Hyderabad: Sitting Andhra Pradesh TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar tested positive for banned substance methamphetamine (meth) in a blood test on Sunday, after investigators allege he attempted to evade drug screening during a raid at a farmhouse party by the Hyderabad police last night, reports Srinath Woodali. The Eluru MP’s test result took the number of high-profile guests who failed drug test at the Moinabad property owned by former BRS Tandoor MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy to six out of 11. Delhi-based businessman Namith Sharma, whose urine samples were found to contain traces of cocaine during Saturday’s raid, has also been charged with attempt to murder and assault.Fake drug test done in water sample during farmhouse blast in MPRohit’s brother Ritesh Reddy Pajugula has been booked under sections 109 and 131 of the BNS for firing at the police with his .32 revolver. Apart from Rohit and MP Mahesh Kumar, those accused of drug abuse include Ritesh, Namith, businessman Thiruvidula Arjun Reddy and lawyer Kaushik Ravi. Moinabad DCP Yogesh Gautam said, “All 11 people from the farmhouse party have been accused of violating the Telangana Prohibition Act. We have invoked the NDPS Act against six people who have tested positive (for meth or cocaine). Three of them – Namith, Rohit and Ritesh – are also accused of violating the Arms Act.” Rohit, Namith and Ritesh have been arrested while Mahesh Kumar and the other two guests have got bail. All of them have been asked to visit a de-addiction centre, an official said. During a drug bust on Saturday night, MP Mahesh Kumar allegedly passed the urine test after filling his sample cup with water from the washroom instead of urine. SP R Girdhar of the state’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) said, “Meth was detected in a blood test conducted on Sunday. The drug abuse was confirmed by five other people who tested positive for cocaine in the same test.” Sources said CM N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an internal inquiry by the TDP, and also directed Mahesh Kumar to stay away from party programs “until the matter is clarified”. The MP has disputed the allegations and said he will “come clean”. BRS working president KT Rama Rao, responding to Telangana PCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud’s demand, said he is ready to conduct drug test at any time, adding that all public representatives will have to undergo such test. The Saturday night raid involved a team of Eagle and Future City police scaling the boundary walls of the Moinabad farmhouse, about 30 km from Hyderabad, to spot the high-profile gathering on sofas around a swimming pool, allegedly surrounded by hookah pots, liquor and drugs. Police recovered about two grams of white substance. They suspect that a part of the medicines was flushed out. The packet seized from Rohit’s driver Sharath Kumar has been sent for forensic examination. Investigators believe both cocaine and meth were used at the party. The seized drug was allegedly brought from Shimla by Kaushik through a contact.

New Delhi: Political parties on Sunday welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement of election dates for four states and one Union Territory. West Bengal will go to polls in two phases from April 23, while Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will go to polls on April 9 and Tamil Nadu on April 23; All results will be declared on May 4.In 2021, voting took place in eight phases in West Bengal and three phases in Assam. Voting may be held in a single phase in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, while West Bengal and Assam are likely to see voting in multiple phases due to large voter areas.

Welcoming the Election Commission’s move to hold elections in Bengal in two phases, the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party called it a “civilization battle”. Congress also welcomed the Election Commission’s move to hold elections in the state in two phases, although TMC said the number of phases was just a “reflection of what the BJP wants”.

The poll panel had earlier announced that assembly elections for 294 seats in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes taking place on May 4.Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), main opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and others welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement of holding single-phase polls in the state.

How did BJP react?

Welcoming the move, the BJP expressed confidence of winning the elections in West Bengal, saying “the countdown to the end of Mahajangal Raj has begun”, referring to the TMC government in the state.“This is not just an election, it is a civilizational battle. On April 23 and 29, the people of West Bengal will vote in two phases to reclaim their future. The countdown to the end of Mahajangal Raj has begun. 50 days to go – May 4 will be a new dawn for Bengal,” the Bengal BJP unit of Bengal said in a post on Twitter.

How did TMC react?

The All India Trinamool Congress rejected the Election Commission’s decision to hold the Bengal elections in two phases, alleging that the election schedule was determined based on the “requirements of its political masters”.The party also questioned what it called “duplicity” of the commission, pointing out that the 2021 assembly elections in the state were held in eight phases despite high Covid-19 infections, while the upcoming elections are limited to only two phases.TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said, “The number of phases is completely a reflection of what the BJP wants and the Election Commission has only followed the requirement of its political masters.”Chakraborty said, “Otherwise, how can one justify holding elections in the state in eight phases in 2021 when people were dying of Covid infection and now deciding to hold elections in two phases when there is no such problem. The number of elections does not matter, people will demolish the BJP despite it.”

How did Congress react?

