The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly mocking Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram and “insulting” the Dalit community. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to the social media platform X and shared a video of Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of disparaging Kanshi Ram to elevate SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav’s legacy.

“Akhilesh Yadav first insulted the Kshatriya community by supporting the statement of an SP MP who called Rana Sanga a traitor. Now he is mocking the Dalit community’s guide, Kanshi Ram, only to make him look smaller than Mulayam Singh,” Malviya wrote. “Now it seems that you have started smelling foul smell from every section of Hindu society. There is no cure for this disease called ‘secularism,'” he added.

Kanshi Ram, who founded the BSP in 1984, dedicated his life to the upliftment of Dalits and marginalised communities. His political journey was marked by challenges in the early years before gaining wider recognition. The controversy arose after Akhilesh Yadav, while speaking at a recent event, said, “While this is history, it is also true that if anyone had got the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party to the Lok Sabha, then it was the voters of this place who had helped him get to the Lok Sabha. He was unable to win from anywhere.”

“It is recorded in history that at that time, if anyone had helped the founder of the party, Kanshi Ram, to win, then it was Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and the socialist people who had helped him get to the Lok Sabha,” he added.

Kanshi Ram was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1991 from Etawah under the SP-BSP alliance, which strategically benefited from the Samajwadi Party not fielding a candidate in Jaswantnagar. The alliance marked a major turning point in Uttar Pradesh politics, uniting backward castes and Dalits against the rising tide of the BJP.

However, the alliance collapsed after the infamous 1995 guest house incident, where SP workers allegedly attacked Mayawati. Despite the fallout, Kanshi Ram’s Lok Sabha win in 1991 cemented his political legacy and established BSP as a national political force.

–IANS

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The legendary dancer and choreographer Prabhu Deva, who captured the hearts of 90s kids with his electrifying moves met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow today. The meeting was said to be regarding the upcoming Telugu mythological epic Kannappa, a film that has already generated significant buzz across India.

Prabhu Deva, often called as India’s Michael Jackson by his fans, became a household name in the 90s with iconic dance numbers like Chikku Bukku Rayile from Gentleman and Urvashi Urvashi from Kadhalan. Now, decades later, the dance maestro continues to inspire, this time as part of the Kannappa team, where he is reportedly set to choreograph a song for the film.

The delegation, which also included Dr. M. Mohan Babu, Chancellor of Mohan Babu University, actor Vishnu Manchu, and Vinay Maheshwari, was warmly received by CM Yogi Adityanath. During the meeting, the team presented the Chief Minister with thoughtful gifts, including a glass painting and a red box, symbolizing the cultural exchange between the Telugu film industry and Uttar Pradesh’s leadership. In a gesture of support, CM Yogi Adityanath signed the Kannappa poster and extended his best wishes for the film’s success.

Kannappa, a movie based on the legend of a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, with a stellar ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal. Originally slated for release on April 25, 2025, the film’s launch has been postponed, with new dates yet to be announced. The project, which has been in the making for nearly a decade, promises to be a visual spectacle, blending pan-Indian talent with a powerful narrative.

The meeting in Lucknow highlighted the growing synergy between India’s political and entertainment spheres, with CM Yogi Adityanath expressing his appreciation for the team’s efforts in bringing such a culturally significant story to the big screen. For 90s kids, seeing Prabhu Deva in the spotlight once again was a nostalgic treat, reaffirming his timeless appeal as a dance legend who continues to make waves in the industry.
As Kannappa gears up for its release, fans eagerly await the magic that Prabhu Deva will bring to the film, hoping for a glimpse of the same energy that made them dance along to his tunes in the 90s.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to visit Prayagraj on Tuesday to participate in various programmes and review security arrangements for the ongoing Maha Kumbh. During his visit, the Chief Minister will offer prayers at Sangam Nose, Akshayvat, and Hanuman Temple. His visit coincides with the expected arrival of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in the city on Tuesday.

CM Yogi will be present to welcome him and oversee his participation in the grand religious gathering. The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has already witnessed around 35 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, massive crowds gathered for the Amrit Snan, with lakhs of devotees travelling from across the country.

Despite a recent stampede incident that left 30 dead and over 60 hurt, the enthusiasm among pilgrims has remained undeterred. In response to the incident, security measures have been intensified, and CM Yogi is personally monitoring the arrangements.

