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Bhupesh Baghel terms Assam polls ‘real vs fake Congress’ fight, targets CM Sarma

Guwahati, March 24, 2026

Veteran Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on Tuesday, sharpened his attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, describing the upcoming Assembly elections as a battle between the “real” and the “fake” Congress.

Addressing reporters here, Baghel said the electoral contest in Assam is no longer a conventional BJP versus Congress fight, but an ideological struggle within the Congress.

He alleged that while the “real Congress” is being led by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi, the “fake Congress” is being led by Chief Minister Sarma.

“The people of Assam will choose between the original Congress ideology and those who have abandoned it for political convenience,” Baghel said, expressing confidence that voters would rally behind the Congress under Gogoi’s leadership.

The senior Congress leader also pointed to recent political developments, claiming that several leaders who were once associated with the Congress have shifted allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and are now contesting the upcoming elections.

He said this trend reflects an ideological divide rather than a simple party contest.

Baghel, who is serving as the Congress’ election observer for Assam, asserted that there is a growing pro-Congress sentiment across the state.

According to Congress leader Baghel, the leadership change in the state unit has created a “new political atmosphere”, with people looking for an alternative to the current BJP government.

He also accused the ruling BJP government of indulging in “misgovernance and intimidation”, and alleged corruption at higher levels.

The BJP, however, has repeatedly rejected such allegations.

Chief Minister Sarma, who had been a top Congress leader in Assam and served as a Minister in successive Congress governments between 2001 and 2015, joined the BJP in August 2015 and later rose to become the Chief Minister.

Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for April 9, while counting of votes will take place on May 4, as per the Election Commission of India.(Agency)

Bengal: Political slugfest erupts between Trinamool and BJP in Siliguri over minor girl’s death

Kolkata, March 24, 2026

In the midst of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to North Bengal, Siliguri is in turmoil following the unnatural death of a minor girl.

Local MLA and BJP candidate, Shankar Ghosh, staged a sit-in to demand justice.

Meanwhile, Siliguri Mayor and Trinamool candidate Gautam Deb visited the deceased girl’s family on Tuesday and instructed the Siliguri Police Commissioner to take immediate action.

According to the police, the private tutor of the minor girl, a resident of Ward No. 1 in Siliguri, had been repeatedly making romantic overtures toward her.

The tutor is a married man and a father of two children. The girl’s family alleged that the tutor subjected her to severe mental harassment because she refused to accept his proposals.

Unable to bear the pressure, the girl committed suicide by hanging herself at her home.

The area erupted in unrest on Tuesday morning as news of the incident spread. Initially, the accused’s residence was vandalised.

Subsequently, locals set up a road blockade at Siliguri Junction.

BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh sat on a dharna, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) marched to the Siliguri SDO office, leading to yet another road blockade.

The police struggled to bring the situation under control, as protesters even hurled bangles at them to mark their protest. The situation escalated to the point that the administration was forced to deploy central forces.

Meanwhile, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb visited the minor girl’s home. From there, he telephoned the Siliguri Police Commissioner and instructed him to ensure the swift arrest of the accused.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently on a tour of north Bengal to campaign for the Assembly elections.

Shankar Ghosh targeted the deteriorating law-and-order situation in West Bengal.

He stated: “The police remain inactive in various matters in this very manner. It is due to their inaction that the accused remains at large today. There are also glaring lapses in the investigation. We will not tolerate any of this. It is for this very reason that I have suspended all political campaigning and staged a sit-in demanding the arrest of the accused. I am not budging from this spot.”

Gautam Deb said, “I am the Mayor of this city. I have made it clear to the police that there is no room for politics here. I will not offer any comments regarding who is staging a sit-in or where. However, I have spoken with the police. I demand severe punishment for the culprit.”(Agency)

Kamal Haasan’s MNM not to contest TN polls, extends unconditional support to DMK-led alliance

Chennai, March 24, 2026

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan said on Tuesday that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will not contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and will instead extend unconditional support to the DMK-led alliance, citing larger political priorities and the state’s interests.

