April 22, 2026

(ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The accused in the murder of an IRS officer’s daughter was arrested by Delhi Police on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. He has been taken into custody after being tracked down to a hotel in Dwarka.Earlier in the day, the 22-year-old woman was found murdered in South Delhi’s Amar Colony area. Investigators suspect she was strangled, possibly using a mobile phone charging cable recovered from the scene.According to Delhi Police, the main suspect, identified as Rahul, had initially gone absconding, prompting multiple teams to conduct raids to trace him. During the investigation, officers reached his residence in Alwar, where it emerged that he had allegedly been involved in a molestation incident in his locality just a day before the murder.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 MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins
(ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The accused in the murder of an IRS officer’s daughter was arrested by Delhi Police on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. He has been taken into custody after being tracked down to a hotel in Dwarka.Earlier in the day, the 22-year-old woman was found murdered in South Delhi’s Amar Colony area. Investigators suspect she was strangled, possibly using a mobile phone charging cable recovered from the scene.According to Delhi Police, the main suspect, identified as Rahul, had initially gone absconding, prompting multiple teams to conduct raids to trace him. During the investigation, officers reached his residence in Alwar, where it emerged that he had allegedly been involved in a molestation incident in his locality just a day before the murder.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 MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap


IRS officer's daughter murder: Accused arrested from Delhi's Dwarka

NEW DELHI: The accused in the murder of an IRS officer’s daughter was arrested by Delhi Police on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. He has been taken into custody after being tracked down to a hotel in Dwarka.Earlier in the day, the 22-year-old woman was found murdered in South Delhi’s Amar Colony area. Investigators suspect she was strangled, possibly using a mobile phone charging cable recovered from the scene.According to Delhi Police, the main suspect, identified as Rahul, had initially gone absconding, prompting multiple teams to conduct raids to trace him. During the investigation, officers reached his residence in Alwar, where it emerged that he had allegedly been involved in a molestation incident in his locality just a day before the murder.



