Dalit man beaten with belt, threatened with life in Gujarat
A young Dalit man was severely beaten, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh district. This is the third reported case of caste-based violence in the area in a month. The assault took place on August 16 at the Swami Vivekanand School. The victim was affronted by a person who claimed his brother was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dalit youth brutally assaulted in Gujarat's Junagadh, third such case in 21 days
AHMEDABAD: A Dalit youth was brutally thrashed, robbed, and threatened with death in Gujarats Junagadh marking the third caste atrocity in just 21 days. The chilling attack, captured in a viral video, has once again exposed how caste violence remains deeply entrenched in society despite decades of independence. Even after 78 years of independence, caste violence refuses to die down. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of August 16, when the victim had gone to meet a friend. A boy ran up to him, pleading for help as his brother was being taken away. The Dalit youth and his friend followed him to the Swami Vivekanand School ground, only to find out that he had walked into a trap. There, three Upper Caste youths confronted him, asking about his background. When he replied that he was from Kadiawad, the attackers led by one Hitesh and two unidentified accomplices began to abuse him with casteist slurs, and thrashed him with belts and sticks until injury marks covered his body. The assailants then snatched the victims mobile phone and threatened to kill him if he dared complain to the police. They beat me up with a belt and a stick, robbed my phone, and threatened my life. Today its me, tomorrow it could be someone else. I only demand justice, the victim said from Junagadh Civil Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police have since registered a case under multiple sections of the IPC at Junagadh A Division Police Station. Separate teams have been formed to nab the accused. DySP Hitesh Dhandhaliya assured that strict legal action will be taken at the earliest. The Junagadh assault is not an isolated act of cruelty. It is the third atrocity against Dalits in Gujarat within the last 21 days, a chilling reminder that caste prejudice continues to fuel violence even today. Each incident is another crack in the promise of equality, and another urgent call for justice. Dalit youth, father-in-law brutally beaten in Gujarat for upper-caste moustache; 5 accused on the run
AHMEDABAD: A shocking case of caste-based violence has emerged from Gujarats Junagadh district, where a Dalit youth and his father-in-law were brutally assaulted for keeping a beard and moustache that their attackers claimed were reserved for upper castes. The incident, which occurred on August 11 in Khambhaliya (Ozat) village, has sparked outrage, with police registering a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The victims, identified as Sagar Makwana, a labourer from Mangnath Pipli village, and his father-in-law Jivanbhai Wala, were allegedly attacked by a group of men who hurled casteist slurs and mocked Sagars appearance. According to the complaint, Sagar had gone to Khambhaliya to get his bike repaired but found the garage closed. As he was returning home, he was stopped near a railway bridge by Shailesh Jebaliya from Navi Chavand village, who allegedly knocked him off his bike and began abusing him for his beard and moustache. Fearing further assault, Sagar called his father-in-law for help. However, when Jivanbhai arrived, a silver car without a number plate pulled up, carrying Lalo Bhupat and three unidentified men. The group allegedly intensified the casteist abuse before launching a violent attackbeating Sagar with a car wheel while punching and slapping Jivanbhai. The assailants fled only after villagers began gathering, but not before issuing threats. Jivanbhai Wala and Sagar Makwana are currently undergoing treatment. Both victims were rushed to Junagadh Civil Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Police have filed an FIR against Shailesh Jebaliya, Lalo Kathi Darbar, and three unidentified accomplices under relevant sections of the SC/ST Act. ASP Rohit Kumar Dagar confirmed to The New Indian Express that the accused are absconding and efforts are underway to arrest them. The incident has reignited concerns over deep-seated caste discrimination in rural Gujarat, with activists demanding swift justice for the victims.
New veterinary & animal husbandry college to be set up in North Gujarat
This will be the fifth veterinary college in the state after Anand, Navsari, Junagadh, and Dantiwada
A surprising encounter occurred in Gujarat. A cement factory worker in Junagadh had a face-to-face meeting with a lion. CCTV captured the incident. Both the man and the lion were startled. They ran in opposite directions. The video went viral on social media. People reacted with amusement and caution. The incident serves as a reminder of wildlife encounters.
Four charred to death in collision involving heavy vehicles, car in Gujarat
MORBI: Four persons, among them two children, were charred to death in a collision involving two heavy vehicles and a car on a highway in Gujarat's Morbi district, police said on Friday. The accident occurred on a national highway near Haripar village around 11 pm on Thursday, an official said. Superintendent of Police Rahul Tripathi said a container entered the road from the wrong side and overturned, causing a collision between a truck and a car, which caught fire. Prima facie, a major fire broke out in a car after it collided with a truck going alongside. The truck also caught fire in the collision. Four people died of burn injuries, he said. The deceased included two students travelling in the car and two occupants of the truck, the official said. Students from a boarding school in Junagadh were travelling to their home towns in Kutch district, Tripathi said. Seven others suffered minor injuries and were rescued by the fire department personnel and shifted to a private hospital, an official from the Morbi fire department said. Rudra Gujaria (15), Jamin Babariya (17), both car passengers, and one Shivram Nai, a resident of Bikaner in Rajasthan, were among the deceased, while the identity of another victim is yet to be ascertained, an official from Maliya Miyana police station said. The bodies were shifted to Rajkot for post-mortem, and a probe was underway, police said.
Shivraj Chouhan Leaves Wife Behind At Gujarat Event, Makes U-Turn With 22-Car Convoy
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan left Junagadh for Rajkot, unknowingly leaving his wife behind. Realizing after 10 minutes, he returned to fetch her.
