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India condemns UK lawmaker’s debate over farmers’ protest, says need to set the record straight

The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate held in British Parliament over safety of farmers and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers’ agitation against three agricultural laws.

Published

5 years ago

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UK Parliament

The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate held in British Parliament over safety of farmers and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers’ agitation against three agricultural laws. 

The Commission in a statement said that it deeply regretted that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions without substantiation or facts were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.

On Monday, the debate was held among British lawmakers in response to an e-petition initiated by Maidenhead Liberal Democrat leader Gurch Singh of Indian origin. The petition had crossed the 1,00 000-signature threshold from UK residents, required for it to be approved by the House of Commons Petitions Committee.

Several MPs of the Labour party, Liberal democrats and the Scottish National Party raised concerns over Indian government’s reaction to the protests. 

The Indian High Commission also pointed out that foreign media, including British media, are  present in India and have witnessed the events surrounding the farmers’ protests in India first-hand and therefore any question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise.

A false narrative over farmers’ protest was sought to be developed even though the High Commission of India has been, over a period of time, taking care to inform all concerned about the issues raised in the petition, said the High Commission in its statement.

The High Commission would have normally refrained from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight, the statement further read.

Also Read: Sourav Ganguly confirms World Test Championship 2021 Final between India and New Zealand in Southampton, not Lord’s

As the farm reforms are a matter for the Indian government’s decision, we are only debating for the safety of the protesters. The use of water canons, tear gas and repeated clashes between police and farmers have been matters of concern. Also, several farmers have reportedly committed suicide, said Martin Day from Scottish National Party during the debate.

While UK Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams said British’s close ties with India doesn’t hinder the nation from raising concerns. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the unprecedented protests should make one think about why so many are turning up. The arrests of journalists is a matter of serious concern.

However, Conservative MP Theresa Villiers shared support for the Indian government’s response. We receive complaints against policemen here in the UK too when there are mass protests. That doesn’t mean the UK is against democracy. she said.

Also Read: Yogi Adityanath says secularism is biggest threat to India’s tradition on global stage

Since  November last year, the farmers from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and across the country have been protesting at the Delhi borders against the Centre’s new farm law.  They have laid siege to Delhi even as the government scrambles to find an amicable solution. Despite the government’s offer to hold the legislations, the farmers have argued that they would settle for nothing less than total scrapping of the legislations.

The government has projected the laws as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the mandi system and middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country. However, the protesting farmers have argued that the new laws have no mention of minimum support price (MSP) and the mandis that will leave them at the mercy of big corporates.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

Published

42 mins ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

Published

52 mins ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

Published

1 hour ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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