FULFILMENT OF LONG CHERISHED DEMAND: AGARTALA – ANAND VIHAR TEJAS RAJDHANI EXPRESS NOW STOPS AT MALDA TOWN

The much-awaited stoppage of the 20501 Agartala – Anand Vihar Tejas Rajdhani Express at Malda Town station marks a significant stride in the development of railways in West Bengal, addressing the long-standing demand of the inhabitants of Malda.The 20501/20502 Agartala – Anand Vihar (T) Tejas Rajdhani weekly Express now to run via route through Malda Town – Bhagalpur – Jamalpur with commercial stoppages at Malda Town, Bhagalpur & Jamalpur  for the train leaving Agartala w.e.f. 15.1.2024 and leaving Anand Vihar (T) w.e.f. 17.1.2024.On the first day of the run of Agartala – Anand Vihar Tejas Rajdhani Express via Malda Town, the train was flagged off from Malda Town station this afternoon by Shri Khagen Murmu, Member of Parliament, Smt. Srirupa Mitra Chowdhury, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Shri Gopal Chandra Saha, MLA.The Rajdhani Express, now traversing a new route via Malda Town-Bhagalpur, promises not only enhanced connectivity but also commercial stoppages at crucial stations such as Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, and Patna in both directions. The train has commenced its journey on January 15, 2024, from Agartala at 15:10 hrs. and will reach Malda Town station today 16.01.2024 at 15:00 hrs. The train will run weekly, reaching Anand Vihar at 10:50 hrs on Wednesdays. The return journey of 20502 Anand Vihar – Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal at 19:50 hrs on Wednesdays, reaching Agartala at 15:40 hrs on Fridays. This train will stop at Ambassa, Dharmanagar, New Karimganj, Badarpur, Hojai, Guwahati, Rangia, Barpeta Road, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Patna, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Jn & Kanpur Central stations enroute in both the directions.   

Assam govt threatening people not to join Cong yatra, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that Assam's BJP-led government has been threatening people against joining the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and refusing permissions for programmes along its route.People, however, are not afraid of the BJP, Gandhi asserted at a public gathering in Biswanath Chariali, the headquarters of Biswanath district.He also said the Congress will win by a huge margin against the BJP in the upcoming elections."We don't make long speeches as part of the yatra. We travel every day for 7-8 hours, talk to delegations, meet people and listen to their issues. And then, we fight for your issues; that is the aim of this yatra."When elections come, Congress will defeat BJP by massive margins," Gandhi asserted, urging party workers to march forward despite being threatened, and beaten up, as the fight is for the people.The yatra is in its fourth day in the state, having re-entered after a night halt in Arunachal Pradesh. It is scheduled to travel through Assam till January 25, covering a total of 833 km across 17 districts.Gandhi also alleged that flags and banners of the Congress are being damaged in the state."They (government) think they can threaten the people and suppress them. But, they are not realising this is not Rahul Gandhi's yatra. It is a yatra for the voice of the people," he said."Neither Rahul Gandhi nor people of the state are afraid of them," the former Congress chief said.He continued to target Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, terming him as the most corrupt CM in the country."Everyone knows that the CM and his entire family are the most corrupt. The Assam government is run for the benefit of one family... the Congress MP alleged.He said that injustice was being done to farmers, who don't get the price for their produce, youths who don't find jobs after finishing studies and traders who bore the brunt of demonetisation and GST.  

Ram temple tourism: Hospitality, travel industries create up to 20,000 jobs in Ayodhya

