June 16, 2026

Image used for representative purposes NEW DELHI: To prevent paper leak in NEET-UG, Centre is actively exploring the use of IAF aircraft for transporting question papers for the June 21 retest, as part of a wider “whole-of-govt” security strategy involving the home ministry, central agencies and state police networks, reports Manash Gohain.The proposal was discussed at a high-level meet led by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and attended by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, senior PMO officials, NTA DG Abhishek Singh and top bureaucrats from multiple ministries. According to education ministry sources, govt is considering deploying IAF only for transportation logistics “because of time constraints and because govt doesn’t want to take any chances this time”.Sources stressed that no final decision has yet been taken and the proposal will be placed before PM Narendra Modi before any formal approval.The move, however, acknowledges the ever-evolving tricks used by those determined to leak papers of the entrance test for coveted seats in medical colleges, and the importance for govt to ensure the forthcoming NEET’s integrity. “The approach this time is that every vulnerable point in the examination chain must be secured with maximum redundancy and supervision. Govt is leaving no stone unturned,” a source said.The sources said if the IAF plan is implemented, its planes will deliver exam papers for the forthcoming NEET to select locations in a state, such as Lucknow, Agra and Gorakhpur and Varanasi in UP; Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar; Kolkata and Bagdogra in Bengal. From then on, state agencies will take over the job of transporting papers to districts and keeping them in safe custody and delivering them to exam centres. Currently, delivery of papers is handled by a postal department.Officials said the meeting carried out a detailed review of the entire exam cycle — from empanelment of paper setters and printing protocols to transportation routes, storage facilities, distribution networks and last-mile security arrangements at exam centres.Besides exploring use of the IAF, discussions also focused on deeper coordination with MHA and state home departments for secure movement and monitoring of question papers. Sources said district administrations and police units are likely to be integrated more closely into the transportation and custody chain.The PM is understood to be personally monitoring preparations for the June 21 retest and is being regularly briefed on operational and security measures linked to the exam process, officials said. NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a question paper leak. CBI has arrested 13 people from different cities.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Trauma Care Part Of Right To Life’: SC Orders 112 As One Unified Emergency Response NumberAfter 20 Years In Saudi Prison, Kerala Man Abdul Rahim Returns HomePatna Builder Gifts CM Portrait, Internet Reacts With “Majnu Bhai Would Be Proud” JokesTension At West Bengal Border As Migrants Wait For Return Amid Holding Centre OperationsTwisha Sharma Death Case: CBI Arrests Mother-In-Law & Retired Judge Giribala SinghFrom Brazil To India: Inside Gujarat’s Biggest Cocaine SeizureSiddaramaiah Resigns As Karnataka CM, DK Shivakumar Likely To Take OverSpecial Eid-ul-Adha Namaz Held At Taj Mahal Amid Tight Security Across Uttar Pradesh CitiesTamil Nadu CM Vijay Postpones Delhi Meeting With Rahul Gandhi After PM Modi MeetPriyanka Gandhi Intervention Boosts DK Shivakumar’s Push For Karnataka Chief Minister Post: Report123PhotostoriesDiscovering India’s only snake-free region10 famous snake parks and zoos in the USA every wildlife traveller should visit and how to reach here”Egg is the worst thing you can…” Sadhguru shares 3 traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes rich in protein and vitamin B125 most iconic Katrina Kaif movie looks that are making a comeback online10 toxic habits you think are normal, but they’re holding you backIndoor plants that you can grow without soilIndia’s hidden wine regions beyond NashikWhy atta dough turns dry in the fridge and 3 easy ways to retain its moistureThought of the day, inspired by Bhagavad Gita: “Inner peace begins where ego ends”5 art villages of india where art has been passed down from generations and is a way of life123Hot PicksParris Campbell RetirementClaude Lemieux DeathMitch MarnerKarnataka CMJai Pal SinghCristiano RonaldoSachine TendulkarTop TrendingPatna Boat AccidentGujarat Drug BustNEET UG Paper LeakNorth India HeatwaveGrocery price hikeBengaluru Ebola CaseUK NEETRahul GandhiIndian mango exportsFuel price hike

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Image used for representative purposes NEW DELHI: To prevent paper leak in NEET-UG, Centre is actively exploring the use of IAF aircraft for transporting question papers for the June 21 retest, as part of a wider “whole-of-govt” security strategy involving the home ministry, central agencies and state police networks, reports Manash Gohain.The proposal was discussed at a high-level meet led by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and attended by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, senior PMO officials, NTA DG Abhishek Singh and top bureaucrats from multiple ministries. According to education ministry sources, govt is considering deploying IAF only for transportation logistics “because of time constraints and because govt doesn’t want to take any chances this time”.Sources stressed that no final decision has yet been taken and the proposal will be placed before PM Narendra Modi before any formal approval.The move, however, acknowledges the ever-evolving tricks used by those determined to leak papers of the entrance test for coveted seats in medical colleges, and the importance for govt to ensure the forthcoming NEET’s integrity. “The approach this time is that every vulnerable point in the examination chain must be secured with maximum redundancy and supervision. Govt is leaving no stone unturned,” a source said.The sources said