Jitu Patwari demands sacking of three ministers ahead of MP Budget session

Bhopal, Feb 12, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Thursday wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, demanding the immediate removal of three senior cabinet ministers from the government before the state Assembly’s Budget session commences on February 16.

The letter accuses the BJP-led administration of ignoring public sentiment, fostering arrogance, and shielding ministers amid “serious controversies” and “administrative failures”.

In the letter, Patwari described Madhya Pradesh as a “democratically governed state” where every governance unit is expected to uphold democratic values, ethics, and constitutional norms.

He lamented that the government’s actions appear contrary to public feelings, promoting anarchy, arrogance, and hubris.

With the Budget session set to begin on February 16, including the Governor’s address, Patwari criticised the anticipated speech for presenting “inflated statistics” while the state grapples with a “severe economic crisis and mounting debt” to which the government remains “indifferent”.

Patwari highlighted the presence of ministers whose cabinet utility is now questioned due to grave allegations; saying Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah faces serious charges of insulting the nation’s daughter and the Indian Army through derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an officer who played a key role in briefing the media during Operation Sindoor.

The controversy has led to multiple apologies from Shah, Supreme Court interventions, and ongoing legal scrutiny, he said.

Also, state Health Minister (and Deputy Chief Minister) Rajendra Shukla is linked to the tragic deaths of “dozens of innocent children in Chhindwara” from poisonous cough syrup (contaminated with toxins like diethylene glycol), which Congress has blamed on government “negligence” and demanded a CBI probe, Patwari said.

He further wrote, Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stands accused of failing to provide clean drinking water to his constituency, amid recent water contamination incidents in Indore causing multiple deaths and widespread illness due to sewage mixing with supply lines.

Patwari called it “extremely unfortunate and shameful” that despite insults to the Army, deaths of innocents, and administrative lapses, these ministers continue in office. This, he argued, raises profound questions about the government’s “morality, sensitivity, and accountability”.

Describing the moment as a test of CM Yadav’s moral commitment, responsibility, and leadership, Patwari urged the Chief Minister to sack the ministers before the Governor’s address to respect public sentiment. Failure to do so would send a clear message that the government tacitly endorses lies, immorality, and the dishonor to the country’s daughters and the Indian Army, he warned.

The chief minister has yet not responded to the letter.(Agency)

‘Why denigrate a section of society…’: SC raps Netflix film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the makers of the upcoming Netflix film “Ghooskhor Pandat” over its allegedly derogatory title, observing that freedom of speech and expression cannot be used as a licence to denigrate a section of society.

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notice to the Centre, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the release of the film, and posted the matter for further hearing on February 19.

During the hearing, the Justice Nagarathna-led Bench took strong exception to the title of the movie, remarking that such nomenclature could disturb social harmony.

“Why should you denigrate a section of society by using such a title? Freedom of speech and expression does not mean you can portray a community in a bad light,” it observed.

The Supreme Court further indicated that it would not permit the release of the film unless the title was changed.

“We will not allow you to release the film unless you tell us that the title has been changed,” the bench told the filmmaker.

Observing that names of this nature could create unrest in the country, it said: “Such names can create disturbance in the country when there is already so much unrest. When there are so many fissures in society, how can we remain silent spectators?”

The PIL before the Supreme Court alleged that the film’s title and storyline promote caste- and religion-based stereotyping and hurt the dignity and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community. It contended that equating the caste identifier “Pandit” with “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) creates a defamatory stereotype against an identifiable community and violates Articles 14, 19(2), 21, 25 and 51A(e) of the Constitution.

The plea, filed by Atul Mishra, National Organisation Secretary of the Brahman Samaj of India, through advocate Dr Vinod Kumar Tewari, has sought a direction restraining the release or screening of the film in its present form.

Appearing for filmmaker Pandey, counsel submitted that the trailer had already been removed from social media platforms and that the title of the film was being changed.

The Supreme Court directed the producer to file an affidavit placing on record the steps taken, including the proposed change of title.

In a related development, the Delhi High Court earlier disposed of a plea seeking a stay on the release of the film after Netflix submitted that it would change the title and had removed all promotional content bearing the earlier name from social media.

Taking the statement on record, a single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav of the Delhi High Court observed that no further directions were required in view of the stand taken by the streaming platform.(Agency)

Sanjay Raut slams UBT corporators for BJP tie-up in Chandrapur, blames Congress infighting

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026

The Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction on Thursday voiced strong displeasure over recent developments in Chandrapur, where some party corporators extended support to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the mayoral election.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has made it clear that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had issued explicit instructions against any understanding with the BJP and described the move as a “betrayal” of the party’s long political struggle.

Raut also pointed to a lack of coordination within the Congress as a factor behind the local political shift.

