Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry brace for closely watched bypoll verdicts
The bypolls were held on Tuesday, October 6, in Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, Nagaon in Assam and Thattanchavady in Puducherry. Counting of votes in all six constituencies is scheduled for Friday, with the process beginning at 8 am. The results across these six contests, by the end of the day, would provide more than individual winners and losers.
Gold rebounds Rs 3,600 to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10g ahead of festive season
New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) Gold prices jumped Rs 3,600 to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, rebounding from a two-session slide, as buying interest from jewellers and retailers improved ahead of the festive season. The 99.9 per cent purity metal climbed Rs 3,600 to Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams, inclusive of all taxes, according to the All India Sarafa Association. It had settled at Rs 1,48,900 per 10 grams on Wednesday. Traders said jewellers typically increase gold purchases in the form of raw material ahead of the festive season, when demand for jewellery
Assam govt launches 20,000-LPD milk plant, CM Sarma says dairy farmers to benefit
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state's dairy sector had received a major boost with the launch of operations at a 20,000-litre-per-day (LPD) milk processing plant in Sonitpur, with the entire milk supply to be sourced from local dairy farmers. Sarma said the new facility was another step towards the state government's target of increasing milk production in Assam to 10 lakh litres per day. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the milk processed at the Sonitpur facility would be procured entirely from local dairy farmers associated with dairy co-operative societies. This will boost their income, give them an assured market and support a lot of allied activities in the North Bank of the Brahmaputra, Sarma said. He described the initiative as another step towards promoting locally produced, or Made in Assam, products while strengthening the livelihoods of dairy farmers across the state. The Chief Minister said the government was taking several measures to strengthen the dairy ecosystem and ensure greater economic opportunities for farmers involved in milk production and allied activities. Among the initiatives highlighted by Sarma was direct milk subsidy support for dairy farmers. The government is also undertaking digital registration of milk co-operative societies to strengthen the co-operative network and improve the formalisation of the dairy sector. Sarma further said the government was encouraging young people and women to take up dairy farming and allied activities through schemes including the Chief Minister's Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) and the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA). The new processing facility is expected to create a more assured market for milk produced by farmers associated with co-operative societies in Sonitpur and neighbouring areas. The government believes that strengthening milk procurement, processing and marketing infrastructure will help increase farmers' incomes while encouraging more people to enter the dairy sector. The initiative is also expected to support allied economic activities in Assam's North Bank region, including livestock-related services, transportation and other rural enterprises. Sarma said the government's focus remained on building a stronger dairy ecosystem and taking Assam closer to its target of producing 10 lakh litres of milk per day.
Arunachal: RTI activist, Rifleman Rakhini Mipi found hanging at Army transit camp in Hunli
Guwahati: Rakhini Mipi, an RTI activist and Rifleman with the 24th Assam Rifles, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Hunli in Arunachal Pradeshs Lower Dibang Valley district on Sunday morning, The Arunachal Times reported. Mipis body was found hanging in the bathroom of an Army transit camp near the Circuit House at around 7:10 [] The post Arunachal: RTI activist, Rifleman Rakhini Mipi found hanging at Army transit camp in Hunli appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Body Of Assam Girl Found Near Railway Tracks In Vizag, Family Demands Probe
The body of a Guwahati college girl, who had reportedly gone missing after boarding a home-bound train from Visakhapatnam two days ago, has been recovered near railway tracks,
Raijor Dal Protests Over Delay In Flood Compensation In Assam
Guwahati, Oct 8: Members of the Raijor Dal staged demonstrations near the Assam Secretariat and the adjoining ministers colony on Thursday, pressing for immediate and increased compensation for flood-affected families in the eastern districts of the state. The protests coincided with party president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogois indefinite sit-in, which has now entered its... The post Raijor Dal Protests Over Delay In Flood Compensation In Assam first appeared on Northeast Today .
Sensex dives 1,045 pts amid sharp spike in oil prices, fears of further monetary tightening
Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) Benchmark stock index Sensex tanked 1,045 points while Nifty slid to near 22,230 level on Thursday following heavy selling in rate-sensitive, commodities and FMCG shares amid a sharp spike in crude oil prices and growing prospect of tighter domestic and global monetary conditions. Falling for the second day running, the 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 1,045.46 points, or 1.44 per cent, to settle at 71,593.24. During the day, it slumped 1,310.95 points, or 1.80 per cent, to 71,327.75. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 371.25 points, or 1.64 per cent, to end at 22,231.80. Nifty hit its 52-week
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) A regional party in Assam, the Raijor Dal, on Thursday alleged that several of its workers were injured during police action following a protest march towards Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas residence in Guwahati over issues concerning the state government. The protest was organised following a call by Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, with a large number of party supporters taking to the streets carrying black flags and marching towards the Chief Ministers residence. Police detained several protesters as they approached the area, following which tension prevailed briefly. Among those detained were Raijor Dal leaders Dhairya Konwar and Bidyut Saikia, according to the party. The Raijor Dal alleged that police personnel used excessive force while detaining its workers, resulting in injuries to several protesters. In a statement, the party claimed that one of its workers, Ananta Arandhara, suffered a serious injury to his private parts during the detention. The party alleged that police personnel squeezed the area with their hands while taking him into custody. The party further claimed that several other protesters sustained injuries to their heads and chest during the police action. The allegations could not be independently verified immediately. The Raijor Dal criticised the police action and accused the authorities of using disproportionate force against protesters who were demonstrating against the state government. The party also alleged that some of the injured protesters had not received medical treatment at the time it issued its statement. The protest comes amid heightened political activity in Assam, with the Raijor Dal and other Opposition groups frequently raising issues concerning the state government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Police officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the allegations of excessive force or the injuries claimed by the protesters. The incident has sparked a fresh political confrontation between the Raijor Dal and the state administration, with the Opposition party demanding accountability for the alleged injuries caused during the detention.
