LIVE! Murmu quits as Lt-Governor of J-K

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Wed, 05 August 2020

Murmu quits as Lt-Governor of J-K

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Murmu being sworn-in as J-K Lt Guv

23:26 Murmu quits as Lt-Governor of J-K

JUST IN: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Murmu resigns, says All India Radio.

As per media report, Murmu is tipped to be the new Comptroller and Auditor General.

Meanwhile, former Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi is likely to take over as new L-G of J-K.

Murmu's resignation comes on the first anniversary of the scrapping of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories. -- Agencies

22:56 India hits out at China over comments on J-K

India on Wednesday hit out at China for calling reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir as 'illegal and invalid' and asserted that Beijing does not have any locus standi on the matter.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said China is advised not to comment on the internal affairs of other nations.

"We have noted the comments of the Chinese MFA spokesperson on the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side has no locus standi whatsoever on this matter and is advised not to comment on the internal affairs of other nations," he said.

India's reaction came hours after a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing that any unilateral change to status quo of Jammu and Kashmir is illegal and invalid.

The Chinese spokesperson made the comments following a question by a Pakistani correspondent on the completion of one year of the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation into two union territories--Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. -- PTI

Terrorists opened fire on a security forces deployment in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

Meanwhile, alert troops detected an IED in Kupwara district of the Union territory, they said.

The ultras opened fire on security personnel in the COVID-19 containment deployment at Sangloo bridge in Shopian district this morning, a police official said.

He said there was no report of any damage caused, adding that the militants escaped from the spot.

In another incident, the security forces detected an improvised explosive device (IED) in a tin can at Youniso in Handwara area of Kupwara district.

A bomb disposal squad has been rushed to the spot to defuse the explosive, the official added. -- PTI

22:00 ED summons Rhea Chakraborty on Aug 7

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor Rhea Chakraborty for questioning on August 7 in connection with a money laundering case stemming from a complaint filed by Sushant Singh Rajput's father following his death, officials said on Wednesday.

Chakraborty will be questioned and her statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.

The questioning is linked to amoney laundering case that was registered by the ED last week on the basis of a Bihar Police first information report in which Rajput's father has accused Chakraborty and her family of abetting the Bollywood actor's suicide.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area on June 14. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nonagenarian mother watched the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhaya live on television at her residence near Gandhinagar on Wednesday.

The state information department released the photos of Hiraba watching the event on TV.

The photos showed her sitting on a chair with folded hands and watching the programme when PM Modi performed the bhoomi poojan.

Hiraba lives with her younger son Pankaj Modi in Raysan area on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.

The PM laid the foundation of the temple, bringing to fruition the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'mandir' movement that defined its politics for three decades and aided its ascendance to the heights of power.

Celebrations were held in various parts of Gujarat on the occasion and special prayers were offered in many temples across the state.

People also expressed their joy by distributing sweets and bursting crackers.

Hoardings in celebration of the event were also put up in various cities of Gujarat. -- PTI

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hiraba watches the live telecast of the foundation laying ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Photograph: Courtesy @BJP4Gujarat/Twitter

20:59 Officials say CBI will probe Sushant's death

The Central Bureau of Investigation will take up the probe into the alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on a reference of the Bihar government, officials said on Wednesday.

Bihar police had registered a case of abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy, cheating among other charges on a complaint from the family of the deceased actor.

The state government had sought a CBI probe into the matter, they said.

The centre has forwarded the reference to the CBI which has decided to start the probe on its basis, officials said.

According to the procedure, the CBI has the freedom to return the reference in case there are legal issues involved and may seek further clarification but sources in the know said the case will be taken up for investigation.

Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles.

On July 25, Rajput's father had lodged an FIR at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna against the actor's rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, accusing them of abetting the his suicide. -- PTI

20:50 New disease in China kills 7, 60 infected

A new infectious disease caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven people and infected 60 others in China, official media in Beijing reported on Wednesday, warning about the possibility of its human-to-human transmission.

More than 37 people in East China's Jiangsu Province contracted with the SFTS Virus in the first half of the year.

Later, 23 people were found to have been infected in East China's Anhui province, state-run Global Times quoted media reports.

A woman from Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu, who suffered from the virus showed onset of symptoms such as fever, coughing. Doctors found a decline of leukocyte, blood platelet inside of her body.

After a month of treatment, she was discharged from the hospital.

At least seven people have died in Anhui and East China's Zhejiang province due to the virus, the report said.

SFTS Virus is not a new virus.

China has isolated pathogen of the virus in 2011, and it belongs to the Bunyavirus category.

Virologists believe that the infection may have been passed on to humans by ticks and that the virus can be transmitted between humans, it said.

Sheng Jifang, a doctor from the first affiliated hospital under Zhejiang University, said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission could not be excluded; patients can pass the virus to others via blood or mucous.

Doctors warned that tick bite is the major transmission route, as long as people remain cautious, there's no need to over panic over such virus contagion, it said. -- PTI

20:07 Bhoomi pujan to be part of Kangana's next film

Actor Kangana Ranaut, on the occasion of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan, detailed about her plans to capture the entire six-century old journey of the Ram Mandir in her next directorial venture Aparajita Ayodhya.

The Queen actor, who is all set to make a film on the temple's 600-year-old journey in a recent interview noted that today's iconic moment will also be a huge episode in her directorial project.

Calling the movie as a story of 'devotion, faith and unity', the 33-year-old actor said: "In my film, there are several real Muslim characters who have fought in favour of the Ram temple. Ram Rajya is beyond religion and that's what Aparajita Ayodhya will be about."