Speaking to reporters, Raut said any alliance with the BJP would amount to a “sin” that Maharashtra would not forgive. He maintained that although the BJP is currently in power, Shiv Sena (UBT) would not accept the “stigma” of compromising for short-term gains.

“For years, we have fought against them. To compromise now for the sake of power is unacceptable to me and the majority of our party. If there is to be any alliance in Chandrapur, those ‘traitors’ who betrayed the Shiv Sena must first be removed,” Raut said.

Speaking about the lack of coordination within the Congress, an ally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Raut said that despite discussions with senior leaders such as MP Pratibha Dhanorkar and Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, internal differences within the Congress prevented a united approach.

“The Congress needed to engage more seriously with our corporators and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi members. Unfortunately, two factions within the Congress could not reach a consensus until the very end. In that vacuum, local politics shifted, and some supported the BJP,” Raut said.

He added that the local Congress leadership, including state president Harshwardhan Sapkal, should reflect on the developments. Raut compared the situation in Chandrapur to earlier political friction witnessed in Kalyan-Dombivli involving the MNS and other parties.

He said that Uddhav Thackeray is closely monitoring the situation. The corporators concerned are likely to be called to Mumbai within the next two or three days, after which a final decision on withdrawal of support or disciplinary action will be taken, he added.

Raut reiterated that Thackeray’s position against the BJP remains firm, particularly in the backdrop of the split in the original Shiv Sena.

“Uddhav Thackeray’s orders for Chandrapur were clear: do not bring these ‘thieves’ to power. If anyone thinks they are ‘Super Uddhav Thackeray’ and can override his orders, I do not know who they are,” he said.

When asked whether his remarks were directed at party legislator Varun Sardesai, Raut dismissed the suggestion. “Just as there is only one Balasaheb, there is only one Uddhav Thackeray. No matter how big a leader becomes, the chief’s order is final,” he stated.(Agency)

Kharge condemns caste discrimination, highlights Odisha Anganwadi boycott

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday strongly condemned “persistent caste-based discrimination” in India, citing a shocking case from Odisha where parents have boycotted an Anganwadi centre for three months because the helper-cum-cook is a Dalit woman.

Kharge described how the Anganwadi, meant to support children’s physical and cognitive development through nutrition and early education, has been effectively shut down due to caste prejudice.

“Anganwadi is supposed to be a place for the physical and cognitive growth of children,” he said, emphasising that the ongoing boycott deprives young students of their rightful nutrition and hampers their overall development.

He expressed outrage at the parents’ discriminatory attitude toward the Dalit woman worker, underscoring that children should not suffer due to adult biases.

Kharge stressed that every child has a fundamental right to receive proper nutrition under government schemes designed to combat malnutrition.

The Congress leader extended his criticism to similar incidents in other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chandigarh, where caste discrimination has led to tragic outcomes.

He referenced cases of Madhya Pradesh, where a person urinated on a tribal labourer, a Dalit government employee who committed suicide amid alleged workplace harassment and institutional bias in Gujarat.

In Chandigarh, an ADGP (Additional Director General of Police) from the Dalit community died by suicide, with his note alleging sustained caste-based discrimination, mental harassment, and humiliation by superiors within the police force itself.

Kharge noted that such events reveal how caste prejudice permeates not just social spheres but also professional environments, undermining the dignity, career progression, and personal safety of marginalised sections.

Kharge pointed out that treating employees differently based on caste violates key constitutional provisions, including Articles 14 (equality before law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 17 (abolition of untouchability).

He demanded that the government treat such cases with utmost seriousness, ensuring strict and timely action against perpetrators.

“Whenever there is a need to act in such matters, we hear excuses from the government that Dalits have been deprived,” Kharge remarked sarcastically, urging immediate intervention to uphold constitutional values and protect vulnerable communities from systemic bias.(Agency)

PMO’s new address ‘Seva Teerth’ to be inaugurated by PM Modi tomorrow

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is all set to relocate from the British-era building in South Block to its new address — ‘Seva Teerth’, the newly constructed building at Kartavya Path, on Friday.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the complex — Seva Teerth as well as Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2.

The inauguration will mark a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture as the Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat.

Inside the Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2, several high-profile ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, Education, will operate.

According to officials, PM Modi will first unveil the name of the building complex Seva Teerth at around 1.30 p.m. and then formally inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 and also address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 p.m.

The new complex reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. Both building complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities.

These features will enhance collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance, improved citizen engagement and enhanced employee well-being.

Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes.

“These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors,” said an official statement.

The new state-of-the-art building in the Centra Vista area has been furnished with future-ready facilities. It is well-equipped to maintain an optimal, modern working environment, something which was lacking in South Block.

