The SupremeCourt on3 March 2025 made a prima facie observation regarding the existence of a large-scale racket in Tamil Nadu involved in the issuance of fraudulent caste certificates. A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan raised concerns over thousands of such certificates being issued to individuals falsely claiming to belong to the Hindu Konda Reddis community, which is designated as a Scheduled Tribe in the state.
The court, while hearing multiple petitions on the matter, noted that the issue of fake caste certificates in Tamil Nadu appeared to be a “big problem” and required thorough investigation.“For the present, we do not level any allegations, but prima facie it appears to be a huge racket. This is something extremely dangerous,”the bench observed.
To address the matter, the Supreme Court directed a State Level Scrutiny Committee to verify the authenticity of the caste certificates in question and submit a report within six weeks. The bench emphasized the need for a fair, transparent, and impartial inquiry to determine the genuineness of these certificates and understand the extent of the issue.
The case before the court arose from a petition filed by a woman who had applied for a caste certificate for her son, claiming they belonged to the Hindu Konda Reddis community. However, an inquiry conducted by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) led to the rejection of her request. Subsequently, the woman approached the Madras High Court, which ruled in her favor and ordered the issuance of the certificate, subject to verification by the State Level Scrutiny Committee.
The Tamil Nadu government challenged the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, which initially granted an interim stay on the order. However, last week, the apex court modified its previous ruling to ensure proper verification of the caste certificates before any final determination.
The bench stated that the court would examine each case independently once the scrutiny report was submitted.“We would like to ensure whether these certificates are genuine or not. We would also like to know in what manner such caste certificates have been procured by thousands of people in the area,” the court remarked.
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Pastor Bajinder Singh is a self-styled preacher who has built an empire of faith healing, attracting thousands of followers across India and abroad. Born on 10 September1982, into a Haryanavi Jat family, Bajinder’s rise in the evangelical world is marred by serious allegations, including sexual harassment, financial fraud, and even murder.
His journey into Christianity began in 2012 while he was in jail on murder charges. Upon his release, he established himself as a “miracle healer” in Tajpur village, Jalandhar, claiming to cure the sick and transform lives through divine intervention. By 2016, he had launched his own independent church, “The Church of Glory and Wisdom,” starting with small gatherings in Chandigarh and Jalandhar. Despite his growing influence, the Diocese of Jalandhar publicly distanced itself from him in 2018, clarifying that he was not affiliated with any recognized Christian institution.
Bajinder Singh’s ministry expanded rapidly, boasting 20 branches across India and 12 international locations, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, and Israel. His influence is not limited to religious circles—he has cultivated political connections and affiliations within Bollywood, further solidifying his public presence. However, his rise has been tainted by numerous controversies. Over the years, he has been implicated in 23 reported incidents, including two cases of sexual harassment, a murder case, three financial fraud investigations, two allegations of fake healing, and six cases of child abuse.
His religious empire is fueled by extensive social media reach, with millions of followers across platforms. His official Facebook page has over a million followers, while his Instagram account has 1.1 million. On YouTube, his channel has amassed 3.74 million subscribers, where he continues to preach and promote his faith-healing claims.
Despite the controversies, Bajinder Singh’s influence remains strong, with his followers believing in his supposed divine powers. However, his repeated brushes with the law and accusations of exploiting the vulnerable for personal gain paint a far darker picture of the man who calls himself a prophet.
With the recent sexual harassment allegations surfacing, let’s take a look at the criminal background as well as his influence over Bollywood and political circles and his fake healing activities.
Criminal Activities Of Bajinder Singh
Let’s take a look at his criminal past involving women.
#1 Accused Of Sexual Harassment By 22-Year-Old Woman
On 20 February 2025, a 22-year-old woman from Kapurthala accused pastor Bajinder Singh of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation. The victim, who had joined Singh’s ‘puja team’ by 2020, revealed that the preacher began sending her unsolicited messages when she was just 17 years old. By 2022, Singh allegedly started summoning her to his cabin on Sundays, where he would forcibly hug and touch her inappropriately when she was alone. The harassment escalated as Singh began stalking and threatening the victim. In March 2023, the woman married another Christian preacher, Raja Singh, but Bajinder continued to threaten both her and her husband even after their marriage. Following her complaint, the police registered a case against Bajinder Singh under charges of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and stalking.
