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Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue.&nbsp

Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh.

Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office.&nbsp

It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh.

The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory".

"Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said.

"These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said.

Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now.&nbsp

China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue. Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh. Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office. It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh. The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory". "Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said. "These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions. The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said. Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan summons India's Deputy High Commissioner over 'Gilgit-Baltistan' issue

The dead body of a Punjabi singer, Navjot Singh was discovered near Chandigarh on Sunday night.

According to reports, he was shot and his body, bearing four to five bullet injury marks, was found few metres away from his car at village Rampur Sainian in Dera Bassi, Mohali, at around 1 am, said Inspector Mahinder Singh, police station (Dera Bassi).

Reportedly, he was on his way to his parent's house, and had also spoken to his mother, who called at 11:15 pm. He had then told her that he would be reaching home in another 5-minutes.

The singer's family, living in Mohali, was frantically searching for him after he did not reach home last night, police said.&nbsp;

"Investigations are underway," the Inspector said, adding, that a murder case has been registered in this regard and the body has been sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem.

Singh was a budding singer, he had recently released two-singles.

A murder case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. Earlier, last month Punjabi singer Parmish Verma was also shot at in Mohali.

The singer's family, living in Mohali, was frantically searching for him after he did not reach home last night, police said.

The dead body of a Punjabi singer, Navjot Singh was discovered near Chandigarh on Sunday night. According to reports, he was shot and his body, bearing four to five bullet injury marks, was found few metres away from his car at village Rampur Sainian in Dera Bassi, Mohali, at around 1 am, said Inspector Mahinder Singh, police station (Dera Bassi). Reportedly, he was on his way to his parent's house, and had also spoken to his mother, who called at 11:15 pm. He had then told her that he would be reaching home in another 5-minutes. The singer's family, living in Mohali, was frantically searching for him after he did not reach home last night, police said. "Investigations are underway," the Inspector said, adding, that a murder case has been registered in this regard and the body has been sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem. Singh was a budding singer, he had recently released two-singles. A murder case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. Earlier, last month Punjabi singer Parmish Verma was also shot at in Mohali.

Punjabi singer Navjot Singh shot dead near Chandigarh

In its chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in the Sunanda Pusshkar death case, the Delhi Police has accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of ignoring his wife Sunanda Pushkar when she was "slipping into depression".

The chargesheet states that Shashi Tharoor "as a husband ignored Sunanda when she was sliding or slipping into depression and she had Alprax". It also mentions that they had frequent fights.

Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in her suite at a luxury hotel in Delhi on January 17. In its 3000 page chargesheet, the police has accused Shashi Tharoor of abetting her suicide.

The police has alleged that Shashi Tharoor ignored Sunanda Pushkar's attempts to reach him through phone calls and social media. Sunanda Puskhar suspected her husband of having an affair with a Pakistani journalist which led to a major fight between them days before her death.

The police told the court that Sunanda Puskhar's mail and messages on social media have been taken as a "dying declaration".

Twenty seven tablets of Alprax were found in her room, the police told the court, adding that it is not clear how many she had.

On January 8, in an email to her husband nine days before her death, Sunanda Pushkar stated that "I have no desire to live. All I pray for is death."

A Delhi court, meanwhile, today reserved for June 5 its order on whether to summon Congress leader Shashi Tharoor as an accused in the death case. The special court is meant to hear cases against parliamentarians and legislators.

Shashi Tharoor&nbsp;has been charged under sections 498 A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code.

An FIR was registered by Delhi Police on January 1, 2015 against unknown persons under IPC section 302 (murder).

According to prosecution sources, the charge sheet has mentioned that Sunanda Pushkar was allegedly subjected to mental as well as physical cruelty.&nbsp;

In its 3000 page chargesheet, the police has accused Shashi Tharoor of abetting Sunanda Puskhar's suicide

In its chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in the Sunanda Pusshkar death case, the Delhi Police has accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of ignoring his wife Sunanda Pushkar when she was "slipping into depression". The chargesheet states that Shashi Tharoor "as a husband ignored Sunanda when she was sliding or slipping into depression and she had Alprax". It also mentions that they had frequent fights. Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in her suite at a luxury hotel in Delhi on January 17. In its 3000 page chargesheet, the police has accused Shashi Tharoor of abetting her suicide. The police has alleged that Shashi Tharoor ignored Sunanda Pushkar's attempts to reach him through phone calls and social media. Sunanda Puskhar suspected her husband of having an affair with a Pakistani journalist which led to a major fight between them days before her death. The police told the court that Sunanda Puskhar's mail and messages on social media have been taken as a "dying declaration". Twenty seven tablets of Alprax were found in her room, the police told the court, adding that it is not clear how many she had. On January 8, in an email to her husband nine days before her death, Sunanda Pushkar stated that "I have no desire to live. All I pray for is death." A Delhi court, meanwhile, today reserved for June 5 its order on whether to summon Congress leader Shashi Tharoor as an accused in the death case. The special court is meant to hear cases against parliamentarians and legislators. Shashi Tharoor has been charged under sections 498 A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. An FIR was registered by Delhi Police on January 1, 2015 against unknown persons under IPC section 302 (murder). According to prosecution sources, the charge sheet has mentioned that Sunanda Pushkar was allegedly subjected to mental as well as physical cruelty.

Shashi Tharoor ignored Sunanda when she was slipping into depression: Delhi Police to court

The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra began this morning for which all major parties have gone all out as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course.

There was no untoward incident at any polling booth so far, police said.

In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga. The BJP's bickering ally Shiv Sena has fielded the late MP's son Srinivas in a bid to garner the sympathy vote.

The BJP has put up former Congress minister Rajendra Gavit. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Vasai-Virar strongman Hitendra Thakur is also in the fray with the nomination of its ex-MP Baliram Jadhav.

Kiran Raja Gahla of the CPI-M, which has a base in Talasari and Dahanu, and former MP Damu Shingada (Congress) are also contesting in a multi-cornered fight from the seat reserved for scheduled tribes (ST).

The Sena has accused the BJP of distributing cash to voters. During a rally, Uddhav played an audio clip wherein Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis purportedly exhorted party cadre to win the elections "by all means possible." Fadnavis said the audio recording was doctored.

An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana today said its nominee will win the Palghar seat, despite the BJP roping in UP CM Yogi Adityanath in the poll campaign.

"Lord Ram will emerge from the ballot box, wielding bow and arrow (Sena's symbol) and win this seat," it said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>: Voting underway at a polling station for Bhandara Lok Sabha by-poll seat <a href="https://t.co/mARHLU5Ypc">pic.twitter.com/mARHLU5Ypc</a>
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The constituency includes extended suburbs of Mumbai such as Vasai, Virar, Nalasopara, and Palghar in the newly-created Palghar district.

As many as 18 candidates are in fray in Bhandara- Gondia and seven in Palghar. There are total 3,49,1218 voters.

In Palghar, out of the 2,097 polling booths, 14 are listed as critical, while in Bhandara-Gondia, out of 2,149 polling booths, 71 are situated in Naxal-hit areas and 113 are listed as critical.

In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP and the NCP have locked horns in the bypoll, being held after the resignation of BJP MP Nana Patole. Patole, a leader of the powerful OBC Kunbi community, had switched side from the Congress to the BJP and was elected as an MP from the constituency in Vidarbha in 2014 by defeating former union minister and NCP heavyweight Praful Patel.

The NCP, which has allied with the Congress, has fielded former BJP MLA Madhukar Kukde, against BJP's Hemant Patle, who belongs to the Powar community and is also a former legislator.

Counting of votes will be undertaken on May 31.

In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga

The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra began this morning for which all major parties have gone all out as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course. There was no untoward incident at any polling booth so far, police said. In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga. The BJP's bickering ally Shiv Sena has fielded the late MP's son Srinivas in a bid to garner the sympathy vote. The BJP has put up former Congress minister Rajendra Gavit. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Vasai-Virar strongman Hitendra Thakur is also in the fray with the nomination of its ex-MP Baliram Jadhav. Kiran Raja Gahla of the CPI-M, which has a base in Talasari and Dahanu, and former MP Damu Shingada (Congress) are also contesting in a multi-cornered fight from the seat reserved for scheduled tribes (ST). The Sena has accused the BJP of distributing cash to voters. During a rally, Uddhav played an audio clip wherein Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis purportedly exhorted party cadre to win the elections "by all means possible." Fadnavis said the audio recording was doctored. An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana today said its nominee will win the Palghar seat, despite the BJP roping in UP CM Yogi Adityanath in the poll campaign. "Lord Ram will emerge from the ballot box, wielding bow and arrow (Sena's symbol) and win this seat," it said. #Maharashtra: Voting underway at a polling station for Bhandara Lok Sabha by-poll seat pic.twitter.com/mARHLU5Ypc — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 × The constituency includes extended suburbs of Mumbai such as Vasai, Virar, Nalasopara, and Palghar in the newly-created Palghar district. As many as 18 candidates are in fray in Bhandara- Gondia and seven in Palghar. There are total 3,49,1218 voters. In Palghar, out of the 2,097 polling booths, 14 are listed as critical, while in Bhandara-Gondia, out of 2,149 polling booths, 71 are situated in Naxal-hit areas and 113 are listed as critical. In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP and the NCP have locked horns in the bypoll, being held after the resignation of BJP MP Nana Patole. Patole, a leader of the powerful OBC Kunbi community, had switched side from the Congress to the BJP and was elected as an MP from the constituency in Vidarbha in 2014 by defeating former union minister and NCP heavyweight Praful Patel. The NCP, which has allied with the Congress, has fielded former BJP MLA Madhukar Kukde, against BJP's Hemant Patle, who belongs to the Powar community and is also a former legislator. Counting of votes will be undertaken on May 31.

