September 27, 2026

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and credited him for strengthening “special and privileged” strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.Putin also thanked PM Modi for the warm and cordial welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation during my visit to New Delhi during recently concluded Brics summit.“You are rightly enjoying deep respect from your compatriots and great authority on the global stage. It is impossible to overstate your personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesI would like to express my gratitude for the warm and cordial welcome and hospitality extended to me and the Russian delegation during my visit to New Delhi last week,” Putin said in his message to PM Modi.”The talks we held were undoubtedly substantive, frank, and productive. As always, it was a genuine pleasure to talk with you, and our discussions once again demonstrated your extraordinary political wisdom and foresight. We will, of course, continue our constructive cooperation on pressing bilateral and international issues for the benefit of our friendly nation,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOp Sohan: 2 Terrorists Neutralised In Jammu’s Udhampur In Joint Op By Army, CRPF, J&K PoliceRajasthan Family Allegedly Kidnaps Daughter In Bengaluru After Love Marriage, SUV Crashes‘9/11 Masterminds Were Not Hiding In Caves’: India Targets Pakistan At UNSC, Flags Afghan Crisis‘Who Will Teach?’: Abhijeet Dipke Flags Teacher Shortage, School Gaps In Tribal AreasUPI MDR Row: Government Rules Out Rollback, 0.4% Merchant Charge Above Rs 2,000 From October 15Supreme Court Sets Priorities For CJP Protest Probe, Orders Witness Protection And ConfidentialityMathura SP Leader Rajan Rizvi Booked Over Alleged WhatsApp Messages to Woman‘Unacceptable’: India Summons Islamabad Envoy As Pakistan’s Ship Collides With Indian Naval UnitGurugram Hit-and-Run: Sia Says ‘Arrest Is Not Enough’, Demands Strict Action‘Iron Lady’ Sanjukta Parashar Becomes First Woman To Head CRPF’s Elite CoBRA Commando Unit123PhotostoriesBreast cancer risk: Women born between 1966 and 1996 should think twice about THESE two common habitsSudha Murty’s marriage advice for young couples: ‘If you’ve never fought, you’re probably not husband and wife’From Upma to Sabudana Khichdi: PM Narendra Modi’s daily diet includes these 12 dishes at the age of 76New book reveals what King Charles allegedly told Diana’s brother after Princess Diana’s death: ‘We’ll forget her soon enough’Jojoba to Rosehip: 5 best face oils to nourish dry skinNeighbours overlooking your balcony? Try these 6 plants to create a natural privacy barrier and make your space more peacefulKareena Kapoor’s fuchsia saree is a lesson in modern Indian dressing with an unexpected luxe twistAI can write your English; it still can’t introduce you: 5 smart tips to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’The Italian longevity lifestyle: What a month of living like a 90-year-old Italian may do to your healthUK baby girl names 2026: From Olivia to Mabel, the popular and rising names parents are choosing123Hot PicksPM Modi birthdayRussia sanctions billNTA exam calendarGold hallmarkingManoj JarangeDwarka Expressway AccidentBank of Baroda LBO recruitmentPunjab Lecturer Cadre admit cardUPI transactionsTop TrendingStock Market TodayJhiram Valley AttackGurgaon EncroachmentGold Rates TodayNoida Hit and RunStephanie VaquerGurgaon Hit and RunRajasthan Election ResultUS Iran WarGuwahati Murder Case

