VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Aug 17, 2026, 20:51 IST Bandla Ganesh breaks down in tears as he bids emotional farewell to daughter Janani at her wedding- Watch Daily Nadi Horoscope for Sagittarius (18th August 2026): Don’t Let a Friendly Offer Hide an Unclear Financial Condition Hawaii’s native stilt nearly disappeared decades ago; communities and scientists helped its population surpass 1,500 after decades of conservation efforts 100 days of TVK government: CM Vijay defines priorities, but his real test begins now Indian Jazz musician Pritesh Walia released from ICE custody after 14 days: ‘When you are sitting in a detention facility, the world feels very small’ CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke offers to show his Boston University degree amid questions over his educational credentials. NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke has offered to show his degree from Boston University amid questions over his educational background, while challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the same.Addressing the controversy in a social media post, Dipke said he was willing to provide documents to establish that he had attended the US university.“Hello everyone, I’ve been noticing for the last few days that people have been calling me a fraud and saying I never went to Boston University. I am ready to show my degree. But will your Pawpaw show his degree?” he said.“I am ready to show my degree but what about pawpaw? I am ready. I have all the documents,” he added.A community note attached to his post, however, said records relating to PM Modi’s educational qualifications had already been made public.“Narendra Modi’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degree records have been publicly available for a considerable period of time,” the note said, while linking to a 2016 BJP post that showcased Modi’s BA and MA degree records.In a separate post, Dipke drew a comparison between Boston University and Delhi University, asking why the latter had not highlighted PM Modi’s association with the institution.“Boston University published an article about me for being their alumnus. Why doesn’t DU proudly celebrate Modi as their alumnus? He is, after all, the Prime Minister of India. Shouldn’t they be flexing about it instead of trying to hide his degree?” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThis post also attracted a community note, which stated that Delhi University had published a list of Union cabinet ministers who were its alumni and that PM Modi was included in the list.Dipke has earlier said that he received a scholarship from Boston University and financed the remaining expenses through an education loan, which he is still repaying.The 30-year-old holds a Master of Science degree in Public Relations from Boston University. He returned to India in June and led the Cockroach Janta Party’s agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with the protests eventually leading to the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.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 MediaVideosAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check123PhotostoriesPriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Sunny Deol recalls ‘Gadar’ and ‘Indian’ doing better than Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’; talks about being in over 55 crore debt: ‘The money I owed was all mine’ Daily Nadi Horoscope for Scorpio (18th August 2026): Don’t Let an Expense Disrupt an Important Future Plan Congress workers sing 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram in Goa, Kharge hits back at BJP Archaeologists find earliest physical evidence of brass-making in East Asia in southern China | World News Updated: Aug 17, 2026, 20:13 IST Sunny Deol’s old pan masala ad resurfaces after ‘Batwara1947 ‘ actor claimed he wouldn’t endorse it ever; fan says, ‘Log elaichi bech rahe hai, yeh sidha pan masala bech diya’ 5 easy methods to crack the shell at home Meet Ananya Nagendra, the 18-year-old Texas student who built an ant-based digester for landfill food waste; tests found her prototype was about 83% efficient No fund for you if you have Islamic wudu washing facilities: Major row over Texas Governor’s warning to two airports (Representative image) “I am a true patriot; hence I am a ‘dimagi naxal’ according to you”, said Arvind Kejriwal (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said he is proud to be a ‘dimagi naxal’ as he is a ‘true patriot’ and does not fear the BJP.Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country had succeeded in removing armed Naxalism from the forests but warned that its ideological supporters were seeking opportunities to promote violence and anarchy.”We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest … They want to drag the society on the wrong path,” Modi said.Declaring himself a ‘dimagi naxal’, Kejriwal stated that he was proud of being one.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”According to PM Modi, those who dare to question are ‘damagi naxals’, who do not fear the BJP. If Bhagat Singh, BR Ambedkar were alive today, then they would also be termed ‘dimagi Naxal’ according to the prime minister,” Kejriwal said in a video message.The former Delhi chief minister further said that people who want a better system, free from corruption, better facilities like drainage, better hospitals, would be called ‘dimagi naxals ‘ by Modi.”I am a true patriot; hence I am a ‘dimagi naxal’ according to you (Modi). If someone says anything against India, I will oppose with full force,” Kejriwal added.Earlier, Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi over his ‘dimagi naxal’ remark and said, “I am proud to be a dimagi naxal”.