RTI Activist Rakhini Mipi found dead In Arunachal Camp
RTI activist and Assam Rifles rifleman Rakhini Mipi was found dead at an Army transit camp in Hunli, Lower Dibang Valley district, on Sunday morning. Police reported that his body was discovered hanging in a bathroom at around 7:10 am. Mipi had reached Hunli on October 3 with his unit while travelling to Anini for... The post RTI Activist Rakhini Mipi found dead In Arunachal Camp first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Police Apprehend 18 Bangladeshi Nationals in Guwahati Operations
Four locals arrested for harbouring and facilitating the illegal immigrants stay and travel
Four suspected Bangladeshi nationals held in Assam
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) Four people suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals were held by Assam Police in Guwahati for questioning, officials said on Thursday, as the city police continued its crackdown on suspected foreign nationals allegedly staying without valid documents. According to police, the four individuals were detected in the Dispur area during ongoing verification drives and were taken into custody for questioning. Their identities, nationality and documents are being verified, while authorities are also examining the circumstances under which they entered Guwahati. Police said further details would be shared after completion of the verification process. The latest detention comes days after a series of operations in different parts of Guwahati, during which several persons suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended. In one of the recent operations, five suspected Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Paltan Bazar railway station while travelling on the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express. Police subsequently traced the group to a hotel identified as Vintage Home, where the five were allegedly accommodated. The operation also led to the arrest of the hotel owner, two managers and another person suspected of facilitating the stay of the alleged foreign nationals. In another operation, 13 suspected Bangladeshi nationals were detained from the Shanti Hotel as part of the ongoing verification drive. Authorities have initiated proceedings for their expulsion under applicable provisions of the Immigrants Act, police said. The latest action in Dispur highlights the intensified efforts by Guwahati Police to identify and verify suspected foreign nationals residing in the city without valid travel or identity documents. Police are also examining whether the detainees have any links with facilitators or networks involved in arranging accommodation and movement for suspected illegal immigrants. Officials said the nationality and legal status of the four persons detained in Dispur would be established only after verification of their documents and other available records. Further details are awaited.
Slogans, Black Flags: Protests Near Himanta Sarma's Home Over Assam Floods
Carrying black flags and raising slogans, the protesters demanded financial assistance for flood-affected families, particularly in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat.
Assam: NCC Launches First-Ever All-Girls Paramotor Training Course In Guwahati
Guwahati has witnessed a historic milestone with the launch of the first-ever NCC All Girls Basic Paramotor Training Course at the NIMAS Paramotor Node. Organized under the aegis of NCC Directorate North Eastern Region (NER) and HQ DG NCC, New Delhi, the initiative brings together 30 Senior Wing girl cadets from Karnataka, Telangana, Assam, and... The post Assam: NCC Launches First-Ever All-Girls Paramotor Training Course In Guwahati first appeared on Northeast Today .
The demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar has prompted condolences from political leaders across the country, who remembered the actor for his contribution to Indian cinema, distinctive performances and outspoken personality. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over Nana Patekars passing, calling the news extremely heartbreaking. The news of the demise of the renowned actor Nana Patekar ji is extremely heartbreaking. Through his acting and characters, he has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and in the hearts of audiences, Rahul Gandhi wrote. He also offered his condolences to Nanas family, friends and supporters. , https://t.co/viL4KsVYhI Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 8, 2026 Smriti Irani remembers Nana Patekar as Dada Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared a deeply personal tribute to Nana Patekar, revealing that she addressed him as Dada while the world knew him as Nana Patekar. Dada. Thats what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar, she wrote. Recalling their conversations, Irani remembered how Nana would call her without formalities and greet her with, Kahan hai re? She also recalled introducing young talent to him over the phone and said he would always respond with warmth despite his famously gruff exterior. Irani also remembered Nana cooking for her and spoke about their last conversation, when he asked her, Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil? She translated it as, Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, Soon. Guess was not soon enough, she wrote. Dada. Thats what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar. His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice Kahan hai re? We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with. I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior. Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion . Just Dada, being Dada. Our last conversation still echoes in my ears. Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil? Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, Soon. Guess was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada. Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 8, 2026 Rajnath Singh calls his death an irreparable loss Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Nana Patekars passing as an irreparable loss to Indian cinema and highlighted his versatility and intensity as a performer. Few actors possessed his extraordinary versatility and intensity, Singh wrote, while recalling Nanas work in films such as Ankush, Prahaar and Krantiveer. Rajnath Singh also remembered Nanas voice, screen presence and ability to portray vastly different characters, adding that his contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations. The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. Few actors possessed his extraordinary versatility and intensity. He could make audiences laugh with impeccable comic timing, yet in films like Ankush, Prahaar, and Krantiveer he brought a rawness and gravitas that made every character unforgettable. His voice, presence and ability to inhabit completely different worlds made him truly unique. Nana Patekar was not merely an actor; he was an institution in himself. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti! Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2026 Pawan Kalyan recalls Nanas memorable performances Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also offered his condolences, describing Nana Patekar as an exceptional actor who brought remarkable depth and authenticity to his characters. Kalyan specifically remembered Nanas performance in Krantiveer and listed films including Parinda, Khamoshi, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan and Apaharan among his memorable works. He also highlighted Nanas association with the Indian Army and his service to the nation, describing it as a reflection of his patriotism and commitment. Condolences on the Passing of Shri Nana Patekar Ji I convey my deepest condolences on the passing of renowned actor Shri Nana Patekar Ji. I pray to the Almighty for his soul to rest in peace and convey my heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. Shri Nana Patekar Ji was an exceptional actor who brought remarkable depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed. His unforgettable performance in Krantiveer remains etched in the memories of cinema lovers. Parinda, Khamoshi, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan and Apaharan are among the many memorable works in his illustrious career. His association with the Indian Army and his service to the nation further reflected his deep sense of patriotism and commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace. - @PawanKalyan @PIB_India @IPR_AP @pibvijayawada Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) October 8, 2026 Assam CM pays tribute to Nanas outspoken persona Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also mourned Nana Patekars death. Referring to the actor by his birth name, Vishwanath Patekar, Sarma wrote that he was more than a versatile actor and called him a true nationalist. Of all his roles, we'll miss most the ones where he held up a mirror to society with his plain speak, on screen and off, Sarma wrote, adding, Voices like his come once in a generation. Vishwanath Patekar was more than a versatile actor; he was a true nationalist. Of all his roles, we'll miss most the ones where he held up a mirror to society with his plain speak, on screen and off. Voices like his come once in a generation. Om Shanti https://t.co/nRPphZSMUG Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 8, 2026 Arvind Kejriwal remembers Nanas 90s legacy Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he was shocked and deeply saddened by Nana Patekars passing. Kejriwal remembered the actors classic films from the 1990s and said they had left a mark on an entire generation. He didn't just act, he truly lived his characters. His distinguished style will forever remain etched in our hearts, he wrote. Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Nana Patekar ji. It is so hard to believe he is no more. May his family and loved ones find strength during this difficult hour. His classic hits from the 90s left a mark on an entire generation. He didn't just act.. he truly lived his characters. His distinguished style will forever remain etched in our hearts. Om Shanti Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 8, 2026 Nana Patekars Death Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 at 5:20 AM after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence. According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, the actor was brought to the hospital in an unresponsive state and could not be revived despite cardiac massage being performed for around 45 minutes to an hour. Dr. Salkar said Nana had messaged a friend around 2:30 AM saying he was not feeling well. His friend later reached his residence at around 4 AM, after which medical assistance was arranged. The actor was subsequently shifted to the hospital around 4:20 or 4:30 AM. A medico-legal case was registered and Nanas body was taken to Goa Medical College for a post-mortem examination. Nana Patekar began his film career with Gaman in 1978 and went on to deliver acclaimed performances in Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Welcome, among several others. His most recent release was Subedaar, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2026, while his last substantial theatrical appearance was in Vishal Bhardwajs ORomeo, released in February 2026. As tributes continue to come in, political leaders have joined members of the film fraternity in remembering an actor whose work left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Also Read:Nana Patekar messaged friend at 2:30 AM saying he was unwell, reveals doctor; adds actor was brought dead to hospital
Digital Desk | Koppal (Karnataka), Oct 8 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara, on Thursday said the possibility of conspiracies and attempts to defame the state government through sting operations could not be ruled out, following Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's caution to ministers about possible attempts to target them. Speaking to reporters at Gunnala village in Koppal district, Dy CM Parameshwara said the Chief Minister had an Intelligence wing and might have received inputs suggesting that Congress ministers could be targeted through sting operations. The Chief Minister has an Intelligence wing with him and he might also have received Intelligence inputs in this regard. Based on this, he might have told the ministers to be careful about sting operations, Dy CM Parameshwara said. He said there could be attempts to bring disrepute to the state government and that the Chief Minister might have issued the warning against this backdrop. There might be intentions and attempts to bring disrepute to the state government. In this backdrop, he might have cautioned the ministers, he said. Dy CM Parameshwara, who had served as Home Minister for eight years, said Intelligence agencies routinely provide inputs to the government and ministers based on their reports. I was also Home Minister for eight years. We receive Intelligence inputs and, when we get reports, the Chief Minister communicates accordingly, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister said the Chief Minister might have received information that sting agencies were targeting Congress ministers and had, therefore, warned them to remain cautious. In his knowledge, it must have come to his notice that sting agencies are targeting Congress ministers. In this backdrop, he has given a warning to be careful, Parameshwara said. Asked about the possibility of conspiracies, Parameshwara said such a possibility could not be ruled out. There are chances. I won't rule it out. There might be conspiracies. These developments are likely to happen. Why don't they happen? They will happen, he said. His remarks came amid growing concerns within the ruling Congress over alleged attempts to target ministers and leaders through Central agencies and sting operations. The issue gained prominence after CM Shivakumar cautioned ministers about the possibility of such operations and claimed that attempts had earlier been made to trap him after he became Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge further alleged that the Centre was making continuous efforts to bring down the Congress government in the state, claiming that central agencies such as the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with sting operations, were being used for the purpose. Kharge said he was unaware of the source of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's information but claimed that the Chief Minister and senior ministers had received inputs about attempts by central agencies to destabilise the state government. It can be noted that Union Minister Kumaraswamy had stated that CM Shivakumar himself is getting the sting operations done against his ministers. I don't know from where Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy got his information. But the information that has come to the Chief Minister and senior ministers is that the IT, ED or any other agency has attempted to somehow bring down this government, Kharge said. He alleged that the central government was desperate to dislodge the Congress government in Karnataka and attributed this to the performance of the state government. The central government is desperate to dislodge the government in Karnataka. The reason is simple. We have delivered and reached the guarantees to the people without any issues. Major works are being carried out across the state, be it in the coastal region or Kalyana Karnataka, he said. Kharge said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was actively engaging with people and working across the state, and alleged that Kumaraswamy's criticism of the Chief Minister stemmed from jealousy. The Chief Minister today is active among the people and is working. Out of this jealousy, Union Minister Kumaraswamy is issuing statements. His claim that Chief Minister Shivakumar himself is doing it is purely a statement out of jealousy, Kharge said. He, however, maintained that the alleged attempts to destabilise the government were a reality and not merely a political allegation. But this is a fact, he said. Kharge alleged that the Centre had previously used similar methods against elected governments in other states. Referring to Maharashtra, Assam, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, he claimed that central agencies and other means had been used to weaken or bring down Congress governments. If you look at history, see what they did in Maharashtra, Assam, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Central-sponsored schemes like IT, ED and CBI, along with sting operations, are being used to bring down the Congress government in Karnataka, he said. His remarks came amid a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) Opposition over allegations of attempts to destabilise the Karnataka government and concerns within the Congress over possible sting operations targeting its ministers and leaders.
