April 6, 2026

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant across 10 states in April will be held on March 16, with counting scheduled for later the same day.Polling will take place between 9am and 4pm, and vote counting will begin at 5pm, the Commission said. The vacancies arise as the terms of 37 members of the Upper House end in April 2026.According to the schedule released by the poll panel, the notification for the elections will be issued on February 26. March 5 has been set as the last date for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on March 6. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until March 9.10 states to send new representativesThe biennial polls cover Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, where one or more members are completing their tenure.Prominent MPs retiring this cycle include Upendra Kushwaha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sharad Pawar, Bhagwat Karad, Mamata Mohanta, Rameswar Teli, Indu Bala Goswami, K.T.S. Tulsi, N.R. Elango, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Kiran Choudhry.Guidelines and conductTo ensure transparency, the Commission will deploy observers in each state to oversee the election process. It also directed that only integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the respective Returning Officers be used for marking preferences on ballot papers, stressing that no other writing instrument is permitted.Reiterating its commitment to a fair and impartial process, the ECI said the biennial elections would be completed within the prescribed constitutional timeline to uphold the integrity of the Rajya Sabha electoral process.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 MediaVideos’If We Ask India To Move Away’: Ex-US Official Warns Of Big Risk If Delhi Forced To Cut Russia TiesDwarka Accident: Accused’s Father Says Sorry As Sahil Dhaneshra’s Mother Seeks Adult Trial For MinorFrom Google To Chanel: French President Emmanuel Macron Highlights India Global Influence In MumbaiIndia Signals Tough Stand On Rafale Fighter Jet Deal, Seeks Deep Localisation And Tech TransferEstonian Prez Alar Karis Calls India ‘Cradle Of Civilisation’; Seeks Cooperation In AI, Green TechFormer Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah to Join BJP, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma ConfirmsPM Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to India, Om Birla Hands Over Letter in DhakaIndian Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor Detained In New JerseyMumbai Hosts Modi-Macron Talks, Rafale In Focus; Bill Gates To Attend AI Summit Under Epstein CloudFrom 1910 To Today: PM Modi Revives Veer Savarkar Saga During Talks With France President Macron123Photostories7 renovation mistakes that can lower your property’s value‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ author Dale Carnegie’s 7 rules to be charismatic and influential10 common plants that don’t need seeds to growSaree shopping in India: 5 must-visit cities for authentic traditional drapesThe 50 Recap: Nikki Tamboli says she hurt her family after a fight with boyfriend Arbaz Patel; Urvashi Dholakia and Arushi Chawla returnRamadan 2026: How to make Mushroom and Soya Kebab for Iftar5 Vastu-approved flowering plants you must grow to attract luck and prosperity8 smart ways to include beetroot in kids’ breakfastHow to make Dahi wale Aloo for dinner at homeIndia’s top 5 states leading residential real estate market in 2026123Hot PicksEmmanuel Macron India VisitGold rate todaySaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMichael JordanJutta LeerdamLauren KyleTyreek HillMike EvansKayla NicoleCardi BPuka Nacua And Charlotte Flair Dating RumorsTyson FuryJake Paul Fiance

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant across 10 states in April will be held on March 16, with counting scheduled for later the same day.Polling will take place between 9am and 4pm, and vote counting will begin at 5pm, the Commission said. The vacancies arise as the terms of 37 members of the Upper House end in April 2026.According to the schedule released by the poll panel, the notification for the elections will be issued on February 26. March 5 has been set as the last date for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on March 6. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until March 9.10 states to send new representativesThe biennial polls cover Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, where one or more members are completing their tenure.Prominent MPs retiring this cycle include Upendra Kushwaha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sharad Pawar, Bhagwat Karad, Mamata Mohanta, Rameswar Teli, Indu Bala Goswami, K.T.S. Tulsi, N.R. Elango, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Kiran Choudhry.Guidelines and conductTo ensure transparency, the Commission will deploy observers in each state to oversee the election process. It also directed that only integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the respective Returning Officers be used for marking preferences on ballot papers, stressing that no other writing instrument is permitted.Reiterating its commitment to a fair and impartial process, the ECI said the biennial elections would be completed within the prescribed constitutional timeline to uphold the integrity of the Rajya Sabha electoral process.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 MediaVideos’If We Ask India To Move Away’: Ex-US Official Warns Of Big Risk If Delhi Forced To Cut Russia TiesDwarka Accident: Accused’s Father Says Sorry As Sahil Dhaneshra’s Mother Seeks Adult Trial For MinorFrom Google To Chanel: French President Emmanuel Macron Highlights India Global Influence In MumbaiIndia Signals Tough Stand On Rafale Fighter Jet Deal, Seeks Deep Localisation And Tech TransferEstonian Prez Alar Karis Calls India ‘Cradle Of Civilisation’; Seeks Cooperation In AI, Green TechFormer Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah to Join BJP, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma ConfirmsPM Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to India, Om Birla Hands Over Letter in DhakaIndian Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor Detained In New JerseyMumbai Hosts Modi-Macron Talks, Rafale In Focus; Bill Gates To Attend AI Summit Under Epstein CloudFrom 1910 To Today: PM Modi Revives Veer Savarkar Saga During Talks With France President Macron123Photostories7 renovation mistakes that can lower your property’s value‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ author Dale Carnegie’s 7 rules to be charismatic and influential10 common plants that don’t need seeds to growSaree shopping in India: 5 must-visit cities for authentic traditional drapesThe 50 Recap: Nikki Tamboli says she hurt her family after a fight with boyfriend Arbaz Patel; Urvashi Dholakia and Arushi Chawla returnRamadan 2026: How to make Mushroom and Soya Kebab for Iftar5 Vastu-approved flowering plants you must grow to attract luck and prosperity8 smart ways to include beetroot in kids’ breakfastHow to make Dahi wale Aloo for dinner at homeIndia’s top 5 states leading residential real estate market in 2026123Hot PicksEmmanuel Macron India VisitGold rate todaySaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMichael JordanJutta LeerdamLauren KyleTyreek HillMike EvansKayla NicoleCardi BPuka Nacua And Charlotte Flair Dating RumorsTyson FuryJake Paul Fiance


ECI announces Rajya Sabha biennial elections for 37 seats across 10 states

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant across 10 states in April will be held on March 16, with counting scheduled for later the same day.Polling will take place between 9am and 4pm, and vote counting will begin at 5pm, the Commission said. The vacancies arise as the terms of 37 members of the Upper House end in April 2026.According to the schedule released by the poll panel, the notification for the elections will be issued on February 26. March 5 has been set as the last date for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on March 6. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until March 9.

10 states to send new representatives

The biennial polls cover Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, where one or more members are completing their tenure.Prominent MPs retiring this cycle include Upendra Kushwaha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sharad Pawar, Bhagwat Karad, Mamata Mohanta, Rameswar Teli, Indu Bala Goswami, K.T.S. Tulsi, N.R. Elango, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Kiran Choudhry.

Guidelines and conduct

To ensure transparency, the Commission will deploy observers in each state to oversee the election process. It also directed that only integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the respective Returning Officers be used for marking preferences on ballot papers, stressing that no other writing instrument is permitted.Reiterating its commitment to a fair and impartial process, the ECI said the biennial elections would be completed within the prescribed constitutional timeline to uphold the integrity of the Rajya Sabha electoral process.



