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48 tunnels, 142 bridges, and a 51 km rail line: PM Modi unveils Mizoram projects worth ₹9,000 crore, also flags off 3 express trains

OpIndia Staff
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48 tunnels, 142 bridges, and a 51 km rail line: PM Modi unveils Mizoram projects worth ₹9,000 crore, also flags off 3 express trains

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to the north-east India. He first arrived in Mizoram, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth more than ₹9,000 crore. He also flagged off three new express trains.

Addressing a public gathering in Mizoram, PM Modi said: “Greetings to the wonderful people of Mizoram. I bow to the supreme deity, Pathian, who watches over this beautiful land of the Blue Mountains. I have reached Mizoram Airport. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, I am unable to meet you in Aizawl. Yet, I can truly feel your affection from here.”

“For the past eleven years, we have been working for the development of the Northeast. This region is becoming the growth engine of India. In recent years, many northeastern states have found a place on India’s railway map. For the first time, rural roads and highways, mobile connectivity, internet connectivity, electricity, tap water, and LPG connections have been expanded,” he said.

PM Modi said the Government of India has worked hard to strengthen all forms of connectivity. Mizoram will also benefit from the UDAN scheme for air travel. Very soon, helicopter services will begin here, improving access to Mizoram’s remote areas.

PM Modi further said that today Mizoram is playing an important role in India’s development journey. It is a historic day for the nation, and especially for the people of Mizoram. From today (13 September 2025), Aizawl will be on India’s railway map.

He added: “A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of the Aizawl railway line, and today, we feel proud to dedicate it to the nation. Overcoming many challenges, including difficult terrain, the Bairabi–Sairang railway line has become a reality. The skill of our engineers and the dedication of our workers made this possible.”

Karnataka Congress govt approves ₹398 crore grant for development of ‘Muslim colonies’: Read how CM Siddaramaiah has resorted to full-blown appeasement politics

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka Congress govt approves ₹398 crore grant for development of ‘Muslim colonies’: Read how CM Siddaramaiah has resorted to full-blown appeasement politics

The Congress-led Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka has approved a whopping ₹398 crore grant for the development of Muslim colonies in the State.

The decision, aimed at appeasing the Muslim community for vote bank politics, was taken during a cabinet meeting headed by Siddaramaiah at Vidhan Soudha.

The Congress government reportedly wants to develop ‘backwards colonies’ located in urban areas across 22 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka and turn them into ‘model colonies.’

Recently, the Siddaramiah government withdrew cases against Muslim extremists involved in the 2019 stone-pelting incident in Chittapur targeted at Hindu activists.

In April this year, the Chief Minister defended the Congress government’s decision to provide 4% reservation to Muslims in public contracts under Other Backward Class (OBC) quota.

Siddaramaiah had claimed, “Standing in support of those who have been deprived of opportunities, those who have not got justice, is the teaching of our Constitution and B.R. Ambedkar.”

Karnataka govt resorts to Muslim appeasement in 2025 Budget

In March this year, OpIndia reviewed the budget speech (English edition) of CM Siddaramiah and found glaring instances of appeasement and preferential treatment for minorities (and Muslims in particular).

The Congress government announced ₹500 crores for starting classes from pre-primary to PU (Pre-University) at 250 ‘Moulana Azad Model English Medium Schools’ on Karnataka public school mode. 

Moreover, a sum of ₹400 crores was allocated to strengthen 100 Urdu medium schools in Karnataka. Ironically, the Congress government has facilitated an atmosphere of linguistic divide (Hindi Vs Kannada) while promoting Urdu medium schools at the same time.

The Karnataka Congress government also laid down provisions for the repair and renovation of Waqf properties. A sum of ₹150 crore was set aside for the purpose.

At the same time, ₹1000 crore has been earmarked for the action plan prepared under the Chief Minister’s Minority Colony Development Programme’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, in his budget speech, emphasised on the development of the Hajj Bhavan. This included the construction of a new building for Hajj pilgrims and the establishment of KSOU for ‘deprived’ Muslim students.

The Karnataka Congress govt also announced ₹50,000 for couples belonging to economically backward Muslim communities.

