July 9, 2026

Congress on Thursday intensified its offensive over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent even as the BJP-RSS establishment was allegedly trying to protect the “big crocodiles” behind the scandal. The party also raised questions over alleged irregularities in land purchases and construction linked to the temple.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, alleged that attempts were being made to shield those responsible by targeting lower-level employees.“After the theft of offerings at the Lord Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya came to light, several major irregularities related to land purchase and construction have also surfaced.Despite all this, Prime Minister Modi remains silent, and the entire BJP-RSS apparatus is attempting to protect the big crocodiles by taking action against a few small employees.Ramesh said his party colleague, Surendra Rajput, had made several fresh allegations regarding the alleged large-scale loot in Ayodhya during a press conference at the Congress headquarters.Addressing the press conference, Congress leader Surinder Rajput alleged that the prime minister could not distance himself from what he described as the Ram temple “donation-theft case”, saying it was PM Modi who had constituted the trust overseeing the shrine’s management.He also questioned the composition of the trust and the involvement of individuals linked to a particular ideology.“In the donation-embezzlement issue, a few small fish are being used as bait to protect the big fish. In this entire matter, the needle of suspicion also points towards the RSS and the VHP, and we demand answers from them,” Rajput said.Referring to the prime minister’s role in the temple project, Rajput said Modi had laid the foundation stone and later performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.“When a big sin of stealing the offerings has been committed, Prime Minister Modi should clarify. The Ram temple is a matter of faith for crores of people and the prime minister, the RSS and the VHP cannot escape responsibility,” he said, according to news agency PTI.Rajput further questioned why the temple trust had been kept outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.“If the trust is entirely religious, why were only people connected to the BJP-RSS placed in it? The prime minister will have to answer these questions,” he said.The Congress’ remarks come amid allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Ram temple trust. The BJP and the trust had not immediately responded to the Congress’ latest allegations.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosFlood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops Underway123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Congress on Thursday intensified its offensive over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent even as the BJP-RSS establishment was allegedly trying to protect the “big crocodiles” behind the scandal. The party also raised questions over alleged irregularities in land purchases and construction linked to the temple.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, alleged that attempts were being made to shield those responsible by targeting lower-level employees.“After the theft of offerings at the Lord Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya came to light, several major irregularities related to land purchase and construction have also surfaced.Despite all this, Prime Minister Modi remains silent, and the entire BJP-RSS apparatus is attempting to protect the big crocodiles by taking action against a few small employees.Ramesh said his party colleague, Surendra Rajput, had made several fresh allegations regarding the alleged large-scale loot in Ayodhya during a press conference at the Congress headquarters.Addressing the press conference, Congress leader Surinder Rajput alleged that the prime minister could not distance himself from what he described as the Ram temple “donation-theft case”, saying it was PM Modi who had constituted the trust overseeing the shrine’s management.He also questioned the composition of the trust and the involvement of individuals linked to a particular ideology.“In the donation-embezzlement issue, a few small fish are being used as bait to protect the big fish. In this entire matter, the needle of suspicion also points towards the RSS and the VHP, and we demand answers from them,” Rajput said.Referring to the prime minister’s role in the temple project, Rajput said Modi had laid the foundation stone and later performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.“When a big sin of stealing the offerings has been committed, Prime Minister Modi should clarify. The Ram temple is a matter of faith for crores of people and the prime minister, the RSS and the VHP cannot escape responsibility,” he said, according to news agency PTI.Rajput further questioned why the temple trust had been kept outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.“If the trust is entirely religious, why were only people connected to the BJP-RSS placed in it? The prime minister will have to answer these questions,” he said.The Congress’ remarks come amid allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Ram temple trust. The BJP and the trust had not immediately responded to the Congress’ latest allegations.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosFlood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops Underway123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war


'Attempting to protect big crocodiles': Congress attacks PM Modi over Ram temple 'embezzlement' allegations