A surge in tourist inflows has already increased demand for accommodation and travel, “leading to a significant upswing in Ayodhya’s hospitality sector, with a particular focus on the establishment of adequate infrastructure to host travellers”, he said. “At least 10,000 jobs and up to about 20,000 positions were created in various roles related to hospitality, travel and tourism – including hotel staff, cooks, servers, drivers, etc. in the last six months,” said Balasubramanian A, vice president and head - consumer & ecommerce at TeamLease. According to several officials in the hospitality sector, thousands of jobs in areas such as hospitality managers, restaurant and hotel staff, logistics managers, drivers, etc are likely to open up towards the end of this year or the first half of 2025 – not just in Ayodhya but in neighbouring cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, etc - with hotel companies and restaurant owners keeping a close eye on how the demand-supply situation pans out.“In the next three-four months, we should get a clearer picture of the everyday traffic at the temple and the demand for manpower to cater to the devotees,” an industry executive said on condition of anonymity. According to estimates, Tirupati Balaji Temple, which is among the world’s richest temples and remains crowded all year round, attracts an average 50,000 daily devotees in a steady state and the number goes up to 100,000 on festival days or holidays.According to various estimates, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is likely to see traffic of between 300,000 to 700,000 people in the first week post inauguration.However, most of these jobs are temporary in nature and the count may go up or down, depending on how the demand pans out and the number of devotees that visit the temple, industry experts said. Typically, a hotel from construction stage to getting operational takes about 3-4 years, said Nandivardhan Jain, chief executive of Noesis Capital Advisors. Typically, a hotel from construction stage to getting operational takes about 3-4 years, said Nandivardhan Jain, chief executive of Noesis Capital Advisors. However, in the case of Ayodhya, various permissions could be fast-tracked and, so, the demand for manpower is expected to pour in within the next 18 to 24 months, he added.Hotel companies are watching how the demand-supply situation pans out. Currently Ayodhya is short in supply with only two big, branded hotels – Park Inn by Radisson and Cygnet.  

Cyprus faces backlash over use of British bases to bomb Houthis

The Cyprus government is facing growing criticism over British military bases on the island being used by UK and US forces to stage airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.President Nicos Christodoulides has been accused by activists of turning a blind eye to the risks the EU’s most easterly state might confront if the strategic facilities on the island continue to be deployed in military operations.The Guardian has learned that both the US ambassador and British high commissioner briefed the Cypriot president of imminent military action in Yemen before the first round of airstrikes last week.“There are ever more war planes taking off every day,” Tassos Costeas, a prominent Greek Cypriot peace activist, told the Guardian. “The dangers of Cyprus becoming a target are evident. The two installations, retained by the British after the country won independence in 1960 to end decades of colonial rule, operate as sovereign overseas territories beyond the reach of the republic. Both extend across 3% of Cyprus’s land mass, or 98 sq miles.Although never confirmed, EU diplomats in Nicosia, the island’s war-split capital, say US forces are present on the military installation. “If you look over the fence at Akrotiri you’ll see US military surveillance and other aircraft,” one said.On Tuesday, the Cyprus government’s spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, emphasised the eastern Mediterranean island was not involved in any military operations, intimating that under the bases’ treaty of establishment, the UK was not obliged to inform Cypriot authorities about activity in the facilities. “The government is in constant communication with the UK within the framework established in relation to the bases’ use,” he said.Protests mounted last week after RAF Akrotiri was used as a launch pad for Typhoon fighter jets conducting targeted airstrikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The pro-Palestinian militia has justified its assaults – with one of its missiles recently hitting a Greek-owned cargo ship – by saying it was acting in response to Israel’s ongoing offensive. In an apparent attempt to calm nerves in Cyprus, the British defence minister, Grant Shapps, was on the island on Friday meeting the president. “We want to do everything possible to ensure the security of Cyprus, which is in everyone’s best interests. We appreciate that you are in a difficult neighbourhood and want to do everything possible to make it easier,” he said. The Houthis, he claimed, “do not pose an immediate threat to Cyprus”.The US and UK strikes have exacerbated concerns of the Israel-Gaza war becoming a wider regional conflagration. Washington and London have vowed to continue the airstrikes if necessary. Cypriot activists say they are deeply concerned the British bases may also be used by the US and UK to send military aid to Israel, a claim neither country has confirmed.At Sunday’s protest, demonstrators chanted “out with the bases of death” outside the entrance of RAF Akrotiri, close to the coastal city of Limassol in the island’s south.Within weeks of the Hamas attack, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported that “more than 40 US transport aircraft, 20 British transport aircraft and seven heavy transport helicopters [had] arrived at the British Akrotiri base on the island. They carried equipment, arms and forces.”    