Punjab | A 22-year-old woman recounts her ordeal in a press conference, detailing physical and mental torture by self-styled Christian prophet Bajinder Singh.
Kapurthala Police register FIR under IPC sections 354-A, 354-D, and 506 for sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal… pic.twitter.com/AWuDYc00qK
On 21 July 2018, Singh was arrested at Delhi airport while attempting to travel to London, following allegations of rape and sexual assault. The victim, a woman from Zirakpur, had filed a police complaint in May 2018, accusing Singh of sexually assaulting her at his Chandigarh residence in 2017. Singh, who had initially lured the victim under the pretext of offering her a place on his board, recorded a video of the assault and used it to blackmail her, threatening to release the footage if she resisted his demands or reported the crime. The FIR also implicated Singh’s close associates—Jatinder, Akbar, Sartar Ali, Sucha Singh, Rajesh Chaudhary, and Sandeep Pehlwan—for allegedly physically assaulting the victim.
#3 Jailed For Murder
Bajinder Singh, in 2002, at the age of 20, was jailed in connection with a murder case. During his time in prison around 2012, Singh reportedly converted to Christianity, marking the beginning of his religious journey. After his release, he emerged as a self-proclaimed preacher, practicing “miracle healing” and claiming to cure severe illnesses like paralysis and fatal diseases through prayers.
Child Abuse Incidents
Here are the child abuse incidents that Bajinder Singh was involved in.
#1 Used Child For Conversion Propaganda
On 29 August 2021, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) urged Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Mandeep Singh Brar to take action against Pastor Bajinder Singh for allegedly using a minor for religious conversion. A viral video from a Christian missionary event showed the child crying profusely as Singh questioned him about his sister’sability to speak. Initially, the boy denied that she could speak, but when prompted again, he affirmed she could.
Late ….But still vibing on "Mera yeshu yeshu …Mera yeshu yeshu "🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Damn too hilarious 🤣👌 Behan bolne lagi 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/CECearb9iv
#2 Fake Treatment Leads To Death of 4-Year-Old Cancer Patient
On 13 September 2022, in Jalandhar, Punjab, 4-year-old Tanisha, a cancer patient, died after allegedly receiving fake treatment from self-proclaimed prophet Bajinder Singh. Singh, who runs a Christian center in Tajpur village, was accused by Tanisha’s family of charging ₹15,000 and ₹50,000 multiple times for her treatment, which failed to save her. After her death, the family claimed they were forcibly evicted from Singh’s center. They alleged they were misled by advertisements promising to revive even dead children.
#3 Used Disabled Children In Healing Videos
On 27 September 2023, a video of Pastor Bajinder Singh went viral on social media, showing a handicapped child allegedly walking after Singh prayed to Jesus. Singh claimed the miracle was the work of the Holy Spirit. The video sparked controversy, with critics accusing Singh of exploiting disabled children to promote his ministry and convert Sikhs to Christianity.
On 1 November 2023, a video of Pastor Bajinder Singh surfaced on social media, showing a handicapped child in a wheelchair being made to walk after Singh’s prayers. In the footage, Singh repeatedly invokes the name of Jesus Christ and calls upon the Holy Spirit, claiming to heal the child.
Let’s take a look at how strong his influence is in the film/entertainment circle.
#1 Bollywood Stars Attend Bajinder Singh’s Grand Christmas and New Year Celebration
On 27 December 2024, Bollywood celebrities including Arbaaz Khan, Jaya Prada, Raza Murad, and Tusshar Kapoor attended a grand New Year event organized by Pastor Bajinder Singh’s missionary in Punjab. The event, which also marked the launch of a magazine dedicated to Singh, was a star-studded affair. Actress Jaya Prada, during her address, emphasized her faith, stating,“We are nothing without Jesus.”
#PUNJAB | Bollywood glitz meets controversial conversions: Pastor Bajinder’s Punjab event raises eyebrows.
Bollywood actors Arbaaz Khan, Jaya Prada, Raza Murad, Tusshar Kapoor, and others attended a New Year event organized by Pastor Bajinder Singh’s missionary in Punjab, where… pic.twitter.com/MLPWsq6ssv
#2 Bollywood Celebrities Attend Pastor Bajinder Singh’s Congregation
On 10 September 2024, actors Chunky Panday, Aditya Pancholi, and stand-up comedian Sunil Pal were seen participating in a congregation led by Pastor Bajinder Singh. A social media post captured the event, featuring two clips. In the first clip, Chunky Panday expressed his gratitude to Singh. The second clip highlighted Singh’s mention of Chunky’s daughter, actress Ananya Panday, predicting a Rs 60 crore project in her future, which he attributed to divine blessings.
