May 23, 2026

Raghav Chadha (File photo/ANI) NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan has reconstituted the Upper House’s Committee on Petitions, naming MP Raghav Chadha as the panel’s chairperson.After reconstituting the committee, Radhakrishnan, who is also the Vice President of India, nominated 10 Upper House members to the panel.“Raghav Chadha has been appointed Chairman of the Committee. The panel has been reconstituted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman with effect from May 20,” a Rajya Sabha notification said.Apart from Chadha, the committee includes Harsh Mahajan, Gulam Ali, Shambhu Sharan Patel, Mayankkumar Nayak, Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha, Jebi Mather Hisham, Subhasish Khuntia, Rwngwra Narzary, and Sandosh Kumar P.The development comes after Chadha and six other Rajya Sabha MPs switched allegiance from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The others who crossed over were Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajinder Gupta, and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh.The defections reduced the AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just three members.In contrast, the BJP’s tally in the Upper House stood at 106 members earlier, while the BJP-led NDA had 141 MPs. Following the latest additions, these numbers have risen to 113 and 148, respectively. With more than 30 Rajya Sabha seats set to fall vacant by the end of the year, the BJP is hopeful of securing at least five more seats, bringing it closer to the two-thirds majority mark of 163.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation7 magnesium deficiency symptoms that could be warning signs from your heart123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
Raghav Chadha (File photo/ANI) NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan has reconstituted the Upper House’s Committee on Petitions, naming MP Raghav Chadha as the panel’s chairperson.After reconstituting the committee, Radhakrishnan, who is also the Vice President of India, nominated 10 Upper House members to the panel.“Raghav Chadha has been appointed Chairman of the Committee. The panel has been reconstituted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman with effect from May 20,” a Rajya Sabha notification said.Apart from Chadha, the committee includes Harsh Mahajan, Gulam Ali, Shambhu Sharan Patel, Mayankkumar Nayak, Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha, Jebi Mather Hisham, Subhasish Khuntia, Rwngwra Narzary, and Sandosh Kumar P.The development comes after Chadha and six other Rajya Sabha MPs switched allegiance from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The others who crossed over were Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajinder Gupta, and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh.The defections reduced the AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just three members.In contrast, the BJP’s tally in the Upper House stood at 106 members earlier, while the BJP-led NDA had 141 MPs. Following the latest additions, these numbers have risen to 113 and 148, respectively. With more than 30 Rajya Sabha seats set to fall vacant by the end of the year, the BJP is hopeful of securing at least five more seats, bringing it closer to the two-thirds majority mark of 163.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation7 magnesium deficiency symptoms that could be warning signs from your heart123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana


Raghav Chadha appointed chairman of Committee on Petitions in Rajya Sabha days after joining BJP
Raghav Chadha (File photo/ANI)

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan has reconstituted the Upper House’s Committee on Petitions, naming MP Raghav Chadha as the panel’s chairperson.After reconstituting the committee, Radhakrishnan, who is also the Vice President of India, nominated 10 Upper House members to the panel.“Raghav Chadha has been appointed Chairman of the Committee. The panel has been reconstituted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman with effect from May 20,” a Rajya Sabha notification said.Apart from Chadha, the committee includes Harsh Mahajan, Gulam Ali, Shambhu Sharan Patel, Mayankkumar Nayak, Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha, Jebi Mather Hisham, Subhasish Khuntia, Rwngwra Narzary, and Sandosh Kumar P.The development comes after Chadha and six other Rajya Sabha MPs switched allegiance from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The others who crossed over were Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajinder Gupta, and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh.The defections reduced the AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just three members.In contrast, the BJP’s tally in the Upper House stood at 106 members earlier, while the BJP-led NDA had 141 MPs. Following the latest additions, these numbers have risen to 113 and 148, respectively. With more than 30 Rajya Sabha seats set to fall vacant by the end of the year, the BJP is hopeful of securing at least five more seats, bringing it closer to the two-thirds majority mark of 163.



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How India’s indigenous attack chopper stacks up against America’s deadly AH-64E. Recently, in a more than USD 198.2 million deal, the US State Department approved the possible sale of support services and relatedequipment for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India. The State Department said that the sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.In April, the chief of army staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, took a sortie in India’s indigenously built attack Helicopter, the Light CombatHelicopter (LCH), ‘Prachand’, assessing its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: if India has its own attack helicopter, then why does it continue to rely on Russian and American counterparts? And how does this Apache compare to the LCH?Numbers and capabilityAccording to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Prachand has a 2-pilot crew, a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 Kg, a maximum speed of 280km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, a payload-dependent operational range between 550 and 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second, and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 meters.On the other hand, as per Boeing, the twin-seater US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg, a maximumspeed of 300 km/h, a cruise speed of 265 km/h, a combat range of 480-500 km, a service ceiling of 6,400 meters, and a climb rate of approximately 14.2 meters per second.Compared to Apache, Prachand has an almost similar cruise speed, a greater operational ceiling (highest), and a bigger operational range.Apache excels in terms of double the maximum take-off weight, top speed, and a faster climb rate. However, the specifications in attack helicopters are with respect to their operational requirements.Different operational RequirementsAccording to HAL, Prachand has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. Itwas specially designed after a requirement was felt during the Kargil war, for a light combat helicopter that could operate in the tall and harsh Himalayan terrains of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs just 5.8 tonnes, which is nearly half the weight of an Apache.Light Combat Helicopter, PrachandThe American counterpart is meant for the flat plains, deserts, and semi-desert areas along India’s western and northwestern borders(such as Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its nearly double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India requires the capabilities of both helicopters for its overall operational requirements.AH-64E, ApacheReplacing the Ageing fleetThe entire air force is undergoing the process of modernisation, with ageing fleets being actively replaced. During the inductionceremony of Apache helicopters in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF”.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US state department said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal, the US State Department said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectivesof the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, whichcontinues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions”.Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army had demonstrated the combat strength of AH-64 Apache during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’ atthe Pokhran Firing Range. The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with a 30 mm chaingun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. Apache AH-64E also has the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night, just like Prachand.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 2026123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

