Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee mounted attacks on the Modi government warning of 'baghawat' against demonetisation of high value currency notes.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee today addressed a rally in New Delhi's Azadpur Mandi where they demanded the rollback of the government's demonetisation order within three days or face revolt by the common man.

Kejriwal alleged a conspiracy behind the spiking of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes that has led to a cash chaos across the country.

"Do you think people are fools?" he asked rhetorically. "Don't fool us. Don't say that standing in queues (outside banks and ATMs) is patriotism.

"Take back this decision in three days... Don't test people's patience. Otherwise, there will be a 'bhagawat' (revolt) by people," he said.

"STOP GIVING ALMS TO PEOPLE"

Kejriwal was backed by an agitated Mamata, who said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "giving alms to people, sometime Rs 4500 and now Rs 2000".

The Trinamool Congress chief, who led a march to President's House against note ban on Wednesday, said she has come to Delhi since there is a "financial emergency" imposed by the NDA government.

"Have you ever seen a situation like this before? This is unprecedented. They used to say achche din aa rahe hain. Now they are sleeping in their houses while the aam aadmi is crying," she said.

They first said take Rs 4500, now it's Rs 2000. What's going in his (PM's) head? There is some problem with his head," Mamata lashed out.

"He is giving us alms - sometimes Rs 4500, sometimes Rs 2000. He now wants ink on your fingers, because his face is smeared with ink," she said.

The two leaders blamed the government for the reported deaths of 40 people in the country that have been linked to the dramatic announcement of November 8 that the high value currency would no more be legal tender.

"Who is responsible for these 40 deaths?" Kejriwal asked.

Asking questions is what discomforts this government, for they have no answers, we must expose their failures in upcoming Parliament session,' he said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi Monday delivered the opening remarks at Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi and lashed out at NDA government led by PM Narendra Modi. He said democracy, under the present dispensation, was going through one of its darkest hours.

“The Modi government is obsessed with power, it seeks to silence all those who disagree,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying. Gandhi, who is chairing the CWC meet for the first time in absence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi as she is reportedly unwell, said the civil society was being intimidated for asking questions in the name of national security.

“Asking questions is what discomforts this government, for they have no answers, we must expose their failures in upcoming Parliament session,” he added.

Speaking on the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP), Rahul said the ex-servicemen were being treated callously by the government. Rahul also spoke on the recent I&B Ministry’s order to ban NDTV India for one day. “TV channels are punished and asked to shut down. The opposition is being arrested for holding government to account,” he said. The CWC meet is crucial because winter session of Parliament will begin from November 16 and Congress will finalise its strategy for the same at the meet.

Urges Union govt. to apologise to family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over OROP issue.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the Modi government of merely offering enhanced pensions while claiming to have implemented one-rank-one-pension for ex-servicemen.

Addressomg journalists after meeting a delegation of protesting ex-servicemen in the afternoon, Mr. Gandhi said that the government should apologise for the “misbehavior” with the family of a retired soldier who committed suicide days back and accept the demands of Army veterans.

“What is being called the OROP by the Modi government is just pension enhancement. All Army men know this. Modi ji, stop lying and implement OROP,” Mr. Gandhi said.

He accused the government of giving huge benefits to 15 industrialists but having nothing to offer to soldiers and farmers, recalling that Jai Jawan Jai Kisan was once a favoured slogan in the country.

It is not about money. It is about honour and justice,” Mr. Gandhi said. “The ex-servicemen said that if the government clearly says it has no money to give, they would not ask for it... The Prime Minister says he has implemented the OROP. If yes, why are ex-servicemen protesting at Jantar Mantar?”

He added that the defence forces also had other demands related to the Seventh Pay Commission and disability-related demands.

“I want to tell the government — our jawans have given their lives and many years for the nation. Respect them and accept the OROP. It is their right and the government has to give it.”

He accused the government of being insensitive towards the family of the Ram Kishan Grewal, the ex-serviceman who committed suicide days back.

New Delhi: Amid high political drama over the alleged suicide of former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal, Union Minister VK Singh on Thursday said the ex-serviceman's issue was with the bank, and not OROP, as it is being projected.