The Congress appreciated the Election Commission’s announcement that elections will be held in one phase in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and in two phases in West Bengal.P. Chidambaram said in a social media post, “I welcome the announcement that elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu will be held in one phase and in West Bengal in two phases. I am happy that the number of phases has been reduced to one phase/two phases.” Senior Congress leader Pradeep Bhattacharya welcomed the decision to hold assembly elections in West Bengal in two phases, but expressed concern over whether voters would be able to exercise their franchise freely and without fear.The former West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee chief said he had raised the issue of alleged voter intimidation during talks with the full bench. Election Commission of India During his recent visit to the state.“I welcome the Election Commission’s move to conduct elections in West Bengal in two phases. But my only concern is that voters should be able to cast their votes freely and without any fear,” Bhattacharya told PTI. He said, “I have seen many such elections when even though there were six or seven phases of elections, voters were not able to cast their votes.”

How did DMK, AIADMK react?

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and main opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) as well as other political parties in Tamil Nadu on Sunday welcomed the announcement of the assembly election schedule by the Election Commission of India and expressed confidence of victory in the elections to be held on April 23.Salem Dharanidharan, a DMK functionary, said since party president and Chief Minister MK Stalin took charge, his focus has been on governance and public welfare, adding that the state government’s schemes are now being replicated across the country.He also said that the party’s preparations for the elections had effectively begun on the very day Stalin took charge as Chief Minister. He said, “DMK will achieve a massive victory in the elections… There will be sweeping; Winning more than 200 seats out of 234,” he said.Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said, “Our party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami has already campaigned in around 200 constituencies. We are ready to face the elections tomorrow too and we will win whenever the elections are held.” He said people are supporting the AIADMK and expressed confidence that the party and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance – including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and Pattali Makkal Katchi – will achieve a major victory and form the next government in the state.

Ships can be seen anchored near Fujairah port as smoke from a burning oil facility fills the sky in Fujairah (AP Photo)

An Indian-flagged crude tanker was attacked when it was loading crude oil at an oil terminal at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. The ship floated out safely the next day and everyone on board was safe.According to a government statement, the ship named Jag Ladki departed from Fujairah at 10.30 am carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil and is now headed to India. Officials confirmed that the ship and all Indian sailors on board were safe.

“On March 14, 2026, the Indian flag vessel Jag Ladki was loading crude oil at Fujairah Single Point Mooring when the Fujairah Oil Terminal was attacked. The vessel departed Fujairah today (Sunday) at 1030 hrs IST safely carrying approximately 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil and headed for India,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a press release.“The ship and all Indian sailors on board are safe,” it said.Jag Ladki is the fourth Indian flag ship to safely leave the conflict affected area. Its safe departure is considered critical as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected shipping activities and energy supplies in the region.Earlier on Saturday, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – successfully transited the war-torn Strait of Hormuz carrying a combined cargo of about 92,712 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi is scheduled to reach Kandla port a day later.The two ships were among 24 ships stranded on the western side of the strait since hostilities began in the area. The other four ships were stranded on the eastern side.One of those ships, the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Prakash, transited the strait on Friday after loading gasoline from Oman’s Sohar port. It is currently headed towards Tanga, Tanzania and is expected to reach there on March 21.Indian ships and sailors operating in the area are safe, officials said, although the situation is being closely monitored. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged ships carrying 611 sailors remain off the western shore of the Persian Gulf region.India is heavily dependent on energy imports, getting about 88 percent of its crude oil, 50 percent of natural gas and 60 percent of LPG from foreign markets. Before the conflict escalated following the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, more than half of India’s crude oil imports, about 30 per cent of gas and up to 90 per cent of LPG, came from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.The conflict has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. While India has partially mitigated the disruption in crude oil supply by increasing purchases from countries including Russia, gas supplies to industrial users have been reduced and LPG availability has been reduced for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.The government said maritime authorities remain in constant coordination with stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.“The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian missions,” the update said.It said that since the activation of the DG Shipping Control Room, officials have handled 2,995 phone calls and over 5,357 emails from seafarers, their families and other maritime stakeholders seeking information and assistance.So far, 276 Indian sailors have been safely brought back from the Gulf region, including 23 in the last 24 hours.Ports across India are also keeping a close watch on vessel movements and cargo operations as the maritime situation evolves, while the Ministry of Shipping continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions and shipping companies to ensure the safety of Indian personnel and continuity of maritime trade, officials said.

RSS supports Centre’s decisions amid Middle East turmoil

Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday called for peace and said the war should end as soon as possible, while also supporting the central government’s response, saying it was working in the “supreme interest of the nation”.Speaking at a media briefing during the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Panipat, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the Sangh wants the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel to end swiftly so that common people can return to normal life.

