya. He indicated plans to visit the Ram temple alongside SP leaders after visiting Kedareshwar Dham in Etawah. Yadav also noted that the BJP has been conducting surveys for the Ayodhya seat, claiming they are struggling to find a candidate to challenge him. This statement responds to BJP allegations about his temple visitations.

Akhilesh Yadav Challenges Yogi Adityanath to Contest from Ayodhya

Akhilesh Yadav dares Yogi Adityanath to run for elections from Ayodhya, citing BJPs struggles in the region ahead of 2024 polls. Akhilesh Yadav Challenges Yogi Adityanath to Contest from Ayodhya

Ayodhya Garjan beat Garvi Gujjus 2-1; Bengaluru Smashers win 3-0

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Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya to listen to Bhagwat Katha: SP leaders

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 8 (IANS) Ahead of Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadavs, visit to Ayodhya to listen to the Bhagwat Katha at SP leader Pawan Pandey's residence on Thursday, the Samajwadi Party (SP) said Yadav was going there for a personal, spiritual trip, and that they would welcome him there. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is arriving today to participate in the ongoing Bhagwat Katha programme. On behalf of the respected people of the constituency, I extend my greetings and welcome him, said, SP MP Awadhesh Prasad. Speaking to IANS on the matter, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said, Akhilesh Yadav is going to Ayodhya on a personal, spiritual trip. He is also going to Pawan Pandey's residence to listen to Bhagwat Katha. If Lord Ram calls, he will go to Ram Mandir too. If he is going there, then why is it affecting the Bharatiya Janata Party ecosystem? It is affecting them because they have used Lord Rams name for political gains. They have stolen the Ram Mandir donation, and that is why they are scared. SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is going to Ayodhya as part of a pre-planned schedule. He is going there because he was invited. He will also meet the party workers present there. All the protocols have been met. He will also encourage the local leaders of the party. It is part of the Samajwadi Partys election campaign strategy. Tej Narayan Pandey said, The Shrimat Bhagwat Katha has been organised from October 2 to 8 and people from all sects are coming to listen to the Katha. He added, Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav will be visiting today. He will listen to the religious discourse, seek blessings from the Vyas Peeth, and also interact with the revered people of the area. According to reports, the SP chief will be part of the Bhagwat Katha which will be held in Krishnapur Khanpur Rasulabad village, approximately 12 kilometers from Ayodhya Dham. Akhilesh Yadav's visit is scheduled to last about one hour and 20 minutes and he will spend around 40 minutes at the venue. A helipad has been constructed near the event venue and the former UP Chief Minister will depart for Lucknow after attending the Katha. He is not likely to offer prayers or visit the Ram Mandir.

Akhilesh Yadav Visits Ayodhya Amid Political Tensions

Akhilesh Yadav is set to visit Ayodhya for a religious event, sparking political reactions from various parties. Akhilesh Yadav Visits Ayodhya Amid Political Tensions

Digvijay Singh to Launch Saty Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya on October 20

Digvijay Singh announces a 930-kilometer pilgrimage promoting Sanatan Dharma values, starting from Ujjain to Ayodhya on October 20. Digvijay Singh to Launch Saty Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya on October 20

'His greatest strength, to consider entire nation his family': Swami Chidanand Saraswati hails PM Modi's 25-year journey

Digital Desk | Rishikesh, Oct 7 (IANS) Swami Chidanand Saraswati on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey in public life, saying his biggest strength was his ability to regard the entire nation as his family and that his tenure had given fresh impetus to the ideals of service, good governance and nation-building. Welcoming the Seva Jyoti Yatra, Swami Saraswati said the Prime Minister's 25-year public journey would find a place in history, adding that while many leaders are mentioned in history books, some etch their own history, with PM Modi being one such leader. He added that PM Modi's public life began in Gujarat with the objective of building a developed India, but that his vision had since expanded to include global peace and the welfare of humanity. According to Swami Saraswati, PM Modi's decisions, goals and achievements had been driven by what he described as the national interest and the welfare of the country. He said the Prime Minister had combined intelligence with patience while motivating Indians to believe that they could achieve ambitious goals and that India could lead the world. The world today observes India through India's perspective, he said, highlighting what he described as major milestones of the past 25 years -- from development and heritage to chips and ships, Surya Namaskar and Chandrayaan, science and spirituality, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath, and the Kedarnath Corridor and Mahakal Corridor. Swami Saraswati also cited several decisions and initiatives during PM Modi's tenure, including Demonetisation, surgical strikes, the Balakot air strikes, abrogation of Article 370, the law against triple talaq, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Digital India, UPI, the G20 presidency, efforts to strengthen the Global South, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said that PM Modi had faced criticism and negative narratives during his political journey but had nevertheless influenced India's direction and destiny. Swami Saraswati said the Prime Minister had encouraged Indians to believe that the country could not only determine its own path but also contribute to shaping the path of the wider world. He also praised PM Modi for respecting political figures across ideological divides, citing the Bharat Ratna conferred upon former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao as an example of his understanding and depth.

MP: Digvijaya Singh to begin 930-km yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya on Oct 20

Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 7 (IANS) Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh will begin a nearly 930-km 'Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra' from Ujjain to Ayodhya on October 20, carrying the Tricolour and a five-colour Dharma flag under the motto Yato Dharmastato Jayah (where there is dharma, there is victory). Singh announced the yatra's plan and objectives at a press conference in Bhopal on Wednesday. He said it would begin on October 20, Vijayadashami, from the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and culminate at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The yatra will pass through Shajapur, Sarangpur, Rajgarh, Chachauda, Aron, Ashoknagar, Chanderi and Orchha, then enter Uttar Pradesh and proceed through Orai, Kalpi, Kanpur Dehat, Lucknow Dehat and Barabanki to Ayodhya. The journey will link Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Ramraja Sarkar Temple in Orchha and Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Explaining the significance of the yatra, Singh said the Dharma flag would represent the values he associates with Sanatan Dharma, while the Tricolour would reflect the country's unity. Singh said Sanatan Dharma is not merely a mode of worship or a religious ritual. He added that the core of Sanatan Dharma is truth, justice, good conduct, compassion, sacrifice and walking on the path of dharma. He said the yatra would be peaceful and would not oppose any religion, sect or individual. He said the purpose was to spread awareness of Sanatan Dharma values and raise issues about protecting devotees' faith and religious donations. The yatra will also raise questions about the management of major Hindu religious institutions. At Ujjain, Singh said he would raise issues related to the Mahakal Lok project, including the quality of statues and alleged irregularities in land-related matters. At Orchha, he said questions would be raised about temple accounts, properties, jewellery and the utilisation of donations. In Ayodhya, he said he would seek transparency in donations, offerings, land transactions and expenditure related to the Ram temple. Singh said donations in the name of Ram should be used only for Ram's work, and wealth in the name of Mahakal should be used only for Mahakal's work. He added that both the faith of the devotee and the devotee's donation should be protected and described this as Sanatan Swabhiman. Singh also announced a digital petition and missed-call campaign on Chanda Chori and Vote Chori, along with demands for an independent probe into alleged irregularities and electoral reforms. Singh said the yatra would retain its religious and social character and would use the Tricolour and Dharma flag throughout the journey.

Ramayana: Arun Govil unveiled as King Dashrath in new poster; actor who immortalised Lord Ram returns as his father

The makers of Ramayana have unveiled a new solo poster featuring Arun Govil as King Dashrath, giving audiences a first look at the actor in his role in Nitesh Tiwaris upcoming two-part epic. The casting holds particular significance as Govil remains closely associated with his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in the television adaptation of Ramayan. In the newly released poster, Arun Govil appears in the regal avatar of King Dashrath, the King of Ayodhya and father of Lord Rama. The reveal marks a notable transition for the actor, who is now stepping into the role of the father of the character he famously portrayed for generations of Indian audiences. The makers shared the poster on social media with the caption: He once brought Ram to life for a generation. Now, he returns to the world of Ramayana as the King of Ayodhya. Arun Govil as King Dashrath. Govils association with the Ramayana universe dates back to his celebrated portrayal of Lord Ram, a role that became an enduring part of his career and public identity. His casting as Dashrath brings that familiarity with the epic into a different character, with the actor now set to portray one of the central figures in Ramas family story. The poster showcases Govil in an elaborate royal look, reflecting the stature of Dashrath as the ruler of Ayodhya. While audiences have traditionally associated the actor with the image of Lord Ram, his appearance as Dashrath offers a different interpretation of his connection to the epic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The World Of Ramayana (@worldoframayana) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Rocking Star Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Arun Govils casting as King Dashrath adds another familiar face to the films expansive ensemble. The film is being envisioned as a two-part epic and is produced by Namit Malhotras Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yashs Monster Mind Creations. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, while Part 2 is slated for Diwali 2027. The film is set to release across India in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. It will also be presented in IMAX. Sony Pictures will handle the films global distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market. With the latest poster, the makers have now offered audiences another glimpse into the casting of Ramayana, particularly Arun Govils transformation from the iconic Lord Ram of Indian television to King Dashrath in the upcoming cinematic adaptation. Also Read: This is our Rama: BTS | Namit Malhotras Ramayana | Nitesh Tiwari | Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Arun Govil, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey

Ramayana character posters: Arun Govil rules Ayodhya as King Dashrath

Ramayana character posters: Arun Govil rules Ayodhya as King Dashrath

Moonlit Infra Eyes Ayodhya Expansion with Focus on Infrastructure-Led Real Estate Growth

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 6: Moonlit Infra Founder Monu Chauhan recently met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow to discuss Ayodhyas evolving development landscape, key infrastructure priorities

Apply Now: 107 ECCE Educator Positions Open in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department has announced the recruitment of 107 ECCE Educators in Ayodhya. Eligible candidates can apply online from October 5 to October 13, 2026. This recruitment is open to those with a Diploma in Preschool Education or equivalent qualifications. The application process is free of charge, and candidates will be shortlisted based on merit. For more details on eligibility, age limits, and the selection process, read the full article.