Lok Sabha bypolls: Voting underway at Palghar, Bhandara-Gondia in Maharashtra

Bigg Boss 11’s finalist Hina Khan is having a tough time this month as her social media profile invited strong criticism for the third time in a row after she posted some videos of herself dancing in a belly dance costume.&nbsp;

Social media trollers bashed the TV actress for her choice of attire and the purpose during the holy month of Ramadan when all Muslims are expected to observe fast and not engage in dance, music or other entertainment-related activities.&nbsp;

The trolls took a dig at her religious beliefs by saying, "Ramzan ka to lehaz karti tum." Another said: "Ramadan ka mahina h kuch to sharam Karo hina roze rakh nahi rahi hogi kam se kam rozo ka ehtaram hi karlo."

This is the first post she made:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1gvABxTG/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Let’s dance ? Styled and customised by @kansalsunakshi Jewellery @accessorize_surprise @vblitzcommunications</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realhinakhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Hina Khan</a> (@realhinakhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-28T05:48:12+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT</time>
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This is the video:

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSsDFaBywB/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">❤️</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realhinakhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Hina Khan</a> (@realhinakhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-27T19:07:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT</time>
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Hina being herself, instead of getting bogged down by the comments decided to post some more scintillating pictures of herself.&nbsp;

These are some other pictures she posted:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1y2SBqt4/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">??? Styled by @kansalsunakshi Top- @aaryaa_kk X customised skirt Shoes- @trufflecollectionindia</a>

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This is the third time when Hina invited the wrath of social media trollers after she posted a Mother’s Day comment and a Ramadan tweet. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Hina posted a heartfelt message for her mother and captioned the post as such that a brand of refrigerator was also tagged in it. Twitteratis got to action and made fun of Hina for making Mother’s Day all about a brand campaign. The second time Hina infuriated her fans was when she posted a photo of herself preparing to fast on the first day of Ramadan, however, some wrote that due to her absent-mindedness she missed out on the first day of the fasting month. Hina, on both occasions, gave a fitting reply to the trollers asking them to think before commenting.&nbsp;

Hina became the target of social media trollers for the third time this month-- after her Mother's Day comment and Ramadan tweet invited strong negative comments

Bigg Boss 11’s finalist Hina Khan is having a tough time this month as her social media profile invited strong criticism for the third time in a row after she posted some videos of herself dancing in a belly dance costume. Social media trollers bashed the TV actress for her choice of attire and the purpose during the holy month of Ramadan when all Muslims are expected to observe fast and not engage in dance, music or other entertainment-related activities. The trolls took a dig at her religious beliefs by saying, "Ramzan ka to lehaz karti tum." Another said: "Ramadan ka mahina h kuch to sharam Karo hina roze rakh nahi rahi hogi kam se kam rozo ka ehtaram hi karlo." This is the first post she made: Let’s dance ? Styled and customised by @kansalsunakshi Jewellery @accessorize_surprise @vblitzcommunications A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT × This is the video: ❤️ A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT × Hina being herself, instead of getting bogged down by the comments decided to post some more scintillating pictures of herself. These are some other pictures she posted: ??? Styled by @kansalsunakshi Top- @aaryaa_kk X customised skirt Shoes- @trufflecollectionindia A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 10:50pm PDT × This is the third time when Hina invited the wrath of social media trollers after she posted a Mother’s Day comment and a Ramadan tweet. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Hina posted a heartfelt message for her mother and captioned the post as such that a brand of refrigerator was also tagged in it. Twitteratis got to action and made fun of Hina for making Mother’s Day all about a brand campaign. The second time Hina infuriated her fans was when she posted a photo of herself preparing to fast on the first day of Ramadan, however, some wrote that due to her absent-mindedness she missed out on the first day of the fasting month. Hina, on both occasions, gave a fitting reply to the trollers asking them to think before commenting.

Bigg Boss 11's Hina Khan trolled for dancing during Ramadan

Fans of Ranbir Kapoor are counting days now. Ahead of its trailer launch the makers of '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-ranbir-kapoor-in-sanju-teaser-sanjay-dutts-life-through-rajkumar-hirani-eyes--132509">Sanju' - which stars Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt-</a> have been teasing fans with fresh posters. We have already seen Sanju's posters featuring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sanju-new-poster-does-sonam-kapoor-portray-madhuri-dixits-role-in-ranbir-kapoors-sanju--139628">Sonam Kapoor</a> and Paresh Rawal. The latest poster has Sanju with his best friend plays by Vicky Kaushal.

Kaushal shared the poster on Twitter on Monday and wrote, "Super excited to be playing the role of #Sanju’s best friend. Friendships like these are hard to find. The #SanjuTrailer is out in 2 days, on 30th May!(sic)"&nbsp;

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Super excited to be playing the role of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sanju?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sanju</a>’s best friend. Friendships like these are hard to find. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjuTrailer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjuTrailer</a> is out in 2 days, on 30th May! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanbirKapoor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanbirKapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RajkumarHirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajkumarHirani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajkumarHiraniFilms?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajkumarHiraniFilms</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VVCFilms?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VVCFilms</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/foxstarhindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@foxstarhindi</a> <a href="https://t.co/9F0dqvtpTS">pic.twitter.com/9F0dqvtpTS</a>
— Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) <a href="https://twitter.com/vickykaushal09/status/1000974770412777473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kaushal looks strikingly different in a retro avatar in the poster as he is seen with Ranbir. The actor, who is currently riding high <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-alia-bhatt-starrer-raazi-crosses-rs-100-crore-mark-at-the-box-office-140326">after the success of his last film, 'Raazi'</a>, plays a very important part in Sanju's life.&nbsp;

The film's trailer is going to release on May 30th. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt and features bbevvyof Bollywood stars along with Ranbir Kapoor.&nbsp;

The film's trailer will release on 30th May.

Fans of Ranbir Kapoor are counting days now. Ahead of its trailer launch the makers of 'Sanju' - which stars Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt- have been teasing fans with fresh posters. We have already seen Sanju's posters featuring Sonam Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. The latest poster has Sanju with his best friend plays by Vicky Kaushal. Kaushal shared the poster on Twitter on Monday and wrote, "Super excited to be playing the role of #Sanju’s best friend. Friendships like these are hard to find. The #SanjuTrailer is out in 2 days, on 30th May!(sic)" Super excited to be playing the role of #Sanju’s best friend. Friendships like these are hard to find. The #SanjuTrailer is out in 2 days, on 30th May! #RanbirKapoor @RajkumarHirani #RajkumarHiraniFilms @VVCFilms @foxstarhindi pic.twitter.com/9F0dqvtpTS — Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) May 28, 2018 × Kaushal looks strikingly different in a retro avatar in the poster as he is seen with Ranbir. The actor, who is currently riding high after the success of his last film, 'Raazi', plays a very important part in Sanju's life. The film's trailer is going to release on May 30th. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt and features bbevvyof Bollywood stars along with Ranbir Kapoor.

'Sanju' new poster: Presenting Vicky Kaushal as Ranbir Kapoor's best friend

A voter turnout of 21 percent was recorded till 11 am in&nbsp;RR Nagar&nbsp;constituency of Karnataka&nbsp;on Monday.

The polls that were due to take place on May 12 were deferred in light of the alleged fake voter ID scam.

On May 8, the Election Commission (EC) found 9,746 voter ID cards from a flat in SLV Park View Apartment in Bengaluru's Jalahalli locality.

Following the recovery of the voter IDs, a political slugfest had broken out between the Congress and the BJP, accusing each other of being involved in the scam.

Taking the decision, the EC countermanded the polling in the constituency.

The campaigning in the constituency came to an end on Saturday.

The Janata Dal (Secular) has not fielded their candidate from this constituency and is supporting Congress candidate Munirathna.

The counting of votes for the constituency will take place on May 31&nbsp;

The polls that were due to take place on May 12 were deferred in light of the alleged fake voter ID scam

A voter turnout of 21 percent was recorded till 11 am in RR Nagar constituency of Karnataka on Monday. The polls that were due to take place on May 12 were deferred in light of the alleged fake voter ID scam. On May 8, the Election Commission (EC) found 9,746 voter ID cards from a flat in SLV Park View Apartment in Bengaluru's Jalahalli locality. Following the recovery of the voter IDs, a political slugfest had broken out between the Congress and the BJP, accusing each other of being involved in the scam. Taking the decision, the EC countermanded the polling in the constituency. The campaigning in the constituency came to an end on Saturday. The Janata Dal (Secular) has not fielded their candidate from this constituency and is supporting Congress candidate Munirathna. The counting of votes for the constituency will take place on May 31

RR Nagar assembly polls: 21% voter turnout as recorded till 11 am

Former UP chief ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh Yadav today moved the Supreme Court seeking "appropriate time" for vacating their official residences allocated by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The plea has been filed in the backdrop of the May 7 apex court judgement that had struck down an amendment in a state legislation allowing former chief ministers to retain government accommodation even after demitting office.

