An ancient and priceless statue of Lord Shiva, stolen from a temple in Rajasthan and smuggled to the UK, is set to be returned to its rightful place in India.

The 4-foot tall statue created in the late 9th Century "Prathihara" style of Rajasthan is said to have been stolen from the Gateshwar temple in Baroli, Rajasthan in 1998.

It later emerged that the statue had been brought to the United Kingdom where it was discovered amongst the collection of a wealthy private collector.

Following the combined efforts of the British authorities and Indian officials, the statue was voluntarily handed over by the collector to the Indian High Commission in London in 2005.

Since then, the statue of Shiva - striking a "chatura" pose with Jatamakuta and Trinetra - has taken pride of place at the historic and grand India House in the heart of London.

In 2017, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were invited to inspect the statue, confirming that it was indeed the statue stolen from the temple in Baroli.

The statue is now all set to be returned to its original home in Rajasthan.

It’s the latest in a string of priceless artefacts and antiquities taken from India and which have been tracked and traced in operations carried out by the Indian government and its counterparts in the UK, USA, Australia, France and Germany.

Among the prominent examples include the famous Brahma-Brahmani sculpture which was stolen from the World heritage site Rani-Ki Vav and returned to the ASI in 2017.

The following year a 12th Century Bronze statue of Bhagawan Buddha was restituted to the High Commissioner by the London Metropolitan Police. This was handed over to the Minister of State for Culture by the Finance Minister in 2019.

On August 15, 2019, another two antiques - a 17th Century Bronze idol of Navanitha Krishna and a 2nd-century limestone Carved Pillar motif was returned to the High Commissioner by the Embassy of the United States.

An ancient and priceless statue of Lord Shiva, stolen from a temple in Rajasthan and smuggled to the UK, is set to be returned to its rightful place in India. The 4-foot tall statue created in the late 9th Century "Prathihara" style of Rajasthan is said to have been stolen from the Gateshwar temple in Baroli, Rajasthan in 1998.

An ancient and priceless statue of Lord Shiva, stolen from a temple in Rajasthan and smuggled to the UK, is set to be returned to its rightful place in India. The 4-foot tall statue created in the late 9th Century "Prathihara" style of Rajasthan is said to have been stolen from the Gateshwar temple in Baroli, Rajasthan in 1998. It later emerged that the statue had been brought to the United Kingdom where it was discovered amongst the collection of a wealthy private collector. Following the combined efforts of the British authorities and Indian officials, the statue was voluntarily handed over by the collector to the Indian High Commission in London in 2005. Since then, the statue of Shiva - striking a "chatura" pose with Jatamakuta and Trinetra - has taken pride of place at the historic and grand India House in the heart of London. In 2017, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were invited to inspect the statue, confirming that it was indeed the statue stolen from the temple in Baroli. The statue is now all set to be returned to its original home in Rajasthan. It’s the latest in a string of priceless artefacts and antiquities taken from India and which have been tracked and traced in operations carried out by the Indian government and its counterparts in the UK, USA, Australia, France and Germany. Among the prominent examples include the famous Brahma-Brahmani sculpture which was stolen from the World heritage site Rani-Ki Vav and returned to the ASI in 2017. The following year a 12th Century Bronze statue of Bhagawan Buddha was restituted to the High Commissioner by the London Metropolitan Police. This was handed over to the Minister of State for Culture by the Finance Minister in 2019. On August 15, 2019, another two antiques - a 17th Century Bronze idol of Navanitha Krishna and a 2nd-century limestone Carved Pillar motif was returned to the High Commissioner by the Embassy of the United States.

Britain to return Lord Shiva's statue stolen from India

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government.

The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? &nbsp;Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed.

One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan.

One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies.

We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics.&nbsp;

Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver.

The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc.

The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy.&nbsp;

The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it.

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government. The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed. One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan. One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies. We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics. Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver. The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc. The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy. The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Dynasts in democracy: The rise and surprise of Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention.

Congress workers held protests at major state capitals, including at the Raj Bhavans, seeking an assembly session in Rajasthan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-rajasthan-falls-congress-brand-as-party-of-natural-governance-will-receive-final-death-blow-316276">If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow</a>

Mishra returned to the Ashok Gehlot government its redrafted proposal on convening a session, asking it to submit another version after incorporating three suggestions.

These included giving a 21-day notice for the session. But the Governor's note also offered the quicker alternative to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is desperately trying to save his government after a rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs.

Even as it intensified its agitation outside, the Congress chose to pull out for now from a legal battle in the apex court.

In the Supreme Court, Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi withdrew his petition against last week's high court order, asking him to defer action till July 24 on the disqualification notices to Sachin Pilot and the rebel Congress MLAs.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra that the appeal had become infructuous after the apex court did not stay the directions passed by the high court, which then issued a fresh order asking for status quo on the notices.

BJP MLA Madan Dilawar's petition in the Rajasthan High Court against the merger of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs into the Congress in Rajasthan was dismissed on Monday, providing relief to the Gehlot camp which, even by its own admission, has only a bare majority in the House.

Governor Mishra's new three points for the next draft of an assembly session proposal are a 21-day notice; live broadcast of the floor test, if it is held; and social distancing in the assembly to avoid coronavirus.

It also said media statements by the government indicate that it wants to prove its majority through a vote of confidence, but this has not been mentioned in its proposal.

"If the government wants to win a vote of confidence, then it can become a reasonable ground for calling the assembly session on a short notice,"&nbsp;a press note said, quoting the Governor.

Earlier, the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention for convening an assembly session.

Chief Minister Gehlot told the CLP meeting that he has also spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current political situation in the state. He had written to Modi a few days back.

The memorandum to the President alleged horse-trading of MLAs in Rajasthan to topple an elected government.

The CLP, headed by Gehlot, said the government was not being allowed to call an assembly session when it wanted to discuss the coronavirus crisis and the state's economy.

Three Congress leaders who have served as law ministers also put pressure on Mishra.

In a letter, Ashwani Kumar, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid said the Governor's office is above the compulsions of partisan politics.

"Having served as Union ministers of Law and Justice in different periods of time and as students of Constitutional law, we are of the clear view that established legal position obliges the Governor to call the assembly session in accordance with the advice of the state cabinet."

"Any deviation from established constitutional position in the present circumstances would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis," it said.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram alleged that BJP-appointed governors have violated the Constitution and "gravely impaired" parliamentary democracy.

The Congress has earlier alleged that the rebellion was engineered by the BJP and accused Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of being involved in the "conspiracy".

Avinash Pande, the Congress general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan, said the Congress will use all "weapons of democracy"&nbsp;in the fight.

The Congress has 107 MLAs in the state assembly and the BJP 72. But with 19 of the MLAs rebelling, party leaders say the government is hovering just above the half-way mark, with the support of independents and allies.

