Smriti Irani counters opposition on SIR: What about Kerala, Himachal and Tamil Nadu
BJP leader Smriti Irani criticised Rahul Gandhi over the Opposition’s protests against the Election Commission in Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, questioning the basis of its allegations. Calling Gandhi an “unelectable prince”, she accused him of seeking regime change outside the democratic process. Irani defended the voter verification exercise, citing the participation of Opposition agents and the legitimacy of electoral institutions. She alleged that Gandhi’s protests were political theatrics aimed at destabilising the government and maintained that a change of government must take place through elections.
Kanpur's ₹14-Cr Bus Terminal Deserted, Two Inaugurations Fail To Ease Jam
A bus terminal constructed at a cost of nearly 14 crore rupees in Kanpur's Azad Nagar remains virtually deserted, failing to ease the city's severe traffic congestion. Named the Signature City Bus Terminal, the facility was inaugurated twice—first by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in August 2022, and subsequently by State Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh in July 2024. Designed to relieve the burden on Shaheed Major Salman Bus Terminal at Jhakarkati, the terminal sits non-functional with locked offices, shut inquiry counters, and absence of passengers. Local commuters and drivers continue to face massive traffic jams around Tat Mill Chauraha and GT Road, while the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation asserts that full operations will be enhanced soon.
Ankita Bhandari Case: Yogita Bhayana and Shaina NC Debate Justice Delay
Social activist Yogita Bhayana and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC engage in a heated debate over the ongoing investigation into the four-year-old Ankita Bhandari murder case. Bhayana, who accompanied Bhandari's parents to protest at India Gate, demanded swift justice and accountability regarding an alleged VIP named in the case. She insisted, 'Give him a clean chit through the CBI first,' before conferring official posts like governor. Shaina NC countered by questioning the political motivations and timing of leaders like Rahul Gandhi joining the agitation, highlighting alleged political theatrics and pointing to sexual harassment allegations at JNU. While both guests concurred that crimes against women must transcend partisan lines without selective outrage, Bhayana urged Parliament to dedicate a special annual session specifically focusing on women's safety.
Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Parents Issue Ultimatum Over Dushyant Gautam's Sikkim Post, Rahul Visits
The murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari is back in focus following a sit-in protest at India Gate by her parents, who were visited by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra before being briefly detained by Delhi Police. The family has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim Governor be halted, alleging links to the case that warrant ongoing investigation by the CBI. Pulkit Arya and two others were previously sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025. With Uttarakhand elections scheduled next year, Congress has raised questions over the appointment amid the pending probe, while Gautam has dismissed the allegations and initiated defamation proceedings.