A day after Singh triggered a controversy with his demand for probe into the "mental state" of the ex-serviceman, who committed alleged suicide over OROP, the MoS said, Grewal was a Congress worker and contested Sarpanch election on Congress ticket.

He termed Grewal's death as unfortunate.

The ex-Army chief raised serious doubts on Grewal's alleged suicide, saying it needs to be probed as from where the ex-Armyman procured the Sulpha tablets.

The BJP leader said all facts needed to be investigated because "I don`t know the political reasons" behind his suicide.

''See, he committed sucide, nobody knows the reason why. OROP has been shown as the reason, but we do not know the status of his mental health. Let the investigation take place. I have already told that OROP should be kept separate from politics,'' Singh said. 

He added that most aspects of the OROP have been covered and that if someone complains over a few pennies and the delay of few years, should not be indulged. 

The Union Minister also raised questions on the telephonic conversation between Grewal and his son Kulwant Grewal.

The Army veteran had reportedly called Kulwant minutes before taking the extreme step.

''I am sitting near India Gate and I have consumed poison. The government is doing injustice to jawans and I can’t tolerate this. I am a man of principle. I am sacrificing my life for the betterment my family, ex-soldiers and my nation,” 70-year-old Grewal is heard said in the audio.

Defending the government, Singh asserted, “If Grewal had reached out to us (Government), and didn't get help, then it would have been our fault.”

Former soldier Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide on Tuesday was entitled to OROP but his pension was delayed due to some problem in calculation by his bank, defence ministry sources said.

Menawhile, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala launched a scathing attack on teh Union MInsiter saying, "Singh's continuous character assassination of a soldier is disgusting...BJP encashs Army's bravery but fails to do justice to veterans."

"Panchayat elections are not fought on party tickets in Haryana. BJP should stop lame duck excuses and apologise for insulting armed forces," Surjewala tweeted.

Sources from the ministry said Grewal served the Territorial Army for six years and 11 months after which he was serving in the Defence Security Corps and was entitled to OROP.

The delay in receiving the revised pension was due to problems in calculation by the State Bank of India bank branch in Haryana's Bhiwani district, said sources, adding that the matter was being looked into.

Sources also said that as per the register, he did not seek any appointment with the defence minister.

Former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal was cremated in Bamla village in Haryana's Bhiwani distric today in the presence of hundreds of people including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, the 70-year-old allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding the immediate implementation of the OROP scheme.

An elated West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee evoked late Mahasweta Devi and others "who made sacrifices fighting for" the Singur land that was given to the Tatas after the Supreme Court on Wednesday scrapped the deal. The court has directed the state government to take possession of 400 acres of land and distribute it among the original land owners within 12 weeks.

The Supreme Court set aside the land acquired the West Bengal Government in 2006 to facilitate Tata Motors to set up its plant for the ambitious ultra-small car, the Nano. Addressing the press in Kolkata, Mamata said, "I am remembering those people who made sacrifices fighting for this. I would expect everyone to celebrate this Singur utsav, it's like a invocation of the celebration to Durga Puja."

"Till now we have created only hash-tags, if Mr PM doesn't takes back his statement calling 80% of Gau Rakshak as `gundas', he should get ready for slogan reverberation" Pawan Pandit aggressively challenges to PM Modi. "Please forgive us Mr.Modi, from now on, our thoughts will not going to match. You have changed your views but we will die as 'Hindu' " Pawan Pandit added. Pawan Pandit says to Prime Minister that if he doesn't steps back on calling 80% of Cow Rights Activists as `Gundas' ,he should get ready for filling the calaboose movement (Jail Bharo Andolan )

It may be recalled that Prime Minister stated in a TV program on 6th of August claiming 70-80% of Gau Rakshaks as 'Gundas' . It has hurt sentiments of vast majority of Indians. As the holy cow of India is being worshiped by a large number of Indians irrespective of cult,sect,religion,caste or creed.

Shri.Pawan Pandit, Chairperson of the Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal . The BGRD was incorporated in March 2012, under companies act 1956 with ministry of cooperate affairs as Not for Profit Organization(NPO).Pandit says it’s difficult to establish the count of BGRD volunteers across the country. BGRD volunteers comes from almost all walks of life. A volunteer could be a housewife, an educator, a businessman, a shopkeeper, a retired person, a student, a medico, a lawyer, a writer, an artist, or an engineer like Pandit himself. What’s common to them is that all believe it is their responsibility to protect the cow.