India inflation likely accelerated in September on food and energy pressures
BENGALURU, Oct 8 (Reuters) Indias consumer inflation likely accelerated in September, moving closer to the upper end of the Reserve Bank of Indias 2%-6% target range as higher energy costs compounded pressure from elevated food prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed. Rising crude oil prices and higher food costs are expected to have pushed inflation higher last month. Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel, while a deficient monsoon has driven up food prices. Food and beverages account for about 40% of Indias consumer price index basket. Underscoring those inflationary risks, the RBI on Wednesday raised its
Seven-Month Pregnant Woman Killed In Road Accident In Assam
A seven-month pregnant woman was killed in a devastating accident when an oil tanker allegedly rammed into her scooter on National Highway 37 in Assams Cachar district. The victim, identified as Mary Lalrimpui Mar of Lower Laban Khal, was reportedly travelling towards Fulertal for a routine prenatal check-up when the collision occurred in the Jujang... The post Seven-Month Pregnant Woman Killed In Road Accident In Assams Cachar first appeared on Northeast Today .
Thinking of taking melatonin to help you sleep? Here
Sydney, Oct 8 (Conversation) Whether youre struggling with jet lag, are a shift worker who sleeps during the day, or someone with more severe insomnia, you might have wondered if melatonin can help you get a better sleep. Melatonin is a hormone made in the brain to regulate your daily sleep-wake cycle. It tells your internal body clock to get sleepy when its dark. Melatonin supplements are a synthetic version of this hormone that people can take to help them sleep. But they wont work for all sleep conditions. So what can you take it for? First, how does melatonin
Rahul Gandhi briefly detained as India
NEW DELHI, October 8, 2026 (AP) Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained by police Wednesday during a protest against the countrys election chief, as opposition parties intensified their campaign against a contentious revision of voter lists that has removed over 130 million people. Gandhi and other opposition lawmakers were stopped by police as they marched toward Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in Indias capital New Delhi. A live feed on the YouTube channel of Gandhis Congress party showed police taking him into a vehicle and driving him away. He was later released. It was Gandhis second
India considers delaying rollout of UPI payments fee, sources say
Oct 8 (Reuters) India is considering delaying the rollout of a fee on large payments via its popular Unified Payment Interface platform by a few months, according to a regulatory official and an industry executive familiar with the discussions. India last month ended a free UPI regime by permitting a 0.4% fee for merchants on transactions exceeding 2,000 rupees ($21). UPI is used by over 500 million people to pay for everything from roadside cups of tea to iPhones. The fee, set to come into effect from October 15, would have coincided with Indias annual festive season that runs
Tribal Woman From Assam Goes Missing From Train, Body Found In Andhra
According to the sources, the family has claimed that the woman had gone to Andhra Pradesh for dance performance and was returning back.
Syrian general accused of atrocities paid and protected by US and Lebanon, BBC finds
Bassam al-Hassan, linked to reporter Austin Tice's abduction, is being sheltered in return for information.
Assam Police Arrest 17 Bangladeshi Nationals In Guwahati
According to police, five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested on Tuesday from the general coach of the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express during routine checking near the Paltan Bazar railway station.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights development under PM Modi
The News Mill
Assam CM Himanta Sarma says woman sent to Bangladesh safe, son counters CM
Mumtaz Begum, a woman expelled to Bangladesh, remains untraceable by her family despite official claims of her safety. Her son, Momruz Ali, is pleading for government assistance to locate her in either country. The Gauhati High Court directed authorities to find Mumtaz and provide interim compensation to her husband. Reports indicate that searches in Bangladesh yielded no results for her whereabouts so far.
Assam Paramilitary Force Man Dies Of Dengue In Gujarat
The death - first among visiting security forces - underscores the vector-borne outbreak in the capital city of Gujarat.
Over 2,000 CPM protesters detained during March to Dispur
Garo Hills council term extended by six months
All 33 NPP MLAs rally behind Sangma amid BJP buzz
Manipur cops arrest pharmacy proprietor in Ahmedabad in codeine syrup case
Assam sets sail into shipbuilding, first shipyard coming up at Dharapur
Forest encroachment: Gauhati HC seeks Assam, Arunachals response by Nov 16
After poll victory, Pradyot announces plan to quit politics
5 held in Jorhat honey-trap racket
Woman goes missing from Vivek Express in way to Guwahati
18 Bdesh nationals held in Guwahati; 13 of them fled Srinagar crackdown
I want to move forward without putting unnecessary pressure on myself
Assam: ED attaches Rs 2.12 crore in digital arrest cyber fraud case
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 7 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached bank balances totalling around Rs 2.12 crore in 43 accounts in connection with a cyber fraud involving the alleged digital arrest of a senior citizen in Guwahati, officials said on Wednesday. The ED's Guwahati Zonal Office-I issued the provisional attachment order under Section 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached balances were held in accounts with Axis Bank, Bank of India, Bandhan Bank, IndusInd Bank, Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India. According to the agency, the investigation began following an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, CID, Assam, Guwahati, under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, against unidentified cyber fraudsters. The investigation revealed that between September and December 2025, the accused allegedly impersonated officials of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They allegedly contacted the senior citizen through WhatsApp video calls and falsely claimed that a bank account opened using his Aadhaar details was involved in money laundering. The victim was allegedly subjected to a digital arrest, shown fabricated court proceedings and a fake Digital Arrest Warrant, and threatened with detention under the National Security Act if he disclosed the matter. The fraudsters allegedly demanded money under the pretext of an RBI inspection and later a ail bond, coercing the victim into transferring around Rs 2.13 crore through 19 transactions. The ED said the money was routed through multiple mule bank accounts held by individuals, firms and companies across the country. The funds were allegedly converted into cash and digital currency, routed through payment gateways and transferred to other accounts to conceal their trail. Tracing the proceeds of crime, the agency identified 43 bank accounts containing balances linked to the fraud and provisionally attached them to prevent further dissipation. The investigation is continuing, the ED said.