The father-son duo had earlier moved the UP government seeking two years' time to vacate their official residences and shifting to their private accommodations in Lucknow.

The former chief ministers, in their plea filed through advocate Garima Bajaj, have sought appropriate time to vacate their official bungalows.

The top court had on May 7 held that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office and had said that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends.

Observing that a Chief Minister cannot continue to occupy public property like government bungalows which belong to people of the country, a bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had struck down the provision saying it had the effect of creating a separate class of citizens for conferment of benefits by way of distribution of public property on the basis of the previous public office held by them.

The top court had passed the order on a petition filed by an NGO Lok Prahari challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the 'UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981'.

The court, in its 29-page order, had said once such persons demit public office held by them, there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man.&nbsp

The former chief ministers have sought appropriate time to vacate their offices.

Former UP chief ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh Yadav today moved the Supreme Court seeking "appropriate time" for vacating their official residences allocated by the Uttar Pradesh government. The plea has been filed in the backdrop of the May 7 apex court judgement that had struck down an amendment in a state legislation allowing former chief ministers to retain government accommodation even after demitting office. The father-son duo had earlier moved the UP government seeking two years' time to vacate their official residences and shifting to their private accommodations in Lucknow. The former chief ministers, in their plea filed through advocate Garima Bajaj, have sought appropriate time to vacate their official bungalows. The top court had on May 7 held that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office and had said that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends. Observing that a Chief Minister cannot continue to occupy public property like government bungalows which belong to people of the country, a bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had struck down the provision saying it had the effect of creating a separate class of citizens for conferment of benefits by way of distribution of public property on the basis of the previous public office held by them. The top court had passed the order on a petition filed by an NGO Lok Prahari challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the 'UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981'. The court, in its 29-page order, had said once such persons demit public office held by them, there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man.

Accommodation row: Akhilesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav move Supreme Court

Biju Janta Dal(BJD) MP Jay Panda today quit the party informing the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik that he was&nbsp;leaving the ruling party in the state due "the politics into which our BJD has descended".

Jay Panda said he will formally convey his decision to the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The MP from Kendrapara was suspended by the BJD earlier this year for "anti-party activities".

The MP from Kendrapara was suspended by the BJD earlier this year for "anti-party activities".

Biju Janta Dal(BJD) MP Jay Panda today quit the party informing the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik that he was leaving the ruling party in the state due "the politics into which our BJD has descended". Jay Panda said he will formally convey his decision to the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The MP from Kendrapara was suspended by the BJD earlier this year for "anti-party activities".

MP Jay Panda quits CM Naveen Patnaik's BJD

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand spectacle on Sunday unveiled the Delhi-Meerut expressway for Capital that will drastically reduce the traffic and pollution.&nbsp;

The BJP has touted the Delhi-Meerut expressway and eastern peripheral expressway as game changers for Delhi’s traffic and pollution and the government is also all set to drive maximum mileage out of it with PM Modi holding a mega road show before throwing open the projects to the public.

PM Modi also inaugurated the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, which is being promoted as India's first green highway.&nbsp;

India’s first smart and green 6-lane highway is impressive for several reasons. For one, it will decongest Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) and connect crucial areas of Palwal, Gautam Budh Nagar, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. For another, it’s an eco-friendly highway that has been made in a record time of 500 days as against a target of 910 days

Key facts to know about the Eastern Peripheral Expressway:

Built at a cost of Rs 11,000-crore, the 135-km no-signal expressway connects Kundli to Palwal, via Ghaziabad. The roadway is expected to divert much of the vehicular traffic from Delhi-NCR as those commuting from as far as Rajasthan to Himachal Pradesh and vice versa, will not be required to pass through the national capital.

To avoid congestion, the electronic form of payment will be promoted at the toll booths.

The lights across the highway would be powered using solar energy. This is the first expressway in the nation which is using the renewable source of energy to light up the roads.

A total of 50,000 trees have been planted on either side of the highway to tackle the vehicular pollution. Replicas of 25 major monuments, including Lal Quila, Taj Mahal, &nbsp;Jalianwala Bagh, Gateway of India and Qutub Minar, among others, will be installed on either side.

The major parliamentary constituencies which will be connected through the EPE include Kundli, Sonipat, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Palwal.

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WATCH: PM Narendra Modi holds road show after inauguration of first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Mansukh Mandaviya also present <a href="https://t.co/K1OB5krvua">pic.twitter.com/K1OB5krvua</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000606308213534720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Key facts to know about the Delhi-Meerut Expressway Phase-I:

The first phase of the 101-km expressway stretches for only 9-km -- from Nizamuddin Bridge to UP border. However, it will prove to be critical for reducing the congestion of vehicles passing to and fro from Noida and Ghaziabad.

The expressway is also India's "first-ever 14-lane" highway, which PM Modi has described as "road to freedom from pollution".

The project will be completed in four phases - Nizamuddin Bridge to UP Border, UP Border to Dasna, Dasna to Hapur and Hapur to Meerut.

At its completion, the project will do away with 31 signals between Delhi and Meerut. It will also bring down the time of journey from 2 hours, 31 minutes at present to merely 40 minutes.

When the foundation stone of the project was laid in December 2015, the total cost was pegged at Rs 7,556-crore.

The two highways, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, will revolutionise the construction of future roadways in India. He further claimed that both the expressways will collectively rid Delhi of the traffic coming from Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

PM Narendra Modi hold roadshow after the inauguration of the first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand spectacle on Sunday unveiled the Delhi-Meerut expressway for Capital that will drastically reduce the traffic and pollution. The BJP has touted the Delhi-Meerut expressway and eastern peripheral expressway as game changers for Delhi’s traffic and pollution and the government is also all set to drive maximum mileage out of it with PM Modi holding a mega road show before throwing open the projects to the public. PM Modi also inaugurated the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, which is being promoted as India's first green highway. India’s first smart and green 6-lane highway is impressive for several reasons. For one, it will decongest Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) and connect crucial areas of Palwal, Gautam Budh Nagar, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. For another, it’s an eco-friendly highway that has been made in a record time of 500 days as against a target of 910 days Key facts to know about the Eastern Peripheral Expressway: Built at a cost of Rs 11,000-crore, the 135-km no-signal expressway connects Kundli to Palwal, via Ghaziabad. The roadway is expected to divert much of the vehicular traffic from Delhi-NCR as those commuting from as far as Rajasthan to Himachal Pradesh and vice versa, will not be required to pass through the national capital. To avoid congestion, the electronic form of payment will be promoted at the toll booths. The lights across the highway would be powered using solar energy. This is the first expressway in the nation which is using the renewable source of energy to light up the roads. A total of 50,000 trees have been planted on either side of the highway to tackle the vehicular pollution. Replicas of 25 major monuments, including Lal Quila, Taj Mahal, Jalianwala Bagh, Gateway of India and Qutub Minar, among others, will be installed on either side. The major parliamentary constituencies which will be connected through the EPE include Kundli, Sonipat, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Palwal. WATCH: PM Narendra Modi holds road show after inauguration of first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Mansukh Mandaviya also present pic.twitter.com/K1OB5krvua — ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2018 × Key facts to know about the Delhi-Meerut Expressway Phase-I: The first phase of the 101-km expressway stretches for only 9-km -- from Nizamuddin Bridge to UP border. However, it will prove to be critical for reducing the congestion of vehicles passing to and fro from Noida and Ghaziabad. The expressway is also India's "first-ever 14-lane" highway, which PM Modi has described as "road to freedom from pollution". The project will be completed in four phases - Nizamuddin Bridge to UP Border, UP Border to Dasna, Dasna to Hapur and Hapur to Meerut. At its completion, the project will do away with 31 signals between Delhi and Meerut. It will also bring down the time of journey from 2 hours, 31 minutes at present to merely 40 minutes. When the foundation stone of the project was laid in December 2015, the total cost was pegged at Rs 7,556-crore. The two highways, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, will revolutionise the construction of future roadways in India. He further claimed that both the expressways will collectively rid Delhi of the traffic coming from Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Eastern Peripheral and Delhi-Meerut expressways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his thoughts with the nation through his monthly radio programme – Mann Ki Baat.&nbsp

Stressing on the empowerment of women. PM Modi congratulated the team of INSV Tarini.&nbsp

"The 6 daughters of India spent more than 250 days on #INSVTarini circumnavigating the globe and returned on 21st May. Their achievement was a first-of-its-kind event in the world. Recently, I had the privilege to meet and interact with these daughters," said PM Modi.

PM Modi also appreciated 5 tribal students from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Ajeet and Deeya Bajaj, Sangeeta Bahl and a BSF contingent for scaling Everest.&nbsp

BSF contingent also brought back dirt that had accumulated in the mountains.&nbsp

He added, “A sense of adventure inspires people to do great things. In the recent weeks, several people scaled Everest and made us proud.”

Talking ongoing fitness challenge ahead, he said there is great awareness towards Fitness, now everyone is saying HumFitTohIndiaFit.

His radio address comes a day after the Narendra Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party marked the fourth anniversary of NDA government in office.

Talking ongoing fitness challenge ahead, he said there is great awareness towards Fitness, now everyone is saying HumFitTohIndiaFit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his thoughts with the nation through his monthly radio programme – Mann Ki Baat. Stressing on the empowerment of women. PM Modi congratulated the team of INSV Tarini. "The 6 daughters of India spent more than 250 days on #INSVTarini circumnavigating the globe and returned on 21st May. Their achievement was a first-of-its-kind event in the world. Recently, I had the privilege to meet and interact with these daughters," said PM Modi. PM Modi also appreciated 5 tribal students from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Ajeet and Deeya Bajaj, Sangeeta Bahl and a BSF contingent for scaling Everest. BSF contingent also brought back dirt that had accumulated in the mountains. He added, “A sense of adventure inspires people to do great things. In the recent weeks, several people scaled Everest and made us proud.” Talking ongoing fitness challenge ahead, he said there is great awareness towards Fitness, now everyone is saying HumFitTohIndiaFit. His radio address comes a day after the Narendra Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party marked the fourth anniversary of NDA government in office.

Proud of INSV Tarini team, says PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta on Sunday asked the separatists to respond positively to the Centre's offer of dialogue so that peace and normalcy is restored in the state.

"We have provided them an opportunity of talks and now they have to see how to proceed further. They should avail this opportunity,"&nbspGupta told reporters on the sidelines of a party event in Jammu.

Lauding the Centre, the senior BJP leader said it had taken a very good decision on completion of four years of the NDA government's rule.&nbsp

"Now an opportunity has provided to them (separatists)&nbspIf they do not come forward, the people of Kashmir should also understand that they are not their well wishers,"&nbspGupta said.

He said it was a big decision of the government and needed to be availed to pave way for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.&nbsp

To another question, Gupta said the border residents were not upset with BJP and assured their demands would be met.&nbsp

"They are not angry with the BJP. I have visited them and their demands would be met,"&nbsphe said adding the centre has already sanctioned Rs 415 crore for construction of bunkers along the International border and Line of Control in the state.&nbsp

The border residents are satisfied with the BJP government, he said dismissing as "opposition propaganda"&nbspthat they were angry with the ruling party, both at the centre and the state.

"It is unfortunate that they indulge in politics even on borders," Gupta said slamming political rivals."

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a programme to mark four years of the NDA government in New Delhi, told a TV channel that the Centre was ready to talk to the Hurriyat Conference if they were ready for a dialogue.&nbsp

"If Hurriyat is ready to talk, we have no problem, we are ready to talk to anyone. Even if Pakistan comes for a dialogue, we are ready for it," Singh had said.&nbsp

State BJP president Ravinder Raina said BJP would not compromise on safety, integrity and sovereignty of the nation."

"We will not fire the first bullet (on borders), but will rain countless bullets if need arises, he said pledging to take back the "areas illegally occupied by Pakistan".

Raina claimed that the next chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir would be from his party owing to "dedicated workers".

"India has risen to the level that every country looks towards the country for assistance. China had to take its steps back after confrontation at the border. India has revolutionised its defence sector and the day is not far when India will be the biggest arms exporter in the world,"&nbsphe said.

'We have provided them an opportunity of talks and now they have to see how to proceed further. They should avail this opportunity'

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta on Sunday asked the separatists to respond positively to the Centre's offer of dialogue so that peace and normalcy is restored in the state. "We have provided them an opportunity of talks and now they have to see how to proceed further. They should avail this opportunity,"&nbspGupta told reporters on the sidelines of a party event in Jammu. Lauding the Centre, the senior BJP leader said it had taken a very good decision on completion of four years of the NDA government's rule. "Now an opportunity has provided to them (separatists)&nbspIf they do not come forward, the people of Kashmir should also understand that they are not their well wishers,"&nbspGupta said. He said it was a big decision of the government and needed to be availed to pave way for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state. To another question, Gupta said the border residents were not upset with BJP and assured their demands would be met. "They are not angry with the BJP. I have visited them and their demands would be met,"&nbsphe said adding the centre has already sanctioned Rs 415 crore for construction of bunkers along the International border and Line of Control in the state. The border residents are satisfied with the BJP government, he said dismissing as "opposition propaganda"&nbspthat they were angry with the ruling party, both at the centre and the state. "It is unfortunate that they indulge in politics even on borders," Gupta said slamming political rivals." Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a programme to mark four years of the NDA government in New Delhi, told a TV channel that the Centre was ready to talk to the Hurriyat Conference if they were ready for a dialogue. "If Hurriyat is ready to talk, we have no problem, we are ready to talk to anyone. Even if Pakistan comes for a dialogue, we are ready for it," Singh had said. State BJP president Ravinder Raina said BJP would not compromise on safety, integrity and sovereignty of the nation." "We will not fire the first bullet (on borders), but will rain countless bullets if need arises, he said pledging to take back the "areas illegally occupied by Pakistan". Raina claimed that the next chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir would be from his party owing to "dedicated workers". "India has risen to the level that every country looks towards the country for assistance. China had to take its steps back after confrontation at the border. India has revolutionised its defence sector and the day is not far when India will be the biggest arms exporter in the world,"&nbsphe said.

Talks offer an opportunity for separatists: JK Deputy CM

Ahead of the Maharashtra by-polls to be held in the Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats on Monday the BJP and its alliance partner in the state and at the Centre Shiv Sena have accused each other of bribing voters.

The Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission accusing the BJP of trying to influence voters of the Palghar constituency by bribing them.

While the BJP has also claimed that the Shiv Sena employed people to distribute money to voters in the Palghar constituency.

BJP leader Ravindra Chavan said, "The BJP is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission that the Sena has brought 1,000 people from (neighbouring) Thane, Mumbai and Kalyan who are staying illegally in Palghar even after the campaigning is over, and they are distributing money (to voters)".

He also added that the people who were found distributing money also included criminals.&nbsp;

The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district

Ahead of the Maharashtra by-polls to be held in the Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats on Monday the BJP and its alliance partner in the state and at the Centre Shiv Sena have accused each other of bribing voters. The Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission accusing the BJP of trying to influence voters of the Palghar constituency by bribing them. While the BJP has also claimed that the Shiv Sena employed people to distribute money to voters in the Palghar constituency. BJP leader Ravindra Chavan said, "The BJP is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission that the Sena has brought 1,000 people from (neighbouring) Thane, Mumbai and Kalyan who are staying illegally in Palghar even after the campaigning is over, and they are distributing money (to voters)". He also added that the people who were found distributing money also included criminals. The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district. (With inputs from PTI)

Ahead of Maharashtra by-polls, Shiv Sena, BJP accuse each other of bribing voters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in last four years did politics which was in spirit different from his predecessors. He made every state important and ensured that his campaign makes a difference to the fortune of the party. 
&nbsp; 
Modi in a way became a factor in politics where he divided and united the electorate at the same time. The undivided Hindu vote will remain biggest of his legacy. His appeal brought different segments of Dalits, OBCs and upper castes into BJP's fold but at the same time his politics has ended up creating great anxiety in the minority and people with Left liberal ideology. He has united a diverse population under the new rubric of cultural nationalism but sidelined views who believe in constitutional nationalism. This debate has united and divided the country like never before. 
&nbsp; 
Modi's politics ended minority exceptionalism in Indian politics but at the same time allowed crude majoritarianism to dominate political discourse. It allowed people to write and talk about violence perpetrated by minorities too. But it also created viciousness where a small child's rape in Jammu was being seen from the prism of community. Same happened on the nationalism debate. This time BJP turned the table on Congress. Congress, which used to call BJP anti-national for not participating in freedom struggle, was tagged as anti-national by BJP when it lent its support to a protest in JNU. It became part of a larger debate on nationalism. For the first time in history, Congress was being called anti-national. It united and divided India at the same time. It disallowed any intellectual discussion on the issue of patriotism and nationalism in mainstream but allowed coarse majority's view of the world to prevail. 
&nbsp; 
Modi's politics allowed communities more say and share in the political discourse. Whether it was cow protection or conservative stand on films like Padmavat, Modi's politics allowed these individual voices to dominate. Individual voices were labelled as detached from the ethos of the Indian society. This led to violation of the spirit of the Constitution. Indian Constitution acknowledges individual rights. Communities are protected but do not enjoy right over an individual. But in case of Padmavat, community's honour became more important than individual right. BJP on this sided with community pride. It made liberals look undemocratic in world view as if they are not sensitive to the subaltern world view. It again created a divide. 
&nbsp; 
Modi's politics ended Congress arrogance by attacking the principle of dynasty. Modi made dynasty into an issue which he continues to use during every state elections. It divided and united lot of people at the same time. His attack on the Gandhi family was a first of its kind. He broke the political Omerta code. It also unnerved lot of people in his party.

Modi's politics also tried to make up for the bankruptcy of RSS as a major figure during independence. His politics successfully stole couple of Congress icons like Netaji and Sardar Patel. It again created a political divide. BJP was accused of using historical figures to serve contemporary political interest. The case in point is Netaji papers appearing a year before Bengal elections. 
&nbsp; 
The only place perhaps where Modi failed was to bridge the gap between industry and farming community through his personality. For this reason the land acquisition bill continues to languish. Modi had to over commit himself to the farming sector lest suit boot ki sarkar jumla extract its pound of flesh. 
&nbsp; 
Narendra Modi like Indira Gandhi has become a central pole of discussion. His party rules 20 states. He has become undisputed national leader uniting the cadre in his praise. But like Indira Gandhi, from strong he has started to look authoritarian. It has united the whole Opposition which feels that BJP under Modi will derail democracy by making one party hegemonic. 
&nbsp; 
His campaigns like demonetisation and Swachh Bharat have united and divided India at the same time. Both policies became political issues. Demonetisation went a step further an became an electoral issue. Modi, like Indira Gandhi, is loved and hated at the same time. He is a demon and God to many at the same time.

Bottomline is that Modi's strength does not flow from accommodation but by drawing strong political lines. He politically appropriates surgical strike. He criticises domestic Opposition abroad. He remains cold to the Opposition. His supports stems more from social media than mainstream and international media.

There is a reason too. The Lutyen's consensus never accommodated him so he ended up breaking the very consensus. His desire to conquer Delhi is married to his aversion to its durbar politics. For this reason he remains an eternal outsider to Delhi's politics. He continues to divide and unite India and this remains the crux of Modi's four year in Delhi's politics.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The only place perhaps where Modi failed was to bridge the gap between industry and farming community through his personality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in last four years did politics which was in spirit different from his predecessors. He made every state important and ensured that his campaign makes a difference to the fortune of the party. Modi in a way became a factor in politics where he divided and united the electorate at the same time. The undivided Hindu vote will remain biggest of his legacy. His appeal brought different segments of Dalits, OBCs and upper castes into BJP's fold but at the same time his politics has ended up creating great anxiety in the minority and people with Left liberal ideology. He has united a diverse population under the new rubric of cultural nationalism but sidelined views who believe in constitutional nationalism. This debate has united and divided the country like never before. Modi's politics ended minority exceptionalism in Indian politics but at the same time allowed crude majoritarianism to dominate political discourse. It allowed people to write and talk about violence perpetrated by minorities too. But it also created viciousness where a small child's rape in Jammu was being seen from the prism of community. Same happened on the nationalism debate. This time BJP turned the table on Congress. Congress, which used to call BJP anti-national for not participating in freedom struggle, was tagged as anti-national by BJP when it lent its support to a protest in JNU. It became part of a larger debate on nationalism. For the first time in history, Congress was being called anti-national. It united and divided India at the same time. It disallowed any intellectual discussion on the issue of patriotism and nationalism in mainstream but allowed coarse majority's view of the world to prevail. Modi's politics allowed communities more say and share in the political discourse. Whether it was cow protection or conservative stand on films like Padmavat, Modi's politics allowed these individual voices to dominate. Individual voices were labelled as detached from the ethos of the Indian society. This led to violation of the spirit of the Constitution. Indian Constitution acknowledges individual rights. Communities are protected but do not enjoy right over an individual. But in case of Padmavat, community's honour became more important than individual right. BJP on this sided with community pride. It made liberals look undemocratic in world view as if they are not sensitive to the subaltern world view. It again created a divide. Modi's politics ended Congress arrogance by attacking the principle of dynasty. Modi made dynasty into an issue which he continues to use during every state elections. It divided and united lot of people at the same time. His attack on the Gandhi family was a first of its kind. He broke the political Omerta code. It also unnerved lot of people in his party. Modi's politics also tried to make up for the bankruptcy of RSS as a major figure during independence. His politics successfully stole couple of Congress icons like Netaji and Sardar Patel. It again created a political divide. BJP was accused of using historical figures to serve contemporary political interest. The case in point is Netaji papers appearing a year before Bengal elections. The only place perhaps where Modi failed was to bridge the gap between industry and farming community through his personality. For this reason the land acquisition bill continues to languish. Modi had to over commit himself to the farming sector lest suit boot ki sarkar jumla extract its pound of flesh. Narendra Modi like Indira Gandhi has become a central pole of discussion. His party rules 20 states. He has become undisputed national leader uniting the cadre in his praise. But like Indira Gandhi, from strong he has started to look authoritarian. It has united the whole Opposition which feels that BJP under Modi will derail democracy by making one party hegemonic. His campaigns like demonetisation and Swachh Bharat have united and divided India at the same time. Both policies became political issues. Demonetisation went a step further an became an electoral issue. Modi, like Indira Gandhi, is loved and hated at the same time. He is a demon and God to many at the same time. Bottomline is that Modi's strength does not flow from accommodation but by drawing strong political lines. He politically appropriates surgical strike. He criticises domestic Opposition abroad. He remains cold to the Opposition. His supports stems more from social media than mainstream and international media. There is a reason too. The Lutyen's consensus never accommodated him so he ended up breaking the very consensus. His desire to conquer Delhi is married to his aversion to its durbar politics. For this reason he remains an eternal outsider to Delhi's politics. He continues to divide and unite India and this remains the crux of Modi's four year in Delhi's politics. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Modi, a unifier and divider, rolled into one

The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest.

With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in.

But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run.

With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price.&nbsp;

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<h5>The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed</h5>
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The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil.

Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications.

Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure.

Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long.

All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump).

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<h5>The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run</h5>
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The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run.&nbsp;

OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it.

So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality.

We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed

The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest. With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in. But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run. With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price. The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed × The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil. Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications. Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure. Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long. All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump). The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run × The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run. OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it. So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality. We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Rising petrol prices - the onus is on the citizens

Nineteen Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were on Sunday injured after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.

The CRPF said that the incident took place after stones were pelted on the vehicle.

A 22-year-old tourist from Chennai, R Thirumani, died in a hospital on May 7 after being hit by a stone during clashes in Budgam district's town of Narbal.

This is the second such incident of stone-pelting in a month.

On May 2, a bus carrying school students was attacked by stone-pelters in Zawoora village of Shopian district.&nbsp;

On April 30, seven tourists were injured when stone-throwers targeted vehicles in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had on May 8 held an all-party meeting in Srinagar to discuss the rampant incidents of stone pelting in the valley.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

After stones were pelted on their vehicle, it skidded off the road, the CRPF said

Nineteen Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were on Sunday injured after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. The CRPF said that the incident took place after stones were pelted on the vehicle. A 22-year-old tourist from Chennai, R Thirumani, died in a hospital on May 7 after being hit by a stone during clashes in Budgam district's town of Narbal. This is the second such incident of stone-pelting in a month. On May 2, a bus carrying school students was attacked by stone-pelters in Zawoora village of Shopian district. On April 30, seven tourists were injured when stone-throwers targeted vehicles in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had on May 8 held an all-party meeting in Srinagar to discuss the rampant incidents of stone pelting in the valley. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: 19 CRPF personnel injured in accident following stone-pelting attack

The death toll from the deadly Nipah virus on Sunday rose to 14 in Kerala after one more person died in&nbsp;Kozhikode.

Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans.

The symptoms of the disease, which is so far limited to Kerala, include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion.

These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

As per a government advisory, the spread of Nipah virus to humans may occur after close contact with other Nipah infected people, infected bats, or infected pigs. Bat secretions laden with virus can infect people during tree climbing, eating/handling contaminated fallen fruits or consuming raw date palm sap/juice or toddy.

Human to human infection can occur from close contact with persons affected with Nipah at home while providing care or close contact and in hospital setting if appropriate personal protective personal equipments are not used.

Those at higher risk for infection include people who are exposed to areas inhabited by fruit bats/articles contaminated by secretions such as unused wells, caves, fruit orchards; persons with direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues; persons in close contact with a Nipah virus affected deceased during burial or cremation rituals; and health care workers having direct contact with probable or confirmed cases without using standard precautionary measures. 
&nbsp;

Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts

The death toll from the deadly Nipah virus on Sunday rose to 14 in Kerala after one more person died in Kozhikode. Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur. The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. The symptoms of the disease, which is so far limited to Kerala, include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion. These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As per a government advisory, the spread of Nipah virus to humans may occur after close contact with other Nipah infected people, infected bats, or infected pigs. Bat secretions laden with virus can infect people during tree climbing, eating/handling contaminated fallen fruits or consuming raw date palm sap/juice or toddy. Human to human infection can occur from close contact with persons affected with Nipah at home while providing care or close contact and in hospital setting if appropriate personal protective personal equipments are not used. Those at higher risk for infection include people who are exposed to areas inhabited by fruit bats/articles contaminated by secretions such as unused wells, caves, fruit orchards; persons with direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues; persons in close contact with a Nipah virus affected deceased during burial or cremation rituals; and health care workers having direct contact with probable or confirmed cases without using standard precautionary measures.

Kerala: Death toll from Nipah virus rises to 14

Fruit sellers in Kerala have faced the brunt of the deadly Nipah virus. They say their incomes have been reduced as customers fear that fruits might be infected with the virus.

A fruit seller, Sulfi, told ANI, "Even though we are selling at half of the usual price, no one is willing to buy."

Health officials, as well as an advisory released by the government, have stated that the virus may be spread by fruit bats.&nbsp

However, a medical test report has claimed that fruit bats may not be the carrier of the virus which has claimed 14 lives so far.

The blood and serum samples of 21 bats tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal returned negative results for the virus.

