VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html NEW DELHI: The death toll in the explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district has risen to five after two more injured workers died during treatment, officials said on Thursday. Another 23 people are still undergoing treatment at hospitals in Dewas and Indore.Dewas Additional District Magistrate Sanjeev Jain said the two workers, who had been admitted to a private hospital in Dewas with severe injuries, succumbed later in the day. Earlier, officials had confirmed four deaths following the massive blast and fire at the factory in the Tonk Kalan area.Police have arrested factory owner Anil Malviya under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). Officials also suspended the factory’s firecracker licences, which had reportedly been renewed only earlier this month. District authorities said the factory had started manufacturing small firecrackers around 15 days ago.Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav visited injured workers at hospitals in Indore and assured them of full support from the state government. He also announced a high-level inquiry into the incident.“We are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, and further action will be taken based on the investigation report,” Yadav told reporters, adding that those responsible would not be spared.Deputy chief minister Jagdish Devda described the incident as “heartbreaking and dangerous” and confirmed that a judicial and magisterial inquiry had been ordered.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 MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 AM: The mindset you need before sunriseFriday OTT releases this week (May 11-17): ‘Kartavya’, ‘Berlin’ and ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ lead the lineupTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problem123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav May 15, 2026, 04:55 IST ‘A tough pill to swallow’: Shreyas Iyer admits playoff pressure after Punjab Kings’ fifth straight loss Iran permits 30 vessels to pass through Strait of Hormuz overnight; Lebanon strikes Israel – top developments NEW DELHI: Exhorting defence scientists to accelerate R&D work, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the “battlefield of tomorrow will reward those who can shorten the time between an idea, a prototype and operational deployment”.Addressing defence strategic dialogue Kalam & Kavach 3.0 in a video message here, Rajnath said, “A nation’s strength will increasingly depend on how quickly its defence forces, labs, and industries think & act as one”, underscoring the importance of self-reliance and jointness to secure strategic autonomy & remain future-ready for emerging security challenges.“National security demands our preparedness, resilience, innovation, and strategic confidence,” he said.Rajnath described self-reliance as not only an economic goal, but also a strategic necessity, asserting that a nation that depends excessively on others for critical defence capability remains vulnerable in times of crisis.In the presence of Italian and Armenian envoys at the event, MoS defence Sanjay Seth told foreign delegates that India firmly believes that global security and progress are strengthened through cooperation, trust and shared innovation. He said India’s defence exports, which were a meagre Rs 686 crore a decade ago, have skyrocketed to a record high of Rs 38,424 crore today. He said annual defence production has touched an all-time high of Rs 1.54 lakh crore in financial year 2025-26 and reaffirmed the govt’s resolve to achieve the target of Rs 50,000 crore of defence exports and Rs 3 lakh crore of defence production by 2029-30.Talking about Operation Sindoor at a special session at the event, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan said the Indian armed forces “dominated the escalation matrix on all four days” of the conflict.On ‘JAI’ (jointness, atmanirbharta and innovation) triad, the CDS said that as far as the planned theaterisation is concerned, efforts have been made in this direction with enhanced “scale and speed” as India is lagging behind other countries by 10-15 years, which have already implemented such structures. “These joint structures, which we are trying to create, would be one of the most transformative reforms that India would be undertaking… Our model was slightly different. Some people had to introduce legislation, it was a top-down kind of approach. I tried to work through consensus. Consensus was taking everyone along,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Mike Vrabel’s wife Jennifer Vrabel reportedly struggles with public humiliation amid alleged affair rumors involving Dianna Russini NEW DELHI: While Brics foreign ministers and leaders of delegations jointly called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov got an exclusive meeting with the PM. Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi separately met NSA Ajit Doval.According to an Indian readout, Lavrov briefed Modi on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since the meeting of the two leaders in Dec 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. They also discussed various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s “consistent stand” in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the best way forward. Lavrov was the only minister Modi met privately. The PM also asked him to convey his greetings to President Vladimir Putin.Modi later wrote on X the grouping had emerged as an important platform for advancing cooperation among emerging economies and giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South. “Under India’s Chairmanship this year, we will work together to strengthen multilateralism, promote sustainable development, enhance economic resilience and build a more inclusive world order.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav ‘James Bond’ auditions officially begin, Oscar-nominated casting director tapped to find next 007 Libra Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Save first, eat light, and accept your spouse’s help without overthinking SIR Phase-3 in 16 states & 3 UTs, including Delhi Sneako compares Chud the Builder backlash to Charlie Kirk debate after shocking Tennessee arrest case Scorpio Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Spend on what supports your goals Prabhas SPOTTED on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ sets in Kompally – Pic Indian dhow attacked in Omani waters, crew rescued NEW DELHI: Delhi HC on Thursday sought the Centre and Delhi govt’s stand on a plea by Indian National Congress seeking execution of a sale deed in the party’s favour for its former headquarters at 7, Jantar Mantar Road.Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued notice to authorities but refused to pass any interim order. Even as senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for AICC, urged HC to ensure the premises was not allotted to anyone else, the court said it would first examine whether the plea was maintainable.Justice Kaurav said the petitioner must satisfy maintainability before seeking interim relief. “See what govt’s response is. You perhaps have to file a civil suit. This seems to be to wriggle out of limitation,” the judge said.Singhvi argued INC was an allottee that possessed the property for decades. “I have been asking for execution of a conveyance deed repeatedly. There is no denial. There is no response. I have been in possession for 70 years. I have all documents and payments. They should not allot it to somebody else,” he told HC.Congress said it has possessed part of the property since Feb 1946, with allotment made in 1956. It paid Rs 6.1 lakh in 1959 towards sale consideration. Since 2017, it made representations to Delhi govt — responsible for managing the property — seeking execution of the sale deed, but to no avail, the plea contended.About the AuthorAbhinav GargAs legal editor for Delhi, Abhinav Garg handles coverage of courts and connected legal challenges shaping the capital. From breaking down complex law related jargon to simplifying how a particular verdict or development in courts may impact the readers, Abhinav brings with him over two decades of experience in the field.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Sugar exports banned till Sept 30 to check prices Virgo Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Venus isn’t in a giving mood for you today, so affection may feel flat Why the largest one is not in Egypt NEW DELHI: BJP Thursday questioned the source of funds for Rahul Gandhi’s 54 trips abroad over last 22 years, claiming a “big mismatch” between expenditure the LoP is likely to have incurred and his income over past decade, as declared in documents he had submitted for contesting LS polls.BJP said it has done a “bottom-up estimation” to arrive at the sum of Rs 60 crore that Rahul and people accompanying him would have spent during his visits to different parts of the world, including US, Latin America, Europe and countries in Asia all these years. In contrast, his income was only Rs 11 crore over last decade, it added. “This raises legal questions. Under FCRA provisions, any MP, judge or govt official is required to take permission from MHA if their visits are hosted or funded by a foreign agency,” party spokesperson Sambit Patra said. “If one is going on a foreign tour at personal expense, then he has to disclose it in I-T return. If a person receives a gift or money is spent on him in an undisclosed manner abroad, then in that situation Black Money Act 2015 may also apply,” he added, asking Congress to disclose the source of funding for Rahul’s visits and relevant documents. “This is not a rhetorical press conference but one that raises questions on the conduct of LoP who wants to be PM. Everything will have to be accounted for,” Patra said.Hitting back, Congress said BJP’s allegations over Rahul’s foreign trips are aimed at diverting attention from real issues facing the country. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said, “These are diversions being created by BJP. The real issue is the economic collapse that is staring the country. The real issues are the setbacks in foreign policy.”Another neta, Manickam Tagore, said, “BJP should answer questions on unemployment, inflation, border failures and weakening economy instead of running a smear campaign against Rahul.” End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Amitabh Bachchan stood by Amjad Khan’s family after near-fatal accident, reveals son Shadaab Khan; recalled his father’s final night Kaal Bhairava: India’s first AI combat aircraft to be manufactured in Europe Brazilian influencer on the run after fleeing sentencing in fatal road crash case NEW DELHI: Hours after former chief minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in an advocate’s attire before Calcutta high court on Thursday, the Bar Council of India (BCI) asked the West Bengal Bar Council to furnish details of her enrolment as an advocate, whether the licence to practise was kept suspended during her tenure as CM, and the date of its revival.Writing to Bar Council of West Bengal, BCI principal secretary Srimanto Sen said the details are necessary to determine whether Banerjee is entitled to wear advocate’s attire immediately after ceasing to hold public office, which she held from 2011 to 2026.The BCI sought certified copies of original records relating to Banerjee from State Advocate’s Roll, enrolment register, certificate of practice records, inward/receipt registers, suspension or cessation of practice records, resumption records and any related file noting or orders.Asking WB Bar Council to preserve the original records, the BCI said the required information must reach it within two days.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Leo Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: If you’re single, attention is there, but don’t flirt as a distraction from stress From searching for stars to finding Wi-Fi: The failed radar experiment that changed the world VD Satheesan (Image/PTI) New Delhi: After Rahul Gandhi met former KPCC chiefs and senior leaders on Tuesday afternoon, one crucial cog of the party alumni saw him late at 10pm at 10, Janpath. A known voice in favour of V D Satheesan, V M Sudheeran was the last man the Gandhi scion is learnt to have heard as part of enlarged consultations to arrive at the CM pick.Also read: Who is VD Satheesan? Kerala’s new CM & grassroots Congress leader who led the UDF’s comebackHours later on Wednesday, Sudheeran publicly stressed the need to decide the CM in sync with “public sentiments”. A few hours further down, Rahul held his final consultation with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge where the decision was finalised, though kept under wraps.In the final lap, sources said, K C Venugopal lost out. The Kharge-Rahul chat eliminated the powerful AICC manager and Rahul confidant. And barely had any time passed that he too was said to have realised the disappointing turn of events – the first but fatal blow since Venugopal entered the race after maximum MLAs backed him in front of AICC observers on May 7.But his elimination hadn’t necessarily sealed the deal that could be conveyed down the ranks. Here, Ramesh Chennithala, who was always the “compromise” pole of the three-way race, remained a possibility. All eyes were on Thursday morning when the decision was to be made public.At 10am, Rahul called Venugopal for a chat at his Sunehri Bagh residence, and they were closeted for over one hour, which included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. There, the confidant was apparently told about the “decision making process” – a shorthand for factors that had resulted in picking Satheesan ahead of him.The deal, however, was still limited to the charmed circle. Even party managers who were to go to Kerala did not know if it was going to be Satheesan or Chennithala.A half an hour later, Kharge called a meeting of AICC state in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi and state observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik. There, the final plan was unveiled and passed for public dissemination.Venugopal was out. But it was a straight leap at the generational makeover of the state leadership. There would be no midway, “compromise” candidate in Chennithala. Calls apparently went out to mollify the veteran.A news conference was scheduled for half an hour later, at 12pm. And there, Maken, Dasmunshi, Wasnik and Jairam Ramesh announced it was Satheesan.”Public sentiment” became the battle cry of the pro-Satheesan brigade of partisans and commoners as the lobbying for CMship played out in the streets and on social media over nine days. The same argument was made by allies IUML, RSP and Kerala Congress, who questioned the sole reliance on support of MLAs. Rahul and Priyanka were flooded with emails, with even references to the latter’s LS seat of Wayanad that has a robust IUML votebase. The all-round momentum for Satheesan could not be ignored.And when Rahul, instead of closing the consultations, decided to pick the minds of more state colleagues, Satheesan was clearly in serious reckoning. The push from Sudheeran, K Muraleedharan, and, by some insider accounts, veteran AK Antony and Priyanka, turned the tide.