"Actress Ananya Panday will get a project worth Rs 60 crores, and Actor Sooraj Pancholi will become a big star in 2026 and also the owner of an Industry" ~ Pastor Bajinder Singh.
Do these actors have no idea that the pastor is using them to promote religious conversions? pic.twitter.com/TDQfhrPtdZ
#3 Rajpal Yadav Attends Pastor Bajinder Singh’s Event
On 27 October 2024, actor Rajpal Yadav attended a Christian preaching program organized by controversial pastor Bajinder Singh in Punjab. During the event, Yadav expressed his gratitude, stating,“Jai Masi Jai, many happy wishes to all of you for the new year. I am very fortunate that the last time I came here, I came for a function. But I want to thank the prophet sahab a lot that he blessed me so much that it felt like we have come here to earn a relationship of twenty years.”The event also featured a viral video of Yadav enjoying chicken biryani.
#4 Hosted Star-Studded Christmas Party With Bollywood Celebrities
On 1 January 2024, Pastor Bajinder Singh organized a grand Christmas party attended by Bollywood celebrities including Prem Chopra, Jaya Prada, Rajpal Yadav, Gulshan Grover, Mahima Chaudhary, Kiku Sharda, Upasana Singh, Krishna Abhishek, and Rakhi Sawant. The event featured a lively program where the stars entertained the audience by performing short acts and delivering their iconic dialogues on stage.
#5 Mumbai Meeting Promoted By Bollywood Stars
On 11 May 2022, Pastor Bajinder Singh scheduled a large-scale meeting in Mumbai at the MMRDA Ground, set for May 12. The event garnered significant promotion from Bollywood celebrities, including Johnny Lever, Rakhi Sawant, and Sonia Singh. Comedian Johnny Lever encouraged attendance in a video message, stating,“You must have heard about Prophet Bajinder Singh.” Actress Rakhi Sawant passionately supported Singh, urging people to prioritize his teachings, saying, “It is essential to learn about Jesus. I urge you to leave everything and listen to Bajinder Singh.”Sonia Singh, known for her role in the Naagin series, also endorsed Singh, calling him“one of the greatest Prophets of India.”
#6 Sunil Shetty Attends Pastor Bajinder Singh’s Chandigarh Shobha Yatra
On 20 December 2023, actor Sunil Shetty attended a grand Christmas rally, or Shobha Yatra, organized by Pastor Bajinder Singh in Chandigarh. The event, marked by festive celebrations and religious fervor, saw Shetty joining the procession.
Influence In Political Circles
Nowlet’stake a look at how closely connected he is with the political ecosystem.
#1 Bajinder Singh’s Healing Crusade Features Congress CM Channi and Sonu Sood as Chief Guests
On 24 November 2021, Pastor Bajinder Singh’s ministry circulated an invitation on social media for the launch of a new branch in Moga. The event, promoted as a “healing crusade,” promised attendees the chance to witness Singh’s “miracles.” The invitation prominently featured Punjab’s then-Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Congress MLA Harjot Kamal, actor Sonu Sood, and his sister Malvika Sood as chief guests.
#2 Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kavita Pran Lahrey Shares Stage with Pastor Bajinder Singh
On 26 February 2024, a viral video showed Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kavita Pran Lahrey sharing the stage with Pastor Bajinder Singh. Addressing him as “Papa Ji,” she bowed and touched his feet, seeking his blessings. Singh prophesied, “God will work in your life,” while Lahrey credited him for her political success, stating she became an MLA in 2023 after his prayers. She began her speech with “Hallelujah” and praised Singh, claiming he transformed her life from poverty to prominence.
#3BJP Leader Parshottam Rupala Supports Pastor Bajinder Singh
On 4 July 2024, Pastor Bajinder Singh shared a photo of BJP leader Parshottam Rupala on his Instagram handle. The caption credited Singh’s prayers for Rupala’s victory in the Gujarat MP election by 4,84,000 votes. It stated that Rupala, now BJP’s Minister of Animal Husbandry, personally called Singh to thank him for his blessings.
