New Delhi: Trinamool Congress rebels intensified their protest on Thursday Abhishek Banerjee And explained the reason for his disagreement.Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha told PTI that the breaking point came during a post-poll meeting where MLAs were reportedly told that criticism of party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee would not be tolerated despite the party’s electoral setback.According to Saha, the MLAs were instructed to appreciate the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee instead of questioning the reasons for the defeat.Saha said, “The trigger point came after the party’s election defeat. No one was allowed to utter a single word of criticism about Abhishek. Instead, we were instructed that he had performed exceptionally well and everyone should stand up and congratulate him.”The comments provide perhaps the clearest insight yet into what rebels describe as growing resentment over the concentration of power around Mamata BanerjeeNephew and political heir apparent.‘Insult’ of senior leaders!Saha argued that the issue was not just electoral defeat, but what he described as shrinking space for dissent within the party.Saha claimed that experienced MLAs who have been in politics long before the rise of Abhishek Banerjee are also expected to join him.“This includes MLAs who have been serving in the Assembly since the time when Abhishek Banerjee was probably still going to school. They were also forced to stand up and applaud,” he said.For many MLAs, especially those who built the party with Mamata Banerjee during years of struggle against the Left Front, the episode became symbolic of a broader shift within the TMC – from a movement driven by grassroots leaders to one increasingly centered around a single power centre.Several rebel leaders have argued privately that although Mamata Banerjee remains the undisputed mass leader of the party, the decision-making process has increasingly become circumscribed around Abhishek Banerjee.Dissatisfaction ultimately erupted over the selection of the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in the Assembly.The rebels allege that despite their absence from the process, signatures of some MLAs were shown in support of the candidature of senior leader Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay.Saha alleged, “Some MLA leaders were not present for the opposition selection, yet their names were written in capital letters.”He said the objections raised by the dissident camp led to a complaint before the Speaker and ultimately encouraged more MLAs to come forward.He said, “When the investigation started, evidence started emerging confirming the truth of these allegations. Other MLAs started reaching out to us.”What started as a dispute over the opposition leadership soon became a major challenge to the internal power structure of the party.“After discussing amongst ourselves, we concluded that if we have to effectively discharge our duties within the Assembly and serve our respective constituencies, we need to form a separate group,” Saha said.The faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha has staked claim to the LOP post after submitting the signatures of 58 MLAs to the Speaker, creating the biggest crisis of Mamata Banerjee’s political career.While the TMC leadership has expelled key rebel leaders, the rebels say the rebellion is ultimately about internal democracy, accountability after the defeat and protest against Abhishek Banerjee’s unquestioned promotion within the party.

Most people do not like to make holes in the walls. Noise, dust, anchors that don’t work, and then months later, patches that never match the paint. It’s annoying and repetitive, something we all accept as a part of life. Argentine inventor Marco Agustín Secchi, 29, looked at that problem and decided it was ridiculous. What if walls could hold things using only magnets? So they created IronPlaque: a magnetic cement-based material that turns ordinary walls into a surface that holds magnet-backed objects without the need for nails or screws. It sounds simple until you realize it can change the way we organize our homes, offices and workshops. It is being tested right now. But if it works on a large scale, picture hanging can ultimately prevent damage to your walls.

The problem no one thought there was a solution: why magnetic walls matter

Think about how often you move things around on your walls. A picture frame needs adjustment. You may want to hang a mirror in a different location. Your child’s artwork needs to be rearranged. A tool rack gets moved. Cabinets change. In a rental apartment, every hole is a damage that will cost you money. In your own home, it’s just a mess that you never really feel happy fixing.Despite all the talk about innovation, the construction industry hasn’t changed much in decades. Walls are still passive surfaces. You drill. You cause harm. You patch. That’s the process, and it’s basically the same for generations. Secchi’s frustration came from exactly this point. Why are we still doing this? Why hasn’t anyone solved it?IronPlak works on a simple concept. Add special mineral and iron fillers to finishes such as cement or plaster. Apply it on the walls just like you apply any traditional coating. The result looks and feels like a normal wall, but it becomes magnetic-receptive. Objects with magnets stick to it. You can move them around endlessly. no holes. no damage. Just reinstalling.