How India’s indigenous attack chopper stacks up against America’s deadly AH-64E. Recently, in a more than USD 198.2 million deal, the US State Department approved the possible sale of support services and relatedequipment for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India. The State Department said that the sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.In April, the chief of army staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, took a sortie in India’s indigenously built attack Helicopter, the Light CombatHelicopter (LCH), ‘Prachand’, assessing its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: if India has its own attack helicopter, then why does it continue to rely on Russian and American counterparts? And how does this Apache compare to the LCH?Numbers and capabilityAccording to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Prachand has a 2-pilot crew, a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 Kg, a maximum speed of 280km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, a payload-dependent operational range between 550 and 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second, and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 meters.On the other hand, as per Boeing, the twin-seater US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg, a maximumspeed of 300 km/h, a cruise speed of 265 km/h, a combat range of 480-500 km, a service ceiling of 6,400 meters, and a climb rate of approximately 14.2 meters per second.Compared to Apache, Prachand has an almost similar cruise speed, a greater operational ceiling (highest), and a bigger operational range.Apache excels in terms of double the maximum take-off weight, top speed, and a faster climb rate. However, the specifications in attack helicopters are with respect to their operational requirements.Different operational RequirementsAccording to HAL, Prachand has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. Itwas specially designed after a requirement was felt during the Kargil war, for a light combat helicopter that could operate in the tall and harsh Himalayan terrains of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs just 5.8 tonnes, which is nearly half the weight of an Apache.Light Combat Helicopter, PrachandThe American counterpart is meant for the flat plains, deserts, and semi-desert areas along India’s western and northwestern borders(such as Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its nearly double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India requires the capabilities of both helicopters for its overall operational requirements.AH-64E, ApacheReplacing the Ageing fleetThe entire air force is undergoing the process of modernisation, with ageing fleets being actively replaced. During the inductionceremony of Apache helicopters in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF”.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US state department said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal, the US State Department said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectivesof the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, whichcontinues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions”.Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army had demonstrated the combat strength of AH-64 Apache during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’ atthe Pokhran Firing Range. The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with a 30 mm chaingun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. Apache AH-64E also has the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night, just like Prachand.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 2026123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

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Rathin U Kelkar; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised Kerala’s newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the appointment of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to chief minister VD Satheesan.The BJP also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, citing his earlier remarks on the appointment of Manoj Agarwal — who oversaw the West Bengal assembly elections — as chief secretary in the BJP government formed after the polls, the party’s first in the eastern state.“Dr Rathan U Kelkar IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala and Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister,” a Kerala government order said.Reacting to the move, the BJP Kerala unit posted on Facebook: “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s logic, Ratan Kelkar’s appointment should be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that misleads the people.”BJP IT cell chief and West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya also criticised the appointment.In a post on X, Malviya said: “Rahul Gandhi’s selective outrage stands exposed yet again. He chose to criticise West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for appointing Shri Manoj Agarwal as Chief Secretary. But unlike Mamata Banerjee, who repeatedly subverted the bureaucracy by superseding dozens of IAS officers to favour loyalists, the BJP government in West Bengal appointed the senior-most IAS officer serving in the state, strictly in accordance with established norms and service rules.””Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence. So where is Rahul Gandhi’s sermon on institutional propriety now? Or does his outrage depend entirely on which party is in power?” he added.The UDF won 102 seats in the April 9 assembly polls, of which the Congress won 63 seats. On the other hand, the BJP won three seats.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123Photostories7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Rathin U Kelkar; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised Kerala’s newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the appointment of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to chief minister VD Satheesan.The BJP also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, citing his earlier remarks on the appointment of Manoj Agarwal — who oversaw the West Bengal assembly elections — as chief secretary in the BJP government formed after the polls, the party’s first in the eastern state.“Dr Rathan U Kelkar IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala and Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister,” a Kerala government order said.Reacting to the move, the BJP Kerala unit posted on Facebook: “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s logic, Ratan Kelkar’s appointment should be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that misleads the people.”BJP IT cell chief and West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya also criticised the appointment.In a post on X, Malviya said: “Rahul Gandhi’s selective outrage stands exposed yet again. He chose to criticise West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for appointing Shri Manoj Agarwal as Chief Secretary. But unlike Mamata Banerjee, who repeatedly subverted the bureaucracy by superseding dozens of IAS officers to favour loyalists, the BJP government in West Bengal appointed the senior-most IAS officer serving in the state, strictly in accordance with established norms and service rules.””Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence. So where is Rahul Gandhi’s sermon on institutional propriety now? Or does his outrage depend entirely on which party is in power?” he added.The UDF won 102 seats in the April 9 assembly polls, of which the Congress won 63 seats. On the other hand, the BJP won three seats.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123Photostories7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna 0