ED attaches properties worth Rs 8.12 crore in Myanmar-origin areca nut smuggling case
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Aizawl, Oct 7 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office, has provisionally attached 10 immovable properties worth Rs 8.12 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an organised cross-border smuggling network involving dry areca nuts of Myanmar origin (Burmese betel nut), the central probe agency said on Wednesday. An official statement said that the ED investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Imphal and the subsequent chargesheet on August 29, 2025. The CBI investigation alleged large-scale smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar into India through Mizoram by use of fraudulent e-way bills, forged documents and other means. According to the statement, the investigation revealed alleged smuggling of 3103 MT (approx.) of dry areca nuts, having an assessable value of about Rs 1,022.25 crore, resulting in alleged loss of Basic Customs Duty of Rs 408.90 crore (approx). Investigation has revealed that an organised network wherein Myanmar/Burmese suppliers smuggled areca nuts into India through the Tiau River and border areas around Zokhawthar in Champhai district. Local facilitators based in Mizoram procured the smuggled areca nuts, arranged their storage and transportation and facilitated their onward movement towards Assam and other destinations. Investigation also revealed alleged use of local persons as claimants/owners of intercepted consignments before Customs authorities and routing of substantial funds through bank accounts and money exchangers for settlement of payments with suppliers situated in Myanmar, the statement said. Earlier, during the search proceedings, various bank accounts maintained by the accused and other beneficiaries were frozen under the provisions of PMLA, wherein bank balances to the tune of Rs 1.20 crore (approx.) were found and frozen. Investigation under PMLA, scrutiny of bank accounts and examination of material seized during searches revealed substantial financial transactions, cash deposits and withdrawals and acquisition of immovable properties out of proceeds generated from the smuggling activities. The investigation revealed involvement of Zosangpuii, Thangkhanmunga, Zonsanga and Sangneihvela in procurement, transportation, storage and trading of smuggled areca nuts of Myanmar origin and generation of substantial monetary benefits therefrom. Further investigation has revealed that several immovable properties were acquired directly or indirectly out of such proceeds. Significantly, the attached properties include Hotel Jade situated at Bethel Veng, Champhai, together with the underlying land, which has been valued at Rs 6.29 crore (approx). Investigation revealed that Hotel Jade was constructed from the money generated through the illegal smuggling and trading of areca nuts of Myanmar origin. Accordingly, under the Provisional Attachment Order on September 4, 2026, ED provisionally attached 10 immovable properties having an aggregate value of Rs 8,12,74,399 comprising Hotel Jade, residential land and other landed properties situated in and around Champhai district in Mizoram. The properties have been identified as direct Proceeds of Crime and value thereof and have been attached under the provisions of PMLA, 2002. Thus, with the provisional attachment of immovable properties worth Rs 8.12 crore and freezing of bank balances of Rs 1.20 crore (approx.), the total value of Proceeds of Crime secured in the case stands at Rs 9.33 crore (approx.). Further investigation is underway.
18 Bangladeshis who entered India illegally held in Guwahati
Guwahati: Altogether 18 Bangladeshis without valid travel documents have been apprehended in two operations in Guwahati in two days, Assam Police said on Wednesday, October 7. Five of them who were proceeding towards western India were held on Tuesday, while 13 others were apprehended on Wednesday as they were headed home. In the latest operation 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 .
18 Bangladeshi nationals apprehended in Guwahati in last 24 hours
Assam Police apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals in separate operations in Guwahati over the past 24 hours, including five intercepted at the railway station and 13 found at a hotel. Police said the individuals had entered India illegally and were staying or travelling without valid documents, with legal proceedings initiated for their expulsion.
Unsafe arecanuts seized in Kolar, legal action initiated
Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officers intercepted a vehicle, which was transporting the consignment from Assam via Kolkata to destinations including Kolar, Bengaluru, Palakkad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Punganur and parts of Tamil Nadu.
Your cells keep a record of every workout you
Chicago, Oct 7 (PTI) Have you ever taken months off training maybe due to an injury, a new baby or crushing work deadlines and come back convinced you were starting from zero? Research from our team has some good news: At the cellular level, you probably werent. We found that muscle and liver cells store memories from every training session in ways that may help improve endurance, control blood sugar levels and even slow weight regain after inactivity. Use it or lose it? Maybe not For most of the past century, long before fad diets and fancy workout
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The Seva Sankalp Yatra, from Vadnagar to Varanasi and Varanasi to Vadnagar, which began on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and also the completion of his 25 years as head of government, culminated on Wednesday, with grand closing ceremonies held at both places - Varanasi and Vadnagar. The culmination ceremony in Varanasi was addressed by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM national president Hemang Joshi. The Seva Yatris who travelled from Vadnagar to Varanasi, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Gujarat, offered Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and sought blessings of Lord Vishwanath. The 21-day Yatra, organised with the spirit of Seva, traversed 20 routes across the country, carrying the message of service, social responsibility and nation-building. On October 7, all 20 Yatra routes successfully reached their respective destinations, marking the completion of the nationwide campaign. The closing ceremony at Vadnagar, PM Modis birthplace, was attended and addressed by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi and BJP National office-bearer V.D. Sharma. The Seva Yatris, who embarked on a journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, offered it at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Vadnagar, completing the spiritual connection between the two sacred destinations. BJYM national president Hemang Joshi said, The Seva Sankalp Yatra has given powerful expression to the spirit of Seva that Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated throughout his 25 years of public life. For every BJYM Karyakarta, Seva must remain the core sentiment of life, serving society, respecting our cultural heritage and contributing to the building of a Viksit Bharat. During the month-long programme, the yatris also participated in extensive social service activities including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, Gau Seva, service at old-age homes, beneficiary interactions and organ donation pledges. These initiatives ensured that the Yatra was not merely a journey across geographical distances, but a movement that touched communities and translated the spirit of Seva into meaningful action. The Seva Sankalp Yatra concluded with a message that continues beyond the Yatra itself: Seva is not a one-time campaign, but a lifelong commitment.