Miraculous escape for eight people as bridge slab collapses in Gujarats Junagadh amid repairs
AHMEDABAD: Just days after the Gambhira bridge collapse between Vadodara and Anand claimed 21 lives, Gujarat has been jolted by another alarming bridge mishap this time in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka. In Ajak village, a portion of a dilapidated bridge gave way, plunging over eight people and a breaker machine into the river from a height. Miraculously, all were rescued without fatalities. Even as panic spread, the Junagadh District Executive Engineer claimed, the bridge hadnt collapsed but was being safely dismantled. In yet another bridge-related scare in Gujarat on Tuesday, a portion of the Ajak village bridge in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka collapsed during ongoing repair work, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy. The bridge, a crucial link between Keshod and Madhavpur and frequented by thousands of vehicles daily, gave way while a breaker machine was operating on it, sending the machine and eight to ten people standing on the slab plunging nearly 15 feet into the river below. Though the collapse caused a loud crash and panic among onlookers, all individuals involved escaped without serious injuries. A video of the dramatic incident has since gone viral, capturing the sheer chaos and fear as the slab crumbled in seconds. Local residents are furious, alleging that the repair work was carried out recklessly and without adequate safety measures. This is a public road with heavy daily traffic. Peoples lives are being risked without basic precautions or planning, said a villager, slamming the administrations negligence. Responding to the criticism, Junagadh District Panchayats Executive Engineer, Abhishek Gohil, confirmed that the bridge was indeed found to be in a dilapidated state during an inspection by the Road & Building Department. The old bridge near Mangrol was not damaged or broken it was deliberately demolished as a safety measure. During the slab removal process, a portion of it collapsed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Gohil clarified. Junagadh District Collector Anil Ranavasia added that the 10-meter-long bridge, divided into two spans, had already been closed to vehicular traffic two days ago. This bridge was flagged for demolition and reconstruction. Warning boards were placed on both sides. The slab collapsed due to the load of the equipment like JCB, but the area had already been sealed off, In fact, the bridge wasnt fell, it was intentionally demolished. Ranavasia told the media. He also noted that following the recent bridge collapse in Gambhira, inspections of over 480 bridges across the district had been conducted in the past five days, resulting in six being shut down for safety reasons. The administration maintains that Ajaks bridge was under supervised demolition not a spontaneous collapse but public anger over repeated infrastructure failures continues to rise.
Miraculous escape for 8 people as bridge slab collapses in Gujarats Junagadh amid repairs
AHMEDABAD: Just days after the Gambhira bridge collapse between Vadodara and Anand claimed 21 lives, Gujarat has been jolted by another alarming bridge mishap this time in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka. In Ajak village, a portion of a dilapidated bridge gave way, plunging over eight people and a breaker machine into the river from a height. Miraculously, all were rescued without fatalities. Even as panic spread, the Junagadh District Executive Engineer claimed, the bridge hadnt collapsed but was being safely dismantled. In yet another bridge-related scare in Gujarat on Tuesday, a portion of the Ajak village bridge in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka collapsed during ongoing repair work, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy. The bridge, a crucial link between Keshod and Madhavpur and frequented by thousands of vehicles daily, gave way while a breaker machine was operating on it, sending the machine and eight to ten people standing on the slab plunging nearly 15 feet into the river below. Though the collapse caused a loud crash and panic among onlookers, all individuals involved escaped without serious injuries. A video of the dramatic incident has since gone viral, capturing the sheer chaos and fear as the slab crumbled in seconds. Local residents are furious, alleging that the repair work was carried out recklessly and without adequate safety measures. This is a public road with heavy daily traffic. Peoples lives are being risked without basic precautions or planning, said a villager, slamming the administrations negligence. Responding to the criticism, Junagadh District Panchayats Executive Engineer, Abhishek Gohil, confirmed that the bridge was indeed found to be in a dilapidated state during an inspection by the Road & Building Department. The old bridge near Mangrol was not damaged or broken it was deliberately demolished as a safety measure. During the slab removal process, a portion of it collapsed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Gohil clarified. Junagadh District Collector Anil Ranavasia added that the 10-meter-long bridge, divided into two spans, had already been closed to vehicular traffic two days ago. This bridge was flagged for demolition and reconstruction. Warning boards were placed on both sides. The slab collapsed due to the load of the equipment like JCB, but the area had already been sealed off, In fact, the bridge wasnt fell, it was intentionally demolished. Ranavasia told the media. He also noted that following the recent bridge collapse in Gambhira, inspections of over 480 bridges across the district had been conducted in the past five days, resulting in six being shut down for safety reasons. The administration maintains that Ajaks bridge was under supervised demolition not a spontaneous collapse but public anger over repeated infrastructure failures continues to rise.
Old bridge collapses during repair in Gujarats Junagadh district, no casualties reported
The bridge in Junagadh, which links Keshod to Madhavpur, was under maintenance when the collapse occurred.
Gujarats crumbling bridges: How many more deaths will it take?
