Amid Congress criticism, two of its veteran MPs justify Centre's West Asia policy

IANS | March 19, 2026 1:11 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, both Members of Parliament from the Congress party, have publicly defended India’s foreign policy amid the conflict in West Asia involving Iran, Israel, and the US. The two veterans have expressed support for India’s skilful management of the situation, emphasising the importance of safeguarding its own interests in the region.

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.