How Ironplaque actually works: It’s not a powered system

Here’s an important difference that most people misunderstand: IronPlaque is not an active magnet system. It doesn’t stay “on” like a powered tool, constantly sucking away whatever metal is nearby. That misconception usually makes people lose interest until they understand what it actually does.The wall itself becomes paramagnetic. This does not generate any fields. Instead, when an object carrying a magnet comes in contact with the wall, it reacts. Materials have magnetic properties. Think of it like how a magnet sticks to the fridge. There is no electricity in the refrigerator. It is just steel that reacts when a magnet is applied.For wet construction, builders may apply Ironplaque as a final skim coat. Mix it with water, apply it like you would regular plaster. For dry construction systems, it works with boards and panels. This flexibility matters because it means the material can fit into existing building workflows without completely changing the way construction works.The iron components in the material give it a magnetic response. Research published in results in engineering While investigation of cementitious composites made from magnetic sand and magnetite powder shows that this underlying materials science is real, previous studies were aimed at infrastructure applications including wireless power transfer and magnetic sensing. What makes Ironplaque different is taking that proven materials science and pointing it at something like every day, the problem of hanging things on walls.

What can you really do with a magnetic wall

In demonstrations, Secchi has shown walls holding heavy objects such as tools, picture frames, knives, panels, and even shovels. Whatever you’re hanging has magnets on the back of it. You simply press the object against the wall, and it stays put. Does it need to be moved? pull it off. No hole left behind. No patch required. Organize your kitchen, rearrange your bedroom, remodel your home office, all without causing any damage.For workshops, this could be revolutionary. Equipment organization becomes flexible rather than static. Hang a wrench, use it, shake it. It’s the same with shelving systems. Teachers can use magnetic walls to organize classrooms without drilling. Rental apartments become less stressful because moving things doesn’t have to mean informing your landlord about wall damage.There is also a practical weight lifting question. How much weight can it hold for a long time? What happens if you change place again and again? Can it handle changes in humidity or fluctuations in temperature without deteriorating? These are the practical questions that decide whether a clever prototype actually becomes something people use.

Environmental angle: less waste, more adaptability

Construction generates large amounts of waste globally. According to environmental reports, buildings will account for 34% of global energy demand and 37% of energy-related carbon emissions in 2022. Construction and demolition debris alone reached 600 million tons in 2018 across the United States.A single magnetic coating won’t solve this. But more adaptable interiors could reduce unnecessary rework. If you can rearrange your space without damaging the walls, you’ll be less likely to need repairs, re-painting, or replacement materials. Multiply this across millions of homes and buildings, and waste reduction becomes real. It’s a small change in the way we think about walls, but the environmental impact could add up.

Where it stands now: Still being tested, moving towards product

Ironplaque is not on store shelves yet. Secchi said the project is in the pilot-testing phase. Photos show the material being tested in real construction settings, in both wet and dry systems. This formula is moving through the Patent Cooperation Treaty system managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization, which shows that the inventor is serious about protecting the technology internationally.That’s clever. If it works on a large scale, it’s valuable. But the path from prototype to product requires continuing to prove performance. Builders and architects won’t adopt something new unless it performs predictably, fits into standard workflows and provides clear value. Weight capacity, durability over time, price point, ease of application all these factors will determine whether it remains a clever demo or becomes part of how construction is done.The bigger picture is that the construction industry is slowly starting to change. 3D printing, modular buildings, prefabrication and new materials are all pushing the sector to do something different. Ironplaque doesn’t seem like a revolution in itself. But it represents a shift in thinking, looking at how we actually use buildings and asking why we are still accepting inconvenient, outdated solutions. For anyone who has ever punched a hole in a wall and regretted it, this change can’t come soon enough.

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused Kerala’s ruling Congress of choosing “Sharia over the Constitution” in response to a youth’s announcement of opening an “Islam-friendly gym”.“BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Congress in Kerala was being “pressured” by its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).Bhandari said in a video on his“It has been clearly proved that because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress Party is now keeping the Constitution at bay, and believing in Shariat over the Constitution…because Due to Muslim appeasement, Congress Party is becoming a threat to the security of Hindus in Kerala.”IUML, with 22 MLAs, is the second largest constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the southern state. UDF has 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly.The controversy centers on a fitness facility in Puthunagaram in Palakkad district. It recently announced plans to transform itself into an “Islam-friendly gym” operating under “Sharia-based guidelines”.The announcement, which was later removed, was posted on the Instagram account “Nawaz Muthu T”. It said the fitness centre, which has been operating for the last 15 years, will introduce a new set of rules for its members.Under the proposed guidelines, music would be prohibited inside the facility, separate workout times would be set for men and women, and members would have to follow a dress code to ensure that their “awrah” – body parts that Islamic teachings dictate should be covered – remain hidden while exercising.The proposed changes also stipulate that men and women will not be allowed to work together, separate schedules will be arranged for each group.Female members will be required to wear attire, including hijab, that covers the body in accordance with stated religious guidelines.The announcement has sparked debate and mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters have described the initiative as an effort to provide a fitness environment that accommodates religious preferences, while critics have questioned the implications and broader impact of operating gyms based on faith-specific guidelines.

