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Cricket World Cup 2023: Kolkata Police summons Sourav Ganguly’s brother in ticket black marketing probe

OpIndia Staff
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Cricket World Cup 2023: Kolkata Police summons Sourav Ganguly’s brother in ticket black marketing probe

On Thursday (2nd November), Kolkata Police issued a summons to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehashis Ganguly in an investigation pertaining to the black marketing of ICC World Cup match tickets. Snehashis Ganguly is the brother of former Indian captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. The CAB president was reportedly asked to appear for questioning within 24 hours.

CAB officials, however, failed to appear at the police station as required. CAB wrote an email to the police and denied responsibility for the ticket distribution procedure and any dealings with BookMyShow, claiming that these matters were under the authority of the BCCI. Subsequently, the police sent a second notice to CAB, requiring their physical attendance for questioning.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police has started interrogations of staff from BookMyShow, the ICC’s official ticketing partner for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Representatives from BookMyShow were also served with a notice on Thursday. The Kolkata police have leveled seven charges and detained 16 people in connection with the illegal sale of World Cup match tickets. The police, who recovered 94 tickets, stated that tickets costing Rs 900 were being sold on the illicit market for Rs 8,000. The BookMyShow representatives were questioned by authorities in this regard on Friday.

Following a complaint from cricket fans, a case was filed on Wednesday accusing BookMyShow and officials from the CAB and BCCI of ticket black marketing.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly has said that demands for the tickets is extremely high and beyond control. “It happens everywhere, the demand for tickets is so high. Nobody has control over it, only the Police can stop this,” Ganguly.

When asked about CAB’s name coming up in the controversy, Ganguly said “It is unfortunate. CAB doesn’t sell tickets. They don’t have any box office.”

Since Wednesday, the police have been undertaking raids in various regions and keeping vigilant tabs on social media to track down shady dealings ahead of the match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens on Sunday, November 5.

The police recently arrested three persons, namely, Subhradip Bhattacharya, Suman Sarder, and Sandipan Laha after receiving a complaint from a cricket fan for allegedly selling India-South Africa match tickets valued at Rs 900 for Rs 8,000. The accused were found with a total of 17 tickets. A case was filed against the accused and officials of the CAB and BookMyShow at the Netaji Nagar police station under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the West Bengal Black Marketing Act.

Maharashtra: Man poses as a descendant of Satavahana King to grab Durgadi Fort land near Kalyan, now absconding

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Man poses as a descendant of Satavahana King to grab Durgadi Fort land near Kalyan, now absconding

A resident from Malshej near Kalyan, who claimed to be a descendant of the Satavahana dynasty, allegedly forged documents to wrongly claim a one-hectare plot of the historic Durgadi Fort site by cheating the Revenue Department.

The Mahatma Phule Police Station at Kalyan in the Thane district has initiated an investigation in the case on Thursday (2nd November). Historians and scholars were shocked with the audacity of the act. Suyash Shirke, the accused in this case, is currently evading authorities.

As per authorities, Suyash Shirke, the chairman of the Malshej Nane Ghat Forest Area and Tourism Development Committee, has been identified as the prime suspect in the case. The alarming episode came to light when Preeti Ghude, the divisional officer of the Kalyan revenue department, discovered the incident.

Following the directives of Tehsildar Jairaj Deshmukh, Preeti Ghude has filed a formal complaint at the Mahatma Phule police station, accusing Suyash Shirke of fabricating documents, deceiving the government, and wrongfully acquiring the land of Durgadi Fort under the auspices of his organisation. The police have registered a case of forging documents, cheating and misleading the Maharashtra government under sections 420, 465, 466, 468, 471, and 773 of the IPC and have launched an investigation.

According to police sources, Suyash Shirke had filed fake documents with the revenue department to get the Durgadi fort land in the name of his organisation. In this case, the accused Shirke had filed documents with false signatures and forged stamps of revenue officials without document registration at the Kalyan tehsildar’s office.