Gold extends slide to Rs 1.48 lakh per 10 gm in Delhi amid weak demand
New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Gold prices fell for the second straight session, declining Rs 700 to Rs 1.48 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, as subdued local demand and weak global trend weighed on the precious metal. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity fell to a one-week low, depreciating Rs 700 to Rs 1,48,900 per 10 grams, inclusive of all taxes, from Tuesdays closing level of Rs 1,49,600, according to local traders. It was quoted at Rs 1,48,600 per 10 grams on September 29. Gold prices declined in the domestic market on Wednesday
After Akhil Gogois hunger strike, CPI(M) protests delayed Assam flood relief
Protestors scuffle with police personnel at various points during their thwarted march to Dispur, the States seat of power
Assam Rifles Seize 340 Kilograms of Marijuana in Tripura
Assam Rifles confiscated 340 kg of marijuana worth 1.74 crore in Tripura, disrupting drug trafficking networks in the region. Assam Rifles Seize 340 Kilograms of Marijuana in Tripura
38 IPS, APS officers transferred in major Assam Police reshuffle
Critically endangered gharial spotted near confluence of Lohit & Brahmaputra rivers
Five-Year GPS Study Tracks Wild Elephants Across Assam, Bhutan
Study Maps Elephant Movements, Habitats And Conflict Hotspots Across Landscapes
Siang project vital for nat'l security, says Arunachal min
Rayagada bids tearful farewell to Assam Rifles jawan V Teja on his birthday
Sensex falls 429 pts, snaps 2-day rally as RBI policy stance, high crude prices dent sentiment
Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) Stock markets closed lower on Wednesday, with the benchmark Sensex down 429 points after two straight days of gains, as the RBI raised the key policy rate for the first time in nearly four years. The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 429.11 points, or 0.59 per cent, to settle at 72,638.70 with 26 of its constituents closing lower and four higher. During the day, Sensex lost 599.09 points, or 0.81 per cent, to hit a low of 72,468.72. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 173.05 points, or 0.76 per cent, to end at 22,603.05. Rising crude oil prices
Assam University Assistant Professor Result 2026 has been released as a provisional list of eligible and ineligible candidates for the Computer Science and Engineering post. Of 100 candidates listed, 81 are provisionally eligible and 19 are ineligible. Candidates can check the list and submit objections within 10 days of the notice published on the university website.
Smokers have a lower risk of Parkinson
London, Oct 7 (Conversation) Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and early death. Yet smokers seem to have a lower risk of developing Parkinsons disease than non-smokers by around half according to some studies. This surprising link was first reported more than 50 years ago, when researchers in the UK and the US noticed that smokers were dying at much higher rates overall, but were less likely to die from Parkinsons. Many studies since then have found the same pattern. Why smoking is linked to a lower risk of Parkinsons is still unclear. Researchers have
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai win Nobel Prize in chemistry
STOCKHOLM, October 7, 2026 (AP) Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai won the Nobel Prize in chemistry Wednesday for their discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously, Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said in a news release. The chemical reactions they have developed are spectacular. Kagan, 95 years old and born in France, is affiliated with Universit Paris-Sud in Orsay, France, and Soai, born in Japan, with the
Assam STF Arrests Second Accused In Spy Case
Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and documents described as incriminating from his possession.
Assam Government Establishes Expert Panel to Strengthen Environmental Approval Process
Assam has formed two expert committees to enhance the environmental approval process for projects in the state. Assam Government Establishes Expert Panel to Strengthen Environmental Approval Process
GPS study on elephant movements aims to mitigate conflicts in Assam
Between April 2021 and June 2026, the Assam Forest Department and WWF-India tracked four female-led herds and a solitary male in three high-conflict districts of Udalguri, Sonitpur and Biswanath
West Bengal likely to be renamed Paschim Banga, says state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed that the state's name will soon change to 'Paschim Banga'. He emphasized the significance of this change for preserving the state's historical identity. Bhattacharya stated that a legislative bill will be introduced in the upcoming session. Additionally, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address commemorating his 25 years in leadership. He also supported the Assam government's education policies aimed at inclusivity.
Assam constitutes expert panels to strengthen environmental clearance process
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 7 (IANS) The Assam government has constituted the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), strengthening the institutional framework for evaluating projects requiring environmental clearance in the state. The constitution of the two statutory bodies follows a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on October 6. Both bodies will have a tenure of four years from the date of publication of the Central government notification in the Official Gazette. The SEIAA will be responsible for making decisions on environmental clearance applications based on recommendations of the SEAC. It will exercise its powers and follow procedures prescribed under the relevant government notification. Shyamanta Bezbarua, retired former Secretary of the Assam Public Works Department (Building and National Highway), has been appointed Chairman of the SEIAA. Dr Socindra Kumar Borthakur, retired professor of the Department of Botany at Gauhati University, will serve as a member. The Secretary of the Assam governments Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Department will function as the Member Secretary of the authority. The SEAC will be headed by Jatindra Sarma, IFS (Retd.), former Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Its members include Prof. Parthankar Choudhury of Assam University, Silchar; Dr Rahul Mahanta of Cotton University; environmentalist Dr Arup Barpujary; Dr Arup Kumar Sarma of IIT Guwahati; Dr Bhagwat Pran Duwarah of Gauhati University; and Dr Narayan Sharma of Cotton University. The Member Secretary of the Assam Pollution Control Board will serve as Member Secretary of the SEAC. The expert panel will function on the principle of collective responsibility. Its chairman will seek consensus while considering individual cases, with the majority view prevailing if consensus cannot be reached. The offices of both bodies have been established on the third floor of the Assam Pollution Control Board building at Bamunimaidam in Guwahati. The Pollution Control Board will act as the secretariat for both institutions and provide financial, logistical and manpower support. The state government will extend accommodation, transportation and other facilities required for their functioning. Remuneration and allowances for the chairmen and members will be governed by existing Assam government rules.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jab at the Congress after BJP-led NDA swept the first civic polls of the Silchar Municipal Corporation winning 34 of the 42 seats. The Silchar civic polls were held using ballot papers, which is a long demand of the opposition parties.
AAU Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 60 Posts
Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 60 Assistant Professor posts. The online application process will be conducted from 05-10-2026 to 04-11-2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, aau.ac.in.
