Gaurav Puri’s blazing 94 guides Maverick to victory over Challengers

Hawks crush Panthers as overcast conditions favor bowlers

Chandigarh/Panchkula, Gaurav Puri’s knock of 94 runs helped Manohar Maverick to secure a thrilling 5-wicket victory over City Challengers in the Shaheed Chandershekhar Azad Memorial T20 Tournament at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula on Saturday. After winning the toss, Maverick opted to field and restricted City Challengers to 178/8 in 20 overs. Mohd Arslan Khan played a fiery knock of 46 off 22 balls, smashing three boundaries and four sixes while Amrit Lubana contributed 41 off 30 balls, hitting seven fours. Dhananjayy Sharma (2/26), Nippun Pandita (2/34) and Anmol Sharma (2/44) took two wickets each, keeping the opposition in check. Chasing 179, Maverick found a match-winner in Gaurav Puri who played a sensational innings of 94 off 45 balls. He was well supported by Aman (45) and Bhagmender Lather (32) as they successfully reached the target in 19 overs. Hartejassvi Kapoor (3/37) was the standout bowler for Challengers.

Earlier in the day, under overcast conditions, HIIMS Hawks secured a commanding 9-wicket victory over Punjab Panthers. After winning the toss, Hawks opted to field and took full advantage of the conditions and their bowlers dismantled the Panthers for just 62 runs in 16.3 overs. Armaan Jakhar (3/16), Nikhil Sharma (2/3), Rahul Sharma (2/10)and Gaurav Gambhir (2/13) led a disciplined bowling attack. With rain reducing the chase to 12 overs and a target of 45 runs, the Hawks comfortably sealed the win at the loss of one wicket in just 6.3 overs as Nehal Pajni (26) and Gurtaj Singh Bains (18) did the job easy for Hawks.

Chief Guests – Kushagra Sagar, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and Akhil Kumar, DANICS, Secretary, Chandigarh Housing Board & Additional Secretary, Health, UT felicitated the outstanding players in the presence of Dr Rupesh Singh, Chairman, Tournament and Daniel Banerjee, apex member, UTCA.

Has Congress realised that Kharge’s attack on Kumbh backfired?

Photo : Naveen Bansal

Over the past few days a realisation seems to have dawned on the Congress, that its chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial comments on Kumbh were hurting the party’s prospects. 

Hence, the grand old party seems to be in a damage control mode, sending its top most leaders from various states to take the holy dip in Prayagraj. 

Over the past few days, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar, former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijaya Singh and former chief minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot from and many others have frequented the holy festivities in Mahakumbh. 

A few days ago, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had put his party leaders and INDI bloc in a bind. 

“Don’t fall into the trap of false promises of (Narendra) Modi. Is poverty ended by taking a dip in the Ganga? Does it fill your stomach? I don’t want to question anyone’s ‘aastha (faith)’. If anyone feels bad, I apologise,” Kharge had said. 

The Congress chief’s statement was seen as a lack of coordination and clarity on important political subjects between various alliance partners of the INDI bloc.  

The Congress chief’s comments also highlight the total disconnect that the top leadership of the grand old party has with the grassroots. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party has also not lost the opportunity to bring Kharge’s comments to the notice of voters, while attempting to reinforce the perception being built that the grand old party was anti majority community and was only interested in appeasing minorities. 

War of words continues between BJP and AAP post elections

Bharatiya Janata Party’s Amit Malviya on Thursday took a dig at former chief minister of Delhi and national convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal for not holding press conference anymore.

Taking a dig at him he said that the timeline of Kejriwal has all of sudden become quiet.

“The timeline of Arvind Kejriwal, who used to make a new announcement every day at 12 o’clock, has suddenly become deserted,” he posted on micro blogging site X.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Parveen Shankar Kapoor slammed AAP’s Priyanka Kakkar for making false statements and said that it would be better if Priyanka Kakkar stopped worrying about the BJP and government formation and first explained why Kejriwal and Sisodia lost and where Amanatullah Khan is absconding.

He said that it is unfortunate that despite being rejected by the public, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Priyanka Kakkar, continue to make false statements.

“After being rejected by all sections of society in the elections, it was expected that AAP leaders would abandon their politics of lies and deception. However, just four days later, in a desperate attempt to stay in the news, AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar has started making baseless and fabricated statements regarding electricity supply,” he added.

The Delhi BJP spokesperson further stated that the people of Delhi want Arvind Kejriwal, who is frustrated by his defeat, to take action against legislators with a criminal background like Amanatullah Khan.

Earlier in the day, former chief minister Atishi said that soon after the AAP government left, there had been many power cuts in the city.

“As soon as the BJP government came to power, long power cuts started happening in Delhi. BJP workers also made several complaints about power cuts on social media,” she said in a press conference.

