August 7, 2026

Badal-PM Modi meet sparked SAD-BJP alliance buzz NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday. The meeting has sparked buzz over whether the BJP and the SAD are preparing to turn the page on years of political estrangement ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.For both the BJP and the SAD, the timing is significant. Once the state’s dominant political combine, the two parties have spent the past several years on the margins of Punjab politics, watching their traditional support base shrink while Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party gradually emerged as the state’s principal political force.The BJP-SAD partnership, which lasted for over two decades, parted ways in September 2020 after the Akali Dal walked out of the NDA, with much credits to Centre’s three farm laws. The legislation triggered massive protests across Punjab and countrywide and became a political flashpoint.However, the PM Modi-led government repealed the laws in 2021, relations between the two allies remained strained.In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, voters not only rejected the Congress, which was crippled by the Amarinder Singh-Navjot Singh Sidhu power struggle, but also delivered a crushing verdict against both the BJP and the SAD.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesContesting separately, the BJP won just two seats while the Akali Dal managed only three in the 117-member assembly.Instead, Punjab handed Kejriwal’s AAP a historic mandate. The party stormed to power for the first time in its second attempt, with Bhagwant Mann becoming chief minister, recording a dramatic shift in the Sikh-majority state.Against this backdrop, the Modi-Badal meeting in Parliament assumes greater political significance. While neither side has officially indicated that an alliance is on the cards, the interaction is likely to intensify discussions over whether the estranged partners can rebuild their relationship before Punjab votes next year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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Badal-PM Modi meet sparked SAD-BJP alliance buzz NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday. The meeting has sparked buzz over whether the BJP and the SAD are preparing to turn the page on years of political estrangement ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.For both the BJP and the SAD, the timing is significant. Once the state’s dominant political combine, the two parties have spent the past several years on the margins of Punjab politics, watching their traditional support base shrink while Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party gradually emerged as the state’s principal political force.The BJP-SAD partnership, which lasted for over two decades, parted ways in September 2020 after the Akali Dal walked out of the NDA, with much credits to Centre’s three farm laws. The legislation triggered massive protests across Punjab and countrywide and became a political flashpoint.However, the PM Modi-led government repealed the laws in 2021, relations between the two allies remained strained.In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, voters not only rejected the Congress, which was crippled by the Amarinder Singh-Navjot Singh Sidhu power struggle, but also delivered a crushing verdict against both the BJP and the SAD.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesContesting separately, the BJP won just two seats while the Akali Dal managed only three in the 117-member assembly.Instead, Punjab handed Kejriwal’s AAP a historic mandate. The party stormed to power for the first time in its second attempt, with Bhagwant Mann becoming chief minister, recording a dramatic shift in the Sikh-majority state.Against this backdrop, the Modi-Badal meeting in Parliament assumes greater political significance. While neither side has officially indicated that an alliance is on the cards, the interaction is likely to intensify discussions over whether the estranged partners can rebuild their relationship before Punjab votes next year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case


Sukhbir Singh Badal meets PM Modi, fuels BJP-SAD alliance buzz ahead of Punjab polls next year
Badal-PM Modi meet sparked SAD-BJP alliance buzz

NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday. The meeting has sparked buzz over whether the BJP and the SAD are preparing to turn the page on years of political estrangement ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.For both the BJP and the SAD, the timing is significant. Once the state’s dominant political combine, the two parties have spent the past several years on the margins of Punjab politics, watching their traditional support base shrink while Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party gradually emerged as the state’s principal political force.The BJP-SAD partnership, which lasted for over two decades, parted ways in September 2020 after the Akali Dal walked out of the NDA, with much credits to Centre’s three farm laws. The legislation triggered massive protests across Punjab and countrywide and became a political flashpoint.However, the PM Modi-led government repealed the laws in 2021, relations between the two allies remained strained.In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, voters not only rejected the Congress, which was crippled by the Amarinder Singh-Navjot Singh Sidhu power struggle, but also delivered a crushing verdict against both the BJP and the SAD.

