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‘People in Tamil Nadu are more Hindu than North Indians’: Congress Kati Chidambaram rejects ‘anti-Sanathan’ accusations India News

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‘People in Tamil Nadu are more Hindu than North Indians’: Congress Kati Chidambaram rejects ‘anti-Sanathan’ accusations India News

'Tamil Nadu people are more Hindu than North Indians': Congress Karthi Chidambaram rejects 'anti-Sanathan' charges
Karti Chidambaram (file photo)

New Delhi: Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram India on Sunday dismissed allegations that Tamil Nadu is “hostile” to Sanatan Dharma and claimed that people in the state are “more Hindu than North Indians”.The BJP has often accused the Congress, its ally the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and other Indian bloc partners of being “anti-Sanathan Dharma”. The political attack stems from past controversial remarks Udayanidhi StalinSon of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin. Udyanidi is currently the deputy chief minister of the state.“What is Sanatan? No one in Tamil Nadu would use this term… We are more Hindu than North Indian. We have more temples per square kilometer. We break more coconuts every day. I personally have visited more temples than many people in the BJP combined. “Chidambaram told ANI.“I apply vibhuti or kundalama every day when I step out of my house. ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is not a phrase we use,” he added.Talking about the controversy over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks in 2023, the Sivaganga MP attributed the uproar to “different interpretations” of the term.“The issue is controversial because Udhayanidhi Stalin made comments about the word. In Tamil Nadu, it is understood to refer to caste hierarchy – that is the common interpretation here. He was talking about caste hierarchy and not the practice of Hindu faith,” Chidambaram said.In 2023, Udayanidhi sparked a nationwide political debate when he likened Sanatana to diseases such as malaria and dengue fever and said it should be “eradicated” rather than just opposed.He said, “Sanatana is like malaria and dengue fever, so it must be eradicated, not just opposed. I thank the organizers for naming this event ‘Abolish Sanatana Conference’ rather than ‘Anti-Sanatana Conference.'” Some things cannot simply be opposed; they must be abolished. We are not against dengue, mosquitoes, malaria or coronavirus – we want to eradicate them. Likewise, Sanatana should be eradicated rather than opposed.“Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold assembly elections in April. Although the Congress party is an ally of the DMK, it is not part of the state government as per prevailing political conventions in the southern states.

‘International waters are no sanctuary’: US military intercepts sanctioned Venezuelan ship Veronica 3 in Indian Ocean — Video

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‘International waters are no sanctuary’: US military intercepts sanctioned Venezuelan ship Veronica 3 in Indian Ocean — Video

'International waters are no sanctuary': US military intercepts sanctioned Venezuelan ship Veronica 3 in Indian Ocean — Video
Image published by the War Department on X

The U.S. military on Sunday boarded another sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that was tracked from the Caribbean as part of efforts to curb illicit oil shipments linked to Venezuela.According to the Department of Defense, the U.S. military conducted the operation overnight in the Indo-Pacific Command area of ​​responsibility. The tanker, identified as the Veronica 3, was intercepted after a long pursuit.“We defend our country. Distance does not protect you,” the Pentagon said in a post on X. The department also posted a video showing U.S. troops boarding a tanker.Providing details of the operation, it added: “Overnight, U.S. forces conducted access, maritime interdiction and boarding of the USS Veronica 3 in the Indo-Pacific Command area of ​​responsibility without incident.”The department further said the vessel was trying to evade law enforcement measures ordered by President Donald Trump. “This ship tried to ignore President Trump’s quarantine – hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and then shut it down. No other country had the capability, endurance or willingness to do this.”It also issued a broader warning, saying “International waters are no sanctuary. We will find you and deliver justice by land, air, or sea. The Department of the Army will deny freedom of movement in maritime waters to unlawful actors and their agents.”The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel currently subject to U.S. Iran-related sanctions, according to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control website.The action comes amid ongoing U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. Venezuela has faced U.S. sanctions for years and relied on a so-called shadow fleet of false-flag tankers to move crude into global supply chains.In December, President Trump ordered the quarantine of sanctioned oil tankers to increase pressure on then-President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was later arrested during a U.S. military operation in January.The Trump administration has been seizing oil tankers as part of a broader effort to control the flow of Venezuelan oil.Last week, U.S. forces boarded another oil tanker, the Skyhawk 2, in the Indian Ocean. The ship was detained while U.S. authorities determined its final fate, according to a defense official.