She said that Delhiites are admitting that they made a mistake this time in the elections and brought the BJP government to power.

BJP awaits Modi’s return to announce Delhi CM

Photo: Naveen Bansal

The suspense on Delhi chief minister has been growing day after day as the Bharatiya Janata Party is yet to announce the name of the candidate who will be the CM of the national capital.

However, the final decision is still pending as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his international trip. According to the leaders, once he is back in India, the final name will be announced and an oath ceremony will take place in his presence.

Prime Minister Modi will be visiting the US between Feb 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. Also, Parliament’s Budget session will conclude on February 13.

Many names are doing the rounds on who could be the chief minister of Delhi. The party came up with a few potential names including Vijendra Sachdeva, Parvesh Verma, Senior leader Vijendra Gupta, and newly elected Mustafabad MLA Mohan Singh Bisht.

However, it is possible that the party could choose a new MLA for the role of CM.

Meanwhile, the outgoing CM Atishi has already submitted her resignation to the LG VK Saxena, paving the way for a new government.

On the other hand when this suspense is ongoing in the party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) does not want to skip the opportunity to take a dig at the situation.

“These are direct signs of groupism in BJP. Factions are coming together in groups of 10 because they are unable to decide who will become the CM of Delhi. They are fighting among themselves, but why should the people of Delhi suffer in this fight?” AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said.

Usually, the party announces the name of the observers, who belong to the central team. They then meet the MLAs after which the name of the CM is announced.  

BJP’s top priority in Delhi: New development works and probe into recruitments by AAP govt

Photo : Naveen Bansal

Two high priority tasks, launching new urban development projects and probe into the recruitments made by Aam aadmi Party during its decade long rule, will be high on the agenda of the new Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government. 

Days after the massive victory secured by BJP, the national leadership has listed a number of important tasks that the saffron-led Delhi Government would implement within the first few weeks of being sworn in. 

Among the new development projects set to be launched will be, projects for ensuring 100 percent sewerage and potable water distribution in the national capital, expansion of Delhi Metro, bringing in more buses for the Delhi Transport Corporation and finalisation and implementation of 2041 master plan for the national capital in collaboration with Delhi Development Authority. 

Photo : Naveen Bansal

Apart from these developmental initiatives, the new BJP government is also set to cancel appointments of all home guards, bus marshals as they are considered to be the active workers of Aam Aadmi Party. The new government is also likely to begin a fresh appointment process for these posts. 

Pending payment of advertising companies and media campaigns are also likely to be stopped and inquiries into these are set to be initiated to ascertain which organisations and individuals were provided undue benefits. A list of senior journalists, who had been adjusted in college and university governing bodies by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government, is also likely to be made public along with the payments made to these scribes, sources said

Similarly, the new government will also launch probe into fellowships and recruitments by Education department. A research project initiated by Delhi Assembly is also likely to come under a scanner, sources said. 

A probe will also be launched into the operations of Mohalla clinics, purchase of medicines and hiring of doctors under contract. The BJP is also likely to terminate the empanelment of services of lawyers and review their payment schedules who had been engaged by the AAP government, sources added. 

The developmental projects will aim to redefine the image of the national capital in a developed, clean and resident friendly city which can be showcased at an international level.

Sources stated that after receiving a massive mandate in the recent Delhi Assembly polls, the task for the BJP-led Delhi Government would not be an easy one as its cadres and supporters would need immediate results from the government.  

More housing for poor and middle class, clean Yamuna and environment, better infrastructure will be the focus of the new government which will enhance the quality of life of Delhi’s residents, sources added.    

There are 70 members in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.  BJP has secured 48 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party was restricted to 22 seats.

Acharya Satyendra Das’ demise an irreparable loss to spiritual world says Yogi Adityanath

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow on Wednesday over the demise of Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief priest of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

In a heartfelt tribute on social media platform X, CM Yogi wrote: “The demise of Acharya Shri Satyendra Kumar Das Ji Maharaj, the supreme devotee of Lord Ram and the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Shri Ayodhya Dham, is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Humble tribute! We pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to the grief-stricken disciples and followers to bear this immense loss. Om peace!”

Acharya Satyendra Das, aged 85, passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, after suffering a brain stroke. His disciple Pradeep Das confirmed the news of his demise.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also expressed his condolences, saying: “Today, I received the saddening news that Ayodhya Dham’s chief priest, revered Satyendra Das Ji, is no more. His demise is an irreparable loss. He dedicated his entire life to the Ram Lalla temple movement.”

Former litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, Iqbal Ansari, also mourned his loss, stating:

“The passing away of the priest has caused great sorrow across the nation and society. We mourn this loss. He was a priest of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and a spiritual figure. His absence will be deeply felt. I consider him like a father, and his death is a great loss for all. We pray for his soul’s peace and hope he finds a place in heaven as a blessed servant of Lord Ram.”

