Patna (Bihar), May 21 (ANI): While speaking to media, on the issue of Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "There is no contradiction. We have always maintained Article 370 shouldn't be scrapped, Uniform Civil Code shouldn't be imposed, Ayodhya dispute should be resolved through mutual agreement or court's intervention. We have maintained this since we first forged an alliance with BJP. BJP's stand is not new. A party has its own stand but when there is an alliance, all of this is discussed. So, there is no problem there."
US-based fast food McDonald's has dropped many items - like McAloo and Grilled Chicken Wrap - from the menu of the 13 stores, which it has reopened in Delhi-NCR after its agreement with partner Vikram Bakshi to acquire Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL). The company has also taken Maaza beverage off the list, a fruit based drink brand from Coca-Cola.
Patna (Bihar), May 21 (ANI): After opposition raised questions on EVM, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "Questions on EVM is bogus. After introduction of EVMs, elections have become transparent. It's a technology, which has been questioned multiple times and has been answered by Election Commission. Faction which begins losing says there were discrepancies in elections. It's not new."
Bengaluru, May 21 (ANI): While speaking to ANI on Congress leader Roshan Baig's recent comment, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, G Parameshwara said, "It is his personal opinion, it is not party's opinion or assessment." Later, reacting on KC Venugopal reaching Bengaluru today for the meeting, he added, "He is Karnataka's Congress in-charge, he has to take stock of the situation, there's a political development, and everyone knows about it, there is nothing to hide. When results are out, he will discuss our options with senior leaders." Earlier in the day, Congress leader Roshan Baig said, "KC Venugopal is a buffoon. I feel sorry for my leader Rahul Gandhi. Buffoons like Venugopal, the arrogant attitude of Siddaramaiah and the flop show of Gundu Rao are the result of the downfall."
Bengaluru, May 21 (ANI): While speaking to mediapersons, on Roshan Baig anti-party statement, Karnataka's Congress party president Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "It's unbecoming of a politician of his stature to be speaking like this, it ranks of pure political opportunism. We will take required action when the time is right." Earlier, Congress leader Roshan Baig claimed that both state unit president Dinesh Gundu Rao and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah should be blamed for the "flop poll campaign" in the state.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Minister of State Vijay Goel met doctors of Hindu Rao Hospital, who are on indefinite strike since Monday over non-payment of salary. Vijay Goel ensured that salary will be given to the doctors by today itself. He also held Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responsible for the situation. Speaking to mediapersons, Goel said, "It is sad that the doctors of a big hospital are not getting salary for past two months. I talked to Municipal Commissioner. She informed that since last many months, AAP-led Delhi Government is not releasing funds to the corporation. I have written letter to Mr. Kejriwal as well. I give them assurance that their salary will be credited today."
Bengaluru, May 21 (ANI): The exit poll figures have triggered a revolt within the Congress in Karnataka, which has created a threat to the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress coalition government. While accusing Congress, Roshan Baig said, "No seats were given to Christians and only one seat was given to a Muslim in Karnataka, they were ignored. I'm upset with this, we have been used".
Ayodhya (UP), May 21 (ANI): Devotees thronged Hanuman Garhi Temple on the occasion of first Tuesday of 'Jyeshta' month in Ayodhya today. Big Mars is being celebrated on May 21 this year. This day is considered as the greatest day to worship Lord Hanuman. On the occasion, devotees and tourists come to Hanuman Garhi in large number. Ayodhya, well known for its legendary association with Lord Rama is one of the most holy cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Of all the holy places in Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi has made a place for itself, not only for devotees but also as the major tourist attractions of Ayodhya.
Bengaluru, May 21 (ANI): While speaking to mediapersons, when asked if Congress should have thought before giving portfolios in Karnataka. Congress leader, Roshan Baig said, "Portfolios were sold. How can I blame H. D. Kumaraswamy for it? He was not allowed to function. From day 1, Siddaramaiah said 'I am going to be the Chief Minister'. You have gone to their doorstep to form the government." Later, when asked whether Siddaramaiah should be held responsible for the collapse of the government? He said, "KC Venugopal is a buffoon. I feel sorry for my leader Rahul Gandhi. Buffoons like Venugopal, the arrogant attitude of Siddaramaiah and the flop show of Gundu Rao are the result of the downfall."
Lucknow (UP), May 21 (ANI): While speaking to ANI, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Tuesday seemed confident on "Mahagathbandhan" to form a strong government at the Centre after meeting Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow. He said, "Results will be declared after 2 days. We met to discuss the strategy to be followed after that. The first priority is to stop BJP, pairing of Narendra Modi- Amit Shah and communal forces. This was also a courtesy call. I feel the gathbandhan will get more than 60 seats in UP. BJP will be wiped off across the country. Exit polls will prove to be completely false, like it had happened before. Opposition will form a strong government at the Centre."
Jhansi (UP), May 21 (ANI): While speaking to mediapersons, on EVM security in Jhansi, District Election Officer Shiv Sahay Awasthi said, "Some polling parties arrived late, however, all EVMs were put in place in the strong room by 7 am. The strong room has been sealed in presence of general observers and candidates under CCTV surveillance."
Actor Vivek Oberoi on Monday faced the wrath of social media users including Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor and DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal for sharing a "distasteful" and "crass" meme targeting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's relationships. Oberoi, who reportedly dated the actor-former Miss World in early 2000s, posted a meme featuring her with husband Abhishek, daughter Aaradhya and Salman Khan. The meme was a take on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the results of which will be declared on Thursday.
Indore (MP), May 21 (ANI): Indore Lokayukta police conducted raids at two premises and a farm house of Assistant Commercial Tax Officer, Komal Bali today. Atleast Rs 49,000 in cash, 2 kg gold and luxury vehicles were recovered by the Lokayukta police from Komal Bali's residence. The case has been registered in this regard and investigation is underway.
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), May 21 (ANI): Fire broke out in a commercial building located at MG road in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. 5 fire tenders are present at the spot to douse the flames. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far. More details are awaited.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Jet Airways employees staged protest outside Safdarjung Airport today. They demanded to save the Jet Airways. Jet Airways announced temporary suspension of all its operations on April 17. The employees are not given any clarity about their future.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj left for Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday. She will participate in a meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, on May 21-22. EAM will also call on Kyrgyz President and hold other bilateral meetings.
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir), May 21 (ANI): As temperature is soaring in the country, the demand for traditional earthen pots has increased. It comes as a relief to potters of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur as their income increases at this time of the year. The profession of the potter comes with a lot of challenges as they do not have any sale in winter season. They are also forced to buy raw material at very high prices. They want government to support their art and provide assistance for cheaper raw material. Traditional earthen pot or 'matka' is known for its cooling quality and health benefits.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Congress president Rahul Gandhi, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary for UP (East) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary at Veer Bhumi. Robert Vadra was also present at the spot. Rajiv Gandhi was India's youngest Prime Minister, who was assassinated in Chennai on May 21, 1991.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and former president Pranab Mukherjee paid tribute to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary at Veer Bhumi on Tuesday. Rajiv Gandhi lost his life in an assassination on May 21, 1991 in Chennai. A memorial named Veer Bhumi pays homage to the India's youngest prime minister.
Patna (Bihar), May 21 (ANI): A class 11 student was stabbed to death during a clash that erupted between two groups in Patrakar Nagar area. The victim, identified as Aman Raj, was returning from his coaching classes, when the incident took place on Monday. Police have initiated an inquiry into the matter.