Politics

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut was granted bail on Thursday after being convicted in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, the wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. The Sewree magistrate court sentenced Raut to 15 days in prison and imposed a ₹25,000 fine but later suspended the sentence for 30 days, allowing him to appeal. Medha alleged that Raut made defamatory statements regarding their involvement in a ₹100 crore scam related to public toilets, which were widely circulated in media. Her lawyer presented evidence to support the claims, arguing that Raut's statements were aimed at damaging her reputation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched three PARAM Rudra supercomputers on Thursday, marking a significant advancement in India’s scientific and technological landscape under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). Developed at a cost of ₹130 crore, these supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support pioneering research across various scientific fields. Modi emphasized the importance of technology, stating, “There is no sector which does not rely on technology and computing capability.” He noted that the PARAM Rudra supercomputers are crucial for achieving self-reliance in high-performance computing (HPC). They will enhance research capabilities in institutions like the Giant Metre Radio Telescope in Pune and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre in Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong attack on the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that "neither they nor three generations of their family" can restore Article 370. Speaking at a public meeting in Chenani, Shah accused these parties of being responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people in the region and promoting terrorism. He emphasized the significance of the ongoing elections, highlighting that this is the first election without Article 370 or a separate flag.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut retracted her recent comments advocating for the reinstatement of the three farm laws, clarifying that her views were personal and did not reflect the party's stance. In a video statement, she expressed regret for any disappointment her remarks caused, stating, "I must remember that now I am not only an artiste but also a member of the BJP." The Himachal Pradesh BJP distanced itself from her statements, while the Congress party alleged the ruling government was attempting to revive the laws ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. The BJP has since instructed Ranaut to align her statements with party policy in the future.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sharply criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a virtual rally, likening the RSS to "rats" and accusing both of undermining communal harmony for electoral gain. Soren alleged that the BJP was sowing discord between Hindu and Muslim communities, warning against provocations that could escalate tensions. He described the BJP as a party of "traders and industrialists," referring to recent defections and urging critics to examine demographic data from neighboring West Bengal instead of accepting the BJP's claims.