Let us take a look at the financial frauds that Pastor Bajinder Singh was involved in.
#1 IT Raids Target Pastor Bajinder Singh’s Premises
On 2 February 2023, the Income Tax Department conducted raids at the residences of Jalandhar-based Pastor Bajinder Singh, who runs the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur village. Officials revealed that Singh operated churches under the guise of healing ministries, allegedly accepting large sums of money from foreign countries. During the raids, documents, computers, and registers detailing online bookings for Christian congregations were seized.
#2 Accused of Looting Grieving Family
On 12 April 2021, Pastor Bajinder Singh was accusedof looting ₹80,000 from a family by falsely promising to bring their deceased daughter back to life. The victim’s brother, Shubham Pandit, revealed that his sister, Nandini, had been battling cancer for years. Struggling financially after losing their father, the family was approached by Suvarna Khede, a worker for the pastor, who invited them to Chandigarh. Allegedly, Singh’s network extorted money from them and even coerced them into religious conversion. A formal complaint was filed against the pastor following these allegations.
#3Italian Funds Linked To Conversion Racket Featuring Bajinder Singh
On 11 February 2024, a Christian conversion racket in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, was exposed, with ‘Prophet’ Bajinder Singh identified as the mastermind. Singh allegedly transferred funds directly to converts and appointed Ajay Singh to oversee operations in the region. Locals reported that individuals received incentives between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh for converting. Investigations revealed that an Italian organization, Labhana Ministry, was allegedly funding multiple Christian missionary networks in India to increase Christian conversions. In response to these revelations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the matter further.
Pastor Bajinder Singh, who claims to be a direct messenger of Jesus, showcased what he called a cure for AIDS at a healing event. Known for his alleged miraculous remedies, he targeted HIV this time, attempting to heal a husband-wife duo suffering from the virus. During the ritual, he tapped their heads, rubbed their cheeks, and made them chant “Hallelujah,” declaring them cured. On June 12, 2019, he uploaded a video on his YouTube channel demonstrating this act, celebrating it as a victory over what he referred to as the “satan called AIDS“.
#2 Heals Blind Girl
Bajinder Singh demonstrated what he calls his rare gift of “prophetic healing” at an evangelical event, where he prayed over a young girl blind from birth, claiming he could restore her sight through his connection to Jesus. With his prayer, the pastor announced that the Lord had blessed the child, granting her vision, much to the joy and astonishment of the crowd. The girl’s parents, moved by what they saw as miraculous healing, tearfully expressed their gratitude, chanting “Hallelujah” in praise.
#3 Bajinder Singh’s Mumbai Meeting for Fake ‘Medical Camps’
On 12 May 2022, Prophet Bajinder Singh of Punjab held a large gathering at MMRDA Ground in Mumbai, claiming it was for healing and deliverance. His media team actively promoted the event on social media, urging people to attend in large numbers. In a video message, Singh asserted that the “Holy Spirit” had spoken to him, promising attendees freedom from financial troubles, poor health, and other difficulties. He declared that all their “shackles would break off” through divine intervention, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his so-called medical camps and faith-healing claims.
#4 Cures Cancer and Reverse Death
“Do you believe you will be healed here? Do you believe?” Bajinder presses, addressing the weeping wife of a wheelchair-bound man.“Yes, I believe,” she sobs in response. Bajinder then turns to the captivated audience gathered at the venue. “Everyone, raise your hands and let the Holy Spirit work,”he urges, and the crowd complies. Focusing back on the man, Bajinder exclaims,“Jesus, touch him!”prompting the man to scream loudly.“Get up!”Bajinder commands. In a dramatic moment, the man rises, and the crowd erupts into rapturous hallelujahs. Right on cue, the band and singers onstage begin an upbeat devotional song, the catchy rhythm proving irresistible. So convincing has the supposed healing been that the “patient” joins the pastor in a few bhangra-style steps to the thumping music and even jogs down the stage.
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An FIR has been registered against Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and MLA Abu Azmi over his remarks defending Mughal ruler Aurangzeb Alamgir, asserting that he was “not a cruel leader.”
His statement has sparked widespread controversy, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders across the spectrum. The controversy erupted after Azmi made the remarks while addressing reporters in Mumbai at the commencement of the Maharashtra Assembly session. Responding to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent comparison of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Aurangzeb, Azmi argued that the Mughal ruler was being misrepresented.
