Nine luxury properties in Dubai attached by ED in Rs 1266.63 crore Madhya Pradesh bank fraud case

Bhopal: As many as nine luxurious foreign immovable properties in Dubai have been attached provisionally by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Rs 1266.63 crore fraud case committed by Madhya Pradesh branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). The attached properties are in the form of apartment and commercial spaces, having a worth of Rs 51.70 crore. The concerned luxurious foreign assets are located in Centurion Residence Dubai Investment Park Second, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Liwa Heights (Al Thanyah Fifth), Business Bay, and World Trade Centre Residences. During the course of investigation, the properties were found to be acquired out of Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated in connection with the bank fraud case. The wrongful loss to the tune of Rs 1266.63 crore was caused to the SBI by M/s Advantage Overseas Private Limited (AOPL), its directors, guarantors and related persons including its main director/significant beneficial owner, Shrikant Bhasi. ED probe revealed that Shrikant Bhasi, who exercised strategic control over AOPL and its associated entities, had acquired the said foreign properties in Dubai. These properties were later deliberately gifted to his daughter through gift deeds executed in 20222023, without any consideration to hide the POC. The properties were acquired from funds generated by AOPL and its group entities through illegal merchanting trade transactions, diversion of bank funds, fabrication of documents, circular trading, and layering of illicit proceeds. The investigation further revealed that 12 Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) amounting to USD 200 million (approx. Rs.1266.63 Crore) were devolved upon SBI between AprilMay 2018 after AOPL failed to fulfil the mandatory margin requirements and could not infuse funds at the time of LC rollover. Due to depletion of Fixed Deposit margins and the companys failure to honour its obligations, the Bank was compelled to make payments to overseas suppliers, resulting in substantial loss to the public sector bank. These devolved LCs constitute a major component of the POC, which were subsequently layered and laundered through related entities and used for acquiring foreign assets. ED investigation has also uncovered a network of domestic and foreign entities used for layering, diversion of funds, and acquisition of assets in India and abroad. Further investigations are underway.

Madhya Pradesh govt scraps two Ujjain Simhastha related projects following public agitation

BHOPAL: Two Ujjain Simhastha-2028 (Kumbh Mela) related projects have been scrapped due to massive protests by farmers and local residents in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain and Omkareshwar. Buckling under sustained pressure by farmers led by RSS-affiliated outfit Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), the government decided on Monday evening to repeal the land pooling scheme for building a permanent spiritual city in Ujjain. The project required permanent acquisition of 2,378 hectares of farmers' land falling in the Simhastha area, for building a full-fledged spiritual city to house the 13 Akharas, contrary to the existing practice of temporarily acquiring the land of farmers for five to six months in the Simastha area once every 12 years. Ujjain is also the home city of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. Less than 24 hours later, the Khandwa district administration scrapped the Rs 120-crore Mamaleshwar Lok Project, following two-days massive shutdown by residents of Omkareshwar town in Khandwa district on Tuesday. The project reportedly proposed building a temple circuit linking the famous Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar Shiva Temples. Both the ambitious projects were related to the Ujjain Simhastha 2028. The Simhastha in Ujjain is the Kumbh Mela which is organised once every 12 years. Ujjain and Omkareshwar, house two of the 12 jyotirlingas of the country, including the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar-Khandwa. The decision to scrap the Ujjain Simhastha land pooling scheme on Monday evening was taken at a meeting chaired by CM Dr Mohan Yadav and attended among others, by the state BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal and RSS-affiliate BKSs state president Kamal Singh Anjana and the outfits Malwa Prant general secretary Bharat Singh Bains. The decision was taken just a few hours before farmers from 18 districts of western and south-western MP under the BKS banner, were to launch a massive Ghera Dalo-Dera Dalo indefinite protest in Ujjain. With Omkareshwar town remaining shut on Monday and Tuesday, the Omkareshwar Temple-bound devotees had to face major difficulties, particularly due to non-operation of shops, taxis and other vehicular conveyance, besides provision of accommodation. Basic facilities, like water, tea and snacks werent available adequately and the devotees had to depend largely on the Omkareshwar Temples prasad. Owing to the shutdown, the devotees had to travel seven kms away in Kothi and adjoining villages for finding accommodation, that too at high prices. Not just the angry residents, but even the local Hindu seers had opposed the project in its present form. Mahant Mangaldas of Jod Ganpati Temple reportedly warned that saints from outside Omkareshwar would join the protest if ashrams were demolished to make way for the project.

ED arrests Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in PMLA case amid Red Fort blast probe

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al Falah Group, after a day-long raid at the premises of the trust. The Al-Falah University based in Haryana has come under the scanner after three doctors working there were accused in the Red Fort blast , that killed 12 people. They were allegedly part of what the investigative agencies have described as the white-collar terror module. According to ED, Jawad Ahmed has been arrested in a different case, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the Al-Falah University. He has been produced before the court for the purpose of seeking ED custody. Sources said entities tied to the Al-Falah Trust were also being examined for suspected fund diversion and layering. Siddiqui was arrested hours after multiple teams of the agency conducted searches at 25 locations across Delhi and Faridabad linked to the Al-Falah Group in connection with alleged fraudulent accreditation claims and financial irregularities by the groups flagship institutions. Officials said he was arrested after a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during search operations at premises related to the Al-Falah Group. Siddiqui has been the managing trustee of the Al-Falah Charitable Trust since 1995, exercising complete control over the trust and its network of educational institutions. Exhaustive evidence, including cash recovered from trustees, diversion of funds to family concerns, layering of funds, etc., clearly establishes the pattern of generation and layering of proceeds of crime. After establishing his culpability, he was arrested following due legal procedure, an official said. The Al-Falah Charitable Trust, the official added, was constituted through a public charitable trust deed dated September 8, 1995, with Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui named as one of the first trustees and designated as the managing trustee. All the educational institutions (university and colleges) are ultimately owned and financially consolidated under this trust, which is effectively controlled by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui. The entire Al-Falah Group has seen a meteoric rise since the 1990s, metamorphosing into a large educational body. However, the rise is not backed by adequate financials, he said. Last week, the government asked the ED to review the financial trail of the institution following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Madhya Pradesh police arrests Al-Falah University founder's brother in 25-year-old investment fraud case In a coordinated enforcement operation at 5:15 a.m. today, officials executed search actions at 25 premises of the Al-Falah Group in connection with the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, use of shell companies, accommodation entities and money laundering, an ED official said. The role of the Al-Falah Trust and related entities is under investigation. Key personnel overseeing finance and administration have also been covered, he said. According to officials, nine shell companies linked to the Al-Falah Group, all registered at a single address, are under examination. Early findings point to multiple risk indicators consistent with shell-company behaviour, including no physical presence or meaningful utility consumption at declared places of business, common mobile numbers and email addresses across various companies and accounts, the official said. Other indicators include the absence of EPFO/ESIC filings inconsistent with the reported scale of operations, overlapping directors/signatories and weak KYC trails across entities, minimal salary disbursal through banking channels, absence of HR records, synchronised incorporation patterns and common contact coordinates across firms, he added. Delhi Police has also registered two FIRs on a complaint from the University Grants Commission (UGC). One FIR alleges cheating, while the second invokes charges of forgery. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has revoked Al-Falah Universitys membership amid accusations of its linkage with the error module. Earlier, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice seeking the university's response on alleged irregularities. According to the notice, the university had claimed on its now-inaccessible website that its Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology and Al-Falah School of Education and Training had been awarded A grades by the NAAC. However, the engineering school and the education-and-training school were accredited in 2013 and 2011, respectively, for five years each, and the validity of those accreditations expired long ago. The university did not seek fresh accreditation after the expiry, making its continued claim about the A grades misleading, the notice said. Delhi court remands Jasir Bilal Wani, accused in Red Fort blast, to 10-day NIA custody

Four including two Madhya Pradesh cops arrested in hawala case

BHOPAL: Four including a deputy police superintendent and a constable have been arrested in connection with the infamous Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money loot case by cops in Seoni district. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 15, including 13 Madhya Pradesh police personnel. Taking the ongoing probe into the high-profile case ahead, the special investigation team (SIT) made four arrests on Tuesday, including Pankaj Mishra who is a deputy SP posted in Hawk Force-Balaghat, Jabalpur crime branch constable Pramod Soni and two private persons, Panju Giri Goswami (Katni district) and Virendra Dixit (Jabalpur district). The arrested men were produced before a local court in Seoni later, after which the court sent them into two days police remand. While confirming the development, the inspector general of police (IG-Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma said, the four fresh arrests have been made in the case, based on sustained probe by the SIT. If need arises, well seek extension of remand of the arrested men. Among the four arrested on Monday, Virendra Dixit is the close relative of sub divisional officer of police (SDOP) Pooja Pandey, who was among the 11 cops arrested and suspended in the case last month, while Goswami is a Katni-based businessman. Panju Puri Goswami is a small-time businessman from Katni, who is suspected to have been involved in hawala business. The ongoing probe suggests an organised collusion between all the cops posted in Seoni, Balaghat and Jabalpur along with the private players. It was the anti-naxal Hawk Force deputy SP Pankaj Mishra only, who informed his batchmate SDOP Pooja Pandey about the car carrying the hawala money on October 8-9 night, after which the vehicle was intercepted. The collusion between the two batchmate cops doesnt end at mere information about the car carrying the hawala money, but is much more than that, a police officer forming part of the SIT probe told TNIE on Tuesday. On the intervening night of October 8-9, a team of Seoni district police had intercepted a car, carrying Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money belonging to a trader, from Katni to Maharashtra. The police team led by SDOP-Bandol circle Pooja Pandey and Bandol police station in-charge Arpit Bhairam, detained the occupant of the car, Nagpur resident Sohan Parmar. But instead of following the due procedure of seizure, the vehicle was released on October 9 morning, without the requisite action. Out of the unduly seized Rs 2.96 crore, the police team pocketed over Rs 1.5 crore .