Congress on Thursday intensified its offensive over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent even as the BJP-RSS establishment was allegedly trying to protect the “big crocodiles” behind the scandal. The party also raised questions over alleged irregularities in land purchases and construction linked to the temple.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, alleged that attempts were being made to shield those responsible by targeting lower-level employees.“After the theft of offerings at the Lord Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya came to light, several major irregularities related to land purchase and construction have also surfaced.Despite all this, Prime Minister Modi remains silent, and the entire BJP-RSS apparatus is attempting to protect the big crocodiles by taking action against a few small employees.Ramesh said his party colleague, Surendra Rajput, had made several fresh allegations regarding the alleged large-scale loot in Ayodhya during a press conference at the Congress headquarters.Addressing the press conference, Congress leader Surinder Rajput alleged that the prime minister could not distance himself from what he described as the Ram temple “donation-theft case”, saying it was PM Modi who had constituted the trust overseeing the shrine’s management.He also questioned the composition of the trust and the involvement of individuals linked to a particular ideology.“In the donation-embezzlement issue, a few small fish are being used as bait to protect the big fish. In this entire matter, the needle of suspicion also points towards the RSS and the VHP, and we demand answers from them,” Rajput said.Referring to the prime minister’s role in the temple project, Rajput said Modi had laid the foundation stone and later performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.“When a big sin of stealing the offerings has been committed, Prime Minister Modi should clarify. The Ram temple is a matter of faith for crores of people and the prime minister, the RSS and the VHP cannot escape responsibility,” he said, according to news agency PTI.Rajput further questioned why the temple trust had been kept outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.“If the trust is entirely religious, why were only people connected to the BJP-RSS placed in it? The prime minister will have to answer these questions,” he said.The Congress’ remarks come amid allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Ram temple trust. The BJP and the trust had not immediately responded to the Congress’ latest allegations.



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‘We are moving to SC’: Rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee after Calcutta HC allows TMC to operate frozen bank accounts NEW DELHI: Rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee on Thursday said his faction will approach the Supreme Court by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) after the Calcutta high court allowed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC to temporarily operate three of its frozen bank accounts under the supervision of a special officer.The Calcutta high court earlier permitted the TMC to use the accounts only for routine party expenses and legal costs until September 30, 2026. The accounts had been frozen as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged financial irregularities involving party funds. Watch TMC Power Battle Escalates As Ritabrata Faction Takes Over Party HQ, Stakes Claim To SymbolSpeaking to reporters, Banerjee said his faction had already consulted lawyers and would challenge the high court’s interim order in the Supreme Court.”We are going to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP). We have consulted with lawyers and are moving the Supreme Court. When the case was originally filed in the Kolkata high court, the ED was not involved. But now that we are filing an SLP in the Supreme Court, the ED will become a party to the proceedings,” he said.Ritabrata also repeated allegations of financial irregularities in the purchase of an aircraft and a helicopter, claiming party funds had been used to buy the assets before they were rented back to the TMC.”Congratulations to this ‘new Natwarlal.’ The original Natwarlal sold the Taj Mahal; here, a company purchased assets using the party’s funds—paying Rs 160 crore from the party’s coffers—and then the party paid rent to that same company. It certainly looks like a method to launder black money,” he said.He further alleged that money had been moved abroad and said his faction would seek an investigation by central agencies.”We are hearing reports that funds have been moved from Kolkata to the Cayman Islands, so we will urge the central agencies to intervene. This is a very serious matter. On the ground, there are no funds to fight legal cases for party workers, yet this ‘new Natwarlal’ is spending Rs 160 crore to acquire aircraft and then paying rent to the very entity involved in the purchase. The money for the purchase comes from the party’s account, and the rental payments also come from the party’s account. This is clearly a case of money laundering,” Banerjee alleged.He added that he would travel to Delhi to submit a complaint to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).”Yes, I will go to Delhi. It is not just this issue; there are two or three other matters as well. I will write to the ED stating that this matter needs to be investigated,” he said.The controversy relates to three TMC bank accounts that were frozen after a complaint by Ritabrata’s rival faction. The ED has alleged that around Rs 160 crore of party funds were laundered through Kolkata-based Carewell Aviation to purchase an Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and an Agusta helicopter, which were later rented back to the TMC. The agency has also alleged that a .7 million unsecured loan from a Cayman Islands entity was used to help finance the helicopter purchase.While allowing limited access to the accounts, the Calcutta high court appointed retired judge Justice Subrata Talukdar as a special officer to supervise all withdrawals.The matter will next be heard on September 21, when the investigating agencies are expected to submit a progress report. The TMC has denied all allegations, describing the probe as politically motivated and maintaining that its finances have been fully disclosed to the Election Commission and the Income Tax Department.