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NEW DELHI: The rift between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has deepened, with senior leaders publicly accusing him of betrayal and linking recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) action against party MP Ashok Mittal to the internal fallout. The escalation comes amid reports of Chadha being granted Z-category security by the Centre, triggering sharp reactions from AAP leaders who have alleged political collusion.’BJP people came out to defend Raghav’: Bharadwaj targets ChadhaAAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a direct attack on Chadha and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a coordinated pattern involving central agencies, political appointments and security cover.In a post on X, Bharadwaj said: “BJP Govt toolbox is so so predictable. Raghav Chadha was threatened by ED and he out of fear or greed decided to backstab his party who made him MP or whatever he is today. When Raghav is called out on Social Media, BJP people came out to defend Raghav. On position of Dy Leader, AAP replaced Raghav with Ashok Mittal. Now ED instead of hounding Raghav , goes after Ashok Mittal and raids his home & business. And Centre gives Z+ security to Raghav Chadha. All this appears so much linked to each other. So BJP’s Govt is so desperate that they raided MP Ashok Mittal for Raghav Chadha As per sources, Raghav Chadha is behind ED raid on AAP MP Ashok Mittal.”The remarks reflect the growing distrust within AAP ranks, where Chadha’s recent removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha has triggered a wider political and organisational crisis.ED raids on Ashok Mittal trigger political stormThe ED conducted searches at premises linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in Punjab and Haryana under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. Officials said around 10 locations in Jalandhar and Gurugram were covered, including sites linked to Lovely Professional University and associated educational institutions.Mittal, who replaced Chadha as deputy leader in the Upper House, is also the Chancellor of the Phagwara-based university. The action has been described by AAP leaders as politically motivated, particularly in the context of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.There was no immediate response from the BJP on the allegations made by AAP leaders.Kejriwal alleges BJP using agencies ahead of pollsAAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre of initiating a political crackdown ahead of elections.In a post on X, he said, “Modi ji has started preparations for the elections in Punjab. But, the people of Punjab will not tolerate this… they would give a befitting reply to the BJP.”Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann also condemned the raids, echoing concerns that central agencies were being used as part of an election strategy.AAP leader Anurag Dhanda questioned whether the BJP could contest elections without relying on agencies such as the ED and the CBI, while senior leader Manish Sisodia alleged a pattern where enforcement action is followed by political mobilisation.Sanjay Singh attacks Centre, calls raids ‘example of same game’AAP MP Sanjay Singh intensified the attack, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing institutions to secure electoral advantage.“Wherever elections are held, the BJP uses its own agencies. PM Modi’s popularity has waned across the country. Now his only option is to misuse the ED, CBI, and the Election Commission to win elections. This formula of the BJP will not work in Punjab. The sudden and massive attack on Ashok Mittal is an example of the same game. Everyone is standing together strongly, and I will try to raise this issue in the session too. These people will play many such games before the Punjab elections,” he said.Punjab minister Balbir Singh also criticised the BJP, alleging misuse of agencies and calling the action politically motivated.BJP hits back, calls AAP ‘party for thieves’Responding to the allegations, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a counterattack on AAP, accusing it of corruption.“Bhagwant Mann, your party is the one for thieves and robbers. The people of Punjab are filing cases against the state’s ministers, and investigation agencies are catching a few corrupt MPs. Modi ji’s policy is Clean India; under it, the filth will certainly be cleaned up,” he said.The sharp exchange underscores the intensifying political battle in Punjab ahead of elections, with both sides trading allegations over corruption and misuse of power.What triggered the AAP vs Raghav Chadha falloutThe current crisis traces back to Chadha’s removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, a move seen as a major setback for one of AAP’s prominent national faces. Once considered a close aide of Kejriwal and a key strategist behind the party’s Punjab victory in 2022, Chadha has in recent months found himself at odds with the leadership.AAP leaders accused him of deviating from the party line, engaging in what they termed “soft PR”, and failing to aggressively target the Centre in Parliament. They also pointed to his absence during key political moments, including protests and leadership crises.Chadha, however, has rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a video message, he said his silence should not be mistaken for weakness and challenged the party to provide evidence for its claims.The fallout has now moved beyond internal disagreements to a full-blown public confrontation, with leaders openly questioning Chadha’s loyalty and intent. Bharadwaj’s remarks linking him to ED action have further escalated tensions, marking one of the sharpest attacks by the party against its own MP.The developments come at a critical time for AAP, particularly in Punjab where it is in power and faces upcoming electoral challenges. The combination of internal dissent, central agency action and political attacks from rivals has created a volatile environment for the party.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 MediaVideosIran’s Chokehold On Hormuz: How Prepared Is India To Tackle Naval Mine Threat?Pawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power Plant123Photostories8 famous street foods in Varanasi you must try at least once5 parenting lessons children remember foreverThis mushroom helps reduce fatigue and costs Rs 1 lakh per kg, here’s why5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas PalaceYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroomTaste of the Himalayas: 5 rare wild fruits of Nepal you must try once in your life123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna2 minutes ago 0

