facebook

Lucknow

...

BJP nervous ahead of 2027 UP polls: SP MP criticises Keshav Maurya over 'Sampnath remarks

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) MP, Awadhesh Prasad on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya over his Sampnath remarks, alleging that the statement reflected nervousness within the BJP ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections. Maurya had described the SP as Sampnath referring to a cobra, as part of a wider rhetorical attack on Opposition parties ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He also referred to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) as Nagnath, or viper, and the Congress as Kaliya Nag, the venomous black serpent from Hindu mythology. Responding to the remarks, Awadhesh Prasad said that the UP Deputy Chief Minister was nervous about the upcoming elections and claimed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was even more concerned about the electoral contest. Speaking to IANS, the SP MP said, What is Keshav Mauryas status? He couldnt even win the Assembly elections in his own constituency. He became Deputy Chief Minister by the grace of politicians. He has no political base of his own. He is nervous about the upcoming elections, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is more nervous than him. Commenting on the political situation ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections, the SP MP said that voters were not confused about their choice but were instead unhappy with the functioning of the Yogi Adityanath government. People are not confused, but rather, they are upset with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths government. They have resolved to remove the BJP and Chief Minister Adityanath. They have also resolved to form a PDA government under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav in the state. There is no confusion about this, the SP MP said. On Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharges remarks regarding the Election Commission, Awadhesh Prasad said, Kharge ji is saying this today. Our leader, Akhilesh ji, had said a long ago that the Election Commission was dead and had even sent a shroud for it. These are old statements. We have been saying this consistently, and our leaders have also been saying the same. Speaking about the INDIA Bloc and the political circumstances surrounding its meeting, the SP MP said the alliance had been created with an important objective and claimed that the meeting was taking place at a time when the countrys situation was very poor. Our countrys economic and foreign policies have come under the influence of the United States. As a result, inflation has increased, and farmers and workers are suffering. Students are being fired upon, and lathi charges are being carried out against them, he said. Peoples votes are being taken away. Dr B.R. Ambedkar gave millions of Dalits, backward communities, the disadvantaged, minorities and people across the country the right to vote. The BJP wants to take away this right and weaken democracy. Therefore, this meeting is very important and meaningful, Awadhesh Prasad said.

bhaskarlive 30 Sep 2026 4:04 pm

'Will accept whoever wants to join us': SP chief on Brij Bhushan Singh's remark

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly polls in 2027, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that he will accept anyone who wants to join the party. Akhilesh Yadav's remark was in response to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's remark that, Without Akhilesh, everything feels empty. Singh made the remark when asked about the ongoing seat-sharing deliberations between the Opposition allies, days after a Congress leader said that the party will contest at least 150 seats in the forthcoming 2027 Assembly elections in UP. Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said: Whoever wants to join us, we will welcome and accept them. Meanwhile, SP leader Ambika Chaudhary referred to Brij Bhushan Singh as a senior leader and said: He is expressing what he believes is the public sentiment in the state. In particular, he is referring to the situation that emerged in Ayodhya following the allegations of donation-related irregularities. Earlier, Congress MP Imran Masood and SP MP Iqra Hasan were embroiled in a war of words after the latter reportedly said that only SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is capable of defeating the BJP in UP and suggested that the Congress could achieve little on its own. Speaking to IANS, Imran Masood hit back, saying, ...then dont form an alliance. Who is asking for it? Are we begging anyone? Let everyone do what they want. When a wedding procession sets out, there are many drummers, as well as people who dance and sing. Let these people dance and sing. We are focussed on our work. The Congress MP had earlier responded by insisting that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is the only Opposition leader with a national reach capable of unsettling the BJP. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav is currently undertaking a 'PDA Rath Yatra', which he had flagged off from Raebareli. The choice of the district by the SP to launch the campaign had also raised eyebrows, since Raebareli is the Lok Sabha constituency represented by LoP Rahul Gandhi.

bhaskarlive 30 Sep 2026 3:46 pm

Shalimar Corp creates Rs 750 crore platform with HDFC Capital

HDFC Capital Advisors Limited has partnered with Shalimar Corp to create a significant investment platform in Uttar Pradesh. This collaboration aims to focus on residential and mixed-use developments across key cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kanpur. The platform is expected to facilitate the construction of about 3,000 homes and over 5 million square feet of development space.