100-plus minors, held as bonded labourers, rescued from Raipur factory

NHRC member says that the children mostly tribals from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha were exposed to formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer

Viral Video Shows Madhya Pradesh Youth Exposing Work-Fixing

The mayor was heard in the clip demanding evidence from him to prove his allegation against any official: Reports

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 | Kerala holds all the aces going into the final day

Eden stars with a four-for as Madhya Pradesh gets bowled out for 192 in its first innings; the visitor, on the back of a 144-run stand between Baby and Aparajith, swells the advantage to 315 runs

ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress

The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep

EC working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of working on a sinister design to destroy democracy and opposition parties through the SIR exercise, and vowed to take to the streets by holding a protest rally at Ramleela Maidan here in the first week of December. Upping the ante over its 'vote chori' pitch, the Congress said the poll body's conduct during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has been deeply disappointing as the exercise is aimed at deleting targeted votes and demanded that it must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow. AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal told reporters after the meeting that the Election Commission's motive is to destroy democracy and opposition parties, which has never happened in history. We are going to the streets. During the first week of December, the Congress party is organising a massive rally in Ramleela Maidan with lakhs of people attending it, he told reporters, adding that the Congress will expose the Election Commission by organising the protest event. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who chaired a meeting with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UTs) where the SIR is underway, alleged that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the exercise of the electoral rolls process for vote chori. Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretaries participated in a review meeting with state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway. The states and UTs are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. Phase-II of the SIR exercise began on November 4 with the enumeration stage and will continue till December 4. The Congress party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral rolls, Kharge said on X after he chaired the meeting. We held a comprehensive strategy review with AICC General Secretaries, AICC In-Charges, PCCs, CLPs, and AICC Secretaries from the states/UTs where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is underway. The Congress Party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the pic.twitter.com/cVcjyaJGEo Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 18, 2025 At a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is already strained, the Election Commission's conduct during the SIR process has been deeply disappointing, he said. It must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow and it remembers its Constitutional oath and allegiance to the people of India, not to any ruling party, Kharge said. We firmly believe that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the SIR process for vote chori. And if the EC chooses to look the other way, that failure is not just administrative - it becomes a complicity of silence, the Congress chief said. Our workers, BLOs, and District/City/Block Presidents will therefore remain relentlessly vigilant. We will expose every attempt, however subtle, to delete genuine voters or insert bogus ones, Kharge said. The Congress will not allow democratic safeguards to be eroded by partisan misuse of institutions, he asserted. Venugopal said while purification of electoral rolls is an undeniably necessary objective, it must be carried out in a bona fide manner. The ECI's conduct thus far has been to further the BJP's 'vote chori' agenda, setting aside its Constitutional obligation of impartiality. We will relentlessly fight against their attempts to manipulate voter rolls through unfair deletions or the insertion of bogus voters to create space for the BJP to carry out its nefarious activities, he said on X. It is our democracy at stake, and we will stand up to every attempt - big or small - that threatens our Constitutional framework, Venugopal asserted. After the meeting, he said that the general feeling of the Pradesh Congress Committees was that the Election Commission was purposefully trying to delete votes of some sections of the society. The design of the SIR itself is to delete targeted votes. This is what we experienced in Bihar also and now they are going to start it in 12 states, he said, adding that they announced on Monday a different 'Special Revision' for Assam. This is a sinister attempt by the Election Commission to destroy democracy in this country. It is completely unethical and completely undemocratic, he alleged. Noting that the revision of the voter list normally takes place during elections for a longer time, but it is now done within one month. Due to this, several suicides by BLOs are taking place because of pressure, he claimed, adding that they are being pressured by EC officials to complete this exercise within one month. In Kerala, he said, the BLOs have been asked to submit the final list of the SIR on December 9, the day the first phase of local body elections will be held. He said even though the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution for postponing the SIR exercise, the state's chief electoral officer asked the EC to defer the exercise, saying this is not the right time to conduct it, and all political parties except the BJP made the same demand, but the EC is not listening. It is very clear that they are working only on behalf of the BJP and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. It is quite surprising, he claimed. Congress leader Pawan Khera also said the party's rally at Ramleela Maidan against the SIR exercise will expose the 'mal-intention' and politicisation of the EC. The SIR is to delete names and not add new names of voters, he asserted.

Two women naxals surrender in five days in MP, Chhattisgarh

BHOPAL: The surrender of two wanted female naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh within five days earlier this month may prove crucial to the ongoing operations aimed at eliminating left-wing extremism (LWE) from Madhya Pradesh by March 2026. On 1 November, a 22-year-old naxal cadre identified as Sunita, who carried a bounty of Rs 14 lakh on her head and was armed with an INSAS rifle, surrendered before the police in Balaghat district of MP. Five days later, on 6 November, another wanted female naxal, identified as Kamla Sodi alias Taruna, who carried a bounty of Rs 17 lakh on her head, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. Both women, who hail from Chhattisgarh, had been active in the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the tri-junction of Balaghat (MP), Gondia (Maharashtra) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), which forms the core of the CPI (Maoist) Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone. According to sources, the two surrendered cadres possess vital information about 40-50 armed naxals, around half of them women, currently operating across three to four dalams (armed groups) of the CPI (Maoist) in MPs Balaghat and Mandla districts. Credible sources connected to MP Polices anti-naxal operations said information given by Sunita has put a stamp of approval on intelligence regarding the presence of a highly dangerous group of 11-12 armed cadres led by central committee member (CCM) Ramder in MP and neighbouring jungles since early 2015. Aged around 58 years, Ramder was actually assigned the responsibility of heading the MMC zone by 2024-end and has been active since early 2025 in the region. It has now been revealed that the same group had killed the 25-year-old youth Devendra Yadav, on the suspicion of being a police informer in Balaghat district in September, sources claimed. Following Sunitas surrender, the group headed by Ramder had at least four female cadres left. Sunita was one of the two bodyguards of the groups head. A few months back, we had got evidence about the presence of Ramder in the jungles of Balaghat, but it has been fully confirmed after Sunitas surrender. Her questioning has revealed that the group led by Ramderwhose other bodyguard has been identified as Sagar, is equipped with INSAS and AK-47 assault rifles, besides an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL). The Madhya Pradesh Police are now preparing to question the other surrendered cadre, Taruna, in Chhattisgarh. Sources in the police forces of both states said they are in constant touch with each other regarding Tarunas questioning in connection with the three to four armed naxal groups active in the jungles of Balaghat and Mandla. Taruna was part of that group which had lost three female cadres and one male cadre in the gun-battle with police in June this year in the Pachama Dadar forests of Balaghat district. All those four naxals carried bounties of Rs 14 lakh each. Taruna had managed to escape from that gun-battle and her questioning will be crucial for gathering credible and latest inputs about the movement of the outlaws forming part of Darrekhasa Area Committee, Malajkhand Area Committee and Tanda Area Committee, which have long been active in Balaghat and Mandla districts, sources claimed. Importantly, the June 2025 encounter not only resulted in the elimination of the four wanted cadres but also led to the recovery of a truck full of arms and ammunition. It further helped MPs anti-naxal security apparatus penetrate the groups stronghold in Pachama Dadar, considered unbreachable for nearly three-and-a-half decades. Sunitas questioning has also brought to light possible unrest among women cadres within the three to four dalams operating in the region, stemming from growing sexual exploitation by senior members. They are being forced to work as coolies and cooks and very often subjected to sexual exploitation. Earlier, they had no option but to remain in the group, as they feared being killed by the group in case of breaking away. But the series of encounters of big naxal commanders in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and MP, are believed to have encouraged them to surrender and join the mainstream. Even Sunita, whose naxal cadre father made her join the outlaws in Chhattisgarh in 2022, has been subjected to sexual exploitation and also insulted by group leader Ramder, while alleging her of being in sexual relationship with a fellow male cadre, sources said.

Parents to get Rs 8 lakh after 19 year ordeal of losing their son in a train accident due to overcrowding by ticketless passengers, MP HC order

After a relentless 14-year fight for justice, parents have achieved a landmark victory against Indian Railways. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Railways to pay a compensation of Rs 8 lakh for the death of their son, Gurmeet Singh, who fell from an overcrowded train filled with ticketless passengers.

Madhya Pradesh: With Eye on 2028 Assembly Polls, BJP Unveils Cluster Development Plan

The ambitious project will be carried out by the tribal civil society without taking help of the government, a senior BJP functionary told Deccan Chronicle

Maternal Uncles Kill Nephew In Madhya Pradesh After Argument Over Bihar Poll Result

Rajesh and Toofani allegedly dragged Shankar to a nearby muddy area and pinned him down, resulting in his death.

INTERVIEW | 'Freebies a worry, but welfare policy needed

Chhattisgarh is celebrating the silver jubilee of its formation this year. The BJP has governed the tribal state for most of this period. In an interview with TNIE , Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai discusses his governments achievements and the developmental challenges that persist. Excerpts: Looking at the next 25 years, what is your boldest vision for Chhattisgarh in 2050? Earlier, our people faced the dire issue of hunger. People relied solely on traditional sources for their livelihoods, such as kodo, kutki, and mahua. Later, we developed one of the best Public Distribution Systems (PDS), providing affordable rice and salt to tribal and rural communities. Also, we implemented fair pricing for forest produce, built roads and hospitals, and laid electricity lines. For the next 25 years, weve created a blueprint and vision documents to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state. We aim to double our current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) within the next five years, with a target of reaching Rs 75 lakh crore over the next 25 years. Which sectors will you prioritise to generate jobs and promote inclusive development? We are rich in minerals, ores, and forest resources, and we have a strong agricultural base. So far, we have received investment proposals totalling Rs 7.5 lakh crore in energy, AI data centers, semiconductors, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are expected to generate jobs. Our new industrial policy states that any industry engaging 1,000 local people will receive incentives. We will also focus on agriculture in the state known as the Paddy Bowl of India by expanding irrigation facilities and promoting organic farming, livestock, and fisheries, especially in the Bastar region. We also designated tourism as Industry and promoting Homestays helps local people earn a living. What is the single biggest challenge for Chhattisgarh, and how do you plan to meet it in the coming 5-10 years? Our largest tribal region is Bastar, which has been deeply impacted by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalite terrorism. Developmental works didnt reach that area as expected. Our double-engine governments led by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and our state government, reaffirmed our approach to wipe out the Naxal movement from the Bastar region by March 31, 2026. They have a target to wipe out Naxals from the country. That will lead to a restart and provide momentum for developmental works through various schemes, such as Niyad Nellanar, meaning aapka achcha gaon (your good village). According to the latest Status of Adivasi Livelihoods 2022 report, the average annual income of ST households is lower than that of the parent Madhya Pradesh, despite a better literacy rate. Moreover, among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), incomes are much lower. Why is this so? In tribal regions like Bastar and Sarguja, LWE has disrupted our developmental programmes, affecting their incomes. With support from the Central governments scheme, Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, we are intervening there to increase the income of tribal communities. The mega scheme aims to cover over 6,600 tribal villages across states through various developmental and infrastructural initiatives. For PVTGs, our Prime Minister initiated the Janjati Adivasi NyayMaha Abhiyan to promote the social and economic development of these groups, including approximately 32,000 housing facilities and 2,500 km of roads under construction. Besides, we have set up a regional development authority for Bastar and Sarguja to bring development to their doorstep. Why does Chhattisgarh top the list of the highest number of rejections of claims under Community Forest Rights? This issue stems from the poor implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) by the previous Congress government, which incorrectly distributed land pattas, leading to these rejections. While we excel in providing Individual Forest Rights, the Community Forest Rights were misused under the Congress rule. We are currently conducting a verification process to address it. Both the BJP and Congress now offer free debt and cash cards, which may provide short-term political gains. However, this approach is not sustainable in the long run and places significant pressure on state finances, potentially challenging economic growth. Your comment. We are all concerned about the freebies issue, but a welfare policy is needed. Farmers support us, and we are committed to improving their lives. We are purchasing crops at Rs 3,100 per quintal and will continue to do so. Our state is rich in resources, particularly in minerals and forestry. I believe that the intentions and policies of the rulers should be positive, as this will pave the way for future development. Irrigated land has expanded the slowest in Chhattisgarh. Moreover, around 71 percent of the arable land is rainfall-dependent. Why is this so? When we compare our irrigation potential before November 2000 and now, you will find a huge difference. We are working on it to further increase this potential.