South Korea crowd crush: Seoul police chief charged over Halloween disaster in which 158 died

Seoul’s chief of police has been charged with professional negligence over the deadly Halloween crush in 2022 that killed nearly 160 people, prosecutors in the South Korean capital have said.Kim Kwang-ho, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), was charged with professional negligence resulting in injury or death, Seoul’s western district prosecutors’ office said in a statement released on Friday.As the chief of the SMPA, it is alleged he “did not take necessary measures, such as deploying sufficient police forces and ensuring proper command and supervision” on the day of the crush, the statement claimed, although he was able to “foresee potential dangers arising” from overcrowding in the nightlife area.Kim, the highest-ranking police official to face trial over the tragedy, was charged without detention.On 29 October 2022, tens of thousands of people – mostly in their 20s and 30s – had been out to enjoy post-pandemic holiday celebrations in Seoul’s Itaewon nightlife district. But the night turned deadly when people poured into a narrow, sloping alleyway between bars and clubs, leading to a crowd crush.In January last year, Kim and 22 other officials from the police, rescue and district offices were referred to prosecutors by a special police investigation team for their alleged involvement in the government’s mishandling of the crush. Prosecutors subsequently charged the heads of the police station in Seoul’s Yongsan district, which includes Itaewon, and the Yongsan Ward office, but had been undecided about charging Kim for more than a year.Friday’s statement alleged Kim, “along with the chief of the Yongsan police station and the head of the Yongsan Ward office who are currently on trial, collectively caused the deaths of 158 individuals and injuries to 312 individuals as a result of professional negligence”.Families of the victims said they regretted the prosecution’s lengthy decision-making process before charging Kim.“Chief Kim must immediately step down from his position and face trial,” the families said in a statement. “President Yoon Suk-yeol must dismiss Kim immediately.”Here in the UK, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, had promised us a government of stability and competence – not forgetting professionalism, integrity and accountability – after the rollercoaster ride of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Remember Liz? These days she seems like a long forgotten comedy act. Instead, Sunak took us even further through the looking-glass into the Conservative psychodrama. Elsewhere, the picture has been no better. In the US, Donald Trump is now many people’s favourite to become president again. In Ukraine, the war has dragged on with no end in sight. The danger of the rest of the world getting battle fatigue and losing interest all too apparent. Then there is the war in the Middle East and not forgetting the climate crisis …But a new year brings new hope. There are elections in many countries, including the UK and the US. We have to believe in change. That something better is possible. The Guardian will continue to cover events from all over the world and our reporting now feels especially important. But running a news gathering organisation doesn’t come cheap.  

Three AAP Leaders Submit Nominations for the Rajya Sabha Elections on January 19

Delhi, New: Officials said that former Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal, Aam Aadmi Party candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections on January 19 and N D Gupta and Sanjay Singh filed their nominations here on Monday. On January 27, Sanjay Singh, Sushil Kumar Gupta, and N D Gupta's six-year terms come to an end. The party has put forward Ms. Maliwal's name to succeed Sushil Gupta. The AAP has put ND Gupta and party leader Sanjay Singh in jail up for second terms.On January 19, if an election is required to fill the three positions, it will take place. Nominations must be submitted by January 9 in order to be considered; nominations will be reviewed on January 10. January 12 is the deadline for withdrawing a candidacy. On Friday, Ms. Maliwal tendered her resignation as the DCW chairperson following her nomination by the AAP for the Rajya Sabha.  

Media companies rise sharply as election advertisement spending soars.