The MLAs in the Gehlot camp are holed up for several days at a hotel on the outskirts of Jaipur. Those in the rebel camp are said to be in hotels in Gurugram.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention. Congress workers held protests at major state capitals, including at the Raj Bhavans, seeking an assembly session in Rajasthan. Also read | If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow Mishra returned to the Ashok Gehlot government its redrafted proposal on convening a session, asking it to submit another version after incorporating three suggestions. These included giving a 21-day notice for the session. But the Governor's note also offered the quicker alternative to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is desperately trying to save his government after a rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs. Even as it intensified its agitation outside, the Congress chose to pull out for now from a legal battle in the apex court. In the Supreme Court, Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi withdrew his petition against last week's high court order, asking him to defer action till July 24 on the disqualification notices to Sachin Pilot and the rebel Congress MLAs. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra that the appeal had become infructuous after the apex court did not stay the directions passed by the high court, which then issued a fresh order asking for status quo on the notices. BJP MLA Madan Dilawar's petition in the Rajasthan High Court against the merger of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs into the Congress in Rajasthan was dismissed on Monday, providing relief to the Gehlot camp which, even by its own admission, has only a bare majority in the House. Governor Mishra's new three points for the next draft of an assembly session proposal are a 21-day notice; live broadcast of the floor test, if it is held; and social distancing in the assembly to avoid coronavirus. It also said media statements by the government indicate that it wants to prove its majority through a vote of confidence, but this has not been mentioned in its proposal. "If the government wants to win a vote of confidence, then it can become a reasonable ground for calling the assembly session on a short notice," a press note said, quoting the Governor. Earlier, the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention for convening an assembly session. Chief Minister Gehlot told the CLP meeting that he has also spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current political situation in the state. He had written to Modi a few days back. The memorandum to the President alleged horse-trading of MLAs in Rajasthan to topple an elected government. The CLP, headed by Gehlot, said the government was not being allowed to call an assembly session when it wanted to discuss the coronavirus crisis and the state's economy. Three Congress leaders who have served as law ministers also put pressure on Mishra. In a letter, Ashwani Kumar, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid said the Governor's office is above the compulsions of partisan politics. "Having served as Union ministers of Law and Justice in different periods of time and as students of Constitutional law, we are of the clear view that established legal position obliges the Governor to call the assembly session in accordance with the advice of the state cabinet." "Any deviation from established constitutional position in the present circumstances would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis," it said. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram alleged that BJP-appointed governors have violated the Constitution and "gravely impaired" parliamentary democracy. The Congress has earlier alleged that the rebellion was engineered by the BJP and accused Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of being involved in the "conspiracy". Avinash Pande, the Congress general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan, said the Congress will use all "weapons of democracy" in the fight. The Congress has 107 MLAs in the state assembly and the BJP 72. But with 19 of the MLAs rebelling, party leaders say the government is hovering just above the half-way mark, with the support of independents and allies. The MLAs in the Gehlot camp are holed up for several days at a hotel on the outskirts of Jaipur. Those in the rebel camp are said to be in hotels in Gurugram.

Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice

Congress leaders and former Union law ministers Kapil Sibal, Ashwani Kumar and Salman Khurshid have written to Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra saying that there has been "delay in convening the special session of the Rajasthan assembly" as advised by the council of ministers and it "has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse".

In the letter written on Monday, the three Congress leaders said that any deviation from the established constitutional position in the present circumstances "would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis".

"The delay in convening the special session of the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as decided and advised by the council of ministers has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse. The position of the Governor, his role and limits, and circumscribed constitutional jurisdiction, have been elaborated by the Supreme Court by its seven-Judge bench judgment in the Shamsher Singh vs Union of India case in 1974 and more recently in the Nabam Rebia case in 2016," they said.

Kumar alleged there was an abuse of constitutional powers.

<a href="wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-rajasthan-falls-congress-brand-as-party-of-natural-governance-will-receive-final-death-blow-316276">Also read:&nbsp;If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow</a>

"To the best of my memory, there was not a single instance where the Governor refused to accept the recommendation of the state chief minister and the council of ministers, in a complete abuse of his constitutional powers. This will lead to the inter constitutional conflict," he said.

"This undermines the basic parliamentary democracy and will raise issues arising out of breach of the Constitutional scheme and neglecting the constitutional morality for political purposes. Such kind of decisions by a high constitutional functionary does not auger well for our parliamentary democracy," Kumar told ANI.

He said it is "an unprecedented case in the country that the Governor returned the recommendation of the Council of the ministers for convening the Assembly session for the second time".

"The Congress will take this matter to the people`s court," he said.

The Governor said on Saturday that Raj Bhavan never had an intention "not to call" the assembly session and asked the Ashok Gehlot government to deliberate on three points including 21-day notice period for convening session and maintaining social distancing norms.

A Raj Bhavan release also referred to certain other conditions to be followed if Gehlot government, which is facing a crisis due to differences in the state Congress, wants to seek a trust vote.

The Raj Bhavan said a proposal was received from the state government to convene assembly session from July 31 and the Governor has said that the session should be called according to the constitutional provisions.

The release said that the statements from the state government make it clear that it wants to bring a trust vote but there is no mention of it in the proposal sent for convening the session.

It also said that if the state government wants to bring trust vote, there can be a basis to call the session at a short notice.

Congress leaders and former Union law ministers Kapil Sibal, Ashwani Kumar and Salman Khurshid have written to Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra saying that there has been "delay in convening the special session of the Rajasthan assembly" as advised by the council of ministers and it "has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse".

Congress leaders and former Union law ministers Kapil Sibal, Ashwani Kumar and Salman Khurshid have written to Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra saying that there has been "delay in convening the special session of the Rajasthan assembly" as advised by the council of ministers and it "has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse". In the letter written on Monday, the three Congress leaders said that any deviation from the established constitutional position in the present circumstances "would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis". "The delay in convening the special session of the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as decided and advised by the council of ministers has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse. The position of the Governor, his role and limits, and circumscribed constitutional jurisdiction, have been elaborated by the Supreme Court by its seven-Judge bench judgment in the Shamsher Singh vs Union of India case in 1974 and more recently in the Nabam Rebia case in 2016," they said. Kumar alleged there was an abuse of constitutional powers. Also read: If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow "To the best of my memory, there was not a single instance where the Governor refused to accept the recommendation of the state chief minister and the council of ministers, in a complete abuse of his constitutional powers. This will lead to the inter constitutional conflict," he said. "This undermines the basic parliamentary democracy and will raise issues arising out of breach of the Constitutional scheme and neglecting the constitutional morality for political purposes. Such kind of decisions by a high constitutional functionary does not auger well for our parliamentary democracy," Kumar told ANI. He said it is "an unprecedented case in the country that the Governor returned the recommendation of the Council of the ministers for convening the Assembly session for the second time". "The Congress will take this matter to the people`s court," he said. The Governor said on Saturday that Raj Bhavan never had an intention "not to call" the assembly session and asked the Ashok Gehlot government to deliberate on three points including 21-day notice period for convening session and maintaining social distancing norms. A Raj Bhavan release also referred to certain other conditions to be followed if Gehlot government, which is facing a crisis due to differences in the state Congress, wants to seek a trust vote. The Raj Bhavan said a proposal was received from the state government to convene assembly session from July 31 and the Governor has said that the session should be called according to the constitutional provisions. The release said that the statements from the state government make it clear that it wants to bring a trust vote but there is no mention of it in the proposal sent for convening the session. It also said that if the state government wants to bring trust vote, there can be a basis to call the session at a short notice.

Sibal, Kumar, Khurshid accuse Rajsthan Governor of creating constitutional impasse

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment.

The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot.

"There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions."

"This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview.

Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party.

He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due.

"But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said.

Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls.

If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said.

Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said.

"Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said.

Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power.

Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress.

He has neither left the party nor been expelled.

Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president.

Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal.

"In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said.

When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative.

Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders.

Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said.

Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party.

He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

"This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said.

When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics.

"There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said.

Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party.

"We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said.

Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past."

He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician".

Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies.

"He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon. Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment. The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot. "There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions." "This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview. Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party. He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due. "But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said. Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls. If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said. Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said. "Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said. Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power. Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress. He has neither left the party nor been expelled. Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president. Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal. "In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said. When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative. Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders. Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said. Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party. He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said. When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics. "There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said. Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party. "We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said. Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past." He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician". Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies. "He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

'Overambitious' young leaders quitting Congress as they feel party won't come to power soon: Adhir

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

"The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united,"&nbsp;Gehlot told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/useless-idle-ashok-gehlot-sharpens-attack-against-sachin-pilot-314781">'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot</a>

He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon".

"Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it,"&nbsp;he said.

About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan.

Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha.

The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs.

But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear.

The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices.

Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided.

"They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out,"&nbsp;he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed,"&nbsp;he alleged.

"I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us,"&nbsp;the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support.

Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session.

Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72.

Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests.

Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample.

Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination.

"We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre.

Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away.

When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj".

The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop,"&nbsp;he said.

"The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country,"&nbsp;he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy."

He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis"&nbsp;or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic. 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House. "The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united," Gehlot told reporters. Also read | 'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon". "Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it," he said. About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan. Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha. The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs. But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear. The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices. Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided. "They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out," he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed," he alleged. "I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us," the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support. Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session. Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72. Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests. Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample. Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination. "We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre. Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away. When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj". The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop," he said. "The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country," he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy." He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis" or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic.

Ashok Gehlot says assembly session to be called soon for proving majority

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-hc-hears-sachin-pilots-camp-speaker-likely-to-take-up-matter-314004">Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter</a>

This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court.

But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up.

The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly.

The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority.

AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night.

Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish"&nbsp;that they are in majority.

He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above"&nbsp;to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state.

Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan.

