Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for November 8. Aries March 21 – April 20A relationship can be quite easily transformed back to the way it was if both of you are willing to compromise. Cosmic tip: Be adaptable and amenable to modifications in life according to karma. Taurus April 21 – May 20Step back from a confrontation; take a deep breath, count to ten before voicing opinions. Do continue this healthy diet.Cosmic tip: Don’t be judgmental (otherwise you will be placed in a similar situation). GeminiMay 21 – June 21Some issues have to be faced even if you want to turn your back on them. Drive carefully and don’t speed.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this karmic cycle to the hilt by enjoying each moment. Cancer June 22 – July 23A contract signed which is the envy of other organizations is a sparkling feather in your cap. Cosmic tip: Make well considered decisions as reverberations can be felt long term as they return threefold. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Keeping ego in check is the best way to make relationships thrive on unconditional acceptance. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Invite a friend home for coffee and cake instead of sitting at a restaurant. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Work is, as usual, moving fast with too much to complete in less time (you manage it every time). Cosmic tip: Run away from conflict or stay and face it with diplomatic poise and maturity. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Being allocated the cream of projects to deal with is a huge compliment you appreciate. Reach for happiness by following your heart. Cosmic tip: Be aware every action carries a just and long-term reaction. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Consciously and verbally appreciating your spouse/ partner is the most important aspect in a relationship. Cosmic tip: Firmly put the past behind, as you’ve used all aces in hand, but nothing has worked out. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Living a simple and uncomplicated life is the best way to glide effortlessly through life. Keep diet simple and nutritious.Cosmic tip: Don’t give a sharp reply to something that doesn’t warrant this action. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Some news from overseas is slightly worrying, so discuss this at length. Centre yourself to keeping the mind peaceful yet empathic.Cosmic tip: Discard a habit that annoys even you as quickly as possible. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Singles meet someone with whom personal vibrations seem to match perfectly, and from the first meeting itself. Make time for an enjoyable hobby.Cosmic tip: Be kind to yourself first. Don’t be harshly judgmental. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20There’s no concealed intention of the other person to covertly manipulate or try to find out a bit of gossip. Cosmic tip: Be polite yet firm about not being willing to discuss someone’s actions.
08 November,2024 12:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseA fire broke out at a building in Dadar west area of Mumbai on Thursday, the civic officials said, adding that no one was injured in the incident. The officials said that the blaze was reported at Anusaya Building, located on Bhavani Shankar Road near Platinum Building in Dadar West at around 6:10 pm. The fire was confined to the storage area of the building that had clothes and other materials in a ground-floor gala (shop) of the seven-story building. The storage area, which spans approximately 1,500 square feet, was the main site of the blaze, the officials said. Firefighters from the Mumbai Fire Brigade responded promptly to the emergency, and by 8:03 pm, the fire was successfully extinguished. "Following the information regarding the fire, the officials from the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and launched a fire-fighting operation. The blaze was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported in the incident," said an official. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the official said. 16 injured after fire breaks out steel company at Bhugaon steel company in Wardha Meanwhile, in an another incident, a fire broke out at Bhugaon Steel Company in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Wednesday, the officials said. The incident led to injuries to several people and around 16 workers were reportedly injured incident, reported news agency ANI. All the injured workers were rushed to a hospital where they were being treated. One of the workers among those injured is said to be in critical condition. Upon receiving information, the administration reached the spot and the fire at Bhugaon Steel Company was brought under control, reported ANI. "16 workers were injured after a fire broke out at Bhugaon Steel Company in Wardha district. All the injured have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. One of them is in critical condition. The fire has been brought under control. An inquiry has been started as to how exactly this incident took place. The administration team has reached the spot," said Rahul Kardile, Collector, Wardha, reported ANI. Further investigation is underway. (with ANI inputs)