AHMEDABAD: Yet another bridge collapse in Gujarat has jolted the state, exposing deep-rooted negligence and crumbling infrastructure. The 40 year-old Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district fell apart early Wednesday, dragging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar River. While the government rushes to give reassurances, a haunting question persistshow many tragedies will it take before accountability replaces apathy? Gambhira Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead, 9 Rescued The Gambhira Bridge, connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra via Padra taluka in Vadodara district, collapsed early Wednesday morning in Mujpur Nazir. The bridge, known to be in a dilapidated condition for years, finally gave way dragging down two trucks, a pickup van, an auto-rickshaw, and an Eco car into the swollen Mahisagar River. Rescue teams pulled out nine bodies, while nine others were rescued alive. The bridge had shown warning signs of structural decay, yet no action was taken to shut it down or carry out urgent repairs. Public Fury Grows: Who Will Be Held Responsible? The tragedy has sparked public outrage. Citizens are questioning why the bridge was not closed despite its poor condition. Why are officials always reactive instead of proactive? Time and again, bridges across Gujarat have collapsed, and yet, the cycle of negligence, empty promises, and lack of accountability continues. Assurances after each disaster have failed to turn into meaningful reforms or penalties for those responsible. Gujarats Shameful Bridge Collapse Timeline Hatkeshwar Bridge, Ahmedabad : Built to Last 100 Years, Failed in 5. Constructed in 2017 at a cost of Rs 40 crore, the Hatkeshwar Bridge was deemed structurally unsound in under four years. Shockingly, AMC floated a tender to demolish a bridge that was supposed to last a century. Mumtapura Bridge, Ahmedabad : On December 21, 2021, a section of the Mumtapura Bridge caved in, raising serious questions about the project company. Thankfully, the collapse didnt claim lives, but it intensified the fear surrounding Gujarat's infrastructure. Halvad Bridge, Morbi New But Unreliable: A bridge connecting New Koiba to Old Koiba collapsed on August 26, 2024just a year after it was built. Heavy rains washed away the structure, exposing poor construction quality. Morbi Suspension Bridge : Gujarats Darkest Day. On October 30, 2022, a British-era suspension bridge over the Machhu River collapsed, killing 141 people. The bridge had reopened just four days prior after repairs. It was designed for 125 people but had over 500 on it. Metro Flyover, Surat : Cracked Before Inauguration A section of the metro flyover in Saroli, Surat, Cracked even before being inaugurated. Cracks in the slab were ignored until it was too late. The bridge gave way during metro construction work. Ambedkar Bridge, Mehsana : Repeated Pleas Ignored Despite repeated requests for repair, the Ambedkar Bridge connecting Mehsana-Visnagar ring roads One part sunk on February 14 2024. Built in 2014, it had structural issues that were never addressed. Habiasar Bridge, Chotila : Heavy Rains Take It Down A bridge near Habiasar village in Surendranagar district collapsed during heavy rain. It connected over five villages. Luckily, the road was closed to traffic at the time. Under-Construction Flyover, Palanpur : Girder Collapse Kills One On October 23, 2023, two girders of an under-construction overbridge near the Palanpur RTO Circle broke. A rickshaw driver lost his life, and two others were injured. Bamangam-Parij Bridge, Kheda : Old Warnings, Zero Action The bridge connecting Baman and Parij collapsed on October 4, 2023. Villagers had raised alarms about its condition long ago. No one was on the bridge at the time, narrowly avoiding tragedy. Dhandhusar Bridge, Junagadh : 1975 Construction Falls Apart A part of the 45-year-old Dhandhusar bridge over the Uben River collapsed in 2023. Local connectivity took a major hit, forcing people into long detours and hardship. Rajkots Madhapar Chowk Pier Collapse Workers Injured On January 25, 2022, a pier under construction at Madhapar Chowk caved in, injuring two workers. The incident happened during concrete capping work. Janada Bridge, Botad Built in Lakhs, Collapsed in Three Years In Botads Janada village, a bridge over the Patlia River collapsed during monsoon 2023. Built just three years ago, it couldnt withstand seasonal rains. Khari River Bridge, Mehsana Bypass One part sunk in 2020 A bridge constructed over the Khari River on the Mehsana Bypass, built at a cost of crores, crumbled in just six years. The 2020 sunk was one of the early warnings of the ongoing infrastructure crisis. Other Notable Incidents : Singhrot, Vadodara (2023) Another bridge collapse with public uproar. Nandelav Bridge, Bharuch (June 2022) Under-construction bridge collapsed; people miraculously survived. Ajidem Intersection, Rajkot (2020) Bridge collapse with no casualties. Satodak Village, Rajkot (2019) Fatal structural failure. Peapok Flyover, Surat (2019) Yet another collapse highlighting contractor failure. Conclusion: Decay, Death, and Denial The recurring collapse of bridgeswhether newly built or agedreveals a systemic failure in Gujarat's infrastructure governance. Contractors cut corners, tenders are mishandled, warnings go unheeded, and officials continue to pass the buck. Behind every collapsed structure is a trail of ignored complaints, wasted taxpayer money, and shattered families. Unless real accountability is enforced and urgent structural audits conducted, Gambhira will not be the last bridge to falland Gujarat will keep mourning preventable deaths.