Following his remarks, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske filed a complaint at Thane’s Wagle Estate Police Station, leading to an FIR being registered against Azmi under sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Azmi had stated, “Aurangzeb got several temples built. In Varanasi, he saved a Hindu girl child from a priest who had an evil eye on her. He had the priest trampled by elephants.”
Defending his stance, he had further elaborated, “I don’t consider Aurangzeb a cruel ruler. During that era, power struggles were political, not religious. Aurangzeb’s army had many Hindus, just as Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army had several Muslims.”
He also claimed that during Aurangzeb’s reign, India’s territorial boundaries extended up to Afghanistan, adding that the ruler was being unfairly vilified through a religious lens. The comments have ignited a political storm, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leading the charge against Azmi.
Strongly condemning his remarks, Shinde demanded an apology, stating, “He must apologise for this because Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a patriot and a true nationalist. Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal 40-day torture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj. Glorifying Aurangzeb’s rule is a serious offence, and for this, Abu Azmi must apologise. By speaking against a patriot, he has positioned himself as anti-national.”
–IANS
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Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, a staunch supporter of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has criticised film actress Rashmika Mandanna for allegedly showing arrogance and disregard for the Kannada film industry.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he made the statement while reacting to the row following the controversial remarks by Deputy CM Shivakumar against Kannada film artistes, who remained absent at the inauguration of the international film festival in Bengaluru. Ganiga also said, “Rashmika Mandanna entered film industry and started her career through the Kannada movie ‘Kirik Party’. She was invited last year for the international film festival. Rashmika claimed that she is living in Hyderabad and she doesn’t know where Karnataka is. Rashmika further said that she doesn’t have time to attend the film festival.”
“One of our (Congress) MLAs went to her (Rashmika Mandanna’s) house personally and requested her multiple times to attend the fest. In spite of it, Rashmika, who made her career through Kannada movies, puts up with such an arrogance, shouldn’t people like her be taught a lesson?” he added.
The film industry should keep quiet, the Congress MLA said. “I will write a letter to the CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar to take a rethink on providing subsidies on movies,” he added.
Narasimhulu, the President of Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce, is a person who has come from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, tells that Shivakumar has made the remark reeking of arrogance.
“These producers from Andhra Pradesh, who made money here and put that money into real estate made huge money in Karnataka. In turn they speak without respect about our Deputy CM Shivakumar,” Ganiga said.
“The position he has got in the Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce itself is more than enough for him. They all have come from neighbouring states, made couple of movies, now criticise us, shouldn’t they be taught a lesson or just left like that?” he added while lashing out at Kannada film artistes.
“Why the film industry remained absent from the international film festival? They allow film artistes to play the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) cricket matches. The industry body should have asked them to stop cricket matches and attend the film fest. Don’t they have the capacity?” Ganiga asked.
“I ask the Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce President Narasimhulu to zip his mouth. It is a warning. This warning is from Kannada people to him and it is the last one,” the Congress MLA said. On March 1, during the inauguration ceremony of the International Film Festival held in Bengaluru, Deputy CM Shivakumar expressed his displeasure over the absence of Kannada film artistes. The Karnataka BJP on Sunday criticised Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for targeting Kannada film artistes over their absence at the inauguration of the International Film Festival and urged him to come out of his “toxic mindset”.
Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader, R. Ashoka, said: “Come out of the toxic mindset that everyone in society must salute you and behave like your subordinates. Artistes do not belong to anyone. They have the freedom and the right to act according to their own discretion, to associate with whomsoever they wish, or to refrain from doing so. If you want grants, MLAs must bow down and comply –this was the arrogance displayed by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar. Now, he has openly threatened Kannada film artistes on a public platform.”
–IANS
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National award-winning actress Priyamani, known for her role in the Bollywood film Article 370 released on 23 February 2024, recently spoke about her unforgettable moments during the film’s production. In an interview, she shared how she was overwhelmed when she handled the documents related to the abrogation of Article 370, expressing that it gave her goosebumps. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I was literally shivering when I held the documents related to the Article 370 abrogation! I realized how skillfully PM Modi carried out such a historic move without shedding a drop of blood.”