Assam PWD Engineer Arrested For Accepting
Guwahati, Oct 7: An assistant executive engineer of the Public Works Department was taken into custody in Assams Dibrugarh district on Tuesday after allegedly accepting a bribe of 30,000. The Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption (DVAC) confirmed the arrest in an official statement. The accused, identified as Mridul Baglari, was posted at the office of... The post Assam PWD Engineer Arrested For Accepting 30,000 Bribe In Dibrugarh first appeared on Northeast Today .
New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) The Congress on Wednesday lashed out at the Modi government after the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan, saying the diabolical duo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah is rattled and desperate. The opposition party also said the writing on the wall is clear. The opposition partys attack on the government came after the Delhi Police registered an FIR against the two Congress leaders and their supporters for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan during the oppositions march against the
Asian Games gold medallist Lovlina gets rousing welcome on return to Assam
Boxer Lovlina Borgohain received a rousing welcome in Guwahati on Tuesday as she returned to Assam after winning gold at the Asian Games in Japan. Borgohain clinched gold in the women's 75-kg category on her birthday on October 2, defeating China's Bao Ziyi 5-0 in the final. She was received at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport by Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, state BJP president Dilip Saikia, her family and fans. The Congress also felicitated Borgohain at the airport. A delegation led by senior Congress leader Pranati Phukan welcomed her with a 'gamosa', a flower bouquet and a 'jaapi'. Senior Congress leaders Bipul Gogoi, Bedabrata Bora, Udit Bhanu Das, Gunakanta Gogoi, Mousumi Neog and Debajit Deka were among those present to welcome her. With the victory, Borgohain became only the second Indian woman boxer to win an Asian Games gold, after MC Mary Kom achieved the feat in 2014. The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist had won silver a
Assam Rifles Soldier From Odisha Dies During Operational Duty In Nagaland
Assam Rifles soldier V Teja, hailing from Odishas Rayagada district, lost his life while on duty in Nagaland after being struck by a bullet during an operation. The incident occurred on Monday, just two days before his 31st birthday. Teja, a rifleman with the 15th Assam Rifles, was immediately taken to a hospital following the... The post Assam Rifles Soldier From Odisha Dies During Operational Duty In Nagaland first appeared on Northeast Today .
Markets fall in early trade after two days of rally; Sensex falls 460 points
Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Wednesday after two days of rally amid a spike in crude oil prices and caution ahead of the Reserve Bank of Indias monetary policy decision. The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 460 points to 72,599.05 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 164.80 points to 22,610.85. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Titan, Asian Paints, Bharat Electronics, Maruti, Axis Bank and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the laggards. Bajaj Finance and Bharti Airtel were the gainers. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.01 per cent higher
Bandhs, blockades cost Manipur Rs 25-30 crore in tax revenue daily: CM
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh highlighted the significant daily tax revenue loss caused by bandhs and blockades. He urged the people to seek dialogue instead of protests to resolve grievances. Singh emphasized the rich historical ties between Manipur and its neighboring regions, particularly Assam. He reinforced the importance of peaceful coexistence for the state's development and prosperity.
BJP won 32 of the 42 seats in Silchar Municipal Corporation elections held using ballot papers. Congress managed to secure only two seats while Independents took six seats. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress for performing poorly even with traditional voting methods. The elections focused on local issues such as water supply, drainage, and infrastructure improvements.
Scientist who hunts mysterious ghost particles in the Antarctic ice wins Nobel Prize for physics
STOCKHOLM, October 7, 2026 (AP) Belgian-born scientist Francis Halzen won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for his efforts to demystify a rare group of neutrinos, tiny cosmic particles that researchers believe offer clues to how the universe evolved. Halzen said he had been told he was among the favorites for the prize since he first published about cosmic neutrinos in 2013. In any given year, he thought he had a 1 in 20 chance to win a Nobel. And I just had to live long enough, so here I am, the 82-year-old told The Associated Press in an
Assam: CM Vigilance Cell arrests Dibrugarh PWD engineer for allegedly accepting bribe
The Chief Minister's (CM) Vigilance Cell conducted a raid at the Public Works Department (PWD) office in Dibrugarh following a complaint regarding an Assistant Executive Engineer of the PWD for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000. During the operation, Assistant Executive Engineer Mridul Baglari was arrested red-handed by CM Vigilance Cell officials while allegedly accepting the first instalment of a Rs 30,000 bribe. Subsequently, officials interrogated him and seized various documents and other materials from the office. Simultaneously, a team of officials searched Assistant Executive Engineer Mridul Baglari's residence and recovered a large amount of cash. It is worth noting that the bribe was linked to the payment of bills for a pending project. The complainant, Rajshekhar Hazarika, stated that he is a Class-1 PWD contractor who had undertaken three or four projects for the department and completed the assigned work. Despite this, the department was not clearing his bills. When...
Assam Rifles soldier from Odisha dies on duty in Nagaland
Rifleman V Teja from Odisha's Rayagada district died after being shot during operational duties in Nagaland. He was almost 31 years old and was due to marry on December 10. Teja was a brave soldier from the 15th Assam Rifles, and his death has caused deep sorrow. Both Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed their condolences.
SOS to PMO after 'orders from above' hold up 300 raw petroleum coke trucks at Assam-Bengal border
80% vote in West Bengal bypolls amid rigging, intimidation charges
Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.