No alliance with Congress, INDIA bloc was only for LS polls: Kejriwal after Gujarat bypoll win
AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Partys national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that his party no longer has an alliance with the Congress, accusing it of helping the ruling BJP in Gujarat. The Congress-led INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) grouping of opposition parties was meant only for the Lok Sabha elections last year, he said. Addressing a press conference here, the former Delhi chief minister said his party will fight the 2027 Gujarat assembly elections and emerge victorious as people of the state now have an option other than the BJP and Congress. We have no alliance with Congress. If there was any alliance, why did they contest the bypoll in Visavadar? They came to defeat us. The BJP had sent the Congress to defeat AAP by cutting our votes. When Congress failed, the BJP even reprimanded them. The INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha polls. Now there is no alliance from our side, said Kejriwal. AAP leader Gopal Italia won the bypoll to the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district last month by defeating BJPs Kirit Patel by a margin of over 17,000 votes. Congress nominee Nitin Ranpariya stood in the third spot with 5,501 votes. Kejriwal claimed that the BJP has ruined Gujarat in its 30-year rule. The Congress has failed as an opposition because it helps the BJP retain power, he said. Be it farmers, youths or the middle class, every section of society is unhappy with the BJP. Despite unemployment, more than half of the posts are lying vacant, and jobs are given only on a contract basis. Despite that, the BJP has been winning elections because people did not have any option, said Kejriwal. People used to say that 'we want to defeat the BJP, but whom should we vote for?' Everyone knows that the Congress is in their pocket. In a way, a contract has been given to the Congress to help the BJP win every election. And Congress does its work very well, said Kejriwal. After the Visavadar bypoll, AAP has emerged as a strong alternative to both these parties, and people are banking their hopes on his party, said Kejriwal. To dethrone the BJP, AAP cadres will campaign vigorously in Gujarat and go door-to-door for the next two and a half years to convince people ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, he said. From today, we are starting 'Gujarat Jodo Abhiyan', under which people can join AAP by giving a missed call to our number. Our workers will also visit each and every house. AAP is a party of youths. I appeal to the youths, who want a corruption-free Gujarat, to join us in large numbers, he added. In the 182-member Gujarat assembly, the BJP has 162 MLAs, Congress 12 and AAP 5. While one seat is with the Samajwadi Party, two legislators are independents.
Congress vice-president Hira Jotva, son arrested in Rs 7.3 crore MNREGA scam in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: In a stunning crackdown, Congress Vice-President Hira Jotva and his son Digvijay Jotva have been arrested in connection with a massive Rs 7.30 crore corruption scam linked to MNREGA scheme works across three talukas of Gujarats Bharuch district. The scandal, which triggered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), came to light after a formal complaint was lodged at the Bharuch A Division Police Station. Acting swiftly, police late last night brought Hira Jotva from Gir Somnath to Bharuch for questioning. Following hours of intense interrogation, Hira Jotva was arrested alongside Rajesh Taylor, an outsourced employee from the Hansot TDO office. Both are set to be produced in court today and face police remand. In a fresh blow to the Congress camp, Bharuch SP confirmed later this afternoon that Jotvas son, Digvijay, was also taken into custody, deepening the partys crisis as the scam unravels. Bharuch SP Mayur Chavda told the media, During the investigation into the MNREGA scam, it was revealed that although the proprietors of the accused agencies appear to be someone else on paper, the real beneficiaries are Hira Jotva and his associates. They siphoned off government funds with the help of outsourced personnel in government offices and submitted forged documentation. He further added, Hira Jotva and his family members, whose accounts received alleged MNREGA work money, were brought in from Gir Somnath for questioning late last night. Following the interrogation, Bharuch police arrested them. We have also arrested technical operator Rajesh Taylor. Upon examining Hira Jotvas bank records, it became evident that his son, Digvijay Jotva, is also involved. He, too, has been detained from Gir Somnath today. The scandal came to light after the project officer of the Gram Vikas Agency lodged a complaint at the Bharuch A Division Police Station, exposing fraudulent activities by two Veraval-based firms, Jalaram Enterprise and Muralidhar Enterprise. The agencies were contracted to supply materials for MNREGA works but reportedly delivered substandard and insufficient material while inflating quantities, draining the public exchequer. Bharuch Police swiftly constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which launched an intensive probe, visiting villages, recording witness statements, and unearthing forged records linked to both agencies. The SIT eventually named Piyush Ratilal Nukani of Jalaram Enterprise and Jodha Naran Sabhad of Muralidhar Enterprise as prime accused, along with several complicit government officials and outsourced staff. As the probe deepened, the SIT found damning links between Congress leader Hira Jotva and the scam-tainted suppliers. Acting on this, police brought Jotva from Gir Somnath to Bharuch late last night for interrogation. He was arrested shortly after. Also held was Rajesh Taylor, an outsourced employee from Hansot TDOs office. Both were produced in court today with police seeking remand. Later, police confirmed the arrest of Jotvas son, Digvijay Jotva, tightening the net around a growing political-corporate nexus exploiting rural employment schemes. The investigation continues, with more arrests likely. Hira Jotva is a prominent face in Gujarat Congress politics. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Junagadh and had earlier fought the 2022 Assembly polls from Keshod. He also served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) from 2019 to 2023 and is currently its Vice-President.
Gujarat Congress Vice President Hira Jotva grilled by police over Rs 7.3 crore MNREGA scam
AHMEDABAD: An assistant project manager has flagged a shocking MNREGA scam worth Rs 7.3 crore across villages in Gujarat's Bharuch district, Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot Taluka. Acting on the complaint, Bharuch police have now summoned Congress leader Hira Jotva from Gir Somnath for questioning. Sources indicate that police may move toward arresting him following the interrogation. The Rs 7.30 crore fraud, spanning 430 development works across 56 villages in Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot talukas, was first flagged on May 30 by a government official from the Gram Vikas Agency, who filed a formal complaint at Bharuchs A Division Police Station. The investigation zeroed in on two Veraval-based firms Shri Jalaram Enterprise and Muralidhar Enterprise contracted for supplying material under MNREGA projects. These agencies allegedly manipulated records, provided substandard material, and bypassed mandatory manual labour by using machines, thereby violating the core principles of the rural employment scheme and causing massive losses to the state exchequer. Police identified Piyush Nukani, owner of Shri Jalaram Enterprise, and Jodhabhai Sabhad, owner of Muralidhar Enterprise, as key players in the racket. Crucially, both are reported to have close ties to senior Congress leader Hira Jotwani a link that has now drawn political attention to the case. Following the FIR, Bharuch SP formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the scandal. The SIT, after recording statements from workers and agency staff, summoned Hira Jotva to Bharuch for questioning regarding his association with the two contractors. Officials are probing whether Jotva played any role in facilitating or shielding the scam. However, at the time of writing, police have not officially declared whether Hira Jotva has been officially arrested or detained. Bharuch Congress Leader Sandeep Mangrola said, Hira Jotva was detained from Gir Somanth, and police are bringing him here at Bharuch for questioning. Hira Jotva is a prominent face in Gujarat Congress politics. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Junagadh and had earlier fought the 2022 Assembly polls from Keshod. He also served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) from 2019 to 2023 and is currently its Vice President. As questioning continues, the police are examining financial trails and political connections to determine the full scale and backing behind the scam. Legal proceedings are underway, and more detentions could follow based on emerging evidence.