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Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and EPS NEW DELHI: The stage is all set for high-stakes electoral battle as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu head to the assembly elections on Thursday (April 23).Tamil Nadu is voting in a single phase across all 234 seats, while West Bengal will vote for 152 seats in this phase.The second phase of West Bengal assembly contest will be held on April 29. Both the poll-bound states, governed by regional heavyweights, have witnessed an intense, high-decibel campaign. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) brigade led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, has pushed hard to challenge Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, while Rahul Gandhi and other leaders added to the campaign blitz.Amit Shah struck an aggressive note, saying, “In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Congress will not even cross double digits.”Even as political rhetoric peaked, the Election Commission tightened its vigil. Cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements worth over Rs 1,000 crore have been seized across both states, with total recoveries touching Rs 1,072.13 crore since February 26.On the ground, Tamil Nadu saw large-scale movement of Electronic Voting Machines and polling materials under heavy security cover. West Bengal, meanwhile, witnessed significant deployment of central forces, a move questioned by Mamata Banerjee, who asked, “are they trying to intimidate?”She also flagged the use of CRPF armoured vehicles during polling, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was deploying state machinery to sway the electoral outcome, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in a fiercely contested race.West BengalThe key seats in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly battle include Suvendu Adhikari’s Nandigram, where he had earlier defeated sitting chief minister Mamata Banerjee.Mamata Banerjee has since shifted to Bhabanipur, while Suvendu Adhikari continues to politically challenge her, as he has filed his nomination papers from Bhabanipur as well. Other important constituencies in this phase include Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri. Campaigning for the phase concluded on April 21.North Bengal key focusNorth Bengal remains the central focus of Phase 1, with 54 assembly seats voting in this round.In Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against Trinamool Congress candidate Pabitra Kar, along with other contenders, making it one of the most closely watched contests.Mamata seeks to retain Kolkata throneThe battle for West Bengal remains intense as chief minister Mamata Banerjee seeks to retain power and consolidate voter support, while the BJP looks to build on its strong surge in 2021.Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah have pushed the slogan “sonar bangla” targeting Mamata Banerjee’s “Bohiragata” narrative. The BJP has also sharpened its attack on issues such as law and order and infiltration, citing incidents like RG Kar, Murshidabad, and Sandeshkhali.Opposition and Left fight for relevanceThe Congress factor, despite a long electoral decline, could still play a role in shaping outcomes in Kolkata and beyond. The Left Front, once dominant under Jyoti Basu, continues to struggle to regain relevance in the state. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has also faced fire from its INDIA bloc allies, the Congress and the Left, even as it tries to maintain its stronghold in West Bengal’s political landscape.Tamil NaduOver 5.73 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, with tight security in place and a sweeping crackdown on inducements by the Election Commission of India. DMK vs AIADMK: The core battleThe contest is primarily between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led front, with chief minister MK Stalin seeking a second term, while Edappadi K Palaniswami aims to return to power after five years.Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has long been dominated by Dravidian parties, and this election largely continues that bipolar trend. However, the DMK has appeared electorally stronger in recent years, while the AIADMK has struggled to regain its footing after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.The last assembly election that AIADMK managed to win was in 2016, under Amma’s shadow, just months before her death. The five-year chief ministerial tenure was then divided between Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, and later EPS, who now holds the party command.The national parties, BJP and Congress, remain in the backseat of their Dravidian partners, the BJP is in an electoral alliance with its old and traditional ally AIADMK, while Congress is aligned with the ruling DMK.Vijay factor adds new twistThis election, however, comes with a fresh variable. Tamil superstar Vijay has entered the political arena with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, drawing massive crowds at rallies and roadshows.His popularity has translated into strong on-ground mobilisation, though one such gathering in Karur tragically led to a stampede.Can crowd support turn into votes?While Vijay’s entry has added a new dimension to the contest, his party is contesting independently, outside the DMK and AIADMK alliances. Unlike national parties such as the BJP and Congress, TVK is not seen as an “outsider” in Tamil Nadu’s political fabric.The key question, however, remains whether this visible public support can convert into votes, a challenge that has historically tested celebrity-led political ventures in the state.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 MediaVideosIndia Marks Pahalgam Anniversary With a Strong Message To Terror Outfits & Pak | WatchEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock You123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionExclusive: President Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and EPS NEW DELHI: The stage is all set for high-stakes electoral battle as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu head to the assembly elections on Thursday (April 23).Tamil Nadu is voting in a single phase across all 234 seats, while West Bengal will vote for 152 seats in this phase.The second phase of West Bengal assembly contest will be held on April 29. Both the poll-bound states, governed by regional heavyweights, have witnessed an intense, high-decibel campaign. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) brigade led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, has pushed hard to challenge Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, while Rahul Gandhi and other leaders added to the campaign blitz.Amit Shah struck an aggressive note, saying, “In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Congress will not even cross double digits.”Even as political rhetoric peaked, the Election Commission tightened its vigil. Cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements worth over Rs 1,000 crore have been seized across both states, with total recoveries touching Rs 1,072.13 crore since February 26.On the ground, Tamil Nadu saw large-scale movement of Electronic Voting Machines and polling materials under heavy security cover. West Bengal, meanwhile, witnessed significant deployment of central forces, a move questioned by Mamata Banerjee, who asked, “are they trying to intimidate?”She also flagged the use of CRPF armoured vehicles during polling, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was deploying state machinery to sway the electoral outcome, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in a fiercely contested race.West BengalThe key seats in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly battle include Suvendu Adhikari’s Nandigram, where he had earlier defeated sitting chief minister Mamata Banerjee.Mamata Banerjee has since shifted to Bhabanipur, while Suvendu Adhikari continues to politically challenge her, as he has filed his nomination papers from Bhabanipur as well. Other important constituencies in this phase include Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri. Campaigning for the phase concluded on April 21.North Bengal key focusNorth Bengal remains the central focus of Phase 1, with 54 assembly seats voting in this round.In Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against Trinamool Congress candidate Pabitra Kar, along with other contenders, making it one of the most closely watched contests.Mamata seeks to retain Kolkata throneThe battle for West Bengal remains intense as chief minister Mamata Banerjee seeks to retain power and consolidate voter support, while the BJP looks to build on its strong surge in 2021.Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah have pushed the slogan “sonar bangla” targeting Mamata Banerjee’s “Bohiragata” narrative. The BJP has also sharpened its attack on issues such as law and order and infiltration, citing incidents like RG Kar, Murshidabad, and Sandeshkhali.Opposition and Left fight for relevanceThe Congress factor, despite a long electoral decline, could still play a role in shaping outcomes in Kolkata and beyond. The Left Front, once dominant under Jyoti Basu, continues to struggle to regain relevance in the state. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has also faced fire from its INDIA bloc allies, the Congress and the Left, even as it tries to maintain its stronghold in West Bengal’s political landscape.Tamil NaduOver 5.73 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, with tight security in place and a sweeping crackdown on inducements by the Election Commission of India. DMK vs AIADMK: The core battleThe contest is primarily between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led front, with chief minister MK Stalin seeking a second term, while Edappadi K Palaniswami aims to return to power after five years.Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has long been dominated by Dravidian parties, and this election largely continues that bipolar trend. However, the DMK has appeared electorally stronger in recent years, while the AIADMK has struggled to regain its footing after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.The last assembly election that AIADMK managed to win was in 2016, under Amma’s shadow, just months before her death. The five-year chief ministerial tenure was then divided between Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, and later EPS, who now holds the party command.The national parties, BJP and Congress, remain in the backseat of their Dravidian partners, the BJP is in an electoral alliance with its old and traditional ally AIADMK, while Congress is aligned with the ruling DMK.Vijay factor adds new twistThis election, however, comes with a fresh variable. Tamil superstar Vijay has entered the political arena with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, drawing massive crowds at rallies and roadshows.His popularity has translated into strong on-ground mobilisation, though one such gathering in Karur tragically led to a stampede.Can crowd support turn into votes?While Vijay’s entry has added a new dimension to the contest, his party is contesting independently, outside the DMK and AIADMK alliances. Unlike national parties such as the BJP and Congress, TVK is not seen as an “outsider” in Tamil Nadu’s political fabric.The key question, however, remains whether this visible public support can convert into votes, a challenge that has historically tested celebrity-led political ventures in the state.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 MediaVideosIndia Marks Pahalgam Anniversary With a Strong Message To Terror Outfits & Pak | WatchEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock You123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionExclusive: President Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary. (File image) NEW DELHI: One of the just two Muslim women in the 543-seat Lok Sabha, Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary voted against the amendment to fast-track women’s reservation on April 17. She said she did not reject the idea of women’s quota but questioned who this particular version of it would actually serve.“Muslim women, especially poor, rural, OBC and minority women, will be the last to benefit,” she told TOI on Wednesday. “By linking reservation to delimitation and census, you are making women’s representation hostage to a political calculus that has rarely favoured our communities.As one of the two Muslim women in the house—alongside Trinamool Congress’s Sajda Ahmed—Choudhary, who represents Kairana in western UP, said her scepticism about who this bill will actually reach is not theoretical. “There is no clarity on OBC or minority women. If the most marginalised are still missing, what are we really achieving?”Nearly two years into her first term, the Samajwadi Party MP and SOAS University of London postgraduate said the entire debate has remained, at its core, a “metropolitan conversation polished in studios”, one that has “barely touched” the constituency she represents.Ambition, she said, is itself a function of access. “Only women with advantage—family in politics, connections—are able to even think like that.”Even where quotas already exist, at the “pradhani level”, the pipeline is narrow and pre‑guarded. “Because of panchayat reservation, women can at least imagine local leadership. But you will still not see fresh faces—without a husband’s backing or family already in politics, it doesn’t happen.” Some women, she added, started as someone’s daughter or sister and made their own space. “But we are still a deeply patriarchal society. A dedicated space has to be deliberately created.” It is this ground reality—not parliamentary procedure—that shaped her vote, she said.The Kairana MP said, “I come from a political family. Even then, it took time for people to accept that women can lead.” The ceiling, for Muslim women in Indian politics, has barely been scratched, she said. Across the entire history of the Lok Sabha, only 18 Muslim women have ever been elected. Today, there are two.Her structural alarm is the “delimitation link”. She pointed to Assam and said “the 2023 redrawing has reduced the number of Muslim‑majority seats, raising fears of diluted Muslim representation. Delimitation is not neutral”.She said she sees the “same politics” at work in triple talaq. “It criminalised a civil matter—also done in the name of helping Muslim women.” Both moves, in her reading, “arrive wrapped in the language of women’s emancipation while serving a different purpose entirely. “It is about playing with minds, not giving women a voice.”The opposition, she added, wasn’t even “properly” consulted on the women’s reservation issue in Parliament. “A reform of this scale needs broader consensus. They didn’t have the numbers, so they didn’t try.”About the AuthorIsmat AraAt The Times of India, Ismat Ara covers politics, people, and societies, with a focus on accountability, justice, and lived experience. Shaped by years of rigorous reporting across cities, small towns, and remote villages, she is drawn to the human stories tucked beneath policy and paperwork.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary. (File image) NEW DELHI: One of the just two Muslim women in the 543-seat Lok Sabha, Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary voted against the amendment to fast-track women’s reservation on April 17. She said she did not reject the idea of women’s quota but questioned who this particular version of it would actually serve.“Muslim women, especially poor, rural, OBC and minority women, will be the last to benefit,” she told TOI on Wednesday. “By linking reservation to delimitation and census, you are making women’s representation hostage to a political calculus that has rarely favoured our communities.As one of the two Muslim women in the house—alongside Trinamool Congress’s Sajda Ahmed—Choudhary, who represents Kairana in western UP, said her scepticism about who this bill will actually reach is not theoretical. “There is no clarity on OBC or minority women. If the most marginalised are still missing, what are we really achieving?”Nearly two years into her first term, the Samajwadi Party MP and SOAS University of London postgraduate said the entire debate has remained, at its core, a “metropolitan conversation polished in studios”, one that has “barely touched” the constituency she represents.Ambition, she said, is itself a function of access. “Only women with advantage—family in politics, connections—are able to even think like that.”Even where quotas already exist, at the “pradhani level”, the pipeline is narrow and pre‑guarded. “Because of panchayat reservation, women can at least imagine local leadership. But you will still not see fresh faces—without a husband’s backing or family already in politics, it doesn’t happen.” Some women, she added, started as someone’s daughter or sister and made their own space. “But we are still a deeply patriarchal society. A dedicated space has to be deliberately created.” It is this ground reality—not parliamentary procedure—that shaped her vote, she said.The Kairana MP said, “I come from a political family. Even then, it took time for people to accept that women can lead.” The ceiling, for Muslim women in Indian politics, has barely been scratched, she said. Across the entire history of the Lok Sabha, only 18 Muslim women have ever been elected. Today, there are two.Her structural alarm is the “delimitation link”. She pointed to Assam and said “the 2023 redrawing has reduced the number of Muslim‑majority seats, raising fears of diluted Muslim representation. Delimitation is not neutral”.She said she sees the “same politics” at work in triple talaq. “It criminalised a civil matter—also done in the name of helping Muslim women.” Both moves, in her reading, “arrive wrapped in the language of women’s emancipation while serving a different purpose entirely. “It is about playing with minds, not giving women a voice.”The opposition, she added, wasn’t even “properly” consulted on the women’s reservation issue in Parliament. “A reform of this scale needs broader consensus. They didn’t have the numbers, so they didn’t try.”About the AuthorIsmat AraAt The Times of India, Ismat Ara covers politics, people, and societies, with a focus on accountability, justice, and lived experience. Shaped by years of rigorous reporting across cities, small towns, and remote villages, she is drawn to the human stories tucked beneath policy and paperwork.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

