VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html A peek inside Tamannaah Bhatia’s home: Jacuzzi on the balcony, one painting and Farah Khan calling it the neighbourhood’s best 10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologist DRDO successfully tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Punjab: Kejriwal, CM Mann hold roadshow in Sohna village; AAP chief appeals for continued mandate In a major push for political momentum, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, held a high-energy roadshow in Sohna village here on Sunday.Addressing the gathered crowd, the AAP national convener credited divine intervention for the party’s rise in the state and lauded the performance of the current administration. Watch Punjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll Buzz”By the grace of Wahe Guru Ji, we formed the AAP government in Punjab and got a CM like Bhagwant Mann,” Arvind Kejriwal stated.Highlighting the developmental work initiated by the state government, Kejriwal emphasised the need for continuity. “Now, good work has started; these should not stop. With a huge majority, you have to make him the Chief Minister again,” he urged the supporters.The roadshow saw a significant turnout as the leaders sought to consolidate support ahead of upcoming political challenges, focusing on the administration’s track record over the past years.Meanwhile, BJP leader Parminder Singh Brar sharply criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s governance over state safety concerns, giving his administration a strict four-month ultimatum while asserting the BJP will form the next government on its own strength.Brar asserted, “The BJP will contest elections on all 117 seats on its own strength and form the government. There will be no alliance with any party. The message is clear: the BJP will contest all 117 seats and form the government. We will present our vision, agenda, and the report cards from other states to the people of Punjab and win their hearts. Bhagwant Mann has mortgaged the state.”If police personnel themselves are not safe here, what hope is there for the common man? I tell Bhagwant Mann – only four months remain; set Punjab right, for you will not get another chance after this. The people of Punjab will give the BJP a chance,” he stated.This comes a day after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appointed senior party leaders Ajay Maken, Meenakshi Natarajan and Bhajan Lal Jatav as party observers to assess the current political scenario in Punjab.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNCPI Founder Says He Learnt About 20 TMC MPs’ Merger Through Social Media And NewsCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In July123PhotostoriesWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026Mrunal Thakur’s Bright gota-work Anarkali is stealing the wedding season spotlightNew OTT releases this week (June 15–21): ‘Drishyam 3’, ‘Your Fault: London’ to ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar 2’ and moreAgeing is inevitable, declining isn’t: Doctor shares 5 simple daily yoga habits that can help you stay strong, balanced and independentNot all pain is the same: Understanding the crucial differences between muscle pain and nerve pain8 iconic state trees of India every traveller and nature lover should know about5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-beingFrom Smriti Mandhana to Jemimah Rodrigues: 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket stars123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Jun 15, 2026, 15:57 IST Ameesha Patel was called ‘suicidal’ for doing ‘Gadar’, she questioned 18-year age gap with Sunny Deol: ‘You’re out of your mini skirt, playing a Pakistani girl’ Donald Trump has a ‘100% warning’ for French President Emmanuel Macron: Scrap tax for Google, Apple, and other American tech companies or I have no choice but to… (Image source: PTI on left, Rahul Gandhi (X) on right) Ahead of launching the Congress party’s nationwide campaign against paper leaks and examination irregularities, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday said repeated exam failures and recruitment delays were crushing the aspirations of millions of young Indians.In a post on X, Gandhi said students were not receiving the rewards of hard work but were instead being punished for daring to dream.“Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he wrote.Calls on students to joinGandhi acknowledged the frustration and anger among young people affected by examination irregularities. He urged them to make their voices heard when governments fail to respond to their concerns.”Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored,” Gandhi said, calling on students across the country to join the campaign beginning in Kota and expanding nationwide.Conventions planned across major citiesFollowing the Kota event on June 17, Gandhi is scheduled to address student gatherings in Allahabad on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14.The Congress said the campaign would highlight concerns over paper leaks, rising examination costs and what it described as the government’s failure to ensure a fair and transparent system.The party also plans extensive mobilisation efforts through the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Youth Congress, Pradesh Congress Committees and local party units to expand the movement across the country.