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'Can become Prime Minister of Pakistan or Italy': Shehzad Poonawalla's swipe at Rahul Gandhi

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Political analyst and former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday took a swipe at the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that he can become the Prime Minister of Pakistan or of any of those countries where he goes on vacations. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Poonawalla said: Rahul Gandhi can become the Prime Minister but perhaps of Pakistan. If he prefers, of Italy, or whichever country he frequently visits, like Bangkokif he wishes to take citizenship there, he could become Prime Minister of that country, since he spends most of his time abroad anyway. In India, he only visits briefly between his vacations. He (Rahul Gandhi) could certainly become Prime Minister of those countries, but here, in 2029, Narendra Modi will be re-elected India's Prime Minister with an even bigger margin. In 2034, if he decides to contest, he will become Prime Minister then as well. In 2027, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will return with an even greater margin than the BJP received in 2017 Assembly polls, he asserted. He expressed optimism that under BJP President Nitin Nabin's leadership, the party will form governments in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, even in Punjab and emerge victorious in the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. The former BJP leader added: PM Modi will become the country's Prime Minister for the fourth time. Those who are unable to digest this fact can keep crying. Shehzad Poonawalla also shed light on his decision to resign from the BJP, saying that he had been considering a transition to the private sector after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Poonawalla added that he had always intended to return to the private sector after the 2024 elections, but decided to continue working with the BJP for some more time due to the political situation following the polls. After the 2024 elections, it was in my mind to transition to the private sector. The reason behind this was that when I joined politics in 2021 and became the national spokesperson of the BJP, I had previously been in the media. Before that, I drew a regular salary, he said.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 5:25 pm

From 2.6 Crore Toilets To Cleaner Villages: How Swachh Bharat Is Changing Rural UP

From community toilets and routine cleaning to better roads and waste management, rural Uttar Pradesh is moving beyond toilet construction.

The LogicaI Indian 18 Sep 2026 4:26 pm

Delhi Police arrest 2 for stealing money through ATM tampering

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Delhi Police have arrested two accused for tampering with the cash-dispensing mechanism of ATMs, officials said on Friday. The accused have been identified as Aman and Suraj. Both of them are in their twenties and hail from Uttar Pradesh. According to the investigators, the accused were previously employed at 'HITACHI' as custodians and were responsible for depositing and withdrawing the cash from the ATM machines of Axis Bank. While working at the company, they gained knowledge about the working of the ATMs and the loopholes in the machines An official statement said that on September 15, a team of Special Staff, Central District, received specific secret information that Aman and Suraj would arrive near Mirdard Wali Gali, Tagore Road, behind Civic Centre, Delhi, on a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle. Upon receiving the tip, a dedicated team was constituted under the leadership of Inspector Sandeep Yadav, I/C Special Staff, Central District, comprising SI Vijay, SI Satish, SI Naresh, HC Manish, HC Munesh, HC Mohit, HC Vikas, HC Deepak, HC Inderjeet, HC Hariom, HC Heera Lal, Ct. Surajpal, Ct. Jayant, Ct. Sumit and Ct. Ajay, under the overall supervision of ACP Operations, Central District, Delhi, Padam Singh Rana. Acting on the information, the team laid a trap near the rear side of the MCD Building, in front of Reliance Building, Tagore Road, Kamla Market in Delhi. At about 11:20 p.m., two persons approached from the Gandhi Market side on a motorcycle. The secret informer identified them as the persons mentioned in the information. When the police team signaled them to stop, both attempted to flee. After a brief chase, both accused were apprehended along with the vehicle. Police recovered one illegal country-made pistol and two live cartridges while searching Suraj. During the frisking of Aman, three live cartridges were recovered. Accordingly, FIR No. 288/2026 dated 16.09.2026 under Sections 25/54/59 Arms Act, PS Kamla Market, Central District, Delhi, was registered. Officials said during sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that they targeted ATMs during relatively less crowded hours and on Saturdays and Sundays, particularly when security guards were not present. According to investigators, the accused allegedly misused their familiarity with the functioning of ATMs. While working at the company, they had learnt the whole process of tampering with ATMs and withdrawing cash from machines illegally. The accused allegedly got the keys of the targeted ATM machines from their earlier associate to gain access, tamper with the cash-dispensing mechanism and place rubber rings to create an obstruction. Thereafter, they would close the machine and leave the spot, officials said. Subsequently, when a genuine customer entered the ATM, inserted or swiped their ATM card and entered the PIN and other required details for a cash withdrawal, the transaction would be processed. However, due to the obstruction created inside the cash-dispensing mechanism, the cash would not come out through the normal dispensing outlet and would instead remain trapped inside the ATM's internal dispensing area/tray. The customer, believing that the cash had not been dispensed, would leave the ATM booth. The accused would then return to the ATM, opened the machine with the help of the keys already available with them and retrieve the cash that had remained trapped inside the ATM. The accused disclosed during interrogation that they had adopted this modus operandi at multiple ATMs of Axis Bank in Sector 45, Gurugram, as well as at ICICI Bank ATMs in Kapashera and nearby areas of Delhi. Further investigation is underway where the investigators are contacting the concerned police stations in these areas to ascertain whether any FIRs have been registered in connection with similar incidents.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 3:59 pm