ECI not working under Constitution, says Akhilesh Yadav on INDIA bloc protest

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was not functioning impartially and was not working in accordance with the Constitution. Speaking to reporters ahead of the INDIA blocs protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Yadav said that complaints and objections regarding the Election Commission and its functioning were not new. This is not a new issue when it comes to the Election Commission. Complaints and objections regarding the Election Commission and the way it is functioning are not being raised for the first time. The Election Commission wants to believe that only those who are members of the Bharatiya Janata Party are Indian citizens. The Election Commission also seems to believe, as has been seen several times, that only those who are BJP members can vote, he said. Yadav alleged that the BJP had benefited from money and the misuse of forces during elections, while also accusing the poll body of failing to remain neutral. People used to say about the BJP that it works like an election machine. They did not win with the help of the ECI alone; they have a lot of money. You have seen how, with the help of forces, they looted booths in West Bengal. Not just Bengal, they looted booths in Uttar Pradesh. They looted the polls in Kundarki, Ambedkar Nagar and Ayodhya. So, the ECI is not unbiased. The ECI is not working under the Constitution, he said. He further questioned the alleged proximity between the BJP and the Election Commission and raised questions over the BJPs office in the national capital. Sometimes, I hear that in Delhi, the BJP has made a big office in the national capital. What was the need for that? They could have taken a floor in the ECI building and worked from there. What was the need for that? Tell us whether the ECI has worked on these problems or taken any action, Yadav said. On the proposal for One Nation, One Election, Yadav alleged that the BJP wanted to consolidate all electoral processes at one time to avoid scrutiny. Not One Nation, One Election; they want to do all the malfunctioning at one time so that they can rule for five years, and there is no need for any probe. That is why they are working on the theory of One Nation, One Election, he added. Meanwhile, Opposition INDIA bloc MPs on Tuesday will stage a protest march from Parliament to the ECI headquarters in New Delhi over allegations of vote theft linked to the SIR of electoral rolls. The protest comes amid a series of nationwide campaigns targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The call for the protest was issued following a meeting of 19 Opposition parties on September 30.

Akhilesh's Ayodhya Visit Sparks Political Row, BJP Questions Poll-Time Outreach

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is set to visit Ayodhya on October 8 to attend the concluding session of a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. The visit has triggered a political face-off, with the BJP alleging vote-bank politics and questioning whether the SP chief will also visit the Ram Temple during his trip.

Always defame Hindus: BJP hits out at Congress on distorting Sanatan Dharma

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Monday hit out at senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, accusing him of repeatedly attempting to defame Hinduism and questioning Singh's remarks on Sanatan Dharma. Kadam's remarks came after Singh accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of distorting Sanatan Dharma and dividing the country along religious lines through the promotion of Hindutva. Singh's comments drew a sharp reaction from the BJP. The discourse in this country has shifted to constantly harping on Hinduism, driven by the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad promoting 'Hindutva', a term coined by Savarkar. Because of this, rifts have been created across the country between Hindus and Muslims, between Hindus and Sikhs, and between Hindus and Christians. India belongs to everyone. Unity in diversity is our strength, Singh said in a video posted on X. The 79-year-old Congress leader is set to undertake a 'Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra', a foot march from Ujjain to Ayodhya to protest what he described as the alleged exploitation of religion. He also claimed that the word Hindu does not appear in religious scriptures. Today, no one speaks of the Hindu religion; people speak of Sanatan Dharma. The word Hindu does not appear anywhere in our scriptures, be it the Vedas, Upanishads or Puranas. This is the Sanatan Dharma that the VHP and the RSS are distorting, Singh had said. Reacting to the remarks, Kadam told IANS, This is the same Digvijaya Singh who has always tried to defame Hindus. He linked our sacred saffron colour with terrorism. Kadam also turned to the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. When Ram Lalla's consecration ceremony was held in Ayodhya, and the idol was installed, he raised questions about the appearance of the idol. Congress leaders had such cruel and anti-Hindu views that the Ram Temple should not be built in Ayodhya, that the verdict should not come in favour of Hindus, and if it did, it should come late, he alleged. They still hold such views, and that is why they appointed their lawyers in the country's highest judiciary, Kadam added. The BJP MLA then reacted to the joint protest march led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on Sunday. The protest targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Kadam questioned the nature of the protest and said, Was the Thackeray brothers' protest a protest or a fancy dress competition? Someone came dressed as Gabbar Singh, someone as the Election Commissioner, and many other impersonators. Perhaps it was a competition to see who could tell the most lies on stage. The leaders were telling lies one after another. A year ago, to be precise, 11 months ago, in November 2025, these same people took to the streets and protested, demanding the removal of names that appeared twice or thrice on the voter list and the names of fake voters, he said. Whose demand was this? It was the demand of those who launched the protest, and the Election Commission is currently carrying out the same work. Have they forgotten their own demands? Kadam asked. He also criticised the opposition leaders over their objections to electronic voting machines (EVMs). The EVMs they were talking about were introduced during the Congress regime. Even Congress members were speaking out against them, which is amazing. Uddhav Thackeray has been winning municipal elections for the past 30 years using these same EVMs, Kadam told IANS. Turning to the ongoing protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants in Pune, Kadam said the state government stood with the students and had accepted their demands. We stand with the MPSC students, and the Maharashtra government has accepted their demands, including 100 per cent support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said. However, Kadam alleged that leaders associated with the Sharad Pawar faction were attempting to use the students' agitation for political purposes. Now, if leaders of the Sharad Pawar faction are deliberately trying to promote petty politics by infiltrating their workers under the guise of these students, it is unfortunate, he said. The Maharashtra government does not have the authority to fulfil the demands the students are protesting for. How can it assume the authority that rests with the President? This movement is not of the students; it is of the Sharad Pawar faction, Kadam alleged. Meanwhile, Monday marked the fifth day of the MPSC students' protest in Pune. The agitation has seen three groups emerge amid differences over the various demands raised by the aspirants.

22 Telangana pilgrims injured as bus hits truck in Bihar

Buxar: At least 22 pilgrims from Telangana were injured on the morning of Monday, October 5, when a bus carrying them to Ayodhya from Bihars Gayaji collided with a truck in Buxar, officials said. The pilgrims had come to Gayaji to perform pind daan during the Pitru Paksha fair. The accident took place around 4 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ramchandra Rao Criticizes Digvijaya Singhs Ayodhya Pilgrimage as Fearmongering

BJPs Ramchandra Rao slams Congress leader Digvijaya Singhs pilgrimage, claiming its aimed at instilling fear among the public. Ramchandra Rao Criticizes Digvijaya Singhs Ayodhya Pilgrimage as Fearmongering

Rajnath Singh to visit Ayodhya, attend Guru Purnima Mahamahotsav and saints' conference

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Monday to participate in the Shri Guru Purnima Mahamahotsav and Saints' Conference and inaugurate the newly constructed building of Shrinarayana Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said he would stay in Ayodhya and seek the blessings of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman during his visit. Today, I will be staying in the city of Lord Rama, Ayodhya. Along with the darshan of Shri Ram Lala, I will also have the good fortune of the darshan of Shri Hanuman Ji, he said. He added, Today, on the occasion of the Shri Guru Purnima Mahamahotsav and Saints' Conference in Ayodhya, I will also participate in the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed building of Shrinarayana Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya. Rajnath Singh's visit is part of the concluding programme of the Guru Parv Mahotsav being organised at the Udasin Rishi Ashram in Ranopali. The celebrations have been underway since September 27 and include religious and...