Addressing party members and the media, Haasan said the decision was taken after careful deliberations and in continuation of MNM’s earlier stand during the 2024 Parliamentary elections, when the party had joined the DMK-led front “in the interest of the nation”.

He noted that MNM had worked sincerely for the alliance’s success, which helped amplify its voice at the national level, including representation in the Rajya Sabha.

Haasan said the MNM had since adhered to alliance principles without compromising its independent identity.

However, he acknowledged that recent seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Assembly elections, held in two phases, did not yield an outcome acceptable to MNM.

Haasan said that discussions with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin, and members of the DMK negotiating team were conducted in a cordial and respectful atmosphere marked by mutual understanding.

Despite this, Haasan said that the number of seats offered to MNM, along with the suggestion that the party contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, was not acceptable either to him or to party cadres.

Emphasising the emotional connect of MNM workers with the party’s ‘battery torch’ symbol, party chief Haasan said it represented the movement’s identity built over the past nine years.

“This symbol is not merely an electoral sign but a reflection of our journey and values,” he added, underlining the importance of preserving the party’s distinct political space.

While acknowledging the political realities and electoral calculations that shaped the DMK’s position, Haasan said MNM had chosen to prioritise Tamil Nadu’s broader interests over electoral participation.

He expressed confidence that supporting the alliance would contribute to the formation of a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government in the state.

Thanking party cadres for their continued support, Haasan affirmed that MNM’s political journey would continue beyond electoral contests, signalling a long-term commitment to public life and governance.(Agency)

Darakshan Hassan Bhat highlights women empowerment in Kashmir at UNHRC

Srinagar, March 24, 2026

Darakshan Hassan Bhat, Speaker at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and President of the Kashmir Women’s Organisation (KWO), on Tuesday, highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising both progress and persistent challenges during her recent address at the world body in Geneva.

Calling it an honour to represent the region at such a global platform, Bhat said her intervention was shaped by both academic grounding in gender studies and extensive field experience working with women across Kashmir.

“It was really an honour to represent at such a platform at the Geneva UNHRC convention. With my academic background in gender and women studies and on-ground experience, we tried to present a very informed perspective,” she told IANS.

Bhat said her address focused on the transition of women and girls in Jammu and Kashmir, assessed through key indicators such as education, political participation, economic involvement, agriculture, healthcare, and digital empowerment.

She noted that women in the region are increasingly embracing digital tools, leading to new economic opportunities.

“We are moving forward digitally very well. You will see women working from home. Many women from Jammu and Kashmir are becoming entrepreneurs, starting businesses from their kitchens and reaching global markets,” she said, adding that traditional gender boundaries are gradually blurring.

However, she said that employment opportunities remain gendered, with many women still hesitant to enter certain professions due to societal perceptions and lack of dignified work environments.

“Women have had less access and fewer opportunities, or they don’t feel dignified in certain professions. But things are changing fast,” she added.

Bhat also stressed the need for a shift in a societal mindset, particularly among youth.

“There has been a long-standing mindset in Kashmir where everyone wants a government job. We need to evolve our thinking. There are many other avenues for growth, and our youth is now starting their own brands,” she said.

Highlighting the complexity of challenges faced by women, she distinguished between “concrete” and “abstract” issues.

Concrete issues, she said, include access to institutions, justice, and government support such as scholarships.

In contrast, abstract issues stem from societal and familial restrictions that limit women’s choices.

“Abstract issues are more difficult to address. When your family or society does not allow you to do certain things, what can be done? Working on these aspects is a challenging task,” she noted.

Bhat also underlined the importance of narratives in shaping global perceptions of Kashmir, saying that platforms like the UNHRC can play a constructive role in strengthening the human rights framework.

“Such platforms help bring forward nuanced realities. There is no black and white — everything has a larger story in between. Presenting that within a limited time is always a challenge,” she said.