if the IAF plan is implemented, its planes will deliver exam papers for the forthcoming NEET to select locations in a state, such as Lucknow, Agra and Gorakhpur and Varanasi in UP; Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar; Kolkata and Bagdogra in Bengal. From then on, state agencies will take over the job of transporting papers to districts and keeping them in safe custody and delivering them to exam centres. Currently, delivery of papers is handled by a postal department.Officials said the meeting carried out a detailed review of the entire exam cycle — from empanelment of paper setters and printing protocols to transportation routes, storage facilities, distribution networks and last-mile security arrangements at exam centres.Besides exploring use of the IAF, discussions also focused on deeper coordination with MHA and state home departments for secure movement and monitoring of question papers. Sources said district administrations and police units are likely to be integrated more closely into the transportation and custody chain.The PM is understood to be personally monitoring preparations for the June 21 retest and is being regularly briefed on operational and security measures linked to the exam process, officials said. NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a question paper leak. CBI has arrested 13 people from different cities.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Trauma Care Part Of Right To Life’: SC Orders 112 As One Unified Emergency Response NumberAfter 20 Years In Saudi Prison, Kerala Man Abdul Rahim Returns HomePatna Builder Gifts CM Portrait, Internet Reacts With “Majnu Bhai Would Be Proud” JokesTension At West Bengal Border As Migrants Wait For Return Amid Holding Centre OperationsTwisha Sharma Death Case: CBI Arrests Mother-In-Law & Retired Judge Giribala SinghFrom Brazil To India: Inside Gujarat’s Biggest Cocaine SeizureSiddaramaiah Resigns As Karnataka CM, DK Shivakumar Likely To Take OverSpecial Eid-ul-Adha Namaz Held At Taj Mahal Amid Tight Security Across Uttar Pradesh CitiesTamil Nadu CM Vijay Postpones Delhi Meeting With Rahul Gandhi After PM Modi MeetPriyanka Gandhi Intervention Boosts DK Shivakumar’s Push For Karnataka Chief Minister Post: Report123PhotostoriesDiscovering India’s only snake-free region10 famous snake parks and zoos in the USA every wildlife traveller should visit and how to reach here”Egg is the worst thing you can…” Sadhguru shares 3 traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes rich in protein and vitamin B125 most iconic Katrina Kaif movie looks that are making a comeback online10 toxic habits you think are normal, but they’re holding you backIndoor plants that you can grow without soilIndia’s hidden wine regions beyond NashikWhy atta dough turns dry in the fridge and 3 easy ways to retain its moistureThought of the day, inspired by Bhagavad Gita: “Inner peace begins where ego ends”5 art villages of india where art has been passed down from generations and is a way of life123Hot PicksParris Campbell RetirementClaude Lemieux DeathMitch MarnerKarnataka CMJai Pal SinghCristiano RonaldoSachine TendulkarTop TrendingPatna Boat AccidentGujarat Drug BustNEET UG Paper LeakNorth India HeatwaveGrocery price hikeBengaluru Ebola CaseUK NEETRahul GandhiIndian mango exportsFuel price hike


Centre may use IAF planes to fly NEET papers for June 21 retest
Image used for representative purposes

NEW DELHI: To prevent paper leak in NEET-UG, Centre is actively exploring the use of IAF aircraft for transporting question papers for the June 21 retest, as part of a wider “whole-of-govt” security strategy involving the home ministry, central agencies and state police networks, reports Manash Gohain.The proposal was discussed at a high-level meet led by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and attended by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, senior PMO officials, NTA DG Abhishek Singh and top bureaucrats from multiple ministries. According to education ministry sources, govt is considering deploying IAF only for transportation logistics “because of time constraints and because govt doesn’t want to take any chances this time”.Sources stressed that no final decision has yet been taken and the proposal will be placed before PM Narendra Modi before any formal approval.The move, however, acknowledges the ever-evolving tricks used by those determined to leak papers of the entrance test for coveted seats in medical colleges, and the importance for govt to ensure the forthcoming NEET’s integrity. “The approach this time is that every vulnerable point in the examination chain must be secured with maximum redundancy and supervision. Govt is leaving no stone unturned,” a source said.The sources said if the IAF plan is implemented, its planes will deliver exam papers for the forthcoming NEET to select locations in a state, such as Lucknow, Agra and Gorakhpur and Varanasi in UP; Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar; Kolkata and Bagdogra in Bengal. From then on, state agencies will take over the job of transporting papers to districts and keeping them in safe custody and delivering them to exam centres. Currently, delivery of papers is handled by a postal department.Officials said the meeting carried out a detailed review of the entire exam cycle — from empanelment of paper setters and printing protocols to transportation routes, storage facilities, distribution networks and last-mile security arrangements at exam centres.Besides exploring use of the IAF, discussions also focused on deeper coordination with MHA and state home departments for secure movement and monitoring of question papers. Sources said district administrations and police units are likely to be integrated more closely into the transportation and custody chain.The PM is understood to be personally monitoring preparations for the June 21 retest and is being regularly briefed on operational and security measures linked to the exam process, officials said. NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a question paper leak. CBI has arrested 13 people from different cities.