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosPM Modi Praises Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, Says ‘India Learning From It’Flood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint Accuracy123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? 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‘We are moving to SC’: Rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee after Calcutta HC allows TMC to operate frozen bank accounts NEW DELHI: Rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee on Thursday said his faction will approach the Supreme Court by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) after the Calcutta high court allowed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC to temporarily operate three of its frozen bank accounts under the supervision of a special officer.The Calcutta high court earlier permitted the TMC to use the accounts only for routine party expenses and legal costs until September 30, 2026. The accounts had been frozen as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged financial irregularities involving party funds. Watch TMC Power Battle Escalates As Ritabrata Faction Takes Over Party HQ, Stakes Claim To SymbolSpeaking to reporters, Banerjee said his faction had already consulted lawyers and would challenge the high court’s interim order in the Supreme Court.”We are going to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP). We have consulted with lawyers and are moving the Supreme Court. When the case was originally filed in the Kolkata high court, the ED was not involved. But now that we are filing an SLP in the Supreme Court, the ED will become a party to the proceedings,” he said.Ritabrata also repeated allegations of financial irregularities in the purchase of an aircraft and a helicopter, claiming party funds had been used to buy the assets before they were rented back to the TMC.”Congratulations to this ‘new Natwarlal.’ The original Natwarlal sold the Taj Mahal; here, a company purchased assets using the party’s funds—paying Rs 160 crore from the party’s coffers—and then the party paid rent to that same company. It certainly looks like a method to launder black money,” he said.He further alleged that money had been moved abroad and said his faction would seek an investigation by central agencies.”We are hearing reports that funds have been moved from Kolkata to the Cayman Islands, so we will urge the central agencies to intervene. This is a very serious matter. On the ground, there are no funds to fight legal cases for party workers, yet this ‘new Natwarlal’ is spending Rs 160 crore to acquire aircraft and then paying rent to the very entity involved in the purchase. The money for the purchase comes from the party’s account, and the rental payments also come from the party’s account. This is clearly a case of money laundering,” Banerjee alleged.He added that he would travel to Delhi to submit a complaint to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).”Yes, I will go to Delhi. It is not just this issue; there are two or three other matters as well. I will write to the ED stating that this matter needs to be investigated,” he said.The controversy relates to three TMC bank accounts that were frozen after a complaint by Ritabrata’s rival faction. The ED has alleged that around Rs 160 crore of party funds were laundered through Kolkata-based Carewell Aviation to purchase an Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and an Agusta helicopter, which were later rented back to the TMC. The agency has also alleged that a $1.7 million unsecured loan from a Cayman Islands entity was used to help finance the helicopter purchase.While allowing limited access to the accounts, the Calcutta high court appointed retired judge Justice Subrata Talukdar as a special officer to supervise all withdrawals.The matter will next be heard on September 21, when the investigating agencies are expected to submit a progress report. The TMC has denied all allegations, describing the probe as politically motivated and maintaining that its finances have been fully disclosed to the Election Commission and the Income Tax Department.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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. 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Vamsikrishna 0
