Kolkata, June 6 (IANS) The forthcoming three-cornered contest for the crucial bypoll for Kaliganj Assembly constituency in West Bengal on June 18 will be an acid test for the contestants of all the major political parties, namely ruling Trinamool Congress, Opposition BJP and the Left Front-supported Congress.For Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed, the target is to exceed the winning margin of 46,987 votes achieved in 2021 by her father and ruling party legislator from Kaliganj, late Nasiruddin Ahmed, whose sudden demise in February this year has necessitated the bypoll for the constituency.Alifa Ahmed is banking mainly on the popularity of her deceased father among the people of the constituency, a sympathy wave and consolidation of the minority votes in her favour, to achieve her target.However, Trinamool Congress insiders admit that exceeding the 2021 winning margin will not be an easy task amid multiple controversies in the state, including the loss of jobs of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in state-run schools and pending Dearness Allowance dues to government employees.For the BJP candidate Ashish Ghosh, the challenge is to transfer the growing grievances of the people on these issues in his favour. His strong points are his organisational abilities as well as his clean and son-of-the-soil image.For Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, the target is to ensure the consolidation of the dedicated vote banks of the Congress and the Left Front in Kaliganj.At one point in time, Congress had a substantial support base at Kaliganj, with their candidates getting elected several times from there even during the previous Left Front rule.Like Ghosh, Kabil Uddin Shaikh, too, has a clean and son-of-the-soil image in Kaliganj.Political observers state that the fate of the candidates at Kaliganj is decided by the pattern of voting of the minority electorate, which comprises around 60 per cent of the total voters in the constituency.“If the consolidation of the minority votes goes in favour of Trinamool Congress as it happened in 2021, then the clean sweep of the ruling party candidate is guaranteed. But in case, Kabil Uddin Shaikh, who is also a minority candidate, can make a substantial dent in the minority vote bank, then there are reasons for concern for the Trinamool Congress candidate,” said a city-based political observer.Nasiruddin Ahmed got elected for the first time from Kaliganj in the 2011 West Bengal elections, which marked the end of the 34-year Left Front rule in West Bengal and the beginning of the Mamata Banerjee-led and Trinamool Congress-ruled regime.However, he was defeated by the Congress’ Hasanuzzaman Sheikh in the 2016 elections. After being out of the corridors of power for five years, Ahmed again got elected in the 2021 Assembly polls.Before 2011 and since 1977, which marked the beginning of the 34-year-old Left Front regime, Kaliganj had witnessed frequent changes in voting results with the contests being concentrated between Left Front ally Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Congress.The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 20 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces for the Kaliganj bypoll.–IANSsrc/rad

Lucknow, June 6 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Nishad Party president Sanjay Kumar Nishad on Friday reacted to the suspension of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and several senior officers following the tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives.

He emphasised that ensuring public safety is the fundamental responsibility of the government and the executive.If they fail in this duty, appropriate action must be taken, Nishad said.The stampede occurred during celebrations organised to mark Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory in the IPL. Lakhs of fans had gathered at the venue, leading to overcrowding and chaos.In the aftermath, the police registered cases against RCB, the event management company DNA, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the police to arrest representatives of all three entities.Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Nishad said, “In a democracy, it is the responsibility of the government to make proper arrangements for public safety. There are four pillars of democracy, and the executive is one of them, created to ensure people’s safety and dignity. That is why officials are paid from public funds – because their job is to serve the people. If someone holds power, they must also bear the responsibility of protecting the public. If they fail to do so, action against them is necessary.”Nishad further reacted to recent remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who referred to Pakistan as “two-faced”, and said that as long as the ideology of the two-nation theory persists, the threat of terrorism will remain.”Pakistan was created with the hope of peace. But after realising they couldn’t win a direct war, Pakistan turned to proxy wars, terrorism, and the policy of a thousand cuts. Today, war has taken new forms – drones are being used,” Bhagwat said.Sanjay Nishad said, “The people of Pakistan were once Indian citizens. They were promised that Pakistan would be a pure land. Now they are suffering, dying due to helplessness and illness. They are still our people. The real issue lies in their leadership, which has been largely dictatorial. I hope that one day, the people of Pakistan can return to India and live peacefully. Look at the Muslims in India – they are contributing to development and there is no communal riot here.”Nishad also responded to another remark by Bhagwat, who said that forced or allured conversions are a form of violence, while bringing tribals back into the Hindu fold is a corrective measure.”There are two types of religious conversions. One – when someone is influenced by another religion’s positive aspects, while the other because of illiteracy and poverty, where vulnerable individuals are taken advantage of. In the past 70 years, and especially under this government, poverty and illiteracy have decreased. There is no better culture than Indian culture,” he concluded.–IANSjk/svn