Rajnath Singh to attend Guru Purnima event and inaugurate Sanskrit college in Ayodhya

The News Mill

Samajwadi Party Criticizes Election Commission Ahead of Akhilesh Yadavs Ayodhya Visit

Ahead of Akhilesh Yadavs visit to Ayodhya, the Samajwadi Party criticizes the Election Commission and BJP over election fairness. Samajwadi Party Criticizes Election Commission Ahead of Akhilesh Yadavs Ayodhya Visit

BJP Critiques Akhilesh Yadavs Ayodhya Visit as Opportunity for Repentance

BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi challenges Akhilesh Yadavs intentions during his Ayodhya visit, calling for accountability ahead of the 2027 elections. BJP Critiques Akhilesh Yadavs Ayodhya Visit as Opportunity for Repentance

Ayodhya hosp ICU to be linked to SGPGI for critical care

Akhilesh Yadav should definitely visit Ram Mandir, seek Lord's blessings: Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said that Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav should definitely visit Ram Mandir and seek Lord Ram's blessings. Speaking to IANS, Chaudhary said, Akhilesh Yadav should definitely come to Ayodhya; Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir are near. He should come. There is pain and regret in his heart after witnessing the growth and development of Ayodhya despite his wishes. Ram Mandir is the symbol of crores of Hindus' faith and devotion so he should definitely come. After all, development has happened, and Akhilesh Yadav can see it. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's scheduled visit to Ayodhya has drawn calls from several political leaders, urging him to visit the Ram Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram. SP leader Rajeev Rai said, Lord Ram first defeated Akhilesh Yadav in Lok Sabha elections, and then he (Lord Ram) guided Akhilesh ji to see the theft that is going on in Ram Mandir. Probably Lord Ram wants the sinners to be removed, and that's why Akhilesh Yadav might be going there. What is the issue in that? Meanwhile, Union Minister SP Singh Baghel said, In a democracy, everyone has the right to go wherever they want. Going to Ayodhya is their right. He can visit the temple for any political or societal reason. Whether they visit the temple or not it is their own decision. If they cannot go to the temple for the appeasement of a certain vote bank or the satisfaction of the Muslims, if he doesn't go to the temple owing to polarisation, then it is wrong, he added. India is a secular nation, and it doesn't ban anyone from going to any religious place, but if you have been avoiding a certain place of worship to appease a certain someone, then it is wrong, Baghel said. Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said, Look, I welcome him (Akhilesh Yadav) to Ayodhya, even if it is late. He should also visit the Ram Temple for darshan because there is also a statue of Nishad Raj alongside Lord Ram. He should visit the temple and apologise for his past mistakes. A person can make mistakes, but we should apologise for our mistakes as well. BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok said, Great, Ram Lalla's site will be wonderful! He should go and fall at Ram Lalla's feet, ask for forgiveness, and say, 'My father made a huge mistake by ordering fire on the kar sevaks. I haven't come here all this while because I was also wrong. Please forgive me.' We hope Ram Lalla will forgive him. Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on October 8 to attend the concluding session of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, a week-long religious programme organised by former MLA and SP leader Tej Narayan Pandey. The SP Chief is expected to spend around an hour at the programme in Krishnaapur-Khanpur Rasoolabad. He is also expected to offer prayers and interact with devotees attending the gathering. Akhilesh Yadav's Ayodhya visit comes at a politically significant time for the SP, with political activity beginning to gather pace ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has earlier announced Tej Narayan Pandey, popularly known as Pawan Pandey, as its candidate from the Ayodhya Assembly constituency for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Criticizes Akhilesh Yadavs Party During Ayodhya Visit

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak condemns Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party for past governance failures during his visit to Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Criticizes Akhilesh Yadavs Party During Ayodhya Visit

Saints Urge Akhilesh Yadav to Visit Ram Temple During Ayodhya Trip

Saints in Ayodhya call on Akhilesh Yadav to visit the Ram Temple, emphasizing the importance of seeking blessings during his visit. Saints Urge Akhilesh Yadav to Visit Ram Temple During Ayodhya Trip

Ahead of Akhilesh Yadavs October 8 Ayodhya visit, saints urge him to seek blessings at Ram Temple

Digital Desk | Ayodhya, Oct 4 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs scheduled visit to Ayodhya has drawn calls from local religious figures urging him to visit the Ram Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram. Speaking to IANS, Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawni, Jagatguru Paramhans Acharya, commented on Yadavs visit, and said he hoped the SP chief would visit the Ram Temple during his stay in Ayodhya. SP chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is visiting Ayodhya, and we hope he will visit the Ram Mandir to seek His blessings. In recent days, a financial irregularity occurred, and he tweeted about it. When asked how he found out, he claimed that Ram Ji told him. Therefore, he must touch Lord Rams feet. If he doesn't, it will send a message that he wants to demean Sanatan Dharma, Paramhans Acharya said. Devesh Acharya, a priest at Hanumangarhi, also welcomed Yadavs proposed visit and said he should visit the Ram Temple along with his family and seek Lord Rams blessings. Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is coming to Ayodhya on October 8, which is good news. We want him to visit the Ram Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram along with his family, since he is coming here to attend a religious event. He must apologise to Lord ram for coming late. If he doesn't do so, it will reflect his party's anti-Sanatan ideology. Returning without doing darshan would be highly unfortunate for Akhilesh Yadav and his party, Devesh Acharya said. Yadav is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on October 8 to attend the concluding session of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, a week-long religious programme organised by former MLA and SP leader Tej Narayan Pandey. The SP chief is expected to spend around an hour at the programme in Krishnaapur-Khanpur Rasoolabad. He is also expected to offer prayers and interact with devotees attending the gathering. Yadavs Ayodhya visit comes at a politically significant time for the SP, with political activity beginning to gather pace ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has earlier announced Tej Narayan Pandey, popularly known as Pawan Pandey, as its candidate from the Ayodhya Assembly constituency for the 2027 polls.

'Arrogance of power is suicidal': Congress slams PM Modi on Ram temple probe

The Congress has questioned the investigation into alleged donation theft at Ayodhyas Ram temple, raising concerns over the 21-day delay in filing an FIR and why former trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were treated as witnesses. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demanded an independent probe under Supreme Court supervision and questioned the accountability for 105 reported theft incidents.

Ayodhya Ram temple staff to undergo 100 per cent police verification, character checks

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust decides to conduct 100 percent verification of all staff working at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The security measures will include police verification, character certificates and detailed family information. The decision will be applicable to all members of the trust. As part of the overhaul of the temple administration, the trust has also stepped up monitoring of staff and improving facilities.

Rayagada Flags Off Special Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Train to Varanasi

Commemorating International Senior Citizens Day, the fourth phase of the special pilgrimage train under the states senior citizen yatra initiative was officially flagged off from Rayagada railway station. Scheduled and organised jointly by the IRCTC and the Odisha Tourism Department, the special train was greenlit by Minister for ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backwards [] The post Rayagada Flags Off Special Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Train to Varanasi & Ayodhya appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Ayodhya Prepares for Grand Deepotsav with New Tenders Issued

Ayodhyas Deepotsav preparations are in full swing as new tenders are issued for decorations, lighting, and food for thousands. Ayodhya Prepares for Grand Deepotsav with New Tenders Issued

Temple Trust CEO visits Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya

Digital Desk | Ayodhya, Sep 30 (IANS) The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Air Marshal (retired), Jeetendra Mishra, on Wednesday paid a visit to the International Ram Katha Museum in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. The museum will showcase theme-based specialised galleries in order to provide devotees with a divine darshan experience. During the visit, CEO Mishra inspected the International Ram Katha Museum, which is being built by the temple Trust. According to officials, construction of the museum is 80 per cent complete. Earlier this month, Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman, Nripendra Misra said that the main construction of the temple in the Ram Janmbhoomi complex has been completed and added that the committees primary focus has now shifted to establishing the International Ram Katha Museum. He said tenders for this project would be floated from October 10. Speaking to reporters, Nripendra Misra had said: The biggest work for the museum is now about to begin. Tenders for each gallery will be issued from October 10. There are 20 galleries in total; Gallery 1, Gallery 2, and so on. He further said that the theme for each gallery was different and has already been decided. The theme for each gallery has been decided, and the storyline has also been finalised. Our Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, has worked very hard to prepare the entire storyline, he said. Misra said that videos will now have to be created using various technologies, including immersive technology, 3D technology and others. Our main focus now is on the International Ram Katha Museum. Within the temple complex, and outside the complex, there is an auditorium whose construction is currently underway. There has been a delay of around three to four months in its construction. However, we hope that it will definitely be completed by January or February, he added. Meanwhile, Jeetendra Mishra assumed office earlier in September, as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust appointed Mishra as its first CEO on September 2 as part of a restructuring exercise which is aimed at improving administrative coordination and functioning. His appointment came amid the allegations of donation theft, which prompted increased attention to the management and tight handling of temple-related affairs.