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials
Ahmedabad Diary | Government aid yet to reach Air India crash victims
After 241 of the 242 passengers onboard the AI171, en route to the London Gatwick, and the entire crew perished in the Ahmedabad air tragedy, compensation has begun trickling in. The Tata Group pledged Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, while Air India announced Rs 25 lakh each. Several others also died at the crash site. However, neither the Centre, nor Gujarat government has offered any relief so far. Slamming the silence, Congress leader Amit Chavda demanded both governments jointly grant Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, stressing that empathy must guide action in times of tragedy. BJP, AAP candidates fail to cast votes in bypoll Polling was held on Thursday for the Visavadar by-election, with BJPs Kirit Patel, Congress Nitin Ranpariya, and AAPs Gopal Italia in the fray. Ironically, only Congress candidate Ranpariya cast his own vote at the Bhesan BRC Bhavan on Thursday morning. BJPs Patel and AAPs Italia were unable to do so, as Patel is registered in Junagadh and Italia in Surat. Their absence from the Visavadar voter list barred them from supporting their own names on the ballot. As the poliing day draws to a close, focus now shifts to the turnout, and the symbolic weight of the missing votes. 13 IAS officers shifted in major bureaucratic rejig In a significant administrative shake-up, the Gujarat government has transferred 13 IAS officers and 9 Deputy Section Officers just a few days back. IAS officer Ashwini Kumar has been shifted from Urban Development to take charge as Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities. In another key swap, IAS M Thennarasan moves from Sports to head the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department. Rameshchand Meena has been handed additional charge as Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport. Meanwhile, IAS Milind Shivaram Torawane, formerly MD of GSPC, Gandhinagar, takes over as Principal Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
5 Assembly bypolls in 4 states largely peaceful; Nilambur in Kerala records 73 pc turnout
LUDHIANA/AHMEDABAD: Bypolls were held in five Assembly segments across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala on Thursday, with the Nilambur seat in Kerala registering a voter turnout of 73.26 per cent, and Ludiana West in Punjab recording a polling percentage of 51.33 per cent. The polling that commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm was largely peaceful, with the exception of a few isolated incidents, officials said. While the deaths of the incumbent MLAs necessitated the bypolls in one seat each in Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab, the resignation of two legislators led to the polling in Kerala and another seat in Gujarat. The counting of votes for all the seats will be taken up on June 23. Nilambur in Kerala saw a steady turnout through the day, recording a turnout of 73.26 per cent, according to the latest figures released by the Election Commission, which said the numbers might be updated later. In the 2021 assembly polls, the turnout in Nilambur was 75.20 per cent. People came out in good numbers at the 263 polling booths across the constituency, which has over 2.32 lakh voters. Among the 10 contestants, the key contenders are ruling LDF's pick M Swaraj, Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress-led UDF, TMC state convenor and Independent nominee P V Anvar and Mohan George of the BJP-led NDA. Anvar, whose resignation as the MLA from Nilambur necessitated the bypoll, claimed that neither of the three fronts -- UDF, LDF and NDA -- discussed local issues like wild-animal attacks during their campaigns. Presently the state convener of the TMC, Anvar resigned as the MLA after severing ties with the CPI(M)-led LDF over certain allegations levelled by him against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his close aides. The final voter list includes 1,13,613 men, 1,18,760 women, and 8 transgender persons, with 7,787 first-time voters, 373 overseas voters, and 324 service voters. In Gujarat, the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district recorded a poll percentage of 56.89, and Kadi in Mehsana district saw a voter turnout of 57.90 per cent, officials said. The state government declared a public holiday on Thursday in both the constituencies. The BJP, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fielded their candidates in the two seats. The Visavadar seat was lying vacant since December 2023 after then AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the BJP. The Kadi seat, reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, fell vacant on February 4 following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki. Till 5 pm, 41 complaints were received from citizens through the C-Vigil app, out of which 34 were resolved within 100 minutes, officials said. In Visavadar, BJP candidate Kirit Patel and Congress nominee Nitin Ranpariya cast their votes in the early hours. The AAP has fielded its former Gujarat president, Gopal Italia, from Visavadar. He is not registered as a voter in the constituency. Despite its near-total dominance in the state, the BJP has not won the Visavadar seat since 2007. Party leaders are hopeful of overcoming the 18-year jinx this time. In the 2022 Assembly polls, Bhayani defeated BJP's Harshad Ribadiya, a Congress turncoat and former MLA, by 7,063 votes. The BJP has fielded Rajendra Chavda from Kadi, while the Congress has given ticket to former MLA Ramesh Chavda. Chavda won the seat in 2012, but lost it to the BJP's Karsanbhai Solanki in 2017. Like Visavadar, Kadi will also witness a three-way fight, with the AAP fielding Jagdish Chavda. In the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, the BJP has 161 legislators, the Congress 12 and the AAP four. While one seat is with the Samajwadi Party, two are with independents. The bypoll to the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in Punjab recorded a turnout of 51.33 per cent, a sharp drop from the 64 per cent polling registered in the 2022 Assembly elections, officials said. The polling, which remained peaceful, sealed the fate of 14 candidates in the fray for the urban constituency, which fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January. The bypoll's outcome will throw light on the popularity of the AAP regime's policies and programmes among the urban voters of the constituency. Stakes are also high for the Congress, the main opposition party that won the seat six times in the past. Prestige is at stake for the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as well. AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora exercised his franchise along with his family members in the morning, and later paid obeisance at a gurdwara, a temple and the Dargah Pir in Phillaur. Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP nominee Jiwan Gupta and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman also cast their votes. A total of 1,75,469 voters were eligible to exercise their franchise, including 85,371 women and 10 belonging to the third gender. The voting process was monitored real-time from the integrated command and control centre at the district administrative complex. A total of 235 CCTV cameras were installed at the polling stations, officials said. At Kaliganj in West Bengal's Nadia district, a voter turnout of 69.85 per cent was recorded till 5 pm. Polling has been peaceful. There was no report of any incident from anywhere in and around the constituency. Till 5 pm, the polling was 69.85 per cent, an election official told PTI. Sources said the polling percentage may go up as there were queues outside the polling booths. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. The ruling party has fielded his daughter, Alifa Ahamed, for the bypoll. The BJP has nominated Ashis Ghosh for the contest, while Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh is in the fray with the support of the CPI(M). Fourteen companies of central forces were deployed across the constituency to ensure free-and-fair polling. Minor tension was reported from a few booths. At Chandghar Adarsha Vidyapith's booth No. 56, the Congress alleged that its polling agent was forcibly removed by Trinamool workers, an allegation denied by the ruling party. BJP nominee Ghosh alleged that officials deliberately applied indelible ink on his middle finger instead of the index finger under the insistence of Trinamool agents. First, they missed putting the ink on my finger when I went to vote. Then, after I noticed it and returned, they deliberately marked my middle finger. This is a pre-planned political conspiracy by the TMC, Ghosh alleged. Poll officials confirmed that no rules were violated but said they have sought a report from the district magistrate regarding the incident. The Election Commission said webcasting was done at all but one polling station of the five seats. A total of 1,354 polling stations were set up for the bypolls and webcasting was held at 1,353 of them, the poll authority said. This was also the first time that the EC provided a mobile-phone deposit facility to the voters. The deposit centres were set up outside the polling stations. So far, no such facility was available and some voters hid phones in their clothes and carried those inside the polling stations, which is against rules.
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA of 211 victims matched; 189 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a significant update on the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy, DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched, and 189 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, according to officials. Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi shared the details during a media briefing, emphasizing the coordinated effort between forensic teams, hospital staff, and law enforcement. Of the remaining cases, eight families are expected to claim the mortal remains of their loved ones in the coming days, while two families are scheduled to accept the bodies by tomorrow. Additionally, 11 families are still awaiting DNA matches of their other relatives, indicating that the process of closure remains ongoing for many. Providing a breakdown of nationalities, Dr. Joshi stated that among the 189 confirmed deceased, 142 are Indian citizens, 32 are from the UK, seven are Portuguese nationals, one is Canadian, and seven individuals were non-passengers, whose presence near the crash site turned tragic. In a detailed media briefing, Dr. Joshi confirmed that 189 bodies have been handed over to families so far, while DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. He noted that eight more families are expected to receive the mortal remains of their relatives in the coming days, while two families will accept the remains by tomorrow. However, the process is not yet complete - 11 families are still awaiting the DNA match of a second relative, highlighting the continued emotional wait for full closure. Providing further insight, he explained the nationality distribution of the 189 deceased: 142 were Indian citizens, 32 were British nationals, 7 were from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengerspeople who were tragically caught in the disaster despite not being on the flight. Dr Joshi also offered a detailed breakdown of the geographical origin of those whose bodies have been handed over. These include seven from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, six from Mehsana, one each from Botad, Jodhpur, Patan, Junagadh, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, and Patna, two each from Aravalli, Maharashtra, Amreli, Jamnagar, Dwarka, and London, 16 from Anand, five from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, six from Gandhinagar, 14 from Diu, three from Rajkot, nine from Mumbai, one each from Nadiad, Sabarkantha, and Nagaland. He emphasised that the process of DNA matching is both legally sensitive and scientifically complex, requiring meticulous attention. Due to these constraints, the identification is being carried out with utmost seriousness and urgency. To expedite the process, teams from the Forensic Science University, local administrations, state health departments, and multiple central and state agencies are working round the clock. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that the mortal remains are returned to families as quickly and respectfully as possible, offering a measure of peace amid a tragedy that has shaken families across India and abroad.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 190 DNA matches confirmed, 157 bodies handed over
AHMEDABAD: Six days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, the sole survivor Vishwas Kumar has been discharged from the hospital in stable condition, confirmed Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Civil Hospital Superintendent. Kumar's family, who had flown in from the UK, was present at his side. The body of Kumar's brother, who was killed in the crash, was handed over to the family at 2 am on the same day, and a funeral was held for him in Diu. As of now, DNA samples of 190 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. In a detailed briefing, Dr. Joshi stated that 157 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families, with the identification and release process still underway for the remaining. He noted that five families are expected to collect the bodies of their loved ones soon, while the hospital remains in contact with 10 families. Meanwhile, 15 families are waiting for DNA matches of additional relatives, and the identification process is ongoing for three others. Dr. Joshi also revealed a detailed breakdown of the nationalities among the deceased whose bodies have been identified: 123 Indian nationals, 27 British citizens, 4 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian citizen, and 4 non-passengers. In terms of geographical distribution, he reported that the bodies handed over include: Ahmedabad (48), Vadodara (18), Kheda (10), Anand (11), Gandhinagar (6), Surat (6), Mehsana (5), Udaipur (6), Bharuch (5), Gir Somnath (5), Diu (12), Mahisagar (1), Bhavnagar (1), Patan (1), Botad (1), Aravalli (2), Jodhpur (1), Junagadh (1), Amreli (1), Rajkot (2), Nadiad (1), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Mumbai (7), London (2), Patna (1), and Maharashtra (2).