Siddaramiah informed that the honorarium for Muezzins will be increased to ₹5000 per month, while the honorarium for Pesh-Imams of mosques will be ₹6000 per month. 

The Karnataka government also displayed preferential treatment towards Muslim students. This includes the construction of colleges for Muslim women on the land of Waqf institutions, infrastructure building for cultural and social activities etc.

Moreover, the Congress government announced reimbursement of 50% fees for Muslim students and increase of foreign scholarship from ₹20 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, through his budget speech, has clearly attempted to appease the Muslim community through freebies, preferential treatment, the development of Haj Bhavan, the renovation of Waqf properties and the strengthening of Urdu schools. 

US President Donald Trump admits tariffs have strained ties with India, but urges G7 allies to impose similar measures

OpIndia Staff
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US President Donald Trump admits tariffs have strained ties with India, but urges G7 allies to impose similar measures

US President Donald Trump on Friday doubled down on his controversial decision to impose steep tariffs on India for continuing oil imports from Russia, calling it a move of “historic significance” that inevitably strained ties between Washington and New Delhi.

Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump described the measure as both bold and necessary, signaling a firm US stance on curbing Moscow’s global energy trade.

“Look, India was their biggest customer. I put a 50 per cent tariff on India because they’re buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do. That’s a big deal and it causes a rift with India,” Trump declared, underscoring that the step was taken despite his personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The tariff announcement comes weeks after the United States had already slapped a 25 per cent duty, followed by an additional 25 per cent punitive measure, on Indian imports.

Washington has repeatedly argued that New Delhi’s reliance on discounted Russian crude undermines the global effort to isolate Moscow following its prolonged conflict with Ukraine. India, however, has strongly rejected the accusation, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” while defending its energy purchases as essential to its economic security.

G7 pressure and Trump’s push

Trump also revealed that he has “directed” G7 allies to consider similar steps against both India and China, urging them to “put high tariffs” on nations continuing to buy Russian oil. Framing it as a global test of resolve, he claimed such actions would demonstrate unity against Moscow’s use of energy as a geopolitical tool.

Despite the tough rhetoric, the US President maintained that the impact of Russia’s oil trade was “a Europe problem, much more than our problem,” suggesting Washington was acting in solidarity with European partners more exposed to Russian energy.

Trump’s bold claims on foreign policy

In characteristic style, Trump used the interview to reiterate sweeping claims about his foreign policy record. “I solved seven wars. I did so many, including Pakistan and India, but big ones, some were unsolvable, Congo and Rwanda. I solved it. It was going on for 31 years, millions of people killed,” he said. While many experts have challenged such assertions, the remarks highlight his campaign-style effort to cast himself as a global dealmaker and peacemaker.

Strained ties, yet hints of progress

The tariff standoff comes at a sensitive juncture in US-India relations. Washington’s ambassador-designate to New Delhi, Sergio Gor, acknowledged before senators that India’s protectionist policies had created friction. However, he stressed that the overall partnership remained robust, rooted in what he described as Trump’s “deep friendship” with Modi.

“We are not that far apart right now on a deal. In fact, they’re negotiating the nitty-gritty of a deal,” Gor said, hinting that a breakthrough trade agreement could be reached in the coming weeks despite the ongoing tariff battle.

For now, Trump’s tariff offensive has injected fresh uncertainty into one of Washington’s most strategically significant partnerships. While both sides continue to underline the strength of their ties, the rift over Russian oil purchases is shaping into a crucial test of whether politics and economics can be balanced without derailing a relationship often described as indispensable for the future of the Indo-Pacific.

UP: Yogi govt to set up state cooperative college to boost research and training, revive 16 cooperative banks

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Yogi govt to set up state cooperative college to boost research and training, revive 16 cooperative banks

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to establish a State Cooperative College to promote education, training, and research in the cooperative sector.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision on Friday during a review meeting of the Cooperative Department, held in the presence of Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol. The Union Minister welcomed the initiative and assured full support from the Centre.

Reviewing cooperative banking reforms, officials highlighted that since 2017-18, the state has revived 16 defunct district cooperative banks with financial assistance of ₹306.92 crore.

