September 24, 2026

UP CM Yogi Adityanath (File photo) NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed that foreign invaders sought to destroy India’s intellectual and Sanatan heritage along with its wealth, citing Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath temple as an example.“When Mahmud Ghaznavi went to demolish the Somnath temple, the priests told him not to damage the temple or the idol and offered him as much gold and jewellery as he wanted,” PTI quoted Yogi Adityanath as saying. He was addressing a seminar on Indian knowledge tradition at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.“He (Ghaznavi) said, ‘I have not come merely to loot.’ Whatever I get, I will take away, but my objective is to destroy India’s Sanatan tradition,” he added.The chief minister described the destruction of temples and institutions of learning as part of a “broader attempt” to weaken India’s intellectual heritage, saying the objective was “not only to loot India’s wealth but also to completely capture and destroy India’s intellect.”India was once known as “Vishwaguru” because of its knowledge heritage, rather than its natural resources or material prosperity, Yogi Adityanath stated.“India has the best climate, the most fertile land and abundant water resources. But what was India’s identity in the ancient world? We were called Vishwaguru because of our knowledge tradition. We had a monopoly over this heritage of knowledge.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesComparing India’s ancient institutions with those of present-day developed countries, Yogi Adityanath further said their history of prosperity and material achievements was only “400-500 years old,” while India had institutions such as Takshashila around 2,600 years ago and Nalanda around 1,700-1,800 years ago.He cited Kashi, Ujjain and Kanchi as centres of learning and said the Kumbh tradition was not merely about taking a dip at the confluence but also gave saints and scholars an opportunity to meet, discuss research and exchange ideas.India’s knowledge tradition, he added, had survived centuries of foreign rule. “Who is there in India who has linked our festivals and religious traditions to the English calendar? Our auspicious programmes are not determined according to the English date. They are determined according to the Indian calendar and Indian dates.”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 MediaVideosSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election Commissioners123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
UP CM Yogi Adityanath (File photo) NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed that foreign invaders sought to destroy India’s intellectual and Sanatan heritage along with its wealth, citing Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath temple as an example.“When Mahmud Ghaznavi went to demolish the Somnath temple, the priests told him not to damage the temple or the idol and offered him as much gold and jewellery as he wanted,” PTI quoted Yogi Adityanath as saying. He was addressing a seminar on Indian knowledge tradition at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.“He (Ghaznavi) said, ‘I have not come merely to loot.’ Whatever I get, I will take away, but my objective is to destroy India’s Sanatan tradition,” he added.The chief minister described the destruction of temples and institutions of learning as part of a “broader attempt” to weaken India’s intellectual heritage, saying the objective was “not only to loot India’s wealth but also to completely capture and destroy India’s intellect.”India was once known as “Vishwaguru” because of its knowledge heritage, rather than its natural resources or material prosperity, Yogi Adityanath stated.“India has the best climate, the most fertile land and abundant water resources. But what was India’s identity in the ancient world? We were called Vishwaguru because of our knowledge tradition. We had a monopoly over this heritage of knowledge.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesComparing India’s ancient institutions with those of present-day developed countries, Yogi Adityanath further said their history of prosperity and material achievements was only “400-500 years old,” while India had institutions such as Takshashila around 2,600 years ago and Nalanda around 1,700-1,800 years ago.He cited Kashi, Ujjain and Kanchi as centres of learning and said the Kumbh tradition was not merely about taking a dip at the confluence but also gave saints and scholars an opportunity to meet, discuss research and exchange ideas.India’s knowledge tradition, he added, had survived centuries of foreign rule. “Who is there in India who has linked our festivals and religious traditions to the English calendar? Our auspicious programmes are not determined according to the English date. They are determined according to the Indian calendar and Indian dates.”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 MediaVideosSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election Commissioners123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court


Invaders like Ghaznavi sought to destroy India’s Sanatan tradition, not just loot its wealth: Yogi Adityanath
UP CM Yogi Adityanath (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed that foreign invaders sought to destroy India’s intellectual and Sanatan heritage along with its wealth, citing Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath temple as an example.“When Mahmud Ghaznavi went to demolish the Somnath temple, the priests told him not to damage the temple or the idol and offered him as much gold and jewellery as he wanted,” PTI quoted Yogi Adityanath as saying. He was addressing a seminar on Indian knowledge tradition at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.“He (Ghaznavi) said, ‘I have not come merely to loot.’ Whatever I get, I will take away, but my objective is to destroy India’s Sanatan tradition,” he added.The chief minister described the destruction of temples and institutions of learning as part of a “broader attempt” to weaken India’s intellectual heritage, saying the objective was “not only to loot India’s wealth but also to completely capture and destroy India’s intellect.”India was once known as “Vishwaguru” because of its knowledge heritage, rather than its natural resources or material prosperity, Yogi Adityanath stated.“India has the best climate, the most fertile land and abundant water resources. But what was India’s identity in the ancient world? We were called Vishwaguru because of our knowledge tradition. We had a monopoly over this heritage of knowledge.”