Expectations of increasing ad sales during the next election season, together with other stock-specific factors like lowering newsprint prices, have propelled media companies to an incredible five-day run.The Bennett, Coleman and Co. subsidiary Entertainment Network India Ltd (ENIL), which runs Radio Mirchi, has increased by 17% during the last five trading days. Rival print media company HT Media Ltd, which publishes Mint and Hindustan Times, saw a 2.65% increase over that time.DB Corp., the publisher of Dainik Bhaskar, and Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. and Sun TV, the television network operators, spearheaded the first boom. However, investors are now banking on print and radio companies as well. Over the last half-year, Network 18 and TV18 Broadcast Ltd have had gains of 87% and 53%, respectively, while DB Corp has experienced a 63% increase and Sun TV has seen a 35% increase.Moneycontrol spoke with analysts who linked the recent jump to anticipation of increasing ad revenues in the run-up to the elections, but stock-specific factors also played a part.Among the largest gainers from political party expenditure in the run-up to elections have been media corporations. Television, print, and radio media companies are expected to benefit from the upcoming advertising frenzy by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its competing political parties over the next six months.According to Karan Taurani, Senior Vice President at Elara Capital, "there is an expectation that advertisement spending will see a strong momentum over the next six to eight months due to the elections." He also added that the rally in media stocks is a result of the general elections' positive impact on radio, television, and print advertising.According to Ashish Goel, Managing Partner and CEO of InvestSavy PMS, political parties are expected to provide media firms with significant revenue growth.Indeed, the rise in advertising revenue in the last quarters of the fiscal years 2014 and 2019 (which happened to be years when there were parliamentary elections) was essentially the same as in years when there were no elections. According to a Moneycontrol research, in the fourth quarter of 2013–14, advertising sales climbed for Jagran Prakashan, HT Media, and DB Corp, respectively, by 12.7 percent, 14%, and 14.3 percent over the same period the previous year. These increases were consistent with the growth observed in non-election years.  

Nagaland is the second stop of Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, after Manipur.

Senior Congressmen Rahul Gandhi and others left for Manipur in anticipation of the party's "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra."As the party prepares to launch its 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by other prominent figures including Salman Khurshid, Digvijaya Singh, and Ashok Gehlot, departed for Manipur on Sunday. The yatra would begin at a private location in the Thoubal district and travel through 100 Lok Sabha seats spread over 15 states. The district of Thoubal in Manipur's Khongjom is gearing up for the Congress march.News agency ANI earlier claimed that a special IndiGo flight meant to transport Congress officials to Imphal for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was delayed at the Delhi Airport.In the meantime, ahead of the Yatra, numerous hoardings and enormous cutouts of Rahul Gandhi were placed on the streets. Gandhi's Yatra will begin today in Thoubal and travel approximately 6,700 kilometers in 67 days, passing through 110 districts.The images from Thoubal, where the preparations were well underway, were released by ANI. Congressman Rahul Gandhi honored World War II soldiers at the Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland on Tuesday as the third day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra began in Kohima. The 53-year-old left Thoubal, Manipur, to begin the Yatra.Leader of the Hamro Party Ajoy Edwards, who won the local body elections in Darjeeling in 2023, departed for Imphal on Saturday, January 13, in order to accompany Rahul Gandhi on his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 14. The Nyay Yatra intends to travel more than 6,000 kilometers in total and is anticipated to arrive in Mumbai by the middle of March.A general overview of the new political alignment that is developing in the hills may be found in Edwards' involvement in the rally. Planning overseas with friends in the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) grouping suggests that the Indian National Congress is trying to pursue a cooperative strategy. One goal would undoubtedly be to retain the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency, where the Congress formerly held a majority."A political party is organizing the yatra, but anyone in need of justice is welcome to participate in the march. According to Edwards, "We are walking for the Gorkhas who need justice," The Telegraph reported.In the North Bengal tea belt, where it had a long-standing strong base along with its trade union front, INTUC, the Congress has been trying to win back support there. Party insiders claim that after Edwards' December meeting with Gandhi, there were signs that the Hamro Party was inclined toward working with the Congress and could perhaps join the INDIA group. Gandhi will traverse Manipur to Assam on his yatra, and four days later, he would pass into Bengal from Baxirhat, which is located on the Assam–Bengal interstate boundary.According to The Telegraph, which cited party sources, the Nyay Yatra is scheduled to pass through Cooch Behar on January 26, Republic Day, when it arrives in Bengal.  

