India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Chandigarh: A 73-year-old grandma, who lived in US for 30 years, "did everything right, worked, paid tax, and never missed any immigration check date" is heartbroken after being deported in cruel manner -- denied access to even her medicines on flight and once handed a plate of ice as food during her detention."After living there for so long, you are suddenly detained and deported this way, it is better to die than to face this. In such a situation, one should not live," Harjit Kaur said with anguish. Choking up while speaking to TOI on Thursday evening, she said: "Look at my feet, they are swollen like cow dung cakes. I neither got medicine nor am I able to walk."Kaur landed in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon and was on her way to her sister's house in Mohali when she narrated her ordeal to TOI. A native of Pangota village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, Kaur moved to the US with her two sons around 33 years ago after her husband, Sukhwinder Singh, passed away.She lived in the San Francisco Bay area and worked at a cloth store in Berkeley till Jan this year when she had to quit because of complications from her knee surgeries.Kaur was taken into custody on Sept 8 during a routine check-in with immigration officials. Her asylum applications had been turned down, with the last rejection in 2012.Kaur was moved to Mesa Verde IC Processing Centre in Bakersfield. "Despite the outrage over my detention and sympathy for me, the authorities in the US were simply unmoved," she said.She was flown from Georgia to Armenia and then to New Delhi, along with 132 others, many of whom were Punjabis, she said. She was the only one not shackled and handcuffed. "I was the oldest, you see," Kaur said.Her lawyer in the US, Deepak Ahluwalia, put out a video narrating the 60-70 hours before her deportation flight to India. "She was not given a bed and had to share a holding room. There was a concrete bench. She was made to sleep on the floor with a blanket. She was unable to get up when she would lie down because she had double knee replacement surgery."Ahluwalia added, "She would ask for food so she could take her medicines. Those requests were ignored. Not that she wasn't fed at all. She was given a cheese sandwich. When she asked again to have something or even water to take her medication, she was given a plate of ice. She explained she had dentures and could not eat them. The guard told her -- 'that's your fault'."Kaur was even denied a shower the entire time, said the lawyer. "Prior to the flight on Monday around 7pm, she and other detainees were given wet wipes and told to just clean up before they boarded. Throughout this entire ordeal, no food," he said.Ahluwalia said an officer was apparently going to cuff and shackle Kaur as they "usually do on the plane," but another officer said not to because of her age. "The point I am trying to make here is how a 73-year-old grandmother with no criminal record was treated. And everyone can keep saying she had a final order of removal and she was asked to leave. ICE has suggested in their response to media articles that she had exhausted all her appeal options. That's correct. What's completely incorrect is that she chose to stay here when her case was denied or the last appeal option ran out."Kaur is heartbroken that she could not even bid a proper farewell to her home in the US. "I couldn't go back even once to take care of my belongings, which were lying the way I left them," she told TOI.Now back in India, she said she was "unwell" and would stay with her sister in Mohali for the time being. "Let's see what is in store for my life," she said.Kaur has all sympathy for those who were deported with her. "They spent lakhs to go there. Some of them had spent 10 months to a year in detention and now return empty-handed. They were in distress as they had sold their land to reach US," said the elderly woman.Kaur's younger brother, Kulwant Singh, a farmer in Pangota village, told TOI that he and the entire family would take care of her."We were able to get a travel document by ourselves and were trying to negotiate with ICE attorneys and US govt for her to depart on a commercial flight. That's all we were asking for," Singh said."We had asked to release her for even 24 hours. You can put ankle monitoring, or do whatever you need to, but give her a chance to say her goodbyes and take care of what she needs to take care of, and she will depart from San Francisco on Monday. We had attached the flight ticket, but they stopped responding. And around 2am on Saturday, without notifying the attorney or anyone else, they took her from Mesa Verde and drove her to LA in handcuffs," he added.Ahluwalia said that a separate complaint would be given on the way Kaur was treated during her deportation. Kaur said whatever her counsel said in the video was true.MSID:: 124124097 413 |
Based in Punjab with journalistic experience of over two decades, Navjeevan Gopal is a senior journalist reporting on crucial issues such as drugs, crime, gangsters, terror and other security issues in the border state. The Punjab Police is one of his core beats. Currently an assistant editor with The Times of India in Punjab Bureau, he comes with a vast experience of over 18 years in The Indian Express, the national daily known for its investigative journalism. Gopal had started his career in journalism with the Hindustan Times as a contributor, gradually moving to The Indian Express and thereafter TOI. He also covers Punjab's politics with his area of interests being the 104-year-old party Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also extensively reported on Sikh diaspora settled across the globe.
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 2 (ANI): The court commissioner submitted his survey report in Chandausi Court in the Sambhal Jama Masjid-Harihar case on Thursday. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. Also Read | Karnataka Contractor Suicide Row: BJP Sends Sachin Panchal's Death Note to Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi; Congress Leader Priyank Kharge Says 'Party Set for Humiliation'. On December 30, a delegatio ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 8 (ANI): The anti-terror squad (ATS) of Maharashtra has arrested 60 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants across the entire state in the year 2024. In December 2024 alone, the ATS managed to arrest 43 Bangladeshi nations residing illegally. In 2025, to date, four cases have been filed against the illegal Bangladeshi nationals and six accused have been arrested. Most Bangladeshis have been arrested from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate, Lay Foundations for Projects Over INR 2 Lakh Crore in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam T ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency, Sandeep Dikshit, on Monday took a dig at Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for her 'crowdfunding campaign' to contest the election, saying that the ruling AAP is spending much more than the expenditure limit. He alleged that AAP is spending Rs 500 to 700 on each volunteer. He stated that the party had appointed around 11 to 12 volunteers in each booth. "...Their (AAP) paid volunteers are on the ground with 11-12 of them at each booth. Each volunteer is being paid Rs 500-700. This only amounts to Rs 3- ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of being "so arrogant that he did not even greet the President" during the 75th Constitution Day event held in Parliament. This comes as the grand old party has often voiced its criticism against the saffron party for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu at the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building last year and Ram Temple consecration this year. "Rahul Gandhi is so arrogant that he did not even greet the President. Just because she comes from the tribal community, is a woman and Rahul Gandhi is the prince of ...Read More >
Meet Venkata Datta, Hyderabad techie, who is set to marry badminton star PV Sindhu The KYC Bubble: How digital ID's could trigger a global collapse 5 reasons why Allu Arjun will become biggest pan-India star with Pushpa 2: The Rule This is world's weirdest hotel where guests stay to get insulted, pay Rs 20000 room rent, it is located in... Vikrant Massey breaks silence on his 'retirement' announcement, says his post was misread: 'I'm not...' After breakup with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora does 'Nain Matakka' with another actor, netizens react Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala wedding: Allu ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) Odisha MLAs across party lines on Tuesday demanded an increase in their salaries and enhanced pensions for former lawmakers. The issue was raised during Zero Hour by Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, supported by members from both Congress and BJP. Mallik emphasised the need to increase the pension of former MLAs, saying they were struggling to manage due to rising market prices and medical expenses. She pointed out that a committee formed by the previous government had already submitted a report recommending an increase in the salary of MLAs to Rs 2.5 lakh per ...Read More >
Amritsar (Punjab) December 04 (ANI): The major mishap took place while the SAD President was serving his religious penance on 'day 2' at Golden Temple. Clad in blue 'sewadar' uniform, Badal was sitting at the entrance of the Temple with a plaque card around his neck. Suddenly an unidentified man fired at Sukhbir Badal; people standing around him quickly overpowered the shooter. The shooter was later identified as Narayan Singh Chaura by the Punjab Police and further investigation underway. Notably, Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' in August by Akal Takht, which announced religious punishment for ...Read More >
Gurdaspur (Punjab) [India], December 4 (ANI): Jasmeet Kaur, wife of Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Sukhbir Singh Badal, condemned her husband's actions on Wednesday. She stated that her husband had informed her he was attending a "death anniversary programme" in Amritsar. "I didn't know what had happened until reporters came knocking at my door. Earlier, he had been lodged in jails in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Gurdaspur," Kaur told reporters. "I don't think what he did was right," Kaur added. Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh ...Read More >
Assam Beef Ban: A political row has erupted over the Assam government's decision to ban the public consumption of beef in the state with the Opposition labelling it "against the right to freedom" while the ruling BJP lauding the state Cabinet's call. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced on Wednesday that his government has decided to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
New Delhi: The CAG report, which Aam Aadmi Party leaders are denying as false, was indeed accepted as true by the Delhi government lawyer in the High Court when he blamed the LG office for leaking it to the public. Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court, who was hearing a petition by the BJP MLAs, said the government should have promptly placed the CAG reports before the house for discussion. "The way you dragged your feet raises doubts about your bonafides. You should have promptly forwarded the reports to the speaker," Justice Datta said, "and had a discussion in the house. The timel ...Read More >