‘Less focus on profits’: PM Modi says private sector ‘crucial’ for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advice – Top Quotes India News

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‘Less focus on profits’: PM Modi says private sector ‘crucial’ for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advice – Top Quotes India News

'Less focus on profits': PM Modi says private sector 'crucial' for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advice - Hot Quotes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi The private sector will play a decisive role in driving India’s next phase of economic transformation, he said on Sunday, stressing reforms, digital growth and defense modernization while harshly criticizing the record of the previous UPA government. He said bold investments by the industry in innovation and capacity will be key to realizing the Viksit Bharat vision.In an exclusive interview with the Press Trust of India news agency, Modi said reforms have been a core commitment of his government “in letter and spirit”, claiming that policy continuity and decisive governance had driven massive progress.ALSO READ | What are India’s three major reform priorities in the next ten years? This is what Prime Minister Modi said

Prime Minister Modi said at the ET Summit: “A new world order is taking shape and India is ready to lead the global growth engine”

Here are the most important quotes from the interview

  • “The private sector will be critical to the next phase of economic transformation, requiring a ‘decisive response’ from them. As productivity increases, private sector owners must share the gains equitably with workers.”

  • “Viksit Bharat’s next leap forward will depend on bold investments by the private sector in innovation, long-term capabilities and global competitiveness.”

  • “The private sector must focus less on protecting profits and actively invest in R&D supply chains and quality.”

  • “Our free trade agreement aims to expand market access for MSMEs in textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gemstones and other sectors.”

  • “Data centers will create massive employment opportunities for our youth; we invite the world’s data to reside in India.”

  • “India has become a world leader in digitalization by fundamentally changing the way people transact through the UPI platform.”

  • “India is laying the foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem by expanding computing power and data center infrastructure capacity.”

  • “India is witnessing the most extensive infrastructure build-out in its history, built with future readiness in mind.”

  • “The government has a responsibility to modernize the defense sector in line with current realities.”

  • “The government will make every effort to support and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.”

  • “Political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India.”

  • “During the UPA rule, talks would start and then break down; despite lengthy negotiations, some real substantive results were achieved,”

  • “I want to make it clear that women’s welfare guides every decision taken by our government. I firmly believe that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat.”

2026 IRS Refunds: Who qualifies for $1,700 EITC payment? Here’s how to claim it

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2026 IRS Refunds: Who qualifies for $1,700 EITC payment? Here’s how to claim it

this IRS The (Internal Revenue Service) has reminded taxpayers to file their tax returns by the official deadline. Starting in February, those who qualify can also receive tax rebates of up to $1,700 in the coming days.

Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $1,700 in grants through EITC and CTC (Reuters)
Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $1,700 in grants through EITC and CTC (Reuters)

According to Marca , the refund amounts apply to those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and surcharges child tax credit (ACTC). However, even if they have filed their return, they will not receive their refund until mid-February.

Who will receive the $1,700 refund?

The rebate is primarily available to low- and moderate-income workers and families who qualify for the CTC and the Earned Income Tax Credit EITC. For the EITC, the amount is up to $1,700 per qualifying child.

For taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit, the money will typically be reflected in their bank accounts between the end of February and the beginning of March. Those filing paper returns may also have to wait a few weeks for processing.

To qualify, individuals must have income within limits set by the IRS, have a valid Social Security number, and file a federal return for the 2026 tax season. Children must also meet age, relationship and residency requirements.

