Akhilesh's statement influenced by politics: OP Rajbhar on Varanasi iftar gathering

IANS | March 19, 2026 12:29 PM

Lucknow, March 19 (IANS) Amid the controversy over the arrest of 14 Muslim youths who allegedly organised an iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Thursday termed Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks as “wrong” and politically motivated. He also stated that the government was taking appropriate action in the matter.

Sudhakaran crisis averted in Kerala as senior Cong leader Antony steps in

IANS | March 19, 2026 11:54 AM

Thiruvananthapuram, March 19 (IANS) In a dramatic last-minute intervention, senior Congress leader A.K. Antony stepped in to defuse a brewing crisis within the Indian National Congress, persuading veteran leader and Kannur Lok Sabha member, K. Sudhakaran, to stay back after he was on the verge of quitting the party.

PM Modi greets people of Andhra, Telangana on Telugu New Year

IANS | March 19, 2026 11:12 AM

Hyderabad, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the occasion of Ugadi, the Telugu New Year. He posted his Ugadi message in Telugu on social media platforms, conveying heartfelt wishes to people.

ECI seeks fresh report from Kolkata Police on March 14 Girish Park violence

IANS | March 19, 2026 10:15 AM

Kolkata, March 19 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a fresh report from Kolkata Police on the violence that erupted on the streets of Girish Park in North Kolkata in front of the residence of a member of the West Bengal cabinet following clashes between ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists in the afternoon of March 14.