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NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and credited him for strengthening “special and privileged” strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.Putin also thanked PM Modi for the warm and cordial welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation during my visit to New Delhi during recently concluded Brics summit.“You are rightly enjoying deep respect from your compatriots and great authority on the global stage. It is impossible to overstate your personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesI would like to express my gratitude for the warm and cordial welcome and hospitality extended to me and the Russian delegation during my visit to New Delhi last week,” Putin said in his message to PM Modi.”The talks we held were undoubtedly substantive, frank, and productive. As always, it was a genuine pleasure to talk with you, and our discussions once again demonstrated your extraordinary political wisdom and foresight. We will, of course, continue our constructive cooperation on pressing bilateral and international issues for the benefit of our friendly nation,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOp Sohan: 2 Terrorists Neutralised In Jammu’s Udhampur In Joint Op By Army, CRPF, J&K PoliceRajasthan Family Allegedly Kidnaps Daughter In Bengaluru After Love Marriage, SUV Crashes‘9/11 Masterminds Were Not Hiding In Caves’: India Targets Pakistan At UNSC, Flags Afghan Crisis‘Who Will Teach?’: Abhijeet Dipke Flags Teacher Shortage, School Gaps In Tribal AreasUPI MDR Row: Government Rules Out Rollback, 0.4% Merchant Charge Above Rs 2,000 From October 15Supreme Court Sets Priorities For CJP Protest Probe, Orders Witness Protection And ConfidentialityMathura SP Leader Rajan Rizvi Booked Over Alleged WhatsApp Messages to Woman‘Unacceptable’: India Summons Islamabad Envoy As Pakistan’s Ship Collides With Indian Naval UnitGurugram Hit-and-Run: Sia Says ‘Arrest Is Not Enough’, Demands Strict Action‘Iron Lady’ Sanjukta Parashar Becomes First Woman To Head CRPF’s Elite CoBRA Commando Unit123PhotostoriesBreast cancer risk: Women born between 1966 and 1996 should think twice about THESE two common habitsSudha Murty’s marriage advice for young couples: ‘If you’ve never fought, you’re probably not husband and wife’From Upma to Sabudana Khichdi: PM Narendra Modi’s daily diet includes these 12 dishes at the age of 76New book reveals what King Charles allegedly told Diana’s brother after Princess Diana’s death: ‘We’ll forget her soon enough’Jojoba to Rosehip: 5 best face oils to nourish dry skinNeighbours overlooking your balcony? Try these 6 plants to create a natural privacy barrier and make your space more peacefulKareena Kapoor’s fuchsia saree is a lesson in modern Indian dressing with an unexpected luxe twistAI can write your English; it still can’t introduce you: 5 smart tips to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’The Italian longevity lifestyle: What a month of living like a 90-year-old Italian may do to your healthUK baby girl names 2026: From Olivia to Mabel, the popular and rising names parents are choosing123Hot PicksPM Modi birthdayRussia sanctions billNTA exam calendarGold hallmarkingManoj JarangeDwarka Expressway AccidentBank of Baroda LBO recruitmentPunjab Lecturer Cadre admit cardUPI transactionsTop TrendingStock Market TodayJhiram Valley AttackGurgaon EncroachmentGold Rates TodayNoida Hit and RunStephanie VaquerGurgaon Hit and RunRajasthan Election ResultUS Iran WarGuwahati Murder Case


'Impossible to overstate your contribution': Putin’s birthday message to PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and credited him for strengthening “special and privileged” strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.Putin also thanked PM Modi for the warm and cordial welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation during my visit to New Delhi during recently concluded Brics summit.“You are rightly enjoying deep respect from your compatriots and great authority on the global stage. It is impossible to overstate your personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.

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EAM S Jaishankar Describing Pakistan as a serial practitioner of terrorism in his UNGA address, foreign minister S Jaishankar said that there must be no dilution of the zero-tolerance approach to the menace. Without naming Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, who had raked up the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly speech on Friday, Jaishankar said he had misrepresented facts and invoked arguments to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences.”That will not stand,” said the minister, adding that the scourge of terrorism had been a persistent threat to peace.Jaishankar called state-sponsored terrorism with a cross-border purpose a direct challenge to the global order, adding that India’s right to defend itself from terrorism will be exercised.In his remarks, Sharif had yet again given credit to US President Donald Trump for ending the India-Pakistan conflict last year with his “timely intervention”.”Govts indulging in such practices must be held accountable. There must be no dilution in our zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. Its financial aspects, in particular, should be exposed and should be countered,” said Jaishankar.”Friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism. And understandings premised on that will naturally be called into question. It is for the perpetrator of terrorism to mend its ways,” he added.He also flagged the need to end conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, saying the inability to maintain peace is not just undermining security but threatening progress and retarding development. “In a globalised world, the effects of war are felt worldwide. Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say.””The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is simply unacceptable,” he said. Speaking on the West Asia crisis, the minister backed the two-state solution for durable and lasting peace.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesJaishankar spoke about the Global South predicament in today’s world and also the misuse of AI. He said a mindset of extreme competition had set in, undermining institutions and establishing choke points.”Global South’s right to industrialise is also undermined by non-market practices and market denial. The march of technology that was meant to instill hope has now become a source of anxiety. Misuse of AI is sharpening bias and diluting mutual respect. These directions bode ill for the aims and objectives of the UN.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

EAM S Jaishankar Describing Pakistan as a serial practitioner of terrorism in his UNGA address, foreign minister S Jaishankar said that there must be no dilution of the zero-tolerance approach to the menace. Without naming Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, who had raked up the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly speech on Friday, Jaishankar said he had misrepresented facts and invoked arguments to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences.”That will not stand,” said the minister, adding that the scourge of terrorism had been a persistent threat to peace.Jaishankar called state-sponsored terrorism with a cross-border purpose a direct challenge to the global order, adding that India’s right to defend itself from terrorism will be exercised.In his remarks, Sharif had yet again given credit to US President Donald Trump for ending the India-Pakistan conflict last year with his “timely intervention”.”Govts indulging in such practices must be held accountable. There must be no dilution in our zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. Its financial aspects, in particular, should be exposed and should be countered,” said Jaishankar.”Friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism. And understandings premised on that will naturally be called into question. It is for the perpetrator of terrorism to mend its ways,” he added.He also flagged the need to end conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, saying the inability to maintain peace is not just undermining security but threatening progress and retarding development. “In a globalised world, the effects of war are felt worldwide. Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say.””The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is simply unacceptable,” he said. Speaking on the West Asia crisis, the minister backed the two-state solution for durable and lasting peace.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesJaishankar spoke about the Global South predicament in today’s world and also the misuse of AI. He said a mindset of extreme competition had set in, undermining institutions and establishing choke points.”Global South’s right to industrialise is also undermined by non-market practices and market denial. The march of technology that was meant to instill hope has now become a source of anxiety. Misuse of AI is sharpening bias and diluting mutual respect. These directions bode ill for the aims and objectives of the UN.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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EPFO wage ceiling hike NEW DELHI: With EPFO increasing the mandatory wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 a month to Rs 25,000, employees will now contribute Rs 3,000 (at 12% contribution of Rs 25,000 wage) towards their PF savings from Rs 1,800 earlier, govt said in a set of FAQs released. This will be along with a contribution of Rs 917 by employers (at 3.67%), up from Rs 550, taking the mandatory monthly PF contributions to Rs 3,917.In addition, Rs 2,083 – an 8.3% contribution from employers’ share – will now go towards the pension kitty from earlier Rs 1,250. On Sept 17, govt increased EPFO wage ceiling to bring one crore additional workers into the social security net as minimum wages in at least seven states and UTs – Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand – have crossed the Rs 15,000 threshold.In the case of an employee with a monthly wage of Rs 20,000, the mandatory PF contribution will be Rs 3,134 – the employee share Rs 2,400 and the employer share Rs 734, with an additional Rs 1,666 going towards EPS from employer’s share. But if an employee earns, say, Rs 35,000 a month, the mandatory PF contribution will be Rs 6,000 (Rs 3,000 from employee and employers each), with no amount going towards pension as EPS is available only to those whose wages do not exceed the EPFO wage ceiling. The retirement savings agency said the new regime kicked in from Sept 17 and asked employers to review contractor compliance, wherever contract labour is engaged, and update its payroll systems.Allaying employee fears of attempts to pass on the contribution by deducting more from salaries, it said an employer’s statutory contribution cannot simply be treated as an employee deduction merely by describing it as part of CTC.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWhile the move will likely increase compliance costs for small and medium enterprises, the potential costs due to the rise in the wage ceiling can be partly offset by the incentive of up to Rs 3,000 per month for every additional employment created under PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

EPFO wage ceiling hike NEW DELHI: With EPFO increasing the mandatory wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 a month to Rs 25,000, employees will now contribute Rs 3,000 (at 12% contribution of Rs 25,000 wage) towards their PF savings from Rs 1,800 earlier, govt said in a set of FAQs released. This will be along with a contribution of Rs 917 by employers (at 3.67%), up from Rs 550, taking the mandatory monthly PF contributions to Rs 3,917.In addition, Rs 2,083 – an 8.3% contribution from employers’ share – will now go towards the pension kitty from earlier Rs 1,250. On Sept 17, govt increased EPFO wage ceiling to bring one crore additional workers into the social security net as minimum wages in at least seven states and UTs – Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand – have crossed the Rs 15,000 threshold.In the case of an employee with a monthly wage of Rs 20,000, the mandatory PF contribution will be Rs 3,134 – the employee share Rs 2,400 and the employer share Rs 734, with an additional Rs 1,666 going towards EPS from employer’s share. But if an employee earns, say, Rs 35,000 a month, the mandatory PF contribution will be Rs 6,000 (Rs 3,000 from employee and employers each), with no amount going towards pension as EPS is available only to those whose wages do not exceed the EPFO wage ceiling. The retirement savings agency said the new regime kicked in from Sept 17 and asked employers to review contractor compliance, wherever contract labour is engaged, and update its payroll systems.Allaying employee fears of attempts to pass on the contribution by deducting more from salaries, it said an employer’s statutory contribution cannot simply be treated as an employee deduction merely by describing it as part of CTC.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWhile the move will likely increase compliance costs for small and medium enterprises, the potential costs due to the rise in the wage ceiling can be partly offset by the incentive of up to Rs 3,000 per month for every additional employment created under PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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Opposition INDIA bloc parties will meet on September 30 to discuss alleged poll-roll manipulation under the SIR process and a possible joint campaign seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. NEW DELHI: Opposition INDIA bloc will meet on Sept 30 to discuss the alleged manipulation of poll rolls under SIR and a possible joint struggle to press for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.The meeting has been scheduled against the backdrop of nationwide outrage triggered by revelations that ECs SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had questioned many of the decisions regarding SIR.The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has said the revelations tie in with their allegations of ‘vote chori’ in favour of BJP over the last two years. It has demanded the scrapping of the SIR process.TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation is “non-negotiable”, while other issues will also be discussed at the meeting. “We will work unitedly and purposefully.”The meeting is expected to be attended by the leading lights of the anti-BJP front, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray and MA Baby.The meeting has been scheduled after CPM’s MA Baby wrote to parties (including AAP, DMK and CJP) seeking an immediate meeting.Trinamool’s Mamata Banerjee also reached out to INDIA bloc members. She called the CEC “Vanish Kumar”, demanded his ouster and said the Bengal mandate was stolen.The joint brainstorming will follow a Congress Working Committee meet on Sept 29.The parties are also planning to submit a fresh “removal notice” against Kumar in both Houses of Parliament.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCPI-ML’s Dipankar Bhattacharya said that there is a strong belief within INDIA bloc that some parties (Aam Aadmi Party and DMK) which are not part of the alliance umbrella should also be roped in to boost the campaign. It also released a fact-finding report regarding SIR in constituencies that the party lost narrowly in recent Bihar assembly polls and claimed it found 17-25% of voters had been wrongly deleted.The meeting assumes special significance as Cockroach Janata Party and other youth outfits have already announced a stir over the issue.CJP has reiterated that it will launch a nationwide agitation from Mumbai on Oct 2 after its ultimatum seeking the resignation of Kumar ended Saturday. Azad Maidan is most likely to be the venue of its protest.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Opposition INDIA bloc parties will meet on September 30 to discuss alleged poll-roll manipulation under the SIR process and a possible joint campaign seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. NEW DELHI: Opposition INDIA bloc will meet on Sept 30 to discuss the alleged manipulation of poll rolls under SIR and a possible joint struggle to press for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.The meeting has been scheduled against the backdrop of nationwide outrage triggered by revelations that ECs SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had questioned many of the decisions regarding SIR.The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has said the revelations tie in with their allegations of ‘vote chori’ in favour of BJP over the last two years. It has demanded the scrapping of the SIR process.TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation is “non-negotiable”, while other issues will also be discussed at the meeting. “We will work unitedly and purposefully.”The meeting is expected to be attended by the leading lights of the anti-BJP front, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray and MA Baby.The meeting has been scheduled after CPM’s MA Baby wrote to parties (including AAP, DMK and CJP) seeking an immediate meeting.Trinamool’s Mamata Banerjee also reached out to INDIA bloc members. She called the CEC “Vanish Kumar”, demanded his ouster and said the Bengal mandate was stolen.The joint brainstorming will follow a Congress Working Committee meet on Sept 29.The parties are also planning to submit a fresh “removal notice” against Kumar in both Houses of Parliament.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCPI-ML’s Dipankar Bhattacharya said that there is a strong belief within INDIA bloc that some parties (Aam Aadmi Party and DMK) which are not part of the alliance umbrella should also be roped in to boost the campaign. It also released a fact-finding report regarding SIR in constituencies that the party lost narrowly in recent Bihar assembly polls and claimed it found 17-25% of voters had been wrongly deleted.The meeting assumes special significance as Cockroach Janata Party and other youth outfits have already announced a stir over the issue.CJP has reiterated that it will launch a nationwide agitation from Mumbai on Oct 2 after its ultimatum seeking the resignation of Kumar ended Saturday. Azad Maidan is most likely to be the venue of its protest.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu backed the Election Commission’s statement on SIR, saying it reaffirmed the integrity and credibility of constitutional institutions NEW DELHI: BJP’s allies on Saturday closed ranks to hit out at opposition, with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu saying EC’s statement reaffirmed “the integrity and credibility of our constitutional institutions” and ended “misconceptions” around it. “Attempts to undermine global confidence in India’s democratic framework for short-term political gains are deeply unfortunate,” he said, urging opposition to accept wins and losses with grace.LJP (Ram Vilas)’s Chirag Paswan said opposition is spreading confusion and questioned why it keeps silent on states where it has formed govt.JDU member Sanjay Jha said rising frustration over poll defeats have led opposition to spread propaganda to undermine the democracy.Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde said Congress keeps mum when it wins but attacks EC when it loses. The united stand came a day after some allies had pressed EC to clarify concerns raised in media reports.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu backed the Election Commission’s statement on SIR, saying it reaffirmed the integrity and credibility of constitutional institutions NEW DELHI: BJP’s allies on Saturday closed ranks to hit out at opposition, with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu saying EC’s statement reaffirmed “the integrity and credibility of our constitutional institutions” and ended “misconceptions” around it. “Attempts to undermine global confidence in India’s democratic framework for short-term political gains are deeply unfortunate,” he said, urging opposition to accept wins and losses with grace.LJP (Ram Vilas)’s Chirag Paswan said opposition is spreading confusion and questioned why it keeps silent on states where it has formed govt.JDU member Sanjay Jha said rising frustration over poll defeats have led opposition to spread propaganda to undermine the democracy.Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde said Congress keeps mum when it wins but attacks EC when it loses. The united stand came a day after some allies had pressed EC to clarify concerns raised in media reports.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAlbanese Hails Modi’s Energy Push: ‘India Gave More People Access Than Anywhere In History’Delhi Skeleton Mystery: Skeleton-Like Structure Found During BJP Cleanliness Drive | Watch‘Padma Bhushan Is Small, Make Him PM’: Pawan Khera Mocks BJP’s Praise For Gyanesh KumarSkyStriker, HIMARS, Apache: India, US Showcase Firepower At Yudh Abhyas 2026 | WatchTibet Govt-in-Exile Reprimands Activist Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Comparison ‘Misplaced and Inaccurate’India’s Savage ‘Osama’ Reply To Pak PM’s UN Bluster; ‘Repeating Lies Won’t Make It True’‘A Terrorist Country Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pak Journalist At UN’SIR’ Under Fire? IIT-Bombay, Election Commission Face Accountability Questions | PrasangMassive Protest Erupts At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Against Gyanesh Kumar Over EC-SIR RowUAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained123Hot PicksAsian Games India ScheduleBank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysOdisha school textbooksPunjab school holidayMadurantakam bypollDr MonishCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingNorma DumontRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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