April 15, 2026

Raghav Chadha (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday defended gig workers who recently went on strike, accusing delivery platforms of politicising demands for fair pay and dignity. He said the pressure on gig workers was so extreme that they were being treated like “hostages with helmets” instead of employees with basic rights.The party leader also criticised platform companies for portraying labour demands as a law-and-order issue. Chaddha said that his earlier intervention in Parliament had helped bring national attention to the concerns of delivery partners and other app-based workers.AAP’s Raghav Chadha Recites Moving Poem On 150 Years Of Vande MataramHighlighting the treatment of striking workers, Chadha in a post on X said, “Workers asking for fair pay are not criminals. And if your system needs police to keep running on its biggest day, that is not proof the system works. That is an admission it doesn’t. If you needed police to have your workers stay on the road, they’re not employees. They’re hostages with helmets. I am glad my intervention in Parliament has started a nationwide debate.”The AAP leader stressed that he supports business and startups, but opposes exploitative practices. “I am pro-industry, not pro-exploitation. Success cannot be built by squeezing the last ounce out of the people doing the hardest work,” he wrote.Chaddha argued that portraying demands for fair pay as political was a way to deflect attention from real worker grievances.He explained that gig workers continuing to log in should not be seen as approval of unfair conditions. “When one day’s income decides rent, electricity, or a child’s school fee, logging in on a strike day is not approval, it is survival. It is desperation. People remain trapped when better options do not exist,” AAP MP wrote. Chadha also raised safety concerns linked to app-driven incentives. He criticised the platforms’ algorithmic management of pay and penalties. “That is not flexibility. That is control without accountability,” he wrote highlighting risks to both delivery workers and the general public.Addressing coordinated criticism from platform companies and influencers, Chadha said, “Do not waste time debating my lifestyle. Focus on improving the lifestyle of gig workers,” questioning the transparency of the algorithms that determine worker earnings.The MP’s statements come amid a nationwide strike called by gig worker unions demanding the removal of 10-minute delivery models, restoration of earlier payout structures and improved social security. Chadha had earlier raised these issues in the Rajya Sabha during winter session, highlighting low pay, long hours and lack of protections for workers across food delivery, ride-hailing and grocery delivery platforms.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 MediaVideosHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action ReportUttarakhand Minister’s Husband Sparks Outrage With ‘Bihar Girls’ Remark, Congress Hits Out At BJPPakistan Backs China’s Claim That It Mediated In Conflict With IndiaShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers Row123PhotostoriesLord Chandra Names According To Your Birth Date10 must-visit January events in Delhi you can’t missFrom ‘Saiyaara’ heartbreak to ‘FA9LA’ swagger and ‘Name Chale’ grit: Songs that turned 2025 into loudest viral soundtracksWhy some teens can’t get along with their parents: Sadhguru explains the real reason for the clash10 Indo-Chinese dishes to keep you warm during winter seasonJanuary 3, 2026 Full Moon: Powerful Affirmations For Your Birth DateNutrition fact of the day: Spinach doesn’t supply usable iron unless paired with vitamin CWhy toddlers feel big emotions in small situationsRelief for Bengaluru commuters: Kamaraj Road Fully Open After 6 YearsBengaluru: Nexus Mall prioritises expectant mothers with new ‘pink parking’ facility123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Raghav Chadha (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday defended gig workers who recently went on strike, accusing delivery platforms of politicising demands for fair pay and dignity. He said the pressure on gig workers was so extreme that they were being treated like “hostages with helmets” instead of employees with basic rights.The party leader also criticised platform companies for portraying labour demands as a law-and-order issue. Chaddha said that his earlier intervention in Parliament had helped bring national attention to the concerns of delivery partners and other app-based workers.AAP’s Raghav Chadha Recites Moving Poem On 150 Years Of Vande MataramHighlighting the treatment of striking workers, Chadha in a post on X said, “Workers asking for fair pay are not criminals. And if your system needs police to keep running on its biggest day, that is not proof the system works. That is an admission it doesn’t. If you needed police to have your workers stay on the road, they’re not employees. They’re hostages with helmets. I am glad my intervention in Parliament has started a nationwide debate.”The AAP leader stressed that he supports business and startups, but opposes exploitative practices. “I am pro-industry, not pro-exploitation. Success cannot be built by squeezing the last ounce out of the people doing the hardest work,” he wrote.Chaddha argued that portraying demands for fair pay as political was a way to deflect attention from real worker grievances.He explained that gig workers continuing to log in should not be seen as approval of unfair conditions. “When one day’s income decides rent, electricity, or a child’s school fee, logging in on a strike day is not approval, it is survival. It is desperation. People remain trapped when better options do not exist,” AAP MP wrote. Chadha also raised safety concerns linked to app-driven incentives. He criticised the platforms’ algorithmic management of pay and penalties. “That is not flexibility. That is control without accountability,” he wrote highlighting risks to both delivery workers and the general public.Addressing coordinated criticism from platform companies and influencers, Chadha said, “Do not waste time debating my lifestyle. Focus on improving the lifestyle of gig workers,” questioning the transparency of the algorithms that determine worker earnings.The MP’s statements come amid a nationwide strike called by gig worker unions demanding the removal of 10-minute delivery models, restoration of earlier payout structures and improved social security. Chadha had earlier raised these issues in the Rajya Sabha during winter session, highlighting low pay, long hours and lack of protections for workers across food delivery, ride-hailing and grocery delivery platforms.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 MediaVideosHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action ReportUttarakhand Minister’s Husband Sparks Outrage With ‘Bihar Girls’ Remark, Congress Hits Out At BJPPakistan Backs China’s Claim That It Mediated In Conflict With IndiaShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers Row123PhotostoriesLord Chandra Names According To Your Birth Date10 must-visit January events in Delhi you can’t missFrom ‘Saiyaara’ heartbreak to ‘FA9LA’ swagger and ‘Name Chale’ grit: Songs that turned 2025 into loudest viral soundtracksWhy some teens can’t get along with their parents: Sadhguru explains the real reason for the clash10 Indo-Chinese dishes to keep you warm during winter seasonJanuary 3, 2026 Full Moon: Powerful Affirmations For Your Birth DateNutrition fact of the day: Spinach doesn’t supply usable iron unless paired with vitamin CWhy toddlers feel big emotions in small situationsRelief for Bengaluru commuters: Kamaraj Road Fully Open After 6 YearsBengaluru: Nexus Mall prioritises expectant mothers with new ‘pink parking’ facility123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk


'Hostages with helmets': Raghav Chadha backs gig workers’ strike; blames delivery apps for politicising fair pay
Raghav Chadha (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday defended gig workers who recently went on strike, accusing delivery platforms of politicising demands for fair pay and dignity. He said the pressure on gig workers was so extreme that they were being treated like “hostages with helmets” instead of employees with basic rights.The party leader also criticised platform companies for portraying labour demands as a law-and-order issue. Chaddha said that his earlier intervention in Parliament had helped bring national attention to the concerns of delivery partners and other app-based workers.

AAP’s Raghav Chadha Recites Moving Poem On 150 Years Of Vande Mataram

Highlighting the treatment of striking workers, Chadha in a post on X said, “Workers asking for fair pay are not criminals. And if your system needs police to keep running on its biggest day, that is not proof the system works. That is an admission it doesn’t. If you needed police to have your workers stay on the road, they’re not employees. They’re hostages with helmets. I am glad my intervention in Parliament has started a nationwide debate.”The AAP leader stressed that he supports business and startups, but opposes exploitative practices. “I am pro-industry, not pro-exploitation. Success cannot be built by squeezing the last ounce out of the people doing the hardest work,” he wrote.Chaddha argued that portraying demands for fair pay as political was a way to deflect attention from real worker grievances.He explained that gig workers continuing to log in should not be seen as approval of unfair conditions. “When one day’s income decides rent, electricity, or a child’s school fee, logging in on a strike day is not approval, it is survival. It is desperation. People remain trapped when better options do not exist,” AAP MP wrote. Chadha also raised safety concerns linked to app-driven incentives. He criticised the platforms’ algorithmic management of pay and penalties. “That is not flexibility. That is control without accountability,” he wrote highlighting risks to both delivery workers and the general public.Addressing coordinated criticism from platform companies and influencers, Chadha said, “Do not waste time debating my lifestyle. Focus on improving the lifestyle of gig workers,” questioning the transparency of the algorithms that determine worker earnings.The MP’s statements come amid a nationwide strike called by gig worker unions demanding the removal of 10-minute delivery models, restoration of earlier payout structures and improved social security. Chadha had earlier raised these issues in the Rajya Sabha during winter session, highlighting low pay, long hours and lack of protections for workers across food delivery, ride-hailing and grocery delivery platforms.