UPSSSC Pharmacist Exam Admit Cards Now Available for Download

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission has released the admit cards for the upcoming Pharmacist recruitment examination. Scheduled for September 20, 2026, candidates can download their admit cards from the official UPSSSC website. The exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, with a total duration of 2 hours. Ensure to carry your admit card and a valid ID to the exam center. Read on for detailed instructions on how to download your admit card and important exam information.

Naukrinama 18 Sep 2026 3:45 pm

UP PGT Recruitment 2026: 2,607 Lecturer Posts Announced, Check Dates, Eligibility and Salary

Candidates aspiring to build a career in teaching have a major recruitment opportunity in Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) has announced the Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) Recruitment 2026 for lecturer positions in non-government aided secondary schools a...

Kalam Times 18 Sep 2026 2:46 pm

Yatri Rahat Yojana in Uttar Pradesh

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 2:30 pm

UP X user booked for commenting on Kangana's post

Police in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against an X user for allegedly making indecent and derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut online. The complaint was filed by the district police's social media in-charge, leading to charges under the BNS and IT Act. Authorities are examining evidence and will take further action.

Rediff 18 Sep 2026 1:46 pm

UP Family ID: One family, one identity and welfare delivery

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:45 pm

86-year-old woman killed in leopard attack in Bahraich, body found 50m from home

An eighty-six-year-old woman was killed by a leopard in Bahraich's Sujauli area. The animal entered her makeshift house and dragged her away by the neck. Her partially eaten body was found nearly fifty meters from her home. Villagers claim the leopard has been active for a week and this is the third incident. Forest officials have deployed traps and camera traps to capture the animal.

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:17 pm

Highway Infrastructure bags Rs 220-cr toll collection contract on Gorakhpur Link Expressway

Highway Infrastructure has received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) for toll collection and allied operations on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway.

Business Standard 18 Sep 2026 12:16 pm

Defence Minister, UP CM Launch Seva Sankalp Abhiyan on Modis 76th Birthday

On Prime Minister Narendra Modis 76th birthday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Varanasi, celebrating 25 years of Modis public service. The event included a bike rally with 500 youth embarking on a 20-day journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, symbolizing Modis roots and leadership. This initiative aims to reflect the positive transformations in India under Modis governance, while also promoting unity through the Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat campaign.

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026 11:49 am

Mayawati Criticizes New UPI Fees and Calls for Basic Facilities in Schools

Mayawati raises concerns over new UPI fees impacting common citizens and emphasizes the need for basic school facilities in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati Criticizes New UPI Fees and Calls for Basic Facilities in Schools

Daily Kiran 18 Sep 2026 9:19 am

Mayawati opposes proposed UPI charges, says additional burden will hit common people

