Mayawati attacks EVMs, says doubt over vote credibility harmful to democracy
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati on Monday again questioned the process of conducting elections through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and demanded that the system be discontinued and the process revert to ballot papers. Mayawati said voters must have complete confidence that the vote they cast for a particular candidate has actually gone to that candidate and has been included in the counting process. Any situation that creates doubt about the integrity of a vote, she said, is a serious concern for democracy. In a statement issued to the media on Monday, she said the Constitution has granted every citizen of the country the right to vote and that ensuring free and fair elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission. She said the electoral process should be such that every voter remains fully assured, without any doubt, that their vote has been securely and correctly recorded. The BSP chief said elections in the country were conducted through ballot papers for several decades in the initial years, with ballot papers being counted in the presence of representatives of political parties. Subsequently, she said, EVMs replaced ballot papers. Mayawati said that when the Congress was in power at the Centre, senior BJP leaders had also questioned the reliability of EVMs. When the Congress government was in power at the Centre, the BJP strongly opposed EVMs, saying that the electronic chip installed in an EVM could easily be hacked, she said. However, the BJP, after coming to power, continued with the system of voting and counting through EVMs. The BSP chief said her party had consistently opposed the use of EVMs and claimed that distrust over the machines was growing among the partys supporters. Referring to the Nagina Lok Sabha constituency, she said there were various discussions and apprehensions at the local level regarding the victory of Azad Samaj Party candidate Chandrashekhar Azad. Mayawati also questioned the VVPAT system. She said that unless all VVPAT slips are matched with the votes recorded in EVMs, doubts arising in the minds of voters cannot be completely eliminated. She said that amid apprehensions surrounding electronic voting systems, maintaining voters confidence should be a priority for the Election Commission. Mayawati also expressed concern over confusion surrounding issues related to elections, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She said the Election Commission should have clarified the situation on such matters in a timely manner. According to her, the lack of timely clarification has contributed to confusion and resentment among the Opposition and the public. She said the Election Commission should address all questions and concerns related to elections in time so that public confidence in free and fair elections remains intact. Mayawati reiterated that the BSPs demand for restoring confidence in free and fair elections is that voting through EVMs should be discontinued and elections should instead be conducted using ballot papers. She also called for misconceptions surrounding SIR and other issues related to the electoral process to be addressed. Also expressing concern over the law and order situation in Delhi, Punjab and other states, she urged the respective state governments to take necessary steps to improve the situation.
UP Election Blueprint Ready: BJP Activates IT Cell Network Across 3,561 Booths in Lucknow
Heavy rain and flooding kill at least 62 in UP
LUCKNOW, India, September 28, 2026 (AP) At least 62 people have died after days of heavy rain and flooding in northern Indias Uttar Pradesh state, officials said Monday. The state government said 46 people were injured and more than 1,000 houses were damaged after three days of heavy rainfall caused flooding in several districts. Schools were closed Monday in parts of the state, including the capital, Lucknow, while rescue teams moved people from flooded areas to safer locations. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged areas and stay away from fast-flowing rivers, streams and drains. Rainfall was
OP Rajbhar takes dig at Akhilesh Yadav over SP-Cong ties, calls alliance Thugbandhan
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav over his partys ties with the Congress, questioning the nature of the alliance and accusing leaders of both parties of publicly taking jibes at each other. In a post on X, Rajbhar directly addressed Akhilesh Yadav and claimed that Congress and SP leaders were engaged in a growing tussle over political space. Akhilesh ji! When you went to Raebareli, the Congress folks started telling you to go to Etawah instead; Chachus Congress crew wants to drag you to Jaswantnagar to show you your place, Imran Masoods giving you the stink-eye, Ikra Hasan is putting the Congress folks in their place. Ajay Rai and Rajendra Pal Gautam have already turned the SP into the little brother, and your spokespersons are teaching the Congress folks to stay in their lane, Rajbhar said. He then questioned whether the differences between the two parties represented a genuine alliance. Hey Maharaja, is this what they call an alliance? In reality, this is called a Thugbandhan. Theres planning for the con job, and a fight brewing over divvying up the spoils of the loot. The fights about who gets to be the bigger thug? Rajbhar said. He also questioned whether Akhilesh had authorised his party leaders to openly criticise Congress leaders or whether they were acting independently. Just clear this up: did you yourself give your leaders permission to speak out against Congress? Or have Chachu and the rest of the leaders become self-reliant in this matter? he asked. Rajbhar further attacked the SP leadership over its political outreach and invited Akhilesh to visit Amethi, invoking the constituencys electoral history involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Anyway, when you take out the rath, Amethi is right next door to Lucknow here. Swing by for a quick visit. That same Amethi, which didnt just defeat your friend Rahul Baba, but chased him out. Go tour that Amethi, Maharaja, let the Congress folks burn with envy, he said. Rajbhar concluded his post with religious and political slogans, writing: Jai Bharat, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Parshuram, Jai Shri Krishna, Jai Maharaja Suhaldev! Rajbhars remarks come amid political sparring between opposition parties and the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, with the nature of cooperation and seat-level political dynamics among opposition parties remaining a recurring subject of debate in the state.