Suyash Shirke had applied for a no-objection certificate on 12th September 2022, to transfer the fort in his name. In this application, Shirke described himself as a descendant and successor of the Satavahana king.

The senior officers in the local police station wrote to the district collector’s office seeking permission to repair the fort and sought detailed information about the land records. It was at this point that the whole fraud was exposed. The district revenue office mentioned in their reply that this fort belongs to the Shirkes who are the descendants and successors of the Satavahana king, and that they only will give permission for repairs.

The Kalyan revenue department then sent the documents to the collector’s office for authenticity as they were related to the Durgadi fort. The matter was investigated on the orders of the district collector. During the investigation, it was determined that the Durgadi Fort site held historical significance.

As the revenue department conducted its investigation, the police dispatched a letter to the district collector inquiring about the ownership and port rights of Durgadi Fort, specifically questioning whether they belonged to the descendants of the Satavahana Kings.

The documentation comprised falsified records associated with Durgadi Fort and the Malshej Nane Ghat Forest Area and Tourism Development Committee, featuring tampered stamps and forged signatures purportedly attributed to the tehsildar. These stunning revelations were made during the investigations done by the divisional revenue office of Kalyan on 24 February 2023.

Upon scrutinising the documents, the revenue department determined that all the provided paperwork was deceptive and questionable. Divisional officer Preeti Ghude filed a complaint at the Mahatma Phule police station, accusing Suyash Shirke of attempting to unlawfully acquire the land of the Durgadi Fort through falsified records. A case has been registered, and authorities are actively searching for the accused.

The Durgadi fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1666 on the ruins of an ancient fortress of Satvahanas. It was in this fort that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj envisioned the navy of the Hindu Swarajya. While reinforcing the northern Konkan coastline with this fort, the Hindu king received support from the Agri, Koli, Bhoi, and Bhandari communities living in this area.

While building this fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj found a great hidden treasure worth crores at this site. He saw this as a blessing of Goddess Durga for the Swarajya and consecrated a temple of Goddess Durga on this fort. He also named the fort after the Hindu deity.

Pakistan: Air Force training base in Mianwali attacked by ‘unknown gunmen’, 3 aircraft, a fuelling tanker damaged

ANI
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Pakistan: Air Force training base in Mianwali attacked by ‘unknown gunmen’, 3 aircraft, a fuelling tanker damaged

Pakistan’s Army had said that it has foiled a terror attack at the Mianwali Training Air Base in the Punjab province.

The ISPR says that 3 terrorists were neutralised while entering the base while the remaining 3 terrorists have been cornered due to timely and effective response by the troops. However, during the attack, some damage to three already grounded aircraft and a fuel bowser also occurred.

According to a press release from the Pakistan’s ISPR, on November 4 in the early hours of the day, Mianwali Training Air Base of Pakistan Air Force came under a failed terrorist attack which has been foiled by the swift and effective response of the troops.
The action of the troops has ensured the safety and security of personnel and assets says the release.

The ISPR said a comprehensive joint clearance and combing operation is in final stages to completely clear the area. ISPR says they remain committed to eliminating menace of terrorism from the country at all costs.

According to Pakistan media reports, a spokesperson of the Islamist terror group Tehreek-e-Jihad took responsibility for the attack on the Air Force base.

Earlier last week, terrorists launched two separate attacks on security forces in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In the Tirah area of Khyber District, an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) was conducted, resulting in an intense exchange of fire.
As a result, one terrorist was killed, and two terrorists were injured and subsequently apprehended by security forces, the ISPR said in a statement.