"It's a very tough screenplay as it travels across 600 years and the Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan will very much be a part of my film. Vijayendra Sir (KV Vijayendra Prasad ) has put it together in a beautiful way. It could have been a logo launch for us today because it was a perfect day. Nevertheless, we have high hopes that we will be able to go on floors very soon. I can't wait to narrate the film to my actors," the actor added.

The upcoming movie is written by the Baahubali scriptwriter K V Vijayendra Prasad and bankrolled by her production house.

As the country witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya today, the actor also opened up about the historic moment and expressed her pride.

"The Ram Mandir isn't just a temple, but an emotion. For me, Ayodhya is very symbolic and this journey of the last 500-600 years that we have had as a civilisation is very exciting for me.

"I want to not waste the limited time we all have and I'd rather do things that cause a shift in the way we live, we think," she said.

Ranaut further explained that now is the correct moment to introspect and act upon things that need to change within the society.

"I personally feel that this is the time for us to delve and go beyond our 'roti, kapda, makaan' needs, and see what we lack as a society and how we can revive that. For me, a temple isn't about pillars, bricks or just a structure. It's a symbol of something that our civilisation considered the highest," the Gangster actor said.

She noted, "Ram is not a God, he's Purushottam - an elevated man. He's no more but his qualities continue to live. The temple is a symbol of those qualities.

"He established Ram Rajya, which to a great extent was followed by Mahatma Gandhi and that's how he got us freedom, so his consciousness prevailed through so many great beings and continued to save us and affect our lives."

In 2019, Kangana Ranaut, for the first time, co-directed the film Manikarnika-The Queen of Jhansi in which she also played the lead. -- ANI

19:59 Major UP rivers flow above danger mark

Major rivers in Uttar Pradesh continued to flow above the danger mark at some places of the state where 536 villages in 16 districts have been hit by floods, officials said on Wednesday.

The Sharda river in Lakhimpur Kheri's Palia Kalan, the Saryu river at Barabanki's Elgin Bridge, Ayodhya and Ballia's Turtipar, and the Rapti at Gorakhpur's Bird Ghat were flowing above the red mark, Relief Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said.

He said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked senior officers to maintain strict vigil on all bridges and embankments.

As of now, all bridges and embankments were safe. There are reports of some problem in embankment on Saryu (Ghaghra) in Ballia which is being attended to, Goyal said.

Sixteen teams of the NDRF, SDRF and provincial armed constabulary (PAC) have been deployed for search and rescue works. Besides 2728 boats have also been deployed for rescue operations.

The chief minister has directed officials that vigil be maintained on the water level of all rivers and people be shifted to safer areas well in advance.

He has said that social distancing be maintained in shelters set up in flood affected areas.

A total of 160 flood shelters have been set up in the state.

As many as 657 flood chowkis have also been set up, the relief commissioner said. -- PTI

19:17 Heavy rains in Mumbai: Stay at home, says CM

As heavy rains lashed Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asked people to stay indoors and venture out only for essential work.

Thackeray took stock of the situation and asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to coordinate with the police and railway authorities, health machinery and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure that citizens do not face any hardships.

A statement issued by the chief minister's office (CMO) also said that Thackeray directed the authorities to monitor the situation arising out of disruption of power supply, uprooting of trees and water-logging as a result of heavy rains.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials were asked to ensure that there is no accident at the ongoing work at Metro Rail sites, it said.

Heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts on Wednesday, affecting some local train and bus services due to water-logging on rail tracks and roads. -- PTI

19:12 COVID: TN to allow gyms to open from August 10

Gyms in Tamil Nadu are all set to resume services from August 10 after remaining closed for over four months due to Covid-19-induced lockdown.

The decision was taken by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, considering a representation from the Tamil Nadu Gym Owners and Trainers Welfare Association, the government said.

The gyms will be allowed to offer services only to people aged up to 50 years and Standard Operating Procedures, which will be issued separately for them, will have to be followed.

Like other establishments, gyms were also closed on March 24 in Tamil Nadu as part of measures to fight COVID-19.

Tamil Nadu reported a single day highest COVID-19 deaths of 112, taking toll to 4,461 while 5,175 fresh cases push tally to 2.73 lakh.

Right-wing organisation Hindu Sena has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi chief Assauddin Owaisi and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board for "promoting hatred and violence against minor Ram Lalla and his property and Hindu community and place of worship".

The Hindu Sena has claimed Owaisi's statements about the Ram temple are "in contempt of Honourable Supreme Court Order in favour of minor petitioner Ram Lalla".

Earlier, Owaisi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to uphold the structure of the Constitution by taking part in the 'bhoomi pujan' at Ayodhya.

"By attending, the Prime Minister has not only laid the foundation of a Mandir, but also the foundation of a Hindu Rashtra," Owaisi told reporters in Hyderabad.

The AIMIM leader accused Modi of making India a theological country, which goes against the basic structure of the Constitution.

18:39 Aaditya requests Mumbaikars to stay indoors

As heavy showers lashed Maharashtra's Mumbai and its neighbouring areas, a 'red' alert was issued for "extremely heavy" rainfall in the city.

Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray in a tweet requested people to remain indoors. He tweeted, "Requesting all to remain indoors. Mumbai is lashed with high velocity winds and extremely heavy rain as we all can witness. I request all, especially journalists trying to cover this to remain safe. Stay put wherever you are."

The heavy rain also forced the Central Railway to suspend services on its harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus- Vashi and on Mainline between CSMT-Thane.

Meanwhil, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray also held a meeting to review the situation. He has instructed the officials to be alert and prepared as India Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rainfall tomorrow.

The ambulance driver who ferried the body of Sushant Singh Rajput claimed on Wednesday that he has been receiving hundreds of hate and threat calls every day from the deceased actor's fans.