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday expressed concern over the proposed increase in UPI charges, saying that imposing an additional financial burden on the public would ultimately hurt common people and increase their expenses. This comes as, starting October 15, India will introduce a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, which is to be absorbed by businesses rather than everyday consumers. Mayawati took to social media platform X and said that although the proposed system may not be officially accepted as a 'tax', giving it any other name would not change its impact on the public. After initially promoting UPI digital transactions, the government's new system of charging fees on such transactions appears to people to be akin to a profiteering capitalist tax, which is understandable and likely to cause public unease and anger, she said. While this system of imposing additional financial burden on the public is not accepted as a ax, no matter what name is given to this system, which will be implemented on October 15th, it will ultimately be the common people who will be hit hard, and their expenses will increase, Mayawati said in her post. She further said that a large section of the country's population continues to face poverty and inflation, while their children struggle with illiteracy, unemployment and uncertainty. Furthermore, it is well known that the majority of the country's population is suffering from immense poverty and skyrocketing inflation, and their children are suffering from illiteracy, unemployment, and chaos. In such a situation, it would be appropriate if the government's policies and actions are less commercial and more welfare-oriented. If the government doesn't care about the hardships and suffering of the people, then who will? she said. Mayawati also welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's announcement to convert around 14,500 schools in the state into 'smart schools' at a cost of around Rs 300 crore. Along with this, the announcement by the UP government to convert around 14,500 schools of the state into 'smart schools' at a cost of around Rs 300 crore is a good thing, but before imparting so-called 'smart education' to the children, their basic education needs, etc., should be fulfilled, i.e., proper arrangements for a roof over the heads of school children, benches, chairs, books, toilets, playgrounds, cleanliness etc. and the government should also sympathetically consider whether all this will be possible in around Rs 2 lakh per school, she said in the post.

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 9:01 am

Delhi-NCR likely to receive light to moderate rain; AQI remains in 'satisfactory' category

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Rain is expected in Delhi-NCR on Friday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting partly cloudy skies and the possibility of light to moderate showers. As the monsoon begins to withdraw, only minimal rain clouds are forming over the region. However, the weather department has not issued any warning of heavy rainfall or thunderstorms. The daytime temperature is expected to remain between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 23 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity is also expected to remain noticeable during the day. Over the next 24 hours, the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy, with occasional clear spells. With the monsoon weakening, weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and the NCR continue to fluctuate. Several areas experienced heavy rain accompanied by strong winds on Thursday. However, the Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rain and partly cloudy skies for Friday. Morning temperatures are expected to remain between 25 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, while the mercury could rise above 33 degrees Celsius as the day progresses. Humidity is likely to remain between 60 per cent and 80 per cent, adding to the discomfort. The sky is expected to remain generally clear with intermittent cloud cover. Light rain or drizzle may occur in some areas, with the probability of rainfall estimated at 5 to 12 per cent. No warning of storms or thunderstorms has been issued. According to the weather department's forecast, conditions are likely to remain largely clear over the next 24 hours, although isolated rainfall cannot be ruled out. While Delhi and surrounding areas received rain on Thursday, the hilly regions also witnessed snowfall, providing relief to tourists. Weather conditions in the hills are also expected to change on Friday. As the monsoon weakens across North India, rainfall activity is likely to remain negligible in the coming days. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings included CRRI Mathura Road (104), Burari Crossing (95), North Campus (121), Pusa (83), Aya Nagar (62), Shadipur (66), NSIT Dwarka (47), ITO (68), DTU (62), Sirifort (127), Mandir Marg (89), R.K. Puram (99), Ashok Vihar (70), Dwarka Sector 8 (88), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (117).