These terrorists were found in possession of weapons and ammunition and had been actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces, as well as engaging in the targeted killing of innocent civilians in the area, as reported by ARY News.
In another incident, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in the Sarwekai area of the South Waziristan District, where two soldiers, Sepoy Banaras Khan lost their lives in the line of duty. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

No crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time: Kerala High Court orders raid on all religious places to seize ‘illegal’ firecrackers

OpIndia Staff
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No crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time: Kerala High Court orders raid on all religious places to seize ‘illegal’ firecrackers

On Friday (3rd November), the Kerala High Court directed the Deputy Collector of Cochin and other districts in the State to conduct raids at all religious places and recover ‘illegal firecrackers’ with the help of the Commissioner of Police.

The matter was heard by Justice Amit Rawal of the Kerala High Court. The petitioners had sought a ban on the bursting of crackers at all places of worship. They claimed that most temples do not have explosives licences, which are issued by the District Collector under Explosive Rules.

“Even if the licences are issued, they should not be issued, for bursting causes noise and air pollution also. Crackers are busted at odd hours disturbing peace,” the court noted.

“This fact is not denied by the learned counsel representing the respondents as well as the fact that even this Court had also heard the noise of the crackers even after the midnight,” Justice Amit Rawal observed.

The Kerala High Court Judge directed the Deputy Collector to take the help of the Police Commissioner (Cochin) and seize all ‘illegal’ firecrackers from religious places in the district. At the same time, he issued directives on raids on all religious places in other districts of Kerala on Friday (3rd November).

“…No crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy book to burst crackers for pleasing the God,” the court ruled.

Justice Amit Rawal also called for the circulation of the court order to all District collectors in Kerala for compliance. “It is made clear that in case after todays
order if it is found or reported bursting of crackers, court may be compelled to initiate contempt proceedings,” he added.

Philippines to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, announces full termination of major infra projects, favours Japanese and Western companies

ANI
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Philippines to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, announces full termination of major infra projects, favours Japanese and Western companies

In a significant development with geopolitical implications, the full termination of major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been announced by the Philippine Department of Transportation in favour of competitors from the West and Japan, as reported by Asia Times on Thursday.

As per the Philippine Senate, doubt now shrouds nearly all of China’s crucial investment initiatives in the Philippines, owing to economic and political factors. This has led to a new low point in Philippine-China relations, marking a drastic reversal from the six years of warm engagement during the pro-Beijing Rodrigo Duterte presidency.

China’s diplomatic approach in the Philippines under President Duterte faced criticism for being dubbed “pledge trap” diplomacy, involving substantial investments in exchange for concessions in the South China Sea. However, a vast majority of the promised $24 billion in infrastructure projects failed to materialise, as reported by Asia Times.

In the aftermath of a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine sea vessels, U.S. President Joe Biden made it explicit that, in adherence to the terms of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the United States will respond to any attack on Philippine ships, aircraft, or soldiers stationed in the South China Sea.

The Philippines’ apparent departure from the BRI is rooted in deep-seated bilateral issues concerning contested territories in the South China Sea. The Marcos Jr. government recently voiced its concerns regarding China’s intimidation of Philippine patrol and resupply missions in and around the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila maintains troops stationed on a grounded ship, Asia Times reported.

Shortly after the collision, Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Batista announced the scrapping of $4.9 billion worth of Chinese major infrastructure projects, which included two railway projects in Luzon and another in Duterte’s home island of Mindanao.

“We have three projects that won’t be funded by the Chinese government anymore. We can’t wait forever, and it seems like China isn’t that interested anymore,” Batista disclosed during a forum organized by European investors in Manila. The Philippines is now seeking alternative, more favourable deals from traditional investment partners like Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and the European Union.

According to Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, up to six significant Chinese projects are now under “reconsideration” due to Chinese delays, concerns over lending terms, and broader geopolitical tensions, Asia Times reported.

A number of Chinese projects are expected to be put on hold in Manila, including the Mindanao Railway Project Tagum-Davao-Digos segment, the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project, and a closed-circuit television project in multiple cities throughout Metro-Manila.

Filipino officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived exorbitant terms and lack of financial commitment associated with Chinese-funded projects when compared to Japan’s concessional loan programs. Japan is presently engaged in several significant “connectivity” projects in the nation’s industrialized regions, in addition to a multibillion-dollar metro project in Manila.