How to apply for a refund

Step 1:Submit your federation tax return Use the correct forms and properly claim any tax credits you are eligible for.

Step 2: If you have children claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), please complete the required schedule and provide your family information.

Step 3: Submit electronically and choose direct deposit as this is the fastest and safest way to receive your refund.

Step 4: Double-check your personal details, reported income and banking information to avoid delays caused by errors.

Step 5: Track the status of your refund with the IRS’s official Refund Finder tool, which is updated daily during tax season.

Also read: 2026 tax filing season: IRS warns of ‘peak’ ahead of Presidents Day, ‘frequent calls to IRS phone lines…’

EITC Income Limits (2025)

No qualifying children – Maximum AGI: $19,104 (single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed) and $26,214 (married filing jointly). (Maximum EITC credit is $649)

One qualifying child – maximum AGI: $50,434 (single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed) and $57,554 (married filing jointly). (Maximum EITC credit is $4,427)

Two qualifying children – maximum AGI: $57,310 (single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed) and $64,430 (married filing jointly). (Maximum EITC credit is $7,316)

Three or more qualifying children – maximum AGI: $61,555 (single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed) and $68,675 (married filing jointly). (Maximum EITC credit is $8,231)

From Wall Street to Hollywood: Casey Wasserman’s latest hit in the fallout from the Epstein documents — Read the full list

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From Wall Street to Hollywood: Casey Wasserman’s latest hit in the fallout from the Epstein documents — Read the full list

From Wall Street to Hollywood: Casey Wasserman’s latest hit in the fallout from the Epstein documents — Read the full list

Among the several people affected by the Justice Department’s release of Epstein’s documents is Casey Wasserman, a leading Hollywood talent agent whose clients include Chappell Roan, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar. Wasserman said late Friday that he would sell his company after his communications with Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed in a recent dump of investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the U.S. Department of Justice, The Guardian reported. “I am deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It is unfair to you and unfair to the customers and partners we so vigorously represent and care about deeply,” Wasserman wrote. “The pain experienced by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is unimaginable – I’m pleased, as I’m sure you are all too, that those who aided their crimes are being held to account.”Wasserman, the grandson of the late famed Hollywood dealmaker Lew Wasserman, said he is putting his eponymous talent and marketing agency in limbo, citing “past personal mistakes” that impacted the company and telling employees that he felt he was “becoming a distraction to the company’s work.”Wasserman said company vice president Mike Watts will oversee day-to-day business operations “while I remain fully committed to making Los Angeles host an Olympic Games in 2028 worthy of this outstanding city.”In addition to Wasserman, several others also faced consequences, few of them: Kathy RumlerGoldman Sachs’ former chief legal officer resigned after U.S. Justice Department documents revealed that she advised Jeffrey Epstein on legal matters and exchanged passionate emails with him, even though she had previously described their relationship as purely professional, Business Insider reports. Brad KarpHe resigned as chairman of Paul Weiss after emails revealed he collaborated with Epstein on matters related to billionaire Leon Black and sought Epstein’s help getting his son a job with film producer Woody Allen. Peter Attia He resigned as an adviser after emails emerged in which he gave Epstein health advice and made vulgar comments about women, later calling the messages “embarrassing” and “indefensible.” Howard Lutnick The politician, who records show visited Epstein’s island in 2012, is facing bipartisan calls to resign despite previously saying he had severed ties. Steve Table He is under scrutiny by the National Football League after emails showed he discussed women with Epstein. Sarah FergusonShe saw her charity shut down after emails revealed affectionate messages sent to Epstein while he was in jail. Peter MandelsonHe resigned as Britain’s ambassador to the United States amid an investigation into whether he shared sensitive government information with Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem The entrepreneur was replaced as chairman and CEO of DP World after emails revealed a close personal relationship with Epstein and explicit statements involving Epstein.