The main Objective of BGRD is to care for stray, abandoned cows, bulls, retired oxen, and orphaned calves. Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal provide them hay, flour, fresh grass, clean water, medical attention and a place where they can recuperate from injuries and stay peacefully and to protect the Cows and Improve their Feeding and Living Standards and keep them in clean atmosphere.

“Forget that cow slaughter hurts our sensibility, forget that our holy book considers slaughter of cow as the biggest crime, forget that we are a majority... at least, look at the cow as the biggest source of economy for rural India. And look at the scientific reasons, the benefits of using its products—be it milk, urine or cow dung. I am not the one saying all this. International research claims so. America, in fact, has patented a cow urine drug,” says Pandit.

"We are not anti-Muslim or anti-Dalit. We are a fraternity which wants to save the cow, which stands for cow rights, not only because many religions and scriptures says so, but as India's holy cow is also a boon for India's rural economy alongside being a divinity " says movement leader Pawan Pandit. 

The Pawan Pandit is asking following to PM Modi and his Sangh Parivar :-

1. According to you, dossiers of cow protection vigilantes should be created, according to us dossiers of Cow smugglers should be created.

2. According to you Cow rights activists are punks but according to us Cow killers are ruffians.

3. For you Cow protection vigilantes are issue but for us Beef Smugglers are issue.

4. You feels that cow dies more because of eating plastic then in slaughter houses, sorry sir we don't agree.

5. You feels about 80% of India's Cow Rights Activists and Cow Protection Vigilantes. We regret to disagree.

हाल फिलहाल में गौ रक्षकों पर प्रधानमंत्री मोदी की टिप्पणी का प्रखर रूप से विरोध करने से चर्चा में आये पवन पंडित ने इसी मुद्दे पर विहिप नेता प्रवीण तोगड़िया की १३ अगस्त की भावुक प्रेस वार्ता पर बीजेपी के लिए डेमेज कंट्रोल करने की कोशिश का आरोप लगाते हुवे अपने अंदाज में बीजेपी, विहिप और संघ को घेरते हुवे कहा :- प्रवीण तोगड़िया जी आपको बड़ी देर में रोना आता है । हिंदुओं का अपमान तो धर्म निरपेक्ष मोदी ने 7 दिन पहले किया था और आपको रोना आज आ रहा है । क्या इतने दिन आप रोने का अभ्यास कर रहे थे । बंद करो ये हिंदुओं को इस्तेमाल करने वाली राजनीति । हमें सब समझ आता है बीजेपी आपके माध्यम से डेमेज कंट्रोल करने की कोशिश कर रही है ।। लेकिन अब बहुत देर कर दी आते आते । अब तो 2019 का सपना भी मत लेना ये 80% हिन्दू जिनको आपके नेता ने गुंडा और दुकान चलाने वाला कहा है वो 2017 में ही आपका अस्तित्व आपको दिखा देंगे । जब हम समस्त हिन्दू गौ सेवक चिल्ला चिल्ला कर कह रहे थे कि मोदी डोजियर हमारा नहीं गौ तस्करों का बनाओ ।। 

मोदी मुद्दा गौ रक्षक नहीं बल्कि गौ हत्या है ।।

मोदी गुस्सा गौ रक्षक पर मत करो बल्कि गौ तस्कर पर करो ।

मोदी गाय प्लास्टिक खाने से मरती है लेकिन इसलिए नहीं की गौ रक्षक देश में हैं बल्कि इसलिए मरती है क्योकि आपने लाखों एकड़ गोचर भूमि अपने व्यवसायी मित्रों से वापस नहीं ली ।