07 November,2024 10:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that there was no need to campaign for his party candidate in Mahim, a seat where his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray's son Amit and ruling Shiv Sena's Sadanand Sarvankar are in the fray, reported the PTI. Stating that Mahim was his party's seat, he said there was lack of time to hold a rally in each and every constituency of the state. Uddhav Thackeray, however, said the party has approached the authorities, seeking permission to hold a rally at the Shivaji Park in Dadar on November 17. Shivaji Park falls in Mahim assembly segment, according to the PTI. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Amit Thackeray is fighting his debut polls from the Mahim seat, while Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Mahesh Sawant and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's and sitting MLA Sarvankar are also in the fray. "I don't need to campaign in Mahim. It is my constituency. It is Shiv Sena's constituency," Uddhav Thackeray told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday. Mahim, which covers areas like Dadar, has a special place for Shiv Sena, rival Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The undivided Shiv Sena and MNS were formed in Mahim. The seat has been represented by the Sena for the last four decades, barring in 2009 when the MNS won it. "There was one rally in Mumbai (the Maha Vikas Aghadi rally at BKC on November 6) and another on November 17. I am (campaigning) outside Mumbai because I have faith in Mumbaikars (that they will back his party)," Uddhav Thackeray said, as per the PTI. The former chief minister cited the paucity of time to hold rallies in every constituency. "It is not the case that if I don't go to any constituency I am ignoring it. Even if I address four-five rallies every day, I cannot complete all the constituencies. Looking at the travel time and the factors like the scorching sun, I don't think holding more than four rallies in a day is possible," Uddhav Thackeray said, the news agency reported. He said his party has sought Shivaji Park in Dadar to hold its rally on November 17, which is also the death anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. "We have sought permission because that is the last evening of campaigning. November 17 is also the anniversary of Shiv Sena Pramukh. Lakhs of Shiv Sainiks come there and they will also come there this year," he said. Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray was cremated at the Shivaji Park. "So, we are telling the Election Commission and police not to complicate the matter. Shiv Sainiks are anyway going to come there and you cannot stop them. No model code of conduct is applicable here. So to avoid any tussle, they should allow us to hold a rally on November 17," he added, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
07 November,2024 09:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of nine rallies in Maharashtra in a week as part of the BJP's poll campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, and his first public meeting will be held on Friday in Dhule, the party said, reported the PTI. In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said PM Modi will also hold a roadshow in Maharashtra's Pune on November 12. PM Modi's first rally will be held in Dhule in north Maharashtra at 12 noon on Friday. He will then address a public meeting in Nashik at 2 pm, it said. - On November 9, he will campaign in Akola at 12 noon and in Nanded at 2 pm, it said. - On November 12, Modi will address rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district) and Solapur - PM Modi will participate in a roadshow in Pune in the evening of November 12. - PM Modi will address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai. Last month, the BJP had released a list of star campaigners for the Maharashtra polls. The list included the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, etc. The list also includes the names of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other leaders. The elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted three days later on November 23. The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress is fighting the polls against the Mahayuti. The MVA on Wednesday held a mega rally in Mumbai's MMRDA Grounds Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The rally was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge apart from top MVA leaders including Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. (with PTI inputs)
07 November,2024 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Aijt Pawar on Thursday campaigned for his party candidates Nawab Malik and the latter's daughter Sana Malik in Mumbai, the PTI reported. Nawab Malik and his daughter Sana Malik are contesting the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 from eastern Mumbai. Nawab Malik, former state minority affairs minister and Anushaktinagar MLA, is NCP's nominee from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar assembly constituency, while Sana is NCP candidate from Anushaktinagar. NCP's ruling ally BJP has opposed Nawab Malik's candidature, over his alleged links with gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Flanked by Nawab Malik and Sana, Ajit Pawar rode in an open jeep in a rally in Mumbai, urging people to vote for the Malik father-daughter duo, as per the PTI. Arrested in February 2022 in connection with a money laundering case, Nawab Mailk was released on bail in August 2023. BJP leader and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is among the ruling alliance leaders who had opposed fielding him for the assembly polls. People of Maharashtra do not like it: Ajit on Yogi's 'batenge to katenge' remark Meanwhile, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his slogan "batenge to katenge" at a poll rally in Maharashtra, BJP ally and Ajit Pawar on Thursday said that the people of the state do not appreciate such remarks, according to the PTI. People of Maharashtra have always strived to maintain communal harmony, said Ajit Pawar. "Maharashtra belongs to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and Mahatma Phule. You do not compare Maharashtra with other states, Maharashtra's people do not like this," Ajit Pawar told reporters when asked about CM Yogi Adityanath's remarks, as per the PTI. Shivaji Maharaj's teaching was to take all sections of society along, he said. "When people from other states come here, they speak keeping their people in mind, but Maharashtra has never accepted it and it has been the history of all the elections here," the NCP chief further said. Speaking at a campaign rally in Washim in eastern Maharashtra for the November 20 assembly elections, Adityanath used his famous slogan . "I am taking inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and appealing you to not get divided, because whenever we get divided, we perish," he said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