As per available information, several high-profile ministries are located at Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2. They include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.(Agency)

Shreya Ghoshal: Being able to lend my voice to diverse narratives is incredibly fulfilling

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026

Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who continues to showcase the extraordinary range of Indian music with a lineup of recent releases spanning multiple languages, genres, and emotional landscapes, finds it “incredibly fulfilling” to be able to lend her voice to diverse narratives.

Her latest releases, which include “Inqalabi Ziddi, Maatrubhumi, Assalu Cinema, Gana Gunjur, O Maayi Ri and Thalodi Marayuvathevide Nee”, reflect a wide spectrum of moods, languages, and creative collaborations.

Shreya said: “Moving between genres and emotions back to back has been a powerful reminder of just how versatile Indian music truly is. Each of these songs, Inqalabi Ziddi, Maatrubhumi, Assalu Cinema, Gana Gunjur, O Maayi Ri and Thalodi Marayuvathevide Nee, comes from a very different cultural and musical space, yet they are all deeply rooted in storytelling and emotion.

“As a singer, being able to lend my voice to such diverse narratives is incredibly fulfilling, and I feel grateful to be part of a journey that celebrates the richness and unity of our musical traditions.”

Shreya is noted for her wide vocal range and versatility. Often referred to as the “Queen of Dynamics’, Shreya has recorded songs for films and albums in various Indian and foreign languages and received numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards, four Kerala State Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, one Maharashtra State Award, one Telangana Gaddar Film Award and BFJA Award.

Her debut songs “Bairi Piya” and “Dola Re Dola” won her the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. She went on to receive four more National Awards for “Dheere Jalna”, “Yeh Ishq Haaye”, “Pherari Mon”, “Jeev Rangla”, “Maayava Thooyava”.

Shreya was born in Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal. She grew up in Rawatbhata, a small town near Kota, Rajasthan. Her father is an electrical engineer and works for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, and her mother is a literature post-graduate.(Agency)

Bhumi Pednekar thrilled with her fresh new ‘bangs’

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026

Actress Bhumi Pednekar is over the moon after getting a brand-new haircut and couldn’t wait to share her excitement on social media.

The actress took to her Instagram handle to unveil her fresh look, flaunting her chic haircut in a series of pictures.

“Am so happy that I got bangs,” she wrote as the caption.

Recently, Bhumi celebrated two years of the crime thriller “Bhakshak” .

Reflecting on the journey of the hard-hitting film, Bhumi shared that when Bhakshak was released, it travelled across borders and deeply moved audiences globally. However, two years later, the actress admitted she feels shattered by how relevant the story remains.

Bhumi took to Instagram, where she wrote: “ Two years ago, Bhakshak travelled across borders, messages poured in from every corner of the world, not because people just watched it, but because people felt it. I was overwhelmed then. I’m heartbroken today.”

The actress said that the story about Bhakshak is relevant today.

“Because the truth is, this story is still so relevant. Sexual violence on women and children is becoming the basic thread of us,” she wrote.

Bhumi pointed out that recent global developments have once again exposed how unsafe the world continues to be for children. Her remarks come at a time when international cases such as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal continue to resurface in public discourse.

“The last few weeks have reminded us how unsafe the world can be for children. No child should have to grow up hyper-aware of danger. That burden belongs to us not them,” she added.

“Children deserve freedom. To play. To dress as they choose. To be protected, accepted, and held by society when they have no one. Some films end when the credits roll. Some refuse to let us look away.”

Bhumi says that Bhakshak will always be one of those for her.

“Bhakshak” follows the story of a struggling local journalist who begins a dogged investigation into harrowing cases of abuse being covered up at a shelter for young girls.(Agency)

‘Why does only Kerala shut down?’: LoP Satheesan questions state’s bandh culture

Kozhikode, Feb 12, 2026

The 24-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions on Thursday has reignited a familiar debate in Kerala, where shutdowns continue to draw criticism for paralysing public life.

Interacting with media in Kozhikode as part of the UDF’s ‘Puthuyuga Yathra’, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan questioned why national strikes assume the character of a total bandh only in the state, even as normal life remains largely unaffected elsewhere in the country.

Incidentally, while Satheesan’s yatra is on, the three yataras of the Left are on hold on Thursday.

Satheesan said that while the Congress supports the broader demands raised by trade unions, the method of enforcing strikes in Kerala is outdated.

“In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, one may hardly notice that a strike is taking place. In Karnataka, Maharashtra, or even Delhi, public life does not come to a standstill. Why should Kerala alone shut down as if it were a bandh?” he asked.

The Congress leader called for a broader public debate on the practice of enforcing total shutdowns in the name of national strikes.

He alleged that the ruling CPI-M, which backs the strike in Kerala, did not adopt such tactics when it governed West Bengal and Tripura.