He said if people 'gherao'&nbsp;the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police,"&nbsp;Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said.

At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them.

Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun.

"The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan.

Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours.

The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72.

The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government.

On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week.

Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents.

The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that.

The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan.

Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot.

The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.&nbsp;

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House. The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed. Also read | Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court. But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up. The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly. The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority. AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night. Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish" that they are in majority. He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above" to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state. Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan. He said if people 'gherao' the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police," Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said. At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them. Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun. "The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan. Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours. The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72. The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government. On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week. Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents. The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that. The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan. Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot. The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.

Rajasthan crisis: Pilot scores in high court, Gehlot camp shows strength at Raj Bhawan 

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless"&nbsp;and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides.

Pilot reacted sharply, saying he will take the MLA to court.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-under-1000-coronavirus-cases-first-time-in-over-35-days-314723">Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days</a>

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed he has received a notice from Rajasthan police, after the Congress claimed he figures in audio clips suggesting a "conspiracy"&nbsp;to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan.

The BJP had earlier demanded a CBI inquiry into "illegal"&nbsp;phone-tapping by the state government. But, in what could be a move to pre-empt it, the state government has withdrawn its "general consent"&nbsp;to the agency to investigate criminal cases.

The central agency will now have to seek prior consent on a case-by-case basis.

Notices also went out to dissident Congress MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh from the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau over the audio clips.

The ACB asked the two MLAs, who have not been seen in public since the crisis began, to appear before it in three days.

As the infighting in the Congress intensified, a court battle continued through the day.

The Rajasthan High Court will on Tuesday morning resume hearing the petition by Sachin Pilot and 18 other rebels, challenging the disqualification notices sent to them by the assembly Speaker.

The Congress has also summoned a legislative party meeting, its third in about a week, on Tuesday, as speculation over a planned floor test in the assembly continues.

The harshest words spoken during the day came from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who used the derogatory term "nikkama", Hindi for "useless"&nbsp;or "incompetent", for the sacked deputy chief minister, with whom he is now locked in a tussle for power.

Referring to Pilot's performance as the state Congress chief, Gehlot said, "We knew he is `nikamma' (useless), he is 'nakara'&nbsp;(idle) and not doing any work".

Gehlot did not mention Pilot by name, referring once to him as his "young colleague"&nbsp;and recalling that the he had been given important posts by the party at an early age.

Pilot ignored these remarks but reacted strongly to allegations made by Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who claimed that he was offered money by Pilot to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He said talks were held at Pilot's residence and he later told Gehlot about the "conspiracy".

He did not disclose the amount that was discussed, but when reporters asked if it was Rs 30- 35 crore, Malinga said he was offered the "going rate".

Malinga is part of a group of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs, which was inducted last September into the Congress which then had a slim majority in the assembly.

Pilot rejected Malinga's allegation as basesless, saying it was levelled to malign him and stifle the "legitimate concerns"&nbsp;he had raised against the party's leadership in Rajasthan.

"I will be taking appropriate and strictest possible legal action against the MLA who was made to make these accusations,"&nbsp;his said in a statement.

An MLA in his camp rejected allegations that the dissidents planned to join the BJP, asserting that their fight was to save the Congress. Mukesh Bhakar, who was dropped as Rajasthan's Youth Congress chief last week, said they sought a change in the state leadership.

At the Rajasthan High Court, the hearing into the validity of the assembly Speaker's notices to the 19 dissident MLAs, is set to enter its third day.

Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta are expected to give their order on Tuesday, when the hearing resumes.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, counsel for the Speaker, argued Monday that the petition was premature as a decision was yet to be taken on disqualifying the MLAs from the House.

The notices to the 19 MLAs were served after the party complained to the Speaker that they had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings last week.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the Assembly is in session.

Speaker CP Joshi has given the rebel MLAs up to 5.30 pm Tuesday to reply to disqualification notices, which the dissident camp wants the court to quash.

In the 200-member state assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Pilot and 18 MLAs loyal to him.

The CPM, which has two MLAs, said Tuesday it will take a call when a floor test in the assembly is announced, but is likely to vote with Gehlot.

Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Gehlot over him for the chief minister's post, following the December 2018 assembly elections.

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless" and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides.

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless" and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides. Pilot reacted sharply, saying he will take the MLA to court. Also read | Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed he has received a notice from Rajasthan police, after the Congress claimed he figures in audio clips suggesting a "conspiracy" to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan. The BJP had earlier demanded a CBI inquiry into "illegal" phone-tapping by the state government. But, in what could be a move to pre-empt it, the state government has withdrawn its "general consent" to the agency to investigate criminal cases. The central agency will now have to seek prior consent on a case-by-case basis. Notices also went out to dissident Congress MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh from the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau over the audio clips. The ACB asked the two MLAs, who have not been seen in public since the crisis began, to appear before it in three days. As the infighting in the Congress intensified, a court battle continued through the day. The Rajasthan High Court will on Tuesday morning resume hearing the petition by Sachin Pilot and 18 other rebels, challenging the disqualification notices sent to them by the assembly Speaker. The Congress has also summoned a legislative party meeting, its third in about a week, on Tuesday, as speculation over a planned floor test in the assembly continues. The harshest words spoken during the day came from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who used the derogatory term "nikkama", Hindi for "useless" or "incompetent", for the sacked deputy chief minister, with whom he is now locked in a tussle for power. Referring to Pilot's performance as the state Congress chief, Gehlot said, "We knew he is `nikamma' (useless), he is 'nakara' (idle) and not doing any work". Gehlot did not mention Pilot by name, referring once to him as his "young colleague" and recalling that the he had been given important posts by the party at an early age. Pilot ignored these remarks but reacted strongly to allegations made by Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who claimed that he was offered money by Pilot to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said talks were held at Pilot's residence and he later told Gehlot about the "conspiracy". He did not disclose the amount that was discussed, but when reporters asked if it was Rs 30- 35 crore, Malinga said he was offered the "going rate". Malinga is part of a group of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs, which was inducted last September into the Congress which then had a slim majority in the assembly. Pilot rejected Malinga's allegation as basesless, saying it was levelled to malign him and stifle the "legitimate concerns" he had raised against the party's leadership in Rajasthan. "I will be taking appropriate and strictest possible legal action against the MLA who was made to make these accusations," his said in a statement. An MLA in his camp rejected allegations that the dissidents planned to join the BJP, asserting that their fight was to save the Congress. Mukesh Bhakar, who was dropped as Rajasthan's Youth Congress chief last week, said they sought a change in the state leadership. At the Rajasthan High Court, the hearing into the validity of the assembly Speaker's notices to the 19 dissident MLAs, is set to enter its third day. Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta are expected to give their order on Tuesday, when the hearing resumes. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, counsel for the Speaker, argued Monday that the petition was premature as a decision was yet to be taken on disqualifying the MLAs from the House. The notices to the 19 MLAs were served after the party complained to the Speaker that they had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings last week. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the Assembly is in session. Speaker CP Joshi has given the rebel MLAs up to 5.30 pm Tuesday to reply to disqualification notices, which the dissident camp wants the court to quash. In the 200-member state assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Pilot and 18 MLAs loyal to him. The CPM, which has two MLAs, said Tuesday it will take a call when a floor test in the assembly is announced, but is likely to vote with Gehlot. Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Gehlot over him for the chief minister's post, following the December 2018 assembly elections.

'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker.

The notices had asked the MLAs to respond by Friday to the Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-political-crisis-sachin-pilot-moves-hc-against-disqualification-notices-313782">Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices</a>

Speaker CP Joshi is expected to take up the matter at 5 pm, instead of 1 pm as mentioned in the notices.

The dissidents' petition first came up before Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on Thursday, but their advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. Later, in the evening, the petition was referred to a division bench.

On Friday, the petition was taken up a by a bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta.

The bench accepted a plea by Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi to include him as a respondent in the case.

The notices were served after the party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings, on Monday and Tuesday.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session.

In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress had sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily"&nbsp;give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House.

Pilot was sacked as deputy chief minister and the president of the state unit of the party after he rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot 
&nbsp;

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker.