Current statistics indicate that China’s entire BRI-related operations have decreased by approximately 40% since their peak in 2018. This can be attributed, in part, to legislative obstacles, financial fragility in various recipient nations, and Beijing’s diminishing financing.

According to a recent Boston University study, “many of the recipients of Chinese finance are subject to significant debt distress,” even though China’s development finance institutions provided partner states with over $331 billion between 2013 and 2021.

By some accounts, China spent as much as $240 billion to bail out BRI recipient nations on the verge of bankruptcy, most notably in the cases of Sri Lanka and increasingly in Pakistan and Laos.

The heightened tensions in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines have coincided with a significant decline in bilateral investment deals. While Beijing maintains a considerable advantage in two-way trade between the two neighbours, almost all of the infrastructure investment commitments made by Beijing during the Duterte administration are now in jeopardy.

This shift in the Philippines’ approach to the BRI reflects not only geopolitical considerations but also concerns regarding China’s economic slowdown, property market crises, and challenges associated with investments abroad. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

FIR against Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and “defaming” Mumbai Police

OpIndia Staff
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FIR against Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and “defaming” Mumbai Police

On Friday, 3rd November, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against television actress and social media influencer Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and allegedly defaming the police. The case against the actress has been registered at Oshiwara Police Station.

Taking to X on Friday, Mumbai Police said that nobody can violate the law for cheap publicity. The police added that the viral video of Urfi Javed getting arrested for dressing ‘obscenely’ is not true. Saying that the police insignia and uniform were misused by the actress, Mumbai Police has registered a case against Urfi Javed and arrested the fake inspector seen in the video.

“One Can’t Violate Law Of The Land, For Cheap Publicity! A viral video of a woman being allegedly arrested by Mumbai Police, in a case of obscenity is not true – insignia & uniform has been misused. However, a criminal case has been registered against those involved in the misleading video, at Oshiwara Pstn under sections 171, 419, 500, and 34 IPC. While further investigation is on, the fake inspector is under arrest & the vehicle has been seized too. #RealityCheck,” Mumbai Police posted on X.

Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with “wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent,” while Section 419 deals with cheating by impersonation. Sections 500 and 34 of the IPC pertain to defamation and common intention.

The police said in a statement that the self-publicity video went viral on social media and misled people about the department’s stance on skimpy clothing. In the FIR, Urfi, two other women posing as constables, and a male friend posing as a police official were charged under relevant sections of the IPC.

Meanwhile, Ganpatbhai Sawajibhai Makwana, the accused who pretended to be a police officer, has been served with a notice under CrPC section 41A.

This comes after a video surfaced on the internet on Friday showing Urfi Javed getting arrested by Mumbai Police due to her fashion sense. Two women police officers arrived at one of the Starbucks outlets in Mumbai where Urfi was spotted and asked her to accompany them to the police station. On asking the reason for detention, the Police said that people had complained about her clothes. However, it has now turned out that the video was staged by Urfi Javed allegedly for “publicity”.

Nepal: Strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolts several districts, death toll crosses 70

ANI
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Nepal: Strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolts several districts, death toll crosses 70

The death toll rose to 70 after a strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday, informed officials.
At least 36 people have been confirmed dead in Rukum West while 34 have been confirmed dead in Jajarkot.
According to the officials, the toll is expected to rise further.

Hari Prasad Pant, the Chief District Officer of Rukum West told ANI, “At least 36 people have been confirmed dead in Rukum West, and the toll is expected to rise further This is the update we have been able to get till 5 am (local time)”.

“At least 34 have been confirmed dead in Jajarkot. Many are injured and some of the critically injured sent to Surkhet for further treatment,” the Chief District Officer of Jajarkot told ANI.

This comes after a magnitude of 6.4 magnitude quake jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday.