Share your thoughts in the comments

Related News

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday suggested that the Centre appoint a former high court chief justice to head a panel tasked with framing a uniform national policy on post-retirement benefits for retired high court judges.The suggestion came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, informed the CJI-led bench that the government had decided to constitute the panel in compliance with an earlier direction.The law officers said a former secretary-level officer had been appointed to head the committee.“I think a former chief justice of a high court should preside over the committee,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who headed the bench also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, observed.The solicitor general agreed to the suggestions and said that the government would come back to bench on September 28.The bench was hearing a contempt petition filed by Justice VS Dave, president of the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, raising the issue of security and other facilities for retired judges.During the hearing, CJI Kant questioned whether the financial assistance provided by some states was “sufficient” to engage security personnel and drivers for former judges.“In Rs 45,000-50,000, is it possible to get a driver and a security officer?” he asked.Noting the lack of uniformity among states, the CJI suggested that the Centre constitute a committee to prescribe common norms and consider matching grants. “If you don’t do it, I will have to constitute one,” he told Solicitor General Mehta.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMehta responded that the government had no difficulty constituting such a committee and would address the issue “in the spirit expressed” by the Supreme Court.In its order, the bench said the proceedings concern post-retirement benefits and facilities for retired chief justices and judges of high courts, including domestic help, drivers, telephone facilities, medical reimbursement and retention of government accommodation.“Basic facilities like domestic help, driver, telephone, medical reimbursement, stay in government houses, etc., vary from state to state,” the bench noted, adding that the lack of uniformity had prompted the Association of Retired Judges to approach the authorities and later the court.(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 MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI Dissent123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday suggested that the Centre appoint a former high court chief justice to head a panel tasked with framing a uniform national policy on post-retirement benefits for retired high court judges.The suggestion came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, informed the CJI-led bench that the government had decided to constitute the panel in compliance with an earlier direction.The law officers said a former secretary-level officer had been appointed to head the committee.“I think a former chief justice of a high court should preside over the committee,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who headed the bench also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, observed.The solicitor general agreed to the suggestions and said that the government would come back to bench on September 28.The bench was hearing a contempt petition filed by Justice VS Dave, president of the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, raising the issue of security and other facilities for retired judges.During the hearing, CJI Kant questioned whether the financial assistance provided by some states was “sufficient” to engage security personnel and drivers for former judges.“In Rs 45,000-50,000, is it possible to get a driver and a security officer?” he asked.Noting the lack of uniformity among states, the CJI suggested that the Centre constitute a committee to prescribe common norms and consider matching grants. “If you don’t do it, I will have to constitute one,” he told Solicitor General Mehta.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMehta responded that the government had no difficulty constituting such a committee and would address the issue “in the spirit expressed” by the Supreme Court.In its order, the bench said the proceedings concern post-retirement benefits and facilities for retired chief justices and judges of high courts, including domestic help, drivers, telephone facilities, medical reimbursement and retention of government accommodation.“Basic facilities like domestic help, driver, telephone, medical reimbursement, stay in government houses, etc., vary from state to state,” the bench noted, adding that the lack of uniformity had prompted the Association of Retired Judges to approach the authorities and later the court.(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 MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI Dissent123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna 0
Mahua Moitra also alleged that the Election Commission made changes to Form 6. NEW DELHI: TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday filed a police complaint against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at the Parliament Street Police Station, alleging that the Election Commission “manipulated the voter rolls.”Speaking to reporters, Mahua alleged that Kumar and the Election Commission’s IT system had bypassed local officials responsible for maintaining electoral rolls.Her allegations came a day after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the SIR.”I have come today to the Parliament Street Police Station to file a complaint against chor Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, who has indulged in criminal conduct. What is the criminal conduct? The Election Commission is made up of three Election Commissioners to maintain checks and balances. Majority decisions prevail. It has now been proven by the Indian Express investigative report yesterday that two of the three Election Commissioners, namely Mr Joshi and Mr Sandhu, dissented from Mr Gyanesh Kumar’s actions on 14 occasions in the