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker. The notices had asked the MLAs to respond by Friday to the Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly. Also read | Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices Speaker CP Joshi is expected to take up the matter at 5 pm, instead of 1 pm as mentioned in the notices. The dissidents' petition first came up before Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on Thursday, but their advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. Later, in the evening, the petition was referred to a division bench. On Friday, the petition was taken up a by a bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta. The bench accepted a plea by Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi to include him as a respondent in the case. The notices were served after the party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings, on Monday and Tuesday. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session. In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress had sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House. Pilot was sacked as deputy chief minister and the president of the state unit of the party after he rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court will hear their petition later this evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-crisis-congress-ready-to-give-sachin-pilot-another-chance-after-rahul-gandhi-intervention-313661">Rajasthan crisis: Congress ready to give Sachin Pilot another chance after Rahul Gandhi intervention</a>

The matter came up first before the court of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma at about 3 pm, but the dissidents' advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition.

At about 5 pm, an amended petition was submitted. The court referred it to a two-judge division bench.

Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi, who had written to the Speaker seeking the MLAs' disqualification, also approached the court, asking to be heard before it passes any order.

The 19 MLAs were sent notices from the Speaker's office on Tuesday and allowed up to Friday to give their replies.

The notices said Speaker CP Joshi will take up the matter at 1 pm on Friday.

The notices followed after the ruling party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a party whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session.

In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily"&nbsp;give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House.

The Congress said in the letter to the Speaker that the Supreme Court has "unequivocally held"&nbsp;in the past that the provision comes into effect when the conduct of an MLA leads to this inference.

In court initially, advocate Harish Salve argued that the MLAs wanted to challenge the constitutional validity of the notices and needed some time to file it afresh.

Among those sent notices are Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena, who were sacked along with Pilot from the state cabinet after their rebellion against Ashok Gehlot.

Others include Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Harish Chandra Meena, who had also given statements to the media challenging the Gehlot government.

Sachin Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Ashok Gehlot for the chief minister's post after the 2018 assembly polls. His supporters said he deserved credit for the party for winning the election after a campaign helmed by him as the state unit chief.

If the dissident MLAs are disqualified, the current strength of the state assembly will be reduced to 181, slashing the half-way mark to 91 and seemingly making it easier for Gehlot to retain majority support.

In the 200-member assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs and the BJP 72.

In the past, the ruling party has claimed the support of 13 independents, two MLAs each from the CPM and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), and one from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly. A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court will hear their petition later this evening. Also read | Rajasthan crisis: Congress ready to give Sachin Pilot another chance after Rahul Gandhi intervention The matter came up first before the court of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma at about 3 pm, but the dissidents' advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. At about 5 pm, an amended petition was submitted. The court referred it to a two-judge division bench. Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi, who had written to the Speaker seeking the MLAs' disqualification, also approached the court, asking to be heard before it passes any order. The 19 MLAs were sent notices from the Speaker's office on Tuesday and allowed up to Friday to give their replies. The notices said Speaker CP Joshi will take up the matter at 1 pm on Friday. The notices followed after the ruling party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a party whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session. In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Congress said in the letter to the Speaker that the Supreme Court has "unequivocally held" in the past that the provision comes into effect when the conduct of an MLA leads to this inference. In court initially, advocate Harish Salve argued that the MLAs wanted to challenge the constitutional validity of the notices and needed some time to file it afresh. Among those sent notices are Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena, who were sacked along with Pilot from the state cabinet after their rebellion against Ashok Gehlot. Others include Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Harish Chandra Meena, who had also given statements to the media challenging the Gehlot government. Sachin Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Ashok Gehlot for the chief minister's post after the 2018 assembly polls. His supporters said he deserved credit for the party for winning the election after a campaign helmed by him as the state unit chief. If the dissident MLAs are disqualified, the current strength of the state assembly will be reduced to 181, slashing the half-way mark to 91 and seemingly making it easier for Gehlot to retain majority support. In the 200-member assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs and the BJP 72. In the past, the ruling party has claimed the support of 13 independents, two MLAs each from the CPM and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), and one from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).

Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister.&nbsp;

On Monday, Congress urged Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot to share his concerns with the party's topmost leaders and once again invited him to attend Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet early tomorrow.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-political-crisis-bjp-claims-gehlot-govt-lost-the-majority-congress-says-winning-number-game-312925">Rajasthan political crisis: BJP claims Gehlot govt lost the majority, Congress says winning number game</a>

The day also saw Rajasthan Congress getting divided between two camps, with both CM Ashok Gehlot and Pilot's aides blaming each other for the crisis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-pilot-claims-30-mlas-backing-him-says-ashok-gehlot-govt-is-in-minority-in-rajasthan-312795">Sachin Pilot claims 30 MLAs backing him, says Ashok Gehlot govt is in minority in Rajasthan</a>

Gehlot supporters said they have enough numbers to continue running the state, while people from Pilot's camps said Gehlot-led government does not have the support of the required number of MLAs.&nbsp;

On the national level&nbsp;as well, Congress seemed divided with senior leaders like Sanjay Jha throwing their weight behind Pilot, and several also blamed the party for not anticipating the crisis.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also took a dig at the situation of India's Grand Old Party, with its state chief saying party neglecting young leaders, in a clear reference to Pilot.&nbsp;

In the 200-seat Assembly, Congress and BJP have 100 and 73 MLAs respectively and Pilot claims he has a support of 30 MLAs, enough to topple the government.&nbsp;

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister.

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister. On Monday, Congress urged Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot to share his concerns with the party's topmost leaders and once again invited him to attend Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet early tomorrow. Also read | Rajasthan political crisis: BJP claims Gehlot govt lost the majority, Congress says winning number game The day also saw Rajasthan Congress getting divided between two camps, with both CM Ashok Gehlot and Pilot's aides blaming each other for the crisis. Also read | Sachin Pilot claims 30 MLAs backing him, says Ashok Gehlot govt is in minority in Rajasthan Gehlot supporters said they have enough numbers to continue running the state, while people from Pilot's camps said Gehlot-led government does not have the support of the required number of MLAs. On the national level as well, Congress seemed divided with senior leaders like Sanjay Jha throwing their weight behind Pilot, and several also blamed the party for not anticipating the crisis. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also took a dig at the situation of India's Grand Old Party, with its state chief saying party neglecting young leaders, in a clear reference to Pilot. In the 200-seat Assembly, Congress and BJP have 100 and 73 MLAs respectively and Pilot claims he has a support of 30 MLAs, enough to topple the government.

Rajasthan political crisis: Congress continues to woo Pilot as turbulence rises

100 MLAs arrived at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s residence in Jaipur to prove the government’s majority amid the political crisis in Rajasthan on July 13. Sachin Pilot the rebel leader who has claimed that he has the support of over 30 party MLAs in the state’s 200-member assembly.

Sachin Pilot fails to muster numbers | Congress averts Rajasthan govt split

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening.

The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:4.7, Occurred on 03-07-2020, 19:00:50 IST, Lat: 28.00 &amp; Long: 76.69, Depth: 35 Km ,Location: 50km N of Alwar, Rajasthan, India 
for more information <a href="https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf">https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf</a> <a href="https://t.co/pkCoLIM1Yh">pic.twitter.com/pkCoLIM1Yh</a>
— National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1279048978957348865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, in the backdrop of 17 earthquakes hitting Delhi-NCR in the last three months and Gurugram being sighted as the most unsafe, the local administration and disaster management authority is emphasising on earthquake-resistant structures.

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening. The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface.

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening. The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface. Earthquake of Magnitude:4.7, Occurred on 03-07-2020, 19:00:50 IST, Lat: 28.00 & Long: 76.69, Depth: 35 Km ,Location: 50km N of Alwar, Rajasthan, India for more information https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf pic.twitter.com/pkCoLIM1Yh — National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) July 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, in the backdrop of 17 earthquakes hitting Delhi-NCR in the last three months and Gurugram being sighted as the most unsafe, the local administration and disaster management authority is emphasising on earthquake-resistant structures.

Earthquake in Rajasthan with 4.7 magnitude near Alwar district

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP wins 2, Congress 1 
 
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh has won two seats. The opposition Congress won one seat. The winners are Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sumer Singh Solanki (both BJP) and Digvijaya Singh. 
 
Rajasthan Rajya Sabha Election Result: Congress wins 2 seats, BJP 1 
 
Congress wins 2 seats from Rajasthan, while BJP 1 seat. &nbsp;BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won, while KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won from the Congress party.

