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IISER Pune students slam institute for cancelling Ambedkar event after ABVP objection, question academic freedom

After objections from ABVP, IISER Pune cancelled the Muktiparv event on Ambedkar’s works, sparking criticism from students and speakers.

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The abrupt cancellation of Muktiparv, a scheduled event focused on the works and legacy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, has triggered sharp criticism and protests from students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. The event, planned for April 13 as part of a series of art and literature events this month, was called off following objections reportedly raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The institute issued a statement citing concerns over controversy and law and order, stating that the event with external speakers would not be hosted “at this time.” However, students and organisers accused the administration of yielding to pressure and curbing academic discourse at a premier educational institution.

Event was scheduled to discuss caste, gender and Ambedkarite thought

Muktiparv was set to feature a panel of scholars, including Nazima Parveen, Deepali Salve, and Smita Patil—academicians known for their work on social equality and caste and gender dynamics. The event was designed to highlight Dr Ambedkar’s ideas on justice, social reform, and empowerment.

The cancellation came as a surprise to organisers, who said all necessary permissions had been obtained and earlier events under the same series had been conducted without issue. “We have been scheduling programmes since March. Due permissions were taken, and we successfully held an art exhibition last week,” one student said.

ABVP claims threat to social harmony

The Maharashtra wing of ABVP had publicly opposed the event on social media, labelling the invited speakers as “radicals” and alleged affiliates of the so-called “Tukde Tukde gang.” Their press release claimed that previous editions of Muktiparv included remarks that had hurt sentiments, and this year’s programme could potentially “divide society based on religion.”

Following the Pride March on campus by the Satrangi Club on April 6, tensions escalated. By April 10, ABVP representatives had approached the IISER director and Pune police demanding cancellation of the Muktiparv event.

Deepali Salve, one of the invited speakers, condemned the cancellation, accusing the ABVP of attempting to silence dissent and student voices. “RSS who left no stone unturned in dividing the country on the basis of caste and religion are today accusing those who hold the country together,” she said.

She further added, “Perhaps BJP and RSS have forgotten that the country will be governed by the Constitution, not Manusmriti.”

Students expressed anger at being kept in the dark about the decision and criticised the administration’s lack of communication. “The move is completely baseless, and no concrete reason has been stated. The lack of transparency is deeply concerning,” said one of the organisers.

The IISER student council pointed out that the complaint against the event labelled the speakers as “Dalit activists, journalists, and feminists who organised the ‘Night is Ours’ protest.” Many students and supporters of the event have since raised questions over institutional autonomy and the space for marginalised voices on campus.

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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