Rajput was found dead at his Bandra home on June 14 and both Mumbai and Bihar police are carrying out separate probes in connection with his death.

"My brother and I provide ambulance service to various hospitals in the city, but ever since we ferried Sushant's body, we have been receiving threat calls for a month now," said Vishal Bandgar.

Callers often used foul language and alleged that the actor was alive when he was moved into the ambulance, Bandgar claimed.

"They allege that we strangled Sushant to death and that we will be punished by God and killed," he said.

The Bandgar brothers own four ambulances, with four contact numbers displayed on them and calls keep coming on every number from all over the country, he said, adding that they plan to lodge a police complaint soon.

-- PTI

18:10 PM's mother watched bhoomi pujan

Heeraben, the mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, watched the live telecast of 'Bhoomi Poojan' of RamTemple earlier today, at her residence in Gandhinagar.

18:09 PM@Ayodhya: Follow maryada of wearing masks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday recalled the significance of the path of 'maryada' associated with Lord Ram in the backdrop of the situation created by COVID-19 and emphasised the importance of social distancing and wearing face masks.

He said that the current situation demands 'maryada' should be 'do gaz ki doori, mask hai zaroori' and exhorted everyone to follow it.

In his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister said the temple of Lord Ram will inspire and guide humans for ages to come.

He said that the path of `maryada' followed by Lord Ram is all the more necessary today in the situation created by COVID-19."The `maryada' (need) today is do gaj ki doori, mask hai jaroori (keep distance of two yards, wear mask). The Almighty may keep all the citizens healthy and happy, this is my prayer. The blessings of Mother Sita and Shri Ram be always there on the citizens," he said.

The Prime Minister termed the occasion as historic and said that India is starting a glorious chapter when people across the country are excited and emotional to have finally achieved what they had been waiting for centuries. -- ANI

Image: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth presented an idol of Lord Ram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Lord Ram is also known as maryada purshottam or the 'man who is supreme in honour'.

17:49 Portrait of Lord Ram with a typewriter

AC Gurumurthy, an artist from Bengaluru creates a portrait of Lord Ram using a manual typewriter. He says, "I dedicate this portrait to Ram Temple. I hope world recognises our culture and religion."

Monks watch the live telecast of the bhoomi pujan at Haridwar. Pic: ANI

17:41 Bhoomi pujan: Ayodhya stayed glued to TV sets

From blowing of conch shells and ringing of bells to ceaseless chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai', streets of this temple town got immersed in a religious fervour on Wednesday as the foundation laying ceremony for a Ram Temple got underway. Some jewellery shops in the famous Shrigaar Haat area turned into places for community television spots as passers-by and even some security personnel and mediapersons joined shopkeepers to watch the live telecast of 'bhoomi poojan' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the temple and his speech.

Many recalled that these scenes were similar to ones quite common in late 1980s when 'Ramayan' serial was telecast on Doordarshan and people used to gather at few houses and shops having TV sets.

Rooftops of buildings in the area, close to Hanumangarhi Temple, became hubs and vantage points for video journalists and photographers, while roadside trees provided the much-needed shade to security forces deployed for the occasion.

Some shopkeepers were also seen distributing laddoos (sweets), while saffron flags with pictures of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman were seen on many balconies, verandahs and rooftops. While only a few shops were open and police barricades stopped people well before the ceremony area, crowds gathered on rooftops with social distancing making way for heavy jostling among people to get a glimpse of what many described as a historic moment for Ayodhya, a Sanksrit word that means 'unconquerable' and has long been known as birthplace of Lord Ram.

Chants of Jai Shri Ram, blowing of conch shells and ringing of bells reached a crescendo the moment the word got around about Modi's arrival at the main venue, where access was highly restricted due to safeguard measures in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another round of chants began when the prime minister began his speech with 'Jai Siya Ram' and crowds in front of TV sets also responded loudly to Modi's 'Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai' slogan. Wearing a green-coloured mask, 60-year-old Shanti, who was glued to a TV set at a jewellery shop, said, "I feel extremely overwhelmed to experience this glorious and historic moment. I feel happy that now the Ram temple will be built." Mahendra Yadav, seated next to Shanti, said, "It is a very important moment in my life, and I am going to cherish it to the hilt. If possible, I will tell stories about this day to my grandchildren."

Many were also seen reciting couplets of Ramcharit Manas quoted by Modi in his speech. Nagraj said, "Though, I am sitting at Shringaar Haat, I feel like sitting at the site of Bhoomipujan." Shiv Dayal Soni, a third-generation jeweller, said, "It was a different type of footfall at my shop today. I did not get any customers today and instead devotees came here and watched the live telecast of Bhoomipujan and the speech of Prime Minister Modi."

Glued to TV at the same place, along with many passers-by and some security personnel, Savitri Soni said, "I feel proud to witness this momentous occasion. People coming here at the shop and watching this event on television gives me immense satisfaction. Today's scene reminds me of the first Ramayan serial, when people used to gather the house of a person having a television, and Ramayan was collectively viewed." PTI

17:32 Waterlogging in south Mumbai

Waterlogging and traffic congestion reported near Wilson College in Girgaon following heavy rainfall in Mumbai.

A five-year-old girl was rescued after she was left clinging to a tree for over four hours during a flash flood due to heavy rains in Dahanu taluka of Maharashtra's Palghar district on Wednesday, an official said.

As heavy rains lashed the district on Tuesday night, the girl's house in Shenshai got flooded, prompting her family to walk to a safer place in the early hours of the day, the district official said. While crossing a bridge along the way, the girl got separated from her parents due to the strong water current and climbed a tree, he said.