The increased vigilance was evident during the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan, where thousands of devotees took a peaceful and organised holy dip at the Sangam Nose. The Chief Minister had also conducted a high-level review meeting from his official residence to ensure smooth arrangements. With another large turnout expected today, he will again be in Prayagraj to assess the situation on the ground.

According to the Media Centre of Mahakumbh 2025, CM Yogi’s schedule in Prayagraj includes multiple engagements. He will arrive at 10:10 AM and proceed to perform rituals at key religious sites. He will also visit the Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre in Sector 3 and inspect the Triveni Complex before concluding his tour.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to depart for Lucknow at 3:15 PM. Meanwhile, King Wangchuk is also likely to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh. CM Yogi will be present to receive him and oversee the arrangements for his visit. With heightened security and lakhs of devotees expected to arrive, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees.

–IANS

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The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a fresh probe into the 1978 riots in Sambhal and asked police to submit a report within a week. The Superintendent of Police (SP) received a letter from the Deputy Secretary of the Home (Police) Department, appointing an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) to lead the probe.

Additionally, the SP has written to the District Magistrate (DM) requesting the appointment of an administrative officer for a joint investigation. On January 7, Sambhal SP KK Bishnoi wrote a letter to Sambhal District Officer Dr Rajendra Pensia and informed that UP Legislative Council member Shrichandra Sharma demanded an inquiry into the 1978 riots in Sambhal. On this, he has received a letter from UP’s Deputy Secretary of Home and Superintendent of Police (Human Rights). In such a situation, Sambhal SP Shrichandra will be involved in the investigation on behalf of the police.

The riots of 1978 in Sambhal reportedly caused significant communal unrest, leading to large-scale violence, arson, and the displacement of several Hindu families. Survivors have stated that many Hindus were killed during the riots, forcing them to flee the area. This renewed interest in the riots comes shortly after the reopening of the ancient Kartik Mahadev Temple in Sambhal, which had been closed for 46 years. The temple’s reopening followed a violent incident during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024.

Former residents who had fled due to the riots recounted their harrowing experiences and welcomed the temple’s reopening, which they believe marks a step toward justice and reconciliation. The joint investigation aims to shed light on the events of 1978 and ensure accountability for the violence.

–IANS

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took a potshot at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her symbolic support for Palestine using a bag. He sought to shed light on how Israel ranked higher in priority for his government and the Centre and also how this “association” was yielding better gains for the state’s youth.

“A Congress leader goes to show off her bag with ‘Palestine’ emblazoned on it while the government has already sent more than 5,500 youths from Uttar Pradesh to Israel who are engaged in infrastructure projects there and earning handsome wages in return,” Chief Minister said, addressing the House on the second day of UP Assembly’s winter session.

He said that youths from the state are living happily and in a secure environment they are also earning more than 1.5 lakh per month. “Whatever they send back contributes to the state’s economy and interestingly, there has been increasing demand from Israel as the UP youths have made their mark with hard work,” he added.

CM Yogi’s taunt on Priyanka comes in the wake of criticism that the Congress MP invited after she carried a bag flaunting Palestine tag. Many BJP leaders rebuked the Congress lawmaker over her Monday’s gesture and called it “crass communal posturing”.

As Priyanka’s gesture for extending support to Palestine with her handbag stoked a major row, she also hit back at critics. “Who is going to decide what clothes I wear now? Who is going to decide that? That’s typical patriarchy that you decide what women wear also. I don’t subscribe to that. I will wear what I want,” she told the newspersons.

Notably, the bag that Wayanad MP carried to Parliament on Monday had ‘Palestine’ emblazoned on it. It also featured a watermelon, symbol signifying support to the war-torn nation. Notably, the Congress General Secretary has been vociferous over Israel’s military offensive against Palestine, which followed after dastardly terror attacks by Hamas in October last year.

–IANS

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In a significant move, the Public Works Department (PWD) has marked a couple of houses in Bahraich with red signs.

The houses which have been marked in the red include that of key accused Sarfaraz and others, believed to have been involved in the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra.

Bahraich police have apprehended more than 52 individuals till date, in connection with 11 separate cases filed after the incident. The move to mark houses in the red comes almost a week after the communal violence shook Bahraich’s Maharajganj (October 13) and is being seen as a precursor to bulldozer action.