Non-performing assets (NPAs), which stood at ₹800 crore in 2017, have fallen sharply to ₹278 crore by March 2025. With loans worth ₹1,000 crore disbursed, these banks have now turned profitable. CM Yogi stressed that “farmers’ and depositors’ trust is the real capital of cooperatives, and it must be safeguarded at all costs.”

On the food grain storage plan, the FCI has identified 96 sites across 35 districts. Construction of warehouses will begin in January 2026 and finish by April 2026, making it India’s largest grain storage initiative.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPAX). In 2024-25, 266 MPAX were formed, while 457 new ones have already been added this financial year. Formation is underway in 1,088 gram panchayats. MPAX have been given interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh for fertilizer distribution, generating a turnover of ₹5,400 crore and margin money of ₹120 crore so far.

To strengthen digital services, 6,101 societies have adopted QR/UPI-based payments, while many MPAX are diversifying into CSC services, PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The CM emphasized that Jan Aushadhi outlets should be located near hospitals and that cooperatives must become gateways for youth employment in agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and allied sectors.

The meeting was also attended by Agriculture Minister Surya Prakash Shahi, Animal Husbandry Minister Dharmpal Singh, Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad, and Cooperation Minister JPS Rathore.

Sushila Karki sworn in as interim Prime Minister of Nepal, becomes the first leader of a government in the world to be elected on Discord

OpIndia Staff
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Sushila Karki sworn in as interim Prime Minister of Nepal, becomes the first leader of a government in the world to be elected on Discord

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government on 12th September evening. This came days after the fall of the KP Oli government on Tuesday due to the violent GenZ protests.

Along with Karki, Gen-Z representative Sudan Gurung and advocate Om Prakash Aryal have been inducted as ministers. The appointment of the interim government was made under Article 61 of the Constitution. Several diplomats of various governments attended the ceremony.

After the appointment of the interim government, the president dissolved the parliament. The interim government will now hold parliamentary elections to form an elected government.

Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice and the nation’s first female in that role from 2016 to 2017, has become the first female Prime Minister of Nepal. Notably, she also became the first head of a government to be elected on social media, Discord in this case.

Her selection emerged from Gen Z-led protests, which toppled the government of KP Sharma Oli after weeks of unrest that left dozens dead and prompted a failed social media ban. Despite the ban on Discord along with 25 other social media apps, the GenZ protestors managed to use the app mainly used by gamers, and organised and strategized protests. After KP Oli resigned, several names emerged as potential head of the interim government. Therefore, a vote was conducted on Discord to elect the interim chief among 5 candidates.

Screenshot of the poll on Discord taken by OpIndia

Sushila Karki won the Discord election with 50% votes in her favour. A total of 7713 votes were cast, out of which Karki got 3833 votes. YouTuber Random Nepali came second with 2022 votes.

Indian Air Force submits proposal to acquire 114 Made in India Rafale fighter jets with 60% indigenous content

OpIndia Staff
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Indian Air Force submits proposal to acquire 114 Made in India Rafale fighter jets with 60% indigenous content

The Defence Ministry has received a proposal from the Indian Air Force for acquiring 114 ‘Made in India’ Rafale fighter jets, as per a report by ANI. The proposal to build the planes by Dassault Aviation involving Indian aerospace firms in India is currently being discussed at the ministry.

The project to make 114 Rafale jets in India will be worth over ₹2 lakh crore, and it will have indigenous content of more than 60%. The report stated that the proposal is expected to be taken up for discussion by the Defence Procurement Board headed by the Defence Secretary in the next few weeks.

A defence official said that “The Statement of Case (SoC) or the proposal for the 114 Rafale jets prepared by the Indian Air Force was received by the Defence Ministry a few days ago and is under consideration of the different wings under it, including Defence Finance.” The discussions, the proposal will be forwarded to Defence Procurement Board, and then to the Defence Acquisition Council.

If finalised, this will be the biggest ever defence deal, and it will take the number of Rafale fighter jet in the fleet of Indian defence forces to 176. Because, the Indian Air Force has already inducted 36 jets, and Indian Navy has placed orders for 26 of the naval version of the jet under government-to-government deals.

As per the report, the IAF decided to acquire more Rafal jets after it performed very well against Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, where it managed to comprehensively beat the Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles using its Spectra Electronic warfare suite.

