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Jyotiraditya Scindia hits back at Kharge over Digital India criticisms, cites telecom reforms

Jyotiraditya Scindia rebuts Mallikarjun Kharge’s criticisms on Digital India, pointing to BSNL’s financial turnaround, 5G rollout, and anti-fraud measures.

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Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has responded sharply to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent criticism of the Digital India initiative, accusing the previous UPA government of telecom mismanagement and highlighting key achievements under the Modi-led NDA regime.

Taking to social media platform X, Scindia defended the Centre’s performance, asserting that India is now globally recognised for its strides in telecom, 5G rollout, and satellite connectivity. He attributed this progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reform-driven governance, in contrast to what he called the “scam-ridden” legacy of the UPA.

Scindia defends BSNL turnaround and 5G expansion

Scindia dismissed Kharge’s claims about the underperformance of state-run BSNL, noting that the telecom PSU had recorded net profits in consecutive quarters — ₹262 crore in Q3 and ₹280 crore in Q4 of FY 2024-25 — for the first time since 2007. He credited this turnaround to targeted reforms and homegrown 4G technology, with BSNL now deploying over 90,100 4G towers.

“The Modi government invested over ₹3.2 lakh crore, not as a bailout, but to revive a critical national asset your party nearly destroyed,” Scindia said. He also pointed out that India has achieved 5G coverage across 99% of districts and reached 82% of the population within just 22 months, describing it as the fastest rollout globally.

Telecom scams vs. reforms: A war of narratives

In a pointed jibe, Scindia advised Kharge to “try a basic web search” for telecom scams in India, which he said would reveal the misdeeds under the Congress-led UPA government. He accused the opposition of leaving behind a telecom sector plagued with cronyism and systemic failures.

“The Congress’ contribution to Digital India has been to ‘Scam India’, leaving behind a legacy steeped in kleptocracy,” he stated.

Congress raises concerns over BSNL debt and BharatNet delays

Kharge had earlier accused the NDA government of making false claims on the Digital India programme. He highlighted delays in the BharatNet project, stating that only 2.12 lakh of the targeted 6.55 lakh villages had been connected so far — about 65% still pending. He also pointed out that the project’s deadline had been revised eight times in the past 11 years.

Kharge noted that BSNL has still not met its goal of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers and continues to lag behind private telecom players, despite receiving three revival packages worth over ₹3 lakh crore. He further flagged a steep increase in the debt of BSNL and MTNL between 2014 and 2024.

Government cites cyber fraud crackdown

Scindia also highlighted digital safety initiatives like Sanchar Saathi and ASTR. Under these programs, the Department of Telecom has blocked over 4.22 crore fake SIM cards, disconnected 3.5 crore suspicious numbers, and helped trace or block more than 34 lakh lost devices.

He reiterated that the Modi government’s telecom strategy is built on transparency, technological self-reliance, and proactive reforms.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma attacks Congress after Assam win, says people made Pawan Khera eat Pera

Himanta Biswa Sarma targets Congress after BJP’s Assam win, saying voters made Pawan Khera eat pera.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on the Congress after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Reacting to the results, Sarma took a swipe at Congress leader Pawan Khera, saying that the people of Assam had made him “eat pera,” a remark aimed at highlighting the party’s defeat in the state.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a commanding win, marking its third consecutive term in Assam. The BJP itself won a significant number of seats, while its allies — the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) — also contributed to the alliance’s strong tally.

The victory underlines the BJP’s continued dominance in the northeastern state, with Sarma emerging as the central figure in the party’s campaign and governance narrative.

Political observers note that the scale of the mandate reflects voter support for the party’s leadership and its governance approach, even as the opposition struggled to mount an effective challenge.

With this result, the BJP has further strengthened its position in Assam’s political landscape, while the Congress faces renewed questions over its performance in the state.

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Yogi Adityanath warns of strict action against forcible land occupation

Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against those forcibly occupying land, directing officials to ensure quick resolution of complaints.

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Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found forcibly occupying others’ land, underlining his government’s firm stance against illegal encroachment.

According to media reports, the Chief Minister issued the directive while addressing grievances, making it clear that such cases will not be tolerated and will be dealt with through strong legal measures. He instructed officials to ensure that victims receive timely relief and justice.

Adityanath emphasised that protecting citizens’ property rights remains a priority for the state government. He directed administrative and police authorities to act promptly in cases of land grabbing and ensure that illegal कब्ज़ा is removed without delay.

The Chief Minister has consistently maintained a tough position on land-related disputes. In recent interactions with the public, he has stressed the need for swift resolution of complaints and warned officials against negligence in handling such matters.

He also highlighted that strict legal action should be taken against those involved in unlawful occupation, ensuring accountability and deterrence against repeat offences.

The move is seen as part of the government’s broader push to strengthen law and order and curb the activities of land mafias in the state.

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Suvendu Adhikari after Bengal win, says Akhilesh Yadav is next

Suvendu Adhikari says Akhilesh Yadav is next after BJP’s Bengal win, shifts focus to Uttar Pradesh elections 2027.

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Suvendu-Adhikari

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, senior leader Suvendu Adhikari made a strong political statement, indicating that the party’s next focus will be the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.

Riding on the momentum of the party’s performance in Bengal, Adhikari said that several opposition leaders have already lost political ground and added that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav would be “next” in line.

The BJP leader, who secured key victories in constituencies such as Bhabanipur and Nandigram, also claimed that the defeat of the ruling Trinamool Congress marked the beginning of a political decline for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that her “political exile has started,” referring to her electoral losses in recent contests.

Adhikari further criticised the Trinamool Congress, comparing it with other opposition parties and alleging that it lacked ideology and was driven by family-based politics. He also suggested that several leaders and workers from the TMC could shift allegiance to the BJP in the coming period.

The BJP’s strong showing in West Bengal marks a major political shift in the state, where the party has managed to significantly expand its footprint. Political observers say the latest remarks underline the party’s intent to carry its electoral momentum into upcoming state elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to be a key battleground in 2027.

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