The girl remained clinging to a tree branch for over four hours, before being rescued by villagers at around 6 am, the official said. The child was rushed to a hospital, where she is presently undergoing treatment, he added.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has violated the oath of the office by laying the foundation stone of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "India is a secular country. Prime Minister has violated the oath of the office by laying the foundation stone of Ram Mandir. This is the day of the defeat of democracy and secularism and success of Hindutva," Owaisi said.

"The Prime Minister today said he was emotional. I want to say that I am also equally emotional because I believe in coexistence and equality of citizenship. Mr Prime Minister, I am emotional because a mosque stood there for 450 years," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi performed 'bhoomi pujan' of Ram temple in Ayodhya today.

The Hyderabad MP had earlier suggested that Modi should not attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple as Prime Minister.He said the PM "should say that he will go in his personal capacity and no TV channel should live telecast".

"I have said in an interview to Outlook magazine that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not attend that event. Because if he attends that function as the Prime Minister then a message will go in the country that the Prime Minister is supporting people of one faith only," Owaisi said.

"There is no religion of the country. Do India and the Government of India have a religion? He is the Prime Minister of Muslims, Hindus, Dalits, Backwards, Sikhs, Christians, and those also who do not believe in any faith," he had said. -- ANI

Mumbai Police on Wednesday appealed to people to submit to them any information or evidence pertaining to the alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's former manager Disha Salian for a thorough investigation in the case. According to police, Salian, 28, allegedly killed herself by jumping off a high-rise in Mumbai's Malad area on June 8. Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his apartment on suburban Bandra on June 14.

Malvani Police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in Salian's case, an official said, adding that they they have initiated an investigation into her death. There are various reports appearing on social media, newspapers and TV channels about Salian's death.

The police are trying to get more information in the case and want to verify those reports, he said. Hence, the police have appealed to people to come forward with information or evidence, which is in any form related to the case, for an in-depth probe, the official said.

People having any relevant information can approach additional commissioner of police, Mumbai-North region, deputy commissioner of police (zone-11), assistant commissioner of police, Malvani division, or senior inspector of Malvani police station at their respective offices, or through phone or e-mail, he said.

Ninety per cent of a sample group of coronavirus-recovered patients from a prominent hospital in China's Wuhan city where the pandemic broke out have reported lung damage and five per cent of them are again in quarantine after testing positive for the virus, according to a media report on Wednesday.

A team at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University led by Peng Zhiyong, director of the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, has been conducting follow-up visits with '100 recovered patients' since April. The first phase of this one-year programme finished in July.

The average age of the patients in the study is 59.

According to the first phase results, 90 per cent of the patients' lungs are still in a damaged state, which means their lungs ventilation and gas exchange functions have not recovered to the level of healthy people, state-run Global Times reported.

Peng's team conducted a six-minute walking test with the patients. They found that the recovered patients could only walk 400 metres in six minutes while their healthy peers could walk 500 metres in the same period. Some recovered patients have to rely on oxygen machines even three months after being discharged from the hospital, Liang Tengxiao, a doctor from the Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, was quoted as saying by the report.

Liang's team is also conducting follow-up visits with recovered patients aged above 65. The results also showed that antibodies against the novel coronavirus in 10 per cent of the 100 patients have disappeared. -- PTI

Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad, who recovered from the COVID-19 infection nearly three months ago, on Wednesday, donated his plasma for treatment of other patients. Awhad donated his plasma at a collection centre in Thane city. "I chose this day to make the donation as it is my birthday," he said. NCP's Thane city chief and former MP Anand Paranjpe, who had also recovered from the infection, donated his plasma at the same centre. PTI

16:29 India's COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 67.19%

A total of 51,706 patients have recuperated from COVID-19 in India in a span of 24 hours, the highest in a day, pushing the recovery rate to67.19 per cent on Wednesday while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.09 per cent, the Union health ministry said. The recoveries have surged to 12,82,215 and are more than twice the active cases of the coronavirus infection, it said. Due to the record highest daily recoveries, the active cases have reduced to 5,86,244 and comprise 30.72 per cent of the total COVID-19 caseload.

"With an increasing number of COVID-19 patients recovering, there has been a 63.8 per cent increase in the recovered cases in the last 14 days, indicating that the COVID-19 response and management driven by the Centre's 'test, track, treat', strategy is yielding the desired results," the ministry said in the statement. -- PTI

16:11 DMK MLA visits BJP office in Chennai

DMK MLA Ku Ka Selvam, who has been temporarily suspended by the party, visits BJP office in Chennai. He says, "The DMK now functions as a family's party."

The DMK temporarily suspended Selvam from all the posts held in the party, on Wednesday.

According to party chief M K Stalin, Ku Ka Selvam has breached the party protocol and has brought a bad name (reputation) to the party. As a result of this, Selvam has been temporarily suspended and has been sent a showcause notice, seeking his explanation on why he should not be removed from the party.

This has come after the ongoing speculations of Selvam joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also met the BJP chief JP Nadda on Tuesday.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar on Wednesday hailed the Centres nod to Nitish Kumar government's recommendation for a CBI inquiry into Sushant Singh Rajput's death, saying it will ensure justice to the deceased actor and expose the dark underbelly of Bollywood.

The party also remarked that the Supreme Court's criticism of the Mumbai polices handling of the matter, and the forcible quarantining of Patna IPS officer Vinay Tiwari, vindicated the stand adopted by the state government. "With the Centre accepting the Bihar governments recommendation for a CBI inquiry, we can now hope that justice will be done in the matter of Sushant Singh Rajput.

"We are also hopeful that the investigation will expose before the world the 'shadyantra ke khel' (conspiratorial games) that are played in the 'maya nagar' (tinsel town)," JD(U) spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said in a statement. -- PTI

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday alleged a conspiracy to link stateminister and Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray to actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case. Though Raut didn't take any name, he said the Opposition still cannot digest the fact that the Sena-led government is in power in the state.