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File photo NEW DELHI: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has got an international tag of Ramsar site, taking India’s total of such protected wetlands to 99 and the state’s tally to 12.Globally, there are nearly 2,594 such designated wetlands under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. India has the highest number of such wetlands in Asia and third highest in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).“This partially human-made wetland complex, comprising Shekha Jheel Lake and surrounding deciduous forest, was formed following the construction in the 1850s of the Upper Ganges Canal, which flows adjacent to the site,” said the Convention secretariat on its website.Highlighting the ecological importance of the site, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said, “Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season.” He through his post on X also appealed to people to visit the site.The site has been designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its importance for bird conservation. It also supports other water-dependent species, such as three threatened turtle species: the black pond turtle, Indian flap-shelled turtle and Ganges soft-shelled turtle. The number of Indian wetland sites in the global list of Ramsar Convention has increased from 26 to 99 in the past 11 years, of which 57 have been added in the last four years.Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre and raw materials.The Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, providing a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands across its 172-member countries including India.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also Arrested123PhotostoriesANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu link123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

File photo NEW DELHI: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has got an international tag of Ramsar site, taking India’s total of such protected wetlands to 99 and the state’s tally to 12.Globally, there are nearly 2,594 such designated wetlands under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. India has the highest number of such wetlands in Asia and third highest in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).“This partially human-made wetland complex, comprising Shekha Jheel Lake and surrounding deciduous forest, was formed following the construction in the 1850s of the Upper Ganges Canal, which flows adjacent to the site,” said the Convention secretariat on its website.Highlighting the ecological importance of the site, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said, “Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season.” He through his post on X also appealed to people to visit the site.The site has been designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its importance for bird conservation. It also supports other water-dependent species, such as three threatened turtle species: the black pond turtle, Indian flap-shelled turtle and Ganges soft-shelled turtle. The number of Indian wetland sites in the global list of Ramsar Convention has increased from 26 to 99 in the past 11 years, of which 57 have been added in the last four years.Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre and raw materials.The Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, providing a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands across its 172-member countries including India.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also Arrested123PhotostoriesANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu link123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

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