Those opposed to Lord Ram uncomfortable with Ayodhyas rise: Yogi

Country has lost its way, but always finds its way back: Murli Manohar Joshi

From growing trust deficit in Indian politics to the mishandling of the youth protest at Jantar Mantar, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, in an interview to The Hindu, speaks at length on various burning issues in the country. On the Ayodhya Ram Temple, he holds the government responsible for the temple trusts functioning and stressed the need for fair elections and public trust in the SIR process

Dev Sharma says Hindu-Muslim unity during Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration shook him: Muslims danced to Jai Shri Ram

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Actor Dev Sharma, who was recently seen portraying Lord Ram in Shri Ramayan Katha, recalled a memorable incident from 2024 during the Ram Mandir inauguration. He recalled when he was shooting in Nainital and witnessed what he described as a fine display of Hindu-Muslim unity during celebrations linked to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Recalling his experience from Nainital, Dev said he was shooting near the Naina Devi temple when he was hearing reports of tensions and riots in different parts of the country. I would like to say one thing. When the Ayodhya temple was being built in 2024, I was shooting in Nainital. If you have been there, there is the Naina Devi temple in Nainital. And on the way to the Naina Devi temple, there is a very big mosque on the corner. I was hearing everywhere that riots were happening somewhere, this was happening somewhere, that was happening somewhere, Dev said. He recalled how a Ram yatra began from the Naina Devi temple, with the procession passing close to the mosque. During that time, a few things happened, and people told us, Dont go through that area. You have come here to shoot. Today is the construction of the Ram Mandir, so keep watching, he said. Dev said he was surprised by what unfolded as the procession moved ahead. The Ram ji yatra had started from the Naina Devi temple, with people saying, Jai Shri Ram. The mosque was right there, and there were gates on both sides. The whole mosque was full because their prayers had just ended. Everyone felt that something was going to happen because the whole crowd had gathered there, he recalled. According to Dev, the situation unfolded very differently from what people around him had anticipated. He said Muslims who had gathered at the mosque came out and joined the celebrations. You wont believe it. I would like to tell all the audience of India, all the viewers, all the people: every Muslim, whether he was wearing a cap or not, came out and danced to the song of Lalla Shri Ram, Dev said. And they danced in such a way that we were amazed by how happy they were. We were wondering, What is happening? So maybe this is the work of Modi ji, that he has brought everyone together. And when I saw this, I was shaken, he added. I still get goosebumps because whenever I remember it, I am surprised. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, these identities are created by humans. God is the same for everyone, he said. So, the way Hindus and Muslims accepted this at that time was commendable to me, Dev added. Dev Sharma was recently seen portraying Lord Ram in Shri Ramayan Katha, where his portrayal and screen presence received positive responses. The film itself faced criticism from sections of the audience over its treatment of the source material, with viewers questioning its historical and mythological accuracy, storytelling and what they described as deviations from established accounts. The movie directed by Abhishek Singh, also stars Anjali Arora, Sheela Verma and Rajneesh Duggal.

31 get prosthetic limbs, mobility aids at Ayodhya outreach camp

Ayodhya Deepotsav: UP offers 3-day tour package

Ayodhya to Mathura: BJP's new poll hub

The assembly elections will be the first election in the state where the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will not be an election issue, as the temple has been constructed. A few UP BJP leaders told ET that the party now wants to take its campaign beyond Ayodhya, especially after the recent incident of donation theft in the temple.

Cow should be declared national animal; its milk has healing properties: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi

Digital Desk | Bareilly, Sep 28 (IANS) Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said on Monday that cow should be declared the national animal because it would solve many conflicts and that cow's milk has healing properties. He added that cows have been an issue in our nation for a long time. Muslims have always demanded that cows be declared the national animal. If cows are declared national animal, many of the incidents can be controlled and it will solve a lot of problems. I also want to express how Islam views cows. Someone asked Paigambar in Islam, so he replied that a cow's milk has 'Shifa' (healing properties) and cow's meat has diseases. Meaning that we should drink cow's milk. If someone is weak, then they should consume cow's milk, so that they are healthy. This is Islam's stance on cows. If it is declared as the national animal, then certain incidents can be curbed. Many issues can be solved with it; many incidents that are caused can be averted, and then every individual will try to protect it, Bareilvi said. According to reports, in a Vishva Hindu Parishad programme celebrating late Ashok Singhal's birth anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said many copycats said that one should declare the cows as the national animal; to them I say, you are the animal; for us, a cow is our mother. We are connected to cows for more than a lifetime. In the aftermath, Congress Spokesperson Surendra Rajput said, The cow is our mother; there are no doubts in that. Not just in Sanatan, but in the entire country, the cow is considered a mother. The only people who think that a cow is just an animal are the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party. That's why West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that a cow older than fourteen years could be butchered. That's why Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Northeast region said that butcher cows and eat them at home.... a Goa Minister said that because cow meat is scarce, we had to import it. So for the BJP, cow is an animal; they are trying to cause communal hatred. This is a medium for seeking votes. For them, Lord Ram is not for devotion, and stealing donations and committing sins. For you, Lord Ram is a tool for vote theft; for us, Lord Ram is a matter of devotion, and the cow is our mother, but not for BJP, he added. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said that people who call 'cows' animals have animal tendencies themselves, and people who use derogatory terms against Ayodhya should be avoided.

Air Ayodhya Receives NOC From Ministry of Civil Aviation; Set to Connect Uttar Pradeshs Underserved Towns Under UDAN

Ashok Singhal: A life devoted to the service of Bharat

No mention of Ashok-ji is complete without recalling his pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Who can forget his address at VHP's Boat Club rally in New Delhi in April 1991? Or the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok-ji after a police lathi blow in October 1990 in Ayodhya? Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it's because of stalwarts like him, says PM Modi.

Celebration of Ashok Singhals Centenary with Service Camp for the Disabled in Ayodhya

A five-day service camp in Ayodhya commemorates Ashok Singhals centenary, providing support and prosthetics for the disabled. Celebration of Ashok Singhals Centenary with Service Camp for the Disabled in Ayodhya

UP Dy CM Maurya slams Oppn over SIR, asks Akhilesh and Rahul to stop spreading misinformation

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 27 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said on Sunday that the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and other opposition leaders should cease their misinformation campaigns and apologise to the country. He was speaking regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He reiterated that the Election Commission has clarified that its decisions regarding the SIR were taken unanimously by the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi; therefore, the Opposition's attempt to spread confusion on this issue is merely an effort to mislead the public. Speaking to reporters before departing for Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Maurya remarked that the true nature of the opposition leaders' politics has been exposed to the public. He asserted that politics based on misleading the people of the country and the state cannot last long. He insisted that opposition leaders -- including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Mamata Banerjee -- should apologise to the nation for their rhetoric regarding the SIR. Targeting the Opposition, the Deputy Chief Minister cited the fable of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. He noted that just as no one trusts a person who repeatedly raises false alarms when a real crisis strikes, the Opposition's constant rhetoric is failing to resonate with the public. He alleged that the Opposition is engaging in a politics of lies and misinformation because they are out of power. Deputy Chief Minister Maurya said that the public now understands such claims and allegations. According to the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, the Election Commission has clarified its stance on the SIR, confirming that decisions were made unanimously; thus, the Opposition should base its arguments on facts. He also criticised the Samajwadi Party's 'PDA' (Backward, Dalit, Minority) equation in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections, saying that the PDA has no future. The BJP is serving every section of society and working in the interest of the poor, farmers, youth, women, and marginalised groups. He added that the BJP's politics is rooted in taking all sections of society along. Deputy Chief Minister Maurya asserted that the public has embraced the BJP's policies and performance, whereas the Opposition is attempting to return to power by relying on caste equations and political propaganda. On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister paid respectful tribute to Ashok Singhal -- a key leader of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement -- marking his birth centenary year. He noted that Singhal played a pivotal role in accelerating the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and fostering widespread consciousness of devotion to Lord Ram and a spirit of nationalism within the Hindu society. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya became possible due to Ashok Singhal's contributions and the long struggle of Ram bhakts (devotees). He added that Singhal played a crucial role in organising Ram devotees and Hindu society, in garnering broad public support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Maurya remarked that commemorating Ashok Singhal's contributions on his birth centenary is a matter of pride. He affirmed that his contributions toward strengthening devotion to Lord Ram, the spirit of nationalism, and cultural consciousness would be remembered for a long time.