Earlier, Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states had concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm.

Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. given coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya. Madhya Pradesh: BJP wins 2, Congress 1 The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh has won two seats. The opposition Congress won one seat. The winners are Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sumer Singh Solanki (both BJP) and Digvijaya Singh. Rajasthan Rajya Sabha Election Result: Congress wins 2 seats, BJP 1 Congress wins 2 seats from Rajasthan, while BJP 1 seat. BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won, while KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won from the Congress party. Earlier, Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states had concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. given coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha election results 2020: BJP bags 2 in Madhya Pradesh, Congress wins 2 seats in Rajasthan

The farmers in Chohatan and other villages of Barmer district in Rajasthan were seen clanging utensils in an attempt to scare away the swarms of migratory locusts invading their fields and eating away crops.

“We urge the centre and state government to find a solution to this, as soon as possible. Our crops are destroyed,” said locals.

The locust attack is another blow to farmers already reeling under the impact of Covid-19 lockdown.

Recently the Agriculture Department used drones to monitor the movement of the locusts in Jaipur’s Samode.

Dr Om Prakash Choudhary, Commissioner, Agricultural Department said, “We will use drones to monitor locusts in the terrains which are difficult for us to access.”

The desert locust is a species of locust, a swarming short-horned grasshopper. They are known to devour everything in their path, posing an unprecedented threat to food supply and livelihoods of millions of people. 
&nbsp;

The farmers in Chohatan and other villages of Barmer district in Rajasthan were seen clanging utensils in an attempt to scare away the swarms of migratory locusts invading their fields and eating away crops.

The farmers in Chohatan and other villages of Barmer district in Rajasthan were seen clanging utensils in an attempt to scare away the swarms of migratory locusts invading their fields and eating away crops. “We urge the centre and state government to find a solution to this, as soon as possible. Our crops are destroyed,” said locals. The locust attack is another blow to farmers already reeling under the impact of Covid-19 lockdown. Recently the Agriculture Department used drones to monitor the movement of the locusts in Jaipur’s Samode. Dr Om Prakash Choudhary, Commissioner, Agricultural Department said, “We will use drones to monitor locusts in the terrains which are difficult for us to access.” The desert locust is a species of locust, a swarming short-horned grasshopper. They are known to devour everything in their path, posing an unprecedented threat to food supply and livelihoods of millions of people.

Another locust attack in Rajasthan; this time in Barmer district

The intense heatwave led to record high daytime temperatures on Tuesday in many places across the country including the national capital Delhi.&nbsp;

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 46 degrees Celsius.

The last time the mercury at the Safdarjung weather station touched the 46-degrees-Celsius mark was on May 19, 2002, said Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The record for Safdarjung in May is 47.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 29, 1944.

The last time the Palam Observatory recorded such a high temperature in May -- 47.6 degrees Celsius -- was on May 18, 2010, Srivastava said.

However, Churu in Rajasthan bagged the record of being the hottest place in not just India, but the entire world, on Tuesday. Recording the country's first 50°C mark this year, Churu witnessed the temperature go up to seven notches above normal.

Heatwaves occur over India between March and June.&nbsp;

Meteorologists declare a heatwave event when the maximum (day) temperature for a location in the plains crosses 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave spell generally lasts for a minimum of four days.&nbsp;

On some occasions, it can extend up to seven or ten days. The longest recorded heatwave spell, in recent years, was between 18 – 31 May 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The intense heatwave led to record high daytime temperatures on Tuesday in many places across the country including the national capital Delhi. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 46 degrees Celsius.

The intense heatwave led to record high daytime temperatures on Tuesday in many places across the country including the national capital Delhi. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 46 degrees Celsius. The last time the mercury at the Safdarjung weather station touched the 46-degrees-Celsius mark was on May 19, 2002, said Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The record for Safdarjung in May is 47.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 29, 1944. The last time the Palam Observatory recorded such a high temperature in May -- 47.6 degrees Celsius -- was on May 18, 2010, Srivastava said. However, Churu in Rajasthan bagged the record of being the hottest place in not just India, but the entire world, on Tuesday. Recording the country's first 50°C mark this year, Churu witnessed the temperature go up to seven notches above normal. Heatwaves occur over India between March and June. Meteorologists declare a heatwave event when the maximum (day) temperature for a location in the plains crosses 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave spell generally lasts for a minimum of four days. On some occasions, it can extend up to seven or ten days. The longest recorded heatwave spell, in recent years, was between 18 – 31 May 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi records decade’s highest May temperature; Rajasthan's Churu grapples with the heat at 50 degrees Celsius

Plasma therapy started by Sawai Man Singh (SMS) medical college here to treat serious coronavirus-infected patients has delivered "promising" results so far, a top doctor at the facility said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/82-per-cent-people-who-lost-their-lives-to-covid-19-were-above-50-years-arvind-kejriwal-297760" hreflang="en">82 per cent people who lost their lives to COVID-19 were above 50 years: Arvind Kejriwal</a>

The therapy has been successfully given to three patients and two more are likely to be administered the same soon. The team of doctors is encouraged with the results, Principal and Controller of SMS medical college Dr Sudhir Bhandari said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-aboard-ins-jalashwa-return-from-maldives-as-a-part-of-repatriation-mission-297742" hreflang="en">Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission</a>

Bhandari, who is heading the team which is performing COVID-19 plasma transfusion since last week at the hospital, said three successful therapies have been conducted and the results were "promising".

"So far, we have conducted three successful COVID plasma therapies and all the three patients are showing improvement in their clinical state, oxygen saturation and D-dimer levels," he told PTI.

"This has given a ray of hope," he added.

A D-dimer test is a blood test that can be used to help rule out the presence of a serious blood clot.

Bhandari said the convalescent plasma therapy is being conducted as per the protocol of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and with the permission of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

The therapy aims at transfusing plasma (component of blood) containing antibodies donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient to the serious coronavirus patients harbouring an active infection.

The patients are given the dose of 200 ml of plasma on two consecutive days, he said.

Elaborating on the therapy, Bhandari said the donors of plasma are the COVID-19 patients who have recovered after 21 to 28 days of their illness.

Repeat testing is done on recovered patients and when found negative, they are found to be suitable donors.

Antibody detection rapid test is also done that shows wether protective antibodies have formed in the recovered patients, he said.

"After that, their plasma is obtained for donation and infused into blood group of matched recipients, who are suffering from active corona infection," he said.

Bhandari said convalescent plasma or immune globulins has been used as an adjunct therapy to improve the survival rate of COVID-19 patients, whose condition continue to deteriorate despite treatment.

He said several studies have shown a shorter hospital stay and lower mortality in patients who are treated with convalescent plasma.

"One possible explanation for the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy is that the antibodies from convalescent plasma might suppress viremia (the presence of viruses in the blood) by mopping up the inciting viral antigens," he said.

Bhandari said standard treatment protocols are being followed in addition to standard medical supportive treatment while treating the COVID-19 patients.

"We used Hydroxychloroquine and antiviral Lopinavir 400 mg and Ritonavir 100 mg for the first time in COVID positive patients which ignited thought process and many research trials for treatment of Covid-19 cases."?

Convalescent plasma has previously been used against viral illnesses such as rabies, hepatitis B, polio, measles, influenza and Ebola. It was also used in the outbreaks of MERS and SARS-1, where faster viral clearance following convalescent plasma therapy was observed, he said.

Bhandari said plasma therapy is a form of passive immunisation, unlike a vaccine, which produces active immunity.

Plasma therapy started by Sawai Man Singh (SMS) medical college here to treat serious coronavirus-infected patients has delivered "promising" results so far, a top doctor at the facility said.

Plasma therapy started by Sawai Man Singh (SMS) medical college here to treat serious coronavirus-infected patients has delivered "promising" results so far, a top doctor at the facility said. Also read: 82 per cent people who lost their lives to COVID-19 were above 50 years: Arvind Kejriwal The therapy has been successfully given to three patients and two more are likely to be administered the same soon. The team of doctors is encouraged with the results, Principal and Controller of SMS medical college Dr Sudhir Bhandari said. Also read: Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission Bhandari, who is heading the team which is performing COVID-19 plasma transfusion since last week at the hospital, said three successful therapies have been conducted and the results were "promising". "So far, we have conducted three successful COVID plasma therapies and all the three patients are showing improvement in their clinical state, oxygen saturation and D-dimer levels," he told PTI. "This has given a ray of hope," he added. A D-dimer test is a blood test that can be used to help rule out the presence of a serious blood clot. Bhandari said the convalescent plasma therapy is being conducted as per the protocol of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and with the permission of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). The therapy aims at transfusing plasma (component of blood) containing antibodies donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient to the serious coronavirus patients harbouring an active infection. The patients are given the dose of 200 ml of plasma on two consecutive days, he said. Elaborating on the therapy, Bhandari said the donors of plasma are the COVID-19 patients who have recovered after 21 to 28 days of their illness. Repeat testing is done on recovered patients and when found negative, they are found to be suitable donors. Antibody detection rapid test is also done that shows wether protective antibodies have formed in the recovered patients, he said. "After that, their plasma is obtained for donation and infused into blood group of matched recipients, who are suffering from active corona infection," he said. Bhandari said convalescent plasma or immune globulins has been used as an adjunct therapy to improve the survival rate of COVID-19 patients, whose condition continue to deteriorate despite treatment. He said several studies have shown a shorter hospital stay and lower mortality in patients who are treated with convalescent plasma. "One possible explanation for the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy is that the antibodies from convalescent plasma might suppress viremia (the presence of viruses in the blood) by mopping up the inciting viral antigens," he said. Bhandari said standard treatment protocols are being followed in addition to standard medical supportive treatment while treating the COVID-19 patients. "We used Hydroxychloroquine and antiviral Lopinavir 400 mg and Ritonavir 100 mg for the first time in COVID positive patients which ignited thought process and many research trials for treatment of Covid-19 cases."? Convalescent plasma has previously been used against viral illnesses such as rabies, hepatitis B, polio, measles, influenza and Ebola. It was also used in the outbreaks of MERS and SARS-1, where faster viral clearance following convalescent plasma therapy was observed, he said. Bhandari said plasma therapy is a form of passive immunisation, unlike a vaccine, which produces active immunity.

Plasma therapy to treat serious COVID-19 patients at Rajasthan hospital shows 'promising' results

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the&nbsp;Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown.&nbsp;

He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat." Using the logic that alcoholic sanitizers help get rid of coronavirus, he implied that coronavirus can be removed from the throat if people drink alcohol.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entire-country-suffering-supreme-court-rules-out-separate-funds-for-lawyers-295979">Also read:&nbsp;Entire country suffering’: Supreme Court rules out separate funds for lawyers</a>

"When coronavirus can be removed by washing hands with alcohol, then drinking alcohol will surely remove virus from the throat," Kundanpur wrote in his letter to the Chief Minister.

Liquor stores all over the country have been shut since the nationwide lockdown was initiated to stop the spread of coronavirus. Some citizens have been requesting the government to partially open the liquor shops. However, the government has stood firm on its decision and has helped the public as and how possible.

The MLA also alleged that&nbsp;illegal sales of liquor and bootlegging has seen a rapid increase during the weeks of lockdown.

MLA Bharat belongs to&nbsp;Sangod in Rajasthan. The state has&nbsp;almost 2,617 positive coronavirus cases, with more than 50 deaths.

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown. He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat.

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown. He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat." Using the logic that alcoholic sanitizers help get rid of coronavirus, he implied that coronavirus can be removed from the throat if people drink alcohol. Also read: Entire country suffering’: Supreme Court rules out separate funds for lawyers "When coronavirus can be removed by washing hands with alcohol, then drinking alcohol will surely remove virus from the throat," Kundanpur wrote in his letter to the Chief Minister. Liquor stores all over the country have been shut since the nationwide lockdown was initiated to stop the spread of coronavirus. Some citizens have been requesting the government to partially open the liquor shops. However, the government has stood firm on its decision and has helped the public as and how possible. The MLA also alleged that illegal sales of liquor and bootlegging has seen a rapid increase during the weeks of lockdown. MLA Bharat belongs to Sangod in Rajasthan. The state has almost 2,617 positive coronavirus cases, with more than 50 deaths.

Alcohol will kill coronavirus in throat, believes MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur

The Indian government has extended the lockdown till May 3 but inforcing containment measures and social distancing has been a huge challenge for the administration and also for the state police. The video shows the incident that happened in Rajasthan's Dholpur where the shopkeepers clashed with the police over trying to enforce the lockdown in the area.

People in Rajasthan's Dholpur flouting lockdown norms: Clashed with policemen

The total number of cases in India has now risen to 73. Kerala is the worst hit state with 17 cases, we have learnt two of these patients are in critical condition.

Coronavirus Outbreak : Total number of cases in India reaches 73

Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-has-made-terrorism-its-state-policy-and-is-not-mending-its-ways-rajnath-singh-266787">Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday greeted ex-servicemen on the occasion of "Veterans Day" saying that the nation will remain indebted to their services.

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Greetings and warm wishes to all Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Veterans Day. No words can describe their selfless devotion to duty and the sacrifices made by them. The nation will remain indebted to their services.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1216942240351653888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Greetings and warm wishes to all Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Veterans Day. No words can describe their selfless devotion to duty and the sacrifices made by them. The nation will remain indebted to their services," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-committed-to-protect-traders-interest-promote-ease-of-doing-business-rajnath-singh-272654">Defence Minister</a> said in a tweet.

Singh along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-action-to-reclaim-pok-if-ordered-says-army-chief-273589">General Bipin Rawat</a> will be attending a programme organised on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

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जनरल मनोज मुकुंद नरवणे <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> सभी भूतपूर्व सैनिकों एवं परिवारों को <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeteransDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeteransDay</a> की शुभकामनाएं देते हैं। आप सभी भूतपूर्व सैनिक, देश के लिए प्रेरणाश्रोत हैं। आप पर पूरा देश गर्व करता है। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#सम्मान</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#सहायता</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#स्वास्थ्य</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#सहूलियत</a> <a href="https://t.co/vitWRHtOlT">pic.twitter.com/vitWRHtOlT</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1216959995486621697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is the first time that General Rawat would be attending any official function outside Delhi after he took over as the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-much-better-prepared-today-than-before-army-chief-general-naravane-273557">Chief of Defence Staff</a>. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-commends-defence-accounts-department-for-sanctioning-pensions-timely-264039">Armed Forces Veterans Day</a> is celebrated as a mark of respect and recognition to the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday greeted ex-servicemen on the occasion of "Veterans Day" saying that the nation will remain indebted to their services. Greetings and warm wishes to all Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Veterans Day.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday greeted ex-servicemen on the occasion of "Veterans Day" saying that the nation will remain indebted to their services. Greetings and warm wishes to all Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Veterans Day. No words can describe their selfless devotion to duty and the sacrifices made by them. The nation will remain indebted to their services. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 14, 2020 × "Greetings and warm wishes to all Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Veterans Day. No words can describe their selfless devotion to duty and the sacrifices made by them. The nation will remain indebted to their services," Defence Minister said in a tweet. Singh along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat will be attending a programme organised on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day in Jaipur, Rajasthan. जनरल मनोज मुकुंद नरवणे #COAS #IndianArmy सभी भूतपूर्व सैनिकों एवं परिवारों को #VeteransDay की शुभकामनाएं देते हैं। आप सभी भूतपूर्व सैनिक, देश के लिए प्रेरणाश्रोत हैं। आप पर पूरा देश गर्व करता है। #सम्मान #सहायता #स्वास्थ्य #सहूलियत pic.twitter.com/vitWRHtOlT — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 14, 2020 × This is the first time that General Rawat would be attending any official function outside Delhi after he took over as the first Chief of Defence Staff. The Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated as a mark of respect and recognition to the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa.

Rajnath Singh on Veterans Day: 'Nation will remain indebted to their services'

In reference to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-infant-death-toll-in-kotas-jk-lon-hospital-rises-to-110-272287">deaths</a> of more than 100 infants in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-146-infants-die-in-december-in-jodhpur-hospital-272210">JK Lon Hospital</a>&nbsp;in Kota, BJP leader Sambit Patra&nbsp;challenged Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit Kota and ask demand for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's resignation.