bhaskarlive 18 Sep 2026 8:36 am

IFFJK: At the margins

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 7 at Srinagars SKICC, the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir brought world cinema to the valley. Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the festival drew over 300 global delegates, screened 135 films from 40 countries, and offered Rs 96 lakh in prize money across nine categories. Yet, from a local perspective, the festival highlighted a glaring gap. Filmmaker Kapil Matoo urged the J&K government to draw inspiration from Uttar Pradesh to create a genuinely filmmaker-friendly environment. It served as a wake-up call and made evident that the regions infrastructure and policies are not yet fully equipped to ensure that Kashmirs indigenous artists reap the real benefits of such international platforms. Speaking on the sidelines of the festival, Kapil Matoo highlighted the way the UP government provides subsidies, allowing a local filmmaker or producer to take the money. If local filmmakers are shooting their films completely in Kashmir, what are they getting? he asked. He stressed that the administration must move beyond merely providing locations; it needs to actively handhold local filmmakers and empower them to tell their own stories. Kashmir has a lot of talent, but much of it remains directionless. To bridge this gap, Matoo emphasised the need for enablers who can provide three to four years of dedicated mentorship. He also urged local artists to unite, refine their craft, and scale up their storytelling to meet high standards. Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali spoke optimistically of Kashmirs untold stories. He said that Kashmir possesses a treasure trove of untold stories, vibrant characters, and rich cultural traditions that could provide exceptional material for cinema. He expressed hope that Kashmirs growing engagement with the film industry would create greater opportunities for Kashmiri talent. However, the ground reality paints a completely different picture. Local artists and tourism stakeholders have expressed deep regret and concern over not being provided due representation. When I spoke with Waheed Jeelani, a renowned artist and founder-chairman of the Kashmir Music Club, he revealed that indigenous creators were not taken on board and were denied access to the main stage, instead being asked to perform on the periphery at the banks of Dal Lake. The event should have featured our traditional Kashmiri instruments and popular local artists to represent the real Kashmir, Waheed Jeelani stated. He pointed out that the event management and contractors were outsourced, leaving local professionals out of the loop. According to him, Kashmir was merely used as a beautiful backdrop for shooting rather than being authentically promoted. Highlighting a 15-year struggle for artists, he said that the government has spent crores of rupees on the international film festival but has remained completely unconcerned about investing in local artists who actually carry forward the true art, culture, and heritage of Kashmir. Prominent J&K film director and artist Mushtaq Ali Khan, who has organised six film festivals in the past, said that the government ignored indigenous talent. He stressed that the active participation of local film and tourism stakeholders was crucial for genuinely boosting the regional tourism and film industries in Kashmir. Aqib Chayia, President of the J&K Hoteliers Club in Gulmarg, said that local stakeholders should have been the primary invitees, not an afterthought. During my own visit to the SKICC for the event, I saw this disheartening reality with my own eyes. Instead of being celebrated on the main stage, local artists from Pamposh Folk Theatre, Bamrada Khag, were performing in a park far away from the spotlight. When I spoke to the groups head, Manzoor Ahmad, he expressed his dismay, noting that they were simply instructed to perform outside and were denied a dignified stage. This begs a critical question: how can we claim to revive local art and integrate it with cinema if our artists are not given the space, respect, and due recognition their craft demands? After more than a year of meticulous planning and heavy public investment, the curtains have fallen on the festival. Yet the scenes of empty shikaras facing the floating screen on Dal Lake pose a strong question regarding the scale of actual public participation. The relationship between Kashmir and Bollywood is not new. For decades, Bollywood capitalised on the valleys stunning mountains, beautiful lakes, and flowing rivers, branding Kashmir a Paradise on Earth and consequently boosting tourism. Historically, Kashmir was not just a backdrop; cinema halls ran to packed houses, and film releases were celebrated events. Even during periods of intense uncertainty, the magic of movies survived through VCRs in Kashmiri living rooms. Recent years have seen a shift. Films like Haider and Bajrangi Bhaijaan moved beyond the scenic backdrop to incorporate Kashmiri characters, settings, and hospitality into their core narratives. Kashmir possesses emerging filmmakers and profound stories that demand a strong supportive ecosystem. Showcasing traditional crafts through isolated documentaries is not the solution; our heritage, musicians, and artisans need to be mainstreamed into grand, commercial cinematic storytelling. The true test of IFFJK 2026 lies in its aftermath. If it successfully empowers local filmmakers and helps establish a self-sustaining film industry, it will be a historic leap forward. But if it remains limited to tourism promotion and image projection, it will go down as nothing more than a grand administrative spectacle. The ultimate challenge is no longer just shooting in Kashmir, but giving Kashmir its own authentic cinematic face.

Greater Kashmir 18 Sep 2026 4:05 am

Yogi Government to Recruit for 191 Positions in Civil Security Department

The Yogi government announces recruitment for 191 positions in the Civil Security Department, enhancing job opportunities for youth in Uttar Pradesh. Yogi Government to Recruit for 191 Positions in Civil Security Department

Daily Kiran 18 Sep 2026 1:58 am

The crucial Uttar Pradesh test of the BJPs hegemony

The States changing electoral landscape, marked by the BJP losing ground in 2024, raises questions about how long the partys political dominance can endure