Former Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has supported the test captain Shubman Gill Set to be a key figure in India’s future in the longest format, he said the batsman’s success can have a big impact on the team’s next phase.Ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 6, Ashwin praised Gill’s captaincy and batting during India’s recent tour of England, where he led the team in a Test series for the first time.“Shubman Gill played a brilliant series in England. As soon as he was made the captain, he went there and performed well both with the bat and with his leadership. He scored runs in difficult situations and handled the pressure of captaincy with maturity. This shows his class and his ability to bat for a long time,” Ashwin told Geo Hotstar.Ashwin said the work done by Gill on his technique has helped him deal with the movement on the pitch better.“He has worked hard on his technique, especially keeping his bat closer to the pad, which has helped him reduce the gap between bat and pad, making him more powerful against the moving ball,” Ashwin said.While Gill is still waiting for the big innings on home soil as Test captain, Ashwin will be hoping to make an impact in familiar conditions.He said, “Yes, he has not done wonders with the bat on home soil as a captain yet, but with this change in his batting technique, I expect him to perform strongly on home soil as well. His success in Test cricket will play a big role in redefining India’s Test team. He is a player who can lead the batting order for years to come.”Ashwin also talked about India’s spin options for the Afghanistan Test if Ravindra Jadeja is unavailable. he hopes -Kuldeep Yadav To lead the spin attack, while Washington provides handsome support.Ashwin said, “In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan. He is bowling with great rhythm and confidence. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his experience in home conditions make him a big threat.”He said, “Washington will play a beautiful supporting role. He is more defensive, a bowler who can also bat lower down the order. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells will be useful on bad tracks. Both will be important for India’s success in this Test match.”Ashwin also said that he is keen to see whether homegrown star Harsh Dubey gets a chance to make his Test debut.He said, “However, I will have my eyes on Harsh Dubey. I am curious whether he will get a chance. We will have to wait and see whether the team goes with Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. But I have special interest in Dubey because he has had a good domestic season. He also had a very good IPL season. His performances work in his favour. I am looking forward to seeing him make his debut.”

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee with nephew Abhishek Banerjee

New Delhi: What started as a routine conversation in Delhi has resulted in the most serious internal crisis in the history of the Trinamool Congress, resulting in a split that has rocked the party establishment. Mamata Banerjee Almost three decades ago.On Wednesday, a group of 58 rebel MLAs led by expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed control of the TMC legislature party after seeking recognition from Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose. The dramatic developments marked nearly two weeks of heightened tension over allegations of forged signatures, resentment over Abhishek Banerjee’s growing influence and an increasingly visible succession battle within the party.The seeds of the crisis were sown after the party’s assembly election defeat on May 4. Dissatisfaction began to surface among a section of the newly elected MLAs, many of whom privately expressed concerns about the concentration of power around Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s national general secretary and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew.Those concerns became more evident during a meeting of MLAs on May 6 when Mamata Banerjee reportedly asked MLAs to appreciate Abhishek for his role in the election campaign. Although it was intended as a sign of appreciation, some members interpreted it as a sign of a family’s increasing prominence within the party structure.Early signs of disagreementThe first public signs of disagreement emerged on 19 May. During a meeting of MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee and Entally MLA Sandipan Saha questioned why Falta MLA Jahangir Khan did not face disciplinary action despite publicly withdrawing from the re-poll campaign. Given Khan’s alleged closeness to Abhishek, the criticism was widely seen as a challenge to the party leadership.