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The unusual names prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: What began as a routine police recruitment result in Chhattisgarh quickly turned into an internet sensation after candidates with names such as ‘News’, ‘Space Rani’, ‘He Ram’, ‘Bhakt Prahlad’ and ‘Tufail’ appeared on the list of successful applicants, sparking disbelief, political allegations and eventually, a defence from the candidates themselves.The unusual names, which surfaced in the results of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission’s (CGPSC) preliminary examination for police recruitment, prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process.The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the names were genuine and matched the details submitted by candidates during registration.What really happenedThe controversy erupted after the results of the preliminary examination for 341 posts of subedar, sub-inspector and platoon commander were declared on August 4. A total of 7,301 candidates qualified for the mains examination.According to the CGPSC, the candidates had appeared for document verification, physical tests and the preliminary examination under the same names, which were also printed on their admit cards.Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel mocked the list after sharing it on X.”The Public Relations Department should spend Rs 1 crore daily on advertisements to display this achievement at public intersections so that, in the coming days, ‘Radio’ and ‘Space Raja’ might also succeed in some examination.”State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla accused the BJP government of failing to deliver transparent recruitment despite promising PSC examinations on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).He alleged that the names reflected the alleged “negligence” of the CGPSC and the state government and claimed that several recruitment and promotion examinations held over the past two-and-a-half years had come under suspicion.What the board saidRejecting the allegations, the CGPSC described the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and baseless” and said they unfairly ridiculed candidates over their names.”The names of the candidates displayed in the examination result are the same as those entered by them in their online application forms, which they finally submitted. The candidates appeared for document and physical tests as well as the preliminary examination under these names, and their names were also displayed accordingly on their admit cards,” it stated.The commission urged candidates and the public not to believe misinformation and rely only on information published on its official website.Several candidates clarifyAs the debate gathered pace online, several candidates clarified that the names attracting attention were the same as those recorded in their official documents.”My name is News Kumar Pradhan. My surname was not added to my Class 10 marksheet. My marksheets of Classes 10 and 12 and Aadhaar card carry the name News, without the surname. People think that the name is incorrect,” said News Kumar Pradhan, who qualified in the preliminary examination. He added that he is from Bhatanpali village in Raigarh district.Tufail, a 29-year-old candidate from Nayapara in Raipur district, said his name appeared the same in all official records.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”After the result was released, rumours are being spread about names such as Spacerani, News and Tufail without any information or facts. These are the names of students who have prepared for the examination for years,” he said.He appealed against spreading rumours and said such claims were hurting the morale of candidates from ordinary families.Another successful candidate, He Ram, said there was nothing unusual about the way his name was recorded.”My name is He Ram, and I have qualified the PSC preliminary examination. Some people are raising objections over my name. My surname is Kashyap, but it is not mentioned in any of my documents. Hence, I entered only my name while filling the form,” he told PTI.Bhakt Prahlad also clarified that his name was correctly recorded in all official documents.”My surname is not mentioned. Please do not spread confusion regarding my name,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at risk123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

The unusual names prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: What began as a routine police recruitment result in Chhattisgarh quickly turned into an internet sensation after candidates with names such as ‘News’, ‘Space Rani’, ‘He Ram’, ‘Bhakt Prahlad’ and ‘Tufail’ appeared on the list of successful applicants, sparking disbelief, political allegations and eventually, a defence from the candidates themselves.The unusual names, which surfaced in the results of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission’s (CGPSC) preliminary examination for police recruitment, prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process.The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the names were genuine and matched the details submitted by candidates during registration.What really happenedThe controversy erupted after the results of the preliminary examination for 341 posts of subedar, sub-inspector and platoon commander were declared on August 4. A total of 7,301 candidates qualified for the mains examination.According to the CGPSC, the candidates had appeared for document verification, physical tests and the preliminary examination under the same names, which were also printed on their admit cards.Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel mocked the list after sharing it on X.”The Public Relations Department should spend Rs 1 crore daily on advertisements to display this achievement at public intersections so that, in the coming days, ‘Radio’ and ‘Space Raja’ might also succeed in some examination.”State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla accused the BJP government of failing to deliver transparent recruitment despite promising PSC examinations on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).He alleged that the names reflected the alleged “negligence” of the CGPSC and the state government and claimed that several recruitment and promotion examinations held over the past two-and-a-half years had come under suspicion.What the board saidRejecting the allegations, the CGPSC described the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and baseless” and said they unfairly ridiculed candidates over their names.”The names of the candidates displayed in the examination result are the same as those entered by them in their online application forms, which they finally submitted. The candidates appeared for document and physical tests as well as the preliminary examination under these names, and their names were also displayed accordingly on their admit cards,” it stated.The commission urged candidates and the public not to believe misinformation and rely only on information published on its official website.Several candidates clarifyAs the debate gathered pace online, several candidates clarified that the names attracting attention were the same as those recorded in their official documents.”My name is News Kumar Pradhan. My surname was not added to my Class 10 marksheet. My marksheets of Classes 10 and 12 and Aadhaar card carry the name News, without the surname. People think that the name is incorrect,” said News Kumar Pradhan, who qualified in the preliminary examination. He added that he is from Bhatanpali village in Raigarh district.Tufail, a 29-year-old candidate from Nayapara in Raipur district, said his name appeared the same in all official records.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”After the result was released, rumours are being spread about names such as Spacerani, News and Tufail without any information or facts. These are the names of students who have prepared for the examination for years,” he said.He appealed against spreading rumours and said such claims were hurting the morale of candidates from ordinary families.Another successful candidate, He Ram, said there was nothing unusual about the way his name was recorded.”My name is He Ram, and I have qualified the PSC preliminary examination. Some people are raising objections over my name. My surname is Kashyap, but it is not mentioned in any of my documents. Hence, I entered only my name while filling the form,” he told PTI.Bhakt Prahlad also clarified that his name was correctly recorded in all official documents.”My surname is not mentioned. Please do not spread confusion regarding my name,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at risk123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday issued a whip to its MPs, directing them to be present in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha as the government is set to take up the contentious FCRA Amendment Bill for discussion.Congress has asked its parliamentarians to remain present in their respective Houses on August 10, 11 and 12.”Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026,” Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha said in the whip.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Watch India’s FCRA Bill Triggers US Warning As Trump Ally Questions Church, Charity Protections”All Members of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11.00 am onwards till the adjournment of the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026, without fail and support the party stand. This may be treated as most important,” the whip, issued by Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh, said.An identical whip was issued to Congress members in the Lok Sabha.Congress has also conveyed to all INDIA bloc allies to ensure that their MPs remain present on the three days, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.The move comes as the government is set to take up the FCRA Amendment Bill and is also considering reintroducing the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.However, while listing the tentative government business for next week, minister of state for parliamentary affairs made no mention of either the FCRA Amendment Bill or the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least once123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday issued a whip to its MPs, directing them to be present in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha as the government is set to take up the contentious FCRA Amendment Bill for discussion.Congress has asked its parliamentarians to remain present in their respective Houses on August 10, 11 and 12.”Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026,” Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha said in the whip.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Watch India’s FCRA Bill Triggers US Warning As Trump Ally Questions Church, Charity Protections”All Members of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11.00 am onwards till the adjournment of the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026, without fail and support the party stand. This may be treated as most important,” the whip, issued by Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh, said.An identical whip was issued to Congress members in the Lok Sabha.Congress has also conveyed to all INDIA bloc allies to ensure that their MPs remain present on the three days, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.The move comes as the government is set to take up the FCRA Amendment Bill and is also considering reintroducing the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.However, while listing the tentative government business for next week, minister of state for parliamentary affairs made no mention of either the FCRA Amendment Bill or the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least once123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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Uttarakhand CM Dhami approves Rs 1,967 cr for urban infrastructure, GIS-based drainage projects Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions worth a total of Rs 1,967 crore for strengthening urban infrastructure and implementing GIS-based drainage projects across the state.The Chief Minister has approved the release of Rs 1,960 crore for 15 GIS-based drainage projects to be implemented in various districts of Uttarakhand, according to a release.He has also sanctioned Rs 6.82 crore for a flood protection project to safeguard Khet Kheda village, located on the right bank of the Sharda River in Tanakpur, Champawat district.In addition, the Chief Minister has approved the release of the first instalment of Rs 42.12 lakh, against the total project cost of Rs 70.21 lakh, for the construction of an interlocking-tile staff car parking facility in front of the Consolidation (Chakbandi) Office at the District Magistrate’s Office campus in Udham Singh Nagar.The release said that Chief Minister Dhami said that the state government is continuously working to develop safe, well-planned, and