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, Prakash Chik Baraik (L-R) NEW DELHI: Hours after formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik were on Thursday named as the BJP’s candidates for the upcoming bypoll elections.The announcement came shortly after the three leaders were inducted into the BJP at the party’s Salt Lake office in Kolkata in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and other senior leaders.All three leaders had resigned from the Rajya Sabha and quit the TMC last month amid growing internal rebellion within the Mamata Banerjee-led party. They will now contest the bypolls to the Rajya Sabha seats that fell vacant following their resignations.The BJP said the three former parliamentarians would strengthen the party’s presence in West Bengal with their political experience.Their induction and immediate nomination come at a time when the TMC is facing one of its biggest internal crises following its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The political turmoil began after a large group of MLAs broke away under the leadership of expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Several MPs later backed the rival faction, with rebel lawmakers seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament and holding meetings with senior BJP leaders, fuelling speculation of more defections.Sushmita Dev had earlier said she left the TMC for both political and personal reasons.”It is a long story why I left TMC. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am in two boats at the same time. I will not comment on Mamata Didi,” she had said.She added, “I had political and personal reasons to do this. In an independent country, a politician can take any decision in their political life. I express gratitude towards the people of Bengal, but I have to work in Assam.”Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who was among the first senior TMC leaders to resign, had blamed the party’s electoral defeat on years of poor governance and said it had become difficult for him to continue.Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from the Rajya Sabha soon after Dev and Ray, further deepening concerns over dissent within the TMC.Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has accused the rebel faction of betraying the party.”People shouldn’t forgive TMC leaders who are traitors, sided with BJP; don’t try to sail on two boats, there’s still time to look back and address barbarity,” she said in a video message.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosPM Modi Praises Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, Says ‘India Learning From It’Flood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint Accuracy123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, Prakash Chik Baraik (L-R) NEW DELHI: Hours after formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik were on Thursday named as the BJP’s candidates for the upcoming bypoll elections.The announcement came shortly after the three leaders were inducted into the BJP at the party’s Salt Lake office in Kolkata in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and other senior leaders.All three leaders had resigned from the Rajya Sabha and quit the TMC last month amid growing internal rebellion within the Mamata Banerjee-led party. They will now contest the bypolls to the Rajya Sabha seats that fell vacant following their resignations.The BJP said the three former parliamentarians would strengthen the party’s presence in West Bengal with their political experience.Their induction and immediate nomination come at a time when the TMC is facing one of its biggest internal crises following its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The political turmoil began after a large group of MLAs broke away under the leadership of expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Several MPs later backed the rival faction, with rebel lawmakers seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament and holding meetings with senior BJP leaders, fuelling speculation of more defections.Sushmita Dev had earlier said she left the TMC for both political and personal reasons.”It is a long story why I left TMC. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am in two boats at the same time. I will not comment on Mamata Didi,” she had said.She added, “I had political and personal reasons to do this. In an independent country, a politician can take any decision in their political life. I express gratitude towards the people of Bengal, but I have to work in Assam.”Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who was among the first senior TMC leaders to resign, had blamed the party’s electoral defeat on years of poor governance and said it had become difficult for him to continue.Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from the Rajya Sabha soon after Dev and Ray, further deepening concerns over dissent within the TMC.Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has accused the rebel faction of betraying the party.”People shouldn’t forgive TMC leaders who are traitors, sided with BJP; don’t try to sail on two boats, there’s still time to look back and address barbarity,” she said in a video message.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosPM Modi Praises Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, Says ‘India Learning From It’Flood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint Accuracy123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Vamsikrishna 0