Priyamani also discussed the controversies surrounding the film, with some labeling it as propaganda. “We still face such accusations, but it’s alright,” she said. “At the end of the day, we are incredibly proud that a woman-led film ran for 100 days — what more could we ask for?” She added that receiving recognition from the Prime Minister himself was a great honor and reiterated her belief in the film’s quality.
Although there were initial doubts before its release, Priyamani noted that after watching it, audiences’ perceptions shifted. She attributed this to the fact that the film told the truth, despite some creative liberties. “The character played by Yami Gautam was based on a real officer, though for security reasons, we couldn’t reveal her identity. My character represented the PMO, not a single individual but possibly an entire team. Every aspect of the portrayal was carefully reviewed with the PMO’s involvement.”
Reflecting on her preparation for the role, Priyamani explained that she learned a lot about the history of the Article 370 abrogation during filming. She emphasized that many citizens were distracted by less significant matters at the time of the event, failing to understand the true significance and the fact that the move was executed peacefully, without any loss of life. “The way our honorable Prime Minister orchestrated the abrogation was incredibly strategic and smart. I received not only a history lesson on the event but also on how the PMO functions,” she said.
Priyamani recalled the intense moment when she first saw the original official orders related to the abrogation. “The main reason why it was abrogated and the way they went about abrogating it, I think that was the most important thing. Because when such things happen, there is generally a loss of life, but when this article was abrogated, not even a single life was lost. That was the actual truth. Not a single life was lost without a single drop of blood. And for all that, very smartly and cleverly, our honorable PM went about abrogating the article and everything. In this, what I got from the history lesson is that it has happened in the PMO. When we got the copy, which was not the original copy of the order, but when we got the copy of the original order my hands trembled and I was like, ‘Really, are you actually saying that such a thing happened and it was actually there'”
Actor Priyamani shares her goosebump moments of doing #Article370 movie.
She says “I was literally shivering when I held documents related to Article 370 abrogation! Realised how PM Modi skillfully executed historic move without shedding a drop of blood."pic.twitter.com/FKUdHkweTF
When asked if she had kept a copy of the order at home, she laughed and said no but mentioned that she might request one. She also shared a special moment when she received a letter from the Home Minister’s office last year, acknowledging her work on the film. “Receiving an official letter with the Indian emblem filled me with immense pride,” she said. Along with the letter, she was gifted a copy of the Ramayana in the form of stamps, which she found incredible.
Lastly, Priyamani expressed her gratitude for the recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it an extraordinary moment for everyone involved in the film.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for 206 new projects worth ₹82.99 crore in Nagapattinam district. Additionally, he inaugurated buildings worth ₹139 crore for public use and distributed welfare schemes valued at ₹200.27 crore to 35,956 beneficiaries from various departments.
During the event, CM Stalin made six new announcements for Nagapattinam district, including the establishment of a Tamil Nadu Haj House in Nanganallur, near Chennai Airport, at a cost of ₹65 crore. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the significance of Nagore Dargah, a site visited by people of multiple faiths, and said that the Haj House announcement would bring joy to the Muslim community.
Highlighting the recurring issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, Stalin urged the central government to enter into a new agreement with Sri Lanka to allow fishermen to operate near Katchatheevu. He also called for immediate steps to prevent further arrests and boat seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy.
At the event, Stalin also addressed the foundation stone-laying ceremony for new project works amounting to ₹423 crore and provided welfare assistance to the beneficiaries. The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to infrastructure development and welfare initiatives in the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ramped up preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections with a crucial State Council meeting scheduled on Tuesday at Bapu Auditorium in Patna.
Dilip Jaiswal is set to be formally appointed as the Bihar BJP state president. The meeting will see the participation of BJP leaders and workers to strategize for the elections.
Several important decisions related to the party’s election campaign and leadership are expected. Jaiswal has filed his nomination for the post and is expected to take charge officially later in the day. His nomination papers were submitted on Monday in front of the Election Officer and the BJP State General Secretary Rajesh Verma.
His proposers included Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister Mangal Pandey, and Legislative Councillor Sanjay Mayukh. Notably, no other candidates filed nominations, making his appointment a certainty. Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is the chief observer of the event.
Besides him, Bihar BJP in-Charge Vinod Tawde, Co-in-Charge Deepak Prakash, Ministers from Bihar and the Central government, BJP state officials and district presidents, block presidents and others will attend the meeting. Over 6,000 members, including divisional presidents, state officials, and working committee members, are expected to participate. The State Council meeting is being held just after the recent cabinet expansion, indicating the BJP’s aggressive election preparations.