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 MediaVideosCrew Used Ice Bottles to Preserve Indian Sailor’s Body Off Oman Coast | WatchCrowd Vs Police In Bihar After Exam Rush Descends Into Chaos At Patliputra Station | WatchNCPI Founder Says He Learnt About 20 TMC MPs’ Merger Through Social Media And NewsCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-Chancellors123PhotostoriesUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026Mrunal Thakur’s Bright gota-work Anarkali is stealing the wedding season spotlightNew OTT releases this week (June 15–21): ‘Drishyam 3’, ‘Your Fault: London’ to ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar 2’ and moreAgeing is inevitable, declining isn’t: Doctor shares 5 simple daily yoga habits that can help you stay strong, balanced and independentNot all pain is the same: Understanding the crucial differences between muscle pain and nerve pain8 iconic state trees of India every traveller and nature lover should know about5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-being123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Jun 15, 2026, 18:21 IST Controversy, confusion, anger and a Super Over: India A vs Sri Lanka A thriller has it all in Dambulla Pankaj Tripathi to appear in a special cameo in Amit Rai’s ‘Dharma’, film features 240 dogs | Hindi Movie News Diljit Dosanjh’s homes are all about vintage warmth with old money luxury: Art inspirations to take away From Trump and Vance to Sharif and Munir: The key players behind the US-Iran peace deal Indian student battles for life in US after road accident; minor driver rammed into his vehicle in Alabama USTR Delegation to Discuss India-US Trade Agreement in Key Visit Next Week | India News India launches producer price index; wholesale inflation gauge to be phased out in five years IIT Kharagpur–IIPH Delhi extends MPH (Health Science & Technology) admissions deadline: Check details here ‘Disclosure Day’ ending explained: What did the alien whisper to Margaret and that one word mean? | English Movie News Kakanmath Temple: This temple in India is believed to have been built by ghosts overnight; 5 things travellers should know Looking for a rental home in Bengaluru? Check demand, rents and emerging hotspots ‘I played cricket in India’: Man who rescued girl falling from second-floor window in London says catching skills helped save her 12 NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was slapped multiple times while being carried on supporters’ shoulders during a protest in Jaipur over the alleged NEET paper leak and unemployment.According to police and eyewitnesses cited by PTI, the incident took place at Shaheed Smarak, where a large number of young people had gathered for a demonstration organised by the CJP. Videos circulating on social media showed Dipke being lifted above the crowd when some youths allegedly struck him as he moved through the gathering.Police said the situation escalated after Dipke’s supporters allegedly caught hold of the accused youths and assaulted them before officers intervened. Two youths have since been detained and an investigation is underway, officials said.The protest centred on allegations of examination irregularities, paper leaks and rising unemployment. Demonstrators carried placards against corruption and demanded action on issues affecting young people. Slogans were also raised calling for the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy surrounding the NEET examination.The Jaipur protest forms part of a wider campaign launched by the CJP under the banner “Justice”. The party has been organising demonstrations in several cities, arguing that the alleged NEET question paper leak reflected serious failures in the examination system and required accountability from those responsible.Earlier, despite torrential rain, large numbers of youths gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru for a similar protest. Demonstrators accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to prevent alleged examination irregularities and demanded stronger safeguards to ensure such incidents do not recur.Actor Prakash Raj joined the Bengaluru protest in support of the campaign, while several youth groups and organisations also took part. Organisers said the movement would continue across major cities, insisting that accountability must be fixed over the alleged NEET scam and broader concerns related to youth employment and education.