Nepal Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed grief over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake.
“Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake at Ramidanda in Jajarkot at 11:47 on Friday night and has mobilized all 3 security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured,” Nepal PMO posted on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the magnitude of the earthquake on Richter Scale was recorded at 6.4 and the epicentre of the quake was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km.

The tremors of the earthquake were also felt in several districts of North India including, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Hamas accused of killing women and children for moving to southern Gaza, videos showing bodies with gunshot injuries on a Gaza street appear

OpIndia Staff
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Hamas accused of killing women and children for moving to southern Gaza, videos showing bodies with gunshot injuries on a Gaza street appear

As Israel continues its ground operations in Gaza in an attempt to eliminate Hamas terrorists and rescue hostages, the terror group has been accused of killing innocent Palestinian civilians including women and children. Social media accounts are claiming that Hamas snipers killed dozens of women and children on the street when they were trying to move out of northern Gaza.

It is notable that Israel has been repeatedly asking civilians in north Gaza and Gaza City to move to south Gaza, but Hamas is preventing them from doing so. It has been alleged Hamas wants civilians to stay to use them as human shields in the war against Israel.

British-Arab Influencer Amjad Taha tweeted on X claiming that the civilians were displaying white flags as a sign of peace, but they were targeted by Hamas shooters.

He added, “Similar acts have previously been attributed to Palestinian and Hezbollah terrorists in Syria. They do not want civilians to leave; they want to use them as human shields and kill anyone who attempts to leave. Hamas terrorists in Gaza will, as usual, blame Israel because it is easy and there is media that accepts this propaganda.”

In fact, Hamas supporters have posted visuals of bodies of women and children lying on a street, blaming Israeli airstrikes. An Arabic tweet by a social media influencer said, ‘Horrific scenes now on Al-Rashid Street, west of Gaza, after the occupation bombed the displaced people in the middle of the street!’

However, netizens were quick to spot that the video does not indicate airstrike, and the victims were most likely shot. They pointed out that there is no crater, the road is intact, the bodies are also intact with only gunshot injuries and blood. In airstrikes using bombs and missiles, the impacted area is destroyed, the entire area is covered by dust and debris, and the bodies are victims are blown up or badly damaged severed body parts.

But there was nothing like in that video, and is clear that the victims seen on the road were shot. Also, the bodies have clear signs of gunfire shots, including headshots, indicating the work of snippers.

Mahadev App Promoters made payments of ₹508 crore to Congress leader and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: ED

ANI
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Mahadev App Promoters made payments of ₹508 crore to Congress leader and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: ED

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said that according to fresh evidence following a search operation on November 2, it has come to light that regular payments have been made in the past and so far around Rs 508 crore has been paid by Mahadev App Promoters to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The ED received credible inputs and conducted successful search operations on November 2 in Chhattisgarh in which Rs 5.39 crore in cash was intercepted in the poll-bound state.

The ED is investigating Mahadev Book Online Betting App syndicate in which the promoters of this betting syndicate are based abroad and remotely running thousands of panels across India with the help of their friends and associates who are mainly from Chhattisgarh and have earned thousands of crore of proceeds of crime.

The ED has already arrested four accused persons and seized proceeds of crime worth more than Rs 450 crore and has filed a prosecution complaint against 14 accused persons.

On November 2, the ED received intelligence input that a large amount of cash is being moved in Chhattisgarh by the promoters of Mahadev App in relation to Assembly Elections scheduled on November 7 and 17.

The ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai and successfully intercepted a cash courier Asim Das who was sent from UAE especially, to deliver large amount of cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress party.

The ED has recovered cash amount of Rs 5.39 crore from his car and at his residence. Asim Das has admitted that the seized funds were arranged by the Mahadev App promoters to be delivered to one politician, ‘Baghel’ for upcoming election expenses in the state of Chhattisgarh.

ED also discovered some benami bank accounts of Mahadev App in which balance amounts of Rs 15.59 crore has been frozen. The ED has arrested Asim Das.