Salman Ali Agha shocks India! Abhishek Sharma falls for four-ball duck in first match against Pakistan | Cricket News

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Salman Ali Agha shocks India! Abhishek Sharma falls for four-ball duck in first match against Pakistan | Cricket News

Salman Ali Agha shocks India! Abhishek Sharma falls for four-ball duck in first match against Pakistan
Abhishek Sharma, India (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Abhishek SharmaIndia’s slump in the T20 World Cup continued as India lost their first match to Pakistan by four wickets in a high-pressure Group A encounter in Colombo on Sunday.In a bold tactical move, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha took the new ball himself and batted it in the first over of the match. AbhishekThe team looking for a quick breakthrough failed to settle down and were dismissed without scoring, allowing Pakistan to get an early breakthrough.

Abhishek Sharma returns, India unveils slinger mystery

Abhishek Sharma’s last six T20Is0(1)68*(20)0(1)30(16)0(1)0(4)The left-hander was also sent off against the United States earlier in the tournament, raising concerns about his form at the top of the rankings. Abhishek is back in the playing XI for this crucial match. He replaced Sanju Samson while Kuldeep Yadav replaced Arshdeep Singh. Abhishek was earlier hospitalized in New Delhi due to a stomach infection and missed the match against Namibia.Suryakumar Yadav and Agha did not shake hands during the toss at the R Premadasa Stadium, continuing a trend seen when the two met in the Asia Cup in Dubai last year, including the final. Aga won the toss and elected to bowl.Pakistan’s lineup remains unchanged, while India has reshuffled their squad in search of stability. However, Agha’s early strike ensured Pakistan took immediate control of the match.Hit XIIndia: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit BumrahPakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed

What are India’s three major reform priorities in the next ten years? Here’s what PM Modi said | India News

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What are India’s three major reform priorities in the next ten years? Here’s what PM Modi said | India News

What are India’s three major reform priorities in the next ten years? This is what Prime Minister Modi said
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (AP Photo)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday outlined India’s reform priorities for the next decade, stressing the need for structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance to achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’.Speaking to PTI, Prime Minister Modi said India’s next phase of growth requires sustained reform momentum, bold private sector investments and a sustained focus on infrastructure and digital transformation.When asked about his three key reform priorities for the next decade, Prime Minister Modi said: “More structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance.”He said India’s growth story is being shaped by fundamental changes in governance and economic policies. Highlighting India’s digital transformation, Prime Minister Modi said, “India is a world leader in digitalization, thanks to fundamental reforms in the way people transact through the UPI platform.”The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of data infrastructure in the coming years. “Data centers will create huge employment opportunities for our youth; we invite the world’s data to reside in India,” he said.On infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi said that India is undergoing unprecedented expansion. “India is witnessing the largest infrastructure development in its history, which is being built keeping in mind future readiness,” he told PTI, stressing that planning for infrastructure development is focused on long-term needs.Prime Minister Modi also described productive capital expenditure as the hallmark of the government and said the latest Union Budget avoided short-term populism. Instead, it prioritizes record capital spending to create jobs and strengthen long-term growth.ALSO READ | ‘Less focus on profits’: PM Modi says private sector ‘crucial’ for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advice – Hot QuotesHe said that in recent years, India’s exports of goods have repeatedly broken previous records, reflecting increased competitiveness and global integration.“Our national character has shown through even in challenging times; we have been a bright spot of growth in a difficult global environment,” he said, pointing to India’s resilience amid global economic uncertainty.On trade policy, the Prime Minister said India’s free trade agreements aim to expand opportunities for small businesses. “Our free trade agreement aims to expand market access for MSMEs in textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gemstones and other sectors,” he said.Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s next leap towards development will largely depend on the participation of the private sector. “Viksit Bharat’s next leap forward will depend on bold investments by the private sector in innovation, long-term capabilities and global competitiveness,” he said.He also highlighted the role of women in India’s development. “I firmly believe that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat,” he said.Setting out the broader vision, Prime Minister Modi said the current policy direction should be seen as laying the foundation for long-term national goals. He said the reforms and investments currently underway are aimed at preparing India for sustained growth over the next quarter of a century.