Brajesh Pathak has sparked a controversy after advising young people to consider driving e-rickshaws or taxis instead of chasing conventional jobs. His remarks at the Bharat Taxi launch in Lucknow drew a sharp response from Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj and social media users.
Anushman Jha: I make movies to connect, my attempt has never been transactional
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Actors Soni Razdan and Raghubir Yadavs Om Ka Hari is to have its special screenings for over 50 Army centres in India. The films producer Anshuman Jha calls it the old-school way of connecting with audiences and added further that he makes movies to connect. Anshuman will travel across 15 cities from Monday onwards, including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Agra, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Patna to host special screenings. Anshuman said in a statement: This is the old-school way of connecting with audiences, not just selling a film to them. I make movies to connect, and my attempt has never been transactional; it has always been emotional. So I am willing to keep working harder and going further to reach my audience. Charlie Chaplin used to take his films from city to city. I want to do that with Om Ka Hari. I want to sit with audiences, watch the film with them, hear what they feel, and have conversations with them. He said that the love for Om Ka Hari is real, and he wants to keep walking that extra mile to take the film to more people and, hopefully, spread the message at its heart: express your love to your parents while you still have the chance. With 25 cinemas retaining the film into Week 2 and 50+ Army Centre screenings lined up across India, Om Ka Hari is now entering its second week with continued word-of-mouth momentum. The Army Centre screenings are expected to bring the film to thousands of viewers nationwide, with over 50 centres hosting screenings. Om Ka Hari explores the complexities of the father-son relationship through comedy, drama and the things families often struggle to say to one another. Directed by Harish Vyas, Om Ka Hari stars Anshuman Jha and Raghubir Yadav in the titular roles of Om and Hari. The film follows a stubborn father and his independent-minded son, whose relationship is shaped by generational differences, disagreements and deeply held expectations. When Hari believes he has only a few days left to live, he decides to make a journey to Varanasi, with Om accompanying him. What begins as a journey marked by conflict gradually becomes an opportunity for the two to confront the love, hurt and things left unsaid between them.
'Giving back to my country': Dubai teen uses birthday savings to build solar plant in UP
Road safety data shows dip in no. of crashes but rise in death toll
Man loses 2 lakh after opening fake e-challan message
Lucknow professor becomes UPs first EFSLE China Travel grant winner
SGPGI paediatric team bags multiple honours at IAPSCON
Women-led SHGs put rural UP products on global showcase
Cybercrime tools, ATS gear draw visitors to UP Police pavilion
Free trade agreements unlocking global markets for UP: Nandi
Mayawati signals possible visit to rain-hit UP, Uttarakhand; seeks urgent relief
12-year-old student dies after collapsing in school, post-mortem cites heart attack
Vigyan Bharati Awadh elects office-bearers
Barabanki woman seeks police protection, alleges stalking and death threats by Hardoi man
DM orders crop loss survey in rain-hit villages
Museum Mixer unfolds sweet nuances of Awadhi lingo
Solar firm state head dragged by car; attempt-to-murder case filed
Snatchers pose as prospective tenants, rob RTO inspectors wife of gold chain in Jankipuram
Power supply restored in most urban areas: UPPCL
After above average rain, temp dips 9 deg below normal
BJP core committee likely to meet in Lucknow to discuss Rajya Sabha candidates
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh BJP is likely to hold a meeting of its core committee in Lucknow on Monday to discuss the partys preparations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with the selection of candidates for eight seats expected to be a key agenda. Polls for 10 seats of UP will be held on October 16. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya are expected to attend the meeting. Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary and state organisation general secretary Dharampal Singh are also likely to be present. The meeting is expected to focus on drawing up panels of prospective candidates for the eight Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh. The state leadership is likely to prepare a panel of three names for each seat, giving the central leadership a broader set of choices before the final selection. Sources said the panels prepared by the state unit will subsequently be forwarded to the BJP's central leadership. The final decision on the candidates is expected to be taken at the central level after considering the recommendations from the state. Rajya Sabha elections assume significance for the BJP as the party seeks to consolidate its representation in the Upper House. The exercise will also involve balancing organisational considerations and the representation of different sections while finalising the candidates. The proposed core committee meeting is therefore expected to provide the first formal framework for the state unit's recommendations. The discussions among senior leaders will help narrow down the names before the panels are sent to the central leadership. The BJP has yet to formally announce its candidates for the eight Uttar Pradesh seats. The final list will be declared after the central leadership completes its consultations and takes a decision on the nominations.
