VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html A man spent 52 winters recording snowfall by hand in Colorado. His notebooks now help scientists track climate change Senior Russian general survives assassination attempt in Moscow restaurant blast: Report Cats went mad, birds fell from the sky, and a disease caused by poisoned seafood devastated an entire Japanese coastal community | World News Prashant Kishor celebrates as he leads in the Bankipur assembly bypoll NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor took a swipe at the BJP on Monday as he surged towards a landmark victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, saying he had brought down the party’s “30-year stronghold in just 30 days.””This is not an election to make an MLA, this is to give the message to the top leadership of the BJP that a good person should be made CM in Bihar, so that there is education, employment in Bihar, the people gave this message. I want to thank the people who voted, those who did not, I will try to win them… But important is that Bihar should get good leadership… The migration should stop from here,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThanking voters, Kishor said his immediate priority would be to honour the trust reposed in him by improving conditions in Bankipur. “You will begin to see changes in the next two to three months. I don’t want to make grand promises… But the people of Bankipur have sent a clear message to the BJP leadership: appoint a good person as the chief minister of Bihar,” he said.The result marks a major political upset in Bankipur, a BJP bastion since 1995 that was represented first by Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha and later by his son, Nitin Nabin, for five consecutive terms. The bypoll was necessitated after Nabin vacated the seat following his election to the Rajya Sabha.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Will Lay Down Protocol’: Pellet Guns Under Supreme Court Lens After Jantar Mantar ProtestsCandidates Protest, Walk Out Of Exam Centre Over OMR Mismatch Confusion; Exam Board ClarifiesOnly One Woman Finds Place In DK Shivakumar’s Karnataka Cabinet Even After Major ExpansionDelhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan In Wrestlers’ Sexual Harassment Case After Two-Year TrialWhy Two Crucial ISRO Satellites Are Still Waiting For Government Clearance To Launch?JPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained123Photostories8 foods served on Japan’s famous bullet trainsWomen who stay calm even when life falls apart often use these 7 simple phrases, according to psychologyWhy is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never noticeOptical illusion brain teaser: Only the top 1% of people can spot the second ‘Hidden tiger’5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorKarnataka cabinet expansionAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Salman Khan recalls his days in jail while visiting Sohail Khan on Alliance: ’50 to 70 people used to share one bathroom, it was Indian-style commode, there would be lizards’ 8 Montessori principles every parent should follow to raise confident and independent children Palmistry Today, 03 August, 2026: A Long-Curved Heart Line Show You Are More Emotional Than You Look In 1987, Victoria began an A$26 million experiment inside a mountain ash forest; three decades later, the results surprised researchers Bank holidays in August 2026: Where and when banks will remain closed this month Meet Will Grand, the LSU graduate who turned discarded fraternity food into more than 10,000 meals for people in need Tamil Nadu moves SC over water allocation NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday approached the Supreme Court over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, alleging that the quantum of water allocated by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the amount released by neighbouring Karnataka fell short of its entitlement.The petition was filed on the directions of chief minister C Joseph Vijay after consultations with senior advocates, according to an official release. Watch ‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water”On the direction of the chief minister, to find a solution to this issue and get Tamil Nadu’s due share of water on time, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court,” the release said.The petition said that, as of August 3, the combined storage in Karnataka’s four major Cauvery reservoirs—Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS), Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathi—stood at 77.537 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), and argued that the state was in a position to release Tamil Nadu’s proportionate share without difficulty.It further stated that following recent rainfall in the catchment areas of the KRS and Kabini reservoirs, the proportionate flow due to Tamil Nadu at the Biligundlu gauging station should have been 26.954 TMC.”Accordingly, the Cauvery Water Management Authority order allocating 4.536 TMC is very less,” the release added.The petition alleged that Karnataka had “failed” to release Tamil Nadu’s due share of Cauvery water, which it said stood at 26.954 TMC. It added that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay directed the state to move the Supreme Court, on the advice of senior advocates, to secure a “due order”.The move comes amid renewed tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery waters during the ongoing monsoon season. Last week, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s recommendation directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe CWMA was constituted by the Centre in 2018 following the Supreme Court’s final verdict on the decades-old Cauvery river water dispute involving Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. The authority comprises representatives of the four riparian states along with a nominee of the central government and is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the court-mandated water-sharing arrangement.