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026 1:36 am

Harivansh Rai Bachchan trust plans dharamshala in Ayodhya

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:05 am

Cleanliness drive marks PMs bday

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:05 am

Cong slams PM birthday event amid UP floods

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:04 am

Alld HC quashes vigilance probe against IAS officer

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:04 am

SP to retrace Samajwadi PDA Yatra slogan for UP polls

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:04 am

Dehumidifier fitted in e-loco for 3-month trial

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:04 am

Ancient Ajgara selects its modern-day Yudhishthir

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:03 am

Eways made by BJP govt are epitome of corruption: Akhilesh

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:02 am

Blood donation campaign marks Modis birthday

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:01 am

Lighting lamps in gratitude for PMs services

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:01 am

Gangasagar Namo Namah inaugurated

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 1:00 am

2 killed, 3 hurt in road accident

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:20 am

2 Kaushambi cops sent to lines

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:19 am

PM linked artisans to technology, new markets, says CM Yogi

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:15 am

47 gamblers nabbed with over Rs 21L in Varanasi

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:15 am

NGT flags fly ash discharge from Jhansi thermal plant

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:15 am

Vishwakarma Puja celebrated at BLW, police lines, workshops

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:15 am

IIT Kanpur launches Wadhwani Innovation Centre

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:15 am

Second sleeper Vande Bharat planned on Delhi-Varanasi route

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:14 am

Blood donation camp, Ganga aarti mark PMs birthday

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:14 am

Cong observes Modis bday as unemployment day

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:14 am

Ganga recedes but remains above warning mark in Kanpur

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:14 am

3 cops suspended for drinking in public

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:13 am

Modi is right leader for Indias present, future: Andhra CM

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:13 am

PM Modi symbol of Indias global respect: Paswan

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:13 am

Yatras begin from Kashi to Modis birthplace

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:11 am

Tool kits provided to 100 artisans on Vishwakarma Jayanti

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:09 am

10K rewardedfugitive held insuicide case

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:09 am

Make AV recording of witnesses compulsory: HC to DGP

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:08 am

Nutrition kits distributed to 100 TB patients

The Times of India 18 Sep 2026 12:08 am

Over 80% voting marks peaceful HCBA polls

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:53 pm

One drug trafficker arrested

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:51 pm

Four goat traders robbed of 4 lakh on Knp-Aligarh highway

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:50 pm

Man arrested in elderly womans death during theft bid

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:50 pm

Exam conducted for scorers & umpires

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:49 pm

Court dismisses bail plea of cyber fraud accused

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:49 pm

ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras light lamps

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:48 pm

76K lamps illuminate Kanpurs Motijheel on PM Modis bday

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:46 pm

Waterlogging, power cuts as city taken by storm

The Times of India 17 Sep 2026 11:00 pm

BJP Celebrates Service Day in Uttar Pradesh with Diya Lighting for PM Modis Birthday

BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh celebrate PM Modis birthday with diya lighting events, highlighting 25 years of his leadership. BJP Celebrates Service Day in Uttar Pradesh with Diya Lighting for PM Modis Birthday

Daily Kiran 17 Sep 2026 10:24 pm

UP media delegation calls on Meghalaya Governor

Shillong, Sep 17: A 14-member media delegation comprising senior journalists from Uttar Pradesh, visiting Meghalaya as part of a media outreach initiative by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) today called on Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar at the Lok Bhavan here. During the interaction, the Governor highlighted Meghalayas distinctive social institutions, including the strong tradition of [] The post UP media delegation calls on Meghalaya Governor first appeared on Highland Post .

Highland Post 17 Sep 2026 9:12 pm

PM Modi receiving blessings for his transformation efforts, says BJP chief Nitin Nabin

Digital Desk | Ujjain, Sep 17 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Thursday hailed the ransformation work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that he is receiving the lessings for his own hard work. The BJP chief was in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain to take part in the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, including the 'aarti' ritual of the holy Shipra River, on the Prime Minister's 76th birthday. Speaking to IANS, Nitin Nabin said: I believe that the transformation the Prime Minister has brought into the lives of crores of people today impacts all of us...alongside the form in which PM Modi built housing for the poor, created toilets for sisters, and introduced schemes like Lakhpati Didi. The transformation that has come into the lives of crores of people through such schemes is today returning to the Prime Minister in the form of blessings, he asserted. The 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event, as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', is being organised in various states across the country, where NDA leaders and Ministers are lighting lamps at significant venues and taking part in 'aarti' rituals at the banks of holy rivers to pray for good health and long life of the Prime Minister. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' has been launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi, while asserting that India has crafted an identity of its own under the latter's leadership. Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said: Scores of earthen lamps are being lit across the country to pray for the good health and long life of PM Modi. He further said that the 'Ashirwad ka Diya' is being lit to signify the exemplary work undertaken under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Similarly, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami referred to Prime Minister Modi as architect of modern India during the 'Aashirwad ka Diya' event held in Dehradun. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, took part in the event in Ahmedabad.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 9:10 pm