New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The Congress has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing it of “politicising” Operation Sindoor for its own benefit. The party has already planned nationwide rallies to demand answers from the Prime Minister, particularly on US President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the alleged “suspension of the operation”.Speaking at a press conference, senior Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, voiced their concerns over the “BJP’s attempt to claim credit for a military action that rightfully belongs to the armed forces and the country as a whole”.The Congress leadership declared its intent to hold ‘Jai Hind’ rallies across different states, with LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expected to lead the movement and address the media later in the week.Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, and other leaders attended the meeting, resulting in a resolution reaffirming the party’s commitment to unity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi extended full support to the government and the armed forces.Congress leaders have also sought a special Parliamentary session to discuss the security situation and reiterate the historic 1994 resolution on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.They questioned why Trump made an unprecedented “ceasefire announcement”, while the Prime Minister remained silent.Further raising concerns, Ramesh pointed to reports that the Prime Minister would meet only NDA chief ministers on May 25, excluding those from opposition-led states. He condemned what he described as the BJP’s strategy of “maximum silence on real issues and maximum politicisation”.The Congress has repeatedly demanded an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to clarify India’s stance on external involvement in its security affairs. Despite their calls for unity, they lamented the Prime Minister’s continued reluctance to engage. The party remains firm in its stance against the “politicisation of national security”, demanding transparency and collective resolve.–IANSsktr/pgh

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, lauded the success of…

Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over the state’s failure to enact a law regulating coaching institutes, despite ongoing discussions since 2019.A division bench of Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava and Justice Mukesh Rajpurohit criticised the inaction, especially in light of the alarming rise in student suicides — 14 reported from January to May 8 this year. During the hearing, Advocate General Rajendra Prasad presented these figures.The court, while noting that the Supreme Court is set to hear a related matter on May 23, scheduled the next hearing for two weeks later. The court had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue in 2016 following repeated suicides in Kota. Although a draft Coaching Regulation Bill was prepared and presented in the Assembly this year, it was later referred to a Select Committee due to opposition, particularly from BJP MLAs.BJP’s Kalicharan Saraf had criticised the bill, warning that its current form could drive coaching institutes out of Rajasthan, affecting jobs and a Rs 60,000 crore industry. He argued for broader consultation, better representation in oversight committees, and inclusion of Central guidelines like alerting parents if a student remains absent for two days.The High Court stressed the urgency of addressing mental health pressures on students and implementing regulations, stating that mere discussions without action serve no purpose. BJP MLA Gopal Sharma raised questions on the missing provisions of the central guidelines in the Coaching Regulation Bill. Sharma said If there is a double-engine government, then let’s move together. The central guidelines have a provision for teaching coaching to children above 16 years of age. Why is this provision missing from this bill?–IANSarc/uk

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis showered praise on the Indian armed forces for successfully carrying out Operation Sindoor, saying that it showed India will not give up.

In his address at the Tiranga Yatra amid slogans such as ‘Sun le beta Pakistan, Bap tera Hindustan’, he said: “Today we have come together here to express our gratitude to the soldiers of our country. The strength of the Indian army was shown through Operation Sindoor. We cannot bow down, we will not bow down, we will not stop, we will not get tired, everyone must have come to know such strength of the Indian army through Operation Sindoor.” He added that the Tiranga rally was organised to express gratitude to the Army for this achievement and to honour them.”The way terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam, asking about religion, killing a husband in front of his wife, killing a father in front of his son. We have never seen such a massacre in the history of not only India but also the world. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said that we would give a befitting reply. After that, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor and gave a strong response,” he said.”We taught them a lesson through Operation Sindoor, which was the work of wiping out the vermilion of our sisters. Pakistan thought that the Indian army would never reach the nine places where India destroyed terrorist bases. However, the Indian troops went there and eliminated the terrorists. We also showed Pakistan that we will not leave the terrorists no matter where they hide,” he said.After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan tried to attack India. However, their attempt to attack was not successful. India once again showed how strong its defence system is. “The world saw the strength of the Indian Army. Pakistan had to bow down before India, and then a ceasefire was signed,” he said.The Chief Minister added that through Operation Sindoor, the world has seen India’s military might, adding that Pakistan has had to bow down before India’s military might. India’s defence preparedness and security system are strong.Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that India has responded to the brutal attack in Pahalgam through Operation Sindoor.Earlier, Eknath Shinde took out the Tiranga rally in Thane and hailed the role played by the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor.–IANSsj/dan

Bhubaneswar, May 14 (IANS) Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the state government over the Cabinet’s decision to provide 11.25 per cent reservation to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), calling it “disappointing” and “insufficient”.