इसलिए भी मरती हैं क्योकिं आपने दो साल में भी केंद्र में कोई कानून नहीं बनाया ।।

इसलिए प्लास्टिक खाकर भी मरती हैं क्योकि आप चारा खाने वाले लालु प्रसाद की तरह धर्म निरपेक्ष बन रहे हैं । लेकिन आप कहतें है कि कत्लखाने में कम कटती हैं तो क्या मोदी आप कत्लखानों में अधिक गाय कटवाना चाहते हैं । आखिर आपकी मनसा क्या है। आप मॉस निर्यात में भारत को प्रथम स्थान पर तो ले गए अब ओर क्या करना चाहते हैं। इन सब के बीच प्रवीण तोगड़िया की प्रेस वार्ता का जिक्र करते हुवे पवन पंडित के कहा कि तोगड़िया साहब के घड़ियाली आसुं तब क्यों सूख गए थे जब विश्व हिन्दू परिषद् और संघ ने ब्यान देते ही मोदी की पीठ थपथपा दी थी फिर अब हमारे विरोध का समर्थन करके अपनी राजनीति बचाने की नाकाम कोशिश की क्या जरूरत आन पड़ी । और आगे बीजेपी पर कटाक्ष करते हुवे कहा कि हमने पहले ही कह दिया था अब बीजेपी हिंदुत्व की राजनीती नहीं करना चाहती इसीलिए मोदी ने गौ सेवा प्रकोष्ट भी बीजेपी से भंग कर दिए लेकिन हिंदुत्व के लिए , हिंदुओं के सम्मान के लिए और गौ रक्षा के लिए हमारी लड़ाई जारी रहेगी।

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Brijpal Teotia was attacked by unknown assailants who fired several rounds seriously injuring the leader and co-passengers. The 49-year old leader from Muradnagar was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Noida. 

The unknown attackers surrounded the leader’s car and kept firing indiscriminately. 

Minister of State (MoS) and BJP leader Mahesh Sharma has left from his residence to meet the injured leader. 

Tavatia’s gunman, driver and four others also sustained major injuries. 

According to sources, the gunmen used AK-47 type of weapon to shoot the senior leader and his companions. 

One of the weapons has been seized by the police. SSP Ghaziabad has cordoned off Muradnagar and nearby areas. The location of the attackers has been traced near SRM University, while they are still on the run. 

A few days back, the minister had attended the internal party meet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Brijpal Teotia had also fought assembly elections from Muradnagar in 2012.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Chhatarpur, Kartar Singh Tanwar was an honest man when he had contested 2015 Delhi Assembly election, because it was the mandate of the party that took birth from the movement called ‘India Against Corruption’, to field honest and unblemished candidates.

In his affidavit submitted with the Election Commission, Tanwar had declared his assets worth Rs 17.64 crore — of which immovable assets were Rs 7.69 crore and movable assets Rs 9.95 crore. His fleet of cars cost Rs 72 lakh.

But, what about Tanwar’s unaccounted income worth Rs 130 crore that the Income Tax (I-T) department has now found?

With more skeletons tumbling out of the cupboard, it would be a tough time for Income Tax official-turned-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to save his legislator Kartar Singh Tanwar from the clutches of the I-T department.

Having conducted a series of searches on 27 July, the I-T department has claimed a recovery of Rs 130 crore of unaccounted income and investment from this Chhatarpur MLA on Tuesday. The raids were conducted at the residence, office and farmhouse of the MLA and also at the residences of his brother and domestic help.

The tax department has already seized unaccounted cash and jewellery of about Rs 1 crore from Tanwar and his brother.

“Searches have revealed several illegal transactions by Kartar Singh Tanwar, who bought land and farm houses in Chhatarpur and adjoining Ghitorni. All these were done through cash transactions and more than 30 companies were floated for the purpose,” an I-T official privy to investigation said on condition of anonymity.

Many people in Chhatarpur call Tanwar a ‘land shark’, who has amassed wealth by buying and selling land, especially farm houses. Chhatarpur area in Delhi is known for its farm houses.

Tanwar’s transactions

The I-T investigation comprising searches, scrutiny of documents and questioning of the MLA twice by tax sleuths, has revealed some details of Tanwar’s alleged transactions.

“From the amount of wealth amassed by Tanwar, it’s clear that he has been into these dealings for over a decade,” the official said.

- Tanwar’s transactions have been majorly through cash. He received smaller amounts or token amounts through cheques, whereas the bulk payment used to be in cash only. No tax was paid on this unaccounted cash, as there was no proof of any transaction taking place.