Acharya Satyendra Das was the longest-serving chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, holding the position since the temple was in its temporary form. His spiritual guidance and unwavering devotion made him a revered figure not only in Ayodhya but across the country.

Two soldiers killed in IED attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

Two Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) attack by terrorists in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir today. The attack occurred while the soldiers were on a “fence patrol” along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army confirmed.

In a statement posted on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps expressed its condolences, saying: “White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of two gallant soldiers.” 

The army added that troops are currently dominating the area, and search operations are underway to track down the perpetrators.

This incident follows a series of recent security challenges along the LoC.

On February 10, a soldier was critically injured after being hit by gunfire in the Rajouri district’s Nowshera sector. Preliminary reports suggest the firing originated from across the LoC. The injured soldier was promptly evacuated to a military hospital for treatment.

Earlier, on February 8, an army patrol in the Keri sector came under fire from terrorists positioned in a forest across the LoC. Indian troops retaliated, and the anti-infiltration grid was reinforced to maintain heightened vigilance in the region.

BJP urges LG to restore “Sheesh Mahal” into original state

The newly elected BJP MLA Vijendra Gupta has requested LG VK Saxena to restore the CM bungalow to its original state and cancel the merger of four properties.

The reconstructed bungalow was the official residence of former chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal which he vacated after resigning from the post in September 2024.

The bungalow has been the centre of discussion ever since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the bungalow as ‘Sheesh Mahal’ to target Kejriwal over corruption issues during the Delhi assembly election 2025.

Gupta said that the chief minister of the BJP will not live in the bungalow as it was under investigation over alleged irregularities.

In a letter to LG he said, “The scope of these unauthorised alterations is particularly concerning. What was meant to be a standard official residence has been transformed into a lavish complex spanning over 50,000 square meters.”

The merged properties included eight Type-V flats at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road, and the two other government bungalow with the 6, Flagstaff road bungalow.

“I urgently request your intervention to restore these properties to thier original state,” he stated in the letter. 

The BJP has come into power in the national capital after 26 years, winning 48 out of 70 seats in the recently held Delhi assembly elections.

However, the suspense over the face of the chief minister is still there as there are many speculations about who will be the CM of Delhi.

PM Modi to inaugurate Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat train on February 17

SrinagarPrime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir on February 17, marking a major milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

An official confirmed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate the specially designed train from the Jammu division, fulfilling a long-awaited dream of rail connectivity to the Valley.

As part of the USBRL project, Indian Railways has conducted multiple successful trial runs over some of India’s most iconic railway bridges. These include the Anji Khad Bridge, featuring a 331-meter-high pylon, and the Chenab Bridge, which, at 359 meters, is the world’s highest railway bridge, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower.

Designed to withstand Jammu and Kashmir’s extreme winter conditions, the train is equipped with advanced climate-resistant technologies. It includes heating systems to prevent water and bio-toilet tanks from freezing, an optimized air-brake system for smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures,

Delhi BJP to put in place social engineering for 7 cabinet berths

Photo : Naveen Bansal

Days after securing an unprecedented victory in Delhi Legislative Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party is finalising its caste and community combination for possible Cabinet positions in the soon to be formed government. 

One candidate each from Poorvanchali, Bania, Punjabi, Jat, Brahmin, Woman and Sikh communities are likely to find a place in the Delhi Cabinet, sources said.

By accommodating these communities, the BJP hopes to ensure representation for all major communities and castes that have supported it in the ousting of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party from power in the national capital.    

Photo : Naveen Bansal

The social engineering being worked out by senior party leadership will ensure that voting blocks and communities that supported the BJP in the recent Assembly polls and Lok Sabha polls last year receive adequate representation in the Delhi cabinet. The BJP hopes that this accommodation is expected to boost the political standing of the saffron front in the national capital.   

Why only 7 cabinet berths

In other states, 15 percent of the Assembly strength can be made ministers. However, in Delhi, only 10 percent of the Assembly seats i.e. a total of 7 ministers can be made. There are 70 members in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.  BJP has won 48 seats and Aam Aadmi Party has won 22 seats in the recent polls. According to the formula in Delhi, a total of 7 ministers including the Chief Minister can be in the cabinet. That means one Chief Minister and 6 cabinet ministers.

The BJP can also accommodate two more of its MLAs, and communities, in the significant positions of Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker. That means a total of 9 MLAs can be adjusted in power, and hence the same number of communities.

At this time BJP has got votes from all castes, religions and states. In such a situation, the challenge of the party has increased further to accommodate aspirations of all these communities.

Interestingly, not a single Muslim has won on the BJP symbol in the recent polls. Hence, there is no possibility of any Muslim getting a place in the cabinet this time. This policy will be in accordance with the saffron front governments functioning in other states, which too have this peculiar situation.  

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