last 10 months, and sometimes as many as four times in a single day,” Mahua said.”Very important things, such as the centralisation of the IT software, were left entirely in the hands of DG IT Seema Khanna, who was using this software to bypass local, on-ground officials. What is the rule? The rule is that in every Assembly constituency and at every booth, the local official, the ERO and the BLO, are in charge of the voter roll. What we find is that Seema Khanna and Gyanesh Kumar, by using the ECI software illegally and criminally, manipulated the voter rolls, bypassed these local officials and did not give them access to the system,” she added.Moitra also alleged that the Election Commission made changes to Form 6, which is used to register new voters, without following the required procedure.”Secondly, in terms of Form 6, Form 6 allows a person to register as a new voter. How does a new voter get enrolled by filling out Form 6? What Gyanesh Kumar did illegally was insert a new question into Form 6, which is: Are you or any of your parents or grandparents linked to the SIR, yes or no? Mr Sandhu and Mr Joshi dissented and said that only by amending the rules could you do this; you cannot simply add a question,” she said.”Nobody could answer. The CEO of West Bengal could not answer, and the Chief Election Commissioner could not answer, and lakhs and crores of new voters were left out. Today, all over India, 13 crore voters have been deleted. What will happen to their children? What will happen to their children when they turn 18? They cannot get on the rolls either. So this is criminal conduct, and they cannot hide behind Section 16 of the CEC and EC Act of 2023,” she added.Later, after filing the FIR, Mahua shared a post on X along with a copy of the complaint. “Gyanesh Chor Kumar is rogue agent who acted without consent of other 2 ECs. Disenfranchising genuine voters is not official duties. He cannot enjoy immunity. He needs to be prosecuted. Simple,” she wrote on X.According to the media report, the two Election Commissioners had objected to changes in Form 6, with Joshi and Sandhu recording that the statutory form could not be altered without amending the relevant rules. Sandhu later described the changes as “unauthorised and illegal” and called for their immediate removal.The ECI has maintained that written notes, observations and internal checks are part of normal institutional deliberations. It has also said that its official orders and decisions have full legal sanction and that final decisions, including those related to the SIR, were taken unanimously.The reported objections relate to voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and centralised control of the electoral-roll database. According to the report, the two commissioners also raised concerns about access to the electoral-roll database by statutory officials.The reported differences have triggered demands from Opposition parties for action against Kumar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP, RSS and the Election Commission had committed an act of “treason” through what he called “vote chori”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our Constitution,” Rahul said. “The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”Mamata Banerjee also alleged that the BJP and the EC had “looted” the West Bengal Assembly polls and demanded fresh elections in the state using the voter list that existed before the SIR.Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra defended the Election Commission, saying differences and exchanges between commissioners reflected “pure democracy” and were part of institutional deliberations.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLoP Role ‘Largely Ornamental’?: SC Judges Split Over EC Appointment Law, Matter Sent To CJIRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Mahua Moitra also alleged that the Election Commission made changes to Form 6. NEW DELHI: TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday filed a police complaint against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at the Parliament Street Police Station, alleging that the Election Commission “manipulated the voter rolls.”Speaking to reporters, Mahua alleged that Kumar and the Election Commission’s IT system had bypassed local officials responsible for maintaining electoral rolls.Her allegations came a day after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the SIR.”I have come today to the Parliament Street Police Station to file a complaint against chor Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, who has indulged in criminal conduct. What is the criminal conduct? The Election Commission is made up of three Election Commissioners to maintain checks and balances. Majority decisions prevail. It has now been proven by the Indian Express investigative report yesterday that two of the three Election Commissioners, namely Mr Joshi and Mr Sandhu, dissented from Mr Gyanesh Kumar’s actions on 14 occasions in the last 10 months, and sometimes as many as four times in a single day,” Mahua said.”Very important things, such as the centralisation of the IT software, were left entirely in the hands of DG IT Seema Khanna, who was using this software to bypass local, on-ground officials. What is the rule? The rule is that in every Assembly constituency and at every booth, the local official, the ERO and the BLO, are in charge of the voter roll. What we find is that Seema Khanna and Gyanesh Kumar, by using the ECI software illegally and criminally, manipulated the voter rolls, bypassed these local officials and did not give them access to the system,” she added.Moitra also alleged that the Election Commission made changes to Form 6, which is used to register new voters, without following the required procedure.”Secondly, in terms of Form 6, Form 6 allows a person to register as a new voter. How does a new voter get enrolled by filling out Form 6? What Gyanesh Kumar did illegally was insert a new question into Form 6, which is: Are you or any of your parents or grandparents linked to the SIR, yes or no? Mr Sandhu and Mr Joshi dissented and said that only by amending the rules could