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 MediaVideosNCPI Founder Says He Learnt About 20 TMC MPs’ Merger Through Social Media And NewsCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In July123PhotostoriesUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026Mrunal Thakur’s Bright gota-work Anarkali is stealing the wedding season spotlightNew OTT releases this week (June 15–21): ‘Drishyam 3’, ‘Your Fault: London’ to ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar 2’ and moreAgeing is inevitable, declining isn’t: Doctor shares 5 simple daily yoga habits that can help you stay strong, balanced and independentNot all pain is the same: Understanding the crucial differences between muscle pain and nerve pain8 iconic state trees of India every traveller and nature lover should know about5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-being123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview SAT 2026–27 cycle opens: College Board releases full test schedule, Registration begins for global admissions race Paul Blackthorne recalls Aamir Khan’s washroom pep talk before ‘Lagaan’ scene: ‘I just froze and thought, Oh, God’ 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access online The generals’ sons: Next Army chief Dhiraj Seth joins elite club of second-gen military leaders G7 Summit: Jabs and awkward moments that might follow Trump to France The start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar is expected to accelerate real estate growth across the Yamuna Expressway corridor.Amid the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress, dissident MPs have announced a merger with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), claiming support from 20 of TMC’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs.A 19-year-old Bihar student has been arrested for allegedly attempting to divert NEET-UG 2026 fee refunds by gaining unauthorised access to candidates’ accounts using weak passwords.UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms as part of a sweeping online safety overhaul.The iconic “Dancing Girl” of Mohenjo-daro has sparked controversy after appearing in an altered form in NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook, with parts of its traditionally bare torso visually obscured.Here are the top five news of the dayJewar Airport is now operational. Is there still room for property prices to rise?Real estate experts believe the commencement of flights at Noida International Airport will significantly strengthen property demand across Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region by attracting businesses, multinational companies and large-scale investments. According to industry estimates, residential property values could rise by 15-20% annually over the next four to five years, supported by improved connectivity and the entry of leading developers.Read full articleMeet NCPI: The little-known party at centre of TMC rebellion could become NDA’s second-largest allyThe Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a little-known outfit that failed to make a mark in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, has unexpectedly become central to the ongoing rebellion within the Trinamool Congress. Dissident MPs have merged with the party and approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for separate seating arrangements, while TMC leadership has opposed recognition of the breakaway faction. The rebels claim backing from 20 of TMC’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs, exceeding the two-thirds threshold required under the anti-defection law for a valid merger.Read full articleGujarat Police, NTA foil NEET UG 2026 refund scam; Bihar student arrested for hacking candidates’ accountsThe Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), has foiled a cyber fraud targeting NEET-UG 2026 candidates and arrested a 19-year-old BSc student from Bihar’s Gaya district. The accused allegedly accessed candidate accounts using weak passwords and attempted to change bank details to redirect fee refunds into accounts under his control. Investigators found that nearly 350 accounts were targeted, with around 150 found vulnerable due to poor password security.Read full articleUK PM Keir Starmer proposes social media ban for under-16s targeting TikTok, Instagram and SnapchatThe UK government has unveiled a major child online safety initiative that would prohibit under-16s from accessing leading social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Threads. Announcing the plan, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said existing safeguards had failed to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying and online predators. The proposed “Australia-plus” model also includes tighter controls on gaming platforms, a ban on minors using romantic or sexual AI chatbots, and restrictions aimed at reducing excessive screen time and late-night social media use.Read full articleNCERT textbook shows Indus Valley’s ‘Dancing Girl’ with covered torso to make it ‘age-appropriate’A modified depiction of the 4,500-year-old “Dancing Girl” bronze figurine from Mohenjo-daro in NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook has triggered debate over the representation of historical artefacts. The statuette, a celebrated symbol of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appears with parts of its torso visually covered, unlike the original sculpture and its depiction in NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science textbook. Historian and textbook committee chairman Michel Danino criticised the alteration, arguing that it misrepresents the artefact and reflects outdated attitudes towards nudity in art.Read