The Jodhpur High Court has granted a seven-day parole to Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman who is currently serving a life sentence for rape, to undergo ayurvedic treatment in Maharashtra. This comes after his earlier plea for suspension of sentence on medical grounds was rejected by the Supreme Court and the Rajasthan High Court. Asaram was convicted of raping a minor in 2018 and has been in jail since 2013. In January 2023, he was also convicted in another sexual assault case and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Today's elections in 15 constituencies located in central Kashmir will be a test for both politicians and voters. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other prominent candidates, including state party presidents, are among those facing the electoral test. These areas were once seen as strongholds of separatists, but the high voter turnout in the first phase of elections has raised hopes for increased democratic participation and development. However, separatist influence in certain constituencies, such as Lal Chowk and Eidgah Hazratbal, may still impact voting figures.
With over 25 lakh voters set to decide the fate of 239 candidates in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, all eyes are on key candidates including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra. The BJP's biggest bet will be put to test in the Pir Panchal valley, where they have been aggressively campaigning to win seats in the Muslim majority region. This phase is part of the three-phase elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir, with the results being announced on October 8.
Shellyne Rodriguez, a former college professor who previously put a machete to the neck of a newspaper reporter, was caught chanting about violence towards law enforcement officials and the Jewish community during an anti-Israel rally in Brooklyn. She was seen wearing a shirt that read "Police Murder People" while chanting with a group of protestors. This is not the first time Rodriguez has caused controversy, as she was fired from her teaching position in 2023 after the machete incident. She has now pleaded guilty and has been sentenced for her actions at the rally.
On the eve of the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, polling officials can be seen leaving for their respective polling stations. This phase will see the fate of many prominent political faces being sealed, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC vice-president, who will face a tough challenge from 16 and 7 contestants respectively in Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies. Other key candidates to watch out for are JKAP founder Altaf Bukhari, contesting for the first time from Chanapora, and PCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, fighting against 12 candidates in Central Shaltengh. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed contestant Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, has managed to garner significant support in Shopian's Beerwah constituency.
The Aam Aadmi Party has strongly criticized BJP MP Kangana Ranaut for her recent statements about reinstating the black agricultural laws of 2020. Accusing the BJP of deliberately causing social tension and spreading hatred, the party called on Prime Minister Modi to take action against Kangana and clarify his stance on the issue. The party's MP Malvinder Singh Kang expressed concern that PM Modi's own party members are making contradictory statements, causing confusion and disrespect towards the sacrifices of the farmers.
After Atishi was chosen by Arvind Kejriwal as the next Chief Minister of Delhi, the BJP immediately took aim at the pair. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused Atishi of being an unwilling CM and stated that she will still have to answer to Kejriwal. Other BJP leaders, including Manoj Tiwari and Kapil Mishra, also criticized the decision to put Atishi in charge, citing her lack of connection to the Anna Hazare movement and promoting "Naxal mentality" in Delhi.
The Akhilesh Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha has filed an FIR against 20 of its members for organizing a havan protest outside the India-Bangladesh Test match venue in Kanpur. Elaborate security arrangements have been made following the incident, with ACP Harish Chander stating that a "fool-proof" plan has been put in place. The police are also coordinating with central and state agencies to deal with any potential threats. The FIR has been lodged under various sections including unlawful assembly and rioting.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP of attempting to dislodge his government through money power and Operation Kamala. This comes after the temple trust released a video that allegedly shows Siddaramaiah asking for a bribe. A massive security deployment has been made outside the CM's residence in Bengaluru after the High Court dismissed his petition.
The recent discovery of animal fats and fish oil in the iconic Tirupati laddu has triggered outrage among Hindu society, who see it as yet another attempt to undermine their faith. The article argues that this attack is not a mere food adulteration case, but a deliberate attack on Hindu civilization and its core beliefs. It also highlights the ongoing persecution of Hindus in various parts of the country and the threat to their sacred geography.
In a public event in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi sparked controversy by stating that secularism is not an Indian concept but a European one. He also criticized former prime minister Indira Gandhi for introducing the concept into the Constitution in 1976. His statements have met with sharp criticism from senior Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore, who called out the governor's misconceptions and urged him to practice restraint in his statements as a constitutional functionary.