"What has Aaditya Thackeray got to do with the Sushant Singh Rajput case? It seems the Opposition still cannot digest that the Shiv Sena-led government has come to power in the state," Raut told reporters.

"Those conspiring to link Aaditya Thackeray to the case will have to pay a heavy price for it," he said.

Aaditya, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, had clarified on Tuesday that he was nowhere related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case, and that he and his family are being targeted for no reason. He had said dirty politics has been played following the death of the Bollywood actor and without naming anyone, added that the allegation being levelled is political stomach-ache stemming from frustration.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14. The Mumbai Police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and an investigation is underway. Patna Police had registered a case of abetment to suicide against Rajput's girlfriend and budding actress Rhea Chakraborty on the complaint of the late actor's father K K Singh. The registration of the case led to a turf war over jurisdiction of investigation between Mumbai Police and Bihar Police. -- PTI

"Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra have paid respect to the faith of crores of people by performing 'bhoomi pujan' of Ram temple," said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, Shah wrote (roughly translated from Hindi), "The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been a symbol of the faith of Hindus around the world for centuries. Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra have done the work of paying respect to the faith of crores of people by performing bhoomi pujan of Ram temple, for this, I express my heartfelt gratitude."

"Today is a historic and proud day for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram worshipped and laid the foundation stone of the grand Ram temple, which has written a golden chapter in the history of great Indian culture and civilization and has started a new era," he added.

Shah further said that the ideals and thoughts of Lord Shri Ram reside in the soul of India.

"His character and philosophy of life is the cornerstone of Indian culture. With the construction of Ram temple, this auspicious land will rise again in the world with its full splendour. Coordination of religion and development will also generate employment opportunities," Shah tweeted.

"The construction of this grand Ram temple reflects the strong and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. My heartiest congratulations to all Indians on this unforgettable day. The Modi government will always be committed to protecting and preserving Indian culture and its values," he added.

"The construction of the Prabhu Shri Ram temple is the result of centuries of constant sacrifice, struggle, penance and sacrifice of innumerable name-unnamed Ram devotees. On this day, I salute all those ascetics who fought for this invaluable heritage of Sanatan culture for so many years. Jai Shree Ram!" Shah wrote in another tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today conducted 'bhoomi pujan' for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. -- PTI

15:04 Siddaramaiah stable, says hospital

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is undergoing treatment for coronavirus, is now stable and has no fever, the hospital where he is admitted said on Wednesday.

"Presently he has no fever and his vital parameters are stable," Manipal Hospitals said in a statement.

The hospital said the 71-year-old leader of the opposition in the state assembly has been given appropriate treatment and is being closely monitored by medical experts.

"His symptoms have improved since admission and he is comfortable at present," the hospital added. Siddaramaiah was admitted on Monday night after having fever in the morning, according to his son Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah.-- PTI

Veteran singer-actor SP Balasubrahmanyam on Wednesday said he has been admitted to a hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

The 74-year-old singer, who has worked across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam film industries, shared the news in a video message on Facebook.

Balasubrahmanyam said he was feeling chest congestion, cold and "on and off" fever since two-three days, following which he got himself tested for COVID-19.

"They said it is a very mild case of coronavirus positive. They said you can stay at home and self quarantine and asked me to take some medications.

"But I didn't want to do that with all my family members being very concerned for me. So, I got admitted to a hospital, my friends are here and taking good care of me," the veteran singer said.

He also asked his well-wishers to not panic about his health and assured them that he was doing fine.

"I am in good hands and good health. Nobody should worry. I'm perfectly fine, except for the cold and fever, which has also subsided. In two days, I would be discharged and back home. Thank you for the concern," he added.

Since his singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna, Balasubrahmanyam has bagged multiple National Awards and recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 Indian languages.

The singer went on to become superstar Salman Khan's on-screen voice, crooning popular tracks for him in films like Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), Saajan (1991) and 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hai Koun...!. -- PTI

Gupteshwar Pandey, DGP Bihar

14:24 Rhea Chakraborty absconding, claims Bihar police

In other news: Gupteshwar Pandey, DGP Bihar on the Sushant Singh deTH case: "We requested BMC to exempt IPS officer Vinay Tiwari from being quarantined. We told them at least send him back as he is an IPS officer. This is not a professional behaviour. This officer is being kept as if he has been arrested.

"Rhea Chakraborty is not in touch with us. She is absconding, she is not coming forward. We don't have any information about she being in touch with even Mumbai police."

During the hearing in the Supreme Court, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Sushant Singh Rajput's father, said he has no difficulty if the apex court examines the case but no protective order should be passed in favour of Chakraborty.

Singh alleged that Maharashtra Police is destroying the evidence in the case and for the time being, they should be directed to cooperate with Bihar Police in the ongoing probe.

Senior advocate R Basant, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to either lodge an FIR or investigate the matter and this has been made a political case. "The incident of quarantining a police officer (of Bihar) has not sent a good message," the bench observed, adding that the Mumbai Police has good professional reputation. "Kindly ensure that everything is done in accordance with law," the bench said.

The Maharashtra government told the bench, "We are doing quite a professional job and it is inappropriate that Mumbai Police is being accused like this."

PM Modi in Ayodhya: "Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring future generations. Every heart is illuminated; it is an emotional moment for the entire country... With the construction of this temple, not only history is being made, but is being repeated. The way boatmen to tribals helped Lord Ram, the way children helped Lord Krishna lift Govardhan mountain, similarly, with everyone's efforts temple construction will be completed.