- To avoid paying stamp duty and registration fee, Tanwar allegedly used power of attorney to buy and sell land and farm houses. In Delhi, a property can’t be registered in the person’s name who buys it, if it’s through power of attorney. Similarly, if transfer of property takes place through power of attorney, one need not pay stamp duty. This way the Chattarpur MLA evaded paying duty and fees.

- Tanwar floated more than 30 fictitious companies to show transactions. By fudging books of accounts, he allegedly showed the money he got from land dealings as ‘unsecured loans and advances’.

- He amassed wealth through benami properties.

“He evaded paying tax as no receipts were given against the payments he received in cash and dealings were not done either through cheques or demand drafts. Moreover, by not paying stamp duty and registration fee, Tanwar has cheated the Delhi government,” the I-T source said.

The I-T department is also investigating unexplained and unaccounted expenses on construction of a mall, residential houses, marriage expenses and farm houses having possibility of substantial tax evasion.

“The department has also found a large number of documents showing unaccounted and benami properties. An assessment of the value of these transactions is being done,” the source claimed.

State BJP president Vijay Rupani was on Friday named the next chief minister of Gujarat while senior minister Nitin Patel - who was a frontrunner till the last moment - was made the deputy chief minister.

Rupani's appointment comes after former CM Anandiben Patel resigned from the post earlier this week citing her age, adding that she wanted younger leaders to takeover the reigns of the party prior to the 2017 state assembly elections.

Like most BJP leaders, Rupani has had his roots in the RSS and the ABVP, the students' wing of the BJP.

Prior to contesting the Rajkot West assembly seat that was vacated by Vajubhai Vala, who was appointed the Governor of Karnataka, Rupani's political career was confined to Saurashtra region of the state.

He was a councillor and subsequently the mayor of the Rajkot civic body, and also a Member of Parliament from Rajkot.

Over the past year-and-a-half, Rupani gained a political stature within the BJP and emerged as a front runner for the post of CM.

During the Patidar reservation stir, he was seen as the leader with the healing touch, often making the peacemaking moves even as disgruntled Patels threatened to desert the BJP.

But, his proximity to outgoing chief minister Anandiben Patel seems to have gone against him, considering the fact that Anandiben and BJP president Amit Shah never shared a good relationship and were always at loggerheads.

Vijay Rupani is extremely close to Amit Shah and it has worked in his favour.

Anandiben Patel who put up a spirited fight on behalf of Nitin Patel in the BJP MLAs meet was finally asked to tell Nitin Patel to accept the post of deputy chief minister.

Post the announcement, the BJP leadership congratulated Rupani and wished him the very best.

Terming the global slowdown as transient, the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday asked the industry to seize the opportunity to expand their business and prepare themselves for better times.

"We are passing through transformational times and in these transformational times, those who have taken over the challenge, I think must seize this as a global opportunity," Jaitley said while inaugurating the India International Footwear Fair in New Delhi.

The world is not doing well today at all, it is in a slowdown mode now, he said.

"Therefore with the globe not doing so well, global markets shrinking, some of the more advanced units, particularly in leather are facing challenge because of shrinkage of global markets, but that's not an everlasting phenomenon. That could be a transient phenomenon, and even in that we have to seize the opportunity for ourselves," he said.

Emphasising that India has potential particularly in non-leather footwear to become a world beater, he said, this is one industry that India is capable of finding core competence.

Over the last few years India has shown potential as far as services are concerned but for some reason the country missed out in manufacturing, he added.

The two big employment generator in the manufacturing sector are textile and apparel, and leather.

Highlighting various steps taken by the government, the Finance Minister said last four months have seen three very significant steps — Aadhaar law, Bankruptcy Code and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law.

In the biggest tax reform since Independence, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday approved the GST bill to replace a raft of different state and local taxes with a single unified value added tax system to turn the country into world's biggest single market.

"These spate of changes are taking place, when the world is otherwise in a slowdown phase," he said.

"Terrorism, drugs, human trafficking were discussed. I stressed on terror," says the Home Minister in Rajya Sabha.