According to him, protest methods that disrupt daily life without clearly communicating the demands to the public have lost relevance.

The UDF, Satheesan said, favours taking issues directly to the people through outreach programmes rather than paralysing essential services.

The strike, spearheaded by central trade unions including the CITU, has been projected as a warning to the Narendra Modi government over what organisers describe as pro-corporate and anti-people policies.

The agitation has drawn participation from Central and state government employees, and workers in banking, insurance, coal, electricity, and defence sectors.

Farmers’ and agricultural labour organisations have also joined.

While strike organisers claim it could mark a new chapter in India’s protest history, the sharper impact in Kerala has once again placed the state’s political culture of shutdowns under scrutiny.(Agency)

80–90 MLAs want Shivakumar as Karnataka CM: Congress MLA amid leadership tussle

Ramanagar, Feb 12, 2026

Amid the leadership tussle in Karnataka, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain on Thursday claimed that around 80 to 90 MLAs in the grand old party want Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar to become Chief Minister.

Shivakumar’s loyalist Hussain said that many legislators believe that the former deserves the Chief Minister’s post as recognition for his struggles and hard work.

Speaking to reporters in Ramanagar, Hussain said, “It is good in terms of governance and also important in view of the upcoming elections. Against this backdrop, we are demanding the Chief Minister’s post for Shivakumar. This is what I know. I do not know who is identifying with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Likewise, we do not know who is identifying with Shivakumar.”

“All 140 MLAs are hoping for a change, and around 80 to 90 MLAs are discussing the issue of a leadership change. We are all supporting Shivakumar,” he stated.

Meanwhile, according to sources, the Congress leadership has taken serious note of the foreign tour undertaken by some Congress MLAs believed to be close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The party’s Karnataka in-charge and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has reportedly sought the names of the MLAs who were part of the trip.

The sources said the foreign tour was organised to defuse the leadership buzz in the state. They also noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah began budget preparatory meetings much earlier, immediately after the special session, in this context. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar remained absent from a meeting related to his portfolios, stating that he had obtained prior permission.

Surjewala has sought details regarding the nature of the foreign trip, whether the MLAs are aligned with any particular camp, and whether the tour was undertaken for political reasons.

State Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh said that a few leaders had asked him to join them on the foreign trip, but he declined. He clarified that the trip was not organised by his ministry.

Responding to the issue of legislators undertaking a foreign tour, Siddaramaiah had said that the MLAs and MLCs are travelling abroad at their own expense.

Meanwhile, hinting at a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Shivakumar, State Congress President, said he had met leaders at 10 Janpath in New Delhi, the residence of Sonia Gandhi, and added that “time will give the answer”.

After visiting Sonia Gandhi’s residence, when Shivakumar was asked whether he had met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or Rahul Gandhi, he replied, “I have come to 10 Janpath. There is no necessity for me to disclose whom I have met and why I have met them. I am not ready to carry out politics standing on the street. We have met our national leadership and discussed everything that needed to be discussed. That’s it.”(Agency)

When PM Modi urged students to learn from Abraham Lincoln’s life

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026

‘Modi Archive’, a popular social media handle on X, on Thursday shared an old video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding Abraham Lincoln, his legacy, and also remembering the US politician as a man who never gave up in times of adversity and kept soldiering on, staying firm on his beliefs and principles.

Thursday marks the birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th United States president, whose life is celebrated for his steadfast espousal of human values and democracy. He was the US President from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865 and is remembered for leading his country through the American Civil War and paving the way for the abolition of slavery.

In the video dated 2006, Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat Chief Minister, heaps praise on Lincoln’s perseverance and resilience and urged students and youth to take inspiration from his life.

Recalling his roller-coaster ride in US politics, CM Modi said, “If a person, despite a series of failures and setbacks constantly for three decades, persists with a valiant fight, certainly we can also take inspiration from his life.”

He told the gathering that disappointments and defeats in life are not the end of life but an opportunity for a fresh beginning.

The event, where the then Gujarat CM made these remarks, was a convocation ceremony at the Nirma University, where he was invited to address the students.

Describing Lincoln’s life as one filled with persistence and perseverance, he said the former US president’s values remain relevant today, especially for youth.

“Abraham Lincoln lost many elections, failing even to win the panchayat elections in his village. He also faced failure in business and struggled with debts every time he contested. Despite failures in every aspect of life, Abraham Lincoln never gave up. He continued to strive, struggle, and move forward towards his goal,” the then Gujarat CM said.

“Finally, a time came when he achieved his first major success, becoming the President of the United States. This success was not merely a story of ascent to the highest position of power, but a triumph of patience, dedication and unwavering determination,” he noted.(Agency)

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