I believe that this grand Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya, like the name of Shri Ram, will reflect the rich heritage of Indian culture. I believe it will inspire the entire humanity till eternity.

Earlier today, on the day when the grand foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya is being held, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi put out a tweet enlisting the many great qualities of Lord Ram.

The Wayanad MP, through a tweet in Hindi, said that Lord Ram is the embodiment of the best human values, "he is the spirit of humanity which resides in the depths of our hearts."

"Ram is love, he can never be present in hatred. Ram is compassion, he can never be present in cruelty. Ram is justice, he can never be present in injustice," a portion of Gandhi's tweet read.

Modi: "A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been staying in a tent. Today Ram janmbhoomi breaks free of the cycle of breaking and getting built again - that had been going on for centuries. It is my good fortune that I was invited to witness this historical moment... From Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, from Koteshwar to Kamakhya, from Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath... today entire country is immersed in Lord Ram."

13:44 Jai Siya Ram is echoing across world today: PM

PM Narendra Modi releases a commemorative postage stamp on the 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir'. Modi takes the stage, urges attendees to chant 'Jai Siya Ram', says, "This chant is not just echoing in Ayodhya but in the entire world."

"'Jai Siya Ram'. This call is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today. I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's pious occasion," the PM said.

Update from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech: "RSS, like-minded organisations worked nearly 30 years for fulfilment of temple construction resolve. We'd taken a resolution. I remember the then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras telling us that we'll have to struggle for 20-30 yrs, only then will this be fulfilled. We struggled for 30 years and in the 30th year, we've attained the joy of fulfilling our resolution. Our country believes in 'Vasudev Kutubhkam' i.e. World is One Family. We believe in taking everyone along. Today is a new beginning of a new India."

13:35 Truth behind Sushant's death should be out: SC

The Supreme Court Wednesday said the truth behind the death of gifted and talented artist Sushant Singh Rajput should come out, even as the Centre informed that it has accepted the recommendation of Bihar government for a CBI probe in the matter. A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy directed Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajput's father Krishna Kishore Singh to file their replies within three days on a plea by Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty who is seeking transfer of an FIR, accusing her of abetting suicide of Rajput, from Patna to Mumbai.

The apex court, which posted the matter for hearing next week, also directed Mumbai Police to place before it the status report of the probe conducted so far in Rajput's death case. Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Bihar government's recommendation has been accepted and the case has been transferred to the CBI. Let the Maharashta government respond to the plea of Rhea Chakraborty and so far as the death of the artist is concerned, that truth should come out, the bench said during the hearing conducted through video-conferencing. A gifted and talented artist has passed away in this case, the bench observed, adding that the fundamental issue raised before it is the jurisdiction as to which police would probe it.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Rajput's father, said he has no difficulty if the apex court examines the case but no protective order should be passed in favour of Chakraborty. Singh alleged that Maharashtra Police is destroying the evidence in the case and for the time being, they should be directed to cooperate with Bihar Police in the ongoing probe. Senior advocate R Basant, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to either lodge an FIR or investigate the matter and this has been made a political case.

The incident of quarantining a police officer (of Bihar) has not sent a good message, the bench observed, adding that the Mumbai Police has good professional reputation. Kindly ensure that everything is done in accordance with law, the bench said.

The Maharashtra government told the bench, "We are doing quite a professional job and it is inappropriate that Mumbai Police is being accused like this." Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Chakraborty, told the bench that no coercive action be taken against her till the pendency of the matter. "We want all parties to hold their hands. Lawyers are here and I am sure they have all heard you", the bench observed.

RSS Chief, Mohan Bhagwat speaking at the event now: "So many people have sacrificed their lives for this day, they couldn't be here physically. There are some who couldn't come here. Advani-ji must be at his home watching this. There are some who should've come but couldn't be invited because of the situation (COVID-19). Poore desh mein aaj anand ki lehar hai. Sadiyon ki aas poore hone ka anand hai. Sabse bada anand hai Bharat ko atmanirbhar banane ke liye jis atma vishwas ki awashikta thi uska sagun-saakaar adhishthan aaj ho raha hai."

13:19 Yogi: PM's wisdom paved way for Ram temple

As the bhoomi pujan ends it's time for the speeches. UP CM Yogi Adityanath hails Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilment of dream to build Ram temple in Ayodhya. "People struggled for 500 years for Ram temple in Ayodhya. PM's foresight and wisdom paved way for peaceful resolution of Ram temple issue," he said. PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das will be on stage for the event.

12:56 Bhoomi pujan ends, stage event to begin now

RamTemple 'Bhoomi Pujan' concludes. The stage event to follow shortly. PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das will be on stage for the event.

Modi who arrived in Ayodhya earlier on Wednesday, took part in the 'bhoomi pujan' at Ram Janambhoomi site.

All in attendance sat around the havan fire maintaining social distancing norms while wearing masks, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

The priests chanted vedic mantras and hymns as per the rituals of the 'yagya'.

Besides, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat among several others were present at the site for the ceremony.

With the bhoomi pujan ceremony for the construction of a Ram temple being held in Ayodhya on Wednesday, the Shiv Sena has termed the development as "fulfilment" of party founder Bal Thackeray's dream. The NCP, which is one of the constituents in the Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, said the ceremony is a "matter of joy" for all and that Lord Ram is the deity of Indians.

"Fulfilment of Balasaheb's dream," reads a graphic Sena Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut shared on Twitter. The graphic also depicts a temple and carries text "Shree Ram" and "garv se kaho hum Hindu hai (say with pride that we are Hindus)". The late Sena patriarch, termed by party followers as "Hinduhridaysamrat" (Emperor of Hindu hearts), was a strong proponent of the temple cause. State NCP chief and minister Jayant Patil said he always worships at the temple of Lord Ram in his constituency in Sangli district.

