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AAP minister defends rejection of Ayushman Bharat, calls BJP petition “politically motivated”

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AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj addressing the BJP MPs' Ayushman Bharat petition issue

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has defended its decision to not implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, stating that residents of Delhi already benefit from superior healthcare schemes. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court in response to a petition by seven BJP MPs, dismissing the move as a politically motivated attempt ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections.

The BJP MPs’ petition sought the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative by the central government providing medical insurance. However, Bharadwaj argued that implementing the central scheme would result in a downgrade of the healthcare benefits currently available to Delhi residents.

In his affidavit, Bharadwaj claimed, “The petitioners are political persons, belonging to the principal opposition party in Delhi. This so-called public interest litigation is nothing but a political strategy in view of the upcoming elections.” He further criticized the petition for failing to compare the Centre’s scheme with Delhi’s policies, arguing that such a comparison would reveal the superiority of the state schemes.

The Delhi minister emphasized that substituting the current schemes with Ayushman Bharat would disadvantage the capital’s residents. He stated that healthcare policymaking falls under the state government’s jurisdiction and that courts should not interfere in policy formulation.

“Outdated data undermines Ayushman Bharat”
Bharadwaj also questioned the Centre’s use of 2011 Census data as the basis for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Calling the data “old and archaic,” he highlighted that it fails to address the evolving needs of society. “Many people currently receiving free medical services under Delhi’s schemes would be excluded from benefits if the outdated data is applied,” he noted.

The minister reiterated that Delhi’s existing healthcare initiatives are more inclusive and provide comprehensive coverage compared to Ayushman Bharat. He stressed the importance of tailored policies that cater to the city’s unique demographic and economic conditions.

BJP hits back
Responding to AAP’s claims, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused the Delhi government of showing no willingness to collaborate on implementing the central scheme. She clarified that Ayushman Bharat was not intended to replace state schemes but to complement them, ensuring wider healthcare coverage.

The clash highlights the ongoing tension between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led Centre, with both parties accusing each other of prioritizing political agendas over public welfare. As the debate unfolds, the court’s decision on the petition will determine the next steps for healthcare in the national capital.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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