07 November,2024 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two more suspects in the Baba Siddiqui murder case, raising the total number of arrests to 18. The two suspects, both residents of Pune, were arrested in Pune and were reportedly in contact with accused Praveen Lonkar, who allegedly supplied them with around 50 bullets. The suspects were brought to Mumbai on Thursday and are scheduled to be presented in court today. The Mumbai Crime Branch said that two suspects arrested in the matter were identified as Aditya Raju Gulankar, 22 and Rafik Niyaz Shaikh, 22, both are residents of Karve Nagar in Pune. A senior official said that the investigation revealed that both accused were in contact with previously arrested individuals Pravin Lonkar and Rupesh Mohol. He said that Pravin Lonkar and Rupesh Mohol handed over a 9mm pistol and rounds to them, intended to be used in the crime. During the earlier investigation, the 9mm pistol was recovered. Efforts are ongoing to trace and seize the remaining ammunition. The accused in the Baba Siddique murder case have been presented in courtVia: @journofaizan #BabaSiddique #BabaSiddiquemurder #BabaSiddiquemurdercase #news pic.twitter.com/cfKsO6Q6Mx — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 7, 2024 Earlier, a 23-year-old man, who was allegedly part of the conspiracy to kill NCP leader Baba Siddique, was on Wednesday arrested from Pune, police said, making him the 16th accused to be held in connection with the high-profile murder. Apune, the 16th person to be arrested in the case, was part of the conspiracy to kill the former Maharashtra minister in Mumbai last month. He was produced before a local court which sent him to police remand till November 13. A team of the Mumbai crime branch, probing the case, detained Apune after questioning some of the arrested accused and revealed he was involved in the conspiracy to attack Siddique. The 23-year-old had a firearm and bullets with him, which he gave to one of the wanted accused. A search was on for the weapon which was in his possession. Siddique (66) was shot dead by three gunmen in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12.
07 November,2024 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanIn a bid to streamline the handling of judicial matters and to ensure prompt civic action, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has issued a set of clear guidelines to the civic legal department, an official statement said on Thursday. It said that the guidelines focus on expediting judicial proceedings, ensuring accountability, and improving coordination across various municipal departments involved in legal matters. The directive came during a meeting with officials and staff from the BMC's Legal Department, held on November 6, at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo) in Mumbai. Senior officials including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi, Joint Commissioner (Municipal Commissioner’s Office) Chandrashekhar Chore, Deputy Commissioner (General Administration) Kishore Gandhi, and Legal Officer Advocate Komal Punjabi were also present during the meeting, the statement said. Bhushan Gagrani highlighted the importance of prompt and accurate handling of all judicial cases that are filed by or against the BMC. "He instructed officials to immediately record and respond to all judicial cases, ensuring the submission of necessary affidavits and petitions through the Municipal Corporation’s sworn declarations. He also stressed the need for BMC's active participation in hearings, with the city’s legal stance being effectively presented in court," the statement said. It said, the civic chief said, "All departments under the BMC, including the legal department, must ensure that they attend hearings on the scheduled date and take immediate action on the court’s orders or instructions. The role of the municipal corporation in legal proceedings is crucial, especially concerning land agreements, property rights, contracts, and other administrative matters." Key instructions for handling judicial cases: - Gagrani stressed that all court cases should be tracked and necessary responses and affidavits should be submitted in time, ensuring compliance with the stipulated deadlines. - The BMC chief reiterated that any directives or judgments issued by courts must be implemented without delay, particularly in cases involving BMC’s properties or contracts. - Officials were instructed to maintain regular coordination with relevant municipal departments for timely updates and the handling of judicial cases. Legal officers, along with other BMC officials, are expected to ensure proper synchronisation for efficient management of these cases. - Gagrani highlighted the need for continuous training programs to increase legal literacy among municipal officers. These programs will ensure that officials are well-versed in legal procedures, and familiar with important laws like the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, and various other statutory regulations. - Gagrani was firm in his stance that any delays or negligence in handling judicial matters will not be tolerated. He warned that the municipality will hold responsible those officials who fail to take necessary actions on time. - To streamline the legal processes, the Commissioner also suggested the development of dedicated software for the legal department. He highlighted the importance of incorporating modern technology to handle case documentation, filing, and tracking, making the system more efficient and transparent. - The meeting stressed the need for a more synchronised approach, especially in dealing with cases related to BMC’s properties, development projects, and contractual matters. The legal department will coordinate closely with other municipal departments to ensure that each department’s role is clear and the necessary information is updated in a timely manner.