full articleGet 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 MediaVideosNCPI Founder Says He Learnt About 20 TMC MPs’ Merger Through Social Media And NewsCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In July123PhotostoriesNew OTT releases this week (June 15–21): ‘Drishyam 3’, ‘Your Fault: London’ to ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar 2’ and moreAgeing is inevitable, declining isn’t: Doctor shares 5 simple daily yoga habits that can help you stay strong, balanced and independentNot all pain is the same: Understanding the crucial differences between muscle pain and nerve pain8 iconic state trees of India every traveller and nature lover should know about5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-beingFrom Smriti Mandhana to Jemimah Rodrigues: 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket starsFather’s Day 2026: How Father’s Day began because one woman wanted to honour her single fatherFrom kebab to achar: 11 ways to enjoy Kathal (jackfruit) during summer seasonInside Aman Gupta’s ultra-luxurious Rs 52 crore abode: Massive balconies, a Bollywood corner, luxe lounge and more123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Director Vijay hails Ajith’s racing feat, says Tamil actor’s Le Mans journey will be remembered for years 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket stars India’s T-90 tanks may get active shield against missiles, drones and top-attack weapons Australia lost 99% of this rainforest, one retired banker spent 30 years helping bring it back: Meet Tony Parkes NEW DELHI: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday took a swipe at the breakaway Trinamool Congress (TMC) faction that has merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), claiming that “not only humans, but also Bangladeshi political parties are infiltrating India”.His remarks came amid the escalating battle for control of the TMC after 20 rebel MPs announced their merger with the NCPI, a little-known registered but unrecognised political party based in Tripura.Speaking in Murshidabad, Chowdhury drew a parallel between the BJP’s longstanding campaign against illegal immigration from Bangladesh and the emergence of the NCPI in Indian politics.”For so long, we have been hearing that Bangladeshi infiltrators are entering India and that these infiltrators need to be driven out. They say ‘detect, delete and deport’. But today, I see that even political parties from Bangladesh are infiltrating,” he said.Referring to the NCPI, Chowdhury claimed that the party had its origins in the student-led movement that emerged in Bangladesh during the protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”This Nationalist Citizens Party of India, the party you are talking about, was born in Bangladesh during the protests against Sheikh Hasina. Today, by calling them infiltrators, the National Citizen Party has reached Delhi,” he said.Taking a further dig at the BJP, Chowdhury alleged that forces aligned with the ruling party were attempting to alter the identity of the Trinamool Congress.”Those who support the BJP are trying to change the identity and name of the TMC. Therefore, Amit Shah needs to be cautious because not only humans, but also Bangladeshi political parties are infiltrating India,” he said.The remarks come a day after 20 rebel TMC MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and announced that they were merging with the NCPI. The MPs also sought separate seating arrangements in Parliament and have indicated they will back the BJP-led NDA.Rebel MP Arup Chakraborty insisted that the group had not abandoned the Trinamool Congress and would instead seek control of the party itself.”We have not left TMC; we’re in TMC and trying to rectify the party. We will fight for the party symbol,” Chakraborty said, asserting that the rebel camp would stake claim to the party’s iconic twin-flower election symbol.Former Union minister and veteran MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who joined the rebel faction, also said the group would move court seeking recognition as the “real” Trinamool Congress.The Mamata Banerjee-led camp, however, has dismissed the move as legally untenable. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose argued that under the anti-defection law, a political party itself must merge or split before legislators can claim protection from disqualification.Senior TMC leader Saugata Roy accused the rebel MPs of betraying the mandate on which they were elected and alleged that they had joined an “obscure” party to circumvent anti-defection provisions.The political battle is not confined to Parliament. In West Bengal, 64 of the Trinamool Congress’s 80 MLAs have already broken away and secured recognition as a separate legislative formation under Ritabrata Banerjee, a move that has been challenged by the Mamata Banerjee camp in the Calcutta high court.