'Fortunate to have joined him in Ram Janmabhoomi movement': PM Modi on Ashok Singhal's 100th birth anniversary

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) During the 138th episode of his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Working President late Ashok Singhal on his 100th birth anniversary, while calling himself fortunate to have joined the latter in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Today is the 100th birth anniversary of a great man who dedicated his life to culture, society and the nation, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said that Singhal, who was born on this day in 1926 in Agra, lived an ascetic life. The Prime Minister emphasised that the direction and energy that the former VHP leader imparted to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, are the very reason for the magnificent temple in Ayodhya. Recalling his meeting with Ashok Singhal, PM Modi said: I have been extremely fortunate not only to witness his life from close quarters, but I also had the opportunity to join him in this mission. The Prime Minister said he was constantly reminded of the veteran leader while participating in the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in 2024. There are so many things about Ashok ji that are not much discussed. Along with the Ram Temple movement, he also fought a major battle against social discrimination and inequality, he added. Mentioning that Singhal was born in a prosperous family, PM Modi said that his father was a civil servant and that most of his siblings held senior positions. He himself was a graduate from IIT BHU. But despite all these, he dedicated his life to society and culture, which is the hallmark of great people, he underlined. Today, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, I bow to him on behalf of his crores of admirers and offer heartfelt tributes to him, PM Modi added. Meanwhile, PM Modi also said during his address that the country was set to mark 10 years of the surgical strike, which was carried out by the Indian Army on September 28-29, 2016, against terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control (LoC). We talk about the achievements of the country. One such major historical achievement of Bharat is set to complete 10 years. This achievement is the surgical strike. Ten years ago, on 28-29 September 2016, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The world was astonished to see how our brave soldiers took action against terrorism by crossing the Line of Control (LoC). Our jawans treated the terrorists and amazed the world. The surgical strike showcased India's anti-terrorism policy to the world, he said.

Air Ayodhya Receives NOC From Ministry of Civil Aviation; Set to Connect Uttar Pradesh

Business Wire India Megamax Aviation Private Limited has received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, for Air Ayodhya, its regional airline to be operated under the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN. The NOC is the first key regulatory milestone for the airline. Air Ayodhya will now begin [] The post Air Ayodhya Receives NOC From Ministry of Civil Aviation; Set to Connect Uttar Pradeshs Underserved Towns Under UDAN appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .

NCB secures jail terms for nine drug traffickers over seizure of 441 kg ganja

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 26 (IANS) A Special Court (NDPS) sentenced nine drug traffickers to varying rigorous imprisonment sentences ranging from 20 years to 10 years in the 2021 seizure of 441 kg ganja in Uttar Pradeshs Firozabad, an NCB official said on Saturday. The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Firozabad, endorsed the findings of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Lucknow, and sentenced the convicts on Friday, the official said in a statement. The convicts are: Yashpal Singh, R/o Lodha, Aligarh, UP 20 years RI and Rs 2 lakh fine; Vivek, R/o Tilauthi, Hathras, UP 15 years RI and Rs 2 lakh fine; Shishupal, R/o ADA Colony, Aligarh, UP 15 years RI and Rs 2 lakh fine; Neeraj Saini, R/o Ballabhgarh, Haryana 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine; Vipin Pandit alias Vipin Sharma, R/o Vidhehpur, Mathura, UP 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine; Niraj Gupta, R/o Ayodhyapuri, Aligarh, UP 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine; Neeraj Kumar alias Bittu, R/o Surendra Nagar, Aligarh, UP 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine; Rinku Sharma, R/o Pawan Vihar, Agra, UP 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine and Pankaj Sharma, R/o Tilauthi, Hathras, UP 10 years RI and Rs 1 lakh fine. The NCB said in a statement that on November 4, 2021, Shikohabad Police Station, Firozabad, seized 441 kg of ganja from a truck bearing registration No. HR 38 X 9682. Rinku Sharma (co-driver) and Pankaj Sharma (driver) were arrested on the spot from the conscious possession of the contraband. The contraband was concealed in a specially created cavity in the drivers cabin of the truck. The seized contraband originated from Gajapati, Odisha and was destined for Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, the NCB said. Later, the case was taken over by the NCB for further investigation. During the investigation, seven additional accused persons Vipin Pandit alias Vipin Sharma, Niraj Gupta, Yashpal Singh, Neeraj Saini (who had taken the truck on lease), Vivek, Shishupal and Neeraj Kumar alias Bittu were arrested. In this case, as part of the financial investigation, assets/properties worth Rs 32.12 lakh belonging to convicts were traced and frozen by the competent authority in 2024, while proceedings under the PITNDPS Act were also initiated against them, with orders passed against them in 2022 and 2023. The process for auction of the seized truck is underway, the NCB said.

One Rajendra Kumar Garg, Never a Second Again: One of Many Portraits From Raju Ramachandrans 14 Lawyers