Precedence ignored, SC tells HCs judicial discipline must

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of High Courts disregarding its rulings and judicial precedent. Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan questioned how the Madhya Pradesh High Court could condone a nearly five-year delay by the state government in filing an appeal, emphasizing the need for judicial discipline and adherence to established legal principles.

Madhya Pradesh HC grants relief to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in defamation case

BHOPAL: TMC MP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been granted relief by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a defamation case filed against him in 2021 by former Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. A single-judge bench of the MP High Court in Jabalpur has stayed the arrest warrant issued against Banerjee by the Bhopal MP/MLA cases Court for non-appearance in during the trial of the defamation case. While staying the arrest warrant on Monday, Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal of HCs principal bench in Jabalpur, also issued notices to all parties in the case, including the complainant in the defamation case, former Indore-III MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the former BJP national general secretary and senior most cabinet minister in Dr Mohan Yadav-led MP government. The matter will next be heard by the MP High Court on December 8. Back in November 2020, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour seat, had allegedly referred to then MP BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, as a goon. Taking objection, Akash had lodged a defamation complaint in April 2021. The MP/MLA Court in Bhopal began hearing the case from May 1, 2021. But owing to Banerjees continued non-appearance before the court in the case, the Bhopal special court had issued the arrest warrant against him for the August 11 and August 26 hearings in the case. The TMC MP subsequently moved the MP High Court against the arrest warrants issued against him by the special Bhopal courts judge, Judicial Magistrate Tathagat Yagnik. While hearing Banerjees petition, the HC reserved the order on November 12 and granted him relief on Monday, by staying the execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal court. The HC also issued notice to the respondents, including the complainant in the defamation case Akash Vijayvargiya and posted the matter for next hearing on December 8. In the High Court, Banerjees counsel argued that the statement made by the TMC MP at the public rally in Kolkata in November 2020, was misinterpreted and sensationalised for filing the defamation case. While seeking stay on the arrest warrant, the petitioners counsel argued that he was a sitting MP and there was no possibility of him absconding. He had filed an application with the MP-MLA Court seeking exemption from personal appearance, but the Bhopal court did not consider the application and issued an arrest warrant.

Youth murdered following verbal spat over Bihar poll results in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: A youth from Bihar, working as a labourer in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district, was allegedly murdered by two men following a verbal spat over the assembly polls results of their home state. Acting in the matter, the Guna district police arrested both the accused, identified as the youth's uncle Toofani (35), and coworker Rajesh (29) within an hour. All the three men, including the deceased and two accused, hail from Sheohar district of Bihar. The duo allegedly murdered 22-year-old Shankar Manjhi near under-construction buildings on Sunday late night. Primary investigations based on the questioning of the arrested duo have revealed that all three men, Shankar, Toofani and Rajesh worked together at the construction site of governments under-construction quarters in Gunas Cantt police station area. They lived there with other labourers and had a late night party on Sunday. All three of them consumed liquor and later indulged in verbal spat over the recent assembly polls results of Bihar. While Toofani and Rajesh were JD(U) supporters, Shankar was an RJD backer. The verbal altercation reportedly turned violent after Toofani and Rajesh made some unsavoury comment about Bihars former deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. Shankar was assaulted by Rajesh and Toofani. The duo put his face in mud, which resulted in the youngster getting choked to death. We got the information about an unidentified body lying near the under construction residential quarters. The police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body. Subsequent investigations led us to the accused duo within an hour only, Guna district police superintendent Ankit Soni. Ongoing probe based on the quizzing of the arrested duo has revealed that it was a verbal spat between them over the recent assembly poll results in Bihar, which turned violent, resulting in the murder, Soni added.

SC refuses to entertain plea against allotment of vacant MBBS seats to lower-merit students

NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turn in the NEET-UG fake-certificate scandal in the Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Monday confronted the State with a pointed question, Wouldnt a higher-merit student get heartburn seeing a lower-merit candidate get a better seat?, but it refused to entertain a plea, citing risk of 'creating chaos.' The query came from a Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria, which heard the urgent plea of 18-year-old Jiya Jain, who challenged the diversion of fraud-vacated MBBS seats to lower-ranked candidates. The petitioner argued that forged freedom fighter, government seat and PWD (Public Works Dept) certificates had enabled ineligible students to take high-value MBBS seats, which later became vacant once FIRs were filed and admissions were cancelled. The petitioner, Jiya Jain, was represented by Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, along with Advocates Abhay Anturkar, Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand. Responding to the Courts sharp question on merit being compromised, the counsel for the State and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) submitted that Jain was not the only one affected. There may be numerous higher-ranked candidates similarly situated who had already opted for other colleges and are equally barred, the State argued. They relied heavily on Rule 13 of the MP Medical Education Admission Rules, which prohibits candidates from re-entering counselling or shifting seats once allotted, contending that relaxing it now would create complete chaos. The SLP, filed through Advocates Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, also challenged the constitutional validity of Rule 13, arguing that it unfairly penalises meritorious candidates for fraud committed by others, and insulates administrative incompetence from judicial scrutiny. While the Bench appeared sympathetic to the inherent unfairness of lower-merit candidates walking away with premium seats, it ultimately agreed with the State and DME that modifying Rule 13 mid-cycle would lead to a breakdown of counselling discipline, as it held that any relaxation at this stage would create chaos and refused to entertain the petition. The order effectively means that the seats vacated due to fake certificates and FIR-triggered cancellations may now be allotted to lower-merit candidates, reinforcing concerns raised by students and experts about the integrity of the NEET-UG counselling framework. The fallout of the MP NEET fraud may, therefore, end with no remedy for higher-rank candidates displaced by forged documents, despite top MBBS seats lying vacant because of those very frauds. The top court eventually declined to entertain the plea.

Madhya Pradesh government revokes land pooling scheme for permanent Kumbh city in Ujjain amid farmers protest

The decision to repeat the scheme comes amid protests from various farmer organisations and before a major agitation in Ujjain on Tuesday (November 18, 2025); the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has called back the agitation

Vacancies in Information Commissioner posts undermining RTI Act: Supreme Court

Observing that the vacancies in the Information Commissioner posts undermine the functioning of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Supreme Court on Monday directed Himachal Pradesh to fill all vacant posts in its State Information Commission (SIC) within two months. It also instructed Jharkhand to complete its long-pending appointment process within one month. A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Surya Kant and including Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a petition filed by Anjali Bhardwaj, Commodore Lokesh Batra (Retd.) and Amrita Johri. The plea was on the prolonged failure of the Union government and several states to appoint Information Commissioners. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that the Central Information Commission (CIC) has been without a chief for more than two months and that eight of the ten sanctioned Information Commissioner posts are vacant. He submitted that the CIC currently faces a backlog of nearly 30,000 cases. Bhushan contended that several SICs are also functioning with serious shortages. Bhushan further noted that the situation in several State Information Commissions was also alarming. In Jharkhand, the SIC has been defunct for more than five years and now the commission has even stopped registering new cases. In Himachal Pradesh, the SIC has been defunct for more than four months. He highlighted that in Chhattisgarh, the SIC is functioning with a single commissioner despite pendency of nearly 35,000 appeals and complaints. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the SIC is functioning with eight commissioners. while three posts are lying vacant and the backlog of cases is nearly 1 lakh, Bhushan pointed out. In Tamil Nadu, the government has sanctioned only seven posts of commissioners even though the SIC has among the largest backlogs in the country at 41,000, he said. In Madhya Pradesh, the SIC is functioning with four commissioners. while 20,000 matters are pending, he added. In several other states also, despite large backlogs, several posts of commissioners are lying vacant. It was highlighted that governments are completely undermining peoples Right to Information by not appointing information commissioners in a timely and transparent manner, leading to buildup of large backlogs and long delays of more than one year in the disposal of appeals and complaints. The issue of ensuring transparency in the appointment process as laid down in the Anjali Bhardwaj judgment of 2019 was also highlighted. The lawyer added that since the last hearing on October 27, 2025, the Karnataka government has filled all the vacancies in the commission and the SIC is now functioning at its full strength of 11 commissioners. The counsel for the Union of India stated that the selection committee meeting will be held at the earliest and the appointment process will be completed.

Madhya Pradesh Court Stays Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee's Arrest In Defamation Case

In a relief for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew and Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the arrest warrant issued against him in a defamation case.

When A 'Janta Darshan' In Madhya Pradesh Turned Into Live Bribe Expose

What began as a routine Janta Darshan at the Morena Municipal Corporation in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday turned into a stunning, real-time expose of corruption.

'Special revision' of electoral rolls to commence in poll-bound Assam soon

GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam which is expected to go to elections in March or April next year. The Commission has directed a Special Revision u/s 21 of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1950 with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date in the State of Assam, the Commission instructed Assams Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The SR stands between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was away in London on Monday, posted on X, The Govt of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of Indias decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date. He was confident the exercise would help ensure clean, updated and accurate electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner, he further wrote. The ECI said Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly segment would be responsible for ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out while at the same time, no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. Any person is entitled to be an elector and on application to be registered in the electoral roll for that constituency if that person is a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age as on 01.02.2020, ordinary resident of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and not of unsound mind, the ECI instructions to the Assam CEO read. The Commission had last month ordered the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to elections in 2026. As Assam is also going to polls next year, its exclusions from the SIR raised questions. However, the ECI clarified that separate provisions of the Citizenship Act apply in Assam where the Supreme Court-monitored exercise to verify citizenship was about to be concluded.