The Economic Times 30 Sep 2026 1:32 pm

UP STF arrests Rajasthan man over Rs 11 crore hawala transfer to China

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a 30-year-old man from Rajasthan for allegedly assisting a Chinese national in transferring more than Rs 11 crore to China through hawala channels over a period of eight months, senior STF officials said. The accused, identified as Ganpat Lal Rajpurohit, a resident of Balotra in Rajasthan, was arrested from Karol Bagh in Delhi on Monday. His arrest is linked to a case registered at the Phase-2 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar. According to the STF, the hawala transfers were carried out between December 2025 and July 2026. STF officials said Rajpurohit collected cash generated through under-invoicing carried out by two companies controlled by Chinese national Liao Longhui. The cash was subsequently handed over to hawala operators for being transferred to China. Investigators are now working to establish and trace the complete flow of money involved in the alleged transactions. The case originated with the STF's arrest on July 22 of Liao and two of his Indian associates, identified as Sanjeev Kumar and Kaushlendra, from Purvanchal Silver City Society in Gautam Buddha Nagar. According to the STF, Liao allegedly exercised control over two companies dealing in mobile accessories, which had been incorporated in the names of Indian citizens. The companies were allegedly used for financial transactions involving under-invoicing, the STF said. Investigators suspect that the arrangement was used to generate cash, which was subsequently moved through hawala channels for transfer to China. The STF further alleged that Liao had been staying in India without a valid visa. He also allegedly obtained an Aadhaar card using a fictitious identity, Samuel Lotha, with an address listed in Kohima, Nagaland. According to the STF, Liao's wife, Michelle, and his sister, Sarah, were assisting him from China. Rajpurohit allegedly came in contact with the two women while he was working in Delhi's Karol Bagh area. He subsequently became involved in the alleged hawala operation, officials said. The STF said employees working at one of the companies handed over cash to Rajpurohit. He would then deliver the money to hawala operators, who arranged for its transfer to China. During the arrest and subsequent investigation, the STF recovered Rs 8.20 lakh in cash, $100 and 36 Chinese yuan from Rajpurohit. Officials also recovered his passport, Aadhaar card, two PAN cards and five credit cards. The seized material also included bank cheque books, a cash memo booklet, GST registration documents related to KK Traders and visa-related forms, the STF said. The STF said that four accused persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation into the hawala network is underway. Further details are awaited.

bhaskarlive 30 Sep 2026 10:50 am

Kalhath at 10: How Maximiliano Modesti took the Indian stitch global

As Lucknows Kalhath Institute turns 10, founder Maximiliano Modesti reflects on giving traditional Indian embroidery new contexts through contemporary art and design

The Hindu 30 Sep 2026 9:39 am

Shillong bodybuilder Ropmay bags two medals

SHILLONG, Sept 28: Shillong bodybuilder Daman Ropmay secured two medals at the India Premier Natural Championship Series Monster Muscle Naturals Global Fitness Expo in Lucknow, winning a gold and a bronze. Ropmay claimed the top spot in the 50-55kg bodybuilding category and later finished third in Classic Physique Class A, which featured competitors below []

The Shillong Times 30 Sep 2026 7:13 am

CWG setback fuels Paruls Asian Games comeback

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 1:22 am

Take your pick of cli-fi, romantasy at 11-day book fair

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 1:05 am

Exquisite artwork on display at exhibition

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 1:04 am

LDA seals SA Apartment after structural damage

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 1:04 am

Mans head shaved, paradedwith shoe garland in Hardoi

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:58 am

Marriage should notbe taken lightly: HC

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:56 am

Reserved candidates clearinggen cut-off are unreserved: HC

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:56 am

Bad roads take toll on vehicles, health

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:53 am

CEMS data unreliable for regulatory action, says report

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:47 am

BJP names 6 more candidates for UP MLC seats

The Times of India 30 Sep 2026 12:46 am

Cong: CEC operating under BJPs influence

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 11:17 pm

BJP to apprise young voters of SP govts jungle raj

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 10:34 pm

Jhansi leads Yogi govt water management push

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 6:11 pm

UP BJP to hold organisational meeting in Lucknow on October 1

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 29 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold an organisational meeting in Lucknow on October 1, 2026, with senior leaders of the party

devdiscourse 29 Sep 2026 6:05 pm

BJP declares names of six candidates for Uttar Pradesh MLC elections

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 29 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced its list of 10 candidates for the upcoming Legislative Council elections 2026 for two states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The elections are scheduled in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the Graduate and Teachers' constituencies on October 23. In Uttar Pradesh, a total of 11 seats, comprising Graduate and Teachers' constituencies, are set to go to the polls next month. BJP announced names of six candidates on Tuesday, covering the constituencies namely Varanasi, Jhansi, Meerut, Agra, and Gorakhpur regions. It has fielded nominees Kedar Nath Singh from Varanasi Graduate, Dinesh Goyal from Meerut Graduate, Ashok Kumar Rathore from Allahabad-Jhansi Graduate, Dr Pramod Mishra from Varanasi Teachers', Engineer Hari Kishore Tiwari from Agra Teachers', and Dhruv Tripathi from Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teachers' constituency. The MLC election in Uttar Pradesh is being held as a direct contest between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BJP, with both taking to electioneering. Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has announced names of all 11 of its candidates for the MLC elections. The SP chief, declaring the list while speaking to the media in Lucknow on Monday, sought support for his party's candidates. Notably, the notification for the Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Uttar Pradesh was issued on Tuesday. The deadline for filing nominations is October 6, and the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 7. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until October 9; voting will take place on October 23. The results for Uttar Pradesh MLC elections will be announced on October 27. In Bihar, the MLC elections are slated for eight seatsfour Graduate constituencies and four Teachers' constituencies. They include Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Kosi Graduates, and Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Saran Teachers. While announcing UP MLC candidates on Tuesday, BJP also released the names of its candidates for four Bihar Legislative Council seats for the upcoming biennial elections.

bhaskarlive 29 Sep 2026 4:24 pm

Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 3:12 pm

CMs relief fund in UP reaches needy across districts

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 2:51 pm

Passenger bus from Delhi to Lucknow overturns on Ganga Expressway; 17 injured

Seventeen passengers were injured after a Delhi-Lucknow bus overturned on the Ganga Expressway in Hardois Bilgram area early Tuesday. The injured were taken to a community health centre, while two seriously injured passengers were referred to the district hospital

Mid Day 29 Sep 2026 1:06 pm

INDIA bloc to meet on SIR row on Wednesday, Akhilesh Yadav to miss meet due to prior commitments; SP senior leader will attend

The INDIA bloc is planning a high-level meeting to address recent disagreements within the Election Commission. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav will not attend as he has prior commitments at a farmers conference in Lucknow. A senior leader from his party will represent him at the upcoming meeting. Earlier, Congress leader KC Venugopal responded to Union Minister JP Nadda regarding allegations against the Election Commission.

The Economic Times 29 Sep 2026 11:38 am

KGMU warns nursing students of disciplinary action over protest, attendance impact

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 29 (IANS) The King Georges Medical University (KGMU) administration has warned nursing students participating in a renewed protest that disciplinary action could be taken against them if they remain absent from scheduled teaching and training activities. In a letter addressed to the parents of nursing students, the university said students participating in the protest and remaining absent from their academic and training duties could face action under applicable rules and regulations. According to the letter, students were participating in the protest from 8 a.m. on September 28 and were absent from their prescribed teaching and training activities. The administration said participation in protests that disrupt teaching, training and essential patient-related work was inconsistent with university discipline and students academic responsibilities. The letter specifically warned that disciplinary proceedings could have consequences for students academic records and examinations. Such action may include, as per rules, an adverse entry in the character record/file, impact on eligibility to appear in examinations and other prescribed punitive action, along with a monetary penalty, the letter said. The university further cautioned that such action could adversely affect students academic record and future career. KGMU appealed to parents to ask their sons and daughters to immediately withdraw from the protest and return to their scheduled teaching and training duties. It warned that failure to comply with the universitys directions could result in disciplinary proceedings under the applicable rules. The renewed protest follows the death of a 2025-batch B.Sc. Nursing student in Varanasi. The incident had earlier prompted nursing students to stage protests on August 21 and 22, according to the KGMU letter. The administration said that following the earlier protest, the Vice-Chancellor had met the students and considered their concerns and demands. The university also said that necessary action had been taken and a separate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) had been issued concerning students safety and facilities. However, the latest letter states that despite these measures, some nursing students again participated in a sit-in protest on September 28 and remained absent from their scheduled teaching and training activities. KGMU said students have academic responsibilities that include teaching, training and essential duties related to patients. It maintained that participation in protests that interfere with these responsibilities would not be considered consistent with university discipline. The warning comes as the university seeks to enforce attendance and academic requirements while students continue to raise concerns over issues affecting nursing students. The administration has made clear that students who do not follow the universitys directions may face disciplinary proceedings, including possible adverse entries in their records, consequences for examination eligibility and financial penalties, as provided under the applicable rules.

bhaskarlive 29 Sep 2026 10:17 am

Encounter in Lucknow Leads to Arrest of Notorious Fugitive

Lucknow police apprehend a fugitive wanted for murder during an encounter, resulting in injuries and the recovery of illegal weapons. Encounter in Lucknow Leads to Arrest of Notorious Fugitive

Daily Kiran 29 Sep 2026 9:08 am

Kusha Kapila, Sheeba Chadha team up for microdrama Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe

Kusha Kapila makes her microdrama debut with Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, an Instagram series featuring Sheeba Chadha. The 14-episode show follows two women from Mumbai and Lucknow who form an accidental pen-pal bond while navigating heartbreak and grief

Mid Day 29 Sep 2026 7:25 am

Barabanki student alleges stalking, harassment; case filed

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:24 am

Yogi orders tough action in assault case

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:19 am

Ayushman shield saves over 108 hearts and lives everyday

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:18 am

Experts discuss new-age infertility treatment

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:16 am

Cyber fraud money routed via 903 gaming accounts

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:13 am

Viral diet trends may hamper heart recovery, warn doctors

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 1:10 am

Mins highlight growth of various sectors

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:33 am

Ayodhya Deepotsav: UP offers 3-day tour package

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:30 am

83 EPFO grievances resolved at 6 camps

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:30 am

Labour codes will boost ease of doing biz

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:28 am

Record footfall of 5.5L visitors in 4 days of UPITS

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:28 am

Interactive models drive welfare schemes at Trade Show

The Times of India 29 Sep 2026 12:28 am

Shillong lad wins gold in bodybuilding c

Shillong, Sep 28: Shillongs Daman Ropmay took home the gold medal in Bodybuilding (50-55kg category) and bronze medal in Classic Physique Class A (U-70kg category) at the India Premier Natural Championship Series in Lucknow. His double podium finish came across two different competitive categories, requiring him to meet separate judging criteria for muscular development, conditioning, [] The post Shillong lad wins gold in bodybuilding cship first appeared on Highland Post .

Highland Post 28 Sep 2026 10:16 pm

Eureka Forbes gets GST notice of Rs 273 crore from Uttar Pradesh tax authority

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Health and hygiene products maker Eureka Forbes Limited on Monday said it has received a show-cause notice from the Uttar Pradesh GST department proposing a tax demand of Rs 273.40 crore for the financial year 2022-23. The notice, issued by the Deputy Commissioner, State Tax, Sector-1, Lucknow, under Section 73(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, alleges a GST liability of Rs 149.21 crore. The proposed demand also includes interest of Rs 109.27 crore and a penalty of Rs 14.92 crore, taking the total amount to Rs 273.40 crore. In a regulatory filing, Eureka Forbes said the demand appears to have been calculated using, among other factors, pan-India financial data from its audited FY23 financial statements without establishing the corresponding transaction-level tax liability attributable to its Uttar Pradesh GST registration. The company maintained that the show-cause notice lacks merit and is not sustainable on factual, legal or procedural grounds. It said it intends to contest the notice comprehensively and submit its response within the prescribed timelines. The company is of the considered view that the SCN is devoid of merits, not sustainable on facts or in law or in procedure and intends to contest the same comprehensively within the prescribed timelines, it said in its exchange filing. The company does not envisage any material impact on the financials, operations or other activities of the company arising from this SCN, it added. Eureka Forbes further stated that it does not expect any material impact on its financial position, business operations or other activities as a result of the notice. According to the company, the show-cause notice was received after office hours on September 25. The disclosure was made on September 28, the first working day following its receipt. Shares of Eureka Forbes ended the day at Rs 361.90 on the BSE, down Rs 8.65, or 2.33 per cent, from the previous close.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 8:34 pm