modern infrastructure across Uttarakhand. He directed officials to ensure that all approved projects are completed within the stipulated timeline while maintaining high-quality standards, so that the public can benefit from them at the earliest.Earlier on Tuesday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state is progressing in every field of development under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he inaugurated the newly constructed Late Deepak Pundir Memorial Community Hall at Purukul village in Dehradun and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 17.80 crore.Speaking at the event, Dhami said the day was historic for the Mussoorie Assembly constituency, with several development schemes being inaugurated and their foundation stones laid.”Today is a historic day for the Mussoorie Assembly as well. Many schemes have been inaugurated, and foundation stones have been laid here. The foundation stone for these schemes worth Rs 17 crores 80 lakh has been laid. All these schemes are for the development of this area, and people will get many facilities,” Dhami said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said the projects were not merely about constructing buildings but would provide momentum to the development of the region.”I want to say that this is not just a brick-and-mortar structure, but it is a foundation, a cornerstone, for giving this area a lot of momentum in the times to come,” he said.The Chief Minister also said Uttarakhand was leading the country in several areas. “Under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister, today our Uttarakhand is progressing in every field of development. Our Uttarakhand is leading in the entire country in many areas,” Dhami said.Later in Haridwar, Dhami warmly welcomed Kanwar pilgrims who arrived to collect the sacred Kanwar during the ongoing Shravan Kanwar Yatra.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Uttarakhand CM Dhami approves Rs 1,967 cr for urban infrastructure, GIS-based drainage projects Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions worth a total of Rs 1,967 crore for strengthening urban infrastructure and implementing GIS-based drainage projects across the state.The Chief Minister has approved the release of Rs 1,960 crore for 15 GIS-based drainage projects to be implemented in various districts of Uttarakhand, according to a release.He has also sanctioned Rs 6.82 crore for a flood protection project to safeguard Khet Kheda village, located on the right bank of the Sharda River in Tanakpur, Champawat district.In addition, the Chief Minister has approved the release of the first instalment of Rs 42.12 lakh, against the total project cost of Rs 70.21 lakh, for the construction of an interlocking-tile staff car parking facility in front of the Consolidation (Chakbandi) Office at the District Magistrate’s Office campus in Udham Singh Nagar.The release said that Chief Minister Dhami said that the state government is continuously working to develop safe, well-planned, and modern infrastructure across Uttarakhand. He directed officials to ensure that all approved projects are completed within the stipulated timeline while maintaining high-quality standards, so that the public can benefit from them at the earliest.Earlier on Tuesday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state is progressing in every field of development under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he inaugurated the newly constructed Late Deepak Pundir Memorial Community Hall at Purukul village in Dehradun and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 17.80 crore.Speaking at the event, Dhami said the day was historic for the Mussoorie Assembly constituency, with several development schemes being inaugurated and their foundation stones laid.”Today is a historic day for the Mussoorie Assembly as well. Many schemes have been inaugurated, and foundation stones have been laid here. The foundation stone for these schemes worth Rs 17 crores 80 lakh has been laid. All these schemes are for the development of this area, and people will get many facilities,” Dhami said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said the projects were not merely about constructing buildings but would provide momentum to the development of the region.”I want to say that this is not just a brick-and-mortar structure, but it is a foundation, a cornerstone, for giving this area a lot of momentum in the times to come,” he said.The Chief Minister also said Uttarakhand was leading the country in several areas. “Under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister, today our Uttarakhand is progressing in every field of development. Our Uttarakhand is leading in the entire country in many areas,” Dhami said.Later in Haridwar, Dhami warmly welcomed Kanwar pilgrims who arrived to collect the sacred Kanwar during the ongoing Shravan Kanwar Yatra.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added, “Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system.”The Jharkhand protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, had entered their 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators reportedly on hunger strike.Gandhi was also asked about young women fighting for their right to education. “India’s women are our strength, our biggest asset and frankly I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, the way our education system treats our women and the way our corporate system treats our women,” he said.On his favourite BJP politician, Gandhi named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying, “I get along with him, he is cool. He is an expert on military history. Hello, uncle Amarinder.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added, “Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system.”The Jharkhand protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, had entered their 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators reportedly on hunger strike.Gandhi was also asked about young women fighting for their right to education. “India’s women are our strength, our biggest asset and frankly I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, the way our education system treats our women and the way our corporate system treats our women,” he said.On his favourite BJP politician, Gandhi named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying, “I get along with him, he is cool. He is an expert on military history. Hello, uncle Amarinder.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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