‘We like peace in the world‘

Answering questions on the Middle East conflict, which has entered its third week, Hosabale said the RSS’s position is rooted in its broader worldview of global peace.“We want peace in the world,” Hosabale said, according to news agency PTI.He said, “Our vision is world peace. Wars arise for many reasons; therefore, in the context of this particular conflict, we also want it to end as soon as possible, and the lives of ordinary people return to a state of happiness and peace without any delay.”However, he declined to comment on the reasons behind the war.

RSS supports feedback center

Hosabale also strongly defended the Centre’s handling of the crisis and said the government was taking all necessary steps in the national interest.“They (the Indian government) are doing what is in the highest interest of the nation. What they are doing is right,” he told reporters.The comments come as the Indian government continues to monitor the fallout from the Middle East conflict, which has impacted energy supplies, trade routes, aviation and Indian citizens in the region.

On protests after Khamenei’s assassination

Asked about protests from parts of India following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said expressions of grief were natural, but any such reaction should remain peaceful and not disturb communal harmony.“If such things happen then they should be done in a peaceful manner. It should not be against any sect or community,” he said.He said, “According to Indian tradition, as long as a person is alive he can be his enemy, but after someone dies no one is his enemy. Therefore, if someone expresses grief after death, there is nothing wrong in it. But when this is done, it should be seen that it does not disturb the peace.”

Refused to comment on UGC controversy, spoke on Muslims and Hindutva

On the controversy related to UGC rules, which has been stayed by the Supreme Court, Hosabale said it would not be appropriate to comment on a matter which is sub-judice.He said, “When any decision comes, the union will comment after considering it.”Answering another question, Hosabale said that RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar had not formed the organization to oppose Muslims.“When Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he did not say that the organization was formed to oppose Muslims,” ​​he was quoted as saying by PTI.He also referred to a historic debate during British rule in the Central Province, in which a Muslim leader had defended the RSS against restrictions, arguing that the organization and Hedgewar were not communal.Reiterating the long-standing RSS position, Hosabale said, “We have said from the beginning that the ancestors of all the people of India were Hindus.”

Message to Indians abroad

Referring to a recent program held in Hyderabad, Hosabale said that the Sangh had urged him to work for the welfare of those countries also, in which NRIs and people of Indian origin from 71 countries had participated.“We gave a message to the representatives of 71 different countries… that you should do good for the country where you live and eat. Because this is the vision of Hindutva: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family,” he said.He said, “It is not that you are only with India. It is your duty to be with the society there.”

ABPS meeting ends with organizational uproar

The three-day ABPS meeting, which began at Pattikalyana in Panipat on March 13, was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Hosabale and concluded on Sunday with a pledge to expand organizational work, strengthen social harmony and encourage participation of “positive forces” in the national interest.Hosabale said the number of RSS shakhas has increased by about 6,000 last year and has now crossed 88,000, while the number of places where shakhas are held has crossed 55,000, PTI reported.He also said that the Sangh’s reach has extended to remote areas including Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and tribal areas and a total of 96 training camps will be organized in the coming year.

AAP’s Kejriwal, Sisodia move Supreme Court after Delhi HC rejects plea to transfer excise policy case

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener Arvind Kejriwal And senior party leader Manish Sisodia has contacted Supreme Court After the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court The party on Sunday said it rejected his request to transfer the CBI’s plea against discharging him in the excise policy case from the bench of Justice Swarnkant Sharma to another judge.The development comes a day before the CBI’s plea challenging the discharge order comes up for hearing before Justice Sharma.

Delhi HC Chief Justice rejects transfer request

According to news agency PTI, Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyay rejected the request by former Chief Minister Kejriwal and other accused to transfer the case to the administrative side.According to sources quoted by PTI, the Chief Justice took the view that Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma was hearing the CBI plea in line with the roster allocation, and there was no reason to pass the transfer order.Following that rejection, AAP said Kejriwal and Sisodia have challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.

Why did Kejriwal ask for transfer?

On March 11, Kejriwal, Sisodia and other accused in the excise policy case submitted a representation to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, seeking transfer of the CBI plea from Justice Sharma to another “impartial” judge.Kejriwal, in his representation, said he had a “serious, bona fide and reasonable apprehension” that the trial in the case would not be fair and neutral.The CBI has moved the Delhi High Court against the trial court order acquitting Kejriwal and other accused in the excise policy case.

What happened in the High Court?