Besides a statement from Home Minister Rajnath Singh on his visit to Islamabad to attend the SAARC Home Ministers' Summit, private member Bills will be taken up by Parliament on Friday.

In line are the The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2015, and the Transgenders (Protection of Rights) Bill introduced by Tiruchi Siva of the AIADMK.

Here are the updates.

Latest updates:

12.10 p.m.: In the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu says, "We are working on converting all train toilets into biotoiets and vacuum toilets. We are also starting e-catering. You can order the food you want on the train."

12.04 p.m.: Rajnath Singh begins his speech in Lok Sabha.

12 noon: Question Hour begins in Rajya Sabha.

11.57 a.m.: Satyavrat Chaturvedi asks if the govt will rethink its policy. Rajnath Singh replies that whatever the govt does it will take everyone into confidence.

11.55 a.m.: "Atal Bihar Vajpayee had said that said friends can change, not neighbours. Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh too reached out, but this neighbour doesn't cooperate. May god give everyone wisdom."

11.54 a.m.: "On the blackout of my speech, I don't know MEA conventions. As for BSF, I have told BSF to be restrained and not start aggression. But if bullets are fired from there, they need not take our permission to act."

11.53 a.m.: "There were groups protesting as I went from chopper to hotel. But had I been worried about protests, I would not have gone."

11.52 a.m.: "After the meet, the host Home Minister invited me for lunch. But he left after inviting. I too did what I needed to for India. I did not go there for lunch."

11.50 a.m.: "On terror, many leaders have sacrificed. All PMs of our country have shown anti-terror commitment. The issue on my speech being covered is tough to answer now. But it is true that DD, PTI, ANI were not allowed. With me, what pakistan did what it did. I don't want to say anything. But India's prestige is important and we uphold it."

11.49 a.m.: "The unity of this house on terror is our nation's unity. We will succeed in throwing terror out."

11.46 a.m.: Rajnath Singh rises to answer questions.

11.44 a.m.: Anand Sharma says, "I condemn the violation of protocol. And commend the points he raised. On drugs, were any assurances given by members to check narcotics trade that fund terror from Pakistan? Govt should think about level of engagement."

11.41 a.m.: Kanimozhi says many youngsters are being brainwashed into terrorism. "Has the Home Minister raised this usse?"

11.40 a.m.: D. Raja of the CPI says, "Pakistan is yet to ratify the SAARC Convention on Criminal Matters. I only hope that soon actually means soon. How is India going to engage with Pakistan in the coming days?"

11.38 a.m.: Navaneethakrishnan of the AIADMK says, "Our HM, I hear, wasn't treated well there. One channel said he came back without food. Please clarify."

11.34 a.m.: Ram Gopal Yadav in the Rajya Sabha says it is a good thing that the Home Minister took a tough stand. "BSF and army should be given free hand to take action against terrorists."

11.33 a.m.: In the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi says border roads organization is an important institution that ensures the routes Indian army takes are clear. "But BRO is facing a massive budget deficit. Is it slowing the pace of work?" Manohar Parrikar responds saying BRO has come under Defence Ministry only last year and the money has never been a problem.

Mr. Gogoi interrupts saying there are 61 indo-China border roads and most of the villagers living along these borders say that roads from Chinese side are good as well as the infrastructure. Compared to that roads connecting these villages with India are in bad shape so it may create "apprehension" among the people.

11.31 a.m.: Mayawati says, "We support hm for articulating our issues and concerns there. And Pakistan did not respond properly. Will you rethink your Pakistan policy?"

11.30 a.m.: Derek O'Brien asks, "It is said DD and ANI were not given opportunity. Were you blacked out? Some say there was precedent of this. Please clarify."

11.27 a.m.: "We may have differences, but when the PM or Home Minister goes to another country, we hear that the Home Minister was not covered by Pakistan media. He did not enjoy the protocol a large nation like us deserves. We condemn this if it is true."

11.26 a.m.: Ghulam Nabi Azad says, "Terror and drugs are problems. No one has suffered from terror as our party has. We have lost two PMs to terror."

11.25 a.m.: Dr. Subramanian Swamy says, "I congratulate him for his clear and tough stand that he has taken on terrorism in Pakistan. But they are daily talking about the disintegration of India. I hope the Home Minister spoke to them about their own backyard falling apart."