Speaking about expectations from the international community, Bhat expressed hope that global engagement would support ongoing efforts to address gender disparities and empower women in the region.

She concluded by reiterating that while progress is visible, sustained efforts are needed at both institutional and societal levels to ensure inclusive growth and equal opportunities for women in Jammu and Kashmir.(Agency)

Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy: Panel alleges conspiracy, recommends FIRs

Mumbai, March 24, 2026

A high-level committee that probed the 2024 Ghatkopar hoarding collapse has recommended the registration of FIRs against police and civic officials, besides advertisers and engineers, citing a “criminal conspiracy” and regulatory failures that led to 17 deaths.

The panel report, tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday, identified the alleged involvement of certain police and municipal officials in facilitating illegal hoardings and said that those who fail to act against violations must face legal and departmental proceedings.

The committee, headed by former Allahabad High Court chief justice Dilip B Bhosale, stated that the sequence of events showed collusion between private parties and officials to circumvent the rules of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

It called for registering FIRs, prosecuting offenders, and recovering costs from them. It emphasised that police are duty-bound to register FIRs under the Defacement Act upon detection of illegal hoardings.

At least 17 people died, and 74 were injured after a huge iron hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump in Ghatkopar amid a dust storm on May 13, 2024.

Following the incident, the state government set up a committee to investigate the roles of the entities responsible for the hoarding and the petrol pump.

The panel stated that offenders, including advertising agencies, must face criminal prosecution, heavy fines, and immediate removal of unlawful structures, with costs recovered from them.

It also held structural engineers accountable, stating that those issuing “false or defective” stability certificates should be suspended and blacklisted for 3 to 5 years.

The committee further proposed holding beneficiaries of illegal hoardings – including political leaders featured on such displays – primarily liable, with provisions for fines and prosecution under relevant laws.

The report pointed to systemic lapses, stating that the collapse was “essentially the result of failure to properly enforce existing regulations”.

It also noted that the hoarding exceeded the permissible size by more than three times despite clear BMC norms.

Citing past directions of the Bombay High Court in separate cases, the panel sought strict compliance with judicial mandates on outdoor advertising regulation and enforcement.

To plug regulatory gaps, it recommended the creation of a nodal agency to ensure uniform rules and coordinated action across authorities such as the BMC, Railways, and police, preventing offenders from exploiting jurisdictional overlaps.

The report also called for periodic structural audits of hoardings, especially in high-traffic and coastal areas, alongside stricter norms on size, height, spacing, and prohibition in sensitive zones to enhance public safety.

The committee called for the swift removal of illegal or unsafe hoardings and consistent enforcement to prevent recurrence of such incidents.(Agency)

Congress can go to Pakistan to contest polls: CM Sarma

Guwahati, March 24, 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the rejection of its candidate’s nomination, while also announcing a series of development promises and welfare measures ahead of the elections.

Reacting to the controversy, Sarma took a jibe at the opposition, saying, “If the Congress is unhappy, they can go and contest elections in Pakistan,” triggering a fresh political slugfest in the state.

Notably, the Election Commission today rejected the nominations of three Congress candidates during scrutiny.

However, Sarma said he does not want any candidate’s nomination rejected in the ongoing election process, but maintained that applications would be cancelled if found to be incorrectly filed in accordance with the rules.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said the scrutiny of nomination papers is a legal and procedural exercise, and the authorities will act strictly in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission.

“I do not want anyone’s nomination to be rejected. However, if someone has filed their nomination incorrectly, then it will be rejected as per the rules,” he said.

The Chief Minister also indicated that eviction drives would be carried out in several areas of Barpeta district after the elections.

“Once the polls are over, eviction will be undertaken in multiple locations in Barpeta,” he said, asserting that the government remains committed to clearing encroachments.

Focusing on development, Sarma announced that a new flyover would be constructed in Bhawanipur to ease traffic congestion and boost connectivity in the region.

He said infrastructure expansion remains a key priority of the state government.

In a significant outreach to unemployed youth, the Chief Minister promised financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to eligible young men and women.

“We will provide Rs 2 lakh to unemployed youths to support their livelihoods and encourage self-reliance,” he said.

Sarma reiterated that the BJP-led government is working with a clear vision of development and governance, and urged people to support the party in the upcoming elections. (Agency)

India’s toll collection may hit Rs 4 trillion as AI-based system rolls out by 2026: Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi, March 24, 2026

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said India’s toll collection could see a sharp jump in the coming years, driven by rising road projects, growing vehicle numbers and a shift to advanced digital systems.

Speaking at an event, Gadkari said the government expects annual toll revenue to rise to about Rs 3.5–4 trillion in the near future, compared to the current Rs 80,000–85,000 crore.

He explained that as the economy grows, the automobile sector also expands, leading to higher traffic on highways and, in turn, increased toll collection.

“This will also benefit investors in road infrastructure,” he added.

The minister highlighted that India is moving towards a fully digitised, barrier-free tolling system. The country plans to adopt a multi-lane free-flow system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which will eliminate the need for physical toll plazas.

“The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026,” Gadkari noted. He noted that the use of new technologies is already helping save around Rs 8,500 crore in toll collection costs.

Work has begun on several such projects, with tenders awarded for 10 plazas and more in the pipeline.

Gadkari was speaking at the listing ceremony of National Highways Authority of India-backed Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT). The InvIT’s Rs 6,000-crore initial public offering received strong investor interest, getting oversubscribed nearly 14 times.

Talking about infrastructure financing, the minister said India has significant potential to monetise road assets, but the pace of spending remains a concern. He added that if execution improves, the country could invest up to Rs 8–8.5 trillion annually in infrastructure, combining budgetary support and funds raised from the market through asset monetisation.

Gadkari also said that by the end of 2026, assets worth Rs 3.5 trillion are expected to be placed under InvITs. The National Highways Authority of India has already monetised road assets worth about Rs 1.5 trillion in the last four years and plans to continue this strategy. It will also remain invested in RIIT with at least a 10 per cent stake.(Agency)

Photo exhibition on visa fraud by British High Commission in Jalandhar

Jalandhar, March 24, 2026

The British High Commission, in collaboration with Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, organised a photo exhibition on campus as part of the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ awareness campaign here on Tuesday.

The initiative aimed to educate students and young travellers about the risks associated with visa fraud and irregular migration.

The exhibition was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Amandeep Grewal, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh.

Dr Navroop Kaur extended a warm welcome to the guests.

The exhibition showcased real-life case studies, highlighting common tactics used by fraudsters and the serious consequences of falling victim to visa scams.

Students were sensitised to the risks of irregular migration, including financial loss, exploitation, and even a potential 10-year ban from travelling to the UK. Rajinder S Nagarkoti, Senior Adviser, Political, Media and Migration, British High Commission, also addressed the students and shared key insights about the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign, encouraging them to remain vigilant and informed.

During the session, officials from the British High Commission informed the gathering about a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380), which provides verified guidance on UK travel in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

The platform helps users identify fraudulent practices and access authentic information on safe and legal travel routes.

Appreciating the initiative, Dr Ekta Khosla emphasised that awareness is the strongest tool to safeguard youth from visa fraud, adding that such efforts empower students to make informed, responsible, and secure decisions about their future abroad.

The initiative aligns with the India-UK Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to combat irregular migration and promote safe mobility.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Rama Sharma, with support from Dr Ramnita Saini Sharda, Coordinator of Global Linkages.

Adding a cultural touch, students from the Music Vocal Department presented a “Folk Guldasta,” while the Music Instrumental Department performed a folk orchestra under the guidance of Dr Prem Sagar and Dr Gunjan.

The exhibition proved to be highly informative and impactful, equipping students with essential knowledge to make safe and informed decisions regarding international travel.(Agency)

Bangladeshi national attempting to flee using forged Indian passport held at Mumbai airport

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

A Bangladeshi national attempting to travel to Congo using a fake Indian passport was apprehended at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, officials said on Wednesday.