Amit Shah Praises Yogi Adtyanath: Message From Delhi To Lucknow?
A panel discussion on Amit Shah's praise for Yogi Adityanath, his leadership and law-and-order record, and what it could signal for the BJP's Delhi-Lucknow equation.
UP sweet shops must display use-by dates for loose sweets from Oct 15
UP rain havoc: 81 dead in 3 days, 62 injured; 2,254 houses damaged
From October 15, use-by date mandatory on sweets in UP, including loose sweets
Over one lakh students get study tables, express gratitude to CM Yogi in unique ways
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 27 (IANS) Hundreds of students chose unique ways to express gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for providing them with study tables. Many penned a letter to the Chief Minister, decorating it with flowers and pictures of study tables; some wrote the message of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao along with a portrait of Yogi Adityanath to thank the Chief Minister. For the 100,000 children in Devipatan division, these study tables have become a valuable asset, creating a little corner for studies at home. Swati, a recipient of a study table, expressed her happiness in a letter to the Chief Minister. She wrote that she was extremely happy after receiving a new study table and shared that she uses the table every day for her studies. Along with decorating her letter with flowers, she also drew a picture of the study table, a book and a pencil at the bottom. A letter from Saba, a Class 6 student, describes the changes the study table has brought to her daily study routine. Thanking the Chief Minister, Saba wrote that she used to face inconvenience while studying at home, but the study table has made studying much easier for her. Nuzhat Fatima, a Class 7 student, prepared a letter of gratitude to the Chief Minister on a sheet of blue chart paper. Nuzhat wrote that this has increased her interest in her studies, and she is now able to study with greater concentration than before. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister by drawing a picture of a female student studying with coloured pencils. The children's letters of appreciation were not limited to words alone; many created posters. One child drew a large portrait of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and wrote Beti Bachao (Save the Girl Child) and Beti Padhao (Educate the Girl Child) on both sides. Another poster depicted a student being handed a table at the school gate, accompanied by the slogan: If the daughter studies, she will progress and bring glory to Uttar Pradesh. Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal told newsmen that a target had been set to distribute one lakh (100,000) study tables across four districts of the Devipatan Division, under the 'Shiksha Ki Udaan' (Flight of Education) campaigna goal that has been fully achieved. The campaign aims to foster a culture of disciplined study at home while encouraging academic excellence in government schools. By providing study tables to meritorious students, the initiative seeks to create a space for continuous and focused study outside the classroom. She said that children from rural backgrounds received these study tables, which have now become their personal study spaces. According to Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal, the highest number of tables34,260were distributed in Bahraich. This was followed by the distribution of 27,650 tables in Gonda, 26,984 in Balrampur and 11,106 in Shravasti. She explained that the 'Shiksha Ki Udaan' campaign was designed to provide study tables to the top-performing students in government schools.
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.
Former U.P. Minister Ram Govind Chaudhary cremated in Ballia with State honours
Samajwadi Party veteran Chaudhary, an eight-time MLA and former leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, died on September 25 while undergoing treatment in Lucknow
Mayawati announces restructuring of BSP
BSP leader Mayawati has unveiled a new organizational framework divided into three distinct sectors. The first sector will encompass ten states, managed by BSP Rajya Sabha members Ramji Gautam and Suresh Rao. Nine states will be included in the second sector under the guidance of Rajaram and Atar Singh Rao, while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand fall into the third sector, directly supervised from the central office in Lucknow.