The made in India Rafale is expected to have longer-range air-to-ground missiles than the existing Scalp missiles.

The French side is also planning to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility in Hyderabad for the M-88 engines, which are used by Rafale jets.

IAF has urgent need to acquire fighter jets, as it has retired MiG 21 jets and other jets like Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and MiG 29 jets are nearing retirement age, and delivery of the LCA Tejas jets have been delayed.

Indian Air Force has already ordered 180 LCA Mark1A jets, and work is on to develop Tejas LCA Mark 2 and fight generation AMCA jets.

Pune: Cybercriminal posing as IIT-Bombay professor dupes a private university of ₹2.46 crores by promising DRDO projects

OpIndia Staff
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Pune: Cybercriminal posing as IIT-Bombay professor dupes a private university of ₹2.46 crores by promising DRDO projects

A private university in Pune got duped of Rs 2.46 crore by a cyber fraudster posing as a professor from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay). The fraudsters allegedly promised to fund joint research projects for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In this case, an FIR was lodged on 6th September by the Chief Education Officer of the private university. The scam occurred between 25th July and 26th August this year. It began with the university’s Chief Education Officer receiving a message from the name of a former Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) vice-chancellor. The message mentioned a person as an ‘IIT Mumbai professor’, who claimed to provide details of a Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project worth ₹28 crore.

The cyber fraudsters manipulated the administration of the private university to make three transactions totalling Rs 2.46 crore. The cyber criminals convinced the university administration that they could access government-aided research grants.  

The fraudster told the CEO that to secure eligibility the said projects, the university needed to transfer 2 percent of the project cost, 56 lakhs, within three hours. On 25th July, the varsity officials made that payment. A few days after, the fraudsters contacted the university officials again. This time, they promoted an ‘AI technology project’ worth Rs 28 crore. This time as well, the varsity officials sent Rs 46 lakh on 30th July to the fraudsters.

On 7th August, the cyber criminals manipulated the university management into funding a ₹72 Crore machine learning project. Unaware of the scam ongoing, the management of the said university in Pune, made an additional payment of ₹1.44 crore. The cybercriminal also sent all the project related information from a fraudulent mail address.

The cybercriminal posing as IIT Bombay professor had assured that on 28th August, there would be a meeting in Pune to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). However, the meeting did not happen. This raised suspicion and the varsity officials contacted the actual IIT professor who was being impersonated to carry out this fraud. The actual professor denied any involvement in the so-called projects. As the university officials realised that they have been defrauded, they filed a complaint with the Cyber Police, based on which, an FIR has been registered.

 “The fraudsters had given very elaborate details of these so-called projects, making the private university administration believe them. We have launched a probe into the contact details and bank account numbers used by the fraudsters,” a cyber police official said.

Speaking about the fraud, a spokesperson for the university in question said, “Clear SOPs and due diligence processes are maintained for all collaborations. This was a unique case of impersonation in which the documents and communication were made to look authentic. Once the fraud was detected by internal mechanism, the transfers were stopped, and a cybercrime complaint was filed immediately.”

Kerala High Court rebukes Travancore Devaswom Board for removing gold-plated coverings of deities in the Sabarimala temple without following procedure

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala High Court rebukes Travancore Devaswom Board for removing gold-plated coverings of deities in the Sabarimala temple without following procedure

The Kerala High Court pulled up the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Friday (12th September) for removing the gold-plated copper coverings of deities in the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Taking a suo motu cognisance of the matter, a division bench of Justices Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar expressed concern over the removal of the coverings of the “Dwarapalaka Idols” located on either side of the Sreekovil by the TDB without prior intimation to the Special Commissioner.

After considering the report filed by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, the High Court noted that, though the gold-plating on the coverings was guaranteed for a period of 40 years, it developed defects within 6 years. As a result, the TDB decided to return the coverings for repairs to the person who had sponsored them. However, the TDB did not inform the Sabarimala Special Commissioner before removing the coverings and sending them for repair to Chennai.