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Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh had also raised similar concerns at the time, though he later distanced himself from the rebel camp.turning point A turning point came on May 22 when Ritabrata Banerjee went to Banga Bhawan in Delhi to complete the formalities related to the end of his Rajya Sabha tenure and unexpectedly met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. After the meeting, Ritabrata publicly praised Adhikari’s decision to invite opposition MLAs and MPs to administrative review meetings, triggering intense political speculation.On May 25, the crisis deepened when allegations were made that fake signatures of several MLAs had been put on the documents submitted to the Speaker regarding the leadership of the legislative party.Two days later, Ritabrata and Sandipan lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker. The Assembly Secretariat later contacted the police, prompting a CID investigation.As the MLAs were questioned over the next few days, the controversy quickly escalated into a broader political confrontation. What started as a dispute over signatures became a rallying point for disgruntled MPs and intense lobbying began behind the scenes.brothers in mob attackTension further increased after the mob attacked Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur on May 30. While party leaders publicly condemned the incident, many TMC leaders privately saw the muted reaction from sections of the organization as evidence of growing rift between the leadership and some MLAs.By the next day, the extent of the challenge facing the leadership became clear. The meeting of newly elected MLAs called by Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence reportedly saw lower than expected attendance, undermining efforts to display unity.The decisive crackdown came on 1 June. Soon after the official revealed that a CID probe was initiated following complaints by Ritabrata and Sandipan, the TMC expelled the two leaders.Instead of ending the crisis, the expulsion energized the dissident camp. Ritabrata and his supporters intensified their criticism of Abhishek Banerjee and accused him of centralizing power within the party. This operation became known as “Operation Crown Prince” in rebel circles.legislative revolution?The leadership’s efforts to establish control through new communications to the Speaker regarding the leadership of the legislature party continued on June 2. However, support among legislators continued to swing towards the rebels.The tension reached its peak on Wednesday when 58 MLAs submitted a letter to Ritabrata Banerjee electing him as the legislature party leader and proposing a new leadership structure. The Speaker accepted the claim and effectively recognized the rebel faction as the official legislature wing of the TMC.Soon after, many of the MLAs involved attended a government review meeting called by Adhikari in Nabanna, underscoring the scale of the political realignment.This development is the biggest break in the 28-year history of the party built around Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and political appeal.It also had an ironically personal twist. Former CPI(M) leader Ritabrata had often cited Vladimir Lenin while describing Mamata Banerjee’s ability to connect with the common people and argued that observing her political style helped him understand the Bolshevik leader’s principles of mass mobilisation.On Wednesday, he found himself leading what his supporters call a “legislative revolution” against the same leader he once compared to Lenin.TMC has been revolving around the same leader for almost three decades. The fourteen-day rebellion has now exposed the risks, tensions and unanswered questions that come with Mamata Banerjee.

England players wearing black armbands (screengrab)

England players were seen wearing black armbands on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, a special tribute to former cricketers who have passed away since the team’s last home international.Before the start of the game on Thursday, a moment of silence was observed before the national anthem, with players from both sides joining in to pay their respects. The black armband was worn in memory of several former England cricketers, including Kane Shuttleworth, John Jamieson, Barry Knight, Robin Smith, Hugh Morris, Norman Gifford, Eric Russell, Tony Piggott and MJK Smith.The emotional pre-match ceremony also included a tribute to New Zealand great Martin Crowe, marking 10 years since his death. Crowe is one of the most influential figures in New Zealand Cricket History, and the Lord’s multitudes, warmly accepted his legacy. His daughter Emma Crowe rang the traditional five-minute bell before the start of the Test, to applause around the ground.Once the commemorations were over, the focus turned to cricket as New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bowl in partly cloudy conditions.The visitors fielded a strong pace attack led by Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke. Jamieson and O’Rourke, both fast bowlers standing at least 1.97 metres, are playing together in a Test for the first time after recovering from long-term back injuries. Nathan Smith, who impressed with eight wickets against Ireland in the recent warm-up match, completed the seam-heavy attack, while Glenn Phillips was preferred over Mitchell Santner.England handed a debut to Durham opening batsman Emilio Gay, who recently represented Italy in T20 Internationals. The hosts also missed Ollie Robinson, whose last Test appearance came in 2024. Robinson joins captain Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue in the pace department.The Lord’s Test is England’s first red-ball outing since the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year, adding extra significance to the start of the series.

