Opposition leaders on Thursday fiercely criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for his recent statements on the judiciary, accusing him of undermining its authority and veering close to contempt.

Leaders from the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and notable legal figures condemned Dhankhar’s remarks as disrespectful to constitutional principles.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala emphasised the supremacy of the Constitution, stating, “In our democracy, no office—whether President, Prime Minister, or Governor—stands above constitutional accountability.”

He praised the Supreme Court’s April 8 ruling, which set a three-month deadline for the President to act on bills reserved by governors, calling it a bold and necessary check on high offices.

TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee accused Dhankhar of repeatedly disrespecting the judiciary. “His comments on Supreme Court judges are unacceptable and nearly contemptuous. As a constitutional figure, he must respect other institutions,” Banerjee asserted.

DMK leader Tiruchi Siva labelled Dhankhar’s remarks as “unacceptable,” stressing that no one, regardless of their position, can delay legislative bills indefinitely. “The rule of law must prevail over institutional overreach,” Siva said.

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal defended Article 142, which grants the Supreme Court authority to issue orders for “complete justice.” He questioned, “This power is enshrined in the Constitution to ensure justice. Who is obstructing the President’s authority?”

Dhankhar’s controversial remarks were made during an address to Rajya Sabha interns on April 17, where he called Article 142 a “constant threat to democratic forces” and challenged the judiciary’s right to impose deadlines on the President. He also questioned why judges require judicial approval for FIRs, noting that only the President and Governors enjoy constitutional immunity from prosecution.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended Dhankhar, accusing the opposition of hypocrisy. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla retorted, “The opposition, which ignores parliamentary laws, mocks the Vice President, and shields rioters for votes, has no moral ground to lecture on constitutional propriety.”

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has dismissed rampant rumours regarding the discontinuation of the FASTag system effective May 1, 2025. In an official statement released on Friday, the ministry reiterated that it has no intention of phasing out FASTag or replacing it with a satellite-based tolling system in the immediate future.

Authorities cautioned the public against believing misleading reports and viral messages that suggest FASTag will be eliminated, emphasising that the system remains active and mandatory for toll payments across the nation.

While new technological approaches are under consideration, MoRTH clarified that the ongoing pilot tests featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at selected toll plazas are meant to enhance, not replace, FASTag functionalities.

Understanding the hybrid tolling model

The proposed hybrid model seeks to combine the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag with ANPR technology. This innovative approach aims to facilitate barrier-less toll collection; sophisticated high-resolution cameras will capture vehicle number plates and link them with FASTag accounts for a more efficient toll payment process.

The ministry is currently assessing the hybrid system’s potential to:

• Decrease congestion at toll plazas
• Accelerate vehicle flow
• Provide motorists with a smoother, uninterrupted tolling experience

However, MoRTH has confirmed that the hybrid model is still in the pilot phase and no final decision regarding its nationwide implementation has been established.

Although FASTag will not be replaced, the ministry stressed the importance of compliance under the hybrid system. Vehicle owners who neglect toll payment procedures may receive electronic notices, face suspension of their FASTag accounts, or incur penalties as per the VAHAN vehicle registration database.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways strongly urged motorists to disregard false information regarding the discontinuation of FASTag. Official updates on any changes to the tolling system will be communicated through trusted channels. The public is encouraged to stay informed by visiting the official websites at www.nhai.gov.in and morth.nic.in.

Fact Check: Claim: A satellite-based tolling system will replace FASTag starting May 1, 2025. Fact: This claim has been labelled false, as MoRTH has confirmed that FASTag will remain in use beyond the specified date.

Dilip Ghosh, a prominent figure in West Bengal’s BJP, tied the knot with Rinku Majumdar, a fellow party member, in a private ceremony on Friday evening in New Town.

The 60-year-old Ghosh, who has been acquainted with Majumdar since 2021, shared that the marriage fulfils his late mother’s wish. He emphasised that his personal life will not affect his commitment to politics, stating, “I will remain as dedicated to my political responsibilities as ever.”

Ghosh, a long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since his youth, joined the BJP in 2015. As the former state president of the Bengal BJP, he played a pivotal role in elevating the party to the primary opposition force in West Bengal, overtaking the CPI(M).

Known for his candid and humorous remarks, Ghosh previously represented Kharagpur as a Member of Parliament and is expected to be a key player in the state’s upcoming 2026 assembly elections.

The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by close family members. Senior BJP leaders, including state president Sukanta Majumdar, visited Ghosh’s New Town residence earlier in the day to extend their congratulations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to Ghosh and his bride, Rinku Majumdar, on their marriage. According to reports, Banerjee sent a floral bouquet along with a warm message to Ghosh’s home in New Town, Kolkata, with the delivery facilitated by local police.

Several prominent Trinamool Congress members, including Kunal Ghosh, Debangshu Bhattacharya, and Kalyan Banerjee, also joined in offering their best wishes to the couple, reports said.

Reports indicate that the marriage proposal originated from Majumdar’s side. A party insider revealed that the decision was finalised earlier this month during an IPL match both attended, sparking their mutual agreement to tie the knot.

Who is Rinku Majumdar?

Rinku Majumdar, who has been active in the BJP since 2013, has held significant roles in the party’s Mahila Morcha (women’s wing), OBC front, and handloom cell. This is her second marriage, and she has a son employed at an IT company in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area. Speculation about their relationship grew after they were seen together at Eden Gardens on April 3, watching an IPL match.

Reflecting on their connection, Rinku shared with a news outlet, “I’ve worked with the BJP at the grassroots level since 2013. My first conversation with Dilip happened just before the 2021 elections at Eco Park—it was very brief. We spoke more during this year’s Lok Sabha elections, but it was always professional.”

She added, “In September, when I was considering settling down, I proposed to him. I wanted someone from New Town who would respect my political career. Dilip stood out as an honest, principled, and strong individual—qualities I admire. I thought, why not him?”