Congress politics of accusation and deceit .... Attempt to malign the Election Commission
Congress has called the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls a plot to that the party's own 1993 record with Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan weakens its claim to defend the Commission's independence. Rahul Gandhi and his party have found a new villain to prove that they are still relevant as opposition. It is the Election Commission of India. They say the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls is a plot. They call it vote chori. They say it robs citizens of their vote. Some of them even want the Chief Election Commissioner to resign. It is a loud campaign. It is also a short-sighted one. Congress is the last party that should lecture anyone on the independence of the Election Commission. Its own record tells a different story. The man who scared them Go back to 1990. T. N. Seshan became Chief Election Commissioner. He did what few before him had dared. He enforced the Model Code of Conduct without fear. He cracked down on booth capturing. He stopped ministers from using government machinery to win votes. He made photo identity cards a reality. Politicians hated him. Every party felt the heat. But it was the Congress government at the Centre that acted. In 1993, the government of P. V. Narasimha Rao changed the structure of the commission. It had always been led by one man. Now it would have three members. The two new commissioners had equal powers. Decisions would be taken by majority. Look at the timing. Seshan was at the peak of his influence. The government was tired of being told no. Seshan saw the move for what it was. He went to the Supreme Court. The court upheld the new structure in 1995. The three-member commission stands to this day. Congress may call this reform. Most people who watched at the time called it an attempt to clip the wings of a strong umpire. The party that now cries foul Now compare that with today. Congress leaders speak as if they have always been guardians of the commission. They call it a puppet. They compare their struggle to the fight for freedom. They demand resignations. Where was this love for institutions in 1993? When an independent chief election commissioner became inconvenient, Congress cut him down to size. When the commission does a routine job today, Congress screams conspiracy. That is the definition of double standards. What SIR really is Let us be clear about what this exercise is. The revision of electoral rolls is not new. The law requires it. Its purpose is simple. Remove the names of the dead. Remove duplicate entries. Remove people who have moved elsewhere. Add new voters who are eligible. India is a vast country. People migrate for work. They marry and change homes. They die, and their names stay on the list for years. Any honest clean-up will remove many names. That is not a scandal. That is the job. The commission has said again and again that a wrongly deleted voter can apply to be added back. Booth Level Officers are available in every area. Online portals are open. Citizens can check their entries and correct them. So ask the Congress a plain question. If your voters are being deleted, where are the names? Where are the cases? Show them to the commission. Show them to the courts. A slogan is not evidence. What about those bogus voters, the Guspethias who were crying on the top of their voices, standing at the India-Bangladesh border, crying that we want to go back & we have voted in India several times but now we have to go back as the things have changed & more than 180 km of open borders will be sealed soon. Everyone saw those long queues of Guspethias patronised by TMC & Congress waiting to go back... The question they cannot answer Here is the biggest hole in their argument. They say names are being deleted to help the BJP. But how would the commission know who votes for whom? The voter list has no column for party choice. There is no tag that says Congress voter. The ballot is secret. That is the whole point of it. To delete opponents on purpose, someone would have to know who they are. Congress has never explained this. It cannot. The theory falls apart the moment you think about it for a minute. Voters are not fooled The public is not buying it. Talk to ordinary people, and you hear the same thing. They want clean rolls. Fewer fake names mean a fairer contest. That helps every honest party. Many voters have already fixed their own entries. They went to the Booth Level Officer or used the online portal. They found it slow at times, but it worked. They do not feel like victims of a plot & are not buying Congress's baseless allegations. Assam is a good example. The state saw the same claims from Congress. Once the Election Commission explained the process, the allegations lost their force. Union Minister Pabitra Margherita made the point well when he said Assam had rejected Congress on SIR. Baseless attacks on institutions, he said, had become part of a political culture. People are tired of it. Every time Congress loses, it finds a new reason. First it was the voting machines. Now it is the voter list. Never once does it ask what went wrong in its own campaign, its own organisation or its own message. The cry that lost its meaning Democracy is in danger, Congress says it before every election and after every defeat. Each time, the words mean a little less. Democracy was in real danger when the Emergency was imposed in 1975. Newspapers were censored. Opposition leaders were jailed. Courts were pressured. That was done by a Congress government. The party has no right to use the language of democratic crisis whenever it wants a headline. A mature opposition would do the hard work. It would send its workers door to door. It would find real errors and file real complaints. It would go to court with names and numbers. That is how a serious party behaves. Shouting vote chori from a stage is not the same as proving it. What the BJP believes Those are reasonable demands. The BJP has no problem with them. We want every eligible Indian to vote. We also want every fake name gone. No Guspethias to do bogus voting. What we reject is the idea that any clean-up of the rolls is an attack on democracy. It is the opposite. A dirty voter list is what weakens democracy. A clean one protects it. On appointments, the law of 2023 set up a selection panel that includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and a Union minister. The Leader of the Opposition has a seat and a voice at the table. That is a long way from the old practice, under which the government of the day simply picked the chief. Congress used that old practice for decades and never once complained. Consistency is the test Institutions do not survive because they are free from criticism. They survive because they are judged by one standard, no matter who is in power. Congress fails that test. It cut down a strong commissioner when it held the Centre. Now it attacks the commission because it lost elections. It praises the umpire when it wins and abuses him when it loses. If Congress truly cares about the Election Commission, it should start with honesty. Admit what happened in 1993. Bring evidence, not slogans. Fight elections with ideas and work on the ground. Until then, its outrage will sound exactly like what it is. It is a party looking for someone to blame. (The author is a spokesperson for the BJP. For feedback or further correspondence, the author can be reached at: abhijeetjasrotia5@gmail.com.)
Voter Turnout Hits 76% in Assams Nagaon By-Election Amidst Fierce Competition
The Nagaon by-election in Assam saw a 76% voter turnout, with BJP, Congress, and AIUDF in a tight race for the seat. Voter Turnout Hits 76% in Assams Nagaon By-Election Amidst Fierce Competition
67 injuries in clashes over Siang project, claims farmers group
NEHU hosts climate festival, highlighting Indias diverse ecosystems
Study maps jumbo corridors in Assam; AI intervention helps avert 257 potential train hits
Land shortfall threatens recognition of several private schools in Assam
Amid illegal foreigners, refugees entry, Mizoram steps up checks on hotels, homestays
3 held from Dhubri with drugs, 10k in cash
NECs over Rs 42cr funding push targets infra, culture & livelihoods in NE
GS candidates nomination cancelled based on prescribed scrutiny: GU
Khandu inaugurates Pasighat smart city projects, calls for public upkeep
NDMA team assesses monsoon damage in Nagalands Mon district
Mystery of Dima Hasaos giant stone jars to draw visitors to Lungzubei fest
Mokokchung leads Nagaland in sustainable development ranking
Nimisha murder case accused injured in cop firing