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav The Revenge OTT release in Tirchi Topiwale copyright case, directs T-Series to deposit Rs 50 lakh Why a Bill Gates-backed insect factory releases 30 million mosquitoes every week Candace Owens reacts after Brigitte Macron slap claims shock France again Present set-up lets govt pick CEC, ECs of its choice Cancer Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Quiet progress is the best progress now Aries Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Jupiter’s influence favours calculated bets, not emotional ones “She will love him”: Reunion talk around Stefon Diggs and Cardi B takes a turn after viral public argument stole the spotlight Yale medical school discriminated against Asian and White applicants, claims Trump administration Gemini Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: Work stays average, neither too exciting nor too dull Is Cade Cunningham playing tonight vs the Cleveland Cavaliers? Final update on the Detroit Pistons star’s injury report ‘Foreign expectant mothers get extra service’ Amjad Khan’s son Shadaab Khan recalls Salim Khan quietly paying for his father’s last rites: ‘Pathanon ki fitrat hoti hai…’ Taurus Horoscope Today, May 15, 2026: This is not a good day for investment, especially anything that sounds too shiny During Trump’s China visit, Anthropic just ‘reminded’ America why it should not sell top-end Nvidia chips to China: Since most … Streamer ChudTheBuilder charged with attempted murder after Tennessee courthouse shooting NEW DELHI: In a fresh twist in the ongoing CBI appeal hearings against the discharge of all accused in the excise policy case, Delhi HC’s Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma initiated criminal contempt proceedings against former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAP functionaries Manish Sisodia, Durgesh Pathak, Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj and others, and then opted out of hearing the main matter.“Can’t surrender before a powerful litigant,” Justice Sharma observed as she drew contempt proceedings against Kejriwal, adding that he “orchestrated a calculated campaign of vilification” against her on social media instead of challenging adverse orders against him before the higher court.She said she will now hear only the contempt case and transferred the appeal, so that the “respondents” don’t later claim she is biased against them. The judge said while the hearings in the excise policy case are in progress inside, “a parallel narrative was being constructed outside… and insinuations directed at this court… by contemnors armed with political powers.”Justice Sharma took exception to social media posts by Kejriwal and shared by other AAP functionaries that attributed “political allegiance” to her and targeted her by posting a misleading “edited” video of a speech given by her at an educational institution in Varanasi.“Arvind Kejriwal sought to destroy my reputation instead of availing legal remedies after I refused to recuse and a deliberate attempt to lower the court’s authority can’t be permitted in the guise of free speech,” Justice Sharma said.She noted that Kejriwal wanted to sow “seeds of distrust”, but warned that “judicial silence can’t tolerate judges being threatened into silence”.Gandhiji’s Satyagraha has won: KejriwalShe said she will now hear only the contempt case and transferred the appeal, so that the “respondents” don’t later claim she is biased. The judge said while the hearings in the excise policy case are in progress inside, “a parallel narrative was being constructed outside… and insinuations directed at this court… by contemnors armed with political powers”.Justice Sharma took exception to social media posts by Kejriwal and shared by other AAP functionaries that attributed “political allegiance” to her and targeted her by posting a misleading “edited” video of a speech given by her at an educational institution in Varanasi.“Arvind Kejriwal sought to destroy my reputation instead of availing legal remedies after I refused to recuse and a deliberate attempt to lower the court’s authority can’t be permitted in the guise of free speech,” Justice Sharma said.She noted that Kejriwal wanted to sow “seeds of distrust”, but warned that “judicial silence can’t tolerate judges being threatened into silence”.Citing Kejriwal’s “conduct”, the judge said it was expected that once his plea seeking recusal stood decided, the “issue will attain quietus”.“The litigant could have gone to Supreme Court in challenge, but he didn’t, instead he issued a video and repeated the same allegations and grounds that were rejected by this court,” Justice Sharma said. She also referred to Kejriwal’s letter on X where he announced his decision to boycott hearings in her court.“The tone, tenor and manner were not of fair criticism. They have run a campaign, and the social media campaigns questioned the integrity, impartiality of this court,” HC observed. A detailed copy of the order is awaited. The judge read out portions from her order in a special sitting around 6.30pm and went on for around 1.5 hours.Justice Sharma clarified that she was not recusing herself but was only transferring the case to another bench as she has initiated contempt proceedings. “By selectively editing letters and videos, the respondents tried to intimidate the court and tried to cast aspersions by dragging in my family members,” the judge said, adding that the aim was “calculated humiliation”.The AAP chief, unfazed as Justice Sharma ordered contempt proceedings against him, applauded her decision to step away from the excise case. “The truth has won, Gandhiji’s Satyagraha has won,” Kejriwal said in his first response on social media platform X.About the AuthorAbhinav GargAs legal editor for Delhi, Abhinav Garg handles coverage of courts and connected legal challenges shaping the capital. From breaking down complex law related jargon to simplifying how a particular verdict or development in courts may impact the readers, Abhinav brings with him over two decades of experience in the field.