Air India crash: 87 victims identified by DNA tests, 47 bodies handed over to kin
AHMEDABAD: Four days after the horrific crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, 87 victims have so far been identified through DNA matching and 47 bodies have been handed over to their families, officials said on Monday. Authorities are carrying out DNA tests to establish the identity of the victims since many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition or damaged otherwise after the plane crash on June 12. Till now, 87 DNA samples have been matched, and 47 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. These deceased were from different parts of Gujarat, such as Bharuch, Anand, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Kheda, Mehsana, Arvalli and Ahmedabad districts, additional civil superintendent Dr Rajnish Patel told reporters. No clarity yet on identity of 18 Air India crash victims The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 persons on board crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad moments after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm on June 12. While 241 persons on board the London-bound aircraft died, one passenger miraculously survived . Besides, 29 persons are reported to have died in the disaster on the ground, which includes five MBBS students . AUW! Could Air India Flight AI-171's weight have doomed it?
Pakistan Still Shows Junagadh On Its Map Despite Losing 1948 Vote; Here's The Nawab's Condition Now
On February 20, 1948, a referendum was held in Junagadh. Of 201,457 voters, 190,870 cast ballotsonly 91 voted for Pakistan, reaffirming the state's merger with India
Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, other top AAP leaders rally for Gopal Italia in Gujarat Bypoll
Amid growing strains in coalition ties, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and former Delhi minister Atishi held a roadshow in Visavadar, Junagadh district, Gujarat, to campaign for AAP candidate Gopal Italia.
Rs 7.3 crore MGNREGA scam uncovered in Bharuch amid growing Gujarat rural job scheme crisis
AHMEDABAD: The corruption in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continues to deepen in Gujarat. Following massive irregularities unearthed in Dahod, Panchmahal, and Narmada districts, Bharuch has now been added to the list exposing yet another multi-crore scam under the Central governments flagship employment scheme for the rural poor. According to a police complaint filed at Bharuch A Division, a staggering Rs 7.30 crore has been siphoned off through fraudulent practices across 56 villages in the talukas of Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot. Officials say the fraud stems from collusion between contractors and government personnel. The First Information Report (FIR), lodged at Bharuch A Division Police Station on Friday, 30 May 2025, names two firms Muralidhar Enterprise and Jalaram Enterprise accused of gross irregularities in executing clay-metal road works across 11 villages, covering projects from January 20, 2023, to the present. Citing a technical audit, the FIR notes, In each of the 11 villages, despite road lengths being consistent, the agencies arbitrarily segmented the roads into different parts averaging 236 metres per segment violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and government-prescribed criteria. The complaint further alleges that the contractors failed to meet material specifications. According to the FIR, They did not use metal of the required thickness, failed to incorporate quarry spoil, and did not supply the approved construction materials. Instead, they fraudulently inflated material usage figures and generated bogus bills. The scale of the fraud was significant. Knowing the bills were fabricated, the FIR states, Muralidhar Enterprise claimed Rs 13,05,676.51 and Jalaram Enterprise claimed Rs 6,58,898.89. Both amounts were processed and disbursed as genuine, leading to wrongful gains totalling Rs 19,64,575.40 by the contractors. However, the fraud was not limited to private entities alone. The FIR delivers damning accusations against government personnel, asserting a broader, premeditated conspiracy. Although both agencies were only authorised to supply materials, the complaint reads, government officers, employees, and contractual staff colluded with them, bypassing MGNREGAs e-Gram Panchayat protocols. They undertook mechanical construction of roads and submitted fake work proposals. The fallout, as revealed in the FIR, is massive: This collusion led to the embezzlement of public property, submission of fraudulent proposals, misappropriation of funds, and ultimately, a loss of Rs 7.3 crore to the state exchequer across 56 villages in Bharuch taluka. The FIR concludes by framing the act as a breach of trust and criminal deception against the government, accusing all involved of orchestrating deep-rooted financial irregularities under the pretense of rural development. The Congress party has launched a fierce attack on BJP leaders and the ruling government, directly linking them to the widening MGNREGA scam in Gujarat. We submitted a written plea to the TDO and DDO two years ago, but it was ignored, said GPCC State General Secretary Sandeep Singh Mangrola. BJP leaders are involved, so no fair probe is happening. If a real investigation takes place, it will reach Gandhinagar. We demand a SIT under judicial oversight to probe MGNREGA scams across Gujarat. Opposition Leader Amit Chavda first exposed a Rs 250 crore MGNREGA scam in Devgadhbaria and Dhanpur, Dahod. Subsequent probes confirmed Rs 71 crore siphoned off, implicating firms linked to Minister Bachu Khabars sons, both arrested. Next, Congress revealed a Rs 109 crore fraud in Jambughoda, implicating BJP-linked agencies. Then came AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, uncovering a scam in Narmada, tied to a Congress leader from Junagadh. Now, Bharuch joins the growing list of districts tainted by the MGNREGA scam trail.