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Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: Congress leader Pawan Khera posed a series of questions directed towards Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma demanding clarity on disclosures made in official affidavits.Khera also said that he will present more evidence in the coming days as the controversy intensifies ahead of the state assembly polls.Speaking to reporters, he further questioned why the Assam CM had allegedly concealed details of overseas properties linked to his wife in official disclosures.“Are they denying that they have no property in Dubai? Are they denying that they have no company in America? Are they denying that they have no shell companies anywhere in the world? We will give much more evidence every day. A lot is coming. Why has he concealed the Dubai properties owned by his wife from his election affidavit?” he said.The remarks come amid a political row that escalated into a war of words, with Himanta announcing legal action against the Congress leader.Sarma rejects allegations, announces defamation caseResponding to the charges, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday dismissed all allegations as ‘malicious’ and ‘politically motivated’ and said that both he and his wife will initiate legal proceedings.In a post on X, he wrote: “I categorically reject every allegation made by him. These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.”He further added: “My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements.”Expressing confidence in the legal process, Sarma said: “I have complete faith in the judiciary. Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course.”Khera’s allegations and demand for probeDuring his press conference, Khera raised multiple allegations, including claims related to foreign properties, shell companies and passport holdings linked to the CM’s family.He questioned: “What is the need for Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife to hold 3 passports? Are you some kind of criminal? Does Himanta himself have more such passports somewhere? Is this preparation—for fleeing after losing the election?”He also alleged financial links to shell companies abroad, stating: “Himanta Biswa Sarma has kept his money in shell companies set up in Wyoming. Why Wyoming? Because there’s no tax here… It’s a well-known place where people’s properties are hidden away.”Calling for an investigation, Khera asked: “When will Amit Shah set up an SIT to investigate? When will CEC Gyanesh Kumar take cognizance of hiding information in the affidavit?”He further claimed: “Himanta’s wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma has a company in Wyoming, USA. The member list of this company includes Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and their son.”The controversy erupted after Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds multiple foreign passports and has business and property links abroad, including in Dubai and the United States.Sarma, however, rejected the claims and pointed to ‘serious discrepancies’ in the documents cited by Khera, suggesting possible fabrication or manipulation. He maintained that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign ahead of the Assam assembly elections.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 MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return .5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesTop 10 high-fibre foods that aren’t vegetables10 home names inspired by cultural symbols and their meanings7 easy tips to keep your home smelling pleasant naturally10 animals that seem to “kiss” like humans but each behaviour has a completely different meaningFrom Kanjeevaram to Bandhani:A complete 28-state saree guide of IndiaBaby names inspired by colorsSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more123Hot PicksSophie CunninghamUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVenus WilliamsVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: Congress leader Pawan Khera posed a series of questions directed towards Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma demanding clarity on disclosures made in official affidavits.Khera also said that he will present more evidence in the coming days as the controversy intensifies ahead of the state assembly polls.Speaking to reporters, he further questioned why the Assam CM had allegedly concealed details of overseas properties linked to his wife in official disclosures.“Are they denying that they have no property in Dubai? Are they denying that they have no company in America? Are they denying that they have no shell companies anywhere in the world? We will give much more evidence every day. A lot is coming. Why has he concealed the Dubai properties owned by his wife from his election affidavit?” he said.The remarks come amid a political row that escalated into a war of words, with Himanta announcing legal action against the Congress leader.Sarma rejects allegations, announces defamation caseResponding to the charges, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday dismissed all allegations as ‘malicious’ and ‘politically motivated’ and said that both he and his wife will initiate legal proceedings.In a post on X, he wrote: “I categorically reject every allegation made by him. These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.”He further added: “My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements.”Expressing confidence in the legal process, Sarma said: “I have complete faith in the judiciary. Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course.”Khera’s allegations and demand for probeDuring his press conference, Khera raised multiple allegations, including claims related to foreign properties, shell companies and passport holdings linked to the CM’s family.He questioned: “What is the need for Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife to hold 3 passports? Are you some kind of criminal? Does Himanta himself have more such passports somewhere? Is this preparation—for fleeing after losing the election?”He also alleged financial links to shell companies abroad, stating: “Himanta Biswa Sarma has kept his money in shell companies set up in Wyoming. Why Wyoming? Because there’s no tax here… It’s a well-known place where people’s properties are hidden away.”Calling for an investigation, Khera asked: “When will Amit Shah set up an SIT to investigate? When will CEC Gyanesh Kumar take cognizance of hiding information in the affidavit?”He further claimed: “Himanta’s wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma has a company in Wyoming, USA. The member list of this company includes Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and their son.”The controversy erupted after Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds multiple foreign passports and has business and property links abroad, including in Dubai and the United States.Sarma, however, rejected the claims and pointed to ‘serious discrepancies’ in the documents cited by Khera, suggesting possible fabrication or manipulation. He maintained that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign ahead of the Assam assembly elections.