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCandidates Protest, Walk Out Of Exam Centre Over OMR Mismatch Confusion; Exam Board ClarifiesOnly One Woman Finds Place In DK Shivakumar’s Karnataka Cabinet Even After Major ExpansionDelhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan In Wrestlers’ Sexual Harassment Case After Two-Year TrialWhy Two Crucial ISRO Satellites Are Still Waiting For Government Clearance To Launch?JPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water123Photostories8 foods served on Japan’s famous bullet trainsWomen who stay calm even when life falls apart often use these 7 simple phrases, according to psychologyWhy is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never noticeOptical illusion brain teaser: Only the top 1% of people can spot the second ‘Hidden tiger’5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorKarnataka cabinet expansionAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Bharati Vidyapeeth organises Marathi Celebrity Cricket League Travis Kelce to be country music star? Here’s what the NFL star aims for after his surprise performance at his and Taylor Swift’s wedding National Watermelon Day: Every bite of this summer fruit comes with seeds and it’s surprising health benefits | ‘Abusing is not cool’: Manu Bhaker’s social media post goes viral California built a town for 4,000 iron miners in 1948. Today it is one of America’s largest ghost towns, with homes and a hospital still standing | World News ED has frozen three bank accounts of TMC worth Rs 440 crore NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) whether a portion of the funds from the frozen bank accounts of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) could be released to meet the party’s day-to-day expenses through a Calcutta high court-appointed special officer.Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, appearing for the central probe agency, told a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale that he would seek instructions on the matter.The bench subsequently posted the matter for hearing on August 11.During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Banerjee-led faction, which is the petitioner in the case, argued that the party was unable to even pay salaries to its employees due to the freezing of its accounts.The top court is hearing a plea filed by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction challenging the July 20 order of the Calcutta high court.The high court had refused to grant interim relief to the group to operate three TMC bank accounts that had been frozen by the ED.Referring to the high court’s order, Sibal said, “What does the impugned order say? It says there are 36 separate accounts which are not seized. That is factually incorrect.”Raju opposed the submissions and informed the bench that an investigation was underway. The ASG also alleged that money laundering had taken place through those accounts.The anti-money laundering law “is not only for actual money laundering but also for prevention of money laundering. We are preventing it,” the ASG added.When Raju claimed there was a “continuous offence”, Sibal countered the submission and questioned how such an argument could be made when the bank accounts had already been frozen.The bench was informed that the high court had appointed a former Calcutta high court judge as a special officer to oversee the operation of the three bank accounts for meeting the day-to-day expenses of running the political party.It was during this discussion that the Supreme Court suggested whether some amount could be released in favour of the special officer to meet the party’s daily expenses.The ED froze the three bank accounts, with a combined balance of Rs 440.42 crore, as part of its money laundering probe stemming from an FIR registered by the West Bengal Police over alleged dishonest financial transactions, unlawful collection of funds and routing of suspected money through certain party accounts.In its order, the high court had noted that apart from the three accounts placed under a “debit-freeze” by the ED, there were 36 other accounts in the party’s name, with around Rs 164 crore lying in them.Subsequently, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the TMC approached the high court challenging the initiation of ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) proceedings by the ED, which is equivalent to an FIR.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAccording to officials, the ED’s preliminary investigation found that around Rs 160 crore was transferred from TMC’s bank accounts to Carewell Aviation India Pvt Ltd and its related entity between April 2023 and June 2026.The company allegedly further routed Rs 82.96 crore to another newly incorporated entity during the same period.Officials claimed that a “significant” amount was transferred to this entity, of which Rs 112 crore was allegedly used for purchasing an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet and an AgustaWestland 109SP helicopter.