August 21, 2026
London Family Suicide: Terminally ill child’s family ends life in suspected suicide: What lead to this tragedy and the sad truth about caregivers’ mental health

London Family Suicide: Terminally ill child’s family ends life in suspected suicide: What lead to this tragedy and the sad truth about caregivers’ mental health

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Looking at the Pai family’s high-rise London apartment from the outside, one might have seen a picture of comfort and achievement. Yet behind those luxurious-looking walls, the family’s situation was filled with struggle and exhaustion. May 2026 brought a tragic end to the family. All three members of the family- Rakesh Pai, 47, Aditi Paralkar,…

Read More
World’s largest ‘whale graveyard’ found beneath the Indian Ocean: A hidden 5-million-year mystery revealed

World’s largest ‘whale graveyard’ found beneath the Indian Ocean: A hidden 5-million-year mystery revealed

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Far out in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, a vast and largely unexplored stretch of seafloor is reshaping how scientists understand deep-ocean history. Hidden within the Diamantina fracture zone, the seabed is marked by long scars, deep trenches, and ridges that plunge into near-total darkness under extreme pressure. Across this 1,200-kilometre corridor, whale remains have been…

Read More
For millions of street vendors across India’s cities and towns, access to affordable credit was once an impossible dream. Moneylenders charged ruinous interest rates, banks turned them away, and a single setback — a bad monsoon, a city crackdown — could wipe out their entire working capital. PM SVANidhi Yojana, launched in June 2020, changed that equation fundamentally. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has become one of the most impactful last-mile credit delivery programmes of the decade.What Is PM SVANidhi Yojana?PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) is a micro-credit scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors displaced or adversely affected by COVID-19 and beyond. The scheme enables vendors to resume their livelihoods, graduate to formal financial systems, and build credit histories that unlock further growth.The scheme operates through a tiered collateral-free loan structure: Rs 15,000 in the first year, Rs 25,000 on timely repayment in the second year, and Rs 50,000 in the third year. Vendors who repay on time also receive a 7% annual interest subsidy credited directly to their accounts, and digital transactions earn cashback incentives of up to Rs 1,600 per year.Who Is Eligible?Any street vendor who was vending in urban areas on or before March 24, 2020 is eligible to apply. This includes: vendors with a Certificate of Vending issued by their Urban Local Body (ULB); vendors identified in surveys conducted by ULBs; vendors with a Letter of Recommendation from their ULB or Town Vending Committee; and vendors operating in areas adjacent to urban boundaries.There is no restriction on the type of goods sold — from fruits and vegetables to garments, footwear, cooked food, and artisan products. The scheme is accessible to all genders, with special emphasis on reaching women vendors.How to Apply for PM SVANidhi in Uttar PradeshStep 1: Visit the official PM SVANidhi portal at pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in or the CSC (Common Service Centre) nearest to you.Step 2: Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number (Aadhaar-linked OTP authentication).Step 3: Fill in the application form with personal details, vending category, and business address. Upload a photograph and vending certificate or letter of recommendation.Step 4: The application is processed by your Urban Local Body and forwarded to a lending institution. Eligible lending partners include Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Microfinance Institutions, SHG-linked banks, and Cooperative Banks.Step 5: On approval, the loan amount is disbursed directly to your bank account, typically within 30 days of application. Repayment is in monthly instalments over 12 months.UP’s Performance: A National LeaderUttar Pradesh has consistently ranked among the top states in PM SVANidhi implementation. As of data compiled by MoHUA, UP has disbursed loans to over 60 lakh beneficiaries across its 762 Urban Local Bodies — the highest count of any state in India. Cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, and Gorakhpur have seen particularly high uptake, with many vendors now accessing their third-tier loans of Rs 50,000.In Gorakhpur alone, the scheme has reached over 1.5 lakh vendors — a city-level achievement that has been cited by MoHUA as a model for urban poverty alleviation. Vendors who began with a Rs 10,000 loan to replenish their fruit cart now manage small supply chain operations sourcing directly from mandis, employing family members, and maintaining formal digital payment trails.Beyond Credit: Building a Financial IdentityPerhaps the most transformative dimension of PM SVANidhi is the creation of formal financial identities for people who previously existed outside the banking system. Through mandatory digital transaction tracking, vendors build a verifiable credit history. Many have used this foundation to access crop loans, housing loans under PMAY, and women’s self-help group credit lines.The scheme’s integration with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and QR code systems has also driven digital literacy in unexpected ways. Vendors in tier-2 and tier-3 cities now routinely accept PhonePe and Google Pay payments — a behavioural shift that has strengthened both their cash flow management and their attractiveness to customers. The Road AheadThe government has continued to expand PM SVANidhi’s scope, with the 2024–25 Union Budget announcing enhanced credit limits and deeper integration with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana ecosystem for artisan vendors. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme is being aligned with Mission Shakti, ODOP, and urban livelihood programmes to create a comprehensive support ladder for the informal economy.For the street vendor pushing a handcart on a Lucknow street or operating a chaat stall outside a Varanasi temple, PM SVANidhi is not just a loan — it is, in many cases, the first time the state has seen them.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Why Was Ship Taken Into Risk Zone?’ Family of Aditya Sharma Seeks Investigation”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s Transformation123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