Brother of Al-Falah University head arrested for fraud in Madhya Pradesh

The accused was arrested from Hyderabad in connection with three cases of fraud registered 25 years ago at Mhow police station in Indore district

Madhya Pradesh Minister's 'Abusive' Call Sparks Row, She Says 'Out Of Context'

A Madhya Pradesh minister found herself at the centre of controversy when a videoallegedly showed her using abusive language during a phone conversation.

Al Falah University Chancellor's Brother Arrested In 25-Year-Old Fraud Case

The brother of the chancellor of Al Falah University, linked to the Delhi blast probe, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with nearly 25-year-old fraud cases, officials said on Monday.

Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in MP fraud case

MHOW (MP), Nov 17: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MPs Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested from Hyderabad on Sunday, an official said. Hamood vanished from Mhow in 2000 after allegedly establishing a bogus [] The post Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in MP fraud case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

1 lakh profit from dhaniya in 30 days: MP girl shares how she earned seven-fold profit with just Rs 16,000 investment

A young farmer from Madhya Pradesh, Shivani Pawar, gained national attention after her Instagram video revealed a remarkable 1.09 lakh profit from a single month's coriander harvest. Her success highlights the crop's low investment, fast turnover, and strong market demand, inspiring other small farmers to explore quick-cycle farming for improved income.

Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in Hyderabad

Mhow: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MPs Mhow 25 years 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 .

Brother of Al Falah University chairman arrested in fraud case

MHOW: The brother of Al Falah University Chairman Javed Siddiqui, who is under investigation in the Delhi blast, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with a financial fraud in Mhow, officials said on Monday. Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MP's Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested from Hyderabad on Sunday, an official said. Hamood vanished from Mhow in 2000 after allegedly establishing a bogus private bank and luring hundreds of residents with promises of doubling their deposits. He had fled with his family soon after the scam surfaced, leaving authorities searching for him for decades. He was arrested in Hyderabad yesterday, Mhow Sub Divisional Officer of Police Lalit Singh Sikarwar told PTI. The arrest was made after the Mhow police began re-examining the background of Javed Siddiqui and his local roots came to light, the official said. A detailed review of family records indicated that Hamood had been an absconder in the long-pending cheating case. Hamood had been living in Hyderabad, working in share trading while maintaining a low profile, according to sources. Investigators are now mapping Hamood's contacts and movements over the years to understand who may have assisted him during his time underground. Notably, the Delhi blast prime accused, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was a student of Al Falah University, of which Javed Siddiqui is the chairman. The Delhi Police have issued two summons to the Al Falah University chairman in connection with the ongoing probe into the Faridabad terror module case and the two cases registered against the university for forgery and cheating, an official said on Monday. The summons were sent after investigators found that the university chairman's statement was crucial for clarifying several inconsistencies linked to the functioning of the university and the activities of individuals associated with the institution. Police sources said that the issuance of summons to him is part of a wider line of inquiry that overlaps with the ongoing investigation into the blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives and injured several others. Several suspects linked to the blast are believed to have had associations with the university, prompting investigators to examine institutional records, financial transactions and administrative approvals.

Indian states changing rules of biz game, initiate slew of reforms encouraging startups, manufacturing

India is implementing a wave of nuts-and-bolts reforms at the state level to simplify business operations and manufacturing. These changes include easing land and labour rules, limiting compliance checks, and allowing for mixed-use development, significantly improving the ease of doing business. States like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura are leading this transformation, with a focus on removing operational frictions.

Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 16: Zahara Batool of Ladakh showcased exceptional skill and composure to clinch the Gold medal in the U-19 Girls -55 KG category at ongoing 69th National School Games U-19 Girls Taekwondo Championship, held at the Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar. Jayanti Muvel of Madhya Pradesh secured Silver, while the Bronze medals went to Avanthika V of Kerala and Nikita Dilip Pawar of Maharashtra. The championship is organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, [] The post Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jakson Group launches Rs 8,000-crore solar project in Madhya Pradesh

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday laid down the foundation for the first phase of the project, which involves setting up 3 GW cell and 4 GW solar module manufacturing capacity, Jakson Group said in a statement.

Madhya Pradesh Min Inder Singh Parmar apologises for terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a 'British Agent'

BHOPAL: Enthused by the landslide poll win in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday evening said that the victory set the groundwork for a similar performance in neighbouring West Bengal. Just a day later, Inder Singh Parmar, a minister of the BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh, has triggered political controversy by terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British Agent. Roy, a 17th and 18th century social reformer, is highly respected across Bengal and is widely considered the Father of the Bengal Renaissance. Addressing the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas program to mark the birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in native Agar Malwa district on Saturday, the minister claimed that Roy acted as a British agent, who worked to divide Indian society on caste lines. Britishers were working at changing the religious faith and identities of people in India through promotion of English education. It was in that direction that many Indians had been turned into social reformers by the British, one of whom was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a British agent. He worked to divide Indian society along caste lines, Parmar said. Adding in the same vein, the MP higher education minister said, it was tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who broke the vicious cycle of religious conversion and saved the tribal society. Reacting sharply to the ministers controversial remark on Roy, the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta termed the development as shameful. The minister seems to have a deep understanding of history. He needs to also tell whether Roys role in abolition of Sati too was part of British brokerage. Those who once were themselves the agents of the British are now terming social reformers as British agents, Gupta said, mocking the minister. With his statements having triggered a political storm, the MP minister (who reportedly has a strong RSS background), apologised for his remarks on Sunday morning. I am sorry and sad for what I said about the great social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. I have deep regard for him, I mistakenly made the statement. This isnt the first time that the present higher education minister and former school education minister of the BJP-ruled state has hit the headlines with his controversial statements. In September 2024, while addressing the annual convocation of the Barkatullah University in Bhopal, the same minister had kicked up a row by claiming that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama didnt discover the sea route to India, but merely followed an Indian sea merchant Chandan into India. He also claimed that it wasnt Christopher Columbus, but Indian sailor Vasulun, who couldve actually discovered America. Parmar hadnt stopped there, but said that while its written that the first Olympic Games were held around 2800 years back which meant that stadiums and spirit of sports started from there only. But past archaeological excavations in Gujarats Rann of Kutch have unearthed the remains of two big stadiums which were 5500 years old. This means that our ancestors knew in detail about sports and built big stadiums thousands of years before the modern Olympic Games started.

Ranji Trophy - Gritty Aparajith holds Keralas batting together against Madhya Pradesh

He remains unbeaten on 81 at stumps on the first day; Abhijith chips in with a vital fifty after early strikes from Arshad and Saransh peg the visitors back

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh likens Bihar poll results to Russia, China and North Korean elections

BHOPAL: Alleging that the Bihar election assembly election results were unfair and unacceptable, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh drew parallels between the recent polls and elections in Russia, China and North Korea, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra called for a re-election. The results of Bihar are akin to the elections of North Korea, Russia and China, as the votes have gone to a single party largely, Singh said while talking to journalists in his home district Guna on Sunday. Names of 62 lakh voters were deleted from the list and 20 lakh new names were added. But the details of whose names were added and whose were deleted has never been shared with us, Singh said. The septuagenarian politicians fraud allegations on Sunday comes just two days after he had made somewhat similar statements. Even I was there in Bihar (during the poll campaigning). We could very well sense a neck-to-neck contest between the two blocs. The only point of discussions at that time in Bihar was about AIMIM and Prashant Kishores Jan Suraj Party (JSP) performance, whose votes will either of them cut more. Im of the firm view that if the NDA wins the polls with more than 140 seats, then it will be due to manipulated EVMs and manipulated voter lists, Singh had said on Friday. Around 290 km away in Indore, the Congress national general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadras husband Robert Vadra termed the election results unfair and unacceptable. People of Bihar arent happy with the results, whatever happened there occurred with Election Commissions help. No one can accept this result. Elections should be held again in Bihar and Rahul Ji (Rahul Gandhi) will meet the youth and fight for democracy. Politicians from both, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh, had played a key role in their respective parties campaign in Bihar during the last one month. Among them the MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, had campaigned in 25 assembly constituencies in ten districts, out of which the NDA candidates won in at least 20 seats, which meant a strike rate of 80%. Former MP BJP president and second-time MP from Khajuraho seat, VD Sharma was assigned the task of coordinating on 19 seats, out of which the BJP candidates on 17, meaning a strike rate of 89.50%. It was particularly significant, as he had been assigned the seats in the politically crucial Patna and Begusarai regions, with Begusarai particularly being known for getting polarized on caste lines.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Calls Ram Mohan Roy A British Agent, Apologises After Backlash

Inder Singh Parmar called Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British agent, sparking outrage. He apologized, citing a slip of the tongue.

Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'

pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.

Ramachandra Guha slams Project Cheetah as disaster; says scientific expertise ignored

BENGALURU: Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha has criticised the reintroduction of cheetahs in India under Project Cheetah, particularly the initiative underway in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. It is a disaster. It is a financial scandal and a highly risky project. It was the 70th birthday gift of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to himself. Experts had advised that the money instead be utilised for strengthening and relocating the Asiatic Lion, but that was not done, he said. He added that the Delhi government is unable to control the air pollution, and the Karnataka government is keen on the tunnel road project. While leading energy and transport experts from ace institutions in Bengaluru have not been consulted. Guha said that he was of the view that caste and political issues had led to a loss of faith in India among its neighbours and countries across the world. He was speaking on the first day of the two-day-long Nature inFocus Festival and Awards 2025, The Wild in not apart, but a part- Blurring Boundaries. The country has many ecological and economic scientific experts in the various educational universities who can take India to a better path, but they are not consulted, he noted. Guha said Madhav Gadgil prepared a report on Western Ghats, but it was trashed by Left in Kerala, DMK in TN, Congress in Karnataka and BJP in Mrashtra and Goa. Its not just the politicians; it is also the IAS officers who have contempt for specialists because they cleared and topped exams around 20 years back. Former-PM Indira Gandhi had two scientific experts in her cabinet, but now they are looked down upon. Not just Western Ghats but the Eastern Ghats and Himalayas are headed for disaster. Earlier, silent protest marches were held on Bengaluru City roads. Now everyone is sent to Freedom Park. The government should rename the place to Freedom Locked Away Path instead, he added.

