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Obscene pamphlet row: Gambhir files defamation suit against AAP, Kejriwal hits back

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Obscene pamphlet row: Gambhir files defamation suit against AAP, Kejriwal hits back

BJP’s East Delhi candidate Gautam Gambhir has sent a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) candidate Atishi after her press conference yesterday (Thursday, May 9) accusing him of distributing a pamphlet containing obscene and derogatory remarks against her.

Yesterday, taking suo motu cognisance of media reports pertaining to the distribution of pamphlets carrying derogatory remarks against Atishi, the Delhi Commission for Women on Thursday issued notice to the city police seeking details of the investigation.

The Returning Officer of the East Delhi parliamentary constituency also directed the police to “file an FIR” in this connection.

For his part, Gambhir, apart from sending notice to Atishi, also sent notices to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. The legal notice demands that they apologise and withdraw their statements or face legal action.

“The Noticees vide the statements in the press conference and on social media websites (‘impugned statement’) have in a calculated and coordinated manner, wrongly and erroneously alleged that these pamphlets have been distributed by our client/ or at his behest,” the legal notice said.

The notice further states that the false statements have been alleged keeping in view the impending elections on Sunday.

Also Read: TIME magazine shows Narendra Modi on cover, calls him divider-in-chief

AAP hit back after this. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia asked how could Gambhir have dared to threaten the AAP leaders with a legal notice after not only distributing derogatory pamphlets and also levelling false charges against CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the BJP has defamed the AAPleaders and then filed a defamation case against them. Kejriwal vowed to not tolerate the saffron party’s behaviour and said that a defamation notice will be sent to BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir, who faces Atishi from the East Delhi constituency in the Lok Sabha elections.

“They (BJP) have filed defamation case against us after defaming us. We are sending defamation notice to Gautam Gambhir today. We will not leave this matter,” Kejriwal told ANI.

The AAP leader also accused the BJP of not having the capacity to tolerate achievements by women. “Atishi (AAP East Delhi candidate) is a highly educated and accomplished woman. Her work has been great in the field of education which is being discussed worldwide. I don’t understand why BJP can’t tolerate achievements made by women,” he asked.

Aam Aadmi Party’s East Delhi candidate Atishi on Thursday alleged that her opponent, BJP’s Gautam Gambhir, had distributed lakhs of pamphlets that questioned her morals and were full of very objectionable and deeply offensive remarks about her.

Reading out the contents of the pamphlet, Atishi broke down twice at a press conference and said she very pained on seeing it. She asked how women would feel safe if men like him get elected.

Also Read: Supreme Court reserves judgment on Rafale case review plea

Gambhir denied the allegation in strong terms and said would quit politics if the charge is proven. In a series of tweets, he told CM Arvind Kejriwal he “abhors his act of outraging a woman’s modesty and that too his own colleague. And all this for winning elections?”

“I declare that if it’s proven that I did it, I will withdraw my candidature right now. If not, will u quit politics?” he asked Kejriwal.

The leaflet, which AAP claimed was distributed with newspapers in east Delhi societies, called Atishi a “prostitute”, “beef eater” and a “very good example of a mixed breed”.

It also contains scurrilous personal allegations of a sexual relationship between her and Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

India News

PM Modi extends wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on Statehood Day, highlights their rich legacies

PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar extended warm wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state formation day, acknowledging their vital role in India’s development.

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On the occasion of the State Formation Day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of the two states. The leaders lauded the states for their significant contributions to India’s development and for preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Maharashtra and Gujarat, both carved out of the former Bombay state in 1960, are now among the country’s most industrially advanced and prosperous regions.

Maharashtra praised for resilience and heritage

In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Maharashtra’s enduring contribution to India’s progress. “Maharashtra has always played a vital role in India’s development,” he said. He added that the state’s glorious past and the bravery of its people are a source of pride and inspiration.

Modi described Maharashtra as a pillar of national progress that remains firmly rooted in its cultural traditions. “My best wishes for the state’s progress,” he added, affirming his hopes for continued growth and development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also recognized Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, cultural richness, and economic influence, calling it a symbol of national pride.

Gujarat hailed for innovation and enterprise

Extending greetings to his home state, Prime Minister Modi praised Gujarat’s dynamism and spirit of enterprise. He emphasized the state’s achievements across diverse sectors and its growing reputation for innovation. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he noted.