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 MediaVideosCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll Buzz123PhotostoriesNot all pain is the same: Understanding the crucial differences between muscle pain and nerve pain8 iconic state trees of India every traveller and nature lover should know about5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-beingFrom Smriti Mandhana to Jemimah Rodrigues: 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket starsFather’s Day 2026: How Father’s Day began because one woman wanted to honour her single fatherFrom kebab to achar: 11 ways to enjoy Kathal (jackfruit) during summer seasonInside Aman Gupta’s ultra-luxurious Rs 52 crore abode: Massive balconies, a Bollywood corner, luxe lounge and more7 most expensive streets to buy a home in the world in 20267 Snakes with incredible camouflage skills that can almost disappear into their surroundings123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Updated: Jun 15, 2026, 16:55 IST MHT CET PCM result 2026 released at cetcell.mahacet.org: Direct link to download scorecards here Has Ranveer Singh bought new Ferrari worth Rs 6.36 crore amid ‘Don 3’ row? Video goes viral, netizens react Doctor shares 5 simple daily yoga habits that can help you stay strong, balanced and independent Snicko in football? Cricket-style technology steals the show during Sweden vs Tunisia FIFA World Cup 2026 clash | Football News Quote of the day by Princess Diana: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone…” | World News NEW DELHI: Rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs on Monday said they would fight for control of the party’s election symbol, asserting that they remained part of the organisation and were seeking to “rectify” it, a day after 20 dissident lawmakers announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).Speaking to reporters, Arup Chakraborty said, “We have not left TMC; we’re in TMC and trying to rectify the party. Why did it get damaged, that is not being discussed. We will fight for the party symbol; we have 20 members, why should we not fight for the symbol,” news agency PTI reported.Signalling a prolonged political and legal battle, Chakraborty said the rebellion marked the beginning of a new phase in West Bengal politics. “A new game has started. Khela Hobe” he added, claiming that the move would bring development and employment to the state.The remarks came a day after 20 rebel TMC MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and declared that they were merging with the NCPI. During the meeting, the MPs also sought a separate seating arrangement in Parliament, effectively formalising their split from the Mamata Banerjee-led party in the legislature.Six-time MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who joined the rebel camp, said the dissident group would move the courts to establish itself as the “real” TMC and stake claim to the party’s iconic twin-flower election symbol.The rebellion has triggered a sharp response from the TMC leadership, which argues that the move is invalid under the anti-defection law. Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose said the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution clearly requires the political party itself to merge or split before legislators can claim exemption from disqualification provisions.In a post on X, Ghose said, “Massive false information is being circulated on the 2/3rds majority and anti-defection law. The 10th Schedule and the Supreme Court have made it amply clear.”“It is the political party outside Parliament (not the party representatives sitting inside Parliament) which must first split or merge, and then after this condition, the people inside do not attract the anti-defection law if 2/3rds choose to break away,” she added.Senior TMC leader Saugata Roy also attacked the rebels, accusing them of betraying the mandate on which they were elected. “Now it is clear that the AITC is the party with Mamata Banerjee as chairman. The symbol is two flowers, whose goal is to defeat the BJP,” he told PTI Videos.“Twenty MPs elected on TMC symbol decided to betray their voters by joining an obscure party, some National(ist) Citizens Party of India, illegally, declaring their support for the NDA under Modi,” Roy said.“They obviously did this to avoid the provisions of Schedule 10(4) of the Constitution. People are watching this news,” he added.Chakraborty also launched a direct attack on Mamata Banerjee, claiming she was under pressure following the split. “Mamata Banerjee is scared; she can’t even call a meeting of the party. She could not even hold a meeting in her constituency before the election,” he said.He further identified Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Sudip Bandyopadhyay as the principal leaders of the rebel grouping.The struggle for control of the TMC is unfolding beyond Parliament. In West Bengal, 64 of the party’s 80 MLAs recently broke away and secured recognition as a separate legislative formation, with Ritabrata Banerjee becoming Leader of the Opposition. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has challenged that decision before the Calcutta High Court.The NCPI, with which the rebel MPs announced their merger, is a registered but unrecognised party based in Tripura and has little electoral presence. In the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, it contested three seats, with its candidates either finishing behind NOTA or securing only marginally higher vote counts.