A larger network of forged documents during immigration checks, they said.

According to officials, the incident came to light after immigration scrutiny revealed discrepancies in the documents presented by the accused, leading to the recovery of multiple forged identification papers.

The Sahar Police said it has launched a detailed probe into the case.

“Thanks to the vigilance of immigration officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a major fraud scheme has been exposed. The Sahar Police have arrested a Bangladeshi national who was attempting to flee abroad using a forged Indian passport,” an official statement said.

Police said the incident occurred at around 4:15 a.m. when immigration officer Ganesh Gawli was on duty, and a passenger approached the counter for verification. Although the documents initially appeared to be in order, closer inspection raised suspicion.

The passenger had presented an Indian passport mentioning an address in Kolkata, but officials noticed that the mobile number provided carried a Bangladeshi country code.

This inconsistency prompted further questioning, and he was escorted to senior officers for detailed interrogation.

During sustained questioning, the accused disclosed his real identity as Sukanta Mallick, aged 39, a resident of Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. He admitted that he had entered India illegally in 2012.

The accused further revealed that he had managed to obtain an Indian passport in 2022 using forged documents.

Investigators also found that he had fraudulently acquired other identification documents, including a PAN card, a Voter ID and a Ration Card.

Officials said that the accused was scheduled to board a flight from Mumbai to Congo, identified as Dar City, on flight number TC-401, with the intention of settling abroad using his fake Indian identity.

Immigration authorities recovered several documents from his possession, including the fake Indian documents, a Bangladeshi birth certificate, his mother’s passport, and a mobile phone.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused may not have acted alone, with officials suspecting the involvement of an organised syndicate engaged in producing forged documents to facilitate illegal residency in India and movement abroad.

Following the arrest, the Immigration Department handed over the accused to the Sahar Police for further legal action. A case is being registered against him under multiple charges, including fraud, forgery and illegal stay in the country.

In the wake of the incident, security and immigration agencies at the airport have been put on high alert, and efforts are underway to trace those who assisted the accused in procuring the forged documents and enabling his attempted travel.(Agency)

Iran talks on, war ‘won’: Trump

Washington, March 25, 2026

President Donald Trump said the United States is in active negotiations with Iran and declared that the conflict had been “won”, even as he swore in Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security at the White House.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, Trump said talks with Iran were underway and involved top members of his administration.

“We’re in negotiations, as it turned out. Now, you’ve seen what I said yesterday was exactly correct. We’re in negotiations right now,” he said. “They’re doing it, along with Marco, JD. We have a number of people doing it.”

He added that senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, were part of the effort.

“And the other side, I can tell you, likes to make a deal. And who wouldn’t if you were that,” Trump said.

The President suggested that the current Iranian leadership had already undergone significant changes. “It’s what we have really, regime change. You know, this is a change in the regime because the leaders are all very different from the ones that we started off with that created all those problems,” he said.

Trump also said Iran had signalled its intent during talks by offering concessions linked to energy routes.

He spoke of “a gift” offered by the Iranian side regarding oil and gas and the Strait of Hormuz, to demonstrate that they are in control. He said the offer “was worth a lot of money”.

Reiterating his administration’s red line, Trump said Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. “They aren’t going to have nuclear weapons,” he said.

On the status of the conflict, Trump rejected suggestions that fighting was continuing.

“This war has been won,” he said. He added that only the “fake news” was suggesting otherwise and claimed that the opposing military was “totally defeated”.

At the same time, Trump described the situation as a “military operation”, noting that “people don’t like it when he calls it a war”. He acknowledged that he had used the term earlier.

He said senior defence officials were optimistic about a quick resolution. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Caine had said the situation would be settled “very soon”, he added.

Trump also referred to his conversations with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him “a warrior” when asked about their exchanges.(Agency)

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