Pongal Exhibitions The Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat Spirit Prime Minister Modi Takes Part in Festivities

Wearing traditional Tamil clothes, which included a black coat and white lungi, PM Modi took part in the rites before speaking to the crowd.At MoS L Murugan's Delhi home, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present as he celebrated Pongal. Wearing traditional Tamil clothes, which included a black coat and white lungi, PM Modi took part in the rites before speaking to the crowd. "The festival of Pongal depicts the emotion of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'... This emotion of unity will give strength to the 'Viksit Bharat' of 2047," he remarked, discussing how Pongal represents the feeling of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.Moreover, the Prime Minister discussed the Kashi and Shaurastra Tamil Sangamams, where people join with great passion and the feeling of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' is evident.On the occasions of Makar Sankranti and Bihu, PM Modi also sent greetings to the nation, stating, "Today, the nation observed the Lohri festival." I'd want to greet my fellow citizens on these holidays as some are commemorating Makar Sankranti today, while others will celebrate tomorrow. Magh Bihu is also approaching."Afterwards, PM Modi attended the cultural event hosted at MoS Murugan's home.Besides him, the governors of Telangana and Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan, were also visiting MoS Murugan's house. Nirmala Sitharaman, the minister of finance, was also spotted sitting among the spectators.Participating in Pongal celebrations at Union minister of state L Murugan's home in New Delhi, the PM stated that the strongest factor in creating a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047 is the sense of oneness among people.New Delhi: As he sent his best wishes to all residents for the current holiday season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that the Pongal celebration embodies the national ideal of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat."  

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Despite losing the Bat

Islamabad: Barrister Gohar Khan, the leader of the beleaguered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, declared on Monday that his party would not abstain from the February 8 election, even though they were compelled to run without their cricket bat poll symbol. Mr. Gohar made his remarks a few days after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party was forced to field its candidates as independents for the elections after losing its famous cricket bat, which served as its electoral symbol.   "With God willing, we will participate fully in the elections," Mr. Gohar declared. He also mentioned that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party would release a list of its endorsed candidates along with their corresponding electoral symbols in three days.In a decision released late on Saturday, a three-judge Supreme Court panel maintained the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) ruling from December 22, which had deemed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's intra-party polls "unconstitutional" and removed the party's poll symbol. Speaking to the media outside the Adiala Jail, he claimed that the ruling of the top court was a "conspiracy against democracy" and that it had an impact on Pakistanis' fundamental rights. Additionally, he announced that the party would file a review petition against the ruling, pointing out that since the case involved Article 17 of the Constitution, a five-member bench of the top court should have heard the case.

Why It's Hard To Attend The Ram Temple Ceremony: Rahul Gandhi explains

Congressman Rahul Gandhi said today that the BJP and the RSS have turned the January 22 Ram temple consecration ceremony into a "political event" centered around Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it difficult for the leaders of his party to attend. He made these comments days after the top brass of the Congress rejected an invitation to the event at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, at a press conference during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. "The prime minister is the focal point of politics during the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. It is tough for us to go because the BJP and the RSS are giving it an election flavor," Rahul Gandhi remarked.

Assembly victory in the rearview mirror, BJP prepares Madhya Pradesh for Lok Sabha election

The BJP has begun preparing for the Lok Sabha battle, with the goal of increasing its vote share to 60% and winning all 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The BJP's victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections has given it a significant advantage. Senior BJP figures, such as state president V D Sharma, chief minister Mohan Yadav, national general secretary Sunil Bansal, general secretaries and presidents of several morchas, have been holding lengthy meetings in the last few days to plan the election strategy. To emphasize the "Modi Guarantees," the party has decided to strengthen booth-level employees, conduct large-scale outreach programs to target welfare recipients, and celebrate the consecration of Ram Mandir.