Bhopal Diary: Even in death, woman saves lives of three

Political rehabilitation of 2 turncoat politicians Former forest minister Ramnivas Rawat may soon head one of the independent state boards. BJP sources say the first list of the long-awaited appointments of heads to independent corporations-boards is likely after Bihar poll results. Six times former Congress MLA, Rawat, had joined the BJP during 2024 Lok Sabha polls and was later made the forest minister. He, however, suffered a shock defeat as BJP candidate in the November 2024 Assembly bypoll from Vijaypur (Sheopur) and resigned as minister. Since then, he has been in oblivion. Another ex-minister, Imarti Devi, who lost two successive polls as BJP candidate is likely to head a board or corporation. Even in death, woman saves lives of three A 38-year-old brain dead female advocate Abhijita Rathore saved the lives of 3 critically ill patients in Indore recently. The High Court lawyer was declared brain dead by doctors last month at a private hospital following severe lung infection leading to brain damage. Overcoming the grief, her family decided to donate her liver, the kidneys, cornea and skin. The two kidneys saved lives of two male patients aged 27 and 50, while the liver was successfully transplanted into a 25-year-old woman. The skin preserved now in the skin bank holds the promise of reactivating lives of burn patients in future. Films, politics dominate Ujjains donkey fair Film and politics seemed to have their influence at the recent donkey fair in Ujjain. At the famous annual fair where around 500 donkeys were on sale, names written on their back to identify them included Tejashwi, Owaisi, Pushpa, Aishwarya, Salman, Shahrukh and Jacqueline to attract the buyers attention, those associated with the organisers said. While the donkeys were on sale for prices ranging between Rs 4,000 and Rs 15,000, small horses were priced at Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. The small horses and donkeys were brought to the fair for sale from various parts of MP and neighbouring Rajasthan and Maharashtra. anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

MP govt raises Ladli Behna payout to 1,500 a month

Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna initiative has raised its monthly assistance for women to 1,500, following its launch in June 2023, witnessing hefty expenditures. In light of positive electoral outcomes influenced by similar welfare programs, the state is contemplating an increase to 3,000 monthly. While this uplift aims to empower women, it poses considerable financial challenges to the state's budget.

Ranji Trophy | Winless Kerala faces a daunting task as it faces an upbeat Madhya Pradesh

MP sits atop Group B and comes into this clash fresh off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Goa; the visitor has added some fresh faces to the squad for this encounter

Ram Mohan Roy A British Agent: Madhya Pradesh Education Minister's Shocker

Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister, Inder Singh Parmar, has triggered a political storm after he made remarks linking 19th-century social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy to British interests.

Congress ignored the role of tribal leaders in the freedom struggle, says Madhya Pradesh CM

Mohan Yadav was speaking at an event in tribal-dominated Alirajpur district to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, celebrated as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

MP police constable recruits read Gita during training, ADGP defends move

Newly recruited constables in Madhya Pradesh have been instructed to read chapters from the Bhagavad Gita every evening during their training. The direction has led to political debate, with the Congress accusing the government of trying to radicalise and saffronise the police force. Around 4,000 new constables are currently training at eight centres in the 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 .

Digital tribal museum in Chhattisgarh sparks pride, connection among youth

RAIPUR: The countrys first digital tribal museum has begun evoking a deep sense of pride and historical connection among tribal youths, women, academicians and tourists. Indias first digital tribal museum, set up in New Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh, is generating excitement across communities. The recently inaugurated Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has quickly become a major attraction. The museum features life-sized sculptures and vivid representations of tribal freedom fighters and their resistance against the British Empire. It serves as an inspiring source for tribal youth and local communities who may be unaware of their rich history. Divided into 17 immersive sections, the museum employs sound, light and digital projections to transport visitors into the world of Chhattisgarhs indigenous communities. Each display, whether showcasing village life, crafts or heroic resistance, offers a visual feast filled with colour and movement that captivates both casual tourists and serious researchers. For local villagers, these exhibits evoke a deep sense of pride and connection. Our ancestors stories of resistance against British colonialism inspire us, said Mahendra Netam, a tribal youth from the Sarguja region who now works as a bike taxi driver in Raipur. He stood in front of an exhibit depicting the 1857 tribal uprisings that swept through central India, where Adivasi leaders like Gend Singh and Veer Narayan Singh bravely fought against British oppression. In addition to documenting tribal resistance history, another section of the museum highlights the daily lives of tribal people, including their cultural practices, food, household chores and last rites. In one corner, a group of women gathered around a display showcasing the transformation of tribal households, from using fuelwood and clay stoves to adopting LPG cooking. The women observed the plaque with intrigued expressions, reflecting on their own changing lifestyles. These types of cooking vessels are still used in our village, said Sinita Goud, a young mother holding her infant, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she pointed to the gleaming bronze vessels. For many, the museum represents more than just an archive; it serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It celebrates resilience, adaptation and identity. By digitally documenting tribal history, everyday life and resistance movements, the museum ensures that the stories of Chhattisgarhs indigenous people are not only preserved but also retold in their own vibrant, proud and enduring voice. The museum was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November. So far, over one lakh visitors have visited it since then. India is home to several museums dedicated to tribal history and culture. A prominent example is the State Tribal Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which focuses on tribal life in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Other significant sites include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi (Jharkhand), dedicated to tribal freedom fighters; the Tribal Museum in Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), showcasing local life; and the Tribal Research & Training Institute Museum in Pune, which preserves Maharashtras tribal heritage.

Five killed as car breaks expressway barrier, plunges into ditch in Madhya Pradesh

The incident took place near Beed village in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district

Madhya Pradesh: 15 Racehorses, Brought to Jabalpur From Hyderabad

The veterinary team promptly reported the matter to Jabalpur district collector Raghavendra Singh leading him to order a probe into the matter

Map on Rahul Gandhis 95 defeats becomes BJPs key attack line amid NDAs Bihar lead

As the BJP appears poised for a sweeping victory for NDA in Bihar , projected to secure well over a two-thirds majority in the high-stakes assembly election, the party has intensified its offensive against the Opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandh, branding him a symbol of repeated electoral losses. Rahul Gandhi, who undertook a 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra across 20 districts ahead of the polls, had centred his campaign on allegations of vote chori, accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to engineer a favourable result. The Congress and the INDIA bloc had pitched the election as a crucial battle to save the Constitution from what they described as a vote-thief government. Gandhi was one of the Congresss star campaigners in the state. However, the rhetoric failed to translate into electoral gains, with both the Congress and the broader INDIA alliance heading for what is being seen as an embarrassing defeat. Bihar election results: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party fails to make waves in emerging trends Leading the BJP's charge, the partys IT cell chief Amit Malviya declared, Rahul Gandhi! Another election, another defeat! If there were awards for electoral consistency (of losing polls), hed sweep them all. At this rate, even setbacks must be wondering how he finds them so reliably. A map circulating on social media, amplified by BJP leaders, lists 95 electoral losses attributed to the Congress, which the party claims happened under Rahul Gandhi over the past two decades. Malviya posted the graphic, which he said catalogues Congress defeats between 2004 and 2025 in elections where, according to the BJP, Gandhi played a central campaign role. The list spans almost every major state: Himachal Pradesh (2007, 2017), Punjab (2007, 2012, 2022), Gujarat (2007, 2012, 2017, 2022), Madhya Pradesh (2008, 2013, 2018, 2023), and Maharashtra (2014, 2019, 2024). It also includes losses in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, the Northeast, southern states, Union Territories, and setbacks in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi! Another election, another defeat! If there were awards for electoral consistency, hed sweep them all. At this rate, even setbacks must be wondering how he finds them so reliably. pic.twitter.com/y4rH6g62qG Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 14, 2025 BJP MP Sudhanshu invoked a couplet by poet Kabir Das to taunt the Congress. I would like to quote Kabir Das for Congress: Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi. Jo mann khoja apna, to mujhse bura na koi (When I went looking for evil, I found none. But when I searched within my own heart, I found no one worse than me). As the NDA widened its lead, the Congress reiterated allegations of manipulation by the Election Commission. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that the early trends suggested Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was acting against the will of the people of Bihar. This fight is not merely between the BJP, Congress, RJD, and JDU, Khera asserted. It is a direct confrontation between Gyanesh Kumar and the people of India. The Aam Aadmi Party too backed Congresss allegations, accusing the authorities of hijacking the election and pointing to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted shortly before the polls. I had earlier said this election has been hijacked and holds no meaning, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said. Gyanesh Kumar has already given the winning certificate to Modi ji. What will be the results in a state where 80 lakh votes were deleted, 5 lakh votes are duplicates, and 1 lakh votes are unknown? We should congratulate NDA, Modi ji and Gyanesh Kumar that they have won the Bihar elections with the blessings of Gyanesh Kumar. Bihar Election Results 2025: JD(U) surge drives NDA to unprecedented win, Nitish set to return as CM Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed the allegations, terming the BJPs massive lead an electoral conspiracy and accusing the administration of manipulating the process. BJP is not a party, it is deceit, he said. Yadav added that the game allegedly played through SIR in Bihar would not be allowed in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This electoral conspiracy has been exposed. From now on, we will not let them play this game. Like CCTV, our PPTV, meaning PDA Sentinel, will stay vigilant and thwart the BJP's intentions, the former UP Chief Minister said. Opposition parties collectively alleged large-scale electoral malpractice, claiming that the recent revision of voter lists was deliberately aimed at excluding communities that largely back the Mahagathbandhan.

Varanasi played important role in helping Panna Diamond get GI tag

Varanasi's GI Man, Rajni Kant, spearheaded efforts to secure a Geographical Indication tag for Panna diamonds. These unique Madhya Pradesh gems, known for their light green tint, now boast international recognition. This achievement, following the Surat diamond cut craft's GI tag, highlights India's commitment to protecting its heritage and intellectual property.

Delhi Blast Probe Reaches Madhya Pradesh, Home Of Al-Falah Founder

The probe into the November 10 Delhi blast and Faridabad terror module has now taken a dramatic turn reaching the communally sensitive Mhow town in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district.

27 Greenfield Projects Worth 6,000 Cr Take Off in Madhya Pradesh

Mr. Yadav informed that total 99 investment proposals worth Rs 34,000 crore were received at various investors meet in the last eight months, promising to generate two lakh employment.

Fake Teacher Recruitment Scam Busted In Madhya Pradesh Government Schools

The Special Task Force of Madhya Pradesh has uncovered a major recruitment scam in government schools, where appointments were allegedly made using fake DEd (Diploma in Education) marksheets forged in the name of the Board of Secondary Education.

