Mamata is no longer didi, she has become appi: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav in Bankura

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 2, 2026 | top-stories

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav captivated the crowds in West Bengal’s Bankura district on April 2. He urged both BJP workers and the general public to cast their votes in favor of the BJP. He noted that today marks the occasion for all their candidates in Bankura to file their nominations. He described this land as the sacred soil of Subhash Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, and the renowned sculptor Ramkinkar. He declared that today marks the ceremonial commencement of the election campaign. He asserted that everyone is distressed under Mamata Didi’s regime. He remarked, “Mamata is no longer ‘Didi’ (elder sister); she has become ‘Appi’ (a term implying a shift in allegiance/identity).” He added that this sentiment is now echoing across the entire nation.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that Mamata Didi is bent upon ceding the rights of the “Bengali manush” (people) to Bangladesh. Therefore, he argued, this is not merely an election, but a Dharma Yudh (righteous war). In this atmosphere, the mantra of “Shri Ram” is empowering them all. Today, in Bengal, the youth, women, the poor, and the farmers, everyone, have risen up to demand change. Everyone is fighting to uphold their honor, dignity, and pride. He asserted that today, no power on earth can prevent the BJP from attaining power in Bengal. He pointed out that under the 15-year rule of Mamata Didi in the Bankura district, people are being forced to migrate; some are heading to Odisha, others to Maharashtra, and some to Jharkhand. Currently, the youth of Bengal are being impoverished, while Bangladeshis are growing wealthy. He concluded by stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world is witnessing the rise of India’s stature and prestige. Meanwhile, infiltrators are arriving from Bangladesh and encroaching upon their rights. There is no place in Bengal for the people of Bangladesh.

BJP poised to win

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Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the glow on your faces indicates that the results are imminent, and the BJP is poised to win. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are moving forward guided by the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas’ (Support of All, Development for All, Trust of All, and Efforts of All). Today, a sister belonging to a Scheduled Tribe occupies the office of the President of our country. This stands as a testament to the BJP’s policies and its method of functioning. The Leftists, the Congress, and Mamata’s party never accorded due importance to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only the BJP possesses the resolve to improve the lives of the poorest of the poor and to ensure they receive a permanent, concrete home. Today, the poor are receiving concrete houses and food rations. Furthermore, through the ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, members of the SC and ST communities have received loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. As a result, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty.

Our country stands in a strong position

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav remarked that while the world is currently in turmoil, with the prices of petrol and diesel skyrocketing, our country is flourishing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Gone are the days when terrorists could carry out bombings in our metropolitan cities and escape unhindered; today, India penetrates deep into Pakistan’s territory to eliminate terrorists. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a man with a “56-inch chest,” the morale of our armed forces has soared. Recently, Mamata Didi added Muslim castes to the list of 77 communities eligible for OBC status, yet she excluded Hindus. I wish to ask: why engage in such reckless behavior merely for the sake of votes? Consequently, the people of Bengal have vowed to bring the BJP to power. The time has now come to bid farewell to Mamata Didi.

The time has come to settle scores

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asserted that the prevailing atmosphere clearly indicates that the BJP and only the BJP will emerge victorious. During Mamata Didi’s tenure, a massive teachers’ recruitment scam came to light, resulting in the cancellation of 26,000 appointments. Her administration was also marred by scandals involving the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme) and the MNREGA scheme. Mamata has done nothing but insult the Hindu community. By filing over 24,788 lawsuits, they have subjected our sisters to humiliation. The time has come to put an end to all these hardships. Now is the time to propel Bengal forward. Even before independence, Bengal was home to an abundance of talent. He remarked that it is a tragedy that, first the Communists and subsequently Mamata’s party have utterly ruined the state. Today marks the moment to settle the score. We are all prepared to stake our very lives to ensure a victory for the BJP. We must go door-to-door to every single household and work tirelessly, around the clock; we are determined to make the ‘Lotus’ bloom in Bengal and secure a victory for the BJP. We must not rest until every single vote has been cast in favor of the BJP.

Everyone troubled under Mamata’s rule

On the other hand, while speaking to the media, Chief Minister Yadav stated, “Today, I have traveled from Madhya Pradesh to the soil of Bengal, specifically to the Bankura district, to witness the filing of nomination papers by our five candidates. I am delighted by the atmosphere I observe among our party workers here; indeed, every single worker across this entire region is brimming with zeal and enthusiasm. The people of Bengal are deeply distressed by Mamata Didi’s government, particularly due to the manner in which Bangladeshi infiltrators have been encouraged and Hindus have been subjected to humiliation. Today marks the greatest opportunity within a democracy, the election, to settle all these scores. In this context, as the nation marches forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and as Home Minister Amit Shah spearheads action against all criminal elements, including infiltrators, the public sentiment is undoubtedly aligned with the BJP. Consequently, a BJP government will certainly be formed in Bengal. Today, our party or our allies govern in over 21 states; at such a juncture, this sacred temple of democracy, Bengal, calls for the blossoming of the Lotus. Let us all unite in wishing for a BJP victory; on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations to all five candidates who are filing their nomination papers today.”