THE FIRST ARGUMENT by R.K. Garg I encountered was in Ranjit D. Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra , which was part of our criminal law course in the Faculty of Law. Garg was counsel for Udeshi, the owner of the Popular Book Stall in Bombay, who had been convicted for obscenity under S.292 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 for selling D.H. Lawrences novel Lady Chatterleys Lover. Garg argued that S.292 was an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). The judgment of the Court by Justice M. Hidayatullah paid a compliment to the counsel for the appellant. Our brilliant criminal law teacher Dr A.S. Bedi, referring to that compliment, said, Mr Garg is a great lawyer indeed. But the judgment went against the appellant. The Court upheld both the section and the conviction, declaring Lady Chatterleys Lover obscene. In condemning a piece of literature, Dr Bedi told us, Justice Hidayatullah wrote a piece of literature himself. I was sceptical of that, and disappointed by the judgment. Justice Hidayatullah was the 1960s equivalent of todays woke judge. He was educated at Cambridge, was a barrister at law, and seemed to be a synthesis of erudition, liberalism and cosmopolitanism. How could he and the Supreme Court through him purport to say a piece of literature was obscene? And, in my innocence, I thought, if a counsel was being complimented for his argument, he should have won the case. It is only later that I realized that the losing counsel will sometimes get the consolation prize of a compliment; I have received some in my time. I had, of course, heard of R.K. Garg even earlier, in my years in school. My mothers first cousin, M.K. Ramamurthi, along with R.K. Garg, D.P. Singh and S.C. Agrawal had set up a litigating law firm in the Supreme Court called Ramamurthi and Co., which became very well known. They were from different parts of the country. Ramamurthi was from Tamil Nadu, Garg from Uttar Pradesh, D.P. Singh from Bihar and S.C. Agrawal from Rajasthan. I am writing about Ramamurthi in another chapter of this book, so I only need to tell you about D.P. Singh and S.C. Agrawal. D.P. Singh, a lawyer from Bihar, later became a Senior Advocate and a Congress MP. Singh was a vocal supporter of the major constitutional amendments that Indira Gandhi brought about to implement her socialist vision and was an articulate defender of the supersession of judges in 1973. S.C. Agrawal was the sole non-political member of the team. He was the workhorse of the firm, excelling in drafting. He later became a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and then served with distinction as a Judge of the Supreme Court from 1990 until 1998. Rajendra Kumar Garg was born in October 1928. His hometown was Saharanpur known for its high-quality iron and brass locks in western UP. After his school education there, he studied at Ewing Christian College, Allahabad. He obtained a masters degree in philosophy and a degree in law from Allahabad University. Those were the glorious days of that great university. The English department had two young lecturers who became legendary names in Hindi and Urdu literature. The first was Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and the second was Raghupati Sahai, better known as Firaq Gorakhpuri. Firaq was to become Gargs lifelong friend. Poignantly, when Firaq died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), his body was brought to Gargs house in Niti Bagh. In his student days, Garg was a prominent leader of the All India Student Federation and, in a natural progression, became a leader of the undivided Communist Party of India. He started his practice in Saharanpur in 1953 and was also elected vice-chairman of the Saharanpur municipality. He shifted to Allahabad in 1955 and joined the chambers of the progressive lawyer S.N. Dwivedi, who later became a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and eventually a Judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Dwivedi was in the minority of six in the Kesavananda Bharati case, holding in favour of Parliaments unlimited power to amend the Constitution. Such was his ardour for parliamentary supremacy that when he was elevated to the Supreme Court, he told a gathering of lawyers who had come to say goodbye to him at the railway station that he was going to Delhi to overrule Golak Nath. In 1960, R.K. Garg decided to shift to Delhi. He wrote to the Attorney General, Motilal Setalvad: You are the most eminent lawyer in independent India, and I shall consider myself fortunate if I am given the opportunity to join your chamber as I desire to learn to defend the interests of the working class, whom I politically represent. It is to the credit of the staid and dour M.C. Setalvad that he agreed to take a firebrand communist into his chamber. Till the end, Garg revered Setalvad, and no one who went to brief Garg could miss his photograph on his office wall. In his advocacy, Garg was vociferous and strident, and had the delightful habit of looking back after what he thought was a punchline to see if the rest of the courtroom liked his argument. I have often wondered why and how, in this obsequious and milord-ing profession, lawyers like Garg and Ramamurthi were aggressive. I believe that in the geriatric Supreme Court, in which they set up practice, in a court dominated by the likes of Setalvad, C.K. Daphtary and A.C.V. Viswanatha Sastri, youngsters could not afford to be meek. And thus, stormy petrels like them would not curb their natural style. Most judges took Gargs aggression in their stride, but not Justice A. Varadarajan, who, sitting as a junior judge with Justice Murtaza Fazl Ali, insisted (much to the discomfiture of the senior judge) on issuing a notice of contempt to him. Varadarajan retired in August 1985, and the matter lay hidden in the depths of the Courts registry till Gargs passing. However, behind the aggression and flamboyance lay a formidable intellect. There was both depth and width of knowledge, not only of law but of politics, literature and philosophy. As Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah said at the Full Court Reference held on his passing, His was an enormous mind indeed. Gargs intellectual integrity made him a bit of an oddball in party politics. He was an elected member of the UP Legislative Assembly on a Communist Party of India (CPI) ticket from 1973 to 1977. I had always wondered why a person of such formidable talent and stature was not chosen by the CPI to represent it in Parliament. The party was evidently uncomfortable with him because of the Congress Partys comfort with him. In fact, his election to the UP Legislative Assembly on a CPI ticket was also with the support of the Congress. He was ultimately expelled by the Communist Party of India. Interestingly, Garg was in favour of the supersession of judges, and had backed Indira Gandhis progressive policies. He also did not oppose the Emergency. In fact, the CPI (his party at the time) supported it. Garg was, however, uncomfortable with the emergence of Sanjay Gandhi, and memorably described him as an extra-constitutional centre of power. Gargs contributions to the jurisprudence of the Court starts from the 1960s, and continued till his premature death in 1994. They were in the fields of personal liberty, freedom of speech, the right to life, criminal law, independence of the judiciary, public service law, and in varied areas of constitutional law and interpretation. Full Court References are rarely able to capture all the contributions of a lawyer to the jurisprudence of the court, but in the case of Garg (and a few months earlier in the case of his comrade Ramamurthi), the many cases argued by him are mentioned. In an era where fees were freely given in cash, and that was in fact the norm in criminal cases, Garg was known to deposit and declare every rupee that he earned. So he had the moral authority and standing to approach the Supreme Court himself as an honest taxpayer to challenge the Special Bearer Bonds Scheme. This was a scheme introduced by the post-Emergency Indira Gandhi government allowing the investment of black money into non-taxable, anonymously held bonds. The aim was to raise investment for the government by providing immunity from prosecution to those who put their undisclosed funds into government bonds. He failed in his challenge, but succeeded in getting a dissent from Justice A.C. Gupta. Decades later, my mind went back to Garg, as the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, and as Justice B.V. Nagarathna wrote her powerful dissent in the demonetization case. Gargs long-time junior, Sunil Kumar Jain, recalls his senior as a kind person but a hard taskmaster. If they were working late into the night on a case, Garg himself would drive Sunil home to his flat in Lajpat Nagar. But he also recalls the many dressing-downs he received, during some of which he actually wept. Communal harmony was a cause dear to Garg. This was not surprising because Saharanpur had a large Muslim population, and he was educated in that great GangaJamuni town of Allahabad in its pre-Prayagraj avatar. One weekend in July 1994, when he was in the midst of hearings in the Presidential Reference on Ayodhya, he travelled to Saharanpur to address a meeting on secularism.9 Tragically, he died in a road accident during that trip. The circumstances of his passing left many of us teary-eyed. One of those who died with Garg in the accident was a communist friend of his. Sunil Jain recalls that the last rites for both were conducted together. Poignantly, a wreath on behalf of the Communist Party of India was placed on the body of the colleague but not on that of Garg. Expulsion from a communist party is no different from excommunication by a conservative religious sect; it goes right up to your grave. For me, it was a double whammy because my senior, Ramamurthi, had passed just the previous year, in 1993. In one of two instances of which I am aware of a court noting with regret the passing of a lawyer who had been arguing before it in an ongoing hearing, Justice S.P. Bharucha wrote: We are indebted to the learned Attorney General for the assistance that he has rendered to the Court. We are indebted to counsel who have appeared in these matters; if we single out Mr. R.K. Garg, it is because of his untimely demise. The other instance is Gobinda Mukhoty, about whom I write separately. The Full Court Reference to Garg in the Supreme Court on 10 August 1994 was one of the most memorable I have ever witnessed (I must confess that in the last couple of decades, I have stopped attending Full Court References because they have become mechanical and mindless repetitions of biodatas). The Attorney General Milon Kumar Banerji said, One Rajendra Kumar Garg, never a second again. One could see how moved Chief Justice Venkatachaliah was, and his description of Garg as the pillar of the alternative argument is unforgettable.

Miss Universe India 2026 Kaziah Liz Mejo To Play Mata Sita In Ayodhya Ramleela

The Ramleela will feature actors from the Indian film industry in different roles.

Ram temple donations pilfered during counting process, 105 instances caught on CCTV, SIT probe finds

A nearly-70,000-page chargesheet filed by the Supreme Court-mandated Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the offerings-embezzlement case found that the diversion of donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya took place during the cash-counting process and...

Champat Rai's driver held keys to donation boxes: SIT

A nearly 70,000-page chargesheet filed by the Supreme Court-mandated SIT details the diversion of donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, revealing a network of eight accused who allegedly removed, concealed, and distributed pilfered funds during cash-counting, supported by 105 CCTV instances and thousands of text messages.

Ram temple donations pilfered during counting process, 105 instances caught on CCTV: SIT

A Special Investigation Team has unveiled a significant case of embezzlement involving donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The investigation has produced a chargesheet documenting 105 instances of illicit cash withdrawal recorded on CCTV. Eight suspects have been apprehended and are in judicial custody, while additional witnesses are being interviewed.

CCTV shows Avinash Shukla stealing Ram Temple donation 85 times: SIT chargesheet

Digital Desk | Ayodhya, Sep 25 (IANS) The SIT's voluminous chargesheet in the Ram Temple donation theft case against eight accused cites CCTV recordings as evidence, alleging that accused Avinash Shukla was caught on camera removing money 85 times from the counting room. Putting the recovered proceeds of crime (PoC) at over Rs 79.85 lakh, the chargesheet flags over 105 instances of cash removal or concealment by the counting staff and gives details of bank accounts in which cash was parked before being used for illegal transactions, said an investigator linked to the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh Police. The charge sheet filed in the court of the Additional District Judge (Anti-corruption), Ayodhya, on Wednesday invoked penal provisions related to criminal breach of trust against the eight accused. They also face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The eight accused are Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Ramashankar Mishra, Manish Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Lavkush Mishra, and Subhash Srivastava. The 70,000-page charge sheet has referred to CCTV footage, mobile chats, call detail records (CDRs), banking transactions and recoveries as digital evidence, emphasising that call detail records (CDRs) of the accused indicated that they were all in regular contact with each other during the crime that was committed over months. Sharing details of how many times each accused was caught on camera stealing money from the counting room, the charge sheet said that in CCTV footage Karunesh Pandey was seen removing donation money twice and assisting others on 68 occasions. Manish Yadav was seen removing money 16 times and assisting others in the theft on 19 occasions; Lavkush Mishra was seen removing money once and assisting 52 times; Anukalp Mishra was seen on CCTV assisting co-accused 56 times; and Ramshankar Mishra was seen removing the donation money once, the charge sheet said. The charge sheet also said ornaments were recovered from the accused, adding that the embezzled money was used to buy vehicles, land and houses. It said Anukalp Mishra's father used stolen donation money to buy a house, adding that Luvkush Mishra spent Rs 43.43 lakh on a house and land. The SITs charge sheet also referred to a forensic audit conducted to examine how donations were handled, deposited in banks, and used for illegal transactions. The auditors also checked the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trusts audited statements. Trust general secretary Champat Rai, former Trust administrator Gopal Rao, former trustee of the temple body Anil Mishra, and interim General Secretary of the Trust Krishna Mohan have been named as witnesses in the charge sheet, officials said. The SIT was headed by Lucknow range Inspector General Kiran S, with Faizabad Range DIG Somen Barma and Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover as members. The case was registered in June, after its preliminary inquiry flagged suspected diversion of donations.

Ayodhya closes all schools on September 25 due to heavy rain forecast

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UP to host 3 major art camps in Ayodhya, Lucknow & Varanasi to promote cultural heritage

Ram Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 Accused

Ayodhya | The SIT probing the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case has filed a nearly 74,000-page chargesheet against eight arrested accused. The chargesheet includes evidence, supporting documents, annexures and exhibits collected during the investigation.The case involves alleged irregularities in the handling and counting of donations at the Ram Temple. The SIT status report submitted to the Supreme Court also mentions 105 alleged theft instances captured on CCTV.The accused are currently in judicial custody, while bail proceedings for the remaining accused are underway.