Watch:&nbsp;Infant deaths in Kota hospital hits 100

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"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-to-mayawati-she-must-visit-rajasthan-to-meet-kota-victimss-families-272134">Priyanka Gandhi</a> Ji, I ask you directly when will you visit Kota? I give you the Kota challenge. We want you to reach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kota-infant-deaths-action-being-taken-against-those-at-fault-says-harish-rawat-272058">Kota</a> by evening today and hold a dead child in your hands, you are a mother, after all, you will be able to understand, and you should ask for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">Ashok Gehlot's</a> resignation," Patra said while addressing a press conference. 
 
He further questioned Delhi Chief Minister <a>Arvind Kejriwal's</a> decision to make former Congress leader Shoaib Iqbal a member of Aam Aadmi Party claiming that Iqbal has been charged with several crimes. 
 
Patra accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of doing the politics of appeasement. 
 
Congress leader Shoaib Iqbal and former MLA and Deputy Speaker of Delhi Assembly joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of Delhi CM and AAP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-govt-constructed-20k-new-classrooms-in-5-years-says-arvind-kejriwal-273224">Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Thursday.

In reference to the deaths of more than 100 infants in JK Lon Hospital in Kota, BJP leader Sambit Patra challenged Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit Kota and ask demand for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's resignation.

In reference to the deaths of more than 100 infants in JK Lon Hospital in Kota, BJP leader Sambit Patra challenged Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit Kota and ask demand for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's resignation. Watch: Infant deaths in Kota hospital hits 100 × "Priyanka Gandhi Ji, I ask you directly when will you visit Kota? I give you the Kota challenge. We want you to reach Kota by evening today and hold a dead child in your hands, you are a mother, after all, you will be able to understand, and you should ask for Ashok Gehlot's resignation," Patra said while addressing a press conference. He further questioned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's decision to make former Congress leader Shoaib Iqbal a member of Aam Aadmi Party claiming that Iqbal has been charged with several crimes. Patra accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of doing the politics of appeasement. Congress leader Shoaib Iqbal and former MLA and Deputy Speaker of Delhi Assembly joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.

Priyanka Gandhi ji, 'visit Kota and ask for CM Ashok Gehlot's resignation': Sambit Patra

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday.

"Dense to very dense fog at isolated places very likely over Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh and dense fog over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, East Rajasthan during night/morning hours during next 2 days," the IMD said.

IMD, in its early morning weather bulletin, added, "Dense to very dense fog recorded in isolated pockets over West Uttar Pradesh and West Madhya Pradesh and moderate fog in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Tripura."

Moreover, IMD predicted thunderstorm accompanied by hail and lightning at isolated places over Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 6.

On Sunday, the overall air quality in Delhi continued to be in the 'very poor'&nbsp;category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 336.Moreover, a minimum temperature of 7.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Delhi's Palam as cold wave intensified in the area.

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday.

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday. "Dense to very dense fog at isolated places very likely over Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh and dense fog over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, East Rajasthan during night/morning hours during next 2 days," the IMD said. IMD, in its early morning weather bulletin, added, "Dense to very dense fog recorded in isolated pockets over West Uttar Pradesh and West Madhya Pradesh and moderate fog in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Tripura." Moreover, IMD predicted thunderstorm accompanied by hail and lightning at isolated places over Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 6. On Sunday, the overall air quality in Delhi continued to be in the 'very poor' category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 336.Moreover, a minimum temperature of 7.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Delhi's Palam as cold wave intensified in the area.

Dense fog likely in UP, Rajasthan, parts of Northeast during next two days: IMD

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kota-infant-deaths-action-being-taken-against-those-at-fault-says-harish-rawat-272058">infants'&nbsp;death</a> in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur.

In Dr Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur district, 146 infants have died in the past month.

The hospital administration, however, said that the number of child deaths was quite low as compared to the number of children admitted in the hospital in December and added that the hospital gets very serious cases referred from other hospitals in the region which has led to the high number of deaths.

"We are the biggest hospital in western Rajasthan. We even get infants and other patients who are referred from AIIMS, Jodhpur. 4,689 admissions of infants were done in the month of December alone, out of which 146 died. Therefore, the mortality rate is just 3 per cent which comes under acceptable norms," Dr SS Rathore, Principal of the SN Medical College told ANI.

"The number of deaths might seem high but one should also see that the number of admissions is quite high at our hospital. Also, there were different reasons behind the death of infants which have occurred in the hospital," he added.So far, more than 100 children have lost their lives in the JK Lon Hospital in Kota.Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 infants' death in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur.

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 infants' death in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur. In Dr Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur district, 146 infants have died in the past month. The hospital administration, however, said that the number of child deaths was quite low as compared to the number of children admitted in the hospital in December and added that the hospital gets very serious cases referred from other hospitals in the region which has led to the high number of deaths. "We are the biggest hospital in western Rajasthan. We even get infants and other patients who are referred from AIIMS, Jodhpur. 4,689 admissions of infants were done in the month of December alone, out of which 146 died. Therefore, the mortality rate is just 3 per cent which comes under acceptable norms," Dr SS Rathore, Principal of the SN Medical College told ANI. "The number of deaths might seem high but one should also see that the number of admissions is quite high at our hospital. Also, there were different reasons behind the death of infants which have occurred in the hospital," he added.So far, more than 100 children have lost their lives in the JK Lon Hospital in Kota.Further details are awaited.

Rajasthan: 146 infants die in December in Jodhpur hospital

The death toll of infants has risen to 110 at the JK Lon government hospital here on Sunday.

The toll was 107 on Saturday. Earlier on Saturday, a central team of experts visited the hospital to take stock of the incident.

A three-member state government committee of doctors, who was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, found that the hospital is short of beds and it requires improvement.

However, the committee gave a clean chit to the doctors for any lapses over the recent death of infants admitted there.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan to submit a detailed report within four weeks about the steps being taken to address the issue of child deaths in the hospital.

The Commission also asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that such deaths of the children do not recur in the future due to lack of infrastructure and health facilities at the hospitals.&nbsp;

The death toll of infants has risen to 110 at the JK Lon government hospital here on Sunday. The toll was 107 on Saturday. Earlier on Saturday, a central team of experts visited the hospital to take stock of the incident.

The death toll of infants has risen to 110 at the JK Lon government hospital here on Sunday. The toll was 107 on Saturday. Earlier on Saturday, a central team of experts visited the hospital to take stock of the incident. A three-member state government committee of doctors, who was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, found that the hospital is short of beds and it requires improvement. However, the committee gave a clean chit to the doctors for any lapses over the recent death of infants admitted there. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan to submit a detailed report within four weeks about the steps being taken to address the issue of child deaths in the hospital. The Commission also asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that such deaths of the children do not recur in the future due to lack of infrastructure and health facilities at the hospitals.

Rajasthan: Infant death toll in Kota's JK Lon Hospital rises to 110

Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday said that the Rajasthan government is taking against those responsible that lead to the death of over 100 infants in a hospital in Kota district.

"The government is focussed and various steps are being taken by the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Action is being taken against those who were at fault. They are also being punished," Rawat told ANI.

Health minister Dr. Raghu Sharma has been denying negligence on part of state machinery over the deaths of children in Kota.

The Congress leader said that BJP had over the last five years destroyed the medical facilities in the state and his party is improving it now.

The death toll of infants in the J K Lone hospital in Rajasthan's Kota district has mounted to 105.

According to officials, the children have died at the hospital in over a month's time.

The Congress-led government has been facing the ire over the deaths due to alleged unhygienic conditions of the district hospital.

A three-member state government committee of doctors, which was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, had found that the hospital is short of beds and requires improvements.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday said that the Rajasthan government is taking against those responsible that lead to the death of over 100 infants in a hospital in Kota district.

Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday said that the Rajasthan government is taking against those responsible that lead to the death of over 100 infants in a hospital in Kota district. "The government is focussed and various steps are being taken by the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Action is being taken against those who were at fault. They are also being punished," Rawat told ANI. Health minister Dr. Raghu Sharma has been denying negligence on part of state machinery over the deaths of children in Kota. The Congress leader said that BJP had over the last five years destroyed the medical facilities in the state and his party is improving it now. The death toll of infants in the J K Lone hospital in Rajasthan's Kota district has mounted to 105. According to officials, the children have died at the hospital in over a month's time. The Congress-led government has been facing the ire over the deaths due to alleged unhygienic conditions of the district hospital. A three-member state government committee of doctors, which was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, had found that the hospital is short of beds and requires improvements.