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NEW DELHI: Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is all set to do a Bihar in Uttar Pradesh.Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are nearly 8-9 months away and all key stakeholders are busy firming up their strategies for the high-stakes contest. But the AIMIM president is already in action mode with a tried and tested strategy that can put some opposition parties in a Catch-22 situation.Owaisi on Sunday held a rally in UP’s Bahraich, a strategically chosen district, to not just launch his party’s UP campaign but also to throw a now-familiar challenge to the opposition parties: “We are ready to join hands with you to prevent the BJP from returning to power provided we are treated with respect and accorded equal status within that alliance.”While on the one hand Owaisi reached out to the opposition parties, on the other he threw an open challenge to the Samajwadi Party by announcing Shaukat Ali as the AIMIM candidate from the Matera assembly constituency in Bahraich. The seat at present is with the SP which is the main opposition player in the state.Now, those who have followed the politics of the AIMIM chief would have a sense of deja vu. He has followed the same template in Bihar and Maharashtra.Let’s rewind and go back to the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.AIMIM’s Bihar PlaybookThe AIMIM added a new and interesting dimension to politics in the run up to the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar. In a first of its kind, they held a protest demanding their party’s inclusion in the opposition’s Mahagathbandhan alliance.The AIMIM workers held a demonstration with drums outside the residence of former CM Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad demanding space in the opposition INDIA bloc to “prevent a split of secular votes”.The unique protest not just made for good optics but also put immense pressure on the INDIA bloc parties – the RJD and the Congress- who eventually did not agree to the AIMIM alliance.The AIMIM contested on 28 seats and won 5 with a vote share of 1.89%, while the INDIA bloc allies were decimated by the NDA.Failed Maharashtra outreachEarlier in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections also, the AIMIM reached out to the opposition Maha Vikas Agadhi for an alliance. The AIMIM state president wrote a letter to MVA members stating they were open to alliance talks. However, the Congress, Shiv Sena and the NCP rejected AIMIM’s outreach.The party eventually contested 16 assembly seats alone but was successful in retaining only one of the two assembly seats it had won in the 2019 polls.UP strategyNow, let’s shift our focus back to Uttar Pradesh.First, let’s discuss Owaisi’s choice of Bahraich for his launch rally. The Matera assembly constituency in Bahraich is a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party and not the BJP, which is the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh. If Owaisi wants to defeat the BJP, shouldn’t he be logically targeting the BJP first? But Owaisi chose SP stronghold to launch his campaign because his primary objective is to woo the Muslim voters of the state who have for long backed Akhilesh Yadav’s party.Owaisi’s speech in Matera targeted BJP’s Yogi Adityanath government and Akhilesh Yadav in equal measure.”I am appealing to the people of Uttar Pradesh. Support AIMIM; we would rather die than trade away our honour and your affection,” Owaisi said at the rally.Questioning the development work carried out by elected representatives in the area, Owaisi said, “What have the Samajwadi Party leaders whom you voted for done for the development of the area? They did nothing.”Continuing with his attack on Samajwadi Party, he alleged that despite receiving votes from the public, local representatives had failed to ensure basic facilities and claimed that even a hospital had not been constructed in the area. Owaisi said the youth had become politically aware and urged people to support AIMIM.The second reason why the choice of Bahraich is a strategic decision is because it is a communally sensitive district and has a long-running political and historical contest over the legacy of Maharaja Suheldev and warrior-saint Syed Salar Masood Ghazi.During a recent visit to Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh minister Anil Rajbhar claimed that the dargah of Ghazi was originally a Surya Kund and said he would write to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey.Anil Rajbhar also accused previous governments of glorifying “invaders” such as Ghazi while neglecting Maharaja Suheldev, who is celebrated among Rajbhars and several other OBC communities as the ruler who defeated Ghazi.Clearly, the issue has a great potential for polarisation and suits the hardline politics of Owaisi.Owaisi’s opposition outreach: A well crafted strategyNow, let’s come to the second part of Owaisi’s tried and tested strategy – a loud and open offer of alliance to the opposition parties.This now seems to have become a part of his election playbook. It is Owaisi’s way of countering the opposition parties who have over the years labelled AIMIM as the B-team of the BJP. The AIMIM outreach not just takes the sting out of the “B-team attack” but also puts the opposition in a Catch 22 situation. The AIMIM chief knows that there will be few takers in the opposition camp for his alliance offer.Why opposition parties spurn Owaisi’s offerSo, why do the opposition parties not accept Owaisi’s offer and ensure that non-BJP votes, especially