Charge Sheet Filed in Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

A comprehensive charge sheet of 7,000 pages has been filed in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case, detailing witness statements and incidents. Charge Sheet Filed in Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

After 350 Crore Success, Hanuman Ansh Team Returns to Ayodhya to Seek Blessings

Hanuman Ansh continues its remarkable theatrical run after crossing the 350 crore mark worldwide. Following the films success, producer Anupriya Nagar and the team visited Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya to offer prayers. The team also recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed the films story rooted in Neem Karoli Babas life and teachings, along with the upcoming RamBola. Heres a look at the films box office journey, Ayodhya visit and the latest meetings.

Ayodhya to Dazzle with 3 Million Lights and Drone Show for Deepotsav 2026

Ayodhyas Deepotsav 2026 will feature 3 million lamps and a spectacular drone show, showcasing cultural heritage and modern technology. Ayodhya to Dazzle with 3 Million Lights and Drone Show for Deepotsav 2026

Akhilesh Yadav slams 'bulldozer action' in Ayodhya, promises compensation if Samajwadi Party returns to power

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav admonished the recent demolition drive in Ayodhya by the Uttar Pradesh Government and alleged that poor families are being uprooted and deprived of their homes and livelihood. He promised to compensate them if his party returns to power in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav said he never intended to obstruct the development of the temple city and claimed his party would it a world-class city. He said the government, despite their reasons, must be considerate its actions and accused the government of a ulldozer, demolition and destructive approach towards laws, the Constitution, rules and people's rights and dignity.

Shiv Sena-UBT Accuses BJP of Embezzlement at Ayodhya Ram Temple

Shiv Sena-UBT claims BJP mismanaged donations at Ayodhya Ram Temple, alleging repeated embezzlement and betrayal of Hindu values. Shiv Sena-UBT Accuses BJP of Embezzlement at Ayodhya Ram Temple

Ram Temple theft: Court rejects bail for 3 more accused

A special court in Ayodhya has rejected the bail applications of three more individuals accused in the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple, following similar rejections for three others. The case involves embezzlement of cash and valuables, leading to eight arrests and a state-level SIT investigation.

Ayodhya Ram Temple thefts rise to 105, Sohan Lal Arya urges strict punishment

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Minister Pujari Inaugurates 3rd BNTYY Train in Sambalpur: 775 Seniors Citizens Leave for Varanasi, Ayodhya

Odishas Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, today virtually inaugurated the third pilgrimage train under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) for FY 2026-27 from Lokseva Bhawan. The special train departed from Sambalpur Railway Station with 775 senior citizens and 25 escort officers drawn from eight districtsSambalpur, Anugul, Bargarh, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Subarnapur, [] The post Minister Pujari Inaugurates 3rd BNTYY Train in Sambalpur: 775 Seniors Citizens Leave for Varanasi, Ayodhya appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

A Rs 24-Crore 'Revenge' Over Rs 10,000: Surat Textile Hub Blaze Wasn't An Accident

With petrol worth Rs 150 and two matchsticks, Vinod Pandit Savle set fire to his ex-employer's shop; it spread much further, police said. He escaped to Khatu Shyam, then Ayodhya, and was arrested upon his return.

Ayodhya Court Rejects Bail Pleas of 3 Accused in Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

The defence argued that the provisions relating to corruption and criminal breach of trust by a public servant invoked in the case were not applicable to the accused as they were not government employees

Ayodhya court rejects bail pleas of three accused in Ram temple donation theft case

The three were among eight accused whose judicial custody was extended till September 21 by the court

Jairam Ramesh says Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft caught 105 times on CCTV, flags September 25 SIT chargesheet deadline

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105 theft instances caught on CCTV: Here's what SIT probe finds in Ram Mandir donation case

The SIT on Tuesday filed its latest report before the Supreme Court in connection with alleged irregularities in the amount of offerings and donations at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya . According to the court order, the SIT said the investigation is now complete and the chargesheet could be filed by September 25. According to the SIT report, the case relates to allegations of unauthorised withdrawal and irregularities in the amount of offerings and donations received at the temple. A case was registered against eight persons in the case on June 25, 2026 at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya. CCTV footage, witness statements, bank records, mobile data and other documents were examined during the investigation.

Air Marshal Mishra Takes Charge

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) has been appointed as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following a restructuring exercise to enhance administration.

Ram temple donation theft: Bail pleas of 3 accused rejected

Ayodhya (UP): A special court in Ayodhya on Monday, September 21, rejected the bail applications of three accused arrested in connection with the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple here, their lawyer said. Special Judge Rajat Verma of the Anti-Corruption Court heard the bail applications of Avinash Shukla, Manish Kumar Yadav, and Ram Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra takes charge as Ram Temple Trusts first CEO

Digital Desk | Ayodhya, Sep 21 (IANS) Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) on Monday assumed office as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant step in the Trusts efforts to strengthen its administrative functioning. Mishra, 62, arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday and spent the night at the Trusts Teerth Kshetra Bhawan in the Ramkot area. On Monday morning, he offered prayers at the Ram temple before proceeding to his newly constructed office on the temple premises, where he formally took charge as CEO. The Trust appointed Mishra as its first CEO on September 2 as part of a restructuring exercise which is aimed at improving administrative coordination and functioning. His appointment came amid allegations of donation theft, which prompted increased attention to the management and tight handling of temple-related affairs. Significantly, Mishras selection followed a multi-stage recruitment process that attracted 5,585 applications. The search committee shortlisted 16 candidates for in-person interviews conducted in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. According to the Trust, Mishra appeared in the first interview session on August 11 and was among the three candidates recommended by the search committee. Mishras appointment is part of the Trusts broader administrative restructuring. His responsibilities are expected to include coordinating the temples operational affairs and supporting the institutional management of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. According to officials, the CEO has started overseeing the temple's administrative functioning. He is expected to remain within the Ram Temple premises and Ayodhya. As CEO, Mishra will be strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring more effective management of temple-related activities, officials added. The Ram Temple attracts a large number of devotees from across the country and abroad. Managing the growing visitor footfall, maintaining facilities and ensuring transparency in the handling of devotees' offerings remain important aspects of temple administration. Mishra's decision to stay in Ayodhya and remain available at the temple premises is expected to facilitate closer monitoring of daily activities. His presence could also enable faster coordination among officials responsible for different aspects of temple management.

Uttar Pradesh SIT to File Charges in Ayodhya Temple Donation Controversy

The Uttar Pradesh SIT is set to file charges related to financial irregularities in donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple within two days. Uttar Pradesh SIT to File Charges in Ayodhya Temple Donation Controversy

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra takes charge as first CEO of Ayodhya Ram temple trust

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) has taken charge as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. Appointed on September 2, Mishra's selection followed a multi-stage process involving 5,585 applicants. The appointment comes amid an administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening the Trust's functioning.

Ram temple donation row: UP SIT to file charge sheet within 2 days, identifies 105 incidents

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged financial irregularities in donations and offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya has substantially completed its investigation and will file the charge sheet within the next two days. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Appearing for the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta told the apex court that the status report had been submitted in a sealed cover. SG Mehta also informed the CJI-led Bench that the deadline for filing the charge sheet expires on September 25 and said that the charge sheet would be filed within the next two days. The Uttar Pradesh government further informed the Supreme Court that the investigation has been completed to a substantial extent and that the chargesheet would be filed before the competent court upon completion of the remaining formalities. Taking the submission on record, the bench permitted the Sessions Judge concerned to pass an appropriate order in accordance with law. The status report placed before the apex court also detailed the manner in which the SIT analysed CCTV footage and other material to identify the accused persons, besides examining records relating to donations and offerings. According to the status report, analysis of CCTV footage revealed 105 incidents of theft of donations at the temple. The status report also informed the top court that receipts for valuable items received as offerings are generated through software and that such valuables are kept in State Bank of India (SBI) lockers. The latest developments come after the Supreme Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reconstitute the SIT probing the alleged irregularities and ensure a fair, speedy and qualitative investigation. At an earlier hearing, the Uttar Pradesh government had informed the apex court that the SIT had been reconstituted with senior IPS officers and had taken charge of the investigation. The reconstituted SIT is headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S., with DIG Ayodhya Somen Verma and SSP Ayodhya Dr Gaurav Grover as members. The Supreme Court had also indicated that a forensic auditor should be associated with the investigation in view of the allegations concerning the handling of trust funds. The petitions before the Supreme Court seek a court-monitored investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the officer having assumed full charge of operations.