“ED has conducted search operations on 2/11/2023 against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev Book Online Betting APP in Chhatishgarh in which cash of Rs. 5.39 crore and bank balance Rs 15.59 crore has been intercepted and frozen/ seized,” the ED posted on ‘X’.

From the questioning of Asim Das and the forensic examination of the phone recovered from him, and examination of an email sent by Shubam Soni (one of the high ranking accused of Mahadev network) many startling allegations have come forth, namely, that regular payments have been made in the past and so far around Rs 508 Crore have been paid by Mahadev APP Promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. However, these allegations are subject to investigation.

During further investigation, ED has also questioned and arrested Police Constable Bheem Yadav. The ED investigation has revealed that in the last three years, Bheem Yadav had unauthorizedly travelled to Dubai, admittedly met Ravi Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, participated in the gala functions of the Mahadev app, and his travel expenses were borne by M/s Rapid Travels of Ahuja Brothers, a money laundering and ticketing company of Mahadev App.

He was the conduit to receive bribe money from Mahadev App promoters for the benefit of senior officers and politicians of Chhattisgarh.

Both the accused persons were produced before the PMLA Special Judge Raipur and ED has sought their custodial interrogation to independently corroborate their startling admissions and trace evidence of money laundering. The court has remanded them to ED custody for seven days.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures? Journalist Navika Kumar, who was on Congress’ ‘boycott’ list, accompanies Kamal Nath on his campaign trail

OpIndia Staff
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‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures? Journalist Navika Kumar, who was on Congress’ ‘boycott’ list, accompanies Kamal Nath on his campaign trail

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are drawing near, and as many as five states are gearing up for assembly elections. At this critical juncture when the Congress-led I.N.D.I. Alliance is falling like a pack of cards, the grand old party may have thought that the only thing that could save the grand old party from imminent doom is the support of media and journalists. This is probably why Congress is attempting to make amends and turning back to the news anchors and journalists it had recently ‘boycotted.’

On Friday, November 3, Times Now senior anchor Navika Kumar, who had in September this year, made it to the I.N.D.I Alliance list of ‘boycotted’ journalists, took to X to share pictures of her accompanying Congress senior leader Kamal Nath on his campaigning trail.

“On the campaign trail with @OfficeOfKNath who looks bright and fresh for the battle of Madhya Pradesh. You really can’t believe that after 44 yrs in politics his energy & enthusiasm are unabated. Excerpts coming Coming up tonight on @thenewshour @9 & also on #FranklySpeaking over the weekend.

Nevertheless, here we could remind the grand old party that the I.N.D.I Alliance had as recently as on September 14 released a list of 14 news anchors whom they have decided to ‘boycott’ and Times Now anchor Navika Kumar was one of these 14 news anchors whom the Congress-led opposition bloc had chosen to boycott. A copy of the list was shared on X, formally Twitter by Congress leader Pawan Khera on September 14.

SS of Pawan Khera’s post listing the names of 14 news anchors whom Congress-led INDI Bloc decided to ‘boycott’

The decision was probably taken because the I.N.D.I alliance wanted to avoid answering some tough questions from these journalists. However, most likely as a consequence of the growing fissures in the opposition bloc, Congress has realized that it does require the assistance of the media in order to stay in the game. This is probably why the grand old party has been compelled to alter its mind.

Moreover, Kamal Nath is pitching himself as the CM candidate for Congress in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls. Randeep Surjewala, a prominent Congress leader, had last month dropped hints regarding the potential Chief Ministerial candidate for the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Polls. Following the Central Election Committee meeting held at the Congress Party headquarters in Delhi on October 7, Surjewala suggested that Kamal Nath, the current president of Madhya Pradesh Congress, could be the natural face of the party in the state.

This explains why Kamal Nath also decided to ignore the fact that his party had just “boycotted” Times Now journalist Navika Kumar and brought her along on the campaign trail.

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