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the house123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Aug 17, 2026, 19:41 IST US stock market today: Wall Street near record highs; all eyes on corporate earnings, oil prices Rakul Preet Singh CORRECTS paparazzi after they pronounce her ‘Ramayana’ character name Surpanakha wrongly – Watch 10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strength Jayden Daniels’ LSU controversy takes a new turn as he receives a stern warning ahead of the new season Meet Ni Jingchen: The 12-year-old Beijing student who posted a strange fossil online and helped reveal Asia’s first Jurassic amphibian footprint | World News NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party’s newly appointed IT cell chief Deepak Mhaske on Monday said that the party’s social media team will continue to provide right answers and dispel people’s misconceptions.While talking to reporters after his appointment, Mhaske said that his whole team will “wholeheartedly work” towards helping the BJP win elections and serve the people.”The Bharatiya Janata Party’s priorities are absolutely clear: we must win elections to serve the public, and our entire team will work wholeheartedly towards this using social media,” the newly appointed IT cell head said.”Propaganda will continue to appear in the future, just as it has in the past; however, the truth cannot remain hidden. While propaganda may create a momentary atmosphere, if we consistently provide the right answers over the long term, people’s misconceptions are dispelled and the Bharatiya Janata Party will certainly proceed in that direction,” he added.Mhaske replaced Amit Malviya, who headed the party’s social media operations for more than a decade.Malviya came into prominence in 2009 through a forum called ‘Friends of BJP’ and was made head of the party’s IT department in 2015.Malviya congratulated his successor and said that he had worked closely with the new team over the past decade. He expressed confidence that the new team would take the party’s digital communication to “newer milestones”.”A BIG THANK YOU to the BJP’s massive support base on social media, a community brimming with commitment, energy and ideas. This family has stayed together through thick and thin and played a decisive role in reshaping India’s public discourse. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesYou have been an incredible source of strength to me personally and to the cause,” he said.Malviya said he had the opportunity to meet and interact with many supporters of the BJP on social media during the 11 years he was at the helm, and those interactions will always remain special.”I hope you will continue to extend the same unstinted support to the party and to my successors in the years ahead. India is poised to scale even greater heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the BJP. Your contribution to this journey will be remembered and written in glorious words,” he said.The other members of the new social media team include Priti Gandhi, Shivanand Dwivedi, Alok Bhatt and Arun Yadav.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano Ronaldo123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Aug 17, 2026, 19:11 IST Emraan Hashmi’s wife Parveen pens heartfelt note after Awarapan 2’s box office success: “Akha Bollywood ek taraf aur…” Daily Nadi Horoscope for Libra (18th August 2026): Don’t Let Unclear Career News Change a Personal Decision DU suspends PhD scholar for slapping professor, bars campus entry; CCTV video emerges Houthis escalate Red Sea attacks: Ballistic missile strikes Saudi military ship, four escort boats FDA has issued a formal show cause notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn for their role in advertisements Vimal Elaichi brand. NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Monday warned that the crackdown on advertisements of prohibited items could extend far beyond celebrity endorsers. Mundhe told news agency PTI that “no one will be spared”, a day after issuing notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their endorsement of Vimal Elaichi.Responding to a question on whether action would also be taken against companies and platforms, Mundhe said every stakeholder involved in the advertising chain could face scrutiny.”These regulations must be read by everybody who is creating advertisements, publishing them or sponsoring them,” Mundhe said.”As per the regulations, everybody across the chain is responsible. It is applicable to all. Accordingly, they must read the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements and Claims) Regulations, 2018. Whoever is involved in this will be issued notices and action will be taken against,” the commissioner told PTI.On August 11, the FDA’s Greater Mumbai division issued showcause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their participation in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement that authorities said could amount to indirect promotion of prohibited pan masala and tobacco-related products.The department described the notice as a “final warning” and said the advertisement appeared to violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.According to the notice, the use of the “Vimal Elaichi” brand name could create an association with Vimal Pan Masala, potentially misleading consumers and indirectly promoting a prohibited product.The three actors have been directed to immediately stop participating in or endorsing the advertisement and remove related promotional content from their official social media accounts, websites and other digital platforms under their control.The FDA has also asked them not to provide any further assistance in broadcasting, publishing or promoting the campaign in any form.Authorities have sought details of the due diligence conducted by the actors or their representatives before they agreed to endorse the product.