Himachal: Union Minister Nadda to lay foundation stone of ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine at Keylong NEW DELHI: India is set to get its first dedicated research centre for high-altitude medicine as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) establishes a specialised facility in Himachal Pradesh to tackle the unique health challenges faced by people living in the Himalayan region.Union Health Minister J P Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district on July 11. The facility will upgrade ICMR’s existing field station into a multidisciplinary research hub focused on diseases and healthcare challenges associated with high-altitude living.Scientists at the centre will study altitude physiology and acclimatisation, mountain medicine, climate-sensitive diseases, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, occupational health and disaster medicine. The institute will also evaluate how climate change is affecting disease patterns and healthcare delivery in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.One of the centre’s key objectives will be to develop healthcare solutions for remote mountain communities using telemedicine, digital health platforms, drone-based delivery of medicines and diagnostics, and real-time disease surveillance.Located in the strategically important border district of Lahaul and Spiti, the centre will provide year-round access to high-altitude and tribal populations, enabling long-term studies on the health effects of altitude, extreme weather and environmental change. Officials said the evidence generated is expected to help shape policies on tribal health, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient healthcare.The centre will collaborate with the Armed Forces Medical Services, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Himachal Pradesh government and academic institutions in India and abroad to undertake research on issues ranging from high-altitude illnesses to emergency medical response in mountainous terrain.Health officials said the facility is expected to strengthen India’s capacity in high-altitude biomedical research at a time when climate change, increasing tourism and expanding infrastructure in the Himalayan region are creating new public health challenges.The foundation stone ceremony will also include a scientific exhibition, launch of the centre’s website, release of a commemorative postal special cover and plantation of native Himalayan saplings under the Green ICMR Campus initiative.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFlood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops Underway123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Himachal: Union Minister Nadda to lay foundation stone of ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine at Keylong NEW DELHI: India is set to get its first dedicated research centre for high-altitude medicine as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) establishes a specialised facility in Himachal Pradesh to tackle the unique health challenges faced by people living in the Himalayan region.Union Health Minister J P Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district on July 11. The facility will upgrade ICMR’s existing field station into a multidisciplinary research hub focused on diseases and healthcare challenges associated with high-altitude living.Scientists at the centre will study altitude physiology and acclimatisation, mountain medicine, climate-sensitive diseases, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, occupational health and disaster medicine. The institute will also evaluate how climate change is affecting disease patterns and healthcare delivery in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.One of the centre’s key objectives will be to develop healthcare solutions for remote mountain communities using telemedicine, digital health platforms, drone-based delivery of medicines and diagnostics, and real-time disease surveillance.Located in the strategically important border district of Lahaul and Spiti, the centre will provide year-round access to high-altitude and tribal populations, enabling long-term studies on the health effects of altitude, extreme weather and environmental change. Officials said the evidence generated is expected to help shape policies on tribal health, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient healthcare.The centre will collaborate with the Armed Forces Medical Services, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Himachal Pradesh government and academic institutions in India and abroad to undertake research on issues ranging from high-altitude illnesses to emergency medical response in mountainous terrain.Health officials said the facility is expected to strengthen India’s capacity in high-altitude biomedical research at a time when climate change, increasing tourism and expanding infrastructure in the Himalayan region are creating new public health challenges.The foundation stone ceremony will also include a scientific exhibition, launch of the centre’s website, release of a commemorative postal special cover and plantation of native Himalayan saplings under the Green ICMR Campus initiative.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFlood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops Underway123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Vamsikrishna 0
Who will be AAP’s principal challenger? NEW DELHI: Who will be the principal challenger to Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party in the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab?On paper, the answer should be Congress. After all, it is the main opposition party in the state, with 18 seats in the assembly, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP in terms of numbers. But a closer look at how the three parties are preparing for the electoral battle suggests the winds may be changing.The BJP, despite having the weakest presence in Punjab at the moment, has made the strongest push so far. The party has dropped enough signals that it intends to go all out in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini have all already visited Punjab to energise the cadre and reach out to voters. The Prime Minister is scheduled to make another visit to the state later this month and announce mega development projects to reinforce the party’s intent.The Congress should have been best placed to claim the opposition space after its 2024 Lok Sabha performance, but the grand old party is still caught in a web of internal churn and is busy setting its house in order. The SAD, once Punjab’s dominant political force, is trying to rebuild after years of decline. AAP is the party in power, but it will enter the 2027 poll battle with the burden of defending its record in office.That leaves Punjab with a political contest within the electoral contest: before the state decides who forms the next government, the opposition camp has to compete to decide who will lead the fight against AAP.Congress: Strong on paper, split on groundOf the three contenders in the opposition space, it is the Congress which has the numbers, the organisational strength and also the backing of history to claim the opposition space and also perhaps power in Punjab. But to ensure that, the party will first have to settle the battle within its own house. The decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as state president while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as campaign committee chief has triggered an internal friction, much to the delight of the BJP which is leaving no stone unturned to highlight the factionalism within the Punjab Congress. Several Punjab Congress leaders have thrown their weight behind Channi and have asked the high command to reconsider its leadership choices in the state.While AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel has asserted that Congress remains “the only option” for the people of the state, the fact that Channi skipped a key Punjab Congress meeting called by him was hard to miss. Apart from Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also skipped the meeting.Warring tried to play down crisis in the state unitWarring tried to play down their absence, saying both Channi and Randhawa had informed the party that they were out of town and would be available after a couple of days. Channi, along with a group of loyalists, is reportedly in Delhi to raise concerns over the recent reshuffle of the party’s state unit.Baghel is currently on a five-day tour of Punjab, during which he is scheduled to hold meetings with senior leaders, office-bearers and party workers as part of the Congress’ organisational strengthening exercise. But how much of this will help to defuse the crisis only time will tell.For now, Congress is trying to contain the damage. Baghel has started meeting state leaders. The immediate challenge for the high command is to calm the Channi camp without upsetting Warring. The party has not announced any changes yet, but leaders close to Channi want their concerns to be heard by the central leadership.Baghel has made it clear that ‘no one is above the party high command’Until then, Congress will have to manage two battles at once: projecting unity against AAP in Punjab, and preventing the leadership tussle from becoming big enough to give the BJP an opening.BJP playbook in actionThe BJP, which already has 23 states in its kitty, has dropped enough hints that it is going for the kill in Punjab this time. The saffron party’s tried, tested and templated three-fold strategy for winning states is already in motion. The first is “absorption through defection politics”, which includes importing established leaders from other parties to make up for weak organisational strength. The second is to ambush the ruling party by aggressively highlighting its failings and exploiting its faultlines. The third is to amplify the benefits of a double-engine government for the state’s development by promising a host of central support and projects.All three strategies are in play in Punjab.The first round of leaders was “imported” from the Congress during and after the 2022 assembly elections. The second round of defections was from AAP, led by Kejriwal’s once-trusted aide Raghav Chadha, who along with six other MPs is now part of the BJP camp. As the elections approach, this list is likely to grow longer.The BJP has been unrelenting in its attacks on the AAP government, with all top leaders chipping in to build and sustain pressure. From drugs to the sacrilege video row and corruption, the list is long.Finally, the third component of the BJP’s playbook is also in action: promises of a better and more secure future for Punjab, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself leading this drive. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has announced that PM Modi will visit Punjab this month to inaugurate several major development projects. He further said the Union government has ensured that there is no shortage of funds for Punjab’s development, and that significant investments are being made in infrastructure, connectivity and public welfare sectors.