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BJP Leaders, Who Cast Votes In Delhi, Also Voted In First Phase Of Bihar Polls: Rahul

Banka, Nov 7: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that BJP leaders, who had exercised their franchise in Delhi, also cast votes in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls. Gandhi, addressing an election rally in Banka, also asserted that the Congress produced evidence of vote chori (vote theft) in the Haryana polls, and the Election Commission cannot deny the charges. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha had on Wednesday alleged that the Haryana assembly polls [] The post BJP Leaders, Who Cast Votes In Delhi, Also Voted In First Phase Of Bihar Polls: Rahul appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 7 Nov 2025 2:01 pm

CBI registers case against ex-Punjab DGP, his wife in connection with their sons death

CHANDIGARH: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked former Punjab Director General of Police Mohammad Mustafa, his wife and former minister Razia Sultana, their daughter, and daughter-in-law on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the death of their son, Aqil Akhtar. Aqil was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Panchkula, Haryana. The CBI re-registered a First Information Report on November 6 under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case was initially registered by the Haryana Police in Panchkula and later transferred to the CBI following a recommendation from the Haryana government after a formal complaint by Shamshudeen Chaudhary of Malerkotla. The complaint cited a video posted by Aqil on August 27, in which he mentioned strained family relations and expressed fear for his life. According to a CBI spokesperson, The agency has registered an FIR in the Aqil Akhtar murder case based on allegations that he died under suspicious circumstances on October 16 at his residence in Sector 4, near the Mansa Devi Mandir, Panchkula. The representative added that ongoing tensions existed within the family. Aqil had posted a video in which he accused his father of having an illicit relationship with his wife and alleged that his mother and sister were conspiring to either kill him or implicate him in a false case. The investigation team plans to examine Aqils electronic devices, social media activity, call records, and digital evidence, along with forensic and post-mortem reports. Aqil was found unconscious at his home and declared dead at the Civil Hospital in Sector 6. The family maintained that he had died of a drug overdose, and his body was later cremated in his native village in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Responding to the allegations, Mohammad Mustafa called them baseless and politically motivated. He said his sons death had caused unbearable pain to the family and assured full cooperation with the investigation. Those making false and malicious claims will face the consequences of law, he stated.

The New Indian Express 7 Nov 2025 1:07 pm

Photo Was Mine But Name Was Someone Else's: Haryana Voter On Fraud Row

The controversy over Rahul Gandhi's 'H-bomb' renewed allegations of centralised voter fraud involving the EC and BJP rolled on Friday with NDTV talking to another voter whose photo appeared against multiple voter IDs, 223 in this case.

NDTV 7 Nov 2025 12:16 pm

Haryana Cop Beaten To Death With Bricks Outside His Home, Three Months Before Retirement

Police said action will follow after recording the familys statement, and teams have begun searching for the suspects. The body has been sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem

News18 7 Nov 2025 11:50 am

CBI books ex-Punjab DGP, wife for mysterious death of son in Panchkula

New Delhi, Nov 7 (PTI) The CBI has registered an FIR against former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, his wife Razia Sultana and others in connection with the murder case of their son Aquil Akhtar (35), who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Panchkula, Haryana, on October 16, officials said. There was simmering discontent between the deceased and his family, according to the FIR registered on Friday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in the Aqil Akhter murder case on November 6. The FIR was registered on the allegations that Aqil Akhter, son of Mohammad Mustafa,

The Sen Times 7 Nov 2025 11:07 am

Fake vote, fake photo: Rahul Gandhis wholesale chori charge at BJP; claims party will repeat it in Bihar

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of electoral malpractice, alleging chunav chori (election theft). He claimed systematic manipulation, citing Haryana as an example of wholesale chori and one man, multiple votes, and stated the Prime Minister came to power through such means.

The Times of India 7 Nov 2025 10:41 am

CBI registers FIR against ex-Punjab DGP, his wife in connection with their sons death

The Haryana government requested the Centre to hand over the probe to the CBI. The case was earlier registered at the Mansa Devi Complex, District Panchkula, Haryana

The Hindu 7 Nov 2025 2:09 am

Bihar Polls: Don't allow vote theft; it's your responsibility, says Rahul Gandhi in Purnia

Rahul Gandhi has leveled serious accusations against the BJP and the Election Commission, alleging vote manipulation in the states of Haryana and Bihar. He urged the voters in Bihar to stand vigilant and protect their democratic rights this time around.

The Economic Times 7 Nov 2025 12:35 am

Rahul Gandhi's presser puts spotlight on Brazilian woman; Internet abuzz with her reaction

Mr. Gandhi said a centralised plan included a Brazilian model whose photograph was used 22 times at 10 booths in the Rai constituency during last year's Haryana Assembly polls

The Hindu 6 Nov 2025 11:36 pm

Aryan's fans tease girlfriend over Rahul's 'Brazilian model' remark

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remark about a voter appearing multiple times in Haryana's electoral list, humorously identifying her as a Brazilian model, has led to Brazilian model Larissa Bonesi, rumored to be dating Aryan Khan, becoming a social media sensation. Netizens flooded her comments with jokes about her newfound Indian fame.

The Times of India 6 Nov 2025 10:12 pm

'BJP will try to steal votes with all its might,' Rahul tells Bihar voters, urges youth to 'stop it'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the BJP will try to steal votes in the Bihar assembly polls with all its might, and it is the responsibility of the youth to act against it. Addressing a poll rally here, Gandhi claimed that the BJP was winning elections everywhere by stealing votes. We have shown the entire world that the BJP and the Election Commission have stolen the Haryana election. I am sure that they would try to steal votes in Bihar, too. And, I believe that the previous election in Bihar was also stolen. Rahul said. It is the responsibility of Bihar's youth to put a stop to this, and save the Constitution... All of you need to be cautious at the polling booths, the former Congress president added. Gandhi had on Wednesday alleged that the Haryana assembly polls last year were stolen , citing electoral list data to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to ensure the party's victory. In his address at the Purnea rally, he claimed that millions of names have been removed from the voters' list in Bihar following the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, including voters of the Mahagathbandhan. He also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments in poll rallies in Bihar that he gave cheap data so that the youth can make (social media) reels and earn money. 'They're using me to scam people': Brazilian model, whose photo appeared on Haryana voter list, expresses shock The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha said reels are the addiction of the 21st century, and big telecom companies make money as people consume the data. What used to happen with alcohol and drugs earlier, is happening today with reels. How much money has come into the pockets of the youth from watching reels? The youth of Bihar need employment, not reels, he said. Rahul also alleged that the PM wants a ule of billionaires where the youth remain jobless. At another rally in Araria, Gandhi accused Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of imposing 'jungle raj' in the country. Nitish Kumar talks about 'jungle raj' in Bihar... But, it is the PM and Amit Shah who have imposed 'jungle raj' in Delhi, in the entire country, which is witnessing the rule of the ED, CBI, IT, hatred and unemployment. This is the true 'jungle raj', he asserted. Gandhi also alleged that the prime minister was spreading hatred among people in Bihar and in the country. He is creating rift among the people on the basis of caste and religion, the Rae Bareli MP claimed. Criticising Kumar, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha accused the CM of turning the state's youth into labourers. In Bihar, no work is done for the poor, extremely backward, Dalits and minorities. The government of Bihar is run by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah from Delhi, claimed Gandhi. He also alleged that land is given away to big corporates at throwaway prices in the state. Gandhi said when the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, which is not far away, the world's finest university will be established in the state, where the future of Bihar's youth will be shaped. Work will be done to bring food processing, packaging, and cold chain industries in Bihar. We will connect the 'tourist circuit' so that the benefits of tourism reach the state's youth. Nalanda once had the world's greatest university; we will ensure that its former glory is restored, the Congress leader said. He also said the INDIA bloc would transform the state into a manufacturing hub and ensure labels of 'made-in-Bihar' on clothes and mobile phones. Just like Haryana, NDA is preparing to steal Bihar polls: Priyanka Gandhi