Dilip Jaiswal is currently a Bihar Legislative Council member, he has been associated with the BJP for a long time. He was appointed Bihar’s BJP state president on July 25, 2024, replacing Samrat Chaudhary.
He previously served as Revenue and Land Reforms Minister in the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government and resigned from his ministerial post ahead of the cabinet expansion to focus on party leadership. His appointment is seen as a crucial move by the BJP ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The meeting will likely discuss the BJP’s election strategy and campaign roadmap. With the Delhi elections concluded, the BJP is shifting its focus entirely on strengthening its presence in Bihar for the Assembly polls.
–IANS
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh made a strong statement at the POJK Sankalp Diwas program, asserting that the return of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) to India is only possible under the Modi government. The event, organized by the Jammu Kashmir People’s Forum and Mirpur POJK Balidan Samiti, was held at the Indian Society of International Law auditorium in the national capital.
Dr. Singh criticized India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, blaming his policies for the loss of POJK.“Pakistan-Occupied Jammu Kashmir is the biggest failure in Indian history and a result of Nehru’s flawed foreign policy. His misplaced belief in peace led to multiple mistakes, the consequences of which India still suffers today,” he said.
The minister emphasized that India’s partition was a historical blunder driven by the ambitions of Nehru and Jinnah. He also recalled how the Indian Army had successfully advanced into POJK before Nehru declared a ceasefire, leading to its continued occupation by Pakistan.“If Nehru had not halted the army and had not taken the matter to the UN, POJK would have been completely integrated with India,” Dr. Singh added.
He reiterated that POJK, along with Pakistan-Occupied Territories of Ladakh (POTL) and China-Occupied Territories of Ladakh (COTL), remains an integral part of India.“The Modi government is committed to liberating these regions. I won’t predict a timeline, but I assure you that the return of POJK is only possible under the BJP-led government,“he said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Echoes Commitment
Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, who also attended the event, underscored the Modi government’s determination to reclaim POJK. He cited the successful abrogation of Article 370 as proof of the government’s resolve, stating,“Many believed Article 370 could never be removed, but the Modi government achieved it. Today, no political party dares to propose its reinstatement.”
Mehta referred to Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament that POJK was, is, and will always be part of India, asserting that the current government is the only one capable of achieving its return. He also highlighted Pakistan’s economic crisis and deteriorating conditions in POJK, saying,“There is no flour to eat, unemployment is at 35%, and people there now want to join India. The day is not far when a movement will arise from within POJK itself.”
The Solicitor General called for an immediate change in terminology, urging people to reject Pakistan’s term ‘Azad Kashmir’ and instead refer to it as POJK. “We must start by correcting platforms like Wikipedia, which use Pakistan’s misleading terminology. POJK is an integral part of India, and that should be reflected everywhere,“he stated.
India’s Resolution On Occupied Territories
The event also revisited India’s long-standing commitment to reclaiming occupied territories. At the time of independence in 1947, Jammu and Kashmir covered 2,22,236 square kilometers, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Gilgit. Today, 54.4% of that land—approximately 1.21 lakh sq km—remains under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China.
Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947, after Pakistan’s invasion. Despite India’s military success in repelling Pakistani forces, a ceasefire was declared on 1 January 1949, under UN pressure, allowing Pakistan to retain control over a large portion of the region. Similarly, in 1962, China occupied 37,000 sq km of Ladakh, and in 1963, Pakistan ceded an additional 5,180 sq km of the Shaksgam Valley to China.
The Forgotten Massacres Of 1947
The event also shed light on the atrocities committed during Pakistan’s invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Several massacres targeting Hindus and Sikhs were recounted, including:
Muzaffarabad Massacre (October 1947): 4,500-5,000 Hindus and Sikhs were killed, and over 1,600 women were abducted.
Mirpur Massacre (October 24-25, 1947): Over 20,000 Hindu-Sikhswere killed, and more than 3,500 were taken hostage, with many women sold in markets in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Arabia.
Kotli & Bhimber Massacres: Thousands were killed, and women were abducted and brutally assaulted.
Rajouri Massacre (November 1947): Pakistani forces killed at least 30,000 Hindus and Sikhs.
Lakhs of Hindu and Sikh refugees were displaced, many of whom continue to struggle in various parts of India.