The vice president echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Gujarat’s association with national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He noted that the state’s tradition of leadership and resilience continues to shape the nation’s path forward.

As both Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 64th Foundation Day, the leaders’ messages serve as a reminder of the states’ enduring impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

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India News

Gold sales shine bright on Akshaya Tritiya despite soaring prices

Akshaya Tritiya 2025 saw a significant jump in gold and silver sales, with festive sentiment overpowering price concerns as India’s jewellery market adapts to changing consumer behaviour.

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Gold price

Gold and silver purchases witnessed a vibrant start across India on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with festive enthusiasm overcoming the deterrent of high prices. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has projected a 35% rise in value terms for gold sales compared to last year, even though prices are significantly higher.

Regional footfall and demand trends

Retail activity gained early momentum in southern states, as consumers flocked to jewellery stores in the first half of the day. In contrast, northern regions and Maharashtra are expected to see increased activity later, as extreme heat delayed consumer turnout during morning hours.

Gold prices hovered between ₹99,500 and ₹99,900 per 10 grams in various regions — a sharp 37.6% jump from the previous year’s Akshaya Tritiya rate of ₹72,300. Despite the surge, shoppers re-entered the market, reassured by recent price stabilization.

Changing buyer profiles and strategies

GJC Chairman Rajesh Rokde noted that the tradition of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya, once dominant in the south, is now gaining traction nationwide. “Even younger consumers aged 25 to 40 are actively buying gold and silver,” he said, emphasizing a growing trend among millennial buyers.

Consumers are purchasing a mix of jewellery, coins, and bullion based on their budget and need. A significant portion of buyers are managing high prices through old gold exchanges — accounting for nearly 50% of all transactions, according to PNG Jewellers Chairman Saurabh Gadgil.

“Volume growth may be marginally down by 8–9%, but in value terms, we’re seeing an increase of 20–25%,” Gadgil explained, underlining the resilience of the jewellery market.

Market adapts with innovation

Studded jewellery is reportedly gaining popularity, especially in urban centers, while lab-grown diamonds are carving a niche among new-age buyers, according to industry executives from GSI India and Aukera.

The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation estimated around 12 tonnes of gold sales, worth approximately ₹12,000 crore, and 400 tonnes of silver, valued at ₹4,000 crore — totalling a massive ₹16,000 crore in expected festive turnover.

Long-term demand remains robust

Despite frequent price hikes over the past three years, India’s gold appetite has remained steady. The country continues to import between 700 and 800 tonnes annually, underscoring its status as the world’s largest gold consumer.

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Bangladesh High Court orders release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on bail

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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In a significant development, a Bangladesh High Court bench, comprising Justices Atoar Rahman and Ali Reza, granted bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, five months after his arrest on charges of disrespecting the national flag.

The court’s decision followed a final hearing on an earlier directive questioning why bail should not be granted, marking a turning point in a case that has stirred tensions and drawn international attention.

Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, a Hindu advocacy group, was detained on November 25, 2024, at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The charges stemmed from an October 31, 2024, case filed at Chattogram’s Kotwali police station, accusing Das and 18 others of defaming Bangladesh’s national flag. A Chattogram court rejected his initial bail plea, sending him to jail, a decision that sparked widespread protests among his supporters in Dhaka and beyond.

In Chattogram, demonstrations turned deadly when assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed hours after Das’ bail denial, escalating the controversy.

The case, unfolding less than three months after a student-led uprising toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, strained Bangladesh-India relations. Hasina’s flight to India and the subsequent interim government led by Muhammad Yunus intensified scrutiny.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs voiced concern on November 26, 2024, highlighting “multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities” in Bangladesh, including arson, looting, and temple desecration. “It’s unfortunate that a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful means faces charges while perpetrators of violence remain free,” the MEA stated, urging Bangladesh to protect its minority communities.

Das’ legal team, led by former Deputy Attorney General Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya and 11 Supreme Court lawyers, argued the flag disrespect charge was baseless, asserting the item in question was not a national flag.

“This case lacks legal grounding,” Bhattacharya told reporters in January. Earlier bail attempts, including a plea for an advanced hearing on December 11, 2024, were rebuffed, with the court sticking to a January 2, 2025, date. Associates claimed Das faced obstacles securing legal representation due to intimidation from a “politically motivated lawyers’ group.”

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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