These may, however, be initial findings and require more investigation, experts have said. 
&nbsp

A fruit seller, Sulfi, told ANI, 'Even though we are selling at half of the usual price, no one is willing to buy'

Fruit sellers in Kerala have faced the brunt of the deadly Nipah virus. They say their incomes have been reduced as customers fear that fruits might be infected with the virus. A fruit seller, Sulfi, told ANI, "Even though we are selling at half of the usual price, no one is willing to buy." Health officials, as well as an advisory released by the government, have stated that the virus may be spread by fruit bats. However, a medical test report has claimed that fruit bats may not be the carrier of the virus which has claimed 14 lives so far. The blood and serum samples of 21 bats tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal returned negative results for the virus. These may, however, be initial findings and require more investigation, experts have said.

Fruit sellers in Kerala pay a price for the deadly Nipah virus

Kairana constituency in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has virtually assumed the dimension of a strategic player in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Kairana by-poll, slated for tomorrow, will also see a joint opposition taking on the ruling BJP.

Located around 630 km from capital city of Lucknow, the Lok Sabha constituency has five assembly segments namely Shamli, Thana Bhawan and Kairana in Shamli district, and Gangoh and Nakur in Saharanpur district. There are nearly 17 lakh voters in the constituency with a significant number of Muslims, Jats and Dalit voters.

RLD party worker Abdul Hakeem Khan said he had never seen an election in which the ruling party was being challenged by a joint opposition.

"This is the beauty of our democracy," he said.

The constituency fell vacant after the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh, whose daughter Mriganka Singh is now the party's candidate for the by-poll. She is fighting Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan, who is supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

The opposition hopes that by consolidating anti-BJP votes, they will repeat the success of the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bye-elections, where the ruling party suffered an unexpected defeat.

The withdrawal of candidature of Lok Dal candidate Kanwar Hasan from the fray and his joining of the RLD has only added to the opposition's confidence.

The ruling BJP, on the other hand, is making extra efforts to retain the seat to try and send a strong message to voters, party cadres as well as the opposition parties -- that the drubbing in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bye-elections was an aberration, and that it was still strong in western UP.

"The results of the May 28 by-polls may set the tone and tenor for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," Rajesh Kumar Saini, manager of a hotel on the busy Shamli-Panipat road, said.

Khan exuded confidence that "Kairana's daughter-in-law Tabassum Hasan will defeat Kairana's daughter (Mriganka Singh)."

The Yogi Adityanath-led state government has left no stone unturned in campaigning for the by-poll. He along with his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya campaigned in Saharanpur and Shamli.

Apart from them, the BJP has thrown in at least five state ministers into the 'fight for Kairana'. They include Dharam Singh Saini (minister of state for Ayush), Suresh Rana (sugarcane development minister), Anupama Jaiswal (basic education minister) Surya Pratap Shahi (agriculture minister) and Laxmi Narayan (religious affairs, culture, minority welfare, waqf and Haj minister).

Of these, Saini and Rana are MLAs from Nakur and Thana Bhawan assembly segments, respectively of the constituency. Jaiswal is the minister in charge of Shamli district, while Surya Pratap Shahi is the minister in charge of Saharanpur.

"Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary has been roped in since he hails from a farming background," a senior UP BJP leader said.

BJP MPs Sanjiv Baliyan, Raghav Lakhan Pal, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar and Kanta Kardam have also actively campaigned for Mriganka Singh.

The SP and Congress, however, termed the line-up of UP ministers as a sign of "party jitters".

According to the locals, the major issues in this by-poll are law and order and the woes of sugarcane growers.

RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan had accused the BJP-led state government of resorting to divisive politics.

"Sugarcane growers in the region are feeling the maximum amount of pain, as no payments have been made to them by the state government," she told PTI, rejecting the official claim that the dues from sugar mills were being cleared.

The issue was also raised during an election meeting of state minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, who said that the dues accumulated from the time of the past governments had been paid out, and the rest would be settled soon.

"In Uttar Pradesh, 10,828.59 lakh quintals of sugarcane were purchased by sugar mills from farmers during the BJP government in 2017-18, as compared to 6443.41 lakh quintals under the Samajawadi Party government in 2015-16. Similarly, Rs 21,186.56 crore payments were made during the BJP government in the state in 2017-18, in comparison to Rs 11,841.34 crore made during the SP government in 2015-16," BJP spokesperson Chandramohan said.

Divergent views also emerged on the reported 2016 exodus of Hindu families from Kairana.

"The area is adjacent to Panipat district in Haryana. The labourers (both Hindus and Muslims) from the area go to the neighbouring state to work in the industries there. They go in the morning and return in the evening," Hasan said while rejecting the claims of any such exodus.&nbsp;

The RLD leader said the locked houses, even of Muslims who had gone to Panipat for work, were photographed and used as a "propaganda".&nbsp;

"In Kairana, both Hindus and Muslims live in peace," she added.&nbsp;

BJP candidate Mriganka Singh, on the other hand, said, "The exodus of Hindu families from Kairana has stopped now. But hundreds of Hindu families had fled from Kairana out of fear and harassment before the 2017 UP Assembly elections".

Apart from Kairana, by-poll to Noorpur assembly constituency in the state will also be held tomorrow.&nbsp;

There are nearly 17 lakh voters in the constituency with a significant number of Muslims, Jats and Dalit voters.

Kairana constituency in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has virtually assumed the dimension of a strategic player in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Kairana by-poll, slated for tomorrow, will also see a joint opposition taking on the ruling BJP. Located around 630 km from capital city of Lucknow, the Lok Sabha constituency has five assembly segments namely Shamli, Thana Bhawan and Kairana in Shamli district, and Gangoh and Nakur in Saharanpur district. There are nearly 17 lakh voters in the constituency with a significant number of Muslims, Jats and Dalit voters. RLD party worker Abdul Hakeem Khan said he had never seen an election in which the ruling party was being challenged by a joint opposition. "This is the beauty of our democracy," he said. The constituency fell vacant after the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh, whose daughter Mriganka Singh is now the party's candidate for the by-poll. She is fighting Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan, who is supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. The opposition hopes that by consolidating anti-BJP votes, they will repeat the success of the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bye-elections, where the ruling party suffered an unexpected defeat. The withdrawal of candidature of Lok Dal candidate Kanwar Hasan from the fray and his joining of the RLD has only added to the opposition's confidence. The ruling BJP, on the other hand, is making extra efforts to retain the seat to try and send a strong message to voters, party cadres as well as the opposition parties -- that the drubbing in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bye-elections was an aberration, and that it was still strong in western UP. "The results of the May 28 by-polls may set the tone and tenor for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," Rajesh Kumar Saini, manager of a hotel on the busy Shamli-Panipat road, said. Khan exuded confidence that "Kairana's daughter-in-law Tabassum Hasan will defeat Kairana's daughter (Mriganka Singh)." The Yogi Adityanath-led state government has left no stone unturned in campaigning for the by-poll. He along with his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya campaigned in Saharanpur and Shamli. Apart from them, the BJP has thrown in at least five state ministers into the 'fight for Kairana'. They include Dharam Singh Saini (minister of state for Ayush), Suresh Rana (sugarcane development minister), Anupama Jaiswal (basic education minister) Surya Pratap Shahi (agriculture minister) and Laxmi Narayan (religious affairs, culture, minority welfare, waqf and Haj minister). Of these, Saini and Rana are MLAs from Nakur and Thana Bhawan assembly segments, respectively of the constituency. Jaiswal is the minister in charge of Shamli district, while Surya Pratap Shahi is the minister in charge of Saharanpur. "Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary has been roped in since he hails from a farming background," a senior UP BJP leader said. BJP MPs Sanjiv Baliyan, Raghav Lakhan Pal, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar and Kanta Kardam have also actively campaigned for Mriganka Singh. The SP and Congress, however, termed the line-up of UP ministers as a sign of "party jitters". According to the locals, the major issues in this by-poll are law and order and the woes of sugarcane growers. RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan had accused the BJP-led state government of resorting to divisive politics. "Sugarcane growers in the region are feeling the maximum amount of pain, as no payments have been made to them by the state government," she told PTI, rejecting the official claim that the dues from sugar mills were being cleared. The issue was also raised during an election meeting of state minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, who said that the dues accumulated from the time of the past governments had been paid out, and the rest would be settled soon. "In Uttar Pradesh, 10,828.59 lakh quintals of sugarcane were purchased by sugar mills from farmers during the BJP government in 2017-18, as compared to 6443.41 lakh quintals under the Samajawadi Party government in 2015-16. Similarly, Rs 21,186.56 crore payments were made during the BJP government in the state in 2017-18, in comparison to Rs 11,841.34 crore made during the SP government in 2015-16," BJP spokesperson Chandramohan said. Divergent views also emerged on the reported 2016 exodus of Hindu families from Kairana. "The area is adjacent to Panipat district in Haryana. The labourers (both Hindus and Muslims) from the area go to the neighbouring state to work in the industries there. They go in the morning and return in the evening," Hasan said while rejecting the claims of any such exodus. The RLD leader said the locked houses, even of Muslims who had gone to Panipat for work, were photographed and used as a "propaganda". "In Kairana, both Hindus and Muslims live in peace," she added. BJP candidate Mriganka Singh, on the other hand, said, "The exodus of Hindu families from Kairana has stopped now. But hundreds of Hindu families had fled from Kairana out of fear and harassment before the 2017 UP Assembly elections". Apart from Kairana, by-poll to Noorpur assembly constituency in the state will also be held tomorrow.

Why Kairana by-election is crucial before 2019 Lok Sabha polls

Digvijaya Singh is no longer a Congress general secretary, with party president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday divesting him of the charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh.

Singh, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, was earlier removed as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Goa, Karnataka and Telangana.&nbsp

The Congress president appointed former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy as the AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh, in place of Singh, according to a party statement.

Singh's role as AICC in-charge of Goa came in for criticism when the party failed to stake its claim for government formation and lost out to the BJP, despite emerging as the single-largest party.&nbsp

Seventy-one-year-old Singh was recently appointed the chairman of the Congress's coordination committee for Madhya Pradesh, which goes to polls in a few months.

Besides Chandy, the Congress president appointed party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi as the party's in-charge of West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, replacing AICC general secretary C P Joshi.

Gogoi is the son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

"The party appreciates the hard work and contribution of Digvijaya Singh, who will be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh," a statement from Congress general secretary (organisation) Ashok Gehlot said.

He also said the party appreciates the hard work and contribution of C P Joshi, who would be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary in-charge of West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The changes will be enforced with immediate effect, the party said.

Today's changes are part of Rahul Gandhi's efforts to restructure the Congress party by bringing in some new and young faces and infusing fresh energy in the party's ranks ever since he took over command in December last.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Singh, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, was earlier removed as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Goa, Karnataka and Telangana

Digvijaya Singh is no longer a Congress general secretary, with party president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday divesting him of the charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh. Singh, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, was earlier removed as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Goa, Karnataka and Telangana. The Congress president appointed former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy as the AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh, in place of Singh, according to a party statement. Singh's role as AICC in-charge of Goa came in for criticism when the party failed to stake its claim for government formation and lost out to the BJP, despite emerging as the single-largest party. Seventy-one-year-old Singh was recently appointed the chairman of the Congress's coordination committee for Madhya Pradesh, which goes to polls in a few months. Besides Chandy, the Congress president appointed party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi as the party's in-charge of West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, replacing AICC general secretary C P Joshi. Gogoi is the son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi. "The party appreciates the hard work and contribution of Digvijaya Singh, who will be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh," a statement from Congress general secretary (organisation) Ashok Gehlot said. He also said the party appreciates the hard work and contribution of C P Joshi, who would be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary in-charge of West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The changes will be enforced with immediate effect, the party said. Today's changes are part of Rahul Gandhi's efforts to restructure the Congress party by bringing in some new and young faces and infusing fresh energy in the party's ranks ever since he took over command in December last.

Digvijaya Singh loses last AICC role, replaced by Chandy as Andhra Pradesh in-charge

Ahead of the assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, chief minister Raman Singh has clarified that his party was not going to enter into polls with any other party.

Answering the media on the same he said, "Dashanan ke bhale dus sir ho jayein, unke liye Ek Ram kaafi rehta hai (Ravan can have ten heads but one Ram in enough for all of them)".

The elections in the state are scheduled for later this year.&nbsp;

The BJP recently lost the elections in Karnataka due to the opposition's unity against it.&nbsp;

The party lost its stake over the state despite winning the majority&nbsp;of seats.

The elections in the state are scheduled for later this year

Ahead of the assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, chief minister Raman Singh has clarified that his party was not going to enter into polls with any other party. Answering the media on the same he said, "Dashanan ke bhale dus sir ho jayein, unke liye Ek Ram kaafi rehta hai (Ravan can have ten heads but one Ram in enough for all of them)". The elections in the state are scheduled for later this year. The BJP recently lost the elections in Karnataka due to the opposition's unity against it. The party lost its stake over the state despite winning the majority of seats.

Chhattisgarh CM denies alliance for assembly polls, says 'One Ram enough for Ravan with ten heads'

The commission investigating Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death has made her audio clip, diet chart public, reported news agency ANI.

According to the report in ANI, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo was seen complaining about her breathing.

"I'm feeling breathless like a crazy fan sitting in the front seat of a theatre and whistling," according to the audio tapes, which were recorded 68 days before her death.

In addition to this, she could be heard asking doctor on duty about her blood pressure.

She asked, "What is my blood pressure?" To which the doctor replied, "140/80. It is quite high."

Jayalalithaa replied to the doctor that, "its okay for me... normal."

The Justice A. Arumugasamy Commission has put out in public-domain a diet and medical chart of the former Tamil Nadu CM as submitted to it by her personal physician Dr KS Sivakumar.

The chart has in-depth information of her diet, blood pressure and sugar levels as jotted down on August 2, 2016, which is before her hospitalization.

The health chart suggests Jayalalithaa had subsisted on Idli, breads, coffee, green tea and biscuits.

On January 12, the hospital, where the late AIADMK supremo was being treated during her illness two years ago, submitted treatment documents of the same to an inquiry commission, which was set up to probe her death.

Following her death, allegations of foul play began to do the rounds and Tamil Nadu forest minister Dindigul Sreenivasan even claimed that all cabinet ministers had lied to the people about hospitalisation and death of the former chief minister Jayalalithaa.

Jayalalithaa was admitted at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai for a long time before she breathed her last on December 5, 2016.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22, 2016. She suffered a cardiac arrest on December 4 and was declared dead the following day.

(With ANI inputs)

"I'm feeling breathless like a crazy fan sitting in the front seat of a theatre and whistling," according to the audio tapes, which were recorded 68 days before her death.

The commission investigating Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death has made her audio clip, diet chart public, reported news agency ANI. According to the report in ANI, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo was seen complaining about her breathing. "I'm feeling breathless like a crazy fan sitting in the front seat of a theatre and whistling," according to the audio tapes, which were recorded 68 days before her death. In addition to this, she could be heard asking doctor on duty about her blood pressure. She asked, "What is my blood pressure?" To which the doctor replied, "140/80. It is quite high." Jayalalithaa replied to the doctor that, "its okay for me... normal." The Justice A. Arumugasamy Commission has put out in public-domain a diet and medical chart of the former Tamil Nadu CM as submitted to it by her personal physician Dr KS Sivakumar. The chart has in-depth information of her diet, blood pressure and sugar levels as jotted down on August 2, 2016, which is before her hospitalization. The health chart suggests Jayalalithaa had subsisted on Idli, breads, coffee, green tea and biscuits. On January 12, the hospital, where the late AIADMK supremo was being treated during her illness two years ago, submitted treatment documents of the same to an inquiry commission, which was set up to probe her death. Following her death, allegations of foul play began to do the rounds and Tamil Nadu forest minister Dindigul Sreenivasan even claimed that all cabinet ministers had lied to the people about hospitalisation and death of the former chief minister Jayalalithaa. Jayalalithaa was admitted at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai for a long time before she breathed her last on December 5, 2016. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22, 2016. She suffered a cardiac arrest on December 4 and was declared dead the following day. (With ANI inputs)

Jayalalithaa's audio clip, diet chart released by probe panel

BSP chief Mayawati today announced changes in the party constitution, which bar her brother from continuing as its vice president while letting her remain the national president till she is too old for that responsibility.&nbsp;

Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.&nbsp;

Addressing a meeting in Lucknow of party's national office bearers, she also announced major organisational changes and indicated that the BSP was willing to contest any coming election on its own if "respectable" seat-sharing arrangements could not be worked out.

Mayawati said she had made some minor changes in the BSP constitution last year to involve her younger brother into party work on the request of party leaders.

"It is unfortunate that there were reports in the media about the family being promoted in the organisation, like the Congress," she said.

"But my brother himself said he will work only as a common worker in the interest of the party," she added.

On the changes in the party constitution, she said that no close relative of the national president will hold any position in the party.

The new national president will be appointed only after the serving leader is unable to continue with field duties because of old age, she said.

Also, the new BSP national president will be appointed on the advice of the outgoing leader.

While mentioning the changes in the BSP constitution, she referred to the constitution during BSP founder Kanshi Ram's time, when relatives were not allowed party posts. This had upset some of Kanshi Ram's relatives, she recalled.

She told party leaders that though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future elections, they should be prepared for any situation.

"Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said.

She said the stand of the party while entering into an alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she said.

Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP chief appointed RS Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar, who is now the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states.

Two senior leaders Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh were made national coordinators, a first for the party.

She told party leaders to strengthen the BSP base among the 'sarv samaj' and begin focusing on Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where assembly elections will be held before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Mayawati warned them against any design to split the party vote among Dalits, Adivasi, Backwards, Muslim and other religious minorities.

Earlier in the day, she slammed the Narendra Modi government, celebrating four years in office, for its "historic failure" to address issues like welfare unemployment.

Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.