The New Indian Express 6 Nov 2025 9:33 pm

Best Universities and hospitals should be set up in Bihar, says Rahul Gandhi

Purnea (Bihar) [India], November 6 (ANI): A day after levelling fresh allegations of voter fraud in the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister amid the first phase of polling in 121 constituencies underway in Bihar. Wherever they are contesting elections, they are winning elections by stealing votesYesterday, we showed the whole world that the BJP and the Election Commission have stolen the Haryana elections, and they stole the last election in Bihar as well, Gandi said at a public meeting

The Sen Times 6 Nov 2025 7:52 pm

Aryan Khans rumoured girlfriend Larissa confused with viral Brazilian model

Rahul Gandhis Haryana election allegations went viral after he displayed a Brazilian models photo sparking confusion online, with netizens mistaking her for Aryan Khans rumoured girlfriend Larissa Bonesi

Mid Day 6 Nov 2025 7:37 pm

Vote-Chori Row: Brazilian Model Deletes Instagram Account

Rahul Gandhis claim of fake voter entries in Haryana polls goes viral after a Brazilian womans stock photo appears multiple times on electoral rolls

Deccan Chronicle 6 Nov 2025 7:25 pm

News18 Evening Digest: Bihar Deputy CM Attacked, Rahul Gandhi's Haryana 'Vote Chori' Claims & Other Top Stories

We are also covering: ED Attaches Assets Of Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan In Betting App Case, India-New Zealand FTA Nears Finalisation and other top stories.

News18 6 Nov 2025 5:18 pm

Just like Haryana, NDA is preparing to steal Bihar polls: Priyanka Gandhi

MOTIHARI/SITAMARHI: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday alleged that the NDA was preparing to steal the assembly polls in Bihar, just like they did in Haryana. Addressing back-to-back public rallies in Sitamarhi and East Champaran districts, the Congress general secretary alleged that the Election Commission (EC) was colluding with the government to weaken our Constitution and democratic rights. Just like they stole the entire election in Haryana, they are preparing to do the same in Bihar by deleting 65 lakh votes from the rolls, she said. The Haryana assembly polls last year were stolen, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Wednesday, citing electoral list data to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to ensure the party's victory. The elaborate plan included a Brazilian model whose photograph was used 22 times in 10 booths in the Rai assembly constituency during the 2024 assembly elections, the former Congress president said at a press conference during which he put up a presentation to back his claim. Rahul Gandhi's fight is for you and truth; he is fighting the same battle that Mahatma Gandhi once fought, she asserted. Vadra claimed that those who are etraying this country will ot be forgotten by the people. The Congress leader charged Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar, Vivek Joshi and S S Sandhu with mocking the Constitution and democracy of India. If you think you will lead a convenient life after retirement, that is not going to happen, she said. Vadra asserted that if the Bihar assembly polls are conducted in a free and fair manner, the NDA government will be uprooted, and replaced by a dispensation that would work for the poor, women and the youth. She alleged that the NDA government has no respect for the people of Bihar, who have contributed immensely to the development of the nation. BJP leaders urge people to vote for the NDA in the name of religion, and not for development. If this election is free and fair, the people of Bihar will uproot this government and vote for one that will work for the poor, women and the youth, she said. Slamming the NDA government for poor infrastructure in the state, the Congress leader also claimed that 27 bridges have collapsed in the last three years in Bihar. Taking a dig at Narendra Modi, Vadra said, He is the prime minister of India. Does he not have any other work than measuring the size of opposition leaders' images on posters? She was ostensibly alluding to the remarks of the PM wherein he pointed out the omission of Lalu Yadav's image from RJD's posters and banners. The INDIA bloc government will give people of Bihar free health coverage of Rs 25 lakh, reduce the cost of cooking gas cylinder to Rs 500, provide Rs 2,500 per month to women, and give three-five decimals of land or a house in the name of female members of each poor household, she claimed. The Congress leader also said that pensions for the elderly and widows will be increased to Rs 1,500, promising that an increment of Rs 200 will be made each year, while pensions for persons with disabilities will be Rs 3,000.

The New Indian Express 6 Nov 2025 4:58 pm

Who Is Larissa Nery, Brazil Model At Centre Of Rahul Gandhi's H-Bomb Row

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi levelled fresh allegations about vote theft on Wednesday. At a press conference, he claimed that a Brazilian woman 'voted' 22 times in Haryana from 10 polling booths.

NDTV 6 Nov 2025 4:26 pm

Aryan Khan's rumoured Brazilian partner Larissa Bonesi trends amid Haryana vote row

Aryan Khan's rumoured Brazilian partner Larissa Bonesi trends amid Haryana vote row

India Today 6 Nov 2025 4:02 pm

What madness! Brazilian model in Haryanas voter list speaks out

Rahul Gandhis H-bomb press conference on Wednesday, exposing the voter list manipulation in Haryana, alleged that a mysterious Brazilian models photograph was used several times under the names of Sweety, Seema, Saraswati and many more. The woman in the photo, identified as Larissa Nery, has now come forward to speak on the issue, stating she 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 .

The Siasat Daily 6 Nov 2025 3:30 pm

Woman Seeks Rs 20L Relief From MCD After Dog Bite, Cites Court Formula For Calculation

Rai seeks Rs 20 lakh from Municipal Corporation of Delhi after a stray dog attack near Khirki Village Road, citing a 2023 Punjab and Haryana High Court compensation formula.

News18 6 Nov 2025 3:01 pm

HBSE Announces September 2025 Results For Class 10 And 12 Exams

Haryana Board of School Education announced September 2025 results for Class 10 and 12 improvement and additional exams on bseh.org.in.

NDTV 6 Nov 2025 2:56 pm

Centre to order CBI probe into mysterious death of former Punjab DGP Mohammed Mustafas son in Panchkula

The Centre is ordering a CBI probe into the death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab DGP Mohammed Mustafa and minister Razia Sultana, in Panchkula. This follows an FIR filed by Haryana police after a video emerged with shocking allegations, prompting an investigation into the roles of Mustafa, his wife Razia, and Aqil's wife and sister.

The Times of India 6 Nov 2025 1:41 pm

Brazil Photographer Had To Delete Instagram Account After Rahul Gandhi's H-Bomb

The Brazilian photographer, whose name started trending yesterday after Rahul Gandhi's massive allegations of vote fraud in the Haryana polls last year, has had to delete his social media accounts.

