English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

After years of rift, Ashok Gehlot shares stage with Sachin Pilot, says he was never far apart from him

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday rejected claims of a strained relationship with his former deputy Sachin Pilot, stating, “When were we ever apart? We were never distant.” He added that the bond of “love and affection” between them would endure. Gehlot’s remarks, made with a smile, signal a potential thaw in the […]

Published

on

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday rejected claims of a strained relationship with his former deputy Sachin Pilot, stating, “When were we ever apart? We were never distant.” He added that the bond of “love and affection” between them would endure.

Gehlot’s remarks, made with a smile, signal a potential thaw in the long-standing political rivalry between the two senior Congress leaders. The comments came during a memorial event in Dausa marking the 25th death anniversary of former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, Sachin Pilot’s father.

The ceremony, which featured tributes and an exhibition celebrating Rajesh Pilot’s life and legacy, drew a large crowd, including Congress leaders such as AICC Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, several MPs, MLAs, former ministers, and party workers. Local residents also attended in significant numbers.

When reporters at the bustling venue asked Gehlot about the significance of the two leaders appearing together, he responded, “Ham door kab the? Ham dur the hi nahi. Prem mohabbat bani rahti hai aur bani rahegi. (When were we ever apart? We were never distant. Love and affection remain and will continue to remain).” Sachin Pilot and other leaders were present nearby during Gehlot’s remarks.

Reflecting on Rajesh Pilot, Gehlot recalled their time together in Parliament, praising the late leader’s dedication to farmers and the underprivileged. “Today, we pay tribute to him. The enthusiasm here—young and old, those who worked with him, and those who know of him—speaks to his remarkable legacy. Working with him is a memory refreshed today,” Gehlot said.

Sachin Pilot, speaking at the event, highlighted his father’s contributions in the Indian Air Force and later in politics. “I’m proud that, whether in the military or politics, he set new standards, showing that one can rise from humble beginnings to great heights with integrity,” he said. “Even 25 years after his passing, his work and dedication remain an inspiration. I hope future generations will follow the path he laid.”

Pilot added, “Rajesh Pilot was a unifying figure who bridged divides and served the nation through the Congress. Today, we all honour his memory.” He personally guided Gehlot through the exhibition, briefing him on its displays.

Rajesh Pilot, the Dausa MP at the time, died in a road accident on June 11, 2000. Sachin Pilot organises this annual memorial in Dausa, and recently visited Gehlot’s residence to invite him to the event.

The relationship between Gehlot and Sachin Pilot has been marked by tensions since Congress formed the government in Rajasthan in December 2018. A power struggle for the chief minister’s post ensued, with Gehlot, a two-time chief minister, securing the role for a third term, while Pilot, then PCC president, was named deputy chief minister.

The discord became public in 2020 when Pilot, along with 18 Congress MLAs, rebelled against Gehlot’s leadership, triggering a month-long political crisis. The standoff ended after assurances from the party high command to address Pilot’s concerns.

During this period, Gehlot used harsh terms like “gaddar” (traitor), “nakara” (incapable), and “nikamma” (worthless) for Pilot, accusing him of colluding with BJP leaders to destabilise the Congress government. As a result, Pilot was stripped of his roles as deputy chief minister and PCC president.

In September 2022, a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting was called at Gehlot’s residence to pass a resolution empowering the party high command to decide on a leadership change, as Gehlot was a contender for the Congress president’s post.

However, the meeting was derailed when a parallel gathering, led by then state parliamentary affairs minister Shanti Dhariwal, saw numerous Congress MLAs submit resignation letters to the Assembly speaker, opposing any move to appoint Pilot as chief minister.

In April 2023, Pilot staged a fast at Jaipur’s Shaheed Smarak, pressing for action on alleged corruption cases linked to the previous BJP government under Vasundhara Raje. The move was seen as a critique of Gehlot’s government for its perceived inaction on these cases.

India News

Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

Published

on

Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

Continue Reading

India News

JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

Published

on

JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

Continue Reading

India News

World praised India’s AI potential at AI Impact Summit, says PM Modi

PM Modi said the world praised India’s AI potential at the AI Impact Summit 2026, where 89 countries endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on artificial intelligence.

Published

on

pm modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the world wholeheartedly praised India’s potential during the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the growing global confidence in the country’s young technology talent.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the summit demonstrated how the mindset of India’s youth in the field of technology would serve humanity at large. He described the event as historic and underlined the positive global response to India’s AI capabilities.

The AI Impact Summit 2026, organised in New Delhi last week, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. The declaration has been endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations, signalling broad global agreement on promoting artificial intelligence for economic growth and social welfare.

Broad global participation

The summit saw the participation of several prominent world leaders and top technology executives. Among those present were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Other leaders attending the summit included Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Estonia President Alar Karis, and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

Chief executives and senior leaders from major global technology firms were also part of the gathering.

Focus on inclusive AI growth

Held under the theme ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ (welfare for all, happiness of all), the summit aimed to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence while ensuring that AI development remains inclusive and sustainable.

The event brought together more than 500 international AI leaders. This included around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 CTOs, vice presidents and philanthropists. Additionally, over 100 government representatives and nearly 60 ministers and vice ministers participated in discussions.

The New Delhi Declaration seeks to strengthen international cooperation and ensure that AI technologies contribute to economic progress, social good and environmental protection.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com