The main accused Sarfaraz was gunned down in a police encounter on Thursday while attempting to flee to Nepal. The marking of homes has sparked widespread fear and anxiety among the locals, particularly those whose houses have been tagged. Many residents are in a state of panic, fearing the demolition of their homes.

A woman named Mahmoodan claimed that her husband was taken away by police without giving any valid reason. “We were sitting quietly when they suddenly dragged him away without saying a word. He was forcibly taken, beaten, and hasn’t been released yet.”

Other residents are also anxious and worried about the chaos and unrest after Bahraich communal violence and claim that the unruly crowd is ransacking their houses.

One woman, whose husband escaped arrest by the police said, “He ran away after panicking. He is 60 years old, and I have no information on whether he is dead or alive. I’m worried because I have small children, and I don’t know how to handle this situation.”

Another woman voicing fears about the recurring unrest said, “People break into my house anytime and cause destruction. Where am I supposed to go? My grandchildren are unwell, and I can’t even find their medication. What should I do?” Bahraich witnessed a heated argument between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession on October 13, which later intensified into a communal flare-up and violent clashes.

Ram Gopal Mishra, a 22-year-old man was shot dead by other community members in the Mahrajganj area in Bahraich’s Mansoor village, leading to widespread demonstrations and protests.

The state government promised stern action against the accused and nabbed key accused Sarfaraz and his associate Talib, while the duo tried fleeing to Nepal.

–IANS

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Union Minister Lalan Singh said on Saturday that Late Mulayam Singh Yadav’s soul must be in pain due to the stand of his son and Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav. Earlier, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to withdraw his support from the PM Modi-led government.

Lalan Singh emphasised that Mulayam Singh Yadav had built his reputation by fighting against the Congress party during the Emergency which contributed to his rise as a powerful leader. “In contrast, Akhilesh Yadav is aligning himself with the very Congress party his father once opposed suggesting that this shift would definitely be deeply painful for the legacy of Mulayam Singh. The soul of Mulayam Singh Yadav must be in pain,” he said.

He added that Akhilesh’s political alignment undermines the values and principles his father stood for, particularly regarding their historical opposition to the Congress party. Meanwhile, Lalan Singh also addressed the tragic train accident in Tamil Nadu, calling it ‘unfortunate’. “Such unfortunate occurrences happen in the country. In the past, several incidents happened where people deliberately placed objects on tracks to derail trains. The Railway Ministry is conducting an investigation and the truth behind the accident will be revealed soon,” Singh said.

The Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a goods train at the Kavarippettai railway station in the Chennai railway division on Friday.

–IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a world-class stadium in his parliamentary constituency of Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on October 20.

Named after the second Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium is located in Sigra, Varanasi.

Varanasi District Magistrate said that the stadium is completely ready for the sportsmen and spans approximately 15 acres.

“This will be the city’s largest stadium. It is equipped with all facilities and was built at a cost of around ₹200 crore,” said Varanasi District Magistrate.

He added that this biggest stadium has been prepared in three phases. “The first phase has a multi-purpose hall and an Olympic size swimming pool while the second phase has a cricket ground, a national centre of excellence as well as hostels for players and coaches,” said Varanasi District Magistrate.

He said that the third phase has a synthetic track for athletics.

“Any players can come here for practice. The stadium has not been restricted for the players of Varanasi,” he said.

Satyam Singh, a shooter, said that the most notable thing is that the players did not have any infrastructure like this before.

“The children didn’t even know what shooting is or how it works. With the new stadium, they will be able to come here and practice at the facility,” Singh said.

Pankaj Srivastava, Executive Member of the District Rifle Club said that the stadium is the best sports centre in the area.

“This facility should have been built 15 years ago. We are far behind other regions because we do not have international-level sports facilities. We lack an international shooting range in the state,” said Srivastava.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed the progress of the stadium on June 18.

“Reviewed the progress at the Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Kashi. This stadium and sports complex will greatly help the youth of Kashi,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Apart from a 150-room hostel for players equipped with modern facilities, Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium can also host 50 games including Judo, Karate, Table Tennis, Shooting, Lawn Tennis, Cricket and Hockey as per international standards.