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Australia’s fast-bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc said he was comfortable with his decision to leave IPL 2025, when it was paused for a week following growing cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.Starc had picked 14 wickets in 11 games for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, before the competition paused. After that, he and fellow Australia player Jake Fraser-McGurk, who came to New Delhi along with other DC and Punjab Kings players, as well as other important stakeholders, via a bus and train trip from Dharamshala. Subsequently, Starc didn’t come back for the remainder of IPL 2025, and DC failed to enter the playoffs.“I’m comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled. That’s why I made my decision post-that, and my focus changed to red-ball cricket for about a week prior to coming over here. Time will tell with repercussions or how it looks with guys that didn’t return.“But I’ve had my questions and concerns leading into that game, and obviously we saw what happened, which played a part in my decision. There was a little bit of that to my decision around the Champions Trophy (in Pakistan). And then once the tournament was delayed you start to think about guys’ preparation for the Test match.“Things were handled differently for different players and different teams, the guys up in Dharamsala, the Punjab guys were part of that, and while both teams had similar experiences up there, all those guys returned for Punjab, and Jake (Fraser-McGurk) and I chose not to. So it was a very individual decision, and I’m happy to live with whatever comes of that,” Starc was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.He also noted that not choosing to return back to IPL 2025 was down to extraordinary circumstances. “I’m still heavily committed to the Delhi group, and I’m not someone that’s gone into tournaments and pulled out after being picked up in an auction or whatever that looks like.“These are different circumstances. It was more a question of not having enough information leading into making a decision (about) things of that degree. I had a discussion back home then came to a decision, and whatever comes from that I’m comfortable with that and we move forward,” he added.–IANSnr/

Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) Actress Preity Zinta’s team Punjab Kings faced a heartbreaking defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025.
However, Preity has accepted her team’s defeat with utmost grace. The ‘Veer Zaara’ actress penned a heartfelt note on her Instagram handle, calling this year’s IPL journey “spectacular”.Praising her team for putting up a good fight, Preity wrote, “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to but….the journey was spectacular! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring. I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed through out the tournament. I loved the way our captain, our Sarpanch lead from the front & how Indian uncapped players dominated this IPL!”Reflecting on the challenges faced by the team this year, the diva added, “This year was unique. We smashed records even though we lost key players to injury & national duty, witnessed a pause in the tournament, transferred home games to other states & evacuated a stadium ! We adapted & topped the points table after a decade & fought till the end in an exciting final.”Preity also lauded the Punjab Kings supporters for standing with them during all the ups and downs, “I am so proud of each n every player of Punjab Kings for showing so much character throughout the tournament. A big thank you to each of them and to our support staff and everyone at PBKS for an incredible season. Most of all a HEARTFELT THANK YOU to our – SHER SQUAD – our FANS that stood with us through thick n thin. Whatever we are & how far we have reached is all because of you…I promise we will come back to finish the job cuz as of now the job is still half done. See you next year in the stadium , till then take care n stay safe everyone. Love you all #Ting.”During the 18 seasons of the Indian Premier League, Punjab Kings is yet to lift the trophy.–IANSpm/

Chennai, June 6 (IANS) If reports doing the rounds in the industry are to be…

Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has ordered the attachment of absconding businessman Mehul Choksi’s bank accounts, mutual funds, and shares in an effort to recover Rs 2.1 crore.The amount is related to a penalty imposed on him for violating insider trading rules in the shares of Gitanjali Gems.Choksi, who was the Chairman and Managing Director of Gitanjali Gems, is accused of sharing unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) with an associate, Rakesh Girdharlal Gajera.Based on that information, Gajera sold off his entire 5.75 per cent stake in the company in December 2017, allegedly to avoid losses before details of fraudulent activities involving the company became public.In January 2022, the SEBI fined Choksi Rs 1.5 crore and banned him from trading in the securities market for one year.However, Choksi did not pay the fine, prompting the SEBI to issue a demand notice on May 15, 2025. When he failed to respond or make the payment within the 15-day deadline, the market regulator proceeded with the attachment of his assets.The total dues now stand at Rs 2.1 crore, including Rs 60 lakh in interest. In its notice dated June 4, the SEBI directed all banks, depositories like CDSL and NSDL, and mutual fund houses to freeze Choksi’s accounts.While no money can be withdrawn, credits are still allowed. The market regulator has also instructed banks to seize any lockers in his name.The market regulator explained that the action was necessary because there is a strong possibility that Choksi may try to move or hide his assets, which could delay or prevent the recovery process.”Whereas no amount has been paid by the defaulter and there is sufficient reason to believe that the defaulter may dispose of the amounts/proceeds in the bank accounts held with your bank and realisation of the amount due under the recovery certificate would in consequence be delayed or obstructed,” the market regulator stated.Choksi, who is also the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi, has been facing legal action in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case involving over Rs 14,000 crore.Both Choksi and Modi fled India in early 2018 when the scam came to light. Choksi had been living in Antigua since 2018 but was arrested in Belgium in April this year after Indian authorities requested his extradition.He was reportedly in Belgium for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi remains in a UK jail after being arrested by the Scotland Yard in 2019.–IANSpk/na/vd

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Ahead of Bakra Eid celebrations on Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh Police are on high alert, taking proactive steps to maintain communal harmony and ensure peaceful festivities across the state. Security arrangements have been tightened in districts like Meerut, Aligarh, Etawah, and Ghazipur with the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) teams.