Reversion to Old Pension Scheme, better facilities for Shiksha Mitras: Akhilesh Yadav's big poll promises

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday announced a series of promises ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, including steps towards implementing the Old Pension Scheme, improving the status of Shiksha Mitras, and clearing pending salaries of madrasa teachers. Addressing reporters at the SP office, Akhilesh Yadav said that if his party forms the government in 2027, it would work to reform the education system and address the concerns of teachers and employees. He said the status of Shiksha Mitras would be improved by granting them the same facilities as regular teachers, while issues concerning Sanskrit schools would also be resolved. He claimed that addressing the problems of Shiksha Mitras could also help in reopening schools that had shut down. He also promised to clear the long-pending salaries of teachers associated with modern madrasas. On the Old Pension Scheme, he said that his party would take steps towards its implementation after consultations with the Finance Department. Akhilesh Yadav also targeted the BJP government over its handling of education and alleged that it was dividing society rather than addressing issues concerning jobs and education. He alleged that madrasas had faced discrimination and accused the government of providing what he described as substandard jobs and inadequate education. The SP chief also raised allegations concerning electoral rolls and the deletion of voters' names during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He claimed that a large number of SP supporters' names were deleted and alleged that BJP workers had sought deletions through Form 7 applications. He cited an example from Lucknow, claiming that one person had applied for deletion of more than 100 names. The Election Commission's Form 7 guidelines, however, state that an application can be made by an elector registered in the constituency, including an objection against another elector's entry or a request to delete the applicant's own name. He further alleged that fake voter entries were still being created in Noida and questioned the Election Commission's role in the electoral process. He also said courts should take suo motu cognisance of reports concerning alleged vote theft and consider ordering re-elections in West Bengal and Bihar. The SP President also referred to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, saying his party had defeated the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, and said the BJP would be completely ousted from the state in the 2027 Assembly elections. He alleged that the BJP worked in the interests of capitalists and large business groups. The remarks come as the SP steps up preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has recently intensified its outreach and campaign activities ahead of the polls.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 7:39 pm

'Don't Chase Jobs, Drive E-Rickshaw': Brajesh Pathak's Remark Sparks Row Over Youth Employment

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has come under controversy after his recent remark about employment and self-employment started a debate over what young people should except from the job market. While speaking at the launch of Bharat Taxi in Lucknow

Oneindia 28 Sep 2026 7:32 pm

Bhumi Pednekkar calls out patriarchal mindset amid women's safety concerns

Bhumi Pednekkar has spoken out on womens safety following the gang rape and murder of a 70-year-old woman in Lucknow. Questioning victim-blaming, the actor said no woman is safe regardless of age and urged society to address patriarchal attitudes

Mid Day 28 Sep 2026 6:06 pm

IIM Lucknow Manager Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

IIM Lucknow has released the new notification for the recruitment of Manager (CDS) New Vacancy 2026 for 1 Post. The online application process will be conducted till 09-10-2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website of IIM Lucknow.

FreeJobAlert 28 Sep 2026 4:07 pm

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.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 2:52 pm

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

The Sen Times 28 Sep 2026 11:14 am

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.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 10:17 am

Brajesh Pathak says don't chase jobs, drive e-rickshaw: UP Deputy CMs unconventional advice to youth sparks row

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.

The Economic Times 28 Sep 2026 10:01 am

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.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 9:24 am