As the film industry mourns the demise of veteran producer and former CBFC chairman Pahlaj NihalaniSeveral old interviews of the outspoken filmmaker are resurfacing online. One of them is the shocking details of the health crisis that left him fighting for his life and lying in a hospital bed for almost a month. The producer, who is known for backing films like ‘Ilzaam’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ and ‘Aag Hi Aag’, had once talked in detail about that horrific incident and how close he came to avoiding it.What started as a routine gathering at home soon turned into a nightmare. Nihalani had recalled that some members of the film unit he was associated with had arrived unexpectedly one evening. Since there was not enough food prepared at home, the group decided to order dinner from a restaurant.Typically someone who preferred home-cooked food, Nihalani reluctantly joined the others. “Chicken is the only non-vegetarian item I eat, so they urged me to join them. Out of politeness I agreed. As soon as I ate the chicken, I knew something was wrong. But others assured me it was fine,” he had shared with Bollywood Hungama. At that time, he put aside his doubts and continued eating.A few hours later, the experienced producer started feeling uneasy. Initially he thought it was a minor stomach problem and once he vomited, he tried to rest. However, the situation escalated dramatically at midnight. “At around 3 am, I vomited a lot of blood. That’s when I panicked and called my son. Luckily, he lives in the same building,” Nihalani recalled. His family immediately arranged for medical attention and took him to the hospital.Doctors admitted him to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, where he stayed for 28 days. The experience was particularly difficult because it occurred during the pandemic, when hospital visits were heavily restricted. He had shared, “I was in Nanavati hospital for the next 28 days. Due to the pandemic no one was allowed to meet me. I spoke to my wife on video call.” For someone who had rarely faced major health problems, being in the hospital for a long period of time was physically and emotionally exhausting.

Gratitude to family and doctors

Given the ordeal, Nihalani repeatedly credited her family and medical team for helping her survive. He expressed special appreciation to Dr. Jayant Barve and the doctors who treated him from the moment he reached the hospital. He had said, “Within a few hours all my tests were done. I was lucky. Anyone with a less caring family and a less attentive medical team would have died. I have been pulled out of the clutches of death.” The producer admitted that there were moments when no one knew how the situation would unfold.Since the incident occurred at a time when COVID-19 was dominating the headlines, there was speculation about the cause of his illness. Nihalani had clearly denied those rumors and revealed that he had recovered from COVID-19 months ago. “No, it was not. I contracted Covid in April 2020. I recovered at home. It was much more serious. I was hospitalized for the first time in my life. No one knew whether I would come out alive or not.” I survived because God and my family were with me,” he had said.

A lesson that Pahlaj Nihalani never forgot

The experience left a lasting impression on the producer. Believing that the crisis was caused by the food served that evening, he considered taking legal action against the establishment in question. More importantly, he used this incident as a cautionary tale for others. He warned, “This could have been the last meal of my life. Everyone who ate that night was ill. But I suffered the most. I urge everyone to eat only home-cooked food during these difficult times.”Today, as colleagues, friends and fans remember Pahlaj Nihalani’s contribution to Indian cinema, this remarkable story stands as a testament to his resilience. Long before his passing, the creator had already survived one of the toughest battles of his life, and came out of it with renewed gratitude for family, health, and other opportunities.

The disappearance of a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee that has puzzled investigators for nearly a year has taken a grim turn after his remains were found in a remote New Mexico forest. Melissa Cassius, 54, disappeared in June 2025 and was the subject of an extensive search effort. Authorities recently confirmed that human remains found in the Carson National Forest were those of Cassias. The report, citing a private investigator hired by his family, claimed that the body was found in a skeletal state with an apparent gunshot wound to the skull, raising new questions over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Remains found almost a year after disappearance

Cassias was last seen on June 26, 2025, after leaving his home in Ranchos de Taos, a community in northern New Mexico. About 11 months later, a hiker found human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area of ​​the Carson National Forest.The location where the remains were found was reportedly about six miles from where Cassias was last seen. New Mexico State Police later confirmed that the remains were those of the missing woman.This discovery ended the search but opened a new phase of investigation into what happened during his final days.According to former homicide detective Thomas McNally, who is investigating the case on behalf of Cascias’ family, the remains were found in skeletal condition.McNally told media outlets that the body appeared to have a gunshot wound to the skull and was found near an abandoned firearm. He also claimed that there were no clear signs that animals had damaged the remains despite the body being exposed in a wooded area for a long time.Authorities have confirmed that a gun was found near the remains, but have not publicly released an official cause of death or ruled on whether any foul play was involved.

Who was Melissa Cassias?

Casias worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a historic New Mexico facility that was originally established during the Manhattan Project and is still involved in U.S. nuclear research and national security programs.She was a married mother of one child and had worked in a laboratory for years. Family members described her disappearance as completely out of character and said there were no clear indications that she had planned to leave voluntarily.His case attracted national attention because of its connection to one of America’s most important scientific institutions.

What happened the day she disappeared?