Kota infant deaths: 'Action being taken against those at fault,' says Harish Rawat

Snapping back at BSP supremo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kota-infant-deaths-mayawati-slams-priyanka-gandhi-over-her-silence-271593">Mayawati</a> for criticising her of being silent over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">Kota infants death</a> incident, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said that Mayawati herself should visit Rajasthan to meet the kin of the victims. 
 
Priyanka's reaction comes after Mayawati questioned her silence on the death of infants in Kota and said the Congress leader should have met the women who had lost their children due to "laxity" of the Ashok Gehlot-led government in Madhya Pradesh. 
 
"She (Mayawati) should visit Rajasthan to meet victims' families," Gandhi told reporters while responding to the BSP chief's statement. 
 
Expressing grief over the death of the infants, Congress leader said that she has taken the details of the case. 
 
"I have taken details of the issue and a Congress team has gone there to get more information on the matter," she said. 
 
Taking cognisance of the issue, Mayawati had on Thursday said that the Ashok Gehlot-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-trains-running-late-due-to-low-visibility-in-northern-railway-region-271802">Madhya Pradesh</a> government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati had said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue.

She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kota-infant-deaths-action-being-taken-against-those-at-fault-says-harish-rawat-272058">Kota</a> to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama. 
 
The death toll of infants in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/instead-of-opposing-caa-focus-on-children-dying-in-kota-shah-tells-gehlot-271963">JK Lon Hospital</a> in Kota reached 107, said, a hospital official.

A three-member state government committee of doctors, who was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, found that Kota's JK Lon Hospital is short of beds and it requires improvement.

However, the committee gave a clean chit to the doctors for any lapses over the recent death of infants admitted there.

Snapping back at BSP supremo Mayawati for criticising her of being silent over the Kota infants death incident, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said that Mayawati herself should visit Rajasthan to meet the kin of the victims.

Snapping back at BSP supremo Mayawati for criticising her of being silent over the Kota infants death incident, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said that Mayawati herself should visit Rajasthan to meet the kin of the victims. Priyanka's reaction comes after Mayawati questioned her silence on the death of infants in Kota and said the Congress leader should have met the women who had lost their children due to "laxity" of the Ashok Gehlot-led government in Madhya Pradesh. "She (Mayawati) should visit Rajasthan to meet victims' families," Gandhi told reporters while responding to the BSP chief's statement. Expressing grief over the death of the infants, Congress leader said that she has taken the details of the case. "I have taken details of the issue and a Congress team has gone there to get more information on the matter," she said. Taking cognisance of the issue, Mayawati had on Thursday said that the Ashok Gehlot-led Madhya Pradesh government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati had said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue. She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama. The death toll of infants in JK Lon Hospital in Kota reached 107, said, a hospital official. A three-member state government committee of doctors, who was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24, found that Kota's JK Lon Hospital is short of beds and it requires improvement. However, the committee gave a clean chit to the doctors for any lapses over the recent death of infants admitted there.

Priyanka Gandhi to Mayawati: She must visit Rajasthan to meet Kota victims's 'families'

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">Kota</a> sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hemant-soren-takes-oath-as-jharkhand-chief-minister-270844">Ashok Gehlot,</a> urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city. 
 
"In view of the increasing number of untimely deaths of infants at JK Lon Mother and Child Hospital in Kota, I have sent a reminder letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and urged him to strengthen medical facilities with awareness," tweeted Birla. 
 
Three more children died on December 30 and five more on December 31. 
 
Dr Amrit Bairwa, Head of the Pediatric Department of the hospital, has stated that the newborns had 'low-birth-weight and hypothermia.' 
 
Seventy-seven children had died in the hospital till December 24 and the toll has now gone up to 103.

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in Kota sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city.

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in Kota sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city. "In view of the increasing number of untimely deaths of infants at JK Lon Mother and Child Hospital in Kota, I have sent a reminder letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and urged him to strengthen medical facilities with awareness," tweeted Birla. Three more children died on December 30 and five more on December 31. Dr Amrit Bairwa, Head of the Pediatric Department of the hospital, has stated that the newborns had 'low-birth-weight and hypothermia.' Seventy-seven children had died in the hospital till December 24 and the toll has now gone up to 103.

Kota infant deaths: Speaker Om Birla writes to CM, urges him to strengthen medical facilities

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday.

Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital.

Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road.

Further details are awaited.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital. Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road. Further details are awaited.

Several injured as vehicles collide due to low visibility in Alwar

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">100 children</a> in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue.

Mayawati stated that like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-to-prevail-in-sambhal-till-january-31-271476">Uttar Pradesh</a>, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue. Mayawati stated that like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government. She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

Kota infant deaths: Mayawati slams Priyanka Gandhi over her 'silence'

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019.

"The Infant Mortality Rate in the state was 7.62 per cent in 2014, 7.17 per cent in 2015, 6.66 per cent in 2016, 6 per cent in 2017 and 6.11 per cent in 2018. We have reduced it to 5.55 per cent in 2019. IMR was 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure and it has been brought down by the current Rajasthan government," said Dr. Sharma.

He also stressed on the need to create awareness in this regard and said, "There is a need for mass awareness regarding infant's care, especially anemic child, underweight or premature baby. There is a need for awareness among the people that they should immediately seek clinical support in case their infant is weak or not well. It's extremely saddening even if one infant dies. In case there is any negligence in the reports (Kota infant death case), we won't spare that person".

The minister further added that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-is-well-says-nitish-kumar-on-bjp-jdu-alliance-in-bihar-271202">BJP</a> in its tenure should have introduced a centralised oxygen system in every hospital, however, nothing of this sort was done.

"They (BJP) themselves did not do anything. The IMR during their term was much higher, whereas we have reduced IMR and Maternal Mortality Ratio. We are bringing in more facilities in the hospitals across the state. The government has focused majorly on the health sector," Dr. Sharma stated that the state government's aim is to open medical colleges across 33 districts of Rajasthan and the government is working very systematically in this sector.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation appointed by the party's president visited the J Lon hospital in Kota on Tuesday.

BJP working <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-led-government-restored-special-status-of-himachal-jp-nadda-270602">President JP Nadda</a> had on Monday appointed four women MPs to form a delegation which will investigate the death of newborns at a hospital in Kota in Rajasthan.

The delegation consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will visit Kota tomorrow and prepare a report after reviewing the situation.

BJP MPs Jaskaur Meena, Kanta Kardam, Locket Chatterjee and Bharati Pawar have been appointed as members of the delegation by Nadda.

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019. "The Infant Mortality Rate in the state was 7.62 per cent in 2014, 7.17 per cent in 2015, 6.66 per cent in 2016, 6 per cent in 2017 and 6.11 per cent in 2018. We have reduced it to 5.55 per cent in 2019. IMR was 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure and it has been brought down by the current Rajasthan government," said Dr. Sharma. He also stressed on the need to create awareness in this regard and said, "There is a need for mass awareness regarding infant's care, especially anemic child, underweight or premature baby. There is a need for awareness among the people that they should immediately seek clinical support in case their infant is weak or not well. It's extremely saddening even if one infant dies. In case there is any negligence in the reports (Kota infant death case), we won't spare that person". The minister further added that BJP in its tenure should have introduced a centralised oxygen system in every hospital, however, nothing of this sort was done. "They (BJP) themselves did not do anything. The IMR during their term was much higher, whereas we have reduced IMR and Maternal Mortality Ratio. We are bringing in more facilities in the hospitals across the state. The government has focused majorly on the health sector," Dr. Sharma stated that the state government's aim is to open medical colleges across 33 districts of Rajasthan and the government is working very systematically in this sector. Meanwhile, a BJP delegation appointed by the party's president visited the J Lon hospital in Kota on Tuesday. BJP working President JP Nadda had on Monday appointed four women MPs to form a delegation which will investigate the death of newborns at a hospital in Kota in Rajasthan. The delegation consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will visit Kota tomorrow and prepare a report after reviewing the situation. BJP MPs Jaskaur Meena, Kanta Kardam, Locket Chatterjee and Bharati Pawar have been appointed as members of the delegation by Nadda.

IMR reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019: Rajasthan Health Minister

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