Soft by name, steadfast by choice: Air Force doctor secures AIR 2 in NEET PG 2026
Cong, Oppn parties undermining constitutional institutions for political interests: CM Yogi
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 27 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of repeatedly questioning constitutional institutions and undermining democratic values for political interests. While addressing a press conference, the chief minister also defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and criticised the opposition for its objections to the exercise. CM Yogi said, The Congress and opposition parties have consistently been part of efforts to undermine Indias constitutional institutions and weaken democratic values for political interests. It is unfortunate that the statements and actions of the countrys main opposition party and other UPA-associated parties are irresponsible and damage democratic values. The confusion being spread about SIR isnt new SIR has been conducted in the country at different times, including in 1952, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966 and 2003 The Chief Minister said the Election Commission has already clarified the process and asserted that eligible voters left out of the electoral rolls would be given an opportunity to submit the required form. All three Election Commissioners came before the press and clarified the situation. Regarding SIR, directions had already been issued that all eligible voters who were left out would be given an opportunity to fill required form. The Supreme Court has also upheld the Election Commissions action regarding Form 6, he said. Despite this, putting the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioners in the dock, questioning every constitutional institution and attempting to tarnish Indias image globally is extremely unfortunate. Congress and its allies should control their irresponsible actions. There should be no place for violence, vandalism or misinformation in a democracy, he added. CM Yogi also cited past controversies surrounding institutions such as the Comptroller and Auditor General, electronic voting machines (EVM) and the Election Commission to target the Congress and other opposition parties. In 2019, the CAG gave its observations on the Rafale issue, and questions were raised about the CAG as well. The EVMs, through which Congress governments have also been formed at the Centre and in several states, have been called a black box, raising questions about Indias electoral system and the countrys democratic values, he said. Recall that on June 25, 1975, Congress sinned by undermining the Constitution by imposing the Emergency. Congress-led governments also repeatedly dismissed elected governments of opposition parties through unconstitutional means. Their actions have repeatedly compromised the countrys internal and external security. Questioning the valour of the Indian armed forces during the Balakot airstrike and attempting to cast doubt on the bravery of Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor are examples of this approach, CM Yogi said. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further accused Congress and other parties of creating an uproar over SIR and questioned their criticism of the Election Commission and EVMs after electoral defeats. Despite all this, the uproar over the SIR process by Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD and other parties is unfortunate. Congress, which ruled the country for the longest period, has repeatedly questioned the Election Commission. If these parties lose elections due to their corruption, economic misconduct, policies and actions, how justified is it to blame the Election Commission or EVMs? These parties should introspect and examine themselves, the chief minister suggested.
CM Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition for Questioning Constitutional Institutions
CM Yogi Adityanath condemns oppositions attacks on constitutional institutions, calling them detrimental to democracy during a press conference in Lucknow. CM Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition for Questioning Constitutional Institutions
UP rain havoc: 56 dead, 46 injured in 48 hours; over 1,000 houses damaged
IMD issues red alert in U'khand; heavy rain likely in Himachal, UP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a warning regarding torrential rain and thunder strikes in Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Himachal Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. IMD has predicted rainfall in Delhi over the next three days. As rains lashed Uttarakhand on Saturday, the Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Pauri. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended in view of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures have dropped sharply due to snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. Due to the impact of a depression formed over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining northern Chhattisgarh, heavy to very heavy rainfall -- and in some places, extremely heavy or exceptionally heavy rainfall -- is expected in Uttarakhand and parts of northern Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. According to the information shared by the IMD on the social media platform 'X', the depression formed over south-eastern Uttar Pradesh has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. Consequently, it was located approximately 40 km southeast of Lucknow, 80 km east-northeast of Kanpur, 110 km south-southwest of Bahraich, and 260 km southeast of Bareilly. There is a high probability that it will continue moving north-northwestwards across eastern Uttar Pradesh and gradually weaken into a 'well-marked low-pressure area' in the same region over the next six hours. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather pattern in Delhi-NCR underwent a change following rainfall on Saturday evening. People experienced a slight chill on Sunday morning. The IMD has forecasted rain in the national capital over the next three days. Meanwhile, an 'orange alert' for rain has been issued for Jharkhand for Sunday. Additionally, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. For Monday, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, while strong winds are expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Of Azad & another shade of blue in UP politics
EC bypassed dissent on voter rolls, IT revamp: Congress
Fake GST check turns into extortion bid on Hamirpur Highway, 4 held
Colours, symbols and the battle for political meaning in UP
Protecting rivers, securing future
Varun Gandhis political revival on cards with Rajya Sabha nomination?