of the Muslims does not split? Well, this is because the opposition parties know that Owaisi’s offer is like a double-edged sword.First, most of these opposition parties like the RJD in Bihar, Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh have banked heavily on the support of Muslims for their politics. If they accept AIMIM as an ally, they fear that Muslims will back Owaisi and gradually this will weaken their own minorities’ politics.Second, any opposition alliance with AIMIM will give the BJP a very strong weapon to engineer reverse polarisation. Since Owaisi is known for a very aggressive hardline brand of politics on issues concerning the minorities, the opposition will find it difficult to dissociate itself from the AIMIM. And this will give the BJP an opportunity to mobilise the Hindus against the opposition parties and eventually corner them.Clearly, that leaves the opposition parties in a Catch 22 situation. While any AIMIM alliance may help prevent division of minority votes, it may, at the same time, push the majority votes towards the BJP. Owaisi knows this predicament of the opposition parties and hence makes it a point to offer an alliance to them ahead of every election where his presence matters.And when the opposition parties reject his alliance, Owaisi leaves no stone unturned to put them on the mat by accusing them of using Muslims as a vote bank in elections but refusing to share power with them.What should worry the opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, is that Uttar Pradesh is unlike Maharashtra and Bihar. There is a fairly strong and independent pole of politics in the state in the form of BSP chief Mayawati. If she decides to align with Owaisi, their alliance could pose a formidable challenge to the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab CM Responds to Akal Takht Verdict, Denies Link to Viral VideoPriyank Kharge Asks RSS To Register, Reveal Finances And Tax Records In Letter To Mohan BhagwatDMK Editorial Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Politics Amid Growing Alliance Rift | WatchTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Questioned by ED for Over 11 Hours in Recruitment Scam ProbeDhaka Protests After Senior Bangladesh Official Questioned For Hours In New DelhiUS-Iran War Reshapes India’s Trade Routes As Oman, Brazil And Singapore SurgeKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police Response123PhotostoriesThat small lump in your neck could tell a bigger story: Understanding Thyroid nodules and cancer5 signs you’re guilt-tripping your child without even realizing it; how parents can correct itFrom wall art to centrepieces: 8 shell decor ideas for a coastal vibeNo, love isn’t enough: 5 non-negotiables for a lasting relationship, therapist revealsPM Narendra Modi welcomed with bread and Salt in Slovakia: 4 other food-related welcome traditions across the world“I started drinking from Class 9…”: Premanand Maharaj shares the ‘one thing’ parents can do to keep children away from bad habits10 most colourful snakes in the world and where to spot them in the wildPriyanka Chopra Jonas’ mother reveals the homemade hair mask recipe she credits for their “head full of hair”From wall art to centerpieces: 8 shell decor ideas for a coastal vibe10 Indian cities offering strong growth potential for NRI property buyers123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

NEW DELHI: Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is all set to do a Bihar in Uttar Pradesh.Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are nearly 8-9 months away and all key stakeholders are busy firming up their strategies for the high-stakes contest. But the AIMIM president is already in action mode with a tried and tested strategy that can put some opposition parties in a Catch-22 situation.Owaisi on Sunday held a rally in UP’s Bahraich, a strategically chosen district, to not just launch his party’s UP campaign but also to throw a now-familiar challenge to the opposition parties: “We are ready to join hands with you to prevent the BJP from returning to power provided we are treated with respect and accorded equal status within that alliance.”While on the one hand Owaisi reached out to the opposition parties, on the other he threw an open challenge to the Samajwadi Party by announcing Shaukat Ali as the AIMIM candidate from the Matera assembly constituency in Bahraich. The seat at present is with the SP which is the main opposition player in the state.Now, those who have followed the politics of the AIMIM chief would have a sense of deja vu. He has followed the same template in Bihar and Maharashtra.Let’s rewind and go back to the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.AIMIM’s Bihar PlaybookThe AIMIM added a new and interesting dimension to politics in the run up to the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar. In a first of its kind, they held a protest demanding their party’s inclusion in the opposition’s Mahagathbandhan alliance.The AIMIM workers held a demonstration with drums outside the residence of former CM Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad demanding space in the opposition INDIA bloc to “prevent a split of secular votes”.The unique protest not just made for good optics but also put immense pressure on the INDIA bloc parties – the RJD and the Congress- who eventually did not agree to the AIMIM alliance.The AIMIM contested on 28 seats and won 5 with a vote share of 1.89%, while the INDIA bloc allies were decimated by the NDA.Failed Maharashtra outreachEarlier