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 MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesTop 10 high-fibre foods that aren’t vegetables10 home names inspired by cultural symbols and their meanings7 easy tips to keep your home smelling pleasant naturally10 animals that seem to “kiss” like humans but each behaviour has a completely different meaningFrom Kanjeevaram to Bandhani:A complete 28-state saree guide of IndiaBaby names inspired by colorsSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more123Hot PicksSophie CunninghamUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVenus WilliamsVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
Image: ANI, PTI NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday stepped up its attack on the Modi government over its delimitation proposal to implement the women’s reservation law, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bulldozing a proposal that will will work more to the benefit of larger and populous states since their already large numbers will get further magnified”.In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh said,” The PM is upto his usual tricks of making misleading statements that are meant to deceive.”Citing the PM’s remarks, the Congress leader said, ” he (PM) says South Indian states will not be hurt in any way if the strength of the Lok Sabha is increased by 50% and the number of seats of each state in the Lok Sabha is also increased by 50%. This is hoodwinking the people of the country in which the PM has unique expertise.””For example, the difference between UP’s and Kerala’s seats in Lok Sabha is now 60. Mr. Modi’s proposal will increase it to 90. Similiarly the difference between UP and Tamil Nadu will increase from 41 to at least 61. Such examples can be multiplied,” Ramesh added.He alleged that “Modi is bulldozing a proposal that will work more to the benefit of larger and populous states since their already large numbers will get further magnified”.Ramesh further stated that it is not just South India but states like Punjab and Haryana and those in the North East that will also see their relative influence decline.He concluded his post saying, “The nation is facing a serious economic and foreign policy crisis. All that the PM is bothered about is pushing through an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas without meaningful consultations and widespread public debate. This is nothing but a Weapon of Mass Distraction (WMD).”Sharing his post with a quote, Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “The framing by PM Modi is absolutely erroneous. The framing must be how much will southern, western, north-eastern and north- western India lose in terms of political heft as compared to the Hindi heartland states of India in terms of the gap in the number of Parliamentary seats,” Tewari said.He claimed that northwest- Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and even Delhi will lose as they are already marginalised in the larger federal scheme. “Together they today have just 40 seats in Parliament.UP alone has 80 and this gap will only further increase,” Tewari highlighted.Noting that even though whatever the PMO and BJP is proposing is yet unclear, Tewari said that “it will further skew the federal balance to the detriment of the non Hindi heartland states”.Senior leader P Chidambaram also took to X to say that “the proposal to convene Parliament on April 16-18 is mischievous and must be opposed.”“Polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are scheduled on April 23 (and April 29 in WB). 39 MPs of TN and 28 MPs of WB are in the opposition benches in the Lok Sabha. They will be fully engaged in their constituencies during April 16-18. If critical Constitution amendment bills are brought to discussion and to vote on those dates, how will these 67 MPs in the Lok Sabha participate and vote? I suspect that the design is to exclude these MPs,” Chidambaram alleged.The former union minister who held charge of finance and home affairs during the UPA regime said, “since the drafts of the Bills that the government proposes to introduce in Parliament on April 16-18 have not been revealed, I cannot comment on the substance of the bills. But the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday gives a hint on what the Bills are likely to contain.”He said that the proposal to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 548 (current strength 543) to 816 is retrograde and will widen the difference between the more populous states and the Southern states that have stabilised their population.Chidambaram suggested that reservation of one-third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha can be achieved by reserving one-third of the current strength of seats. “A Lok Sabha with 816 members will become a large and unwieldy gathering with each member having fewer occasions and less time to speak. 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Image: ANI, PTI NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday stepped up its attack on the Modi government over its delimitation proposal to implement the women’s reservation law, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bulldozing a proposal that will will work more to the benefit of larger and populous states since their already large numbers will get further magnified”.In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh said,” The PM is upto his usual tricks of making misleading statements that are meant to deceive.”Citing the PM’s remarks, the Congress leader said, ” he (PM) says South Indian states will not be hurt in any way if the strength of the Lok Sabha is increased by 50% and the number of seats of each state in the Lok Sabha is also increased by 50%. This is hoodwinking the people of the country in which the PM has unique expertise.””For example, the difference between UP’s and Kerala’s seats in Lok Sabha is now 60. Mr. Modi’s proposal will increase it to 90. Similiarly the difference between UP and Tamil Nadu will increase from 41 to at least 61. Such examples can be multiplied,” Ramesh added.He alleged that “Modi is bulldozing a proposal that will work more to the benefit of larger and populous states since their already large numbers will get further magnified”.Ramesh further stated that it is not just South India but states like Punjab and Haryana and those in the North East that will also see their relative influence decline.He concluded his post saying, “The nation is facing a serious economic and foreign policy crisis. All that the PM is bothered about is pushing through an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas without meaningful consultations and widespread public debate. This is nothing but a Weapon of Mass Distraction (WMD).”Sharing his post with a quote, Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “The framing by PM Modi is absolutely erroneous. The framing must be how much will southern, western, north-eastern and north- western India lose in terms of political heft as compared to the Hindi heartland states of India in terms of the gap in the number of Parliamentary seats,” Tewari said.He claimed that northwest- Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and even Delhi will lose as they are already marginalised in the larger federal scheme. “Together they today have just 40 seats in Parliament.UP alone has 80 and this gap will only further increase,” Tewari highlighted.Noting that even though whatever the PMO and BJP is proposing is yet unclear, Tewari said that “it will further skew the federal balance to the detriment of the non Hindi heartland states”.Senior leader P Chidambaram also took to X to say that “the proposal to convene Parliament on April 16-18 is mischievous and must be opposed.”“Polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are scheduled on April 23 (and April 29 in WB). 39 MPs of TN and 28 MPs of WB are in the opposition benches in the Lok Sabha. They will be fully engaged in their constituencies during April 16-18. If critical Constitution amendment bills are brought to discussion and to vote on those dates, how will these 67 MPs in the Lok Sabha participate and vote? I suspect that the design is to exclude these MPs,” Chidambaram alleged.The former union minister who held charge of finance and home affairs during the UPA regime said, “since the drafts of the Bills that the government proposes to introduce in Parliament on April 16-18 have not been revealed, I cannot comment on the substance of the bills. But the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday gives a hint on what the Bills are likely to contain.”He said that the proposal to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 548 (current strength 543) to 816 is retrograde and will widen the difference between the more populous states and the Southern states that have stabilised their population.Chidambaram suggested that reservation of one-third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha can be achieved by reserving one-third of the current strength of seats. “A Lok Sabha with 816 members will become a large and unwieldy gathering with each member having fewer occasions and less time to speak. What can an MP say when he/she has an opportunity to speak once in three months and for no more than a few minutes?,” he asked.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123Photostories10 animals that seem to “kiss” like humans but each behaviour has a completely different meaningFrom Kanjeevaram to Bandhani:A complete 28-state saree guide of IndiaBaby names inspired by colorsSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka water123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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Image: IANS GUWAHATI: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday broached the issue of beef consumption into his election campaign against Kunki Chowdhury (27), the candidate of Congress’ key ally Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) from Guwahati Central seat, accusing her parents of consuming beef and uploading a photo of it on social media.”Kunki’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, had shared posts related to beef consumption and made remarks hurting the sentiments of ‘Sanatani’ people… After the election, I will act against Kunki’s parents under Cattle Prevention Act. I will accept everything, but not beef eating,” Sarma told reporters. Kunki denied the allegations, calling them “fake and baseless”.Sarma added, “Forget whether Kunki wins or loses… Let her say that her parents eat beef, she is a Sanatani Hindu, and she has disowned them. If she says she is not with her parents, then I am with her.””There are satradhikars (heads of satra institutions) in Assam. There is Kamakhya temple. Which satradhikar will vote for her?.. Will we eat beef in front of Kamakhya, Majuli, and Batadrava? AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi should apologise,” he added.Sarma claimed that even members of the “Miya” community had stopped consuming beef at his request and now eat buffalo meat instead. Beef consumption is not illegal in Assam. However, Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, bans cattle slaughter and the sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs are in the majority, and within a five-km radius of religious places.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return .5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerHow to be successful in life, as per psychologyFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideHow to deal with negative people: 5 effective psychology-based tipsMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more10 simple habits and tips to master emotional intelligenceYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka water123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Image: IANS GUWAHATI: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday broached the issue of beef consumption into his election campaign against Kunki Chowdhury (27), the candidate of Congress’ key ally Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) from Guwahati Central seat, accusing her parents of consuming beef and uploading a photo of it on social media.”Kunki’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, had shared posts related to beef consumption and made remarks hurting the sentiments of ‘Sanatani’ people… After the election, I will act against Kunki’s parents under Cattle Prevention Act. I will accept everything, but not beef eating,” Sarma told reporters. Kunki denied the allegations, calling them “fake and baseless”.Sarma added, “Forget whether Kunki wins or loses… Let her say that her parents eat beef, she is a Sanatani Hindu, and she has disowned them. If she says she is not with her parents, then I am with her.””There are satradhikars (heads of satra institutions) in Assam. There is Kamakhya temple. Which satradhikar will vote for her?.. Will we eat beef in front of Kamakhya, Majuli, and Batadrava? AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi should apologise,” he added.Sarma claimed that even members of the “Miya” community had stopped consuming beef at his request and now eat buffalo meat instead. Beef consumption is not illegal in Assam. However, Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, bans cattle slaughter and the sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs are in the majority, and within a five-km radius of religious places.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerHow to be successful in life, as per psychologyFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideHow to deal with negative people: 5 effective psychology-based tipsMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more10 simple habits and tips to master emotional intelligenceYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka water123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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Image: ANI KOLKATA: The mother of the trainee doctor raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital in 2024 has sparked a sharp political controversy as a BJP candidate after a purported campaign video surfaced in which she is heard threatening to throw Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee into “the gutter and thrash her”. TMC has filed a complaint with Election Commission.”Just as my daughter was beaten to death after being dragged by her hair, I will grab her (CM) by her hair and spin her around. If I meet the CM, I will either put her in jail or throw her into the gutter and thrash her,” the BJP’s Panihati candidate is heard saying in the purported clip from an interaction in the north Kolkata suburb of Sodepur late Saturday evening.Earlier, in the same interaction, the mother said she was “primarily fighting against the CM, who is responsible for my daughter’s death at a govt hospital”, adding her daughter had been murdered for raising her voice against corruption in state-run medical colleges.She also accused Nirmal Ghosh, the current Panihati TMC MLA, of attempting to destroy evidence in her daughter’s case. She alleged that Tirthankar, Nirmal’s son and her TMC rival, had been fielded to “cover up the crime”.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee wrote to chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling the remarks a “serious threat to democratic values and public decorum” and warning that they risked vitiating the electoral atmosphere. The party sought prompt legal and disciplinary action.BJP has not responded to the controversy. The candidate’s husband said they were unaware of any formal complaint and described the remarks as being made “in a moment of intense anger”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return .5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka waterFrom Carmen Electra to Eddie Murphy: Looking back at the most shocking short-lived celebrity weddingsBest Angelina Jolie movies of all time: ‘Girl, Interrupted’, ‘Maleficent’ and moreShiney Ahuja, Rimi Sen to Uday Chopra : The 2000s Bollywood faces who faded away from the big screen123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Image: ANI KOLKATA: The mother of the trainee doctor raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital in 2024 has sparked a sharp political controversy as a BJP candidate after a purported campaign video surfaced in which she is heard threatening to throw Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee into “the gutter and thrash her”. TMC has filed a complaint with Election Commission.”Just as my daughter was beaten to death after being dragged by her hair, I will grab her (CM) by her hair and spin her around. If I meet the CM, I will either put her in jail or throw her into the gutter and thrash her,” the BJP’s Panihati candidate is heard saying in the purported clip from an interaction in the north Kolkata suburb of Sodepur late Saturday evening.Earlier, in the same interaction, the mother said she was “primarily fighting against the CM, who is responsible for my daughter’s death at a govt hospital”, adding her daughter had been murdered for raising her voice against corruption in state-run medical colleges.She also accused Nirmal Ghosh, the current Panihati TMC MLA, of attempting to destroy evidence in her daughter’s case. She alleged that Tirthankar, Nirmal’s son and her TMC rival, had been fielded to “cover up the crime”.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee wrote to chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling the remarks a “serious threat to democratic values and public decorum” and warning that they risked vitiating the electoral atmosphere. The party sought prompt legal and disciplinary action.BJP has not responded to the controversy. The candidate’s husband said they were unaware of any formal complaint and described the remarks as being made “in a moment of intense anger”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka waterFrom Carmen Electra to Eddie Murphy: Looking back at the most shocking short-lived celebrity weddingsBest Angelina Jolie movies of all time: ‘Girl, Interrupted’, ‘Maleficent’ and moreShiney Ahuja, Rimi Sen to Uday Chopra : The 2000s Bollywood faces who faded away from the big screen123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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