12:36 RSS chief, Anandiben, at bhoomi pujan with PM

PM Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat take part in the 'Bhoomi Pujan' at the Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya. 175 guests are present for the 'Bhoomi Pujan'.

In other news, the Centre Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has accepted the Bihar government's recommendation for CBI investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy observed that truth behind the actor's death should come out. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that Bihar government's recommendation for CBI investigation in the case has been accepted.

The top court is hearing a plea by Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty who is seeking transfer of an FIR, accusing her of abetting suicide of Rajput, from Patna to Mumbai. Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then the Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles. PTI

12:28 Lord Ram in the Indian Constitution

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted this image saying, "Original document of the Constitution of India has a beautiful sketch of Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Laxman returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan. This is available at the beginning of the chapter related to Fundamental Rights. Felt like sharing this with you all. #JaiShriRam."

12:26 PM offers prayers to Ram Lalla

And an earlier picture of the prime minister offering prayers to Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi site.

12:22 Ram Temple bhoomi pujan begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in the Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan' at Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi plants a Parijat sapling, considered a divine plant, ahead of foundation stone-laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

11:51 Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple

As per tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Hanuman Garhi Temple before proceeding to Ram Janmabhoomi site. UP CM Yogi Adityanath is also accompanying him. Before the 'Bhoomi Pujan', PM will plant a Parijat (night-flowering jasmine) sapling.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ayodhya for the foundation stone-laying of the Ram Temple. He was received by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others. Social distancing norms followed by those present to receive the Prime Minister.

11:29 Shivraj Singh Chouhan discharged from hospital

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was on Wednesday discharged from a Bhopal hospital after recovering from COVID-19, an official said. Doctors have advised Chouhan, who was in the hospital for 11 days, to be under home quarantine and self-monitor his health for a week. Chouhan, 61, who tested COVID-19 positive on July 25, had tweeted on Sunday that he was healthy and not showing any symptoms of the infection, adding he would be discharged if a sample collected for tests during the day returns negative. -- PTI

11:27 That's a rangoli, not a sticker

A rangoli depicting the planned RamTemple made at the BJP's office in Gandhinagar.

11:24 Ayodhya has united everyone: Uma

Uma Bharti at Ram Janambhoomi site: "Ayodhya has united everyone. Now, we can proudly say there is no discrimination in this country."

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat with Uma Bharti at the Ram Janambhoomi site for 'Bhoomi Poojan'.

11:12 Patanjali to establish gurukul in Ayodhya

Yoga guru Ramdev, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Chidanand Maharaj among other invitees at the Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya. Ramdev says, "It is India's biggest fortune that we're witnessing the Ram Mandir event... To establish 'ram rajya' in this nation, Patanjali Yogpeeth will make a grand 'gurukul' in Ayodhya. People from all over the world will be able to study Ved, Ayurved here."

11:08 Modi to first visit Hanuman Garhi temple

As per tradition, PM Modi will first visit the 10th century Hanuman Garhi Temple on arrival in Ayodhya. The premises of the temple were sanitised earlier today. He will later proceed to the Ram Janmabhoomi site to offer prayers to Ram Lalla and lay the foundation stone for the Ram Temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be gifted a headgear, a silver crown and a stole with the name of Lord Ram printed on it, said Sri Gaddinsheen Premdas Ji Maharaj, head priest of Hanumangarhi temple said on Wednesday.

"We also hope that Prime Minister Modi rings the 3.5 quintal bell and proceed towards Ram Janmabhoomi," he added.

The head priest of the temple further said: "Prime Minister Modi is coming and it is a matter of pride for Ayodhya. Many Prime Ministers took office but none apart from Prime Minister Modi came for laying the foundation stone for Ram temple."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Lucknow, will proceed to Ayodhya in a chopper for the Ram Mandir event. Dressed in a gold kurta and white dhoti, Modi left by special aircraft for the mega ceremony that will see him lay a 40-kg silver brick later today to mark the symbolic start of a grand temple at what many believe is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The riverside Ayodhya town is a riot of colours for the event that also meets a decades-long promise, core to the ruling BJP's ideology.

Image: The stage from where PM Modi will address crowds today.

10:34 Uma Bharti arrives at Ram temple pooja site

BJP National Vice President Uma Bharti arrives at the Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya.

Prior to the function, the prime minister will take part in 'pooja' and 'darshan' at Hanumangarhi, a statement by the PMO said on Tuesday. From Hanumangarhi, the prime minister will travel to 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi' where he will take part in pooja and darshan of 'Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman'.

10:31 Yogi arrives for bhoomi pooja

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrives at the Ram Mandir bhoomi pooja site.

10:24 Ram Lalla at Ayodhya today

A look at the decked up deity of Ram Lalla at at Ram Janmabhoomi, today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will offer prayers here followed by the ground-breaking ceremony.

India's COVID-19 infection tally raced past 19 lakh on Wednesday, two days after it crossed the 18-lakh mark, with 52,509 people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in a day, while the recoveries have mounted to 12,82,215, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total coronavirus cases in the country surged to 19,08,254 while the death toll climbed to 39,795 with 857 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has risen to 67.19 per cent while the fatality rate has further dropped to 2.09 per cent, the data stated. There are 5,86,244 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently which contribute 30.72 per cent of the total caseload. The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners.

This is the seventh consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50,000. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 2,14,84,402 samples have been tested up to August 4 with 6,19,652 samples being tested on Tuesday. PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning left for Ayodhya where he will lay the foundation stone of Ram temple.

The Prime Minister's Office shared a picture of Modi boarding an Air Force plane.

He was dressed in traditional dhoti-kurta.