For millions of street vendors across India’s cities and towns, access to affordable credit was once an impossible dream. Moneylenders charged ruinous interest rates, banks turned them away, and a single setback — a bad monsoon, a city crackdown — could wipe out their entire working capital. PM SVANidhi Yojana, launched in June 2020, changed that equation fundamentally. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has become one of the most impactful last-mile credit delivery programmes of the decade.What Is PM SVANidhi Yojana?PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) is a micro-credit scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors displaced or adversely affected by COVID-19 and beyond. The scheme enables vendors to resume their livelihoods, graduate to formal financial systems, and build credit histories that unlock further growth.The scheme operates through a tiered collateral-free loan structure: Rs 15,000 in the first year, Rs 25,000 on timely repayment in the second year, and Rs 50,000 in the third year. Vendors who repay on time also receive a 7% annual interest subsidy credited directly to their accounts, and digital transactions earn cashback incentives of up to Rs 1,600 per year.Who Is Eligible?Any street vendor who was vending in urban areas on or before March 24, 2020 is eligible to apply. This includes: vendors with a Certificate of Vending issued by their Urban Local Body (ULB); vendors identified in surveys conducted by ULBs; vendors with a Letter of Recommendation from their ULB or Town Vending Committee; and vendors operating in areas adjacent to urban boundaries.There is no restriction on the type of goods sold — from fruits and vegetables to garments, footwear, cooked food, and artisan products. The scheme is accessible to all genders, with special emphasis on reaching women vendors.How to Apply for PM SVANidhi in Uttar PradeshStep 1: Visit the official PM SVANidhi portal at pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in or the CSC (Common Service Centre) nearest to you.Step 2: Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number (Aadhaar-linked OTP authentication).Step 3: Fill in the application form with personal details, vending category, and business address. Upload a photograph and vending certificate or letter of recommendation.Step 4: The application is processed by your Urban Local Body and forwarded to a lending institution. Eligible lending partners include Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Microfinance Institutions, SHG-linked banks, and Cooperative Banks.Step 5: On approval, the loan amount is disbursed directly to your bank account, typically within 30 days of application. Repayment is in monthly instalments over 12 months.UP’s Performance: A National LeaderUttar Pradesh has consistently ranked among the top states in PM SVANidhi implementation. As of data compiled by MoHUA, UP has disbursed loans to over 60 lakh beneficiaries across its 762 Urban Local Bodies — the highest count of any state in India. Cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, and Gorakhpur have seen particularly high uptake, with many vendors now accessing their third-tier loans of Rs 50,000.In Gorakhpur alone, the scheme has reached over 1.5 lakh vendors — a city-level achievement that has been cited by MoHUA as a model for urban poverty alleviation. Vendors who began with a Rs 10,000 loan to replenish their fruit cart now manage small supply chain operations sourcing directly from mandis, employing family members, and maintaining formal digital payment trails.Beyond Credit: Building a Financial IdentityPerhaps the most transformative dimension of PM SVANidhi is the creation of formal financial identities for people who previously existed outside the banking system. Through mandatory digital transaction tracking, vendors build a verifiable credit history. Many have used this foundation to access crop loans, housing loans under PMAY, and women’s self-help group credit lines.The scheme’s integration with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and QR code systems has also driven digital literacy in unexpected ways. Vendors in tier-2 and tier-3 cities now routinely accept PhonePe and Google Pay payments — a behavioural shift that has strengthened both their cash flow management and their attractiveness to customers. The Road AheadThe government has continued to expand PM SVANidhi’s scope, with the 2024–25 Union Budget announcing enhanced credit limits and deeper integration with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana ecosystem for artisan vendors. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme is being aligned with Mission Shakti, ODOP, and urban livelihood programmes to create a comprehensive support ladder for the informal economy.For the street vendor pushing a handcart on a Lucknow street or operating a chaat stall outside a Varanasi temple, PM SVANidhi is not just a loan — it is, in many cases, the first time the state has seen them.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Why Was Ship Taken Into Risk Zone?’ Family of Aditya Sharma Seeks Investigation”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s Transformation123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

For millions of street vendors across India’s cities and towns, access to affordable credit was once an impossible dream. Moneylenders charged ruinous interest rates, banks turned them away, and a single setback — a bad monsoon, a city crackdown — could wipe out their entire working capital. PM SVANidhi Yojana, launched in June 2020, changed…

Read More
NATA 2026 result expected soon as Phase 1 exam cycle nears completion; here’s how to check on nata.in

NATA 2026 result expected soon as Phase 1 exam cycle nears completion; here’s how to check on nata.in

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NATA 2026 schedule outlines weekly registration, admit card and result timeline for candidates NATA 2026 Result: NATA 2026 continues to draw attention as the Council of Architecture progresses through its examination cycle across India. Architecture aspirants are awaiting results from ongoing test sessions under the Phase 1 schedule, which began on April 4, 2026 and…

Read More
177 pythons, four tons: Record 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Southwest Florida this breeding season

177 pythons, four tons: Record 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Southwest Florida this breeding season

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Florida’s battle against invasive Burmese pythons has seen a significant victory. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida reported its most successful season, removing a record 177 snakes weighing over 8,000 pounds. Innovative methods, including using tagged “scout snakes,” helped biologists intercept large breeding females, preventing thousands of eggs from entering the ecosystem. This ongoing effort is…

Read More
‘Pushpa of Falta’, TMC leader Jahangir Khan paraded in shorts after arrest

‘Pushpa of Falta’, TMC leader Jahangir Khan paraded in shorts after arrest

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, also known as ‘Pushpa’, was paraded through the Falta area by police on Thursday after his arrest in connection with extortion and other charges.In the video, Khan is seen walking through Falta under police escort, with helmet-clad officers surrounding him.Khan, who is currently in police custody, was arrested near…

Read More
Hospital bills, captive patients: Why CCI’s ruling may weaken consumer protection | India News

Hospital bills, captive patients: Why CCI’s ruling may weaken consumer protection | India News

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

On 21st May, after a decade-long wait, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) absolved 12 Delhi-based super-speciality hospitals of allegations that they had subjected patients to exorbitantly marked-up healthcare charges. In what may prove to be a historic missed opportunity, the CCI effectively declined to intervene by holding that the regulation of healthcare pricing falls…

Read More
Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earns maiden Australia call-up for Bangladesh T20Is

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earns maiden Australia call-up for Bangladesh T20Is

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Nikhil Chaudhary (Getty Images) Delhi-born spin-bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary has moved a step closer to a remarkable cricketing milestone after being named in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.The 30-year-old has become the first Indian-born male cricketer in more than 60 years to earn a place in an Australian national squad. Australia…

Read More
Meet Ronit Chaodhary, an undergraduate researcher, who co-authors AI for science paper accepted at ICML 2026 workshop

Meet Ronit Chaodhary, an undergraduate researcher, who co-authors AI for science paper accepted at ICML 2026 workshop

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ronit Chaodhary, Who Is A 21-Year-Old NST Student, Publishes AI For Science Paper Accepted At ICML 2026 Workshop Ronit Kumar Choudhary, a 21-year-old third-year student at Newton School of Technology, has co-authored “RETROSPECT: RETROsynthesis via Sequential Prediction, and Chemically Transformed-ranking”, a research paper accepted at the AI for Science Workshop at ICML 2026. The work…

Read More
Prarthana Behere cites the Rs. 370 Biryani row as proof that society is becoming conscious about women: ‘Even men spoke up”

Prarthana Behere cites the Rs. 370 Biryani row as proof that society is becoming conscious about women: ‘Even men spoke up”

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

After delivering two successful Marathi films this year, Prarthana Behere is now looking to score a hat trick with her upcoming film ‘Mardini.’ Backed by actor-producer Shreyas Talpade, the film sees Prarthana stepping into a powerful, women-centric role that explores the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of a mother.The actress, who has largely been associated with…

Read More
Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know |

Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In a bid to boost tourism, India’s one of the most sought-after tropical destinations, Lakshadweep will now allow regulated liquor sales across the archipelago. With this, the destination is entering a new phase of tourism after the Union government introduced Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026. The new framework is a part of a broader strategy to…

Read More
Image: PTI, IANS NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.”I heard his statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party,” Pilot said, as cited by PTI. Pilot made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, at his memorial in Dausa on his death anniversary.When asked why he continued to speak of affection and unity despite repeated remarks directed at him, Pilot said the country was facing much larger issues that deserved attention.”The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” Pilot said. Pilot said people across the country were increasingly coming together against the policies of the BJP-led government and that the INDIA bloc remained committed to intensifying its challenge to the ruling party.”Recently, there was a meeting of the INDIA bloc where everyone resolved to fight the BJP. Our sole objective is to strengthen the Congress under the leadership given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.Criticising the BJP, Pilot said the party had been in power at the Centre for more than a decade but continued to hold previous governments responsible for current issues.”The BJP has completed 12 years. How long will they keep blaming Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh? The public has made up its mind. The opposition will emerge stronger in the coming days,” he added. Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over allegations of corruption, the law-and-order situation, and the delay in conducting panchayat and local body elections.Criticising the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Pilot alleging that constitutional institutions were functioning under pressure.”Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected illegally. This is unprecedented. A candidate whose party has the required strength should not have the nomination rejected without valid grounds,” Pilot said. Pilot said the reasons cited for rejecting the nomination were incorrect and that the Congress would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.”We will go to the Supreme Court. But the manner in which the Election Commission is being forced to function under pressure is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he alleged.This comes after Gehlot said he remained hurt that Pilot had not publicly acknowledged his role in helping him become a Union minister.Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot said Pilot was aware of the support extended to him but had chosen not to refer to it publicly, a grievance he said continues to trouble him.Gehlot also said on Sunday that MLAs loyal to him were ready to accept any leader chosen by the party high command except Pilot, citing resentment over Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the then Congress government. He added that Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.He also referred to the 2022 Congress presidential election, alleging a “big conspiracy” that created a false perception about his preference to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of becoming Congress president. Questioning the narrative that emerged during the leadership tussle, Gehlot said, “I was going to become Congress President… and now Sonia Gandhi and Congress are making me that Congress President, so should I refuse? Should I refuse?”He further said that developments during the Rajasthan political crisis had unfairly damaged his reputation.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still Missing123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Image: PTI, IANS NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.”I heard his statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party,” Pilot said, as cited by PTI. Pilot made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, at his memorial in Dausa on his death anniversary.When asked why he continued to speak of affection and unity despite repeated remarks directed at him, Pilot said the country was facing much larger issues that deserved attention.”The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” Pilot said. Pilot said people across the country were increasingly coming together against the policies of the BJP-led government and that the INDIA bloc remained committed to intensifying its challenge to the ruling party.”Recently, there was a meeting of the INDIA bloc where everyone resolved to fight the BJP. Our sole objective is to strengthen the Congress under the leadership given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.Criticising the BJP, Pilot said the party had been in power at the Centre for more than a decade but continued to hold previous governments responsible for current issues.”The BJP has completed 12 years. How long will they keep blaming Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh? The public has made up its mind. The opposition will emerge stronger in the coming days,” he added. Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over allegations of corruption, the law-and-order situation, and the delay in conducting panchayat and local body elections.Criticising the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Pilot alleging that constitutional institutions were functioning under pressure.”Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected illegally. This is unprecedented. A candidate whose party has the required strength should not have the nomination rejected without valid grounds,” Pilot said. Pilot said the reasons cited for rejecting the nomination were incorrect and that the Congress would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.”We will go to the Supreme Court. But the manner in which the Election Commission is being forced to function under pressure is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he alleged.This comes after Gehlot said he remained hurt that Pilot had not publicly acknowledged his role in helping him become a Union minister.Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot said Pilot was aware of the support extended to him but had chosen not to refer to it publicly, a grievance he said continues to trouble him.Gehlot also said on Sunday that MLAs loyal to him were ready to accept any leader chosen by the party high command except Pilot, citing resentment over Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the then Congress government. He added that Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.He also referred to the 2022 Congress presidential election, alleging a “big conspiracy” that created a false perception about his preference to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of becoming Congress president. Questioning the narrative that emerged during the leadership tussle, Gehlot said, “I was going to become Congress President… and now Sonia Gandhi and Congress are making me that Congress President, so should I refuse? Should I refuse?”He further said that developments during the Rajasthan political crisis had unfairly damaged his reputation.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still Missing123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.“I heard his statement. What I remember is that he…

Read More
‘He knows how to leak paper’: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy attacks Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu over DSC recruitment

‘He knows how to leak paper’: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy attacks Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu over DSC recruitment

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, N Chandrababu Naidu YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday hit out at CM Chandrababu Naidu over the Mega District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment process, alleging large-scale irregularities and saying the exercise had hurt the trust of lakhs of job aspirants. Addressing a press conference in Tadepalli,…

Read More