Video: Man Steps Out Of Rs 8 Lakh Car, Steals Newspaper Worth Rs 8

In a bizarre incident from Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri, a man driving a Rs 8-lakh car was caught on camera stealing a newspaper worth just Rs 8 from outside a lawyer's office.

Madhya Pradesh nears unwanted record, set to surpass Punjab in stubble burning cases

Madhya Pradesh is seeing a sharp rise in farm fires. The state recorded over a thousand incidents on November 11 alone. This surge places it close to overtaking Punjab and Haryana in stubble burning cases. Experts link the increase to a delayed paddy harvest.

MPs Ladli Behna scheme: monthly assistance hiked to Rs 1,500

BHOPAL: The Mukhya Mantri Ladli Behna Scheme, the initiative credited as the game-changer for the BJP in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, saw a major boost on Wednesday as the monthly financial assistance for economically weaker women was increased from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500. At a state-level event held in Seoni district, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav transferred Rs 1,857 crore through a single click into the bank accounts of over 1.26 crore women beneficiaries across the state, representing the enhanced monthly instalment of Rs 1,500. Wednesdays transfer marked the 30th instalment since the schemes launch in June 2023 by then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the 23rd instalment under the current CM, Dr Yadav. This scheme has not only changed the lives of our sisters but also changed my own perspective. Listening to their stories shows the real impact of good policy and intent. Some sisters have started small businesses, others are funding their childrens education, while some are learning new skills. This scheme has transformed not just lives but the future of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Yadav said at the event. Marking the completion of two years of his government next month, the Chief Minister also announced plans to provide employment opportunities offering up to Rs 5,000 per month to Ladli Behna members in various industries. Originally launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Jabalpur in June 2023, the scheme initially offered Rs 1,000 per month, which was increased to Rs 1,250 in September 2023, just ahead of the Assembly elections. However, beneficiaries had to wait 26 months for the next increase to Rs 1,500, announced this week. In line with the BJPs 2023 election promise, the financial assistance under the scheme will be gradually increased to Rs 3,000 per month by 2028, when the next Assembly elections are due. So far, over Rs 44,917 crore has been transferred into the accounts of women beneficiaries between June 2023 and October 2025, of which Rs 34,921 crore has been credited during Dr Yadavs tenure, from January 2024 to October 2025. The Rs 250 increase, initially scheduled for Bhai Dooj last month, was delayed due to administrative and budgetary reasons but was finally disbursed on Wednesday. Between 2023 and 2025, the government also released special festival assistance of Rs 250 on Raksha Bandhan each year for scheme beneficiaries. With the latest increase taking nearly two years to implement, it remains to be seen how the state government will phase in the remaining hikes to reach the promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance by 2028.

SIR Phase II: Over 37 crore enumeration forms distributed across nine states, three UTs

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued detailed data on the number of enumeration forms distributed among electors, as so far since the launch of the exercise on November 4, 37 crore of them have been handed over to people, which is over 70 percent of total 51 crore electors to be covered in second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). According to the ECI data, among the states the maximum of over 10.80 crore forms have been handed over in Uttar Pradesh and over 6.80 crore in West Bengal. In the second phase after Bihar, the ECI has launched the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry, which are going to assembly polls next year. According to the ECIs latest daily bulletin, a total of 50.69 crore Enumeration Forms were printed, marking 99.41 percent completion, out of which 72.66 percent (37.05 crore) have already been distributed. The ongoing Enumeration Phase will continue till December 4, 2025. States such as Goa, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal have achieved near-total coverage, reflecting efficient ground-level coordination, the ECI data revealed. Lakshadweep reported 100 percent completion in printing and distribution, while Goa distributed (99.99 percent), Puducherry (93.4 percent), Andaman and Nicobar (89.22 percent), Gujarat distributed over 4.47 crore forms (88.08 percent), while Tamil Nadu distributed over 5 crore forms (78.09 percent). Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous state, distributed 10.8 crore forms, covering nearly 70 percent of its electorate. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan followed with over 53 percent and 70 percent coverage, respectively. Similarly, poll-bound West Bengal reported distribution of over 6.80 crore forms, covering a total of 88.8 percent. More than 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 7.64 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been deployed to ensure every eligible elector is reached, the ECI said, adding that all recognised political parties have been asked to appoint additional BLAs to strengthen field-level verification and enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls. table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 20px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px 10px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; font-weight: bold; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #fafafa; } caption { caption-side: top; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; } Electoral roll summary by States/UTs States/UTs Total electors EF printed EF distributed Andaman & Nicobar 3,10,404 3,10,404 (100%) 2,76,930 (89.22%) Chhattisgarh 2,12,30,737 2,12,30,737 (100%) 1,35,33,764 (63.75%) Goa 11,85,034 11,85,034 (100%) 11,84,915 (99.99%) Gujarat 5,08,43,436 5,08,43,436 (100%) 4,47,82,772 (88.08%) Kerala 2,78,50,855 2,78,50,855 (100%) 1,37,98,733 (49.55%) Lakshadweep 57,813 57,813 (100%) 57,813 (100%) Madhya Pradesh 5,74,06,143 5,48,47,091 (95.54%) 3,09,04,271 (53.83%) Puducherry 10,21,578 10,21,578 (100%) 9,50,449 (93.04%) Rajasthan 5,48,84,479 5,46,56,215 (99.58%) 3,89,37,212 (70.94%) Tamil Nadu 6,41,14,587 6,41,14,587 (100%) 5,00,67,045 (78.09%) Uttar Pradesh 15,44,30,092 15,44,12,428 (99.99%) 10,80,52,601 (69.95%) West Bengal 7,66,37,529 7,64,43,503 (99.75%) 6,80,52,601 (88.80%) Total 50,99,72,687 50,69,73,675 (99.41%) 37,05,68,109 (72.66%) Second Phase of SIR: Over 70 percent of enumeration forms distributed in past seven days The data shows Lakshadweep reported 100 percent completion in printing and distribution Total number Enumeration Forms printed is 50.69 crore, which is 99.41 percent of total 51 crore

Madhya Pradesh woman murdered in broad daylight as bystanders film, accused held

A shocking daylight murder in Baihar, Madhya Pradesh, saw a 22-year-old woman brutally attacked while onlookers filmed. The accused, a 25-year-old man, allegedly slit her throat after she refused his marriage proposal. He has been arrested, and police are investigating the incident that has sparked outrage and calls for enhanced women's safety.

2nd National Modern Pythian Games 2025 Conclude in Bengaluru

The National Cultural Pythian Games 2025 came to an end this evening at Bengaluru City University, Base Camp by Push Sports. For three days, the campus had the easy, steady rhythm of a festival. Students lingered around the stages, artists rehearsed steps in the corners, and visitors drifted between performances. More than 2,000 participants from 10 states and union territories took part, bringing with them dance forms, music traditions and their own ways of celebrating culture.   Mr. Anil Kumar, Mr. Bijender Goel and Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani at the conclusion of the 2nd National Modern Pythian Games, Bengaluru The revival of the Pythian Games in India is led by Mr. Bijender Goel, Founder of International Pythian Games who has been working to place art and sport on a national and global platform. Speaking at the closing ceremony, he referred to the Bengaluru edition as a step in India’s larger cultural pathway. “ The Pythian movement is about creating bridges, not boundaries ,” he said. He also mentioned the Youth Pythian Games planned for 2026 in collaboration with Russia, and India’s hosting of the first International Pythian Games in 2027. One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a national-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition, a childhood street game that many in the audience recognized instantly. The energy around the arena shifted; people cheered in a way that was spontaneous and familiar.   In the boys’ category, Madhya Pradesh secured Gold, Madhya Pradesh also earned Silver, and Odisha claimed Bronze.   In the girls’ category, Madhya Pradesh again took Gold, with Odisha receiving Silver and Rajasthan taking Bronze.   In the girls’ category of the National-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition, Madhya Pradesh once again clinched the Gold medal At one point, even Mr. Bijender Goel, Mrs. Lalitha Goel, Shri B. H. Anil Kumar (Chairperson) and Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) joined in briefly to try their hand at striking the stone pile. The moment drew laughter and applause from the sidelines — a reminder that cultural memory lives not only in stage art, but in simple games once played in school courtyards and narrow streets. The final day saw performances and recognitions across categories.   In the Junior Group Dance category, Laya Dhwani Academy from Karnataka secured the Gold medal. In the Sub-Junior Dance Solo section, Pavika Kumar (Delhi) won Gold, marking her third straight victory at the National Pythian Games. Maya Krishna (Karnataka) received Silver, while Nikitha S and Tashya B.K (both from Karnataka) shared Bronze. In the Junior Group Dance category, Laya Dhwani Academy (Karnataka) earned Gold, Sheffield Stars (Uttarakhand) took Silver, and the Harshit Naik Group (Karnataka) won Bronze. The stage saw a mix of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Coorgi traditional dance and folk pieces from Uttarakhand. Each performance carried the particular pace and character of the region it represented, which kept the audience attentive through the day. In the Sambo wrestling competitions, in the boys (18-20yrs) 71 kg category, B Sri Kali Saran from Tamil Nadu bagged the Gold medal while A M Omkar from Karnataka bagged the silver medal. In the boys (under 24) 58kg, R Balaji Naik from Andhra Pradesh won the gold medal and Kishore Kumar from Tamil Nadu won the silver medal. In the girls (14-16yrs) 44 kg category, P Sri Dharanisha from TN won the gold medal and S. Sana from AP won the silver medal. In the girls (8-9yrs) 34kg category, S Nithila and A Riya Sri from TN bagged the gold and silver respectively. Mr. B.H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS officer said, “ As we conclude the Second National Cultural Pythian Games, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every participant, artist and organiser. Over these days, we have witnessed India’s cultural brilliance in its purest form. May this spirit of creativity, unity and excellence continue to inspire us long after the Games end ." Mr. Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, attended the closing ceremony and congratulated the participants. He spoke briefly about Karnataka’s long tradition of supporting artistic and athletic talent in equal measure. The festival was coordinated by a team led by Shri B. H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS (Chairperson), Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, IAS (President, PCI), Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) and Mr. S. Siva Kumar (Secretary General). Their work ensured that schedules ran on time and that artists and visitors had the support they needed across the venue. As the event concludes, Bengaluru adds another chapter to its identity as a city where older cultural forms and contemporary expression continue to meet. The Pythian Games leave behind a quiet but clear message: traditions stay alive when they are shared, practiced and passed to younger hands.