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesTara Sutaria looks straight out of a 1950s Hollywood dream at Cannes in this vintage Vivienne Westwood coutureHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine love123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Manipur killings trigger retaliatory abductions, 38 people held hostage African proverb of the day: “When you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes but the monkey remains.” West Delhi gang rape: Bus traced to Bihar was plying with several challans pending Scientists say SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will strike the Moon at 5,400 miles per hour The trillion-dollar asteroid: NASA is chasing an asteroid that contains more gold than exists on Earth Anthropic to donate $200 million to Bill Gates’ Gates Foundation; says: Gates Foundation has decades of experience and track record of … Talks for a BRICS foreign ministers’ joint statement seemed balanced on a knife-edge on the first day of the meeting, with a consensus on the West Asia situation remaining uncertain. Diplomatic sources said efforts to find common ground between the UAE and Iran were still on, even as the 2 countries held on to their positions and even clashed at the meeting. While the UAE is seeking condemnation of Iran’s actions, the Iranian foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, urged member-states to “explicitly condemn violations of international law by the US and Israel, including their illegal aggression against Iran”. Araghchi accused the Arab country of being directly involved in aggression against Iran. This accusation came not while delivering Iran’s national statement but in response to “unfounded” claims by UAE’s junior foreign minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, according to reports from Iran. “In fact, I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against Iran. When the war of aggression began against Iran, they (UAE) refused to even condemn it,” said Araghchi, accusing the UAE of providing military bases, airspace, land and facilities to the US and Israel. “If you want Israel to provide your security, this is the result. If you want America to provide your security, this is the result you are complaining about now. Therefore, I strongly advise my brothers in the Emirates to reconsider their policy towards Iran,” he further said addressing the UAE minister, according to the Iranian state media. The foreign ministers’ meeting ends with the final session on Friday morning. If there is no consensus for a joint statement, the meeting would likely end with a Chair’s statement like what happened with a meeting of the special envoys last month. Significantly, external affairs minister S Jaishankar stressed in his welcome remarks at the meeting that it is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that “later members” fully appreciate and subscribe to the grouping consensus on various important issues. He was talking about institutional development, including the integration of new members through a stocktake and updation of existing mechanisms. Iran and UAE had both joined the grouping of major emerging economies along with Egypt and Ethiopia in 2024. Araghchi also raised the issue of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s “secret” trip to UAE during the war, something which Abu Dhabi has denied. “Just yesterday, it was revealed that Netanyahu had traveled to the UAE during the war. It was also revealed that they participated in these attacks and may have even acted directly against us. So, the UAE is an active partner in this aggression, and there is no doubt about it,” said Araghchi. While delivering Iran’s national statement, the minister also urged BRICS to prevent the politicization of international institutions and to take concrete action to halt “warmongering and to bring an end to the impunity of those who violate the UN Charter”. “We believe that BRICS can, and must, become one of the principal pillars in shaping a more just, balanced, and humane global order; an order in which might can never make right,” said Araghchi.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi HC Judge Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Kejriwal; Refers Case To New Bench2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership Battle123PhotostoriesHappy Birthday Vicky Kaushal: With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming momentsMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? 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