Barack Obama reveals why ‘Michelle divorced him’, netizens offer ‘a solution’

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Barack Obama reveals why ‘Michelle divorced him’, netizens offer ‘a solution’

former president of the united states barack obama He dismissed the possibility of a return to electoral politics and humorously suggested that such a move could jeopardize his marriage to former first lady Michelle Obama. In a podcast interview with political commentator Brian Taylor Cohen, obama said he no longer considered himself a politician.

Barack Obama has dismissed the idea of ​​returning to politics, joking that it could threaten his marriage to Michelle. (Reuters)
Barack Obama has dismissed the idea of ​​returning to politics, joking that it could threaten his marriage to Michelle. (Reuters)

In an interview made public on Saturday, Obama said, “First of all, I’m not a politician anymore, and I can’t be one.”

Going further, obama Recognizing that while the law may technically allow him to run for certain offices, he has no intention of reentering electoral politics. He also quipped that personal factors influenced his decision.

“I believe in the Constitution and I believe in my marriage. If I try to run again, Michelle will divorce me,” he said.

Also read: Is Nancy Guthrie richer than daughter Savannah Guthrie? As the search continues, a comparison of their net worths

Netizens react to Barack Obama’s statement

Meanwhile, some people reacted to the tongue-in-cheek humor on social media, with one commenting on X: “Michelle hates politics and always has. Haha.”

Another user said: “Obama would run a marathon if Michelle divorced him.”

“Then run Michelle! She is qualified!!!” said a third person.

Another said: “Well, there is only one way to solve this problem: President Michelle.”

Barack Obama wants young people to redefine American institutions

The former president said his priorities have changed since leaving the White House, placing more emphasis on life outside of elected office. Barak mentioned that he and Michelle Obama There is now a greater focus on mentoring and motivating young people.

Barak asserted that major political changes in the United States must come from the younger generation. He believes that people in their 20s and 30s will be the ones to redefine state institutions and drive future reforms.

“The change will come from people in their 20s and 30s. They will reshape our institutions,” he said.

No handshakes at toss: India’s stand against Pakistan in T20 World Cup continues despite calls for ‘spirit’ Cricket News

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No handshakes at toss: India’s stand against Pakistan in T20 World Cup continues despite calls for ‘spirit’ Cricket News

No handshake at toss: India continues stance against Pakistan at T20 World Cup despite appeal for 'spirit'

New Delhi: Captain India Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha did not shake hands during the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on Sunday, continuing India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan.After the ball was bowled, the usual hand gestures disappeared, continuing a stance that has existed in both men’s and women’s cricket since the 2025 Asia Cup.Agha won the toss and was selected to play in Group A, which was only confirmed to go ahead six days ago when the Pakistani government reversed course on its threat to boycott the match.Follow the live broadcastNeither Suriya nor Salman committed to a handshake, and with the Pakistan captain saying he wanted to “preserve” the spirit of cricket, maintaining the status quo was a no-brainer.Also read: Sanjay Manjrekar speaks out about India’s ‘stupid’ handshake policy with PakistanBefore the match, Suryakumar refused to clarify his stance at the pre-match press conference. “Wait 24 hours. We are here to play cricket. Eat well and sleep well,” he said on Saturday.Pakistan skipper Agha said Pakistan was open to the gesture and the decision rested with India. “Cricket should be played in the right spirit. My personal opinion may not matter but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It is up to them to decide what to do,” he said.Suryakumar refused to shake hands with the Pakistan captain during the Asia Cup, sparking a reaction from Pakistan. They briefly considered boycotting the next game of the tournament before deciding to go ahead. The no-handshake policy remains in effect for the next two games.Earlier in the day, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticized India’s no-handshake policy towards Pakistan, calling it “stupid” and saying it was not good for a major cricketing nation.Manjrekar wrote on hisSunday’s developments confirmed that the approach for the T20 World Cup remains unchanged.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj vs Tipu Sultan sparks controversy: Stone-throwing clashes between BJP and Congress workers after Sapkar’s remarks, 9 injured | News of India