Das told IANS: “This decision cannot be called a landmark. For centuries, the SEBC and OBC communities have been denied justice. Instead of implementing the full 27 per cent reservation that is mandated and demanded, the state has chosen to provide only 11.25 per cent, which is unacceptable.”He pointed out that while the SC and ST communities have long demanded 40 per cent reservation in technical education sectors like medical, engineering, and pharmacy, the state government has offered only 20 per cent, with no significant increase.“Where is the justification for such minimal provision?” he asked.Das alleged that the move reflects a deliberate suppression of the rights of SC, ST, and OBC populations in Odisha.“This is the final phase of betrayal. The communities are being systematically ignored and oppressed,” he said.The Congress leader demanded that the reservation for SEBC be immediately increased to 27 per cent, and that this should also extend to private institutions, especially in government jobs, education, and technical fields.“Unless the government ensures 40 per cent reservation in technical education for these communities, we will not remain silent,” he warned.Das announced a state-wide agitation plan, stating, “If our demands are not met, there will be protests in every block and every district. On May 22–23, Congress workers will stage a satyagraha in front of the Chief Minister’s residence. On the 23rd, we will also hold a public meeting and announce our future course of action.”He also informed that soon an announcement will be made regarding a statewide Odisha Bandh over the issue.The Odisha Cabinet in a meeting on Wednesday afternoon approved a proposal to introduce 11.25 per cent reservation in admission for students belonging to SEBC categories in state Public Universities, Government and Aided Higher Secondary and Higher Education institutions under the School & Mass Education Department, Higher Education Department, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department and Sports & Youth Services Departments starting from the academic year 2025-26.–IANSgyan/dan

Bhubaneswar, May 14 (IANS) The Commissionerate Police has rescued a four-year-old child kidnapped from Bhoi Nagar in Saheed Nagar area of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday within a few hours of abduction, police commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh said on Wednesday. The accused, Sonu Nayak a.k.a.. Abhisek Digal (25), a resident of Lamonjia, under Raikia police limits in Kandhamal district, was also arrested by the police.Speaking at a press conference here, Singh further added that following the receipt of the report, the Commissionerate Police swung into action and solved the case within a few hours utilising its human, digital assets and activating the police network.Terming the kidnapping of the child as a very sensitive incident, Singh claimed that this is the third case of child kidnapping in the twin city during the last two months in which the victims were rescued within a short period of time.The police sources revealed that due to a marital dispute with her husband, the complainant, Garita Singh, victim child’s mother, was staying in Bangalore with her minor sons.She came into contact with the accused during her stay at Bangalore. After nine months’ stay at Bangalore, the complainant resolved all the differences with her husband and came back to Bhubaneswar two months ago. The complainant is currently staying with her husband.Police also added that on May 12, the accused came to Garita’s residence and on the next day on May 13, between 9.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., the accused kidnapped her younger son, who was playing outside the house with his elder brother, eight-years-old Rehan Mallik.The victim’s mother contacted the accused but found his mobile switched off.“During the course of events, the accused met his younger brother, Abhaya Digal, at IDBI Chowk and falsely claimed that the kidnapped child was his own son. Abhaya, unaware of the truth and assuming the child to be his nephew (as the accused had been estranged from the family for 15 years), took them to his rented accommodation at Tarini Nagar in Saliasahi area. The minor boy was later rescued, and the accused was apprehended,” informed the Commissionerate police.The investigation into the case is on to ascertain the motive behind the kidnapping of the child.–IANSgyan/pgh

Agartala/Aizawl, May 14 (IANS) As part of the ongoing nationwide outreach efforts, the BJP on Wednesday organised ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Tripura and Mizoram to celebrate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In a momentous nationwide outreach effort, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began its 11-day-long ‘Tiranga Yatra’ on Tuesday to honour the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces, particularly in connection with the ‘Operation Sindoor’.The yatra across the country would continue up to May 23.In Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha led the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Agartala, and it went to all parts of the capital city. Carrying National flags, several ministers, including Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, and several MLAs, including Ratan Chakraborty, participated in the rally.Many important sports and professional personalities, including Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar, also took part in the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ rally.In Mizoram, besides BJP leaders and workers, many ex-servicemen, important personalities, and common people took part in the rally.Speaking on the occasion, state BJP president Vanlalhmuaka said that the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ was a mark of respect and honour by the people of Mizoram to the sacrifice and bravery displayed by the armed forces in the India-Pakistan recent conflict and during ‘Operation Sindoor’.The BJP leader said that several Mizo jawans among the country’s armed forces are now on the battlefield, and Mizoram is proud of their valour. The BJP president also said that people of all religions – Christian, Hindu and Muslims — in the state had recently offered prayers for the armed forces and to contain the India-Pakistan conflict. The BJP is greatly proud of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership ‘Operation Sindoor’ was most successfully conducted, Vanlalhmuaka stated.India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, two weeks after the horrific massacre of 26 civilians in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.–IANSsc/uk

Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) A grand Tiranga Yatra will be organised on Thursday (May 15) in Jaipur to honor the bravery and valor of the Indian Armed Forces for the successful Operation Sindoor. The rally will be led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and BJP state president Madan Rathore.The Tiranga Yatra will begin at 10 a.m. from Albert Hall and conclude at Badi Chaupad, passing through New Gate, Bapu Bazaar, and Sanganeri Gate.The Tiranga Yatra, organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is part of a state-wide campaign expressing gratitude to the armed forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their decisive response to terrorism and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.State Coordinator Bhupendra Saini said the rally has received overwhelming support from the public and aims to reflect the patriotic fervor across Rajasthan.Rajasthan BJP’s Jaipur Division Coordinator and former MLA Ramlal Sharma added that tributes will be paid to the soldiers safeguarding the nation.The Yatra will see participation from BJP workers, students, NGOs, other organisations, and members of other political and social groups. Preparations for the rally were discussed in a high-level meeting at the BJP state office.Prominent leaders present included Ankit Chechi, Tiranga Yatra State Coordinator, Ajaypal Singh, BJP State Vice President, Balmukundacharya, Hawamahal MLA, Ramlal Sharma, Former MLA & Jaipur Division Coordinator, Amit Goyal, Jaipur City President, Kusum Yadav, Mayor, Jaipur Heritage, Puneet Karnavat, Deputy Mayor, Jaipur Greater, Hameed Khan Mewati, Minority Front State President and several others from BJP’s various cells and wings.BJP workers have been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the smooth execution of the Yatra, which is expected to see massive public participation in a show of national pride.–IANSarc/pgh

Guwahati, May 14 (IANS) Assam Police on Wednesday arrested two more persons on charges of propagating pro-Pakistan statements on social media platforms, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Sahin Ahmed Mazumdar and Intesab Ahmed Laskar. Mazumdar was arrested in the Hailakandi district, while Laskar was nabbed in the Cachar district. With the latest arrest, the tally of people arrested for supporting Pakistan has gone up to 61.Sarma said, “So far, 61 Anti-Nationals have been arrested for their treachery.” Among the 61 arrested people, the most prominent is the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam. He was the first person to be arrested in the state for the “pro-Pakistan” stand. Aminul Islam, an AIUDF MLA from Assam’s Dhing Assembly constituency, was arrested on May 1 on sedition charges following his provocative statement regarding the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.In a video clip circulated on social media, the AIUDF leader is heard claiming that the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks were part of a “government conspiracy”. Aminul Islam said: “Six years ago in Pulwama, when the RDX blast happened and 42 soldiers died, I said on that day that the Pulwama blast happened at the behest of a conspiracy of the Central government, and it was a conspiracy to win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.”He added that what happened in Pahalgam is that the BJP has been peddling that the terrorists asked about religion and opened fire only on Hindus, and they let go of Muslims. “But the victims said that the terrorists opened fire without asking about anybody’s name, and I doubt that the nexus which was involved in the Pulwama attack in which RDX was used, is behind the Pahalgam incident,” he said.”If the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government does not conduct a fair investigation into the incident and tries to bring a division between Hindus and Muslims, I would believe that this incident happened because of a conspiracy,” Aminul Islam said, while ‘blaming’ PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.However, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal distanced himself from his party legislator’s comments. Ajmal said, “AIUDF stands with the government. The terrorists have no religion, and those who spread terrorism are against Islam.”–IANStdr/uk

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Two Turkish military operatives have been killed by India during Operation Sindoor, sources said on Wednesday.

It is learnt that Turkey not only helped Pakistan in its war against India with over 350 drones, but also with operators.“Turkish advisors helped Pakistani Army officials coordinate drone attacks in India after Operation Sindoor,” sources said.The defence sources have pointed out that Pakistan used Bayraktar TB2 and YIHA drones against India. “The drones are believed to be used for target identification and possibly for kamikaze attacks, especially to threaten advanced Indian positions or supply convoys,” sources said.Over the years, Pakistan has developed a close military-to-military relationship with Turkey.Defence experts believe that the nexus between Pakistan and Turkey has grown at an alarming rate in recent years, adding that the Turkish government has not only supplied critical military equipment but also conducted training for the Pakistani military.Reportedly, the Pakistani Army used approximately 300-400 drones to target Indian military infrastructure along the northern and western borders on the intervening nights of May 7 and 8. “A forensic investigation is underway into the drone debris. Initial reports suggest that these are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones,” Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said at a press conference on Operation Sindoor.–IANSdan/