in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections also, the AIMIM reached out to the opposition Maha Vikas Agadhi for an alliance. The AIMIM state president wrote a letter to MVA members stating they were open to alliance talks. However, the Congress, Shiv Sena and the NCP rejected AIMIM’s outreach.The party eventually contested 16 assembly seats alone but was successful in retaining only one of the two assembly seats it had won in the 2019 polls.UP strategyNow, let’s shift our focus back to Uttar Pradesh.First, let’s discuss Owaisi’s choice of Bahraich for his launch rally. The Matera assembly constituency in Bahraich is a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party and not the BJP, which is the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh. If Owaisi wants to defeat the BJP, shouldn’t he be logically targeting the BJP first? But Owaisi chose SP stronghold to launch his campaign because his primary objective is to woo the Muslim voters of the state who have for long backed Akhilesh Yadav’s party.Owaisi’s speech in Matera targeted BJP’s Yogi Adityanath government and Akhilesh Yadav in equal measure.”I am appealing to the people of Uttar Pradesh. Support AIMIM; we would rather die than trade away our honour and your affection,” Owaisi said at the rally.Questioning the development work carried out by elected representatives in the area, Owaisi said, “What have the Samajwadi Party leaders whom you voted for done for the development of the area? They did nothing.”Continuing with his attack on Samajwadi Party, he alleged that despite receiving votes from the public, local representatives had failed to ensure basic facilities and claimed that even a hospital had not been constructed in the area. Owaisi said the youth had become politically aware and urged people to support AIMIM.The second reason why the choice of Bahraich is a strategic decision is because it is a communally sensitive district and has a long-running political and historical contest over the legacy of Maharaja Suheldev and warrior-saint Syed Salar Masood Ghazi.During a recent visit to Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh minister Anil Rajbhar claimed that the dargah of Ghazi was originally a Surya Kund and said he would write to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey.Anil Rajbhar also accused previous governments of glorifying “invaders” such as Ghazi while neglecting Maharaja Suheldev, who is celebrated among Rajbhars and several other OBC communities as the ruler who defeated Ghazi.Clearly, the issue has a great potential for polarisation and suits the hardline politics of Owaisi.Owaisi’s opposition outreach: A well crafted strategyNow, let’s come to the second part of Owaisi’s tried and tested strategy – a loud and open offer of alliance to the opposition parties.This now seems to have become a part of his election playbook. It is Owaisi’s way of countering the opposition parties who have over the years labelled AIMIM as the B-team of the BJP. The AIMIM outreach not just takes the sting out of the “B-team attack” but also puts the opposition in a Catch 22 situation. The AIMIM chief knows that there will be few takers in the opposition camp for his alliance offer.Why opposition parties spurn Owaisi’s offerSo, why do the opposition parties not accept Owaisi’s offer and ensure that non-BJP votes, especially of the Muslims does not split? Well, this is because the opposition parties know that Owaisi’s offer is like a double-edged sword.First, most of these opposition parties like the RJD in Bihar, Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh have banked heavily on the support of Muslims for their politics. If they accept AIMIM as an ally, they fear that Muslims will back Owaisi and gradually this will weaken their own minorities’ politics.Second, any opposition alliance with AIMIM will give the BJP a very strong weapon to engineer reverse polarisation. Since Owaisi is known for a very aggressive hardline brand of politics on issues concerning the minorities, the opposition will find it difficult to dissociate itself from the AIMIM. And this will give the BJP an opportunity to mobilise the Hindus against the opposition parties and eventually corner them.Clearly, that leaves the opposition parties in a Catch 22 situation. While any AIMIM alliance may help prevent division of minority votes, it may, at the same time, push the majority votes towards the BJP. Owaisi knows this predicament of the opposition parties and hence makes it a point to offer an alliance to them ahead of every election where his presence matters.And when the opposition parties reject his alliance, Owaisi leaves no stone unturned to put them on the mat by accusing them of using Muslims as a vote bank in elections but refusing to share power with them.What should worry the opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, is that Uttar Pradesh is unlike Maharashtra and Bihar. There is a fairly strong and independent pole of politics in the state in the form of BSP chief Mayawati. If she decides to align with Owaisi, their alliance could pose a formidable challenge to the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab CM Responds to Akal Takht Verdict, Denies Link to Viral VideoPriyank Kharge Asks RSS To Register, Reveal Finances And Tax Records In Letter To Mohan BhagwatDMK Editorial Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Politics Amid Growing Alliance Rift | WatchTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Questioned by ED for Over 11 Hours in Recruitment Scam ProbeDhaka Protests After Senior Bangladesh Official Questioned For Hours In New DelhiUS-Iran War Reshapes India’s Trade Routes As Oman, Brazil And Singapore SurgeKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police Response123PhotostoriesThat small lump in your neck could tell a bigger story: Understanding Thyroid nodules and cancer5 signs you’re guilt-tripping your child without even realizing it; how parents can correct itFrom wall art to centrepieces: 8 shell decor ideas for a coastal vibeNo, love isn’t enough: 5 non-negotiables for a lasting relationship, therapist revealsPM Narendra Modi welcomed with bread and Salt in Slovakia: 4 other food-related welcome traditions across the world“I started drinking from Class 9…”: Premanand Maharaj shares the ‘one thing’ parents can do to keep children away from bad habits10 most colourful snakes in the world and where to spot them in the wildPriyanka Chopra Jonas’ mother reveals the homemade hair mask recipe she credits for their “head full of hair”From wall art to centerpieces: 8 shell decor ideas for a coastal vibe10 Indian cities offering strong growth potential for NRI property buyers123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

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12 NEW DELHI: Another Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Soumitra Banerjee, was pelted with eggs on Tuesday while being escorted to court by police following his arrest. Video from the scene showed a crowd hurling eggs and chanting “chor, chor, chor” (thief, thief, thief) as Banerjee was being taken to a police vehicle.Police later brought the situation under control and safely escorted Banerjee to court.The TMC youth leader was arrested following a complaint lodged by BJP leader Ravi Keshari, who accused him of attacking BJP workers.This comes a day after senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh was targeted in a similar incident outside former chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence. Ghosh was speaking to reporters when a local youth allegedly hurled an egg at him. The accused, identified as Chandan, later defended his actions, claiming he was acting out of grievances against the Trinamool Congress.The latest incident comes amid continuing political turbulence within the TMC, which has been grappling with internal dissent, defections and resignations. On Sunday, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced that 20 Lok Sabha MPs had merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and would support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), marking one of the biggest challenges to the party’s unity in recent years.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 MediaVideosDMK Editorial Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Politics Amid Growing Alliance Rift | WatchTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Questioned by ED for Over 11 Hours in Recruitment Scam ProbeDhaka Protests After Senior Bangladesh Official Questioned For Hours In New DelhiUS-Iran War Reshapes India’s Trade Routes As Oman, Brazil And Singapore SurgeKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council Reforms123Photostories”Women are happier in their 40s and 50s after they stop doing this one thing”: Recent study reveals interesting dataSanchita Ugale’s suicide: AICWA urges Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene, demands thorough probeMotivational quote of the day by Walt Disney: “To be successful, you must be…”Japanese parents do this differently, and it may explain their children’s successInside Jemimah Rodrigues’ Vashi home: A look at the Indian women cricket star’s latest property purchase in Navi MumbaiNeymar and Bruna Biancardi expecting baby no. 3 together: Inside the football star’s growing family of five children with three womenThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A VelumaniFrom Lemon to Mango: 7 Fruit trees that grow well in containersInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

12 NEW DELHI: Another Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Soumitra Banerjee, was pelted with eggs on Tuesday while being escorted to court by police following his arrest. Video from the scene showed a crowd hurling eggs and chanting “chor, chor, chor” (thief, thief, thief) as Banerjee was being taken to a police vehicle.Police later brought the situation under control and safely escorted Banerjee to court.The TMC youth leader was arrested following a complaint lodged by BJP leader Ravi Keshari, who accused him of attacking BJP workers.This comes a day after senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh was targeted in a similar incident outside former chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence. Ghosh was speaking to reporters when a local youth allegedly hurled an egg at him. The accused, identified as Chandan, later defended his actions, claiming he was acting out of grievances against the Trinamool Congress.The latest incident comes amid continuing political turbulence within the TMC, which has been grappling with internal dissent, defections and resignations. On Sunday, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced that 20 Lok Sabha MPs had merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and would support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), marking one of the biggest challenges to the party’s unity in recent years.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 MediaVideosDMK Editorial Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Politics Amid Growing Alliance Rift | WatchTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Questioned by ED for Over 11 Hours in Recruitment Scam ProbeDhaka Protests After Senior Bangladesh Official Questioned For Hours In New DelhiUS-Iran War Reshapes India’s Trade Routes As Oman, Brazil And Singapore SurgeKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council Reforms123Photostories”Women are happier in their 40s and 50s after they stop doing this one thing”: Recent study reveals interesting dataSanchita Ugale’s suicide: AICWA urges Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene, demands thorough probeMotivational quote of the day by Walt Disney: “To be successful, you must be…”Japanese parents do this differently, and it may explain their children’s successInside Jemimah Rodrigues’ Vashi home: A look at the Indian women cricket star’s latest property purchase in Navi MumbaiNeymar and Bruna Biancardi expecting baby no. 3 together: Inside the football star’s growing family of five children with three womenThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A VelumaniFrom Lemon to Mango: 7 Fruit trees that grow well in containersInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

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File photo NEW DELHI: Ex-BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai questioned the high-level security for NEET-UG re-exam scheduled for June 21. He said that the involvement of CRPF, CISF along with multi-level oversight with direct monitoring from the Prime Minister’s office seemed as if the arrangements were to “buy high-level, classified, military-grade software.”He said that increased scrutiny would “only add to already ballooning exam pressure” of the aspirants. Watch NEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For Students”Two-tier CRPF+CISF escort with IAF airlift. 4-layer CCTV with AI surveillance. Biometric & facial recognition before entry. Multiple layers of frisking. Multi-level oversight with direct monitoring from the Prime Minister’s office. Yes, you read it right. But these are not arrangements to buy high-level, classified, military-grade software. These are the arrangements made by the Ministry of Education for the NEET retest scheduled for 21st June 2026,” Annamalai said in a post on X.”Every student would appreciate the government’s efforts to prevent paper leaks by implementing additional security measures and enhanced monitoring. But an increase in scrutiny before entry, extended frisking, and an increase in the overall exam time from 180 minutes to 195 minutes will only add to their already ballooning exam pressure,” he added.He also questioned whether the elaborate arrangements were consistent with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to reduce exam-related stress among students. He further noted reports of difficulties faced by candidates while downloading admit cards and urged authorities to ensure that logistical issues do not compound students’ anxieties.”While the government has taken measures to contain leaks, they have forgotten the additional burden they have imposed on a young student before they take up an assessment, one that they have spent months preparing for, dissolving the entire purpose of our exam system and the NEP 2020’s goal to reduce ‘Exam Stress’,” he said.”Despite all these arrangements for the examination, there are issues with downloading the admit cards, and NTA has assured students that it will resolve them at the earliest. Yes, there are challenges that demand meaningful solutions. However, I am concerned that the approach devised for the NEET retest may not resolve the issue; instead, it risks creating a new set of problems,” he added.What BJP saidResponding to his remarks, a BJP leader Selva Kumar defended the Centre’s approach, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally monitored the NEET paper leak issue while education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had been working continuously over the past month to address concerns. The leader said the security framework was formulated after extensive consultations involving multiple ministries, including the Defence, Communications and Education ministries, and was subsequently placed before the Supreme Court.”The prime minister himself closely monitored the NEET paper leak issue, and the education minister took accountability and has been working round the clock for the past one month,” he said.The leader acknowledged that students would have to spend an additional 15 minutes undergoing security checks and verification but stressed that the arrangement was temporary and aimed at ensuring a leak-free examination. “This is a one-time measure and from next time it will all be computer-based,” the leader said.The BJP leader also accused “anti-BJP forces” of attempting to politicise the issue after protests over the examination controversy failed to gain traction.”We understand that after the Cockroach Party’s protests failed at multiple locations, anti-BJP forces have now activated their newly acquired toolkit,” he said.The ministry of education has rolled out an extensive security framework for the examination, featuring CRPF and CISF escorts for question papers, Indian Air Force airlift support, AI-enabled multi-layer CCTV monitoring, biometric and facial verification of candidates, multiple rounds of frisking, and real-time oversight by the Prime Minister’s Office.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 MediaVideosKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava Visit123PhotostoriesJapanese parents do this differently, and it may explain their children’s successInside Jemimah Rodrigues’ Vashi home: A look at the Indian women cricket star’s latest property purchase in Navi MumbaiNeymar and Bruna Biancardi expecting baby no. 3 together: Inside the football star’s growing family of five children with three womenThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A VelumaniFrom Lemon to Mango: 7 Fruit trees that grow well in containersInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them123Hot PicksDelhi rainForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

File photo NEW DELHI: Ex-BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai questioned the high-level security for NEET-UG re-exam scheduled for June 21. He said that the involvement of CRPF, CISF along with multi-level oversight with direct monitoring from the Prime Minister’s office seemed as if the arrangements were to “buy high-level, classified, military-grade software.”He said that increased scrutiny would “only add to already ballooning exam pressure” of the aspirants. Watch NEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For Students”Two-tier CRPF+CISF escort with IAF airlift. 4-layer CCTV with AI surveillance. Biometric & facial recognition before entry. Multiple layers of frisking. Multi-level oversight with direct monitoring from the Prime Minister’s office. Yes, you read it right. But these are not arrangements to buy high-level, classified, military-grade software. These are the arrangements made by the Ministry of Education for the NEET retest scheduled for 21st June 2026,” Annamalai said in a post on X.”Every student would appreciate the government’s efforts to prevent paper leaks by implementing additional security measures and enhanced monitoring. But an increase in scrutiny before entry, extended frisking, and an increase in the overall exam time from 180 minutes to 195 minutes will only add to their already ballooning exam pressure,” he added.He also questioned whether the elaborate arrangements were consistent with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to reduce exam-related stress among students. He further noted reports of difficulties faced by candidates while downloading admit cards and urged authorities to ensure that logistical issues do not compound students’ anxieties.”While the government has taken measures to contain leaks, they have forgotten the additional burden they have imposed on a young student before they take up an assessment, one that they have spent months preparing for, dissolving the entire purpose of our exam system and the NEP 2020’s goal to reduce ‘Exam Stress’,” he said.”Despite all these arrangements for the examination, there are issues with downloading the admit cards, and NTA has assured students that it will resolve them at the earliest. Yes, there are challenges that demand meaningful solutions. However, I am concerned that the approach devised for the NEET retest may not resolve the issue; instead, it risks creating a new set of problems,” he added.What BJP saidResponding to his remarks, a BJP leader Selva Kumar defended the Centre’s approach, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally monitored the NEET paper leak issue while education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had been working continuously over the past month to address concerns. The leader said the security framework was formulated after extensive consultations involving multiple ministries, including the Defence, Communications and Education ministries, and was subsequently placed before the Supreme Court.”The prime minister himself closely monitored the NEET paper leak issue, and the education minister took accountability and has been working round the clock for the past one month,” he said.The leader acknowledged that students would have to spend an additional 15 minutes undergoing security checks and verification but stressed that the arrangement was temporary and aimed at ensuring a leak-free examination. “This is a one-time measure and from next time it will all be computer-based,” the leader said.The BJP leader also accused “anti-BJP forces” of attempting to politicise the issue after protests over the examination controversy failed to gain traction.”We understand that after the Cockroach Party’s protests failed at multiple locations, anti-BJP forces have now activated their newly acquired toolkit,” he said.The ministry of education has rolled out an extensive security framework for the examination, featuring CRPF and CISF escorts for question papers, Indian Air Force airlift support, AI-enabled multi-layer CCTV monitoring, biometric and facial verification of candidates, multiple rounds of frisking, and real-time oversight by the Prime Minister’s Office.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 MediaVideosKudankulam Unit 5 Crosses Key Milestone, Nuclear Reactor Expected To Be Operational By End Of 2026Government Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava Visit123PhotostoriesJapanese parents do this differently, and it may explain their children’s successInside Jemimah Rodrigues’ Vashi home: A look at the Indian women cricket star’s latest property purchase in Navi MumbaiNeymar and Bruna Biancardi expecting baby no. 3 together: Inside the football star’s growing family of five children with three womenThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A VelumaniFrom Lemon to Mango: 7 Fruit trees that grow well in containersInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them123Hot PicksDelhi rainForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley

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