May 23, 2026

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of the Twisha Sharma death case. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is likely to consider the matter on Monday, news agency ANI reported.The case, involving allegations of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide against Twisha’s husband and in-laws, including a retired district judge. Also read: Twisha Sharma case timelineTwisha Sharma, a Noida-based model-turned-actor, had married advocate Samarth Singh, son of retired district judge Giribala Singh, in December 2025 and moved to Bhopal’s Katara Hills area.On May 12, Twisha was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Katara Hills. Her family subsequently accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide.Police registered an FIR on May 15 against the retired judge and her advocate son in connection with the alleged dowry death case. The following day, police constituted a six-member SIT to investigate the case.As public attention around the case grew, Twisha’s family staged a brief dharna outside the chief minister’s official residence on May 17 after they were unable to meet him.On May 18, a sessions court in Bhopal rejected Samarth Singh’s bail plea. Bhopal police also announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.Twisha’s family on May 19 demanded an independent probe into the case, questioning the police investigation and alleging a “posthumous character trial” of the deceased during media interactions by the accused side.A day later, the family met the chief minister, who assured them that he would seek a CBI probe into the matter. On the same day, a Bhopal court rejected a plea seeking a second post-mortem examination, while police increased the reward for Samarth Singh’s arrest to Rs 30,000.Police later issued a third and final notice to Giribala Singh to record her statement, while Samarth Singh moved a fresh bail application before the court.On May 22, Jabalpur police took Samarth Singh into custody from the district court premises after he arrived there to surrender, according to his lawyer.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 MediaVideosRaghav Chadha Appointed Chairman Of Petitions Committee In Rajya Sabha Weeks After Joining BJPVinesh Phogat Gets Relief From Delhi HC Ahead Of Asian Games 2026 Selection Trials’Whole-Of-Nation Approach’: CDS Chauhan Says Future Wars Will Span Cyber, Cognitive DomainsMarco Rubio Meets PM Modi In India As Both Nations Deepen Strategic And Technology TiesTwisha Sharma Case: Family Alleges Samarth Singh Received VIP Treatment Inside Court Premises‘In The Near Future’: Marco Rubio Invites PM Modi To White House ‘On Behalf Of Trump’‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media Buzz123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: Women, river, bridge or boat? What you see first could reveal one of your worst traitsSecrets of Kedarnath Temple: 10 fascinating facts every traveller should knowOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should know123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of the Twisha Sharma death case. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is likely to consider the matter on Monday, news agency ANI reported.The case, involving allegations of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide against Twisha’s husband and in-laws, including a retired district judge. Also read: Twisha Sharma case timelineTwisha Sharma, a Noida-based model-turned-actor, had married advocate Samarth Singh, son of retired district judge Giribala Singh, in December 2025 and moved to Bhopal’s Katara Hills area.On May 12, Twisha was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Katara Hills. Her family subsequently accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide.Police registered an FIR on May 15 against the retired judge and her advocate son in connection with the alleged dowry death case. The following day, police constituted a six-member SIT to investigate the case.As public attention around the case grew, Twisha’s family staged a brief dharna outside the chief minister’s official residence on May 17 after they were unable to meet him.On May 18, a sessions court in Bhopal rejected Samarth Singh’s bail plea. Bhopal police also announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.Twisha’s family on May 19 demanded an independent probe into the case, questioning the police investigation and alleging a “posthumous character trial” of the deceased during media interactions by the accused side.A day later, the family met the chief minister, who assured them that he would seek a CBI probe into the matter. On the same day, a Bhopal court rejected a plea seeking a second post-mortem examination, while police increased the reward for Samarth Singh’s arrest to Rs 30,000.Police later issued a third and final notice to Giribala Singh to record her statement, while Samarth Singh moved a fresh bail application before the court.On May 22, Jabalpur police took Samarth Singh into custody from the district court premises after he arrived there to surrender, according to his lawyer.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 MediaVideosRaghav Chadha Appointed Chairman Of Petitions Committee In Rajya Sabha Weeks After Joining BJPVinesh Phogat Gets Relief From Delhi HC Ahead Of Asian Games 2026 Selection Trials’Whole-Of-Nation Approach’: CDS Chauhan Says Future Wars Will Span Cyber, Cognitive DomainsMarco Rubio Meets PM Modi In India As Both Nations Deepen Strategic And Technology TiesTwisha Sharma Case: Family Alleges Samarth Singh Received VIP Treatment Inside Court Premises‘In The Near Future’: Marco Rubio Invites PM Modi To White House ‘On Behalf Of Trump’‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media Buzz123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: Women, river, bridge or boat? What you see first could reveal one of your worst traitsSecrets of Kedarnath Temple: 10 fascinating facts every traveller should knowOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should know123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana


SC takes suo motu cognisance of Twisha Sharma death case; CJI-led bench to hear matter Monday

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of the Twisha Sharma death case. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is likely to consider the matter on Monday, news agency ANI reported.The case, involving allegations of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide against Twisha’s husband and in-laws, including a retired district judge. Also read: Twisha Sharma case timelineTwisha Sharma, a Noida-based model-turned-actor, had married advocate Samarth Singh, son of retired district judge Giribala Singh, in December 2025 and moved to Bhopal’s Katara Hills area.On May 12, Twisha was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Katara Hills. Her family subsequently accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide.Police registered an FIR on May 15 against the retired judge and her advocate son in connection with the alleged dowry death case. The following day, police constituted a six-member SIT to investigate the case.As public attention around the case grew, Twisha’s family staged a brief dharna outside the chief minister’s official residence on May 17 after they were unable to meet him.On May 18, a sessions court in Bhopal rejected Samarth Singh’s bail plea. Bhopal police also announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.Twisha’s family on May 19 demanded an independent probe into the case, questioning the police investigation and alleging a “posthumous character trial” of the deceased during media interactions by the accused side.A day later, the family met the chief minister, who assured them that he would seek a CBI probe into the matter. On the same day, a Bhopal court rejected a plea seeking a second post-mortem examination, while police increased the reward for Samarth Singh’s arrest to Rs 30,000.Police later issued a third and final notice to Giribala Singh to record her statement, while Samarth Singh moved a fresh bail application before the court.On May 22, Jabalpur police took Samarth Singh into custody from the district court premises after he arrived there to surrender, according to his lawyer.



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How India’s indigenous attack chopper stacks up against America’s deadly AH-64E. Recently, in a more than USD 198.2 million deal, the US State Department approved the possible sale of support services and relatedequipment for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India. The State Department said that the sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.In April, the chief of army staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, took a sortie in India’s indigenously built attack Helicopter, the Light CombatHelicopter (LCH), ‘Prachand’, assessing its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: if India has its own attack helicopter, then why does it continue to rely on Russian and American counterparts? And how does this Apache compare to the LCH?Numbers and capabilityAccording to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Prachand has a 2-pilot crew, a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 Kg, a maximum speed of 280km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, a payload-dependent operational range between 550 and 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second, and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 meters.On the other hand, as per Boeing, the twin-seater US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg, a maximumspeed of 300 km/h, a cruise speed of 265 km/h, a combat range of 480-500 km, a service ceiling of 6,400 meters, and a climb rate of approximately 14.2 meters per second.Compared to Apache, Prachand has an almost similar cruise speed, a greater operational ceiling (highest), and a bigger operational range.Apache excels in terms of double the maximum take-off weight, top speed, and a faster climb rate. However, the specifications in attack helicopters are with respect to their operational requirements.Different operational RequirementsAccording to HAL, Prachand has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. Itwas specially designed after a requirement was felt during the Kargil war, for a light combat helicopter that could operate in the tall and harsh Himalayan terrains of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs just 5.8 tonnes, which is nearly half the weight of an Apache.Light Combat Helicopter, PrachandThe American counterpart is meant for the flat plains, deserts, and semi-desert areas along India’s western and northwestern borders(such as Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its nearly double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India requires the capabilities of both helicopters for its overall operational requirements.AH-64E, ApacheReplacing the Ageing fleetThe entire air force is undergoing the process of modernisation, with ageing fleets being actively replaced. During the inductionceremony of Apache helicopters in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF”.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US state department said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal, the US State Department said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectivesof the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, whichcontinues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions”.Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army had demonstrated the combat strength of AH-64 Apache during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’ atthe Pokhran Firing Range. The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with a 30 mm chaingun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. Apache AH-64E also has the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night, just like Prachand.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 2026123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

How India’s indigenous attack chopper stacks up against America’s deadly AH-64E. Recently, in a more than USD 198.2 million deal, the US State Department approved the possible sale of support services and relatedequipment for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India. The State Department said that the sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.In April, the chief of army staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, took a sortie in India’s indigenously built attack Helicopter, the Light CombatHelicopter (LCH), ‘Prachand’, assessing its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: if India has its own attack helicopter, then why does it continue to rely on Russian and American counterparts? And how does this Apache compare to the LCH?Numbers and capabilityAccording to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Prachand has a 2-pilot crew, a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 Kg, a maximum speed of 280km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, a payload-dependent operational range between 550 and 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second, and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 meters.On the other hand, as per Boeing, the twin-seater US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg, a maximumspeed of 300 km/h, a cruise speed of 265 km/h, a combat range of 480-500 km, a service ceiling of 6,400 meters, and a climb rate of approximately 14.2 meters per second.Compared to Apache, Prachand has an almost similar cruise speed, a greater operational ceiling (highest), and a bigger operational range.Apache excels in terms of double the maximum take-off weight, top speed, and a faster climb rate. However, the specifications in attack helicopters are with respect to their operational requirements.Different operational RequirementsAccording to HAL, Prachand has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. Itwas specially designed after a requirement was felt during the Kargil war, for a light combat helicopter that could operate in the tall and harsh Himalayan terrains of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs just 5.8 tonnes, which is nearly half the weight of an Apache.Light Combat Helicopter, PrachandThe American counterpart is meant for the flat plains, deserts, and semi-desert areas along India’s western and northwestern borders(such as Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its nearly double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India requires the capabilities of both helicopters for its overall operational requirements.AH-64E, ApacheReplacing the Ageing fleetThe entire air force is undergoing the process of modernisation, with ageing fleets being actively replaced. During the inductionceremony of Apache helicopters in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF”.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US state department said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal, the US State Department said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectivesof the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, whichcontinues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions”.Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army had demonstrated the combat strength of AH-64 Apache during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’ atthe Pokhran Firing Range. The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with a 30 mm chaingun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. Apache AH-64E also has the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night, just like Prachand.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123PhotostoriesOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 2026123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna 0
Rathin U Kelkar; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised Kerala’s newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the appointment of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to chief minister VD Satheesan.The BJP also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, citing his earlier remarks on the appointment of Manoj Agarwal — who oversaw the West Bengal assembly elections — as chief secretary in the BJP government formed after the polls, the party’s first in the eastern state.“Dr Rathan U Kelkar IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala and Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister,” a Kerala government order said.Reacting to the move, the BJP Kerala unit posted on Facebook: “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s logic, Ratan Kelkar’s appointment should be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that misleads the people.”BJP IT cell chief and West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya also criticised the appointment.In a post on X, Malviya said: “Rahul Gandhi’s selective outrage stands exposed yet again. He chose to criticise West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for appointing Shri Manoj Agarwal as Chief Secretary. But unlike Mamata Banerjee, who repeatedly subverted the bureaucracy by superseding dozens of IAS officers to favour loyalists, the BJP government in West Bengal appointed the senior-most IAS officer serving in the state, strictly in accordance with established norms and service rules.””Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence. So where is Rahul Gandhi’s sermon on institutional propriety now? Or does his outrage depend entirely on which party is in power?” he added.The UDF won 102 seats in the April 9 assembly polls, of which the Congress won 63 seats. On the other hand, the BJP won three seats.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‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123Photostories7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Rathin U Kelkar; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised Kerala’s newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the appointment of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to chief minister VD Satheesan.The BJP also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, citing his earlier remarks on the appointment of Manoj Agarwal — who oversaw the West Bengal assembly elections — as chief secretary in the BJP government formed after the polls, the party’s first in the eastern state.“Dr Rathan U Kelkar IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala and Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister,” a Kerala government order said.Reacting to the move, the BJP Kerala unit posted on Facebook: “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s logic, Ratan Kelkar’s appointment should be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that misleads the people.”BJP IT cell chief and West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya also criticised the appointment.In a post on X, Malviya said: “Rahul Gandhi’s selective outrage stands exposed yet again. He chose to criticise West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for appointing Shri Manoj Agarwal as Chief Secretary. But unlike Mamata Banerjee, who repeatedly subverted the bureaucracy by superseding dozens of IAS officers to favour loyalists, the BJP government in West Bengal appointed the senior-most IAS officer serving in the state, strictly in accordance with established norms and service rules.””Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence. So where is Rahul Gandhi’s sermon on institutional propriety now? Or does his outrage depend entirely on which party is in power?” he added.The UDF won 102 seats in the April 9 assembly polls, of which the Congress won 63 seats. On the other hand, the BJP won three seats.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‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, PakistanOperation Sheruwali: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists And Security Forces In Jammu & KashmirFounder Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Crackdown On Cockroach Janta Party After Massive Social Media BuzzPrime Minister Modi Highlights Global Opportunities For Youth At 19th Rozgar Mela EventArmy Orders Inquiry After Cheetah Helicopter Carrying Senior Officers Crashes Near Leh | WatchMamata Banerjee-Designed Football Sculpture Removed From Salt Lake Stadium Amid ControversyHeatwave Triggers Political Storm In UP As BJP MLAs, Opposition Slam Massive Power CutsHow Sunil Dutt Became Bandra’s Protector — And Why His Name Returned During Garib Nagar DemolitionsAfter Years Of TMC-Centre Tensions, Delhi Unlocks Rs 39,000 Crore For Bengal123Photostories7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer5 small fish species perfect for freshwater aquariums, especially for beginnersSaina Nehwal’s ₹4.6 crore Hyderabad home: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sporting gloryShe lost 30 kgs without extreme diets: The step-by-step walking method that changed everythingSummer period rashes are more common than you think: Doctor shares the hidden causes and simple fixes every woman should knowDahi for Summer: 11 traditional curd dishes of India to keep the gut coolAditi Rao Hydari to Huma Qureshi: 5 stunning saree looks from Cannes 202610 lifestyle shifts that can improve mental health more than a vacation123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

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