you do this; you cannot simply add a question,” she said.”Nobody could answer. The CEO of West Bengal could not answer, and the Chief Election Commissioner could not answer, and lakhs and crores of new voters were left out. Today, all over India, 13 crore voters have been deleted. What will happen to their children? What will happen to their children when they turn 18? They cannot get on the rolls either. So this is criminal conduct, and they cannot hide behind Section 16 of the CEC and EC Act of 2023,” she added.Later, after filing the FIR, Mahua shared a post on X along with a copy of the complaint. “Gyanesh Chor Kumar is rogue agent who acted without consent of other 2 ECs. Disenfranchising genuine voters is not official duties. He cannot enjoy immunity. He needs to be prosecuted. Simple,” she wrote on X.According to the media report, the two Election Commissioners had objected to changes in Form 6, with Joshi and Sandhu recording that the statutory form could not be altered without amending the relevant rules. Sandhu later described the changes as “unauthorised and illegal” and called for their immediate removal.The ECI has maintained that written notes, observations and internal checks are part of normal institutional deliberations. It has also said that its official orders and decisions have full legal sanction and that final decisions, including those related to the SIR, were taken unanimously.The reported objections relate to voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and centralised control of the electoral-roll database. According to the report, the two commissioners also raised concerns about access to the electoral-roll database by statutory officials.The reported differences have triggered demands from Opposition parties for action against Kumar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP, RSS and the Election Commission had committed an act of “treason” through what he called “vote chori”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our Constitution,” Rahul said. “The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”Mamata Banerjee also alleged that the BJP and the EC had “looted” the West Bengal Assembly polls and demanded fresh elections in the state using the voter list that existed before the SIR.Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra defended the Election Commission, saying differences and exchanges between commissioners reflected “pure democracy” and were part of institutional deliberations.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLoP Role ‘Largely Ornamental’?: SC Judges Split Over EC Appointment Law, Matter Sent To CJIRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna 0
FSSAI regulation on analogue paneer, cheese NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restricting the use of the term “paneer” for analogue paneer and cheese products, seeking to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of the food they buy.The proposed amendment would affect food business operators, including hotels, restaurants and catering services, that use substitutes for traditional dairy-based paneer or cheese products.Under the proposal, products made using paneer or cheese analogues would have to be clearly identified to consumers. The FSSAI said businesses using such products must disclose the information prominently at consumer touchpoints, including menu cards and packaging labels, in line with the Food Safety and Standards (labelling and display) Regulations.The FSSAI notification said: “The amendment is proposed in the following regulation to restrict manufacturing and sale of analogue product as paneer so as to prevent misleading of consumer’s regarding the nature and composition of the product. Products already licensed or registered under ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category shall discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The proposal also states that products already licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would have to discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.The FSSAI said the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring consumers are not misled about products that are not traditional dairy-based paneer or cheese.The proposal comes amid increased food safety inspections and regulatory scrutiny over the labelling and composition of food products.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI Dissent123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

FSSAI regulation on analogue paneer, cheese NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restricting the use of the term “paneer” for analogue paneer and cheese products, seeking to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of the food they buy.The proposed amendment would affect food business operators, including hotels, restaurants and catering services, that use substitutes for traditional dairy-based paneer or cheese products.Under the proposal, products made using paneer or cheese analogues would have to be clearly identified to consumers. The FSSAI said businesses using such products must disclose the information prominently at consumer touchpoints, including menu cards and packaging labels, in line with the Food Safety and Standards (labelling and display) Regulations.The FSSAI notification said: “The amendment is proposed in the following regulation to restrict manufacturing and sale of analogue product as paneer so as to prevent misleading of consumer’s regarding the nature and composition of the product. Products already licensed or registered under ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category shall discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The proposal also states that products already licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would have to discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.The FSSAI said the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring consumers are not misled about products that are not traditional dairy-based paneer or cheese.The proposal comes amid increased food safety inspections and regulatory scrutiny over the labelling and composition of food products.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Case: SIT Files 74,000-Page Chargesheet Against 8 AccusedSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI Dissent123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna 0