Investigators pieced together a timeline of Cassias’s last known activities through surveillance footage and witness statements.On the morning of her disappearance, she reportedly took her husband, Mark Cassius, to Los Alamos National Laboratory. She later returned home, where her daughter said she seemed completely normal.Before leaving, Cassias reportedly left behind her identification and mobile phone. Investigators later discovered that records had been erased from the devices.Surveillance footage captured him walking eastbound on State Road 518 near Taos around 2:20 p.m. On June 26, 2025. This was confirmed to be the last time he was seen.

Investigators believe foul play may have been involved

McNally has publicly stated that he believes Cassias’ death was not accidental and that foul play may have played a role.He has questioned aspects of the original investigation and suggested that the family could take legal action against the officials handling the case.However, law enforcement agencies have not publicly supported those findings. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence and have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.

Part of a broader pattern?

The case has attracted additional attention because several other individuals associated with defense, aerospace, and government research programs have disappeared or died under unusual circumstances in recent years.They include former Los Alamos employee Anthony Chavez, aerospace engineer Monica Reza, government contractor Steven Garcia and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neal McCasland.While the cases have fueled speculation online, authorities have not publicly established any connection between them.

investigation is ongoing

Although the discovery of Cassias’ remains has answered one of the biggest questions of the case, many others remain unresolved.Investigators are awaiting further forensic analysis to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Until those findings are released, the circumstances surrounding the Los Alamos employee’s death remain a mystery.

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit back strongly against Rahul Gandhi’s warning of an “economic tsunami” for India, dismissing it as “classic fear mongering”.“The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha had expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and its possible impact on India.Responding sharply, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya rejected Rahul’s claims and argued that India is well placed to withstand any economic fallout from the Iran war. Citing several economic and strategic indicators, Malviya stressed that “India is not defenceless” amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.In a post on Twitter, Malviya cited a range of economic indicators to refute Rahul’s claims. He said e-way bill generation grew by 12.9% in May 2026, while manufacturing and services activity remained strong with PMI readings of 56.6 and 58.9, respectively. Retail inflation in April stood at 3.48%, below the Reserve Bank of India’s target, while gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached a record $94.5 billion in FY26.Pointing to the strength of India’s external sector, Malviya said comfortable foreign exchange reserves and strong services exports have been providing stability amid global volatility.“These are not signs of an economy without shock absorbers. These are signs of resilience. The government has also taken direct measures to protect citizens, businesses and jobs,” Malviya said.The BJP leader also highlighted the steps taken by the Center to protect consumers and businesses from global economic shocks.“When global crude oil prices rose, cuts in excise duty on petrol and diesel provided relief to consumers. Supply side interventions and export restrictions were used when necessary to protect domestic availability and control inflation. Through ECLGS 5.0, MSMEs receive 100% guarantee coverage, while non-MSMEs and airlines receive 90% coverage. Additional credit support up to 20% of maximum working capital, Limited to Rs 100 crore, available to eligible borrowers,” he said.“Airlines facing fuel price volatility may get assistance up to Rs 1,500 crore per borrower. The objective is clear: to protect jobs, maintain supply chains and ensure uninterrupted production,” he said.Malviya further said that the Union Cabinet has approved Rs 37,500 crore for surface coal and lignite gasification projects, with an aim to create 75 million tonnes of gasification capacity and attract investments of Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore.“These are not actions of the government eliminating shock absorbers. These are actions of the government actively strengthening them,” he said.Launching his attack on the previous UPA government, Malviya cited economic indicators from 2009 to 2014. He claimed that the rupee depreciated by 36% during this period, while foreign exchange reserves declined from about $294 billion in July 2011 to about $256 billion in August 2013.“Foreign exchange reserves declined from about $294 billion in July 2011 to about $256 billion in August 2013. Import cover declined by more than six months by September 2013, down significantly from 17 months in March 2004,” he said.“The foreign exchange reserves-to-external debt ratio declined from 95.8% in FY2011 to 68.8% in FY2014. The RBI was forced to open the FCNR (B) window and offer attractive incentives to attract dollar deposits. India ultimately raised $26.6 billion through the scheme, almost twelve times the size of the 1991 IMF bailout.”Malviya urged Rahul to “stop spreading terror”, claiming that India’s economic security had weakened during the UPA era, long before any external shocks emerged.His comments came in response to Rahul’s warning that India was heading towards an “economic tsunami” due to the BJP government allegedly dismantling the country’s economic “shock absorbers” amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Rahul had said, “An economic tsunami is coming. The reason for this is that the BJP government has removed India’s safety net, which was the shock absorber from the international economy. A dangerous economic tsunami is coming, prices are rising and this is just the beginning.”