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Jogindra Group’s Rs 1,100 crore investment to accelerate Punjab’s industrial growth and green energy push: Sanjeev Arora

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 2, 2026 | top-stories

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power, and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, shared that Jogindra Group has announced a strategic expansion plan worth Rs 1,100 crore, giving a major boost to Punjab’s industrial growth and green energy transition. He stated that this investment reflects the growing confidence of the industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment.

Sanjeev Arora said that this investment reflects the growing confidence of the industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment. He detailed that the expansion includes Rs 700 crore investment in the steel sector, primarily through Jogindra Castings and Vardhman Adarsh, along with Rs 400 crore investment in renewable energy through Jogindra Green India.

Highlighting the scale of impact, Sanjeev Arora noted, “The Jogindra Group’s turnover is projected to increase from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore, while employee strength will rise from 1,800 to 3,000, creating significant employment opportunities. He added that renewable energy capacity will expand from 37 MW to 120 MW.”

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Providing background, he stated that established in 1992, Jogindra Group is a leading industrial conglomerate in North India with a strong presence in steel manufacturing and a growing footprint in renewable energy. “The Group is promoted by CMD Adarsh Garg along with Directors Sanjay Gupta and Nimit Gupta,” he added.

Emphasising the regional impact, Sanjeev Arora said that Mandi Gobindgarh has always been the backbone of Punjab’s steel industry. “Today, under Bhagwant Mann Government, it is regaining its strength with new investments, modernization, and a strong push towards cleaner and more efficient production. The expansion by Jogindra Group is a clear sign that Gobindgarh is once again becoming a growth engine for Punjab’s industrial economy.”

He further stated that Punjab continues to emerge as a preferred destination for both manufacturing and green energy investments, and that this Rs 1,100 crore investment will strengthen the industrial base, create substantial employment opportunities, and promote sustainable growth.

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment, the Minister said, “The AAP Government remains focused on providing a conducive ecosystem for industry, ensuring ease of doing business and encouraging environmentally responsible investments across Punjab.”

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Tight vigil in central Kashmir: Security forces intensify ops to clear Ganderbal’s forest area

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 1, 2026 | top-stories

Security forces have intensified counter-terror operations in central Kashmir after intelligence inputs indicated terrorist movement in the Arahama forest area of Ganderbal district. A cordon-and-search operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police led to an overnight gunfight, leaving one unidentified terrorist dead, while the operation continues amid heightened vigilance across key forest transit routes.

The Arahama forest area, which is currently being targeted by security forces, is a known transit route used by terrorists. After infiltrating from north Kashmir, often via the Kupwara and Baramulla sectors, terrorists use dense forests and rugged tracks in areas like Ganderbal to move toward central and south Kashmir.

Acting on specific intelligence about terrorist movement, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation on the evening of March 31. According to officials, the terrorists opened fire when they were challenged, triggering an overnight gunfight in which one unidentified terrorist was killed.

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The operation is still underway, with searches continuing for any other terrorists who may be trapped in the area. The encirclement of terrorists along this traditional transit route indicates that security forces are maintaining a tight vigil over forest corridors that have been used for years. It also reflects a growing focus on forested zones, which provide crucial connectivity for terrorist movement across Kashmir.

This follows a broader pattern, as the Arahama forests have long served as a transit corridor for terrorists moving from north Kashmir infiltration routes toward central and south Kashmir. Over the past three years, security forces have increasingly targeted such routes after terrorists shifted their modus operandi from urban areas to forested terrain.

Terrorist presence has largely been observed in forest regions, particularly in the Pir Panjal range, which connects to the Zabarwan hills in central Kashmir and the Shamsabari range in north Kashmir. More than 50 security personnel have lost their lives in attacks over the past three years, mainly in Rajouri, Poonch, Chatroo, and Doda in the Jammu region, as well as in Kokernag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, and Dachigam. In response, security forces have increased their presence, set up camps in forest areas, and are conducting operations regularly to make these regions free of terrorists.

Meanwhile, the Arahama forest area remains cordoned off, with searches ongoing in the forest terrain and nearby villages, including Haripora, Bonzla, and Yarmuqam. The identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorist have not yet been released, though arms and ammunition have been recovered. Details of the recovery have not been made public so far.

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8 dead in Nalanda temple stampede: SHO suspended, SIT formed over security lapse

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 31, 2026 | top-stories

Eight women are dead, several others remain hospitalised, and the administration in Bihar’s Nalanda district is now facing serious questions about how a religious gathering was allowed to turn fatal.