Although the TDB tendered an unconditional apology for not following the procedure, the High Court had directed it to immediately halt the repair work and transport the items directly back to the Sannidhanam, in an order dated September 9, 2025. The court also directed that the entire file and records relating to the repairs of gold-plated copper coverings over the “Dwarapalaka Idols” be produced before it.

Upon examining the records relating to the repair works, the High Court observed several inconsistencies in the decision-making process. The court noted that the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner initially recommended the traditional method for gold coating using 303 grams of gold (costing around ₹31 lakhs), but later reversed his stance after discussions with the sponsor and recommended that the items be sent to Chennai for electroplating. The court pointed out that this violated the TDB Sub Group Manual, which requires such works to be carried out at Sannidhanam itself. “We observe that the entire transaction remains replete with unanswered questions,” the High Court remarked.

The division bench said that the properties of temples, deities and Devaswom Boards should be protected by trustees/ archakas/ shebaits or employees. “The Government, members or trustees of boards/trusts, and devotees should be vigilant to prevent any such usurpation or encroachment. It is also the duty of courts to protect and safeguard the properties of religious and charitable institutions from wrongful claims or misappropriation,” the High Court asserted.

The Court ordered the seizure of all records relating to the gold-plating and cladding of the idols, including details of a former pair of Dwarapalaka idols reportedly kept in the strong room for possible gold extraction. Besides, the court impleaded Mr. Unnikrishnan Potty (the sponsor) and Smart Creations (where the coverings were sent to be repaired) as additional respondents, requiring them to furnish all financial and communication records linked to the repairs and sponsorships.

Days after saying India will say ‘sorry’ to US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says US will sort out India once New Delhi stops buying Russian oil

Shraddha Pandey
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Days after saying India will say ‘sorry’ to US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says US will sort out India once New Delhi stops buying Russian oil

There is a timeless Hindi adage,“Rassi jal gayi, par bal nahi gaya” (The rope may scorch in the flames, but its stubborn twists remain). India has inflicted global embarrassment in US President Donald Trump by refusing to stop buying Russian oil and snubbed his one-sided trade deal. Yet, Trump’s attack dog, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, said that US will ‘sort out’ India once it stops buying Russian oil. Earlier, Lutnick said that India would say ‘sorry’ to US.

Appearing on a CNBC show on Thursday, the US Commerce Secretary said, “We’re going to sort out India. You know, India basically has to open their market, has to stop buying Russian oil. People don’t remember India didn’t buy Russian oil before the war with Russia and Ukraine…1 per cent of their oil was from Russia. And now 40 per cent of their oil is from Russia because we’ve sanctioned it, so they can buy it, you know, $7-10 a barrel cheap. So, they’re buying it, refining it, and then selling it to the rest of the world and making a bundle.”

“So, the president (Trump) called nonsense on that and said you got to stop that stuff. So, I think India, we’ll sort it out once they stop buying Russian oil,” Lutnick added.

Howard Lutnick has a knack for mocking and belittling America’s partners and adversaries alike. Last week, Lutnick claimed that despite India maintaining a firm position on continuing oil trade with Russia, New Delhi would eventually return to the table to strike a deal with Washington in the coming months and say ‘sorry’.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said, “So I think, yes, in a month or two months, I think India is going to be at the table and they’re going to say they’re sorry and they’re going to try to make a deal with Donald Trump. If India does not support the United States, they will have to pay 50 per cent tariffs on its exports to the US.”

While Donald Trump has softened his tone and gone from calling Indian economy ‘dead’ weeks back to India a ‘great nation’ recently, his officials continue to vilify New Delhi and peddle false narrative about India’s Russian oil purchases.

All these theatrics are nothing but a part of Trump administration’s pressure tactics, not to end Russia-Ukraine war, not to essentially cripple Russian economy but to arm-twist India into opening its agriculture and dairy markets for US companies.

Moreover, the Trump administration sees India, with its huge population a lucrative market and wants New Delhi to cut its Russian oil purchases. While it is widely known that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize and open Indian agricultural and dairy market are the main reasons for India-US relations seeing a sudden bitterness, the US also wants India to buy American crude oil, petroleum products and LNG.

An admission to the Trump administration’s ambition of diverting India’s crude oil and LNG imports from Russia to US, was made by Sergio Gor, Trumps’ nominee to be US Ambassador to India during his nomination hearing on 11th September.