Goa shocked by MP in final-day thriller

NT Reporter | Porvorim Goa, once firm favourites to win after dominating the first three days, were stunned by Madhya Pradesh, who chased down 328 for a thrilling three-wicket victory on the final day of their Ranji Trophy Group B encounter at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim, on Tuesday. Resuming at 21 for one, chasing []

Spurned Madhya Pradesh man slits woman's throat, onlookers record videos

'Students Already Christians': Official Amid Conversion Row In Gwalior School

An investigation by the district administration into the alleged religious conversion of children from different states of the country in St Joseph School in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district found the allegations to be baseless.

'She Betrayed Me': Man Stabs Woman At Bus Stop, Wipes Hands On Her Scarf

One-sided love turned into brutal violence when a 23-year-old woman was murdered in the middle of the road in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district on Tuesday.

Gunfight in Gujarats Bilimora as police bust alleged interstate weapons racket; one injured, four held

AHMEDABAD: A gunfight broke out in Bilimora city of Gujarats Navsari district when the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) swooped in on a gang that had reportedly gathered at a hotel to exchange weapons. As the police closed in, the accused opened fire, sparking a fierce exchange that ended with one gangster shot in the leg and four arrested. The Gujarat Polices SMC seized three country-made pistols and 27 live cartridges from the spot, as investigators now trace the gangs interstate links. A tense morning in Bilimora city turned into a crime thriller when Gujarats State Monitoring Cell (SMC) intercepted a gang trading illegal weapons inside a local hotel. Acting on specific intelligence, the SMC team raided the premises, but what followed was chaos. As officers surrounded the suspects, the gang opened fire in panic while attempting to flee. Two rounds were exchanged, one fired by the gang and another by the police in swift retaliation. One accused, identified as Yashsingh Sundarsingh from Haryana, was hit in the leg during the crossfire and was immediately taken to hospital under police escort. Despite the sudden attack, the SMC team maintained composure and overpowered the gang within minutes. Three others, Rishabh Ashok Sharma (Madhya Pradesh), Manish Kaluram Kumawat (Rajasthan), and Madan Gopiram Kumawat (Rajasthan), were arrested from the spot. The operation also yielded a major arms seizure: three country-made pistols and 27 live cartridges. Confirming the encounter, a senior police officer from the SMC stated: Today morning, a cross-firing incident occurred between the accused persons and the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) team at Bilimora, District Navsari. During the exchange, one accused sustained injuries, and four accused were successfully arrested. A seizure of three country-made pistols and twenty-seven live rounds has been made from their possession. The situation is presently under control, and further details will follow after the FIR registration. Following the shootout, Navsari district police and other units joined the SMC on-site. Preliminary investigations reveal that the arrested men are linked to a notorious interstate criminal network, possibly involved in illegal arms trafficking. Authorities have now launched a deeper probe into the gangs operations across states including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Bilimora shootout, brief but explosive, has once again exposed the expanding reach of alleged interstate weapon syndicates operating across Gujarat, even as police tighten their dragnet on gunrunning networks.

Cold wave warning for Delhi, other states of north India, predicts IMD

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions to continue its grip over Northern, Eastern, and Central India during the next few days. According to the Met department, the minimum temperatures in Northwest India are expected to drop by 2-3Celsius in the coming days. Cold to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next three-four days, it added. As per the weatherman, cold wave occurs when the minimum temperature at a particular weather station drops significantly below normalspecifically by 4.5-6.4C or moreand when the absolute temperature reaches or falls below certain thresholds (such as 10C in the plains or 0C in the hills). Currently, cold wave and severe cold wave conditions have al ready been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with cold wave conditions affecting isolated pockets of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh since November 9. The IMD has observed that minimum temperatures range from 7-10C in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In these areas, minimum temperatures have dropped below normal by 5.1C or more, creating potential health hazards. Additionally, temperatures in Telangana are expected to fall by 3-4C for two-three days, with no significant changes afterward. The IMD has warned that the sudden decline in minimum temperatures could increase the likelihood of various illnesses. Do not ignore shivering; it is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors, read a health advisory issued by the weather office. In its Agromet advisory, the IMD recommended light and frequent irrigation for standing crops in the evening to protect them from low temperature stresses or cold injuries. Shivering Minimum temperatures in northwest India set to drop by 2-3C Cold to severe cold wave conditions likely to persist in isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Odisha over the next 3-4 days Minimum temperatures range from 7-10C in states including J&K, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand and others Agromet advisory: Light and frequent irrigation recommended for standing crops in the evening

BJP mocks Rahul for jungle safari in MPs Satpura Tiger Reserve

NEW DELHI: A day before the second phase of the Bihar Assembly polls, the BJP exuded confidence that the NDA was headed for a decisive and historic victory in the elections, as it took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent jungle safari in Madhya Pradeshs Satpura Tiger Reserve. Speaking at the BJP headquarters on Monday, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed Rahuls visit to the Satpura Tiger Reserve as part of his political tourism. Where is Mr Tourist these days? Heard he went for a tiger safari in Pachmarhi. Rahul Gandhi is just a political tourist, the former minister said, adding, Rahul ji, you keep enjoying your political tourism. You need some rest in the forest of Madhya Pradesh. The people of Bihar are giving their mandate to the NDA once again because of its clean record of good governance and development works. He also took potshots at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is the INDIA blocs CM face. Dismissing his allegations against the Election Commission as false. Opposition leaders are in a habit of attacking all organs of democracy when results did not go their way, Prasad said. He also reacted sharply to Tejashwis claim that 208 companies of security personnel from BJP-ruled states have been deployed in Bihar for poll duties. Did we send the police (security forces) or the EC to Bihar? Hes making false allegations, the BJP leader expressed. He also hit out at the RJD leader for criticising the poll panel for not disclosing the gender-wise data of electors who cast their votes in the first phase of polling, saying, He should wait. The EC will release the data of all voters, including women and youth. Prasad also took exception to Tejashwis claim that the poll panel had been acting as a tool of the BJP. What kind of language is this? How did his partys leaders win elections in Bihar then? he said.

Wildlife crime trail links Madhya Pradesh poachers to Mumbais luxury circles

Tiger Strike Force busts interstate racket that ferried blackbuck and sambar meat from Madhya Pradesh forests to Mumbais elite through WhatsApp and Telegram

Raja Raghuvanshi-ko sootgipa manderangni kosako bakan gnigipa chargesheet-ko kagen: SP

SHILLONG: Reanggipa May jani 23 tariko, Madhya Pradesh adokoni bia kae rebagipa Raja Raghuvanshi-ko sootanio jak donggipa uni jikgipa Sonam aro gipin manderangni kosako bakan police-rang, gnigipa chargesheet-ko kagen ine Sombar salo, East Khasi Hills ajani Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem parakataha. Syiem-ni parakatani gitade, ia gnigipa chargesheet-o sakbonga manderang, chongmotan Raja Raghuvanshi-ni jikgipa []

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approves hike in Ladli Behna monthly allowance to 1,500

The increase of 250 in the monthly allowance of beneficiaries will cost the State an additional 1,793.75 crore for the ongoing financial year 2025-26

Anwar Qadri disqualified for 5 yrs after removal as Indore councillor

Indore: The Indore divisional commissioner on Monday removed Congress Anwar Qadri, jailed in a case linked to alleged love jihad, from the post of councillor under Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1956 and also declared him ineligible to contest (municipal) elections for the next five years. The term love jihad is used by right-wing groups 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 .

Cold wave to persist across North, East, and Central India for next four days: IMD

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the continuation of cold wave conditions across northern, eastern, and central India for the next four days. Minimum temperatures in northwest India are expected to drop by 23C in the coming days. According to the IMD, cold to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of west Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, east and west Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next three to four days. A cold wave, as defined by the IMD, occurs when the minimum temperature at a particular weather station drops significantly below normalspecifically by 4.5C to 6.4C or moreand when the absolute temperature reaches or falls below certain thresholds (10C in the plains or 0C in the hills). Currently, cold wave and severe cold wave conditions have already been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while isolated pockets of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have also been affected since November 9. The IMD has observed that minimum temperatures are ranging between 7C and 10C in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In these areas, temperatures have dropped below normal by 5.1C or more, creating potential health hazards. The department predicts that minimum temperatures in northwest India will remain below normal by 23C over the next four to five days. Additionally, temperatures in Telangana are expected to fall by 34C for two to three days, with no significant changes thereafter. The IMD has warned that the sudden decline in minimum temperatures could increase the likelihood of illnesses such as flu, stuffy nose, and nosebleeds, which can worsen with prolonged exposure to cold. The health advisory cautions, Do not ignore shivering; it is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors. In its agromet advisory, the IMD has recommended light and frequent irrigation for standing crops in the evening to protect them from low-temperature stress or cold injury in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

2024 Asia Cup winner Vishnu Raghunathan among two Navy kayakers killed in road mishap in Bhopal

BHOPAL: An early morning killer road mishap claimed the lives of two talented Indian Navy kayakers, including the Asia Cup gold medallist Vishnu Raghunathan in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal. Both the kayakers hailed from Kerala. The mishap happened in Bhopals Parwalia area on Sunday morning, when the duo identified as chief petty officer and 2024 Asia Cup gold medallist Vishnu Raghunathan (27) and petty officer Ananth Krishnan (18), were riding a motorcycle to Bhopals Boat Club for being part of an ongoing training camp. The duo was in Bhopal for the training camp of their naval unit and 18-year-old Ananth Krishnan had joined the Navy recently. According to local police sources, the accident happened when the speeding vehicle (possibly a truck) rammed into the motorcycle on the main road near Raksha Vihar Colony. Among the two naval kayakers, Vishnu Raghunathan was a national kayaking champion, who had won the gold medal in the 1000 m K-2 class at the 2024 Asia Cup in Hong Kong. He was counted among the brightest kayaking prospects for the country. The two critically injured kayakers were rushed to the hospital where Vishnu died just after admission, while Ananth succumbed to injuries during treatment some hours later. The forensic teams of the local police, have found blood stains at the accident spot and seized two helmets and a broken pole from there. The motorcycle used by the two kayakers was badly mangled. Primary investigations suggest that the two kayakers were dragged up to around 20-25 meters by the killer heavy vehicle. After lodging a case in the matter, the local police are examining the CCTV grabs from the cameras installed near the Defence Colony, to trace the heavy vehicle and the driver. Shocked by the two deaths, all kayaking-canoeing clubs across MP cancelled their practice sessions on Monday.