Maya puts Gen Z, Gen Alpha on partys poll agenda
Two get life sentence for murder over land dispute in 2010
UP tourist arrivals jump sevenfold to 156 crore in nine years: Min
Govt begins hiring for 25 Ayushman Bharat Digital posts
Raga, rain & romance: City swoons to monsoon melodies
26-member panel releases National TBI guidelines
Waterlogged roads leave cars kaput
Distress calls flood UP-112 amid heavy rains
Downpour slays heat and dust, raises air quality in city
Rain batters power network, discom scrambles to restore services
Rain havoc claims one life in Lucknow; several injured as walls, roofs collapse
Sat rainfall 50-times of normal for a day in Sep
NCB convicts nine in 2021 Firozabad ganja case, sentences up to 20 years
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.
Couldn't Process It For 10 Minutes Dhir Recalls Seeing His Name In India ODI Squad
ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup: When Naman Dhir first saw a congratulatory message on social media after he got his maiden India call-up for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, he casually dismissed it as spam. But when he finally opened the official team announcement post, the Faridkot-based Dhir froze in disbelief and needed ten minutes just to comprehend that his lifelong dream had finally come true. Our Sher-e-Punjab tournament in Punjab was over, so I was there. Actually, I had no idea that there would be a call-up or anything like that. So I got a message on Instagram congratulating me. I ignored it; I thought it might be something else. But I opened that post, and after that, when I saw my name, I couldn't process it for 10 minutes. I mean, I've been selected here. But yes, it was a surreal feeling. First of all, I called my father; he was very happy. He had a lot of emotions coming out, Dhir said in a video posted by the BCCI on its social media handles on Saturday. Dhirs path to the national dressing room has been defined by a never-give-up attitude. After representing Punjab at the U-16 level, he endured nearly seven years of complete oblivion, finding himself off the radar before a breakthrough season in the U-25 tournament reignited his career, leading to a Ranji Trophy debut and subsequently an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians. Every kid who starts playing cricket has a dream to represent India, and to play a match for India. So, I guess for me, it's still a dream come true. I feel like I'm living my dream. The old Naman was quitting at one point, but the new Naman will say that you should keep working hard with a pure heart. If you're honest with your work and your hard work, you'll get a 100 percent result. I represented Punjab in the U-16s. After that, I didn't play anything for 6-7 years, till U-25s. After that, I got a breakthrough and scored runs in the U-25s, and then I was called up for the Ranji Trophy. Then IPL came, and that's when my journey started. So, those 6-7 years were tough, but as I said, if you're honest with your work and your hard work, you'll get a 100 percent result, he added. First making heads turn during his maiden IPL stint in 2024 with a blistering 28-ball 62 against Lucknow Super Giants, Dhir soon established himself as a potent middle-order striking option. His steady progression through the India A setup in 2025, including the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, kept him firmly on the selectors' radar. However, the definitive push for a national call-up came during the recently concluded Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. Dhir amassed 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61, powered by 49 boundaries and as many sixes. The centrepiece of that campaign was a jaw-dropping 173 off just 64 balls. Eight days later, the India call-up arrived, right after he had also been named in the India A squad for the one-dayers against Australia A in Puducherry. However, the definitive push for a national call-up came during the recently concluded Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. Dhir amassed 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61, powered by 49 boundaries and as many sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With selectors slating him for a dynamic middle-order role in the series, Dhir is focused on soaking in the moment. Getting the India cap, I don't know how I'll feel then. But right now, what I'm thinking is that I want to enjoy this moment to the fullest because I've waited my whole life for this moment. As far as I'm concerned, I'll give more than 100 percent, but I want to enjoy it even more, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
4,400 crashes, 2,396 deaths: Road fatalities rise despite dip in accidents in Lucknow division
UP schools closed in several districts amid heavy rainfall and weather alerts
Schools in several Uttar Pradesh districts have been closed amid heavy rainfall and weather warnings. Lucknow, Prayagraj and Kanpur announced closures for September 26, while CM Yogi Adityanath directed officials to monitor relief operations and provide prompt assistance to affected families
CM Yogi Launches 12,000 Crore LDA Housing Projects to Build 10,600-Acre New Lucknow
15 killed, 117 houses damaged as UP gets 19 times normal rainfall
3 Killed, 2 Injured After Speeding Car Overturns On Lucknow-Agra Expressway
All five men, residents of Delhi, were travelling to Ballia for some work when the accident occurred at around 7:30 am in the Dauki police station area.