Photo credit: ANI KOLKATA: On the occasion of Bengali New Year, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee extended ‘Poila Boishakh’ greetings to people and urged the electorate to give a befitting reply to the attempts by the “zamindars in Delhi” to snatch people’s voting rights.In a post on X, she expressed hope the Bengali New Year would make people’s lives “free of blemishes”. She also highlighted Bengal’s cultural legacy, adding that the state stands as a symbol of communal harmony.The incumbent chief minister alleged that some “malevolent forces” were attempting to tarnish this harmony, and accused “Delhi’s zamindars” of trying to usurp people’s voting rights.”Remember, we must give a befitting reply to them democratically,” Banerjee said in the X post.Calling for unity, she urged people to vow to break down the “walls of narrow-mindedness” and remain united against divisive and authoritarian forces.She also appealed to voters to uphold their democratic rights in the forthcoming Assembly elections by voting for the Trinamool Congress.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIran’s Chokehold On Hormuz: How Prepared Is India To Tackle Naval Mine Threat?Pawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power Plant123Photostories8 famous street foods in Varanasi you must try at least once5 parenting lessons children remember foreverThis mushroom helps reduce fatigue and costs Rs 1 lakh per kg, here’s why5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas Palace10 ways to be more likeable, as per psychologyYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroom123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna28 minutes ago 0

NEW DELHI: Iran used a Chinese-built spy satellite to monitor and target US military bases across the Middle East during the recent conflict, according to an investigation by the Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents and satellite data.Meanwhile China’s ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson rejecting the claims said, “Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the US goes ahead with tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.”The report states that the satellite, named TEE-01B, was secretly acquired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force in late 2024 after being launched from China. Built by Chinese firm Earth Eye Co, the satellite was transferred in orbit under a little-known export model described as “in-orbit delivery”.Leaked documents, including time-stamped coordinate logs, imagery and orbital analysis, show that Iranian commanders used the satellite to monitor key US military facilities before and after missile and drone strikes in March.Among the sites surveilled were Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which the satellite imaged on March 13, 14 and 15. On March 14, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US aircraft stationed there had been hit, with five US Air Force refuelling planes damaged.The satellite also monitored Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, areas near the US Fifth Fleet base in Manama, Bahrain, Erbil airport in Iraq, as well as Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait. Additional targets included Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and Duqm International Airport in Oman.The report further notes that civilian infrastructure in the Gulf was also observed, including the Khor Fakkan container port and the Qidfa power and desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, along with the Alba aluminium facility in Bahrain.Under the agreement, the IRGC gained access to ground control infrastructure operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based provider with a global network. This enabled Iran to operate the satellite remotely, receive imagery, and direct missions from multiple locations.In September 2024, the IRGC Aerospace Force agreed to pay approximately Rmb250 million, or about $36.6 million, for the satellite system, including launch, technical support and data services, according to the documents.Experts said the satellite marks a major upgrade in Iran’s capabilities. “This satellite is clearly being used for military purposes, as it is being run by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force and not Iran’s civilian space programme,” said Nicole Grajewski. “Iran really needs this foreign-provided capability during this war, as it allows the IRGC to identify targets ahead of time and check the success of its strikes,” she added.TEE-01B is capable of capturing imagery at roughly half-metre resolution, significantly sharper than Iran’s earlier systems such as Noor-3, which offered about 5-metre resolution and could not clearly identify aircraft or detailed activity at bases.Analysts say the arrangement also reflects a broader strategy to protect Iran’s space assets. “This amounts to a dispersion strategy for Iran’s space assets,” said Jim Lamson. “Iran’s satellite ground stations, which were hit in 2025 and 2026, can be hit very easily by missiles from a thousand miles away. You can’t just hit a Chinese ground station located in another country,” he added.Israel’s military has said it struck multiple Iranian space and satellite-related facilities during the conflict, including a key research centre linked to the Iranian space programme.The development comes amid deepening cooperation between Iran, China and Russia in the space domain. China has positioned its commercial space sector as civilian, although analysts point to increasing dual-use applications.US officials have previously raised concerns about Chinese satellite firms aiding actors hostile to US interests. The Financial Times reported earlier that Chang Guang Satellite Technology had provided imagery to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.Emposat has also drawn scrutiny for its links to China’s military ecosystem. It was identified in a report by the US House China committee as having connections to the People’s Liberation Army Aerospace Force.