11.24 a.m.: "As for Pakistan, they haven't ratified the SAARC COnvention on Criminal Matters. They have said they will do it soon. Terror is the greatest enemy of human rights."

11.23 a.m.: "Those people, organisations and nations that assist terrorists must be condemned. Never distinguish between good and bad terror, I said. All members should ratify global conventions against terror. I declared September 22 and 23 as dates for an anti-terror meet in India."

11.21 a.m.: "Terrorism, drugs, human trafficking were discussed. I stressed on terror. I asked all member nations not to glorify or patronise terror."

11.20 a.m.: Rajnath Singh begins speaking on his SAARC Home Ministers' Summit visit.

11.15 a.m.: Pramod Tiwari of Congress says that the NDA govt is targeting institutions in Amethi. "They want to obliterate the names of Rajiv Gandhi and other members of the family."

11 a.m.: Rajya Sabha begins with an obituary to Onward L. Nongtdu, a former member of the House.

In a major setback to Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court on Thursday held that Lieutenant Governor​ (LG) is the administrative head of national capital territory.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath dismissed AAP Government's plea challenging the Centre's May 21, 2015, notification giving absolute powers to LG in appointing bureaucrats in the national capital.

Pronouncing its verdict in the legal tussle between the Delhi Government and the Centre over control of administrative issues and distribution of power in the national capital, the court said, "AAP government's contention that LG is bound to act on advice of Council of Ministers is without any substance and cannot be accepted"

The court also said that the May 21, 2015, notification of Centre barring ACB from proceeding against Central government employees is neither illegal nor unsustainable.

"Service matters fall outside the jurisdiction of Delhi Legislative Assembly and LG exercising the powers is not unconstitutional," the court said.

However, the AAP government's counsel in High Court said that they will immediately file an appeal against the verdict.

The High Court pronounce the verdict on a set of 11 petitions challenging various decisions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led-Delhi Government and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, and the interpretation of Article 239 AA of the Constitution.

"As from the date of commencement of the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 the Union Territory of Delhi shall be called the National Capital Territory) and the administrator thereof appointed under article 239 shall be designated as the Lieutenant Governor," says Article 239 AA.

On May 24, the High Court had reserved its verdict on the plea of the Delhi Government seeking a stay on the proceedings on the petitions arising out of its standoff with the Lieutenant Governor over powers to appoint bureaucrats in the national capital and other issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the firmness demonstrated by the NDA Government in 1999 ensured a decisive victory in Kargil as he saluted the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.

In a string of tweets on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi said, "We recall with pride, the firmness demonstrated by India's political leadership in 1999, which ensured a decisive victory in Kargil."

The Prime Minister also said, "India will never forget the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers gave a befitting & unforgettable reply to the intruders." (sic)

The battle took place between India and Pakistan during May-July, 1999 RPT 1999. The conflict was triggered after Pakistani soldiers managed to occupy key positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kargil sector. It had officially come to an end on July 26, 1999 RPT 1999.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday tendered an apology toLok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan for making video of his journey from home to Parliament House, including movement past various security check points, and posting it on the social media. Mann was flaked from various quarters for putting Parliament complex security in danger.

“I explained my stand to Lok Sabha Speaker. She said what I did was not right and I should apologise. So I tendered an apology in writing saying that it was unintentional, I was only trying to make an educational video,” said Mann in a press conference.

Earlier on Monday, Mann was advised by Mahajan not to attend Parliament until a panel set up to probe the video arrives at a decision. Mahajan formed a nine-member panel to probe Mann’s breach of security posting a video of Parliament’s interiors. “A nine-member committee to probe and submit its report to the house over AAP MP Bhagwant Mann’s video,” Sumitra Mahajan informed the house.

The panel will submit the report on August 3.

Downplaying the controversy surrounding his video, Mann on Monday had demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expulsion for compromising on natural security, with the decision to allow Pakistan’s security agency inside the country post the Pathankot airbase attack.

Elucidating his intention behind making the video, Mann had said that he just wanted to make the people of the nation aware that how their grievances are picked up for discussion in the Parliament.