07 November,2024 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday released the 'Vachan Nama' (manifesto) for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 and said that his party will make sure to fulfill the promises once MVA is voted to power. The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) and the alliance parties will also launch their manifestos separately. Uddhav Thackeray unveiled the 'Vachan Nama', setting out the party's promises and commitments to the people of the state. The manifesto highlights the party's vision for good governance, social welfare, etc. Addressing the media, Uddhav Thackeray highlighted that the "Vachan Nama" was a reflection of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s unwavering commitment to the people of Maharashtra. He assured the public that the party would stay true to its promises if they were voted into power following the elections. Uddhav Thackeray said, "On behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT), I have just presented a promise to the public about what we will do after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government comes to power and how we will serve the people... We do what we say... We have fulfilled many promises and even today whatever promises we have made, we will fulfill them after getting the blessings of the people," the ANI reported. #WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "On behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT), I have just presented a promise to the public about what we will do after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government comes to power and how we will serve the people... We do what we say... We have… https://t.co/nkh6I4RD8y pic.twitter.com/cwZALxw7zK — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024 The Shiv Sena (UBT) manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, assures free education for male students, stabilising prices of essential items and scrapping of the Dharavi redevelopment project. Uddhav Thackeray, while releasing the manifesto at his residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Mumbai, said that most of the poll promises are part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) overall assurances, but there are some points which need special attention. Uddhav Thackeray said that every district will have a temple of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Uddhav has also promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme and remove the cap of 50 per cent reservation. (with ANI inputs)
07 November,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway on Thursday said that it has collected over Rs 80.56 crore as fines during ticket checking drives from April to October 2024. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that in order to ensure hassle-free, comfortable travel and better services to all bonafide passengers over Western Railway, intensive ticket checking drives are being carried out continuously over Mumbai suburban local services, Mail/Express as well as passenger trains and holiday special trains so as to curb the menace of ticketless/irregular passengers. It said that the highly motivated ticket checking team under the supervision of senior commercial officers of Western Railway organised several ticket checking drives during the months of April to October 2024, thereby recovering an amount to the tune of Rs 80.56 crore, which also includes Rs 26.60 crore from Mumbai Suburban section. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during the month of October 2024, an amount of Rs. 12.10 crore was recovered through detection of 2.09 lakh ticketless/irregular passengers, including unbooked luggage cases. Also, in the month of October, Western Railway collected fines amounting to Rs. 3.90 crore through detection of 93 thousand cases over Mumbai Suburban section. "To prevent unauthorised entry in Mumbai AC local trains, frequent surprise ticket checking drives are carried out. As a result of these drives almost 34,800 unauthorised passengers have been penalised from April to October 2024 and over Rs. 115 lakh collected in fines," the Western Railway said. Indian Railways sets new record: Over 3 crore passengers travelled in a single day on 4th November Meanwhile, during this year's festive season from October 1 to November 5, 2024, Indian Railways achieved a remarkable feat by transporting 65 lakh passengers on 4,521 special trains in last thirty six days, an official statement said. It said that these additional services have played a crucial role in facilitating smooth travel during the ongoing Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.These special efforts of Railways ensured lakhs of passengers could reach their destinations comfortably. This achievement shows Indian Railways' commitment to meeting the increased demand during peak festival times, making travel easier and more accessible for all. To meet the increased travel demand during the festive period from October 1 to November 30, Indian Railways announced a total of 7,724 special trains, marking a 73 per cent increase compared to last year’s 4,429 special train services. This substantial expansion aims to ensure seamless travel during the peak festival season. The statement said that the Indian Railways has operated an average of 175 special trains per day over the past four days to carry passengers to their destinations for Chhath Puja.