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 MediaVideosCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll Buzz123Photostories5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-beingFrom Smriti Mandhana to Jemimah Rodrigues: 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket starsFather’s Day 2026: How Father’s Day began because one woman wanted to honour her single fatherFrom kebab to achar: 11 ways to enjoy Kathal (jackfruit) during summer seasonInside Aman Gupta’s ultra-luxurious Rs 52 crore abode: Massive balconies, a Bollywood corner, luxe lounge and more7 most expensive streets to buy a home in the world in 20267 Snakes with incredible camouflage skills that can almost disappear into their surroundingsYour eyes could be predicting health problems long before you feel them5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel pool123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview NEET UG 2026: NTA announces post-exam refund correction facility for banking errors ‘It’s like wild west suddenly’: ‘Maa Behen’ actor Arunoday Singh reacts to Rs 370 biryani row Lamine Yamal: FIFA World Cup 2026: Who is Lamine Yamal’s girlfriend? Meet Inés García, the influencer standing by his side These powerful Sun remedies can strengthen your confidence From 0–2 down to 3–2 up: India fight back to beat USA in FIH Nations Cup opener Unsubscribed: 200 Stanford grads opt out of Sundar Pichai’s commencement speech NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a sharp rebuke to an RTI (Right to Information Act) activist while refusing anticipatory bail to him and another accused in a case linked to the alleged obstruction of road construction work in Punjab.A bench of Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi rejected the plea of RTI activist Rakesh Kumar Behl and his aide, questioning their authority to monitor government-funded infrastructure projects.During the hearing, Justice Mehta criticised what he described as the growing misuse of RTI. “RTI activism has become a new business. The Central government has issued funds, it will take care of the construction of the road. You are nobody. So-called RTI activist! Yellow journalism. Dismissed,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.Justice Bishnoi observed, “Who are you to monitor the construction of all these roads? Are you some superior authority or what?”Behl had approached the apex court after the Punjab and Haryana high court declined to grant him anticipatory bail. His counsel argued that he and the co-accused had been falsely implicated because they had exposed alleged corruption in the road construction project.According to the FIR, Behl and another accused, Rajiv Kumar alias Mintu, allegedly obstructed ongoing road construction work in Batala, in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. The complaint alleges that they interfered with the execution of the project, intimidated the supervising official and labourers at the site, used derogatory remarks against a worker and caused injuries to the complainant.An FIR was subsequently registered against them under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as Section 3(1) of the SC/ST Act.In its May 14 order, the Punjab and Haryana high court had refused anticipatory bail, observing that the allegations in the FIR disclosed “specific and direct involvement” of the accused in obstructing government work. The Supreme Court upheld that view and dismissed the plea.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 MediaVideosCongress Welcomes US-Iran Peace Pact, Accuses PM Modi Of ‘Blind Devotion’ To IsraelTMC Symbol Battle Begins As Rebel MPs Claim They Represent The ‘Real’ Trinamool CongressAshok Gehlot Triggers Row, Says Indira Gandhi Would Have Banned BJP If She Were Alive TodayIndian Army Revamps Dress Regulations, Retires Colonial-Era SymbolsFrom Farmland To Flight Path: Farmers Behind Jewar Airport Take Historic First Commercial FlightExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll Buzz123Photostories5 things children often hide and why parents need to know these immediately10 summer-friendly saree fabrics for working women for comfort, style, and well-beingFrom Smriti Mandhana to Jemimah Rodrigues: 5 parenting lessons to take from the parents of India’s women cricket starsFather’s Day 2026: How Father’s Day began because one woman wanted to honour her single fatherFrom kebab to achar: 11 ways to enjoy Kathal (jackfruit) during summer seasonInside Aman Gupta’s ultra-luxurious Rs 52 crore abode: Massive balconies, a Bollywood corner, luxe lounge and more7 most expensive streets to buy a home in the world in 20267 Snakes with incredible camouflage skills that can almost disappear into their surroundingsYour eyes could be predicting health problems long before you feel them5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel pool123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Rupee rallies to five-week high on crude oil plunge; RBI measures add to momentum UP BEd JEE result 2026 likely to be released tomorrow: Check steps to download scorecards here Ranveer Singh buys luxury car worth Rs 6.36 crore, SPOTTED cruising in Mumbai