BSP chief Mayawati today announced changes in the party constitution, which bar her brother from continuing as its vice president while letting her remain the national president till she is too old for that responsibility. Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president. Addressing a meeting in Lucknow of party's national office bearers, she also announced major organisational changes and indicated that the BSP was willing to contest any coming election on its own if "respectable" seat-sharing arrangements could not be worked out. Mayawati said she had made some minor changes in the BSP constitution last year to involve her younger brother into party work on the request of party leaders. "It is unfortunate that there were reports in the media about the family being promoted in the organisation, like the Congress," she said. "But my brother himself said he will work only as a common worker in the interest of the party," she added. On the changes in the party constitution, she said that no close relative of the national president will hold any position in the party. The new national president will be appointed only after the serving leader is unable to continue with field duties because of old age, she said. Also, the new BSP national president will be appointed on the advice of the outgoing leader. While mentioning the changes in the BSP constitution, she referred to the constitution during BSP founder Kanshi Ram's time, when relatives were not allowed party posts. This had upset some of Kanshi Ram's relatives, she recalled. She told party leaders that though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future elections, they should be prepared for any situation. "Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said. She said the stand of the party while entering into an alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she said. Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections. The BSP chief appointed RS Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar, who is now the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states. Two senior leaders Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh were made national coordinators, a first for the party. She told party leaders to strengthen the BSP base among the 'sarv samaj' and begin focusing on Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where assembly elections will be held before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Mayawati warned them against any design to split the party vote among Dalits, Adivasi, Backwards, Muslim and other religious minorities. Earlier in the day, she slammed the Narendra Modi government, celebrating four years in office, for its "historic failure" to address issues like welfare unemployment.

I will remain BSP president for next 20 years until I get old: Mayawati

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054">Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054">history</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054"> of confrontation': South Korea president</a>

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-super-bale-sinks-liverpool-as-madrid-make-it-three-in-a-row-140046">Champions League: Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row</a>

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-one-of-the-most-vulnerable-to-cyber-attacks--data-theft-third-behind-canada-us-140050">India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft third behind Canada, US</a>

Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-still-sees-june-12-singapore-summit-with-kim-140048">Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-general-elections-on-july-25-140056">Pakistan announces general elections on July 25</a>

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

&nbsp

Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end history of confrontation': South Korea president Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader. Champions League: Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards. India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft third behind Canada, US Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report. Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pakistan announces general elections on July 25 Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In view of Nipah virus scare in Kerala, some nursing homes and private hospitals in Meerut have cancelled the leaves of their nurses, who wanted to go to their home state Kerala, reported news agency ANI.

The report quoting Dr. JV Chikara, former president of Indian Medical Association, Meerut, stated, "Nurses agreed to take this precautionary measure."

Meanwhile, the Bihar Government has also issued an advisory regarding the occurrence of the virus, the report said.

The Bihar advisory said that the disease is spread by bats and pigs. Also, people infected with the disease can spread the virus.

The initials symptoms are that of fever, headache and muscle pain in most cases. And a person affected by the virus can slip into comma within 24-48 hours.

Hence the advisory directed that people must stay away from bats and pigs to not contract the disease.

Puducherry also issued an advisory on Saturday, mentioning preventive steps to be taken in high-risk areas to check the spread of the contagious disease.

So far, the virus has claimed 12 lives in Kerala.

(With ANI inputs)

Dr. JV Chikara, former president of Indian Medical Association, Meerut, said, "Nurses agreed to take this precautionary measure."

In view of Nipah virus scare in Kerala, some nursing homes and private hospitals in Meerut have cancelled the leaves of their nurses, who wanted to go to their home state Kerala, reported news agency ANI. The report quoting Dr. JV Chikara, former president of Indian Medical Association, Meerut, stated, "Nurses agreed to take this precautionary measure." Meanwhile, the Bihar Government has also issued an advisory regarding the occurrence of the virus, the report said. The Bihar advisory said that the disease is spread by bats and pigs. Also, people infected with the disease can spread the virus. The initials symptoms are that of fever, headache and muscle pain in most cases. And a person affected by the virus can slip into comma within 24-48 hours. Hence the advisory directed that people must stay away from bats and pigs to not contract the disease. Puducherry also issued an advisory on Saturday, mentioning preventive steps to be taken in high-risk areas to check the spread of the contagious disease. So far, the virus has claimed 12 lives in Kerala. (With ANI inputs)

Nurses' leaves cancelled in Meerut hospitals due to Nipah virus scare

Around 195 files including documents relating to relations between India and Sri Lanka at the peak of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led civil war have been destroyed by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), sparking concern among archivists and researchers.

While the FCO said any destruction decision would have been taken based on the country's records policy, experts believe the loss of the files means there is no record of an important period of history.

Britain's MI5 and the Secret Air Service (SAS) had reportedly advised Sri Lanka's security forces during the LTTE crisis between 1978 and 1980.

"Two of the documents they destroyed were called 'Sri Lanka/India relations' from 1979 and 1980," said journalist and researcher Phil Miller, who discovered the files were missing as part of a freedom of information request.

The documents are expected to have had references to India's relations with the island nation, including the work of the Indian Peace-keeping Force (IPKF) during the period.

"Removing or destroying historical records from public custody at the National Archives hurts all of us and is an illegal act," said Vairamuttu Varadakumar, founder of the Tamil Information Centre, registered as an independent community-based non-profit organisation in 1981 with a mission to empower Tamil-speaking people to improve their quality of life through access to knowledge and other projects.

"It appears that the Foreign Office's action is designed to cover up the involvement of the SAS and MI5 in the training of Sri Lankan security forces that might be potentially embarrassing to Her Majesty's government," he said.

"We find recently that there has been an increasing interest in the history, politics and human rights of the Tamil speaking people of Sri Lanka among researchers, particularly among the younger generation. National archives, libraries and documentation centres are places of memories," he added.

Varadakumar also claims that Indian authorities had seized documents that belonged to the Tamil Information Centre back in 1987.

"The Tamil Information Centre had two branches, one in Madras and one in Madurai from 1984 until 1987. The Indian authorities asked us to close them down saying that a peace accord has been signed between the government of Sri Lanka and India and they would help us transport the materials to Trincomalee and set up an archive there, which did not happen," claimed Varadakumar, a Tamil from northern Sri Lanka based in London.

The centre fears that the destruction of FCO files adds to the loss of information, which dates back to the burning of the Jaffna Library by the Sri Lankan army in 1981, which housed palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient documents, and the destruction of the Jaffna Museum in 1989.

The FCO kept a list of file titles, showing that the destroyed papers would have covered a range of important subjects, from security cooperation and arms sales, to foreign aid and requests for political asylum in the UK.

An FCO spokesperson said, "The FCO, as with all government departments, reviews all its files in line with the requirements of the Public Records Act before making a decision on permanent preservation.

"The FCO's recommendations for the preservation or destruction of records take place under the guidance and supervision of the National Archives. FCO decisions are informed by the National Archive's records collection policy and existing FCO policy."&nbsp

Experts believe the loss of the files means there is no record of an important period of history

Around 195 files including documents relating to relations between India and Sri Lanka at the peak of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led civil war have been destroyed by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), sparking concern among archivists and researchers. While the FCO said any destruction decision would have been taken based on the country's records policy, experts believe the loss of the files means there is no record of an important period of history. Britain's MI5 and the Secret Air Service (SAS) had reportedly advised Sri Lanka's security forces during the LTTE crisis between 1978 and 1980. "Two of the documents they destroyed were called 'Sri Lanka/India relations' from 1979 and 1980," said journalist and researcher Phil Miller, who discovered the files were missing as part of a freedom of information request. The documents are expected to have had references to India's relations with the island nation, including the work of the Indian Peace-keeping Force (IPKF) during the period. "Removing or destroying historical records from public custody at the National Archives hurts all of us and is an illegal act," said Vairamuttu Varadakumar, founder of the Tamil Information Centre, registered as an independent community-based non-profit organisation in 1981 with a mission to empower Tamil-speaking people to improve their quality of life through access to knowledge and other projects. "It appears that the Foreign Office's action is designed to cover up the involvement of the SAS and MI5 in the training of Sri Lankan security forces that might be potentially embarrassing to Her Majesty's government," he said. "We find recently that there has been an increasing interest in the history, politics and human rights of the Tamil speaking people of Sri Lanka among researchers, particularly among the younger generation. National archives, libraries and documentation centres are places of memories," he added. Varadakumar also claims that Indian authorities had seized documents that belonged to the Tamil Information Centre back in 1987. "The Tamil Information Centre had two branches, one in Madras and one in Madurai from 1984 until 1987. The Indian authorities asked us to close them down saying that a peace accord has been signed between the government of Sri Lanka and India and they would help us transport the materials to Trincomalee and set up an archive there, which did not happen," claimed Varadakumar, a Tamil from northern Sri Lanka based in London. The centre fears that the destruction of FCO files adds to the loss of information, which dates back to the burning of the Jaffna Library by the Sri Lankan army in 1981, which housed palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient documents, and the destruction of the Jaffna Museum in 1989. The FCO kept a list of file titles, showing that the destroyed papers would have covered a range of important subjects, from security cooperation and arms sales, to foreign aid and requests for political asylum in the UK. An FCO spokesperson said, "The FCO, as with all government departments, reviews all its files in line with the requirements of the Public Records Act before making a decision on permanent preservation. "The FCO's recommendations for the preservation or destruction of records take place under the guidance and supervision of the National Archives. FCO decisions are informed by the National Archive's records collection policy and existing FCO policy."

India, Sri Lanka files among 195 files destroyed in UK

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