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOnly One Woman Finds Place In DK Shivakumar’s Karnataka Cabinet Even After Major ExpansionDelhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan In Wrestlers’ Sexual Harassment Case After Two-Year TrialWhy Two Crucial ISRO Satellites Are Still Waiting For Government Clearance To Launch?JPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim123Photostories8 foods served on Japan’s famous bullet trainsWomen who stay calm even when life falls apart often use these 7 simple phrases, according to psychologyWhy is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never noticeOptical illusion brain teaser: Only the top 1% of people can spot the second ‘Hidden tiger’5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorKarnataka cabinet expansionAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh More than 1.18 lakh Central employees choose Unified Pension Scheme: FM Sitharaman tells Parliament Anupam Kher hops on viral ‘Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi’ trend from CJP protest with ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’ co-stars Boman Irani, Ranvir Shorey and Pravin Dabas ahead of August release – WATCH 8 foods served on Japan’s famous bullet trains Russia floats out Ulyanovsk nuclear submarine: What makes the Project 885M Yasen-M special Western Australia’s humpback sightings fell 60%; days later, weakened Southern Ocean seabirds appeared thousands of kilometres away on the country’s east coast Abhijeet Dipke says he’s ready to reveal degree after RTI over foreign fundings (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday challenged BJP leaders to make their educational qualifications public after an RTI query was filed seeking details of the funding for his studies abroad.In a video message shared on social media, Dipke said he was ready to disclose all documents related to his education.”I just saw that a BJP worker has filed an RTI against me. I want to ask them: will your leaders show their degrees? I am ready to show my scholarship documents and my educational records,” he said.In a post on X, Dipke also wrote, “I am ready to reveal my scholarship letter & education loan letter. Will the emperor show his degree?”His remarks came after a Surat-based RTI activist sought an inquiry into the finances of Dipke’s father, a retired Maharashtra government employee, questioning how he funded his son’s education in the United States.Speaking to PTI, Dipke said there was nothing to hide and maintained that his education was funded through a scholarship and an education loan.”Those who wish to investigate my education funding are free to do so,” he said.Dipke said he received a scholarship from Boston University and financed the remaining expenses through an education loan, which he is still repaying.”I received a scholarship from Boston University, and for the remaining amount, I took an education loan. It is still pending and has to be repaid. The fight is not personal,” he said.The 30-year-old, who holds a Master of Science degree in Public Relations from Boston University, returned to India in June and led the Cockroach Janta Party’s agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The protests eventually led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister.Dipke also dismissed attempts to link the CJP protests with political movements in neighbouring countries.”Protests in Bangladesh, Nepal are being used to defame us; we are different,” he said.He expressed hope that the Maharashtra government would withdraw police cases against students who participated in the protests.”Maharashtra has always led the nation through its progressive legacy. I hope the state government will not harass any student. They have done nothing wrong — they were only fighting for their future,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe controversy began after Surat-based RTI activist Amit Tiwari filed complaints with the Election Commission of India, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and the Maharashtra government.Tiwari sought an inquiry into the financial assets of Dipke’s father and also questioned the legal status of the Cockroach Janta Party and a Rs 1 crore legal defence fund announced by senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal for CJP protesters facing police cases. He also urged authorities to examine whether the organisation should be registered as a political party under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.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 MediaVideosWhy Two Crucial ISRO Satellites Are Still Waiting For Government Clearance To Launch?JPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship Programme123PhotostoriesWhy is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never noticeOptical illusion brain teaser: Only the top 1% of people can spot the second ‘Hidden tiger’5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life8 delicious no onion, no garlic lunch ideas for flavourful everyday mealsStop throwing away banana peels and mix them with baking soda: The chemistry behind the combination and 3 smart uses123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorKarnataka cabinet expansionAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Aug 03, 2026, 15:58 IST Four Mumbai cricketers appear for Delhi Capitals selection trials Flavoured rum, whisky? FSSAI tightens rules for alcohol labels ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office day 12 (Live): Thalapathy Vijay’s film slows after Rs 200 crore mark Who is Emma Grede, the millionaire who said work from home culture is a career killer for women | Rahu Nakshatra Transit 2026: Hidden Luck Will Activate for These Birth Dates How China’s new two-stage plan aims to destroy Earth-bound asteroids before impact Kalgoorlie used a $10,000 grant to plant saplings and stabilise mine waste in the 1970s; 3,500 hectares of forest still shield the city today US military asks troops for ‘creative’ ways to bring Iran to the negotiating table as airstrikes fail Kangana shares new clip amid ‘generation gutter’ backlash NEW DELHI: BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on Monday shared a video on social media in which she spoke about her ideological journey, saying she has changed from being a ‘moderate Hindu’ to an ‘awakened Hindu’.In the video, the Mandi MP also claimed that people become ‘Leftist’ after coming into contact with ‘Islamists’.The clip comes days after Ranaut sparked controversy by describing Gen Z protesters involved in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak as ‘generation gutter’.In the video message, Ranaut said she wanted to share her thoughts before leaving for Parliament.”Even though I am getting late for the Parliament, I thought I would share my feelings with you,” she said.Referring to women in the film industry, Ranaut said many Hindu women she had met did not have a clear political or religious ideology.”We have seen and known many Hindu daughters and sisters in the film industry… They may be Hindu, but they have no ideology about politics or religion. This is usually the case in youth. They are very neutral,” she said.She then claimed that people’s thinking changes after coming into contact with “Islamists”.”But as soon as they are in contact with Islamists, their thinking becomes so defined that they become Leftist. I think there is no harm in that because the Constitution gives you freedom. You can adopt any religion or ideology you want,” Ranaut said.Speaking about herself, the BJP MP said she no longer considered herself a ‘moderate Hindu’.”But when it comes to Hindu daughters, I will not defend myself… Yes, I was a moderate Hindu,” she said.”Today, I am being harassed. Since when did you become a Sanghi? I want to become a Sanghi. I want to become an awakened Hindu like BJP and RSS. I want to convert. Why can’t I convert?” she added.Ranaut also argued that Hindu women should have the freedom to adopt a defined ideological identity.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”I used to do everything. But today, I also want to convert. I want to become a defined and awakened Hindu. Why is that path closed for me? This double-minded thinking will not work,” she said.The remarks come amid an ongoing war of words between Ranaut and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders after she criticised young protesters and referred to them as “generation gutter” following the CJP-led protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. CJP leaders had responded by saying her remarks were not taken seriously, even within her own party.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOnly One Woman Finds Place In DK Shivakumar’s Karnataka Cabinet Even After Major ExpansionDelhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan In Wrestlers’ Sexual Harassment Case After Two-Year TrialWhy Two Crucial ISRO Satellites Are Still Waiting For Government Clearance To Launch?JPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim123PhotostoriesWomen who stay calm even when life falls apart often use these 7 simple phrases, according to psychologyWhy is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never noticeOptical illusion brain teaser: Only the top 1% of people can spot the second ‘Hidden tiger’5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life8 delicious no onion, no garlic lunch ideas for flavourful everyday meals123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorKarnataka cabinet expansionAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh What time will stock market close from today? New timings and rationale explained Muzaffarnagar schools, colleges to remain closed from August 3 to 10 for Kanwar Yatra R Madhavan revealed his most expensive purchase was a yacht in Dubai, and isn’t ashamed of it: ‘I bought it because I was getting my captain’s license’ Why is there always a chair in hotel rooms? The hidden reason most guests never notice Costa Rica scientists placed an AI touchscreen in a wild forest; 16 capuchin monkeys used it for banana rewards and some learned to kiss the screen Photography studio told to pay Rs 8,000 for giving AI-generated birthday photos instead of promised images South American frogs are losing their poisonous skin which keeps them safe from predators: Scientists reveal how they could get it back RSS’s Atul Limaye calls CJP protest an ‘alternative politics’ experiment, Dipke says RSS can’t call others anti-national NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Atul Limaye has alleged that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest over the NEET-UG paper leak evolved into an “experiment for alternative politics”, claiming that several political, student, labour and civil society organisations joined the agitation to propagate the idea of “subversion of democracy through democratic means.”Addressing an ABVP event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on July 30, Limaye said the protest should be “decoded” to understand its chronology, methodology, support system and ideological underpinnings. He also alleged that anti-Hindu and “anti-national” slogans were raised during the agitation and questioned how it transformed from a student-led protest into a broader political movement.During his address, Limaye said, “In Today’s times, CJP agitation should be studied as a case study. This has now come to the knowledge of everyone, but this was A phenomenon going on for years now. And if we have to study this whole agitation, we will have to see its full chronology, methodology and what their support system is, and the innovative system which they used and the ideology behind it. Of we see chronology, Abhijit Dipke was from our Marathwada itself. When he launched CJP, he got tremendous following (on social Media), and when he came back to India, he came back on 6th June and did his agitation on 7th.”Describing the course of the agitation, he added, “But he didn’t receive the response which was expected. So, he roamed around the country from 7th to 19th. He started agitation in various cities of the country, or tried to start agitation, but even there did not get that kind of response. So, he started agitation, sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar from the 20th onwards, and gradually the face of the agitation got changed.”According to Limaye, the movement later drew the participation of student organisations, labour unions, human rights groups, women’s organisations, farmers’ bodies and other civil society groups.He said, “What kind of things happened after that which changed the face of this agitation? What kind of support system did attach to this agitation? We need to see which organisations and institutions got attached to this agitation, and this will give us an idea of what kind of support system. This agitation obviously involved the youth, the students of the country. And that is why several student organisations got attached to it. Among the prominent organisations which were leading the stage in this protest was All India Student Association (AISA). And the second such Association was SFI.”He further said, “Some human rights organisations, many tribal organisations, women organisations like Pinjra Tod joined them. Many Muslim organisations, Christian organisations, some institutions working in the legal sector, environment sector, journalistic associations also joined them. Some farmers’ associations joined them, as Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union joined them.”Invoking Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, Limaye argued that the protest was aimed at challenging democratic institutions and cultural values while operating within democratic processes.He said, “Why did the opposition to Hindus arise from the stage? Why were leaders from several political parties seen on the stage, and how did it convert from a student protest to a political protest? It was not limited to Delhi, but expanded in all the states. For this, we have to decode Yogendra Yadav’s remark, ‘Democracy’s future now will not be decided in Parliament but on streets, elections will not decide, resistance will.’ The cause of the protest was genuine, but who captured the movement? If we understand this, then we will understand this protest. There is a lot to learn. This protest was an experiment for an alternative politics.”He added, “This theory states subversion of democracy through democratic means. This is well documented, and Italian scholar Gramsci gave the theory of cultural hegemony. He said that cultural hegemony needs to be destroyed for revolution. The deconstruction theory challenged Lord Ram and other figures. Alternative politics states that till there is a system, like our Parliamentary system, there cannot be revolution. All the systems, including the judiciary and police, need to be challenged.”Claiming that such politics could be pursued either electorally or through weakening public faith in institutions, Limaye said, “There are two ways: one is election and the second is subversion of democracy through democratic means. There is infiltration in the judiciary, education system, and bureaucracy. Second is challenging the institutions and eroding faith in them. The results are so dangerous. Many police officers said the way the women were behaving, it was difficult to tolerate.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines The way they were dressed and the language they used, we were ashamed. This was an attempt to degrade the culture.”CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke rejected the allegations and said the RSS had no moral authority to describe others as anti-national. Responding to Limaye’s remarks on Monday, Dipke referred to the period when the RSS was banned following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.Abhijeet Dipke said, “People who murdered Mahatma Gandhi are calling us anti-national. The murderers of Mahatma Gandhi have no moral right to call anyone else anti-national. Nathuram Godse was the first anti-national.”The CJP had led a 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak. The agitation was withdrawn on July 25 after Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the organisation said it had received assurances on its other key demands.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJPSC Protest Escalates: Devendra Mahato Begins Hunger Strike, Demands Exam Cancellation & CBI ProbeThree Bypolls: From Prashant Kishor’s Make-or-Break to BJP’S Bastion, What’s At Stake?Delhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion123Photostories5 Joseon-era beauty ingredients that kept Korean skin and hair glowing long before modern skincareSamay Raina couldn’t stop eyeing Karan Aujla’s Rs 4 crore watch on ‘India’s Got Latent’, and neither can weAditi Rao Hydari swears by this high-protein Hyderabadi egg breakfast; detailed recipe insideInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life8 delicious no onion, no garlic lunch ideas for flavourful everyday mealsStop throwing away banana peels and mix them with baking soda: The chemistry behind the combination and 3 smart usesAluminium foil isn’t just for cooking: 7 practical ways it quietly solves common household problems5 quiet luxury brands fashion insiders are secretly buying right now123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Aug 03, 2026, 15:26 IST Quote of the day by William Shatner: ‘Any success I have had…began by my showing up on time, being prepared, and doing the best possible job,’ a life lesson from the ‘Star Trek’ actor explaining how discipline and dedication are the ultimate success mantra Monsoon safety guide to prevent snakes from entering homes: 5 things every homeowner should do | ‘Neither officer using excessive force, nor criminal protester should be protected’: SC ‘The industry runs on flop movies, not the hit ones’: Ram Gopal Varma recalls actress earning Rs 1 crore without shooting, blames directors, not producers for Telugu cinema’s financial crisis Mark Zuckerberg’s ‘only eat animals I kill’ experiment: The unusual food challenge he once tried Congress workers detained while protesting E20 fuel outside Gadkari’s residence: Watch Near 5-year low! India’s manufacturing growth slows, but HSBC PMI stays in expansion territory ‘Call Her Daddy’ host Alex Cooper slams troll who asks her to stop ‘complaining’ about pregnancy: ‘DMs I get like this…are from men’