From the Urdu Press: "Only two leaders focused clearly on LS polls: Modi, Nitish" and "Is Rahul Yatra enough for Congress"

BJP really can't go after Nitish."" He presents a tidy image. His son stays away from politics. He is the only prominent opposition figure in the region whose strategy against the BJP goes beyond his home state, according to Urdu The edit states that the general elections will be the most important event on the home front. ""The ruling BJP has intensified its election preparations for 2024. The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 22, the statement reads. It goes on to say that the BJP has been making every effort to use this event for political gain, much like how it did with the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid controversy in the 1990s. According to the edit, the BJP hopes to ride the Temple plank back to power. The democracy of the nation would be affected by this, but it also adds that every year presents a unique set of chances and difficulties.   "  

President Muizzu of the Maldives arrives in China for a closely monitored state visit

The visit to China by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between India and the Maldives following remarks made disparagingly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu landed in China on Monday and will stay for five days till January 12, according to an official announcement.During his visit, Muizzu is also expected to meet with business executives and senior Chinese government officials at the "Invest Maldives Forum," according to the presidency. China is currently the Maldives' biggest creditor; Male owes Beijing around $1.3 billion in debt obligations. Beijing is among the nation's largest investors and economic partners; in 2017, the two governments signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Maldives has also ratified the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is supported by Beijing.  

Practice What You..."": Arvind Kejriwal Is Slammed By Navjot Sidhu Regarding Summons

"Congressman Navjot Singh Sidhu attacked Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday, citing an old ""X"" post of his, ahead of his appearance before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. Previously, Mr. Kejriwal stated in a 'X' post, ""As a patriotic Indian, I feel ashamed that our dishonest leaders refuse to appear before the ED and CBI despite being called in numerous times by the investigative agencies. They ought to have resigned from office as soon as the accusations were made."""  

A New Panel Is Formated by the BJP to Examine New Hires Before the 2024 Elections

With the new panel, the federally dominant BJP hopes to assess potential members' devotion in advance of the 2024 parliamentary elections. A new panel has been established by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to screen lawmakers from other parties who may want to join the party before the March–April 2024 general elections.The panel will determine whether to accept or reject the politicians who wish to join the party, according to media reports citing party sources. The BJP seeks to reduce the possibility of enlisting supporters who might turn against them if they are elected to the legislature. Only after receiving consent from the committee will anyone wishing to cross the floor be permitted to participate. It is anticipated that the committee will convene for the first time on January 6.  

Karnataka LoP Arrested For Opposing Karsevak Shrikant Pujaris Arrest Regarding Babri Demolition

Legislative Assembly member and BJP leader R Ashoka was held by Karnataka police for allegedly inciting rioting following the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid. Ashoka had staged a demonstration against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari. The BJP workers who have been protesting the arrest escalated their demonstration on Thursday by starting the 'I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too' campaign.LoP Karnataka Legislative Assembly & BJP politician R Ashoka was taken into custody by the police, according to ANI. Along with party members, he was demonstrating against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari, who was taken into custody for his alleged role in the rioting that followed the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid.LoP Karnataka Legislative Assembly & BJP politician R Ashoka was taken into custody by the police, according to ANI. Along with party members, he was demonstrating against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari, who was taken into custody for his alleged role in the rioting that followed the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid.  

PM Modi: ""Our Bond With Telangana Unbreakable"" Following the BJP's defeat in Telangana

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the BJP will keep working for the people of Telangana and that their bond is unbreakable, shortly after the KCR-led party conceded defeat and the Congress emerged victorious. The BJP came in third place.  The prime minister highlighted the fact that the BJP has been expanding its base in the southern state and that it intends to continue doing so.   ""Dear Telangana sisters and brothers, We appreciate your help with @BJP4India. This support has only grown over the past few years, and the trend will carry over into the future, the PM wrote on X.  In Kamareddy, the BJP has pulled off a significant double blow, defeating both the departing Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao, and the newly appointed state chief of the Congress, Revanth Reddy, who was instrumental in his party's victory.