Tried to strangle me: Woman attacked by husband, 2 others inside UP court
During a maintenance case hearing on September 24, Priya Tripathi alleged that her husband Manish Kumar Mishra and two accomplices assaulted her on the Family Court premises. She reported that her father and sister were also attacked when they attempted to help her. A complaint has been filed at Kotwali police station, accompanied by video evidence of the event, with law enforcement awaiting the next steps based on the allegations.
'Consensual extramarital relationship': Congress MP Rakesh Rathore discharged in rape case
Political circles mourn Ram Govind Chaudharys death; Akhilesh Yadav pays tribute
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 26 (IANS) The death of Ram Govind Chaudhary, former Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, has sent shockwaves through political circles in the state. A senior SP leader, former Uttar Pradesh minister and a former eight-time MLA, Ram Govind Chaudhary, passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow at the age of 73. SP President Akhilesh Yadav visited Metro City Apartments in Nishatganj, Lucknow, on Saturday and paid his last respects by placing the Samajwadi Party flag on Chaudharys body. Akhilesh appeared emotional during the visit. Leaders and supporters from various political parties, including Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, also visited Chaudharys residence to pay their respects. Akhilesh Yadav described Chaudharys death as a major loss for the socialist movement and the party. Ram Govind Chaudhary was a leader of the socialist movement and belonged to the generation when socialism was establishing its identity in the early days, he said. The SP President said Chaudhary had dedicated his entire life to the socialist movement and spent his political career in struggle. He was a very effective voice. His demise has been a loss to the socialist movement. The Samajwadi Party has suffered a huge loss. All of us socialists stand with his family in this hour of grief, Akhilesh said. Ketki Singh, BJP MLA from Bansdih in Ballia, also expressed condolences on Chaudharys passing. She said his death was an irreparable loss for the entire region and Uttar Pradesh. Despite ideological differences, Singh said Chaudhary had been like a guardian to her in politics. She added that his contributions to public service, grassroots struggles and socialist ideology would always be remembered. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, Ram Govind Chaudhary belonged to Baghi Ballia, a strong political centre known across the country as a hub of socialist politics, from where Chandra Shekhar Ji emerged. As the state president of the Samajwadi Party, a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav government and an eight-time MLA from Ballia, his contributions have been exemplary. The passing of Ram Govind Chaudhary is a great loss to the politics of Uttar Pradesh and the socialist movement. On behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal Ji and my colleagues, I pay my tribute to him. I pray to God to grant his soul a place at His feet and give strength to his family, loved ones and all those who have been deeply affected by his demise to bear this loss. UP Transport Minister, Dayashankar Singh, also visited Chaudharys residence and paid his respects. A stream of political leaders, supporters and acquaintances continued to arrive at the residence, where an atmosphere of mourning prevailed. Chaudharys political journey began in student politics. Hailing from Ballia district, he entered the Uttar Pradesh Assembly for the first time after winning the Chilkhar Assembly seat in the 1977 elections. Between 1990 and 1991, he served as Minister of Horticulture and Food Processing in the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government. After winning the 2012 Assembly elections from Bansdih, he was given charge of the Basic Education and Social Welfare departments in the Akhilesh Yadav-led government. In the 2017 Assembly elections, Chaudhary again won from Bansdih and was subsequently appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a position he held from 2017 to 2022. He also served as National Secretary of the SP and played a key role in the party organisation. During his long political career, Chaudhary remained one of the prominent SP leaders in Purvanchal politics.
Political Leaders Mourn the Passing of Ram Govind Chaudhary in Lucknow
Ram Govind Chaudharys death has left a void in Uttar Pradesh politics, prompting tributes from leaders including Akhilesh Yadav. Political Leaders Mourn the Passing of Ram Govind Chaudhary in Lucknow
MP Rathore Discharged In Rape Case
The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has discharged Congress MP Rakesh Rathore in a rape case, ruling that the prosecution material indicated a long-standing consensual relationship between him and the complainant, contrary to allegations of rape on the promise of marriage. The court deemed the allegations contradictory and unfounded, setting aside a lower court's order.