Bhopal model found dead under mysterious circumstances; live-in partner missing

BHOPAL: A 27-year-old female model, Khushboo Ahirwar, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the outskirts of Madhya Pradeshs capital, Bhopal, early Monday morning. According to reports, Khushboo was allegedly abandoned by her live-in partner, Qasim, at a private hospital near Bhainsakhedi on Indore Road. Qasim has been untraceable since then. Doctors at the hospital declared Khushboo dead upon arrival. After being informed by the hospital, local police rushed to the scene, and the body was sent to Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal for autopsy under magisterial supervision. Outside the hospital, Khushboos mother, Laxmi Ahirwar, broke down in grief and alleged that her daughter had been brutally murdered. There were blue injury marks all over her body, her face was swollen, and there were bruises on her private parts as well. My daughter has been murdered brutally, alleged Laxmi. Family sources said Khushboo, a college dropout, had been in a live-in relationship with Qasim, who left her at the hospital and has been missing since. Preliminary police investigations suggest that Khushboo and Qasim were returning from Ujjain to Bhopal when her health deteriorated. Qasim reportedly left her at the hospital on Indore Road and fled. Echoing their mothers sentiments, Khushboos sister also alleged foul play and demanded Qasims immediate arrest. We want justice. The man who killed Khushboo should be arrested immediately and punished severely, she said. Khushboo, who had dropped out of college during her first year of a BA course, had been living in Bhopal for the past three years. Her mother recalled that three days earlier, Qasim had called the family to inform them that Khushboo was with him and that he was taking her to Ujjain. Later, Khushboo herself had called to reassure them about Qasims intentions. Known online by her Instagram handle @DiamondGirl, Khushboo was a rising model in Bhopals fashion circuit. She was also doing part-time jobs while pursuing her dream of becoming a top model. An inquest has been registered, and police have launched a search to locate and question the absconding Qasim. The autopsy report is awaited. The matter is being probed from all angles, including sexual assault and murder, a local police officer said.

MP: Drunk man stabs Dalit friend over caste, strikes him with rock

Madhya Pradesh: A drunken argument between two men over caste in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior turned violent after one stabbed the other with a knife, before striking him with a heavy rock on Sunday, November 9. Friends, Balveer Valmiki and Vijay Sharma, were residents of Mahavir Colony, according to police. Vijay reportedly called Balveer over for 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 .

IMD issues cold wave warning for Delhi NCR & other states of North India

The India Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave warning for Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with conditions expected from November 10 to November 12, 2025. Severe cold wave conditions are also anticipated in parts of West Madhya Pradesh during the same period. Residents are advised to stay warm and take necessary precautions.

From blackbuck seizure to syndicate bust: MP wildlife crime probe uncovers cross-border hunts

A wildlife meat seizure in Madhya Pradesh has unearthed a sophisticated trophy-hunting syndicate. Operating across nine districts, the group allegedly targeted protected animals for affluent clients, mimicking African safari hunts. Forensic data has revealed extensive poaching activities between 2022 and 2024, leading to a high-profile investigation.

Rahul: Govt set to change, guard against vote theft

PATNA: Ccongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday turned the heat on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of vote theft in the country. Addressing a public meeting in Kishanganj on the last day of campaign, Rahul said that vote theft would eventually be caught and these individuals would be no exception. Protecting the Constitution and preventing vote theft is everybodys duty, he asserted. He alleged that earlier votes had been stolen in Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Similar attempts are being made in Bihar to steal votes, he said, adding that the Opposition party workers in cooperation with people would thwart vote theft attempts. He referred to what he called a hydrogen bomb in Haryana, saying the evidence of manipulation there had silenced BJP. BJP leaders are voting in two states each. PM Modi and Amit Shah dont win polls they win by stealing votes, he said.Calling the Bihar polls as part of a wider ideological struggle, Congress leader said, There is a battle between two ideologies in India. On one side is RSS, which controls caste, language and religion. On the other is Congress and Mahagathbandhan, which seek to unite every caste, religion and community. Referring to Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul said he walked over 4000-km to open a shop of love in the market of hatred. Modi has hatred of blood while I have love in mine. That is the difference between us, he told the gathering. He also accused BJP led NDA government of deliberately distracting the youth from issues such as unemployment and education. Ask yourself: why are the youth not getting jobs? How will they study when colleges and universities are closing? Bihars youths are working in other states as labourers, he added. He claimed that Mahagathbandhan would form next government. There is a cent per cent change. But you must prevent BJP from vote theft. Remain vigilant at polling stations on the day polling will be held (November 11), he said. Have more evidence of vote theft, will make it public Speaking in MPs Pachmarhi, Rahul raised the issue of vote theft and SIR of electoral rolls. Vote theft has not just happened in Haryana, but also in Maharashtra, MP and Chhattisgarh. Weve more evidence about it, which we will make public gradually, he told journalists there.

PhysicsWallah remains bullish on online edu; bets big on offline expansion: Co-founder Alakh Pandey

NEW DELHI, Nov 9 : Edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah, which remains bullish on the online medium of education, is also betting big on its offline expansion by opening new learning centres in cities where demand is high, its co-founder and CEO Alakh Pandey said. The company plans to set up centres in several new locations, including Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Akola and Latur (Maharashtra), Rajkot (Gujarat), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Bhatinda (Punjab), Jorhat (Assam), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu), according to the draft [] The post PhysicsWallah remains bullish on online edu; bets big on offline expansion: Co-founder Alakh Pandey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Four dead, three injured as SUV hits residents in MP

REWA: Four people were killed and three seriously injured after a speeding sports utility vehicle (SUV) ploughed into residents standing outside a house in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa district on Sunday, an official said. The accident occurred around 5.30 pm in Tendua Kothar village, approximately 50 km from the district headquarters and within the jurisdiction of Garh police station. Eyewitnesses reported that the SUV, travelling from Chhattisgarh to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, first collided with a motorcycle. The vehicle then went out of control, striking a group of people outside a house before crashing into an electricity pole, which collapsed due to the impact. Three bystanders and the motorcyclist, Kamlesh Singh (35), died at the scene, while three others sustained serious injuries, officials said. Collector Pratibha Pal told reporters that the bystanders, identified as Ramnaresh Saket (35), Ruchi Saket (12) and Ranjana Saket (13), belonged to the same family. The injured are receiving treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa. Angry villagers blocked the road, demanding compensation for the victims. They alleged that the police arrived at the scene long after the incident. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination and an investigation is underway.

Rahul Gandhi earns 10 push-up 'punishment' for late arrival at Congress training camp in MP

Rahul Gandhi received a 'punishment' of ten push-ups for arriving two minutes late to a Congress training camp in Madhya Pradesh. Party leaders confirmed this adherence to a strict discipline rule, emphasizing equality within the party. Gandhi later departed for campaigning in Bihar.

Tribal Women Fall At Officer's Feet In Madhya Pradesh, Plead For Justice

In a heart-wrenching scene that exposes the plight of tribal communities facing land grabs in Madhya Pradesh, two tribal women in Sheopur's Karahal block fell at the feet of the local Tehsildar, pleading for help.

Minor girl gang-raped after being dragged to school premises in Madhya Pradesh; three held

The two accused men have been sent to judicial custody by a court while the minor accused has been sent to a juvenile home.

Bhopal Metro Station Row Hits Madhya Pradesh Ahead of Rollout

The digging work on the road began on Saturday

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Vote Theft In MP And Chhattisgarh, Names PM, Amit Shah 7 CEC | News18

| Rahul Gandhi alleges 100% evidence of vote theft against BJP and claims that PM Modi, HM , and CEC Gyanesh are all involved in the Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections n18oc_indian18oc_politicsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

MPPSC State Service Examination result for 2023 session declared: Check list of top 10 performers here

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has declared the 2023 State Services Examination final results, concluding a multi-stage recruitment process for 229 vacancies. Ankit secured the first rank, followed by Neelam Gadge and Ankit Singhai. The examination process, including mains and interviews, concluded with the results announced on November 8, 2025.

SC to hear on Monday plea against quashing of amendment to MP higher judicial service rules

New Delhi, Nov 9: The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a plea challenging an order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court that quashed an amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (Recruitment and conditions of Service) Rules, 1994, for appointments to the post of district judge. The amendment introduced in 2015 allowed the high court to fill the posts of district judge (entry point) by judges from the district court if appropriate candidates were not found [] The post SC to hear on Monday plea against quashing of amendment to MP higher judicial service rules appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Leader Of Partying: BJP Taunts Rahul Gandhi For Jungle Safari In MP Amid Bihar Polls

Rahul Gandhi arrived in Pachmarhi, a picturesque hill station in Narmadapuram district, on Saturday to attend a training camp for Madhya Pradesh Congress district presidents.

SIR a bid to institutionalise vote theft: Rahul Gandhi

Pachmarhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an attempt to cover up vote theft and institutionalise it. Speaking to reporters here, Gandhi also said he believes that like Haryana, vote theft took place in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh 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 .

Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote theft' cover-up through electoral roll revision

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to institutionalise what he called vote theft through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several states. Speaking to reporters in Pachmarhi, where he is attending a training camp for Madhya Pradesh district Congress presidents, Gandhi claimed that the SIR process, launched on November 4 in nine states and three Union Territories was a deliberate attempt to cover up large-scale irregularities in voter lists. Vote theft is an issue, and the SIR now is about covering it up and institutionalising the system, Gandhi alleged. The Congress leader asserted that the problem was not confined to one state, alleging that similar manipulation of voter rolls had occurred in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. A few days ago, I made a presentation on Haryana. The data clearly showed that around 25 lakh votes, roughly one in every eight, were stolen, Gandhi claimed. After examining that data, I believe the same thing has happened in MP, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. This is part of a system created by the BJP and the Election Commission. Gandhi said that the Congress had gathered extensive evidence of the alleged discrepancies and would release the information in phases. We have a lot of detailed information, and what we have shown so far is only a small part, he said. Democracy and the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar are under direct attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar are all working together in partnership. Because of this, Bharat Mata is being harmed. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that his campaign against vote theft would continue and that the Congress would push for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. (With inputs from PTI)

SIR A Bid To Institutionalise Vote Theft, Claims Rahul Gandhi

PACHMARHI (MP), Nov 9: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in an attempt to cover up vote theft and institutionalise it. Gandhi arrived in Pachmarhi hill town in Narmadapuram on Saturday to take part in the Madhya Pradesh district Congress presidents training camp. Vote theft is an issue and SIR now, it is about covering it up and institutionalising the system, the Congress MP claimed [] The post SIR A Bid To Institutionalise Vote Theft, Claims Rahul Gandhi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .