‘Anil Ready To Discuss, Settle With Banks’ New Delhi: Supreme Court Thursday dismissed three appeals filed by beleaguered industrialist Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications (RCom) for stay of proceedings related to ‘fraud tagging’ of their bank accounts following a forensic review of debts and alleged diversion and siphoning of loans by ADAG group to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore.For 45-minutes, senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Shyam Divan and Narender Hooda laboured hard before a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi to drive home the point that the financial audit of the accounts, as per RBI circular, can only be carried out by a qualified chartered accountant, a mandate which was violated by appointment of forensic auditor in BDO India LLP, which is not a CA.The declaration of an account as fraud carries enormous civil and criminal consequences and hence the rule must be strictly adhered to, they argued. “It is a case of diversion and siphoning of thousands of crores of rupees from the bank loans. We do not want to express any opinion except saying that the decision of a division bench of the Bombay HC does not warrant any interference,” the CJI-led bench said.Appearing for a consortium of banks, including Bank of Baroda, Indian Overseas Bank and IDBI, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said the forensic auditor is an expert in the field and carries high reputation in India and abroad. The bench said, “The division bench has considered in detail the inappropriateness of single judge bench granting stay on the ‘fraud tagging’ proceedings and found that the petitioners do not even have a prima facie case.”When Sibal said that declaring an account fraudulent would mean financial assistance cannot be availed by the person or company, the bench said, “If there is a procedural flaw in declaring your accounts fraudulent, then in the pending suit you will have the right to seek a fresh audit.”After failing to convince the bench to grant relief to Ambani and RCom, Sibal said Ambani is ready to discuss with banks and settle the outstanding amount. “The banks have settled such cases earlier. I can offer Rs 5,000-8,000 crore for settlement. Please record this in the court order,” Sibal requested.Mehta opposed even recording of Ambani’s statement on willingness to settle saying this would be used as a window to reopen the entire case and start new litigations. The bench recorded Ambani’s statement but clarified it has expressed no opinion on it.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

‘Anil Ready To Discuss, Settle With Banks’ New Delhi: Supreme Court Thursday dismissed three appeals filed by beleaguered industrialist Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications (RCom) for stay of proceedings related to ‘fraud tagging’ of their bank accounts following a forensic review of debts and alleged diversion and siphoning of loans by ADAG group to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore.For 45-minutes, senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Shyam Divan and Narender Hooda laboured hard before a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi to drive home the point that the financial audit of the accounts, as per RBI circular, can only be carried out by a qualified chartered accountant, a mandate which was violated by appointment of forensic auditor in BDO India LLP, which is not a CA.The declaration of an account as fraud carries enormous civil and criminal consequences and hence the rule must be strictly adhered to, they argued. “It is a case of diversion and siphoning of thousands of crores of rupees from the bank loans. We do not want to express any opinion except saying that the decision of a division bench of the Bombay HC does not warrant any interference,” the CJI-led bench said.Appearing for a consortium of banks, including Bank of Baroda, Indian Overseas Bank and IDBI, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said the forensic auditor is an expert in the field and carries high reputation in India and abroad. The bench said, “The division bench has considered in detail the inappropriateness of single judge bench granting stay on the ‘fraud tagging’ proceedings and found that the petitioners do not even have a prima facie case.”When Sibal said that declaring an account fraudulent would mean financial assistance cannot be availed by the person or company, the bench said, “If there is a procedural flaw in declaring your accounts fraudulent, then in the pending suit you will have the right to seek a fresh audit.”After failing to convince the bench to grant relief to Ambani and RCom, Sibal said Ambani is ready to discuss with banks and settle the outstanding amount. “The banks have settled such cases earlier. I can offer Rs 5,000-8,000 crore for settlement. Please record this in the court order,” Sibal requested.Mehta opposed even recording of Ambani’s statement on willingness to settle saying this would be used as a window to reopen the entire case and start new litigations. The bench recorded Ambani’s statement but clarified it has expressed no opinion on it.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

‘Anil Ready To Discuss, Settle With Banks’ New Delhi: Supreme Court Thursday dismissed three appeals filed by beleaguered industrialist Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications (RCom) for stay of proceedings related to ‘fraud tagging’ of their bank accounts following a forensic review of debts and alleged diversion and siphoning of loans by ADAG group to the…

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BLACKPINK star Jisoo’s brother accused in sexual assault investigation involving streamer: Reports |

BLACKPINK star Jisoo’s brother accused in sexual assault investigation involving streamer: Reports |

TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.BLACKPINK star Jissoo is back in the headlines after her brother was implicated in a sexual assault case currently under investigation in Seoul.According to news reports on Koreaboo, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, a man in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, was arrested on April 16…

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Iga Swiatek: What unfolded during the Iga Swiatek and Alex Eala session? Viewers surprised when hot mic picked up Carol Vorderman discussion | International Sports News

Iga Swiatek: What unfolded during the Iga Swiatek and Alex Eala session? Viewers surprised when hot mic picked up Carol Vorderman discussion | International Sports News

What unfolded during the Iga Swiatek Alex Eala session? Viewers surprised when hot mic picked up Carol Vorderman discussion (Image via Getty) A strange moment during a live tennis broadcast has left viewers surprised and a camera crew embarrassed. During a practice session at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, voices from behind the…

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Kolkata: Of the 1,478 candidates contesting in the first phase of Bengal polls, almost one-fifth are crorepatis, most of them being TMC contenders. The poorest candidate, with assets of Rs 500, is from the new AJUP.Of the 152 BJP nominees, 106 have pending criminal cases, including 96 named in serious offences. In TMC, 63 of the 148 nominees have pending criminal cases, with 48 having records of serious offences.The figures were revealed by ADR and West Bengal Election Watch after analysing the poll affidavits of 1,475 candidates, while those of three had glitches.While 228 candidates have assets ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, 46 hold assets between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore. Thirty-five contestants have stated their assets to be more than Rs 10 crore. As many as 106 candidates of TMC, 71 of BJP, 50 of Congress, and 24 of CPM are crorepatis, the data showed.Leading the list is TMC’s Jangipur candidate Jakir Hossain, with assets of over Rs 133 crore; followed by the party’s Barjora candidate Goutam Mishra (Rs 105 crore); and Durgapur West contender Kabi Datta (Rs 72 crore).The poorest candidate with Rs 500 is AJUP’s Rubiya Begam, contesting from Durgapur East, followed by SUCI’s Midnapore’s Sushrita Saren (Rs 700) and Jalpaiguri’s Jashoda Barman (Rs 924).The analysis showed 23% of contenders have pending criminal cases, with 20% accused of serious offences.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

Kolkata: Of the 1,478 candidates contesting in the first phase of Bengal polls, almost one-fifth are crorepatis, most of them being TMC contenders. The poorest candidate, with assets of Rs 500, is from the new AJUP.Of the 152 BJP nominees, 106 have pending criminal cases, including 96 named in serious offences. In TMC, 63 of the 148 nominees have pending criminal cases, with 48 having records of serious offences.The figures were revealed by ADR and West Bengal Election Watch after analysing the poll affidavits of 1,475 candidates, while those of three had glitches.While 228 candidates have assets ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, 46 hold assets between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore. Thirty-five contestants have stated their assets to be more than Rs 10 crore. As many as 106 candidates of TMC, 71 of BJP, 50 of Congress, and 24 of CPM are crorepatis, the data showed.Leading the list is TMC’s Jangipur candidate Jakir Hossain, with assets of over Rs 133 crore; followed by the party’s Barjora candidate Goutam Mishra (Rs 105 crore); and Durgapur West contender Kabi Datta (Rs 72 crore).The poorest candidate with Rs 500 is AJUP’s Rubiya Begam, contesting from Durgapur East, followed by SUCI’s Midnapore’s Sushrita Saren (Rs 700) and Jalpaiguri’s Jashoda Barman (Rs 924).The analysis showed 23% of contenders have pending criminal cases, with 20% accused of serious offences.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

Kolkata: Of the 1,478 candidates contesting in the first phase of Bengal polls, almost one-fifth are crorepatis, most of them being TMC contenders. The poorest candidate, with assets of Rs 500, is from the new AJUP.Of the 152 BJP nominees, 106 have pending criminal cases, including 96 named in serious offences. In TMC, 63 of…

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Tom Cruise’s ‘Top Gun 3’ officially in the works – Details Inside

Tom Cruise’s ‘Top Gun 3’ officially in the works – Details Inside

‘Top Gun 3’ is officially happening, with Tom Cruise back as daring pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.The announcement came Thursday at the studio’s showcase at CinemaCon, an annual week-long summit at which Hollywood studios present their biggest upcoming movies to theater owners and press. ‘Top Gun 3’ officially in the works Paramount film co-head Josh Greenstein…

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Dodgers shatter MLB spending record in 2025 at 4.6M, spending more than bottom six teams combined | International Sports News

Dodgers shatter MLB spending record in 2025 at $514.6M, spending more than bottom six teams combined | International Sports News

The Los Angeles Dodgers shattered MLB spending records in 2025 with a $514.6 million total payroll and luxury tax bill, powering their second straight World Series title. Their outlay dwarfed rivals, including a budget more than seven times the Miami Marlins’ and exceeding the bottom six teams combined. The spending gap highlights growing financial disparity…

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‘Seasoned diplomat’: Trump congratulates former envoy to US Taranjit Sandhu on Delhi LG appointment | India News

‘Seasoned diplomat’: Trump congratulates former envoy to US Taranjit Sandhu on Delhi LG appointment | India News

US President Donald Trump on Thursday congratulated Taranjit Singh Sandhu on his appointment as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, praising his diplomatic career and contribution to India-US relations.Sharing a photo with Sandhu on Truth Social, Trump said, “Congratulations to Taranjit Sandhu on becoming the new Lt Governor of Delhi!”“As a seasoned Diplomat and former…

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Moon’s hidden secret: Scientists reveal how it quietly stored ice for 1.5 billion years

Moon’s hidden secret: Scientists reveal how it quietly stored ice for 1.5 billion years

Scientists have intensely studied the Moon’s polar regions due to the ice found in Permanently Shadowed Regions. The newest study in Nature Astronomy confirms that the Moon has been accumulating ice for about 1.5 billion years. Researchers used data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) to determine that the build-up of ice is a steady-state…

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Trump rails against court decision that once again stalls his White House ballroom project

Trump rails against court decision that once again stalls his White House ballroom project

US President Donald Trump (AP image) WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump railed against a federal judge’s decision on Thursday that continues to block above-ground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, allowing only below-ground work on a bunker and other “national security facilities” at the site. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s latest ruling comes in…

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Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their…

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‘Shame on you’: Manoj Desai lashes out at Akshay Kumar, slams Bhooth Bangla release strategy; ‘They want to finish single screens’

‘Shame on you’: Manoj Desai lashes out at Akshay Kumar, slams Bhooth Bangla release strategy; ‘They want to finish single screens’

Film exhibitor Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir Cinema in Mumbai, has strongly criticised the release strategy of Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, alleging that the decision to delay advance bookings is hurting single-screen theatres. Commenting on the response to paid previews, Desai said the film hasn’t opened…

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