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday, January 14, announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was murdered in Bijapur district earlier this month. Talking to reporters at the helipad in police lines, Sai said a building will be constructed for scribes and named after the slain journalist. Sai said, "The deceased journalist's family will be given Rs 10 lakh assistance. A building will be constructed for journalists, and it will be named after him." 33-year-old freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar went missing on January 1. His body ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 5 (VOICE) The Assam government's decision to impose a complete ban on the consumption of beef in public places, including hotels and restaurants, has garnered positive reactions from other BJP leaders. In Chhattisgarh, Cabinet Minister Tankaram Verma welcomed the move, stating, "In our country, cows are revered as Gau Mata. From birth to death, their importance in our lives is unparalleled, even during final rites where cow urine is used. I wholeheartedly support this decision by the Assam government and congratulate them for taking such a step." Similarly, Uttar Pradesh's Min ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 15 (VOICE) Former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy on Sunday refuted the bribery charge levelled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying the Congress leaders have been offering him bribes to suppress the Waqf encroachment report. CM Siddaramaiah on Saturday alleged that BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra "tried to bribe" the former Minority Commission Chairperson during the previous government with Rs 150 crore to suppress a probe into the Waqf property encroachment. Speaking to the media, Anwar Manipaddy stated that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has any genuine co ...Read More >
In the financial sector, the rise of generalist lenders is gaining traction as market dynamics shift. Once overlooked, lenders offering a broad spectrum of services are now favored over specialists like microfinance or affordable housing lenders. Post-COVID, regulatory pressures and emerging risks in niche sectors have driven many lenders to diversify their portfolios, appealing to investors seeking stability. From gold loans to SME lending, diversification mitigates risk and strengthens customer relationships. As the financial landscape evolves, the demand for generalist lenders is expected t ...Read More >
The Delhi BJP also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. In a recently-released video, the Delhi BJP has given a tour of the luxurious bungalow of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, where he lived while serving as the Chief Minister of the state. The party also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who shared the video on X, called the Civil Lines bu ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A political slugfest erupted after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of attempting to incite communal tensions. BJP leaders criticised Gandhi's visit as a desperate political move, driven by competition with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to reclaim vote banks. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, slammed the government's actions as undemocratic and an assault on constitutional rights. BJP spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi described the visit as a "sign of h ...Read More >
Kuldeep Singh Sengar is also serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim's father. Kuldeep Singh Sengar sought interim bail on the grounds that he was suffering from various ailments The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sent ...Read More >
Chief Minister Hemant Soren proposed Rabindra Nath Mahato's name for the post and the proposal was seconded by JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato JMM legislator Rabindra Nath Mahato was on Tuesday elected unopposed as the Speaker of the sixth Jharkhand assembly. Chief Minister Hemant Soren proposed Mahato's name for the post and the proposal was seconded by JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato during the second of the four-day session of the assembly. Soren congratulated Rabindra Nath Mahato on behalf of ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of ant--dowry lawy. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: 4 People ...Read More >
New Delhi [India] January 22 (ANI): Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a stand in defending the rights of Indian immigrants in the United States. Surjewala also highlighted the contributions of over 20,000 Indian immigrants and expressed concerns over the government's silence on the deportation orders under President Donald Trump's administration. Sharing a detailed post on X Surjewala said, "Dear Prime Minister Modi ji, Pls spare a few moments to watch Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde speaking the truth to President of United States of Amer ...Read More >
Mumbai: Bringing an end to the 10-day-long nail-biting haul since the Mahayuti's win in the Maharashtra elections, Devendra Fadnavis (54) will be sworn in as Chief Minister at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan at 5.30 pm on Thursday, December 5. His swearing-in comes a day after he was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) legislative party unit in the presence of party supremos. Devendra Fadnavis was born on July 22, 1970. His father, Gangadharrao Fadnavis, was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur, and his mother, Sarita Fadnavis, was a former director of th ...Read More >
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is consulting experts on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following Maharashtra's assembly poll results. The opposition questions EVM credibility after the Mahayuti coalition's significant win. Sule advocates for ballot papers, citing other countries' adoption, and will announce a final decision soon.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said the opinion of experts is being sought over the "EVM issue" in the wake of the Maharashtra assembly polls' mandate as she b ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of anti dowry law. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. "Dowry laws, being made to protect women should not be misused because if some women are ...Read More >
Bhopal, Dec 18 (PTI) Congress MLAs demonstrated on Wednesday in the Madhya Pradesh assembly premises by holding kettles and tea cups alleging rising unemployment in the state. The MLAs held placards accusing the state government of forcing youngsters to sell tea by depriving them of jobs. Also Read | 'Mukadma, Mulzim, Ilzam, Ittila, Chashmdeed': BJP Government in Rajasthan To Replace Urdu Terms in Policing With Hindi Words. "Unemployment is growing in MP. Youths will have no option but to sell tea in such a situation," the leader of the opposition Umang Singhar, who led the protest on the t ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): With an eye on the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Congress on Wednesday announced 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana', promising to provide Rs 25 lakh health cover per family. The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here. Gehlot termed the scheme a "game changer" in Delhi "...We have given a lot of coverage to the health... 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' of the Delhi government will be similar to 'Chiranjeevi Yojana' of the Rajasthan government...I am happy that I got the opportunity to launch this scheme here," the ...Read More >