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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. 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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. 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Congress leader Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: In a setback to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting him one-week transit anticipatory bail in connection with allegations against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The top court, however, said that the Congress leader can seek anticipatory bail from jurisdictional court which means from a court in Assam where FIR was registered.The top court’s intervention came after the Assam government challenged the high court’s April 10 order, arguing that Khera had approached the wrong forum for relief.Appearing for the Assam Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the plea before the Telangana high court, flagging what he called a “patent lack of territorial jurisdiction”. 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Congress leader Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: In a setback to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting him one-week transit anticipatory bail in connection with allegations against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The top court, however, said that the Congress leader can seek anticipatory bail from jurisdictional court which means from a court in Assam where FIR was registered.The top court’s intervention came after the Assam government challenged the high court’s April 10 order, arguing that Khera had approached the wrong forum for relief.Appearing for the Assam Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the plea before the Telangana high court, flagging what he called a “patent lack of territorial jurisdiction”. He submitted that the FIR was registered in Assam and Khera had not explained why he could not seek anticipatory bail there.Mehta also pointed out that Khera had sought anticipatory bail in Telangana without clearly establishing his presence in the state, adding that “merely having some property” cannot confer jurisdiction.He told the bench that it was a “complete abuse of process” and a case of “forum choosing”.During the hearing, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari noted that Khera had cited his wife’s residence in Hyderabad as a ground. However, the Solicitor General countered that even Khera’s Aadhaar records reflected a Delhi address, and that occasional travel or property ownership cannot justify jurisdiction, LiveLaw reported.The Telangana high court had earlier granted Khera limited transit anticipatory bail for one week. The court observed that his apprehension of arrest appeared “reasonable and supported by material on record”, while imposing conditions including cooperation with the investigation and restraint from public statements that could prejudice the probe.The Assam government challenged this order, contending that Khera had not demonstrated any compelling reason to bypass courts in Assam, where the case was registered.The FIR, filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, stems from Khera’s April 5 allegations that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports and undeclared overseas assets, claims that were rejected by the Sarma family as “false and fabricated”.The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to making false statements in connection with elections and cheating.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’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? 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KOLKATA: Midnight raids and arrests won’t be able to scare or halt Trinamool, CM Mamata Banerjee thundered on Tuesday, her words coming barely a few hours after ED arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in New Delhi late on Monday.”If one is arrested, another will take his place. We will continue to fight. It is not so easy to control West Bengal. They are threatening to put people behind bars. I want to see how powerful they are,” the CM said at a rally in West Midnapore’s Pingla, coining the slogan “Delhi theke elo Mota Bhai, shonge ED aar CBI” (Big brother has come from Delhi along with ED and CBI).After polls were announced in Bengal on March 16, ED summoned TMC candidates Debashis Kumar and ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, while NIA summoned 43 TMC workers in Nandigram in a 2024 case.ED and CBI were conducting searches and raids “at midnight”, as “orders are being given to arrest Trinamool workers”, Mamata fumed. “But this will not be an easy task,” she said, adding “if you arrest one, lakhs will come out”. With elections only eight days away, “instructions” have been given to arrest booth agents so that no one can sit at polling stations, the CM alleged.In a hard-hitting post after Chandel’s arrest, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X on Monday night: “The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections is not just alarming. It shakes the very idea of a level-playing field. At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: if you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy, that’s intimidation!”He continued: “…even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.” “This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,” Abhishek wrote.Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national spokesperson Derek O’Brien said the ED action was nothing short of “electoral sabotage”, with less than 9 days to go before the first phase of polls. “ED has now renamed themselves as ‘Extremely Desperate’ by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the Bengal assembly polls,” he said.Mamata, who also addressed rallies at Tamluk in East Midnapore and Domjur in Howrah, urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.Questioning why such a large number of central forces were brought to Bengal, she said: “They have brought in officers who are close to BJP and replaced the ICs… If your sole aim was to keep peace, you could have used West Bengal Police. People don’t see central forces during any natural calamity or riots.”Mamata asked people to lodge complaints against any police officer if they were “tortured”. “The job of the central forces is to maintain peace. But what if they prevent people from voting? I will request women to keep brooms in their hands and stand firm against those wearing boots and carrying arms.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’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? 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KOLKATA: Midnight raids and arrests won’t be able to scare or halt Trinamool, CM Mamata Banerjee thundered on Tuesday, her words coming barely a few hours after ED arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in New Delhi late on Monday.”If one is arrested, another will take his place. We will continue to fight. It is not so easy to control West Bengal. They are threatening to put people behind bars. I want to see how powerful they are,” the CM said at a rally in West Midnapore’s Pingla, coining the slogan “Delhi theke elo Mota Bhai, shonge ED aar CBI” (Big brother has come from Delhi along with ED and CBI).After polls were announced in Bengal on March 16, ED summoned TMC candidates Debashis Kumar and ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, while NIA summoned 43 TMC workers in Nandigram in a 2024 case.ED and CBI were conducting searches and raids “at midnight”, as “orders are being given to arrest Trinamool workers”, Mamata fumed. “But this will not be an easy task,” she said, adding “if you arrest one, lakhs will come out”. With elections only eight days away, “instructions” have been given to arrest booth agents so that no one can sit at polling stations, the CM alleged.In a hard-hitting post after Chandel’s arrest, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X on Monday night: “The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections is not just alarming. It shakes the very idea of a level-playing field. At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: if you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy, that’s intimidation!”He continued: “…even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.” “This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,” Abhishek wrote.Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national spokesperson Derek O’Brien said the ED action was nothing short of “electoral sabotage”, with less than 9 days to go before the first phase of polls. “ED has now renamed themselves as ‘Extremely Desperate’ by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the Bengal assembly polls,” he said.Mamata, who also addressed rallies at Tamluk in East Midnapore and Domjur in Howrah, urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.Questioning why such a large number of central forces were brought to Bengal, she said: “They have brought in officers who are close to BJP and replaced the ICs… If your sole aim was to keep peace, you could have used West Bengal Police. People don’t see central forces during any natural calamity or riots.”Mamata asked people to lodge complaints against any police officer if they were “tortured”. “The job of the central forces is to maintain peace. But what if they prevent people from voting? I will request women to keep brooms in their hands and stand firm against those wearing boots and carrying arms.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’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 DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’123PhotostoriesOTT 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 intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna 0