07 November,2024 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police have registered a case after Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan received a threatening call from a youth identified as Faizan. The call was made to the Bandra Police Station's landline on November 5. Following the incident, police teams were dispatched to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after tracing the location linked to the caller’s phone number. The case has been registered at Bandra Police Station under Sections 308(4) and 351(3)(4) of the BNS Act. Mumbai Police constable Santosh Ghodke (32) received a threatening call on the Bandra Police Station’s landline on November 5 at around 1:21 pm. The call was made from a mobile number, and later that evening, around 9 pm, an FIR was registered. The investigation revealed that the phone was registered under the name Faizan Khan and that the call originated from Raipur. “Bandra Police Station received a call threatening actor Shah Rukh Khan and demanding ₹50 lakh. An offense has been registered at Bandra Police Station. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing,” said Zonal DCP Dikshit Gedam. The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to actor Salman Khan. Bollywood actor Salman Khan has received a fresh threat, as reported by a police official on November 5. The threat, which was sent to the Mumbai traffic police helpline, has left authorities concerned for the actor's safety. According to the police, the message was read around midnight by an officer who was monitoring the helpline. In light of this new threat, the police have initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the message. They have also increased security measures around Salman Khan to ensure his safety. The police are looking into potential links between this threat and Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated on a range of serious charges, including attempted murder and extortion. This incident is not isolated, as Salman Khan has faced threats in the past, primarily linked to the Bishnoi gang. The Bishnoi community has a longstanding feud with the actor, dating back to a 1998 incident involving the alleged poaching of endangered blackbucks during the filming of "Hum Saath-Saath Hain." This has made Salman Khan a target for threats from members of this community. The police are taking this situation seriously, and the increased security for Salman Khan is a precautionary measure amid the ongoing investigation. The actor's fanbase and the wider public are now on alert as they await further developments regarding this concerning situation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as threats against high-profile individuals like Salman Khan highlight the serious nature of gang-related violence in India. The police urge anyone with information about the threat to come forward and assist in the investigation, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the actor and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by organised crime in the region. (With inputs from PTI)
07 November,2024 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan'Wake up Canada government' was the message at a Wednesday afternoon protest near the gate of the IndiaBulls International Centre on Senapati Bapat Marg, near Prabhadevi station. The protesting group led jointly by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal gathered at the site, which also saw significant police presence, to condemn the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Brothers, please While placards were held up, citing slogans and creating awareness, asking the Canadian government for action against attackers, Shriraj Nair, national spokesperson, VHP, said, “Let this be clear, the Sikhs and Hindus are one. We are brothers. We have nothing against the Sikhs. This is against fringe elements that are intent on pushing the Khalistan narrative, stoking divisions between the two communities.” “There are thousands of Hindus living and working in Canada in a peaceful way and contributing to society and the economy. If they are involved in crime, it is extremely negligible, or 0.0 per cent. We know that the Consulate General of Canada office is closed here and nobody is present, but this is a symbolic protest. Our Hindu brothers in Canada told us to do something here so that voices reach Canada,” Nair said. He added that they were not against the Canadian government, “yet we want all those involved in these attacks to be arrested.” False narrative Mohan Salekar, Prant secretary, VHP, said, “It is good that we heard some condemnation for the first time from Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. What were these Hindus doing? They were attacked while praying at the temple. That is why this protest was important.” At a Diwali meet ’n’ greet just two hours prior to the protest, Salekar stated, “The upcoming elections are not just the Maharashtra state Assembly elections but a compass that will show us which direction the country is heading. We want more people to come out and vote, especially the elite in their high rises.” He added, “During the general elections, there was organisation and logistics for the Bharat Jodo Yatra from certain foreign-funded NGOs. There was a false narrative spread that the Constitution was under threat. At that time, perhaps some sections were laid back in countering this false narrative, but lessons have been learnt and there are robust counters against attempts to spread lies and malicious, misleading claims.” No division The entire VHP top brass reiterated unity between Hindus and Sikhs and pointed out that the 1984 riots, which took place after PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination, also saw incendiary speeches by Congress leaders. Senior VHP functionary Dinesh T said, “There are no schisms between Hindus and Sikhs. They are our brothers, and the assassination was also highly politicised.” All the speakers pointed out that trouble is being fomented, and ‘we want Khalistan divisions’ are being given oxygen by those who believe in ‘tukde tukde Bharat’ and ‘todo Bharat’. The protest was well regulated, it saw curious onlookers asking about the issue. The gathering dispersed to shouts of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ rising above the blare of vehicle horns at the buzzing intersection.
07 November,2024 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharADVERTISEMENT