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe notices require the actors to explain whether Vimal Elaichi is an independently marketed product or whether it is being used as a brand extension to promote pan masala or tobacco-related products.The FDA has also sought copies of endorsement agreements, campaign briefs, payment details and information about the advertising agency and the brand owner.In addition, the actors have been asked to provide details of the television channels, digital platforms and social media accounts on which the advertisement was broadcast or published.They have been given 15 days to submit their responses and supporting documents and may also seek a personal hearing.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano Ronaldo123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Updated: Aug 17, 2026, 19:14 IST Rishab Shetty makes a cultural statement at IFFM 2026 Red Carpet in traditional black kurta and handwoven silk dhoti What you see first reveals your secret personality trait Daily Nadi Horoscope for Virgo (18th August 2026): Don’t Count a Promised Gain Before It Reaches You Watch: NYC Mayor Mamdani speaks Bengali while announcing free Broadway tickets for students, user says ‘your Bangla is better than mine’ Meet Miles Wu, the 14-year-old New York student using origami to explore stronger, foldable emergency shelters Chemistry professor Deepak Mhaskey takes charge of BJP’s social media department after Amit Malviya’s 11-year stint. NEW DELHI: The BJP has handed over its social media department to party leader Deepak Mhaskey, marking a change at the top of the organisation’s digital machinery after Amit Malviya’s 11-year stint.On his appointment as BJP’s IT cell head, Mhaskey said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party’s priorities are absolutely clear: we must win elections to serve the public, and our entire team will work wholeheartedly towards this using social media. Propaganda will continue to appear in the future, just as it has in the past; however, the truth cannot remain hidden.””While propaganda may create a momentary atmosphere, if we consistently provide the right answers over the long term, people’s misconceptions are dispelled and the Bharatiya Janata Party will certainly proceed in that direction,” he added.Who is Deepak Mhaskey?Mhaskey has a background spanning academia, public-sector administration and BJP organisation. A chemistry academic from Chhattisgarh, he has held senior positions in the state’s public health procurement system and has been associated with the BJP’s state organisation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs chairman of CGMSC, he heads the state agency responsible for medical procurement and related services. His position carries the rank of a state minister.Born in 1968, he has served was an independent director on the board of Engineers India Limited (EIL), a central public sector undertaking involved in engineering consultancy and project management, particularly in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano Ronaldo123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Hema Malini reviews Sunny Deol’s ‘Batwara 1947’ ‘Simply Brilliant’ and praises Aamir Khan for backing film with message of humanity and harmony Daily Nadi Horoscope for 18 August 2026: Mercury Gets Combust, Time To Review Decisions Missiles below, mountains ahead: How the IAF had to improvise in the middle of war Belgian student Kobe thought he had found €1 coins while digging a sewer; the hidden stash turned out to be gold worth about €9 million BJP has announced its new national team under president Nitin Nabin, appointing 13 vice-presidents and 8 general secretaries, including Smriti Irani, while also revamping its media and social media teams. NEW DELHI: The BJP on Monday announced its new team of national office-bearers under party president Nitin Nabin, with 13 leaders appointed as national vice-presidents and eight as national general secretaries.The list includes former chief ministers, former ministers and senior organisational leaders from across the country.BJP president Nitin Nabin congratulated the newly appointed office-bearers, saying the team, with a “blend of experience and energy”, would give fresh momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“I am confident that every member, with the spirit of a dedicated karyakarta, will further strengthen the organisation to take forward the resolve of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and the commitment to nation-building to new heights,” Nabin said in a post on X.BJP’s new national team: Full list of office-bearersNational Vice PresidentsVasundhara Raje Scindia — RajasthanTirath Singh Rawat — UttarakhandRam Madhav — DelhiBaijayant Jay Panda — OdishaD Purandeshwari — Andhra PradeshRekha Verma — Uttar PradeshVarshaben Narendrabhai Doshi — GujaratDr Bharti Pravin Pawar — MaharashtraManpreet Singh Badal — PunjabLal Singh Arya — Madhya PradeshProf M Nagaraja — KarnatakaProf Tariq Mansoor — Uttar PradeshDr Madhuchandra Kar — West BengalNational General Secretary (Organisation)B.L. Santhosh — DelhiNational Joint General Secretaries (Organisation)Shivprakash — MumbaiSaudan Singh — ChandigarhNational General SecretariesVinod Tawde — MaharashtraSunil Bansal — DelhiBiplab Kumar Deb — TripuraSmriti Irani — Uttar PradeshDr Satish Poonia — RajasthanGajendra Patel — Madhya PradeshHarish Dwivedi — Uttar PradeshSanjay Bhatia — HaryanaNational SecretariesKavita Patidar — Madhya PradeshK. Surendran — KeralaDr Bhola Singh — Uttar PradeshDr Pradip Varma — JharkhandJagdish Ishwarbhai Patel — GujaratDr Sandeep Pathak — DelhiPhangnon Konyak — NagalandSangeeta Yadav — Uttar PradeshAnil Antony — KeralaDr M. Venkateshan — Tamil NaduManoj Tigga — West BengalSiddharth Shambhu — BiharDr Swadesh Singh — DelhiMriganka Deo Barman — AssamRohan Gupta — GujaratJai Prakash — DelhiTreasurerPiyush Goyal — MaharashtraJoint TreasurerRajesh Mangal — RajasthanCentral OfficeTarun Chugh — Central Office In-charge, PunjabMahendra Pandey — Central Office Secretary, UttarakhandNorth-East CoordinationDr Sambit Patra — North-East Coordinator, OdishaRajiv Babbar — North-East Joint Coordinator, DelhiAll CellsVishnu Datt Sharma — All Cells Coordinator, Madhya PradeshRituraj Sinha — All Cells Joint Coordinator, BiharVishnu Vardhan Reddy — All Cells Joint Coordinator, Andhra PradeshMorcha PresidentsYuva Morcha — Dr Hemang Joshi, GujaratMahila Morcha — Roop Kumari Choudhary, ChhattisgarhOBC Morcha — Amarpal Maurya, Uttar PradeshKisan Morcha — Bansilal Gurjar, Madhya PradeshSC Morcha — Shivesh Kumar Ram, BiharST Morcha — Dr Mannalal Rawat, RajasthanMinority Morcha — Kunwar Basit Ali, Uttar PradeshMediaMedia Convenor — Anil Baluni, UttarakhandMedia Co-Convenors — Ashish Usha Agrawal, Pradeep Bhandari, Siddharth YadavSocial MediaSocial Media Convenor — Deepak Mhaskey, ChhattisgarhSocial Media Co-Convenors — Priti Gandhi, Shivanand Dwivedi, Alok Bhatt, Arun YadavGet the latest India News and Live updates. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesH1N1 or seasonal flu? 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NEW DELHI: A fresh status report submitted to the Supreme Court has highlighted criminal cases against elected representatives, with 326 sitting MPs and chief ministers of 14 states having declared cases against them.The report, filed by senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, the amicus curiae assisting the court in a PIL seeking speedy disposal of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, said 251 of the 543 Lok Sabha members and 75 of the 233 Rajya Sabha members have criminal cases pending against them.The figures are based on data from the Association for Democratic Reforms. Among Lok Sabha MPs facing cases, 170 have declared serious criminal cases carrying a possible sentence of five years or more. In the Rajya Sabha, 40 of the 75 MPs facing cases have serious charges.The report also puts the number of criminal cases pending against current and former MPs and MLAs at 4,192. Hansaria noted that despite the Supreme Court and high courts monitoring these matters for faster trials, the overall pendency has remained largely unchanged since 2018.Data compiled from various high courts showed that 1,243 cases were disposed of in 2025, while 1,050 new cases were registered during the same year.14 chief ministers have criminal casesThe affidavit said 14 of the country’s 28 chief ministers have declared criminal cases, including serious offences.Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has the highest number among the chief ministers listed, with 89 cases, followed by West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari with 29 and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar with 19.Kerala MPs top state-wise listThe state-wise analysis showed particularly high proportions of MPs with declared criminal cases in several states.Kerala topped the list, with 19 of its 20 MPs facing criminal charges, including 11 with serious cases. Telangana followed, with 14 of 17 MPs facing criminal charges.In Odisha, 16 of 21 MPs, or 76%, have criminal cases, while Jharkhand has 10 of its 14 MPs facing charges. Tamil Nadu recorded 26 of its 39 MPs with criminal cases.Around half of the MPs from several other major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, have criminal cases.The numbers were significantly lower in some states. Haryana and Chhattisgarh had one MP each facing criminal charges, while Punjab had two of 13. Assam had three of 14 MPs, Delhi three of seven, Rajasthan four of 25, Gujarat five of 25 and Madhya Pradesh nine of 29.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe analysis did not include Uttar Pradesh because the Allahabad High Court had not submitted its report.Amicus seeks dedicated courts, one-year deadlineHansaria has urged SC to strengthen the mechanism for monitoring criminal cases involving lawmakers and ensure that they are concluded within a fixed timeframe.He has proposed that courts designated as special courts for MPs and MLAs should exclusively hear trials involving lawmakers until those matters are completed, instead of being assigned other regular judicial work.Hansaria is assisting the court in a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay seeking expeditious disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers.SC had, in a November 9, 2023 judgment, issued directions aimed at accelerating the disposal of thousands of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs. It had asked high courts to constitute special benches to monitor the progress of such cases and directed special courts to avoid adjournments except for “rare and compelling reasons”.The court had also directed that criminal cases against members of Parliament, legislative assemblies and legislative councils be given priority.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesH1N1 or seasonal flu? 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