"PM Narendra Modi leaves for Ayodhya," the PMO tweeted.

A helicopter would fly him to Ayodhya from Lucknow.

Prior to the function, the prime minister will take part in 'pooja' and 'darshan' at Hanumangarhi, a statement by the PMO said on Tuesday.

A senior Mumbai police official has claimed that the IPS brother-in-law of Sushant Singh Rajput had asked him to call the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty to police station and pressurise her.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Paramjitsingh Dahiya told a TV channel that O P Singh, brother-in-law of Rajput and senior IPS officer of Haryana police, had made the request in February this year.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.

"Singh asked me to call Rhea Chakraborty to the police station informally and pressurise her," said Dahiya, who was the zonal police head of Bandra region till April 1.

Dahiya said Singh told him that Rajput's family felt Rhea was "controlling" the actor and wanted her out of his life.

Dahiya said the actor's family did not submit a written complaint.

He said O P Singh made the informal request (to pressurise Rhea) to him through WhatsApp messages on February 18 and 25.

The DCP said Singh visited Mumbai on February 5 and told him to inform Rajput that he was in Mumbai.

He also requested that a person called Miranda be kept in a day's police custody, without any complaint or investigation, Dahiya said.

The DCP said he "politely and firmly" told Singh that it was not possible for him to call anyone to the police station and keep him in custody as it was against procedure.

Dahiya said he asked Singh to file a written complaint based on which the matter would be investigated. The written complaint never came, he added.

Rajput's father K K Singh has released a video saying he alerted Mumbai police on February 25 that his sons life was in danger.

On Monday, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh said the family didnt raise any suspicion when the city police recorded their statements on June 16.

"At that moment, they didnt raise any suspicion and also didn't complain about any lapse in our investigation," he said. -- PTI

Yoga Guru Ramdev called August 5 a historical day ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

The yoga guru, who will be attending the ceremony, reached Ayodhya on Tuesday afternoon.

"This day (August 5) is historical and generations will remember the day with great pride," Ramdev said while visiting the Hanuman Garhi temple.

"A new history is being written in India and we should celebrate the day. I am confident that with the construction of Ram Temple, 'Ram Rajya' will be established in the country," he said.

"It will be an end of encroachment of all the cultural, financial and political issues. The establishment of Ram Temple will initiate a new culture in the country," Ramdev further said.

On being asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Ramdev said, "Our country is fortunate that we have a prime minister, who is a Ram and Hanuman 'bhakt'. The PM is the one who has made the 'Hindu Dharm' proud." -- ANI

Saryu Ghat

08:50 Ayodhya decked up for Ram temple 'bhoomi pujan'

Every street in Ayodhya was seen illuminated with earthen lamps ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple on Wednesday.

People also lit diyas on the banks of Saryu river as part of the 'deepotsava' celebrations in the temple town which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries arrive today for the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony of the Ram Temple.

The entire Ayodhya has been decked up and massive preparations have been made for this occasion with a festive air.

Earlier, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had said that 11,000 diyas will be lit at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu river and that all houses and temples in Ayodhya will be celebrating with a 'deepotsava' (festival of lights) on the nights of August 4 and 5.

The construction work of Ram temple will begin after the foundation stone laying ceremony, in which dignitaries from various political and religious fields have been invited to participate. -- ANI

Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar died in Pune on Wednesday after a brief illness, family sources said.

Nilangekar, 89, died at a private hospital.

He recently tested coronavirus positive but had recovered and was discharged after testing negative.

Nilangekar, senior Congress leaders from Latur in Marathwada region, was the state chief minister from June 1985 to March 1986.

He resigned from the post when the Bombay high court passed strictures against him after fraud was alleged in the results of the MD examination in 1985 "at his behest" to help his daughter and her friend get through. -- PTI

The Hanumangarhi temple is being sanitised ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on August 5 for the 'bhoomi pujan' of Ram temple.

PM Modi will initiate a religious ceremony by performing puja at Hanumangarhi temple.

02:23 HC verdict on rebel Cong MLA's plea on Aug 14

The Rajasthan high court on Tuesday slated August 14 for giving a final hearing and deciding plea by rebel Congress MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma for annulment of sedition cases lodged against him by the Special Operation Group of Rajasthan Police.

A bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma deferred the hearing on Sharma's petition after hearing preliminary arguments by the SOG's special counsel Siddharth Luthra and petitioner's counsel Mukul Rohatgi.

During the hearing, Luthra argued that Sarma's petition has become infructuous after the SOG on Tuesday transferred all three cases to Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau on legal advice that no case of sedition, as alleged in the FIRs, was made out and it only pertained to an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

So, Sharma's plea to either quash the FIR lodged on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy under sections 124 A and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code or transfer the case to National Investigation Agency has become infructuous, agued Luthra.

Sharma's counsel and senior advocate Rohatgi, however, argued that the FIRs were a result of political vendetta and false charges have been levelled against his client.

After hearing the two counsel, the court posted the matter for its further hearing and final disposal on August 13.

Sharma, who belongs to the rebel Congress camp led by former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, had moved the high court on July 28, challenging the FIR against him, seeking either its annulment or probe into it by the NIA.

The SOG had lodged the FIR under sedition and criminal conspiracy charges on a complaint by Congress Chief Whip Mahesh Joshi after surfacing of three audio tapes, purportedly having conversations for toppling the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state.

The Congress has alleged that rebel MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma was heard talking to the Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in one of the tapes and one Sanjay Jain in another with the talks aimed at toppling the government.

Shortly before the court hearing on Tuesday, the SOG transferred all three FIRs lodged by it on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy to the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the state saying that, as per the legal advice, no case of sedition was sedition made out and they pertained to the charges of corruption. -- PTI

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