“The people of Punjab are witnessing the difference between a government focused on development and an opposition consumed by internal adjustments and distribution of posts,” Bittu said in a statement.This will be the PM’s second visit to the state. In February, PM Modi had visited Punjab to mark the 649th Birth Anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji. During the trip, he renamed Adampur Airport to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. He also inaugurated the new Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana.Clearly, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to implement its Punjab plan, and that should keep both AAP and Congress worried.SAD: Old force, shrinking spaceAs for the Shiromani Akali Dal which dominated state politics for long, the party has been pushed to the corner after snapping ties with the BJP. The party and its leaders have been active on the ground, missing no opportunity to attack the Bhagwant Mann government and mobilising cadres.But SAD’s challenge is that the political space it once occupied is now crowded. AAP has eaten into its rural and Sikh support base, Congress remains the larger opposition force on paper, and the BJP is trying to expand after breaking out of its old junior-partner role.AAP confidence of winThe possibility of a renewed SAD-BJP alliance also appears unlikely. The BJP has already dismissed speculation of a possible tie-up, with Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri making it clear that the party would never accept the role of a “younger brother” or junior partner.In the 2022 assembly polls, the BJP won two seats while SAD recorded its worst-ever electoral performance, winning just three. For SAD, 2027 is less about defeating AAP. It is more about proving that it still belongs in Punjab’s main opposition race.The war is onPunjab, therefore, is heading into the 2027 assembly test with all four major players facing very different challenges.So, while AAP tries to defend its only turf, its challengers are locked in an intense battle to take the pole position. Congress remains the main opposition for now, but its own leadership tussle could weaken its claim to that space. This even as the BJP is trying to spring a surprise in Punjab, just as it did in Odisha and Bengal.That makes the 2027 Punjab contest AAP versus who? For now, the war is on.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanka MukherjeePriyanka Mukherjee is an Assistant News Editor at The Times of India, where deadlines rarely slow down. Often juggling breaking news, long-form explainers and the everyday chaos of the newsroom, she is usually managing stress, chasing clarity and trying to log off on time (rarely successful). She also cares deeply about stories around women’s rights and social change, while two very opinionated dogs make sure she never truly switches off.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain Fury123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Who will be AAP’s principal challenger? NEW DELHI: Who will be the principal challenger to Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party in the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab?On paper, the answer should be Congress. After all, it is the main opposition party in the state, with 18 seats in the assembly, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP in terms of numbers. But a closer look at how the three parties are preparing for the electoral battle suggests the winds may be changing.The BJP, despite having the weakest presence in Punjab at the moment, has made the strongest push so far. The party has dropped enough signals that it intends to go all out in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini have all already visited Punjab to energise the cadre and reach out to voters. The Prime Minister is scheduled to make another visit to the state later this month and announce mega development projects to reinforce the party’s intent.The Congress should have been best placed to claim the opposition space after its 2024 Lok Sabha performance, but the grand old party is still caught in a web of internal churn and is busy setting its house in order. The SAD, once Punjab’s dominant political force, is trying to rebuild after years of decline. AAP is the party in power, but it will enter the 2027 poll battle with the burden of defending its record in office.That leaves Punjab with a political contest within the electoral contest: before the state decides who forms the next government, the opposition camp has to compete to decide who will lead the fight against AAP.Congress: Strong on paper, split on groundOf the three contenders in the opposition space, it is the Congress which has the numbers, the organisational strength and also the backing of history to claim the opposition space and also perhaps power in Punjab. But to ensure that, the party will first have to settle the battle within its own house. The decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as state president while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as campaign committee chief has triggered an internal friction, much to the delight of the BJP which is leaving no stone unturned to highlight the factionalism within the Punjab Congress. Several Punjab Congress leaders have thrown their weight behind Channi and have asked the high command to reconsider its leadership choices in the state.While AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel has asserted that Congress remains “the only option” for the people of the state, the fact that Channi skipped a key Punjab Congress meeting called by him was hard to miss. Apart from Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also skipped the meeting.Warring tried to play down crisis in the state unitWarring tried to play down their absence, saying both Channi and Randhawa had informed the party that they were out of town and would be available after a couple of days. Channi, along with a group of loyalists, is reportedly in Delhi to raise concerns over the recent reshuffle of the party’s state unit.Baghel is currently on a five-day tour of Punjab, during which he is scheduled to hold meetings with senior leaders, office-bearers and party workers as part of the Congress’ organisational strengthening exercise. But how much of this will help to defuse the crisis only time will tell.For now, Congress is trying to contain the damage. Baghel has