Call For A National Movement
The Jammu Kashmir People’s Forum and Mirpur POJK Balidan Samiti called for a nationwide movement to reclaim POJK, POTL, and COTL. The groups urged citizens to foster nationalist consciousness and push for diplomatic and military efforts to restore India’s territorial integrity.
The event concluded with a reminder of India’s parliamentary resolution passed on 22 February 1994, which reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and called upon Pakistan to vacate occupied territories.“India will resist any conspiracy against its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and any interference in its internal affairs will be strongly opposed,” the resolution states.
With strong statements from government leaders and legal experts, the POJK Sankalp Diwas program underscored the Modi administration’s firm stance on reclaiming lost territories and reuniting POJK with India.
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In a boost to the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government has initiated five pilot projects for using hydrogen in buses and trucks. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had issued guidelines for implementing oilot projects in the transport sector under this Mission.
After detailed scrutiny, the Ministry has sanctioned five pilot projects consisting total of 37 vehicles (buses and trucks), and 9 hydrogen refuelling stations. The vehicles that will be deployed for the trial include 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine-based vehicles.
These vehicles will run on 10 different routes across the country — Greater Noida–Delhi–Agra; Bhubaneshwar–Konark–Puri; Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Surat; Sahibabad–Faridabad–Delhi; Pune–Mumbai; Jamshedpur–Kalinga Nagar; Thiruvananthapuram–Kochi; Kochi–Edappally; Jamnagar–Ahmedabad; and NH-16 Visakhapatnam–Bayyavaram. “The above projects are awarded to major companies like TATA Motors Ltd, Reliance Industries Limited, NTPC, ANERT, Ashok Leyland, HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL,” said the ministry.
The total financial support for selected projects made available will be around Rs 208 crore from the government. These pilot projects are likely to be commissioned in the next 18-24 months, paving the way to the scale-up of such technologies in India.
According to the Ministry, the thrust area for providing support under the scheme is the development of commercially viable technologies for the utilisation of hydrogen in the transport sector as fuel in buses and trucks and Supporting infrastructure like Hydrogen refuelling stations. One of the objectives of the Mission is to support the deployment of Green Hydrogen as fuel in buses and trucks, in a phased manner on a pilot basis. The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched on January 4, 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore up to FY 2029-30.
—IANS
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The floor of the Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed an angry exchange of words between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Ramesh Chennithala, veteran Congress legislator, a former home minister and leader of opposition.
Soon after question hour, the seasoned Congress MLA sought leave for an adjournment motion to discuss the burning issue of the increase in the use and trading of drugs in Kerala, besides the increasing violence among the student community.
As he moved his leave for the adjournment motion, Chennithala, in his speech, used the words ‘Mr Chief Minister’ a few times and slammed CM Vijayan for being unable to tackle this grave issue through effective policing.
This irked CM Vijayan. Continuing to slam the CM, Chennithala then pointed to incidents like the recent suicide of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu and the controversial granting of parole to the accused ( CPI(M) activists) in the T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case. “Mr Chief Minister, what’s happening in our state?” asked Chennithala.
CM Vijayan known for his tough demeanor, lost his cool as Chennithala continued to repeat the words ‘Mr. Chief Minister’. The CM stood up and said, “There is no need to address Mr Chief Minister alone all the time, instead, you should understand what’s happening in our state.”
Seeing CM Vijayan fuming, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan got up and said to him, “You are the Chief Minister and also the Home Minister, and we will criticize. Why are you so intolerant of being criticized? We are sitting here not to speak what you want to hear. Moreover, addressing you as Mr Chief Minister is not wrong,” said Satheesan.
Chennithala pointed out that there was nothing wrong with using the terminology Mr Chief Minister, as it’s not an unparliamentary expression.
During the first term of CM Vijayan (2016-21), Chennithala was the leader of opposition, and during then, also there were a few times when both of them entered heated discussions and in his second term — 2021 onwards, Satheesan became the LoP and has been keeping CM Vijayan on tenterhooks.
Incidentally, CM Vijayan is the unquestionable leader both in the government and in the ruling Left Democratic Front, and over the years, there has not been a single voice of dissent against him, especially within his party or coalition.
It is only on the floor of the Assembly that he faces a direct attack from the opposition, and like in the past many times, he often loses his cool, as was seen on Monday.
–IANS
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