Gujarats Asiatic lion count leaps from 674 to 891 in five years
AHMEDABAD: In a major conservation milestone, Gujarats Asiatic lion population has soared to 891 a sharp 32.2% jump (from 674) since 2020, with 217 new lions added in just five years. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the surge on Wednesday, unveiling results from the 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted earlier this month. The latest figures signal a resounding success for Gujarats wildlife conservation efforts, reaffirming the states position as the last natural habitat of the endangered species. PM Modi praised the effort of Gujarat government. The big cats, once largely confined to Gir National Park, are now sprawling across 11 districts of the Saurashtra region including non-forested and coastal zones, a testament to their expanding territory and rising numbers. The number of lions in the state has gradually increased not just because of favorable geography and climate, but due to our government's consistent and careful approach to wildlife conservation, said the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Providing a detailed account, he noted, There were 327 lions in 2001, 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, and 674 in 2020. Today, the lion population stands at 891. He further credited the shift in census methodology to Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, saying, As Chief Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modi introduced the 'Total Count by Direct Sighting at Block System' method, replacing the traditional estimation model. Prime Minister praised the effort. Very exciting information! It's truly gratifying to see that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are creating a favorable environment and ensuring the protection of lions in Gujarat, the Prime Minister posted on social media platform X. The 2020 census had pegged the number at 674, all within Gir and surrounding areas. The latest count reveals not just a population boom but also a major geographical shift: 507 lions were spotted outside Girs boundaries, while 384 remain within the traditional sanctuary limits, according to Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The lion stronghold now includes protected areas like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda sanctuaries. Notably, 17 lions were recorded in Barda, just 15 km from Porbandar, while Bhavnagar district reported the largest single pride 17 lions in one group. The demographic breakdown, provided by the Gujarat Forest Department, estimates 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs, painting a robust picture of the species health and future. This extensive wildlife mapping was the result of a meticulous four-day census conducted from May 10 to 13 across 58 talukas, covering 35,000 sq km. The operation, carried out in two phases, involved over 3,000 volunteers including forest officials, enumerators, and inspectors. For the first time, officials deployed a refined method known as direct beat verification, praised for its near-zero margin of error and 100% accuracy, made possible by hi-tech tools like camera traps, high-resolution imaging, GPS tracking, and radio collars. The lion census, conducted every five years, documented key data like time of sighting, direction of movement, physical identifiers, and precise GPS coordinates. The 11 districts where lions were sighted are: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad. This dramatic expansion of habitat and population underscores both the resilience of the Asiatic lion and the rigorous conservation efforts undertaken by the Gujarat Forest Department a rare ecological triumph in the modern era. CENSUS SNAPSHOT (20012025): 2001: 327 2005: 359 2010: 411 2015: 523 2020: 674 2025: 891 Territory Expands Beyond Gir: Lions now roam 11 districts, including: Junagadh | Bhavnagar | Porbandar | Jamnagar Even in coastal & non-forested zones 507 lions spotted outside Gir Sanctuary 384 within core Gir zone Habitat Hotspots: Barda Sanctuary: 17 lions Bhavnagar: 17 lions in one pride Pania | Mitiyala | Girnar | Population Breakdown: Males: 196 Females: 330 Sub-adults: 140 Cubs: 225 High-Tech Census, Near-Zero Error: 3,000+ field staff 35,000 sq km covered 58 talukas, 4 days Tools: GPS, camera traps, radio collars Direct Beat Verification used for first time
Ahmedabad Diary | Unsigned pamphlet upsets Congress apple cart
Rahul Gandhis plans to revamp the Congress setup in Gujarat have run into rough weather. An anonymous pamphlet has emerged accusing top party leaders Himmatsinh Patel and Shailesh Parmar of having a clandestine pact with the BJP. Though Gandhi has been pushing for a structural overhaul, the development has thrown a spanner in the works. The scandal has already triggered a political storm. Though Patel has dismissed all allegations as a BJP conspiracy, the Congress high command has ordered disciplinary measures. Much to Rahuls chagrin, the much-anticipated Gujarat Congress reset hangs in the balance now. High drama at party office over funds misuse The Gujarat Congress just cant catch a break! Of late, the party has been running into one hurdle after another. Sparks flew during the process to select the Ahmedabad city president on Friday. Party members saw red when the nephew of a senior party leader accused workers of mishandling booth funds in the presence of Gujarat in-charge BK Hariprasad. High drama ensued as the enraged party leaders and workers confronted him over the brazen allegation and lodged a strong protest. Up in arms, the party workers only relented after an apology was issued to them. However, the episode has left the party leadership with egg on its face. Vaghelas party enters the contest for Visavadar Gujarat politics is heating up ahead of the Visavadar bypoll. After AAP, Congress, and the BJP, Shankersinh Vaghelas Praja Shakti Democratic Party has thrown its hat in the ring. This comes shortly after Vaghela held a key meeting in Junagadh, signalling his commitment to politics. AAP and the Congress are contesting the poll independently, with the latter refusing any alliance. Meanwhile, the BJP is holding its cards close to the chest. The saffron party has yet to declare a candidate. It may be recalled that AAPs Bhupat Bhayani, who had won the Visavadar seat in 2022, later crossed over to the BJP. Political veterans are set to shape this electoral battle. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