UP government to file Ayodhya temple donation chargesheet by Sept 25

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SIT to file chargesheet in Ram temple donations theft case by Sep 25: Supreme Court told

The SIT probing alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya will file its first chargesheet by September 25, the Supreme Court was told on Monday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the 90-day period from the first arrest would expire that day, making a chargesheet necessary to avoid default bail.

Man abducted from MP's house, rescued in 24 hours

Four individuals, including an aide to Samajwadi Party MP Laxmikant, alias Pappu Nishad, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Vishal Kumar. Kumar had previously filed a complaint against the MP under the Prevention of Atrocity Act. Police rescued Vishal Kumar within 24 hours, thwarting a plan to take him to Ayodhya and kill him.

Asian Games: India Women face Sri Lanka in rematch of Hangzhou gold-medal clash (preview)

Digital Desk | Nisshin, Sep 21 (IANS) Defending champions India will face Sri Lanka in the womens cricket final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Tuesday, setting up a repeat of the gold-medal clash from Hangzhou 2023. The final will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, with the match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM IST. India will look to retain the title after a dominant run through the knockout stages, while Sri Lanka will attempt to avenge their defeat in the previous Asian Games final. India reached the summit clash after brushing aside hosts Japan by eight wickets in the quarter-finals, then produced another emphatic performance against Bangladesh in the last four, winning by 114 runs. Sri Lanka have followed a similarly convincing route to the final. They defeated Malaysia by 86 runs in the quarter-finals before overcoming Pakistan by eight wickets in the semi-finals. The result has set up rematch of women's cricket medal fixtures to those at Hangzhou, with India and Sri Lanka contesting the gold medal and Pakistan and Bangladesh meeting in the bronze-medal match. Tuesdays final will also mark another meeting between the two sides in a major continental final within 10 days. India defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Dubai earlier this month, winning by 72 runs after half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Shafali has carried that form into the Asian Games. After scoring fifties in the Asia Cup semi-final and final, the Indian opener remained unbeaten on 40 against Japan before producing an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the semi-final. India will also look towards their bowling attack, with Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma among the wickets during the tournament. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will rely heavily on captain Chamari Athapaththu. The experienced all-rounder is the tournaments leading run-scorer with 146 runs from two matches and has also contributed three wickets, making her a key threat with both bat and ball. Indias recent record against Sri Lanka gives them an additional statistical advantage. The defending champions have won 25 of the 31 T20Is between the sides, while Sri Lanka have five victories and one match has ended without a result. India have also won the last seven meetings between the two teams, with Sri Lankas most recent victory coming in 2024. With another continental title at stake, India will seek to extend their dominance over Sri Lanka and successfully defend the Asian Games crown, while Sri Lanka will aim to overturn the recent head-to-head record and claim gold in the rematch of the Hangzhou final. When: Tuesday, September 22, 10:30 AM IST Where: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin Where to watch: The India vs Sri Lanka women's cricket Asian Games final will be streamed live on Sony LIV. The gold medal match between IND-W and SL-W will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 in India. Additionally, it will be available in regional languages on Sony Sports 3 and Sony Sports 3 HD (Hindi), as well as Sony Sports 4 (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada). Squads India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav Sri Lanka: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Meepage, Sanjana Kavindi, Anushka Sanjeewani

New CEO Takes Charge at Ayodhyas Ram Temple Amid Administrative Overhaul

Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra begins his role as CEO of the Ram Temple Trust, aiming to enhance management and transparency. New CEO Takes Charge at Ayodhyas Ram Temple Amid Administrative Overhaul

Ayodhya to hold Ganesh idol immersion on September 25 at Guptar Ghat

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New CEO Jitendra Mishra to take full charge of Ayodhya Ram Temple from Today

Ayodhya, Sep 21 Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to witness a significant administrative change at the Ram The post New CEO Jitendra Mishra to take full charge of Ayodhya Ram Temple from Today appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Chandrashekhar Azad Criticizes Government Over Recent Violence in Ayodhya

Chandrashekhar Azad questions the governments response to violence in Ayodhya, highlighting the need for accountability and job creation. Chandrashekhar Azad Criticizes Government Over Recent Violence in Ayodhya

Fire partially damages Katra helipad terminal in Jammu & Kashmir

Digital Desk | Jammu, Sep 20 (IANS) A fire partially damaged the helipad terminal, used to ferry pilgrims to the hilltop Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district early on Sunday. According to local sources, the fire was noticed around 3.15 a.m. The flames were brought under control shortly after by personnel present at the site, with assistance from fire and emergency services. The helipad terminal, an important transit point for pilgrims travelling to the shrine atop the Trikuta Hills, was closed at the time of the incident. No casualties have been reported so far. The extent of the damage is being assessed. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, though a short circuit is suspected. In a similar incident in June, a fire had broken out near the helipad at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya minutes before the scheduled landing of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials said. Police had then launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire and determine how it broke out close to the helipad designated for the Chief Minister's arrival, according to an NDTV report. The blaze reportedly started near the helipad and quickly spread towards the nearby Saryu Guest House. According to officials, it affected an area of about 15 metres before being brought under control ahead of the chief minister's landing. Security personnel deployed at the site initially attempted to contain the flames before fire brigade teams arrived and extinguished the blaze. No injuries or loss of life were reported. A massive fire broke out at the Sethi Complex Manihari Katla, also known as Purohit Ji Ka Katla, in Jaipur's Tripolia Bazaar in Rajasthan on Thursday morning. More than 20 shops and warehouses, including clothing warehouses, plastic goods shops and bangle stores, were reportedly affected by the blaze. According to initial information, the fire started in goods stored in cartons outside a clothing shop on the second floor.

In major reshuffle, Uttar Pradesh transfers 35 IPS officers

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 19 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh has ordered the transfer of 35 IPS officers in a major reshuffle announced on Saturday. The changes cover officers from the 2014 to 2022 batches and affect several key positions in police commissionerates and districts across the state. Charu Nigam of the 2014 batch has been shifted from the post of Police Superintendent of UP-112 in Lucknow to Commandant of the 47th Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary in Ghaziabad. Shravan Kumar Singh has been moved from Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kanpur Nagar to the same rank in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Pramod Kumar has been transferred from Deputy Commissioner of Police in Varanasi to Police Superintendent at the Cyber Headquarters in Lucknow, while Ravi Shankar Nim goes from Gautam Buddh Nagar to Commandant of the 2nd Battalion of the Special Security Force in Gorakhpur. Atul Sharma-II has been posted as Police Superintendent at the Intelligence Headquarters in Lucknow after serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Agra. Sonam Kumar shifts from Agra to Prayagraj as Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Ravindra Kumar moves from Kanpur Nagar to Agra in the same capacity. Neeraj Kumar Pandey has been transferred from Prayagraj to Police Superintendent at the Police Headquarters in Prayagraj. Mamta Rani Chaudhary goes from Lucknow Commissionerate to Police Superintendent in the CID at Lucknow, while Mohd. Irfan Ansari has been shifted from Prayagraj Police Headquarters to CID Headquarters in Lucknow. Saad Miya Khan and Syed Ali Abbas have exchanged postings between Gautam Buddh Nagar and Agra. Shruti Srivastava has been moved from Varanasi to Prayagraj as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Vikram Dahiya has been moved from Pilibhit to Chandauli as Additional Police Superintendent, while Ayush Srivastava has been shifted from Jaunpur to Unnao as Police Superintendent of the city. Rajesh Gunawat has been promoted and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police in Varanasi, and Anant Chandrashekhar moves from Chandauli to Jaunpur as Police Superintendent of the city. Among the 2022 batch officers, Devesh Chaturvedi goes from Ayodhya to Ambedkar Nagar as Additional Police Superintendent, Vivek Tiwari from Kheri to Barabanki, and Sumit Sudhakar Ramteke from Kanpur Nagar to Sambhal. Ariba Noman has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kanpur Nagar, Manoj Kumar Yadav to Agra in the same rank, and Rijul to Ghaziabad. Gautam Rai shifts within Bijnor to the rural charge, while Mavis Talk moves from Banda to Sonbhadra. Several SPS officers have also been reassigned. Jitendra Kumar Srivastava goes to Lucknow Commissionerate, Kapil Dev Singh to the Traffic Headquarters in Lucknow, Gyanendra Nath Prasad to Agra, Balwant Kumar Chaudhary to Ghaziabad, Abhay Nath Tripathi to Kanpur Nagar, Harendra Kumar to Agra, Rajesh Kumar Pandey to Varanasi, Harendra Pratap Yadav to UP-112 in Lucknow, Kuldeep Singh to the 43rd Battalion PAC in Etah and Vineet Bhatnagar to Varanasi. The officers have been directed to join their new assignments at the earliest.