“In the ongoing trade talks, we want the Indian market to open for our crude oil, petroleum products, LNG. India’s Middle Class is larger than the entire US. You’re talking about a population of 1.4 billion individuals there (India). Their middle class by our definition is larger than an entire United States of America and so we have countless possibilities to expand into those markets…” Gor said.

Apparently, the Trump administration’s tariff war against India was not only the expression of Trump’s frustration over not securing credit for his imaginary credit for brokering India-Pakistan ceasefire, Nobel prize nomination or attempt to deter India from ‘fuelling Russian war-machine’.

The US profiteered massively from the Russia-Ukraine war by selling its LNG and petroleum products to Europe on much higher rates and defence equipment to Ukraine. Even in peace talks intended to secure end to Russia-Ukraine war, Trump is eyeing a dollar-minting deal. And now, Trump administration wants India to ditch Russia for American petroleum products.

In war, or in peace, with adversaries or with allies, the US always looks for the goldmine.

From abuses to deepfakes: Congress targets PM Modi’s mother with an AI video, sparks outrage ahead of Bihar polls

Aditi
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From abuses to deepfakes: Congress targets PM Modi’s mother with an AI video, sparks outrage ahead of Bihar polls

As the assembly elections are approaching in Bihar, the Congress Party has resorted to launching personal attacks on PM Modi. After PM Modi and his late mother were abused during Congress-RJD’s ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ last month, now the Bihar Congress has targeted him and his mother, Heeraben, by posting an AI video on social media.

In a below-the-belt move, the Bihar Congress shared a 36-second AI video on X on Friday (12th September), showing characters resembling PM Modi and his late mother. The video, captioned “Maa appears in Sahab’s dreams”, depicts PM Modi going to bed saying, “I’m done with today’s ‘vote chori’, let’s get a good night’s sleep now.” Further, the video shows him falling asleep and seeing his late mother, who appears angry, in his dream. She accuses PM Modi of using her name for politics.

The distasteful video stirred a political storm as the BJP demanded an apology, describing the video as disgusting and an insult to all mothers and sisters. The party demanded action against those responsible for posting the AI video.

Congress has become ‘Gaaliwadi’ instead of ‘Gandhiwadi’: BJP

Accusing the Congress Party of mudslinging, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, “RJD and Congress have shown the depths to which politics can sink. To engage in mudslinging and insult someone’s mother — especially one who has passed away — is shameful. People of Bihar are well aware that those who stoop to such acts are aligned with the state opposition and Congress. When individuals from this land abuse the mother of PM Modi, it reflects poorly on their political ethics”.

Expressing contempt, BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said that he would approach the Election Commission regarding the video. “Prime Minister Modi has always kept politics separate from family life. It is painful that the Congress first abused the prime minister’s mother and is now using deepfake technology to mislead the country and insult all mothers,” said Agrawal.

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla termed the video as shameful and added that the party had become Gaalwadi (abusive) instead of Gandhiwadi. “Far from remorse for abusing PM’s mother, Congress justified and defended the accused with lies. This party has become ‘Gaaliwadi’ instead of Gandhiwadi,” Poonawalla said.

Nothing disrespectful in the video: Congress

Following a massive backlash over the video on social media, the Bihar Congress had to launch a so-called inquiry into the matter, while senior Congress leader Pawan Khera defended the offensive video. Supporting the video, Khera said that it did not disrespect PM Modi’s late mother. “Where is the disrespect shown to his late mother? Show me one word, one gesture, anywhere that you see disrespect. It is the duty of a parent to educate their child. She is only educating her child, and if the child thinks that it is disrespectful towards him, it is his headache, not mine, not yours,” said Khera.

Khera went on to preach to PM Modi, saying that, being in politics, PM Modi should accept everything. “Mr Modi cannot do ‘touch-me-not’ politics. He is in politics, and he needs to take everything, even the sense of humour of the opposition, properly. In fact, there is no humour in it, there is naseehat (advice) in this,” Khera added.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother were abused with slurs such as ‘Maderch*od’ during a Congress-RJD rally in Darbhanga, Bihar, on August 27, 2025.

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