NDTV 6 Nov 2025 1:04 pm

'They're using me to scam people': Brazilian model, whose photo appeared on Haryana voter list, expresses shock

A day after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi flagged the use of a Brazilian model's photo in over 20 entries on Haryana's voter list, the woman on Thursday expressed shock, saying she was unaware of it. In a video posted on X, the woman, identified as Larissa, said that the photo appearing on the voter list was an old picture of her used without permission. Friends, Im going to tell you a joke. They are using an old picture me. I must have been about 18-20 years old I dont know if its an election, something about voting in India! she said. And in India. Ah! They're portraying me as Indian to scam people, guys. What madness! What craziness is this? What world do we live in? she added. Brazilian Model Larissa whose image has been used in Haryana for fake votes reacts to the big expose and irregularities shared by @RahulGandhi today pic.twitter.com/tu51SkH5Dw Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) November 5, 2025 The woman said she posted the video to clarify her side, as she has been receiving repeated calls from reporters about the issue. He (a reporter) called the salon, at my job wanting to talk to me for an interview and I didnt answer the guy found my Instagram and called me there. Now another person who has nothing to do with the subject, a friend of mine from another city, sends me a photo, Im going to put it here for you, but I need it there, she said. Now, another person who has nothing to do with the subject, a friend of mine from another city, sends me a photo, Im going to put it here for you, she added. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi alleged major irregularities in the Haryana voter list, suggesting that the 2024 Assembly elections were rigged. To substantiate his claim of fake voters, Gandhi cited the example of the Brazilian model whose photograph appeared 22 times under different names in ten booths. This is proof of a centralised operation. The lady is a Brazilian model. What is a Brazilian person doing on the voters list in Haryana? he asked. On eve of Bihar polls, Rahul Gandhi drops 'H files', alleges theft of over 25 lakh votes in Haryana elections

The New Indian Express 6 Nov 2025 1:00 pm

Who is 'Brazilian Model' Larissa Nery, whose photo Rahul Gandhi used in Haryana 'vote chori controversy? Here's her reaction

The Brazilian model was mentioned by Rahul Gandhi, which led to a huge internet search for her.

DNA India 6 Nov 2025 11:49 am

'What craziness is this': Brazilian model reacts after Rahul Gandhis Haryana voter-fraud allegation; claims old photo used

A Brazilian model, Larissa, expressed shock after her photograph appeared multiple times in Haryana's voter list, a claim highlighted by Rahul Gandhi alleging widespread voter fraud. Gandhi presented evidence of a single foreign model's image being used for various Indian names, questioning the integrity of the electoral rolls. The Congress leader asserted that approximately 25 lakh voter records were manipulated.

The Times of India 6 Nov 2025 11:43 am

Brazilian Model From Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Chori' Presser Reacts - What Madness

After Rahul Gandhi alleged that a Brazilian models photo was used multiple times in Haryanas voter list, the woman in the photo, identified as Larissa, reacted with disbelief. The Congress MP accused the BJP of voter fraud in the Haryana Assembly ...

Web Dunia 6 Nov 2025 11:35 am

'What craziness is this?': Brazilian model Larissa Rocha Silva reacts to Rahul Gandhi's Haryana vote chori row

A Brazilian model expressed shock after her teenage photo was mistakenly used in India's vote theft controversy. Rahul Gandhi presented the image during a press conference, claiming it represented a voter who cast ballots multiple times in Haryana. However, the Election Commission has since dismissed these allegations, but the incident has sparked widespread online discussion.

The Economic Times 6 Nov 2025 10:51 am

What Madness: Brazilian Model Reacts To Mention In Rahul Gandhis Haryana 'Vote Chori' Charge

The woman in the photograph, identified as Larissa, has reacted with disbelief after discovering her image being circulated in Indian political debates.

News18 6 Nov 2025 9:55 am

EC says Rahuls Haryana rigging charge baseless

CHENNAI: Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis allegations of large-scale voter fraud in the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) countered by saying the party failed to file any objections or appeals during the electoral roll revision. Responding to Gandhis claim of an H-Bomb scam in the polls, EC officials said the Congress did not raise a single objection through its Booth Level Agents (BLAs) during the roll revision process. Why were no claims and objections raised by INCs BLAs to prevent multiple entries? Commission sources asked. A senior EC official said Gandhi had referred to Rai (29) and Hodal (83) assembly constituencies in Haryana. Since election petitions have been filed in both these constituencies among 23 petitions related to the assembly elections, Mr Gandhi may be advised to use all his evidence there, the official said. Gandhi had alleged that 25 lakh bogus votes were added in Haryana, amounting to 12.5 percent of the states total voters. He claimed that the BJP stole votes with the ECIs help, allowing it to retain power despite exit polls predicting a Congress victory. The Commission dismissed these allegations as baseless and questioned Congresss vigilance during polling. What were the Congress polling agents doing inside polling stations? an official asked, pointing out that agents are expected to object if a voters identity is doubtful or if someone votes twice. Another official noted Gandhis shifting stand on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He opposed SIR at first, but now his statements show he supports it, the official said. The EC said 22 election petitions are pending in various High Courts a normal number for a state election. What were agents doing inside polling stations? The Election Commission dismissed Rahul Gandhis allegations as baseless and questioned Congresss vigilance during polling. What were the Congress polling agents doing inside polling stations? an official asked, pointing out that agents are expected to object if a voters identity is doubtful or if someone votes twice.

The New Indian Express 6 Nov 2025 7:59 am

Chandigarh Diary | Mann questions delay in land allotment to AAP

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has questioned the Chandigarh Administration for delaying the allotment of land to AAP for its office. Mann said AAP had applied to the Punjab Governor, who is also the Chandigarh Administrator, but no action was taken. He said the party had fulfilled all conditions and deserved land as a national party. Mann criticised the BJPs Sheesh Mahal-2 jibe. He said the delay exposed political bias against AAP and urged the administration to follow the rules. Punjab Congress MLA Khaira hits back at Modi Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has criticised PM Narendra Modi for his remarks against former CM Charanjit Singh Channi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. During a rally in Bihar, Modi said Channi wanted to stop people from Bihar from coming to Punjab. Khaira said the charges were false. He reminded the Prime Minister that states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, ruled by the BJP, have laws restricting outsiders from buying land, becoming voters or taking government jobs. Khaira reiterated that he wants a law in Punjab to safeguard the demographics of the state. Questions over Haryana Congress discipline move After long, Haryana Congress has taken a significant step in enforcing discipline. It has set up a new disciplinary committee under Dharampal Malik. President Mallikarjun Kharge cleared the panel to keep order in the state unit. But the move comes at a tense time. Three leadersCaptain Ajay Yadav, Samtap Singh, and Kuldeep Sharmahave spoken out against the state leadership. The unrest follows the appointment of Rao Narender Singh as state chief and Bhupinder Singh Hooda as Congress Legislature Party leader. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

The New Indian Express 6 Nov 2025 7:48 am

Haryana School Education Board to Start Class 10 and 12 Exam Registration on November 6

Students opting for an additional subject in Classes 11 and 12 will need to pay an extra Rs200 per subject.

NDTV 6 Nov 2025 7:08 am

Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP trying to 'steal' Bihar elections, calls 'vote theft an attack on Constitution'

A day before Bihar went to polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of trying to steal the state elections, calling alleged vote manipulation an attack on the Constitution. In a Facebook video, he linked his claims to what he described as voter fraud in Haryana, saying one in eight voters there were fake. Gandhi alleged that similar tactics were used in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Urging Bihars youth to turn out in large numbers, he said, It is the responsibility of the people of Bihar, especially Gen Z, to stop this vote theft.

The Economic Times 6 Nov 2025 6:46 am

Rahul alleges impurities in past polls

NEW DELHI, Nov 5:Rahul Gandhi flags impurities in past polls but opposes special intensive revision aimed at cleaning up electoral rolls, Election Commission officials said on Wednesday hitting back at the Congress leader who alleged voter manipulation in Haryana Assembly polls held last year. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp They said it is now clear that Gandhi is supporting the special intensive revision exercise despite opposing it in the beginning. They asserted that Gandhis vote manipulation charge is [] The post Rahul alleges impurities in past polls appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 6 Nov 2025 4:03 am

Haryana polls 'stolen', 25 lakh voters were fake in elections: Rahul Gandhi

'Cong Lost By 22K Votes On 8 Seats, By 1.2L Votes In All'

The Times of India 6 Nov 2025 12:45 am

Rahul questioning poll body to hide his failures, says Kiren Rijiju

The BJP has firmly dismissed allegations of vote tampering in the Haryana assembly elections. Union minister Kiren Rijiju characterized these claims as unfounded and a mere distraction. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for frequently making wild assertions devoid of proof.

The Economic Times 6 Nov 2025 12:03 am

EC must answer Rahuls allegations, say Haryana Cong leaders

The Times of India 5 Nov 2025 11:30 pm

Rahul Gandhi's 'vote-chori' allegation backfires, woman in Congress MP's video clip denies his claims, says, 'My vote was...'

Ahead of the Bihar Election phase 1 voting, a woman whose video clip was used by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to allege vote-chori in his today's press conference on Haryana assembly elections, denied the accusation, prompting an aggressive counter-attack from the BJP.

DNA India 5 Nov 2025 10:49 pm

Watch: Operation Sarkar Chori: Rahul Gandhi alleges massive vote theft in Haryana elections

Rahul Gandhi alleged massive voter fraud during the Haryana Assembly elections, claiming the Election Commission collaborated with the PM and Home Minister to manipulate results. He accused a centralised operation, creating over 25 lakh fake voters, including duplicate entries and manipulated photos. The EC called these claims baseless, while Aaditya Thackeray backed Gandhis allegations. He urged youth to defend democracy peacefully.

The Hindu 5 Nov 2025 9:33 pm

Vote Missing: Haryana Family After Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Theft' Claims

NDTV's independent investigation has uncovered striking anomalies in the voter rolls of Haryana's Rai Assembly constituency.

NDTV 5 Nov 2025 9:19 pm

Rahul Gandhi Alleges BJP Won Haryana Polls Using 25 Lakh Fake Voters

SRINAGAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of securing victory in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections through large-scale voter fraud, alleging that nearly 25 lakh of the two crore voters in the state were fake. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi claimed that one in every eight voters listed on []

KashmirLife 5 Nov 2025 8:21 pm

Rahul Gandhi alleges BJPEC collusion in Haryana polls; BJP, Commission reject charges

The Election Commission, however, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, pointing out that no formal appeals or objections were filed against the Haryana electoral rolls

The Hindu Businessline 5 Nov 2025 8:16 pm

Rahul flags poll irregularities but opposes SIR: EC officials

The comments came in response to the Congress leaders claim of voter manipulation during the 2024 Haryana Assembly Elections. Officials said it is now evident that Gandhi has shown inconsistent positions on the SIR exercise

Mid Day 5 Nov 2025 7:55 pm

'Misleading the nation': Haryana CM Saini rebuts Rahul Gandhi's 'H-Files' claim; calls Congress 'agenda-less'

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of widespread voter fraud during the Haryana assembly elections. Gandhi presented 'H-Files' alleging a theft of 25 lakh votes, including duplicate and invalid entries. Saini accused Gandhi of misleading the nation with lies, while Rijiju questioned the impact of Gandhi's 'atom bomb' allegations.

The Times of India 5 Nov 2025 7:33 pm

Centre withdraws notice dissolving Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University

CHANDIGARH: Following political backlash, the Centre withdrew the earlier notification dissolving 143-year-old Panjab University's senate and syndicate, and replacing them with nominated bodies. The Centre also put a hold on the immediate overhaul of the university, hours after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vowed to challenge the move in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A fresh notification issued by the Union Ministry of Education reads, In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the Central Government hereby rescinds the notification dated October 28, 2025. The Punjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947) shall have effect from the date, as appointed by the Central Government, subject to the following modifications, the new notification stated. The Centres clarification is being seen as a tactical pause amid the escalating tensions over what critics have called an unconstitutional and anti-federal move, while supporters maintain the reforms are vital to free the university from political interference. The development comes in the wake of intense protests by students, farmer unions and opposition parties against the Centre's earlier decision to dissolve the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, and replace them with nominated bodies. The October 28 notification suggested amendment of the Panjab University Act, 1947, reducing the strength of universitys top governing body from 91 members to 24, abolishing the graduates constituency completely, and replacing its elected Syndicate with a largely nominated structure. With the withdrawal of the October 28 notification, the Senate and Syndicate will continue to function under their existing framework as defined by the Panjab University Act, 1947. Mann had termed this move unconstitutional, asserting that the Union govenrment had overstepped its powers. The Punjab government will approach the high court against the issuance of a notification unconstitutionally dissolving the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, Chandigarh. A panel of the countrys eminent and specialist lawyers will be formed to tenaciously fight against this act of high-handedness, he posted on X. He had also argued that the Centre had no authority to amend the Panjab University Act through a notification. Either the Assembly can amend it, or the matter has to be taken to Parliament. But none of that happened. By issuing the notification, the BJP has revealed its anti-Punjab face, the matter would be raised in the Assembly to strengthen Punjabs position legislatively, he said. Established in 1882 at Lahore, Panjab University is one of the oldest universities in the country. After partition, a new campus of the university was built in India. Again, when Punjab was split into Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the university became an inter-state body corporate under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, passed by Parliament. Despite the fact that the university is controlled by the Union government, the Punjab government continues to hold a major stake. As an inter-state body corporate, PU does not have the status of a full-fledged central university. While visiting the university in 2015, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) underlined the need to revisit the governance structure especially in terms of appointments of faculty deans, it was pointed out. A 2021 committee set up by then Vice President and Chancellor Venkaiah Naidu under Prof R P Tiwari had also recommended heavily paring down of the PU Senate and Syndicate.

The New Indian Express 5 Nov 2025 7:06 pm

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah backs Rahul Gandhi, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar must atone for his sins

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has backed Rahul Gandhi's campaign against the Election Commission of India, accusing it of colluding with the Union Government to manipulate election results. Citing evidence from Haryana, he alleged the ECI used fake identities, including that of a Brazilian model, to facilitate voter fraud and ensure a BJP majority, despite pre-election predictions of defeat.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 7:01 pm

Rijiju calls Rahul Gandhis Haryana poll claims 'false and baseless', says attempts to defame India will fail

NEW DELHI: Dismissing Rahul Gandhi's claims of vote theft in the Haryana Assembly polls as false and baseless, the ruling BJP on Wednesday accused the Congress leader of raising questions on the Election Commission (EC) to hide his failures and defame India's democracy. Union minister Kiren Rijiju also accused Gandhi of trying to instigate the GenZ and asserted that such efforts will never succeed as India's youngsters are wise enough not to fall for such provocations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's retort came hours after Gandhi cited electoral-list data from Haryana to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the poll victory in the state was stolen from the Congress party last year. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said he has 100 per cent proof of the malfeasance he has alleged. Rijiju rejected Gandhi's allegations as aseless and false, and said he is alleging vote theft in the Haryana polls and abusing the EC, while his party colleagues have said the Congress lost the election due to its own reasons. During the Haryana polls, their senior leader, Kumari Selja, had said the Congress will not be able to win because the Haryana Congress leader wanted the party to lose, he told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. Three days ago, a former Congress leader resigned from the party and said the Congress lost the Haryana polls because its leaders were not working and were engaged in ensuring the party's defeat, Rijiju claimed. Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh had also said there was no coordination in the party at the grassroots level, he added. Rijiju termed Gandhi's allegations onsensical and illogical, alleging that the Congress leader is repeatedly claiming vote theft to hide his failures and has now come up with aseless claims of irregularities in the Haryana election just to divert public attention. Polling will be held in Bihar in two days and he is telling the story of Haryana. This makes it clear that there is nothing left in Bihar (for the Congress). That is why he came up with the Haryana issue to divert public attention, the BJP leader said. The Union minister for parliamentary affairs said the BJP wins elections because of the hard work of its workers and leaders unlike the Congress. At the time of elections, he goes abroad. During a Parliament session, Rahul Gandhi silently goes to Cambodia and Thailand. When poll campaigns were underway in Bihar, he went to Colombia, he said. This man abuses our country, system, judiciary, democratic institutions, going abroad. When he does not go to people and keep travelling abroad, he is bound to lose elections, he said, adding, Rahul Gandhi cannot work hard and go to people. He is not a person who can live with people. Rijiju said if there is any irregularity in voting or in the electoral rolls, then one must file a complaint with the EC or approach a court. But they do not have to file any appeal before the EC or approach the court. He (Gandhi) will just call a press conference, give a presentation made by someone else and run away, he said and asked, Will democracy function in such a manner? The BJP leader also accused Gandhi of playing games and inciting the GenZ in collusion with anti-India forces to defame the country and its democratic system. He talks about the GenZ. But the people of our country are wise. The young generation is firmly standing by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji, he said. Rijiju said people are firmly standing by Modi because India is the fastest-growing economy under his leadership with a growth rate of more than 7 per cent, despite economies in other parts of the world passing through a slowdown. Our young generation is standing by Modiji. To divert them, the game that Rahul Gandhi is playing and hatching a conspiracy, colluding with anti-India forces, will never succeed, he added.

The New Indian Express 5 Nov 2025 6:39 pm

Haryana polls stolen with 25 lakh fake entries, EC colluded with BJP: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) The 2024 Haryana assembly polls were stolen, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Wednesday, citing electoral roll data to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to ensure its victory. The centralised plan included a Brazilian model whose photograph was used 22 times in 10 booths in the Rai assembly constituency using names such as Seema, Sweety and Saraswati for her, the former Congress president said at a press conference during which he put up a presentation The H-files to back his claim. The BJP dismissed the

The Sen Times 5 Nov 2025 6:37 pm

Congress's Rahul Gandhi claims 'vote chori', 'flawed election' in H files presser, draws flak, BJP hits back

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference, 'H files', in Haryana during which he made various allegations on the ruling BJP. He majorly accused BJP of vote chori after which the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party came in defence and criticised Rahul Gandhi's claims.

DNA India 5 Nov 2025 6:19 pm

News18 Evening Digest: How Pakistans Visa Games Targeted Indian Pilgrims Ahead Of Gurpurab & Other Top Stories

We are also covering: Rahul Gandhi's Big Haryana 'Vote Chori' Charge Prompts EC Fact-Check, Trump Fires Back After Zohran Mamdani's NYC Mayoral Victory Speech & more

News18 5 Nov 2025 6:13 pm

Rahul Gandhi alleges Haryana polls `stolen`, claims 25 lakh fake entries

Presenting what he called The H-Files at a press conference in New Delhi, the Congress leader alleged that the manipulation was part of a centralised plan carried out in coordination with top BJP leaders

Mid Day 5 Nov 2025 5:45 pm

Sweetie, Seema, Saraswati or? Who Is The Woman Whose Photo Was Used Multiple Times in Haryanas Voter List

Rahul Gandhi claims a Brazilian models photo was used 22 times under different names in Haryanas voter list. The Congress MP accuses the Election Commission of large-scale irregularities, alleging 25 lakh invalid entries in the 2024 Haryana ...

Web Dunia 5 Nov 2025 4:06 pm

H-Files: Rahul Gandhi alleges voter manipulation in Haryana; lists 10 points

Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission and the BJP of orchestrating vote theft in Haryana. He claims 25 lakh votes were manipulated, citing duplicate entries and discrepancies in postal ballots. Gandhi alleged a Brazilian woman voted multiple times and that the EC failed to use its duplicate detection software.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 4:00 pm

Rahuls Haryana Vote Theft Claim Baseless, Attempt To Defame Country: BJP

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: The BJP on Wednesday dismissed Rahul Gandhis allegation of mass vote theft in the Haryana Assembly Polls as false and baseless and accused the Congress leader of raising questions on the Election Commission to hide his failures and defame the countrys democracy. Rijijus retort came hours after Gandhi cited electoral list data from Haryana to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the victory in the state was stolen from his party last year. Gandhi [] The post Rahuls Haryana Vote Theft Claim Baseless, Attempt To Defame Country: BJP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 5 Nov 2025 3:51 pm

Rahul's Haryana vote theft claim 'baseless', attempt to defame country: BJP

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of playing games in collusion with anti-India forces to defame the country.

The Hindu 5 Nov 2025 3:39 pm

Yeh Kaun Hai: Who Is The Brazilian Model Mentioned During Rahul Gandhis Haryana Presentation?

The event began with a womans photograph displayed on screen, captioned, Yeh kaun hai?

News18 5 Nov 2025 3:32 pm

Rahul's claims on vote manipulation in Haryana unfounded: EC officials

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi's vote manipulation charge is unfounded as no appeals were filed against the electoral rolls in Haryana, Election Commission officials said on Wednesday. The poll body officials were reacting to Gandhi's claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and that the Haryana assembly polls last year were stolen. Poll body officials also questioned why Congress' booth agents did not flag voters who had cast vote multiple times in the Haryana assembly elections in October 2024. Why were no claims and objections raised by INC's Booth Level Agents during revision to avoid multiple names? an official said, countering Gandhi's allegation. Booth-level agents or BLAs are appointed by political parties to flag irregularities, if any, in electoral rolls. Further hitting out at Gandhi, EC officials underlined that zero appeals were filed against electoral rolls and only 22 election petitions were currently pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. An election petition can be filed within 45 days of the announcement of results in the high court of that state. What were the polling agents of INC doing in the polling stations? They are supposed to object if the elector has already voted or if the polling agents doubt the identity of the elector, the official said. Referring to EC's efforts to clean up the voters' list across states, officials wondered whether Gandhi is supporting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) which removes duplicate, dead and shifted voters along with verification of citizenship. Or is he opposing SIR, an official asked. Why were no claims and objections raised by INC's BLAs during revision to avoid multiple names in Bihar. Why were no claims and objections raised by INC's BLAs during revision to avoid multiple names in Haryana, the official quipped. The BJP won 48 seats in the 2024 Haryana assembly polls. The Congress, which was predicted to win by many exit polls, won 37 seats. The INLD won two seats while independent candidates bagged three in the 90-member Assembly. On the issue of zero house number, they said 'House Number Zero' is also for houses where Panchayat and Municipalities have not given house numbers. House Number zero has been given by booth-level officers where no house number is allotted by municipalities/panchayats.

The New Indian Express 5 Nov 2025 3:19 pm

Haryana issue is being fabricated, BJP slams Rahul Gandhi's Haryana vote theft allegation

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegations of vote theft in Haryana. Rijiju stated the issue is being fabricated to divert attention from the upcoming Bihar elections. He emphasized accepting both victory and defeat in democracy. Rijiju also pointed to internal Congress leaders admitting to poor ground-level work as reasons for the loss in Haryana.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 3:17 pm

Haryana polls stolen, EC colluded with BJP: Rahul claims 25 lakh fake entries in state poll listI

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday cited electoral list data from Haryana to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the assembly polls last year were stolen, as he accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to make them win. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said he []

Kashmir Reader 5 Nov 2025 2:54 pm

How Election Commission responded to Rahul Gandhis 'H Files' allegations of 'vote and sarkar chori' in Haryana

The Election Commission of India has questioned Rahul Gandhi's claims of large-scale voter fraud in Haryana, noting no appeals were filed against electoral rolls and that duplicate votes allegedly favored Congress. Data from the Haryana CEO details a robust revision process with over 4 lakh claims and objections received, countering Gandhi's allegations of manipulated votes.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 2:47 pm

'Diversion Tactic Before Bihar Voting': BJP Rejects Rahul Gandhi's Haryana Allegations As 'Fake'

Kiren Rijiju rejected Rahul Gandhis allegations of electoral fraud in Haryana, calling them a diversionary tactic ahead of the Bihar polls.

News18 5 Nov 2025 2:44 pm

Brazilian Model Voted 22 Times: Rahul Gandhi's Hydrogen Bomb, BJP Counters

Dropping his much-awaited H bomb, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, today alleged massive vote fraud in the Haryana Assembly polls last year.

NDTV 5 Nov 2025 2:38 pm

Rahul Gandhi's Big Haryana 'Vote Chori' Charge Prompts EC Fact-Check: Top Points

The Congress leader also alleged that a Brazilian model was registered as a voter in Haryana 22 times in at least 10 different booths

News18 5 Nov 2025 2:02 pm

Rahul Gandhi's vote manipulation claim in Haryana unfounded: EC source

Rahul Gandhis claims of vote rigging in Haryana elections were dismissed by the Election Commission, noting no appeals were filed, raising questions about the validity of his allegations

The Hindu 5 Nov 2025 1:56 pm

Rahul Gandhi shows proof that BJP and EC stole Haryana Assembly Elections

In a press conference, Rahul Gandhi presented documents and slides to prove that there were 25 lakh irregular entries in Haryana that include 5,21,619 duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid addresses and 19,26,351 bulk voters

The Hindu Businessline 5 Nov 2025 1:48 pm

Who is the Brazilian model Rahul Gandhi claims voted 22 times in Haryana?

Rahul Gandhi's Hydrogen Bomb exploded today. Rahul Gandhi alleged a Brazilian model's photograph was used multiple times with different names across polling booths in the Haryana assembly election, claiming it influenced the outcome. The Election Commission refuted the claims, stating no objections were raised by Congress agents on voting day.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 1:42 pm

'Who is this woman?' Rahul Gandhi says Brazilian model voted 22 times in Haryana; changed names from Sweety to Saraswathi

Rahul Gandhi ignited a political storm, alleging widespread voter fraud in Haryana. He presented evidence suggesting approximately 25 lakh voters are fake, duplicate, or manipulated. Gandhi highlighted a striking example: a single photograph appearing multiple times with different names and details, claiming it belonged to a 'Brazilian model' used as a stock image for fraudulent entries. This accusation comes just before the Bihar polls.

The Times of India 5 Nov 2025 1:34 pm

Brazilian Model Voted As Seema, Sweety: Rahul Gandhi's H-Bomb On Haryana

Dropping his much-awaited H bomb, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, today alleged massive vote fraud in the Haryana Assembly polls last year.

NDTV 5 Nov 2025 1:30 pm

Rahul Gandhi: 25 Lakh Fake Voters in Haryana

Gandhi alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the two election commissioners colluded with the BJP to ensure its victory in Haryana

Deccan Chronicle 5 Nov 2025 1:28 pm

1 in 8 Voters in Haryana are Fake: Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the two election commissioners colluded with the BJP to ensure its victory in Haryana

Deccan Chronicle 5 Nov 2025 1:28 pm

Haryana Polls Stolen, EC Colluded With BJP: Rahul Claims 25 Lakh Fake Entries In State Poll List

New Delhi, Nov 5: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday cited electoral list data from Haryana to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the assembly polls last year were stolen, as he accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to make them win. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said he is questioning the Election Commission and the democratic process in the country and therefore, is doing so with 100 per cent proof. Gandhi [] The post Haryana Polls Stolen, EC Colluded With BJP: Rahul Claims 25 Lakh Fake Entries In State Poll List appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 5 Nov 2025 1:19 pm

Rahul Gandhi alleges major vote theft in 2024 Haryana polls; claims ECI in cahoots with BJP

The Congress leader claims that thousands of people were registered as voters in both Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

The Hindu 5 Nov 2025 1:19 pm

Aditi Sheoran: The young all-rounder powering Haryanas cricket dreams

Fifteen-year-old Aditi Sheoran, a village girl from Haryana, is making waves in junior cricket. She broke barriers by training with boys and has since excelled as a top-order batter and all-rounder, leading her U-19 Chandigarh team. Aditi's dedication and consistent performances have earned her state and national recognition, highlighting her potential as India's next cricketing star.

The Times of India 5 Nov 2025 1:14 pm

Rahuls vote manipulation claim in Haryana unfounded: EC source

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Rahul Gandhis vote manipulation allegation is unfounded, and no appeals were filed against the electoral rolls in Haryana, an Election Commission source said on Wednesday. Why were no claims and objections raised by INCs BLAs during revision to avoid multiple names? the source said. Booth-level agents, or BLAs, are appointed by political parties to oversee voting and flag irregularities, if any. Gandhi, in a press conference on Wednesday, alleged that the last Haryana Assembly [] The post Rahuls vote manipulation claim in Haryana unfounded: EC source appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 5 Nov 2025 1:07 pm

'No Appeal Filed Against Electoral Rolls': EC Sources On Rahul Gandhi's Haryana Vote Chori Charge

Rahul Gandhi was addressing a press conference on vote theft in Haryana

News18 5 Nov 2025 12:56 pm

Rahul Gandhi Questions BJP's Haryana Win: 'Brazilian Model Voted 22 Times, 1 In 8 Voters Fake'

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of rigging the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections through fake votes and manipulation of postal ballots, claiming a 25 lakh vote chori.

News18 5 Nov 2025 12:51 pm

Haryana vote chori allegations: Rahul Gandhi claims 25 lakh fake votes and one Brazilian model's face used 22 times to vote

Rahul Gandhi has alleged widespread electoral fraud in Haryana. He claims that lakhs of votes were manipulated, including duplicate and invalid entries. A Brazilian models photograph was reportedly used to cast multiple votes. Gandhi has questioned the Election Commission and the democratic process, stating that he has evidence supporting his claims of a plan to alter the election results.

The Economic Times 5 Nov 2025 12:46 pm

On eve of Bihar polls, Rahul Gandhi drops 'H files,' alleges major 'vote theft' in Haryana Assembly elections

With just hours to go for the first phase of Bihar polls, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday came up with another allegation of vote theft against the Election Commission of India and the BJP, claiming that the Assembly elections of Haryana was stolen. Addressing a press conference, the Congress leader reiterated that whatever he said was 100 per cent true and that he is making the statements with full responsibility as the opposition leader. I'm questioning the Election Commission, I'm questioning the democratic process in India, he said. Rahul pointed out that the postal vote results were contrastingly different from the other votes in the Haryana polls, for the first time in history. He also showed a clip from the press conference of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, just days after the polling and questioned why he appeared so confident and smiling despite several exit polls predicting a clear win for the Congress. (This is a developing story)

The New Indian Express 5 Nov 2025 12:44 pm

Women's Cricket Could See 1983-like Surge After Historic ODI WC Win, Says Hemlata Kala

DY Patil Stadium: History was made on November 2 when a crowd of around 40,000 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai roared in joy when India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to claim their maiden Womens ODI World Cup crown. Harmanpreet Kaur and her trailblazers, coming from metros and small towns, united to script a new chapter for Indian womens cricket. Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Hemlata Kala believes this triumph will echo far beyond the boundary ropes. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Hemlata draws parallels of 2025 epochal victory to 1983 triumph and explains why this win could reshape women's cricket in India forever. Excerpts: - Q. What does this ODI World Cup winning moment mean to you? A. It means a lot to me because we were trying out for this since 2005. We used to reach the finals but were not able to do it. But this time, Harman's team did it. What I liked more is that it can change the scenario, just like how it was after the Men's World Cup win in 1983. This could also be a turning point for women's cricket, as the game will get more recognition from here. This victory is for all the girls who want to make cricket their future. It will motivate them a lot and this will benefit them in the future. I was very emotional because we were waiting for this for a long time and especially since 2005. When Laura fell, I understood that we would win the match. I knew that their two batsmen can't do it every day like every day is not a Sunday and Deepti just did that by taking out Laura. I can't really explain what was going on in my mind at that time. Q. How surreal it has been to see the team win the title despite three consecutive losses in the league stage? A. Yes, everyone was thinking that we won't be able to do it. But I knew that if we had a match with New Zealand, we would win. If we look at the stats of New Zealand in terms of playing ODIs in India, they were not that good. I thought that if we had a semi-final match against Australia, it would be crucial. Otherwise, it didn't feel like we were out of the race. We had the matches and chances to reach the finals. Q. Shafali Verma wasnt there in main squad and reserves. But her performance in the final, how impressive was that to see? A. I don't know why the previous selectors didn't keep her, but I do feel she always warranted a place in the squad. Shafali's return to the final end of the World Cup was so bang on - like Harman wasnt getting wickets. But the two main breakthroughs Shaifu got, it wont be wrong to say that she got to turn the game. If those two wickets hadnt fallen, it then could have gone long. Shaifu's return was really good for the Indian team. Her 87 runs were of huge importance like the wicket was slow in the beginning. But the way she batted sensibly, it felt like Shaifu's return was meant only for the finals. She has improved her fielding as well. If you look at the matches, Shaifu's fielding has improved a lot. Her bowling is a plus point. The way she bowled in the final, she bowled with her mind. If she had bowled faster, maybe she wouldn't have got a wicket. But she slowed the ball and used her mind well. She knew how to vary the pace of the ball. Q. As someone whos seen Shafalis growth closely, can you talk about the changes shes made from a batting perspective? A. Shaifu has changed her game a lot. I have seen all her innings in the domestic as well. She has dominated and played sensibly. A team like Haryana only goes into a knockout due to her sheer will. So just think about how good her game will be. I always appreciate her for playing her game and a lot of sense has come into her. In terms of her batting, like as per the situation out there and after Smriti and Jemimah fell, I have rarely seen her be so cool. I think she has matured a bit by playing in the domestic matches when she was not in the national team. She has more maturity now in terms of her play in all three departments. Q. A word on Deepti Sharma as well shes been so prolific with both bat and ball in the competition. A. I have seen her since she was 8-9 years old. So you can say I have seen her grow up. Her impact has always been different in every series. If you see, there is only one girl who performs in every series - either doing it in batting or bowling. She does this in every series and I have seen her grow up and improve as a player in every series. She has obviously improved in batting, but the way she has improved in bowling and has brought perfection in her variations, that is commendable. She must have worked really hard to get what she has right now. We dont get to meet much right now because I am also busy and she also stays in camps and travels with the team. But the hard work she has done is visible now, which is a natural thing. When we started, she was 8-9 years old, and there is still a lot of difference from there to now and I have seen the difference in every series. Q. Any learning which young cricketers can take from Deeptis stupendous performances in this World Cup? A. One thing they can learn is that hard work always pays off. Deepti has worked very hard. It's not easy to leave a place like Agra and prove yourself there. So she has worked very hard for that. Now suppose for people like us, it's good to stay at home with family. But she spends most of her time outside and she has sacrificed this for her game. So I think one should learn the hard work she has done, as well as her dedication for cricket. She didn't pay attention to anything other than cricket and family and people should understand this. Q. Many feel that this win will be a watershed moment for Indian womens cricket. In your view, how should the stakeholders capitalize on this momentum so that more trophies are won in future? A. The BCCI has worked very hard. I was the chairman of the selection committee in 2017 and was at Lords when they reached the final. After that, when Jay Shah took charge, WPL came here. Theres been so much work done for women's cricket like I was at the BCCI CoE when their pre World Cup camps were happening and I saw the support they got there from everyone in CoE and BCCI. Plus, WPL has given confidence to the players. There used to be only one series, but now there are many series. There is no place for rest for international players like Harmanpreet Kaur, because there are so many matches for them. I will tell you there used to be one series in a year. Moreover, there were no series from 1995 to 1999. There was no series for 2-3 years after the 1997 World Cup. But after 2017, BCCIs perspective on women's cricket has changed a lot. The way they have brought the central contracts system and WPL also started, a lot of things have started to change. I used to think that the state associations were not paying attention. But the way men's cricket flourished after the 1983 World Cup win, this time it will do the same for women's cricket. Our cricket will do well in every state in the country through our stakeholders. Q. From a societal lens, how do you see this victory influencing perception of making a career out of playing cricket? A. If you see the viewership for the final on live streaming, it was above 20 crores. So you must imagine the large pool of viewers watching the final. Plus, the celebrations which followed in all areas of India, I have never seen like that before. I live in Agra, which is a very small city. But you will not believe, there were tons of celebrations. People were bursting crackers outside their homes, so definitely it is going to change. After 2017 and WPL, people want to put their girls in cricket. I don't think there can be a better platform than this for making girls pick up the sport. In the future, many kids will make cricket as their future. Q. Is there a moment from the final whose memory will stay with you forever? A. When the team was lifting the trophy and the last wicket Deepti picked. But the trophy lifting moment is something I will never ever forget as we have been yearning for it for so many years. So it will always be in my mind. As Jemimah said, this trophy is not only for the players, it is for all those who have paved the way for women's cricket. It is for everyone. Imagine, we got independence in 1947. But the first fight for independence was the most important one. So that was the first fight for women's cricket and we should not forget their contribution. Though they could not reach the finals, but they started the run for womens cricket in India. So this victory is for them too. This victory is for Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, Diana Edulji, Shanta Rangaswamy, and for everyone. It is for all those women who played despite many saying that cricket is a hard game for women and it cant be played by them. But look at the power hitting of Shafali. It is for all those people who think that women playing cricket is not possible, and now, women have done it. Q. How do you see the Indian team poised to get more success across major events in the coming years? A. In June-July, there is a T20 World Cup in England and what if they also win it? This team is like that. They can do anything. Someone was saying on TV that whether they will win it or not and were giving other options too. But this team has done it and I am now thinking, what if the girls bring the T20 World Cup home and give us another unforgettable moment possibilities are endless. Q. How do you see the Indian team poised to get more success across major events in the coming years? Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But now, look, we have started fighting and even won series before in all three formats. One day, you will also say that India has seven titles in womens cricket. Earlier, there was no work for women's cricket. Now, the work has started, results are coming and we just have to keep delivering. So, I feel that BCCI is doing a very good job and the future will definitely belong to India. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 5 Nov 2025 11:28 am

Haryana edge out Gujarat by 4 wickets - Daily Pioneer

Haryana edge out Gujarat by 4 wickets Daily Pioneer

Google News 5 Nov 2025 9:55 am

Smoke Signals Of Change: As Punjab, Haryana Farmers Slash Stubble Burning, Will Delhi-NCR Breathe Easy?

This reduction signals a potential breakthrough in years of efforts to curb farm fires

News18 5 Nov 2025 5:43 am

Haryana beat Gujarat by 4 wickets after batting collapse

Group C Ahmedabad, Nov 4: Lower-order batters Parth Vats and Yashvardhan Dalal held their nerves after a dramatic batting collapse to help Haryana edge out Gujarat by four wickets on a spin-friendly fourth day pitch, in their Ranji Trophy Group C match here on Tuesday. Chasing just 62 to win the third round match and []

The Shillong Times 5 Nov 2025 5:14 am

17-year-old girl shot at by stalker in Haryanas Faridabad, hunt on for accused

The main accused seen waiting for her in the street in CCTV footage, walking up to her and then shooting her at point-blank range has been identified as 20-year-old Jatin Mangla, who worked as an accountant, from Sarmathla village near Sohna in Gurugram

The Hindu 5 Nov 2025 1:25 am

NCW calls for overhaul of cyber laws, seeks tougher safeguards for women online

NEW DELHI: Aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged a comprehensive review of existing cyber laws and sought stricter provisions to protect women from cyberbullying and harassment. The Commission has proposed harsher penalties for cybercrimes against women and children, penal action for threats to share private and obscene content, a mandatory victim compensation fund and the appointment of district-level psychologists and forensic experts. The NCW has submitted its report, which includes changes in IT Rules, 2021, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and others, to the Union Ministries of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology, Women and Child Development, and Home Affairs. The Commission also recommended protecting the complainant's identity in cyber offences, including cyberbullying, trolling, deepfakes, and privacy violations, and requiring intermediaries to remove harmful content within 36 hours. The recommendations, which were the outcome of its year-long national consultation aimed at reviewing and reforming Indias cyber legal framework through a gender-sensitive lens, have also suggested longer user data retention (360 days) and stronger protections for victims' anonymity. The NCW said that the recommendatory report for law review 202425 represents one of the most comprehensive national reviews undertaken by the Commission to modernise legal protections for women in cyberspace. The report combines statutory review, stakeholder insights, and comparative global analysis to propose reforms that strengthen digital rights and privacy protections for women, promote platform accountability and transparency, enhance forensic and law enforcement capacities, and foster digital literacy and preventive awareness through education and community engagement, the NCW said. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, NCW, said, The digital world has opened infinite doors for women - of learning, enterprise, and expression - but it has also given rise to new frontiers of threat and intimidation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that technology becomes an instrument of empowerment, not exploitation. Through this report, NCW envisions a cyber-ecosystem where laws do not merely punish offenders, but protect dignity; where awareness replaces fear; and where every woman can step into the digital world without hesitation - confident, informed, and secure. The Commissions recommendations span several major legislations and digital governance frameworks, including making it mandatory to account for the verification and inclusion of AI-manipulated imagery in rules, and introducing new provisions on gender-based harassment, platform transparency, AI audits, victim support, and cross-border content regulation. The apex national organisation that protects and promote the interests of women in India has also suggested defining sensitive personal data and gender-specific damage, to adopt stricter consent norms and 24-hour breach reporting, to mandate the removal of non-consensual content within 12 hours, to implement tiered penalties for gendered data misuse, and to provide anonymous reporting options under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Commission has also sought to extend protection against digital harassment and remote workplaces; digital evidence protocols and tech support for Internal Committees (ICs) under the Mental Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, or the POSH Act, 2013. Under the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Commission has suggested that it should cover online and OTT content, provide swift 48-hour recourse for digital offences, hold intermediaries accountable, and establish a victim compensation fund. Under the POCSO Act, it has suggested recognising digital manipulation and online grooming as offences, increasing penalties and child anonymity protection; social media accountability for failure to report abuse. Under Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, the Commission suggested recognising metadata and temporary files as key digital evidence, ensuring fast-track forensic analysis and chain of custody for cybercrimes. It also proposed that, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, victim statements be recorded promptly, charge sheets and judgments shared without delay, and procedures for seizing and handling digital evidence be strengthened. As part of its national consultation, the NCW held eight regional consultations in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, followed by two rounds of national consultations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and at the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati. The final consultation was attended by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who appreciated NCWs proactive efforts to drive reforms that safeguard women in the digital space. Hundreds of experts, including judges, senior advocates, technology specialists, police officers, academicians, and members of civil society, participated in the consultative process. Their collective insights culminated in a comprehensive set of over 200 actionable recommendations aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the Commission said.

The New Indian Express 4 Nov 2025 11:34 pm