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Maghra village, a day that regularly draws large numbers of devotees for special prayers. As the crowd surged inside the temple premises, panic broke out, and a deadly stampede followed. All eight of those killed were women. Several others sustained injuries, many of whom are still receiving treatment.

The response from the administration has been swift. Following preliminary findings that pointed to serious security lapses, Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni suspended the Station House Officer of Deepnagar Police Station, Rajmani, with immediate effect. Four other police personnel have also been suspended for dereliction of duty.

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Initial investigations revealed alarming gaps in crowd management on the day of the incident. The temple premises were left largely unmanaged, with security responsibility resting entirely on a single watchman. Senior officials were not informed in time despite mounting crowd pressure, a failure that investigators say allowed the situation to spiral out of control before any meaningful intervention could take place.

A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to examine the incident in full. Led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, the SIT is looking into crowd control arrangements, the deployment of security personnel, and communication failures within the police system. Patna Range Inspector General Jitendra Rana visited the site as part of the inquiry. The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against all those found responsible.

The deaths have sparked widespread anger among local residents and the families of the victims, who have accused the administration of negligence. The sentiment on the ground reflects a broader frustration that a tragedy of this kind, at a well-attended religious site on a known high-footfall day, should not have been allowed to happen.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep grief over the incident and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased. Each family will receive Rs 6 lakh, Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Relief Fund, and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Kumar also assured that all injured persons are receiving proper medical care at the government’s expense.

(With IANS inputs)

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Nalanda Stampede: 8 killed in stampede at Sheetla Mata temple in Bihar

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 31, 2026 | top-stories

Nalanda Temple Stampede: In Bihar’s Nalanda, at least eight people were killed after a stampede broke out due to overcrowding. A large number of devotees had gathered at the Sheetala Mata temple to offer prayers. According to local media reports, the incident led to the deaths of eight women, while more than 12 people were reported injured.

Devotees usually gather in large numbers at the temple every Tuesday for prayers. Since it was the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, the crowd was especially heavy. Chaos broke out suddenly inside the temple, triggering a stampede. As people tried to escape, several women were crushed in the rush and lost their lives.

Around 10 to 12 devotees were injured in the incident. The injured have been taken to the Sadar Hospital for treatment. The temple premise has been completely cleared following the stampede. A large number of police personnel have reached the spot after the incident.

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After receiving information about the incident, senior district officials, including the SDPO, rushed to the spot. The exact cause of the stampede is still unclear. However, some media reports suggest that there may not have been adequate police presence or security arrangements at the temple. Authorities reached the site soon after the incident and began managing the situation.

This is a developing story.

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J-K weather update: Western disturbance brings rain, snow | IMD issues alert

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 30, 2026 | top-stories

J-K weather update: The weather can flip to a heat wave, and the next day it’s a cold wave. The combination of rain in the plains and snow in the mountains often leads to drops in temperature and tricky travel conditions on the highways.

The Kashmir Valley is experiencing an intense late-season wet spell. A strong western disturbance has brought back winter in the spring season, as widespread moderate to heavy rainfall has been happening in the plains for the last 12 hours, and moderate fresh snowfall has been recorded in higher altitudes. Major accumulation has been reported in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Peer ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Gurez, and Zojila Pass.

While Srinagar and other low-lying areas have been seeing persistent rain and gusty winds for the last 12 hours, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius, which is several degrees below the seasonal normal due to heavy rain and snowfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rain for the next 24 hours.

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In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a major landslide hit the Uri area after a large section of a mountainside collapsed, sending rocks and debris onto a key road. As a precautionary measure, traffic was immediately suspended to avoid any casualties, leaving several vehicles stranded on both sides of the affected stretch.

Authorities promptly dispatched rescue and road clearance teams to the site. Efforts to remove the debris and restore traffic are underway, though operations remain difficult due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Two days before a fatal snow avalanche struck Zojila pass, killing 5 persons and injuring many others.

According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall, accompanied by gusty winds, are expected to continue across the valley until early morning tomorrow. A brief spell of light rain is also likely at a few places on March 31, especially during the late afternoon.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain unsettled. Between April 3 and April 4, the region may experience cloudy skies with scattered light rain and snowfall, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. The overall forecast until April 10 indicates continued instability, with frequent spells of rain across the valley. This erratic weather had also harmed Kashmiri farmers.

As Kashmir witnessed early fruit blossoms, these rains and snow have now destroyed the flowers, which will hit fruit production in the coming time.

The Meteorological Department has also warned of an increased risk of landslides in vulnerable areas over the coming week and has urged residents and travelers to exercise caution.

National highways connecting Kashmir to Leh, Srinagar to Uri, Srinagar to Poonch, and Srinagar to Kishtwar have been closed to traffic following a fresh snowfall and rains that created landslides and slippery roads.

Commuters are also being urged to follow traffic advisories and plan their travel carefully in view of possible disruptions.

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