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Delhi's Initial Ranji Games May Happen In Palam Due To Major Drainage Revamp At Arun Jaitley Stadium
Palam Air Force Ground: Delhis initial home matches in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy season could be shifted to the Air Force Ground in Palam as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) prepares to undertake a major overhaul of the drainage system at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The venue, which recently hosted three T20Is between India and Afghanistan earlier this month, will require an extended period of downtime once the civic work commences. A proposal has been sent out to improve the drainage system at the venue. Right now, people concerned are waiting for the final approval. Lets be clear - this process needs time; in winter, it takes time for the grass to grow, and for this, proper sunshine is needed, and you can have an idea of it by seeing the weather in December and January, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Friday. Delhi, which kicks off their Elite Group C campaign against Bengal in Kalyani from October 11, have two scheduled home fixtures in the first phase - against Gujarat (October 1821) and Services (November 25). Both matches are now expected to take place at the Palam Air Force Ground. The upgradation in the drainage system will also lead to the soil-based outfield being converted into a sand-based one. The process will involve a lot of watering, and the invitation for tenders is expected to begin soon. People who have worked in upgrading drainage systems at other Test venues and are known to the BCCI are expected to be preferred for this work. A final confirmation is likely to come by the first week of October, added the source. The timeline for the outfield work, initially understood to be of four months, could also cast doubt over New Delhi hosting the mens ODI between India and Sri Lanka, to be played on December 13. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Previously, former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya was appointed head coach of the Delhi men's domestic team for the 2026/27 season and will take over from Sarandeep Singh, who was on the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and notably recommended his name for the role. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories This marks Dahiya's fourth stint in charge of Delhi, after having previously guided them to their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007/08, besides coaching Uttar Pradesh to the semi-finals in 2021/22. A seasoned coach, Dahiyas extensive resume includes IPL assistant coaching roles with Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders, and he coaches Purani Dilli 6 in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Article Source: IANS
'Everyone is free to campaign anywhere': Ajay Rai on SP launching 'PDA Rath Yatra' from Raebareli
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 25 (IANS) A day after Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav launched the 'PDA Rath Yatra' for next year's Uttar Pradesh polls from the Congress bastion of Raebareli, Congress state chief Ajay Rai remarked that everyone is free to campaign anywhere while maintaining that his party is doing its own work for the elections. Anyone can go anywhere for election campaigning. We are certainly doing our work. We stand firmly with the people in their joys and sorrows, the UP Congress chief remarked. Referring to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Rai asserted that the entire nation is looking towards him today. He is raising national issues and strongly presenting questions that concern the public, he added. SP MP Rajeev Rai backed the UP Congress chief's remark, saying: Whatever he said is absolutely right...we will keep working hard to ensure that the INDIA bloc wins the maximum seats (in the Assembly polls). Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched the party's 'PDA Yatra' from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh as part of its campaign and preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections in the state. During the event, he targeted the BJP, stating that when the time comes to vote, no matter how much effort the BJP exerts, he people of the 'PDA' (Pichda, Dalit, AlpsankhyakBackward, Dalit, Minority) will unite to defeat them. Ahead of the 'yatra' on Thursday, SP leaders and workers had put up posters and hoardings at several places in Raebareli. The posters depicted Akhilesh Yadav in the avatars of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, drawing criticism from the NDA. Minister O.P. Rajbhar criticised Yadav's decision to begin the yatra from Raebareli and linked it to a recent controversy involving an SP district president and a police officer. Speaking to reporters, Rajbhar said: Akhilesh Yadav is going to Raebareli because it is not only a Congress stronghold. In Raebareli, the SP district president told the CO there to wear bangles. He became ready to assault the CO, so Akhilesh is going to Raebareli to encourage his people and boost the morale of his unruly people, and this is what will prove fatal for him. Meanwhile, BJP MP Ravi Kishan, on Friday, told IANS that Rahul Gandhi has also become uneasy because Akhilesh Yadav is making inroads into whatever little Congress vote bank remains.
Election Commission Row Escalates: Congress Takes Protest Nationwide, CEC Under Fire
The Congress-led campaign against the Election Commission intensifies as protests are held across Delhi, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Guwahati, Patna and Chandigarh. Congress has demanded action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while Rahul Gandhi has called for his resignation. The BJP has hit back over Congress's stand on the SIR exercise in Kerala. Meanwhile, a PIL against the CEC has been filed in the Supreme Court.