Sonam Wangchuk Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday demanded that the findings of the judicial inquiry into last year’s deadly violence in Leh be made public, saying, “Justice must be served to Ladakh.”Wangchuk was speaking at a rally in Leh held to mark the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 agitation. A complete shutdown was observed across Leh on Thursday as part of “Shaheed Diwas” to remember the four people who were killed during the violence.“ The truth is being suppressed and hasn’t been revealed even after a year. The impression people here have is that there were attempts to incite Buddhist-Muslim communal riots long before this, and they have been happening. In that same sequence, three Muslims were appointed as magistrates to ensure a firing order was written, so that it could be blamed on Buddhists—that ‘they’ let people die. But look at their character; they refused. There was no need for such firing—to shoot people in the chest and do such things. All this will become clear when the inquiry commission’s report comes out. They must release it.”Wangchuk said that if the report was not released, people would seek an alternative mechanism to examine the events.“If you do not release the inquiry commission report, we will demand the creation of a ‘People’s Tribunal.’ We will appeal to those in our country’s justice system whose conscience is still alive—to those judges, retired judges, and all institutions—to form a People’s Tribunal, ask the people, and give your own judgment if this continues to be suppressed… We still hope that the government will provide justice to these martyrs and to Ladakh, which has saved the nation’s borders with such patriotism. Justice must be served to the martyrs. Justice must be served to Ladakh,” he added.Leh observes Shaheed DiwasMarkets, commercial establishments and business hubs remained closed across Leh, while public transport was largely off the roads as residents observed the shutdown.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe September 24, 2025 protests were held over demands including statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.The protests later turned violent, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others. The administration subsequently constituted a judicial inquiry commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B S Chauhan to examine the circumstances leading to the violence, police action and the deaths.Earlier on Wednesday, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with last year’s violence. The announcement came a day before the anniversary.Meanwhile, the Centre and Ladakh representatives have continued discussions over constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election Commissioners123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Sonam Wangchuk Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday demanded that the findings of the judicial inquiry into last year’s deadly violence in Leh be made public, saying, “Justice must be served to Ladakh.”Wangchuk was speaking at a rally in Leh held to mark the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 agitation. A complete shutdown was observed across Leh on Thursday as part of “Shaheed Diwas” to remember the four people who were killed during the violence.“ The truth is being suppressed and hasn’t been revealed even after a year. The impression people here have is that there were attempts to incite Buddhist-Muslim communal riots long before this, and they have been happening. In that same sequence, three Muslims were appointed as magistrates to ensure a firing order was written, so that it could be blamed on Buddhists—that ‘they’ let people die. But look at their character; they refused. There was no need for such firing—to shoot people in the chest and do such things. All this will become clear when the inquiry commission’s report comes out. They must release it.”Wangchuk said that if the report was not released, people would seek an alternative mechanism to examine the events.“If you do not release the inquiry commission report, we will demand the creation of a ‘People’s Tribunal.’ We will appeal to those in our country’s justice system whose conscience is still alive—to those judges, retired judges, and all institutions—to form a People’s Tribunal, ask the people, and give your own judgment if this continues to be suppressed… We still hope that the government will provide justice to these martyrs and to Ladakh, which has saved the nation’s borders with such patriotism. Justice must be served to the martyrs. Justice must be served to Ladakh,” he added.Leh observes Shaheed DiwasMarkets, commercial establishments and business hubs remained closed across Leh, while public transport was largely off the roads as residents observed the shutdown.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe September 24, 2025 protests were held over demands including statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.The protests later turned violent, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others. The administration subsequently constituted a judicial inquiry commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B S Chauhan to examine the circumstances leading to the violence, police action and the deaths.Earlier on Wednesday, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with last year’s violence. The announcement came a day before the anniversary.Meanwhile, the Centre and Ladakh representatives have continued discussions over constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSahil Wakode Death Case: CCTV Footage Surfaces; IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election Commissioners123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026Bank strikeNEET PG ResultGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationTelangana school holidayMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna 0