started meeting state leaders. The immediate challenge for the high command is to calm the Channi camp without upsetting Warring. The party has not announced any changes yet, but leaders close to Channi want their concerns to be heard by the central leadership.Baghel has made it clear that ‘no one is above the party high command’Until then, Congress will have to manage two battles at once: projecting unity against AAP in Punjab, and preventing the leadership tussle from becoming big enough to give the BJP an opening.BJP playbook in actionThe BJP, which already has 23 states in its kitty, has dropped enough hints that it is going for the kill in Punjab this time. The saffron party’s tried, tested and templated three-fold strategy for winning states is already in motion. The first is “absorption through defection politics”, which includes importing established leaders from other parties to make up for weak organisational strength. The second is to ambush the ruling party by aggressively highlighting its failings and exploiting its faultlines. The third is to amplify the benefits of a double-engine government for the state’s development by promising a host of central support and projects.All three strategies are in play in Punjab.The first round of leaders was “imported” from the Congress during and after the 2022 assembly elections. The second round of defections was from AAP, led by Kejriwal’s once-trusted aide Raghav Chadha, who along with six other MPs is now part of the BJP camp. As the elections approach, this list is likely to grow longer.The BJP has been unrelenting in its attacks on the AAP government, with all top leaders chipping in to build and sustain pressure. From drugs to the sacrilege video row and corruption, the list is long.Finally, the third component of the BJP’s playbook is also in action: promises of a better and more secure future for Punjab, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself leading this drive. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has announced that PM Modi will visit Punjab this month to inaugurate several major development projects. He further said the Union government has ensured that there is no shortage of funds for Punjab’s development, and that significant investments are being made in infrastructure, connectivity and public welfare sectors.“The people of Punjab are witnessing the difference between a government focused on development and an opposition consumed by internal adjustments and distribution of posts,” Bittu said in a statement.This will be the PM’s second visit to the state. In February, PM Modi had visited Punjab to mark the 649th Birth Anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji. During the trip, he renamed Adampur Airport to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. He also inaugurated the new Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana.Clearly, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to implement its Punjab plan, and that should keep both AAP and Congress worried.SAD: Old force, shrinking spaceAs for the Shiromani Akali Dal which dominated state politics for long, the party has been pushed to the corner after snapping ties with the BJP. The party and its leaders have been active on the ground, missing no opportunity to attack the Bhagwant Mann government and mobilising cadres.But SAD’s challenge is that the political space it once occupied is now crowded. AAP has eaten into its rural and Sikh support base, Congress remains the larger opposition force on paper, and the BJP is trying to expand after breaking out of its old junior-partner role.AAP confidence of winThe possibility of a renewed SAD-BJP alliance also appears unlikely. The BJP has already dismissed speculation of a possible tie-up, with Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri making it clear that the party would never accept the role of a “younger brother” or junior partner.In the 2022 assembly polls, the BJP won two seats while SAD recorded its worst-ever electoral performance, winning just three. For SAD, 2027 is less about defeating AAP. It is more about proving that it still belongs in Punjab’s main opposition race.The war is onPunjab, therefore, is heading into the 2027 assembly test with all four major players facing very different challenges.So, while AAP tries to defend its only turf, its challengers are locked in an intense battle to take the pole position. Congress remains the main opposition for now, but its own leadership tussle could weaken its claim to that space. This even as the BJP is trying to spring a surprise in Punjab, just as it did in Odisha and Bengal.That makes the 2027 Punjab contest AAP versus who? For now, the war is on.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanka MukherjeePriyanka Mukherjee is an Assistant News Editor at The Times of India, where deadlines rarely slow down. Often juggling breaking news, long-form explainers and the everyday chaos of the newsroom, she is usually managing stress, chasing clarity and trying to log off on time (rarely successful). She also cares deeply about stories around women’s rights and social change, while two very opinionated dogs make sure she never truly switches off.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain Fury123Photostories7 Plants with leaves and flowers that naturally stain and dyeFrom a Rs 2.5 crore watch to Shikhar Pahariya’s name in her mehendi: Inside Janhvi Kapoor’s most talked-about moments at Anshula Kapoor’s weddingFeeling better isn’t a reason to stop antibiotics: Doctor warns the habit is fueling the rise of deadly superbugsShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war

Vamsikrishna 0