“Emposat is a rising star in China’s commercial space sector, but it’s still a product of the state and military establishment,” said Aidan Powers-Riggs. “It was founded by veterans of China’s state-run space programme and bankrolled by investment from national military-civil fusion funds.”Former US intelligence officials have also suggested that Beijing’s support for Tehran may be part of a broader strategic calculus. Dennis Wilder said China has historically provided Iran with military support, including anti-ship missiles used in the Strait of Hormuz.One person familiar with the matter said the US had indications China was considering supplying shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, similar to those reportedly used to shoot down a US fighter jet. The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment, and the White House did not directly address the satellite link.Responding to questions, China’s embassy in Washington said, “We firmly oppose relevant parties spreading speculative and insinuative disinformation against China.” Spokesperson Liu Pengyu added, “We uphold an objective and impartial stance, and have made efforts to promote peace talks. We never engage in actions that escalate conflicts.”The findings underscore growing concerns in Washington over the blurred lines between China’s commercial and military space capabilities, and their potential role in conflicts across the Middle East.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 MediaVideosPawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and Reinvention123Photostories5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas PalaceYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroomTaste of the Himalayas: 5 rare wild fruits of Nepal you must try once in your lifeWorried about ‘kitchen sponge cancer’? Expert explains the real risk and easy fixesDoes bhindi (okra) turn sticky while cooking? 6 smart hacks to prevent itOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna55 minutes ago 0

India’s top drug advisory body recommends restricting over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement therapies, sparking concerns that it will hinder smokers’ efforts to quit. While tobacco products remain widely available, this move could create more hurdles for those seeking quitting aids, potentially impacting public health initiatives. NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon tighten, raising concerns among experts that it could make it harder for smokers to quit.The trigger is a recommendation by India’s top drug advisory body to restrict over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal allows exemption only for unflavoured 2 mg nicotine gum, excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg), and keeps all other nicotine replacement products outside the exemption.Currently, some of these products are available without a licence, making them easier to access. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit, even as tobacco products remain widely available.Experts say the concern stems from how addiction works. Nicotine—not the act of smoking—is the addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms like low mood and poor concentration often push users back to cigarettes.Nicotine replacement therapies—gums, lozenges and patches—help manage these symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer, COPD and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. “Many users continue smoking along with nicotine patches or gums, which defeats the purpose and may even increase overall nicotine intake,” said Prof (Dr) GC Khilnani, chairman PSRI institute of Pulmonary and former head of pulmonary, AIIMS, Delhi. While nicotine is less harmful than tobacco smoke, it is not risk-free and can have cardiovascular effects, making medical supervision advisable, he said. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible quitting support. Experts warn that even small barriers—like prescription requirements or limited availability—can discourage quit attempts.There are also concerns about balance. While quitting aids face tighter scrutiny, tobacco products continue to be widely sold.The panel has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors, monitoring of online sales, post-marketing surveillance, and possible restrictions on tobacco industry involvement in marketing these products due to conflict of interest concerns.However, some experts argue the risk of misuse may be overstated. Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo, Consultant Pulmonologist at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, said, “I have not encountered a single documented case of nicotine gum or lozenge misuse by a minor. These products have been available OTC in the US and UK for decades without a public health crisis. Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”The proposal is part of an ongoing policy debate on how to regulate nicotine products—whether to prioritise tighter control or easier access to support quitting. The final decision will be taken by the government, but for now, the key question remains: should quitting aids be made easier to access, or harder?About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores Daily123PhotostoriesWorried about ‘kitchen sponge cancer’? Expert explains the real risk and easy fixesDoes bhindi (okra) turn sticky while cooking? 6 smart hacks to prevent itOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3Inside Neeraj Chopra’s ₹30 crore Haryana home: A perfect blend of luxury and simplicityBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna3 hours ago 0