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj vs Tipu Sultan sparks controversy: Stone-throwing clashes between BJP and Congress workers after Sapkar’s remarks, 9 injured | News of India

Controversy over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj vs Tipu Sultan: Nine people injured in stone-pelting clashes between BJP and Congress workers after Sapkar's remarks
Harshwardhan Sapkal (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: At least nine people were injured on Sunday as BJP and Congress workers staged a protest in Pune against Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkar’s alleged remarks comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Tipu Sultan.The clashes took place outside the Parliament House, where PPP workers had gathered to protest against Sapkar’s remarks. The situation escalated into shouting slogans and throwing stones at each other, causing minor injuries.Joint Inspector General of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma said three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two policemen and two journalists were injured in the incident.“Protests were held near the Parliament House with workers of the BJP and Congress shouting slogans. Workers from both sides climbed onto the walls and stones were thrown from both sides. Cases are being registered against workers of both parties,” Sharma informed.Police deployed heavy security in the area to prevent further escalation of the situation.The controversy stems from recent remarks by Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, in which he mentioned the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and cited Tipu Sultan’s resistance to the British with similar sentiments. The comments sparked a political backlash in the state.“The courage possessed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the concept of ‘Swarajya’ (self-government) he introduced… Much later, Tipu Sultan followed this tradition and drew inspiration from his ideals and launched a war against the British,” Sapkar told reporters.“In this sense, Tipu Sultan was a great warrior, showed great courage and was a true son of India. He never let any toxic or public thoughts sway him. As a symbol of bravery, we should consider Tipu Sultan on par with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he added.A day earlier, another row broke out over the display of Tipu Sultan’s portrait at the Malegaon Municipal Corporation deputy mayor’s office, which was opposed by the Shiv Sena Corporation and Hindu groups.Pune Municipal Council president Arvind Shinde said the party had submitted a written complaint against the BJP workers and demanded action.He said a case should be registered against Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate, Dushyant Mohol and other workers.Maharashtra Congress vice-president Mohan Joshi told the Press Trust of India in an interview that the violence was initiated by BJP workers.“During the protest, stones were pelted at Congress workers and two were injured. We are currently holding a sit-in protest outside Shivaji Nagar police station seeking action,” he said.Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krishikesh Rawale said the police intervened quickly to prevent the situation from deteriorating.Meanwhile, BJP Pune city unit president Dheeraj Ghate lodged a complaint against Sapkar with the Parvati police station for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments. FIR has been registered.Political exchanges intensified as Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of practicing “double standards” and pursuing a polarizing agenda.In a statement, Sawant cited instances in the past where BJP leaders had supported mentioning Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century Mysore ruler, in public spaces and official forums. He referred to the resolutions passed by the civic bodies in Akola and Mumbai and claimed that the BJP leaders had earlier praised or been associated with the historical figure.“What should this hypocrisy be called? Tipu Sultan once wore a ring with Lord Ram’s name engraved on it,” he claimed.Sawant alleged that the BJP is now portraying Tipu Sultan negatively to create religious divisions and engage in “twisted religious politics”.He further cited examples including the Akola Municipal Corporation’s 2012 resolution to name a hall after Tipu Sultan, a 2013 proposal backed by the BJP corporator to name a road in Mumbai, and the naming of Andheri (West) road in 2001. He also claimed that former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa had visited Tipu Sultan’s grave and wrote words of praise, and then President Ram Nath Kovind had praised Tipu Sultan in the Karnataka Assembly in 2017.

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