In Meerut, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada said: “Meerut police are on alert for Bakra Eid. A control room has been set up for real-time monitoring. Both the SSP and the District Magistrate will oversee the operations. Central Peace Committee have been held with members of all communities. PAC, civil police, and LIU teams have been deployed for security arrangements. Social media activity is being closely monitored, and strict action will be taken against those spreading misinformation. Prayers in public places, sacrifice of banned animals, and open-air sacrifices are prohibited.”In Aligarh, similar measures are being enforced.Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mayank Pathak said: “We are making stringent security arrangements for Bakra Eid. Additional forces, including two companies of RAF and PAC, are being deployed. Personnel from various police stations and Circle Officers (COs) will also be present on the ground. Surveillance is being conducted to monitor criminal or mischievous activities. Drone cameras will be used to monitor key areas. Intelligence and LIU are providing moment-to-moment updates. Those posting inflammatory or objectionable content on social media will face strict action.”In Etawah, the police have finalised their strategy for smooth celebrations.SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava said: “We have convened a Central Peace Committee meeting involving key stakeholders from both communities. The district has been divided into zones and sectors, with responsibilities assigned to police personnel and magistrates. All officials will remain on patrol to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully.”In Ghazipur, Superintendent of Police Iraj Raja said: “During the Central Peace Committee meeting, clear instructions were given: sacrifices must not be carried out in open spaces, and prayers should not be offered in public areas. The sacrifice of banned animals is strictly prohibited. Anyone violating these guidelines will face action as per government directives. Security arrangements have been completed across both urban and rural areas. Magistrates and police officers will be deployed from the morning prayers until late at night to ensure the safety of the celebrations.”Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid Qurban, or Qurban Bayarami, is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. Observed in the month of Zul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.–IANSjk/vd

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Ecom Express, once a rising star in India’s e-commerce logistics space, has gone from planning an IPO to being sold off in what many are calling a ‘fire sale’ — leaving minority shareholders blindsided and independent board members furious.The inside story began to unravel during the 24th Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Ecom Express, held virtually, according to multiple reports.At the meeting, Chairman and Independent Director, V. Anantharaman, reportedly announced that a deal had been finalised in April 2025 for Delhivery to acquire nearly the entire company.Anantharaman expressed concern that the agreement was reached without informing the company’s board or its minority shareholders.He later stepped down from his role as Chairman. Following his resignation, Ecom Express CEO Ajay Chitkara chaired the meeting.The acquisition involves Delhivery buying a 99.44 per cent stake in Ecom Express for a cash consideration of up to Rs 1,400 crore.However, reports say the actual purchase cost is closer to Rs 1,100 crore, since Ecom Express reportedly had Rs 300 crore in cash reserves that Delhivery plans to use for post-deal integration.This values the company at approximately 0.5 times its annual revenue, which stands at over Rs 2,500 crore — a lower multiple than what is typically seen in the logistics industry.Ecom Express had previously received regulatory approval from the SEBI to go public, making the acquisition deal an unexpected shift in direction.The move reportedly led to resignations from around 150 mid-level and regional operations staff, ahead of the expected integration with Delhivery.While the exits have been described as voluntary, reports suggest there may be restructuring and role redundancies in the near term.Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Gurugram, Ecom Express has raised over $290 million in funding and has built a presence as a full-stack, tech-enabled logistics provider.Delhivery or Ecom Express were yet to respond to reports.–IANSpk/na

Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon was recently honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in recognition of her contributions and dedication to various social and environmental causes.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the actress was felicitated for her ongoing efforts towards environmental conservation and animal welfare.Raveena took to her Instagram handle to share photo from the felicitation ceremony and captioned it, “Honoured for my work towards the Environment, from the hands of the honourable chief minister @devendra_fadnavis ji. On #environmentday And Birthday babies dinner , @reshma_thadani , #chayamalaney #5thjune and to make my day even better, one little rescued baby kitty got adopted. thank you @petaindia for fostering her till we got a home.”The event also marked a special birthday celebration for Reshma Thadani, Raveena’s mother-in-law, and her adopted daughter, Chaya Malaney, both born on June 5.Adding an emotional highlight to the occasion, Raveena revealed that a rescued kitten, cared for by PETA India, found a loving new home, making the day even more memorable for the actress and devoted animal advocateRaveena Tandon is much more than an actress—she is a passionate environmentalist, wildlife photographer, and dedicated philanthropist. At just 21, she adopted two daughters as a single mother. She became the youngest chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI) and has been a member of the advisory panel for CINTAA. Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her work in promoting organ donation, Raveena’s Rudra Foundation actively champions causes related to children, women, and animal welfare.Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Raveena Tandon’s foundation collaborated with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South to distribute truckloads of oxygen cylinders to critical recipients. Additionally, Raveena serves as the Wildlife Goodwill Ambassador of Maharashtra and made history as the first entertainer to represent the industry as a delegate at W20, a G20 engagement group.–IANSps/dc

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Against the backdrop of the Bengaluru stampede, BJP leader Amit…