-IANS

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A major accident was averted in Uttar Pradesh by an alert loco pilot of the Rae Bareli-Raghuraj Singh Passenger Train who managed to bring it to a screeching halt after finding sand dumped on the tracks.

The pilot pressed the emergency brakes of train No. 05251 on Sunday evening to prevent it from derailing.

According to the reports, an unknown dumper left sand on the railway track at the Raghurajpur railway crossing in Raebareli around 7:55 p.m.

According to eyewitnesses, earth-filling work was taking place on the Ganga Expressway, and a dumper engaged in the same work dumped sand on the track and ran away.

Soon after, Raghuraj Singh shuttle train number 05251 arrived from Raebareli at a low speed. Due to the low speed of the train, the loco pilot managed to bring the train to a sudden halt, preventing the accident.

Eyewitnesses said that if the train had been traveling at a higher speed, it could have derailed. The police are investigating the case, and a hunt has been launched for the dumper driver.

Later, the sand was removed from the track, and rail traffic was resumed on the route, officials said. On October 5, a major tragedy was averted when a Lucknow-bound train was stopped in time after a car was found moving on the tracks.

The incident occurred near the Gonda-Lucknow rail section when the driver of the Gorakhpur-Lucknow Intercity Superfast Express spotted a car on the tracks. Acting quickly, the driver immediately applied the emergency brakes and stopped the train. Earlier, the Indian Railways said that there have been 18 attempts to derail trains across the country since August.

From June 2023 till date, there have been 24 such incidents, the officials have said. The authorities found various kinds of objects placed on rail tracks, including LPG cylinders, bicycles, iron rods and cement blocks giving rise to speculations that some conspiracies may be involved.

–IANS

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During the Mahakumbh 2025, the sale of meat and alcohol will be prohibited within Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced this on Sunday in the presence of representatives from all 13 akharas.

He stated that the Mahakumbh is organized between January 14 and February 16 under the guidance of the akharas, which are the flag bearers of Sanatan Dharma, with the state government providing support.

The Chief Minister said pilgrims worldwide would experience Sanatan culture during the Mahakumbh and that the government is dedicated to respecting this tradition.

While addressing the saint community at the Mahakumbh site, Chief Minister Adityanath underlined that every saint and devotee coming to bathe in the holy Triveni Sangam would witness the continuous and pure flow of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

He assured that efforts are being made to ensure the cleanliness of these sacred rivers, but also stressed the need for cooperation from the saint community.

The Chief Minister announced that land would soon be reserved in Prayagraj for the ‘samadhi’ of saints who pass away during the Mahakumbh.

He stressed that the progress of Sanatan society is possible under saints’ guidance and called for everyone to contribute to making Mahakumbh 2025 even grander than the previous one in 2019.

The Chief Minister mentioned the late Narendra Giri Maharaj and said that construction of a corridor near the Hanuman temple is being carried out.

He urged all saints to join the campaign for a clean Mahakumbh, asserting that avoiding the use of prohibited plastic would be appropriate. In response to the saint community’s demand for a ban on cow slaughter, the Chief Minister stated that cow slaughter is a crime in Uttar Pradesh, with penalties of up to life imprisonment.

The state government operates over 7,000 cow shelters, housing over 1.4 million cattle. He called for the support of the saint community in promoting cow conservation and suggested that every ashram develop cow protection facilities and engage in cow service. Prioritising security during the Mahakumbh, the Chief Minister urged all saints to verify the identity of anyone staying in their ashrams before granting permission.

Earlier, amidst Vedic chants and slogans praising Sanatan Dharma, the Chief Minister honoured each revered saint and Acharya with traditional shawls.

A short film regarding the management and arrangements for Mahakumbh 2025 was also presented to the saints. During this dialogue session with akhadas and saints, the representatives expressed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath protects Sanatan Dharma, under whom the community feels honoured.

They noted that he is the first Chief Minister to directly engage with saints regarding the Mahakumbh, listening to their concerns and suggestions. The saints expressed satisfaction with the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 and affirmed that it would be grander and more divine than previous events.

They collectively thanked Chief Minister Yogi, highlighting the prevalent global tensions and the potential of Mahakumbh 2025 to convey a message of peace to the world.

–IANS

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