Issuing notice to all 23 accused, including Kejriwal, Justice Swarnkant Sharma had said that certain findings and observations made by the trial court at the stage of framing of charges prima facie appear to be wrong and need to be considered.That observation appears to have given rise to the apprehension expressed by AAP leaders.Earlier, Kejriwal’s representation argued that the High Court not only issued notice in the first short hearing on March 9, but also, ex parte and without hearing the acquitted accused, recorded a prima facie opinion that the trial court’s detailed order was “erroneous”.The representation also objected to the stay of the directions and observations of the trial court against the investigating officer, including the departmental action proposed by the High Court, without mentioning the specific pathology that justifies such interim intervention.According to the representation, such relief at the preliminary stage and without hearing the acquitted accused strengthened the apprehension that the revision petition may not be heard with the necessary judicial detachment.

The trial court had acquitted Kejriwal, Sisodia and others.

Arguments on charges in the excise policy case began in December 2025 and on February 27, the special CBI court passed a detailed order acquitting Kejriwal, Sisodia, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and all other accused in the case.Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the case in June 2024 and chargesheet was filed in July 2024.The CBI petition challenging the discharge is now listed for hearing before Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma on Monday.

New Delhi: The Election Commission It was announced on Sunday that assembly elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 – unlike the eight-phase voting held in 2021.Announcing the election schedule for 4 states and one Union Territory, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said it was found necessary to reduce the phases to make elections convenient for all.“With regard to conducting elections in West Bengal in two phases instead of the earlier eight phases, the Commission has held detailed deliberations and in its considered opinion, found it necessary to reduce the number of phases and reduce it to the extent where it is convenient for all,” Kumar said.The Chief Election Commissioner also addressed concerns over electoral violence and said that necessary action would be taken on police proposals that were found to be involved in earlier elections.“In respect of those police officers who were involved in violence in the earlier elections, the list has been sought, as revealed to the media during our visit to West Bengal, and necessary action will be taken as per law. With regard to the supplementary list, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, the learned judge working under the directions of the Calcutta High Court will bring out this supplementary list and as and when the supplementary list of names comes out, they will be included in addition to the existing voters.”The Election Commission on Sunday announced election dates for four poll-bound states – Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal – and the union territory of Puducherry. Track all the updates on the Election Commission press conference here.The counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 will take place on May 4 along with Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC praised the Election Commission’s decision to conduct elections in West Bengal in two phases.In a post on Twitter, BJP West Bengal said voters will cast their vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.It said, “This is not just an election, this is a civilizational battle. The countdown to the end of the Maha Jungle Raj has begun.”Referring to the counting date of May 4, the BJP said, “Fifty days are left – May 4 will be a new dawn for Bengal.”Reacting to the election announcement, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said that the people of the state stand firmly with the ruling party.“The people of Bengal are with TMC. This is again shown in the huge presence of youth in Yuva Sathi camps Mamata Banerjee Government,” he said.In the 2021 Bengal elections, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress secured 215 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party became the official opposition with 77 seats.

PM Modi with Om Birla (PTI Image)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker on Sunday. Om Birla He was praised for his patience, impartiality and leadership after the no-confidence motion against him fell in the House. PM Modi also praised him for maintaining parliamentary decorum and ensuring the dignity of democratic institutions.In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “The House has rejected the no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha. I also congratulate the members of the House for the way the House has clearly rejected this political act. After the motion was dropped, I listened carefully to the statement made by you in the House. The balance, patience and clarity with which you mentioned parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Speaker and the supremacy of rules is extremely impressive. “I commend you for that.”PM Modi praised the Speaker for protecting democratic norms and emphasized that “no one is above the rules in this House”. PM Modi wrote, “The responsibility of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just to conduct the proceedings, but also to protect democratic traditions, rules and institutional dignity. Your clear statement that no one in this House is above the rules is a message that reaffirms the basic spirit of our democracy.”PM Modi also acknowledged that democratic institutions often face challenges when new voices emerge and said Birla has consistently broadened the spirit of democracy by ensuring equal opportunities for all members, especially young and new MPs. Modi wrote, “The way you have discharged your duties even amidst difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.”

‘Hearty thanks for your inspiring words’: Om Birla responds to PM Modi’s letter

Responding to PM Modi’s letter, Om Birla thanked him for his courageous words and said that this message reflects his deep faith in parliamentary rules, traditions and democratic values.Sharing the letter in a post on Twitter, he wrote: “I have received your letter. You have always had unwavering faith in the rules, procedures and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses the highest ethical values ​​of public service that you have upheld throughout your long public life; in your current role as Prime Minister of India and earlier as Chief Minister of Gujarat.” Birla further expressed his thanks to PM Modi for his inspiring words. He wrote, “This message of yours, cutting across party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, State Assemblies and local bodies and further strengthen the strong moral foundation of democracy established by our freedom fighters and members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words.”A no-confidence motion supported by 118 opposition MPs was moved against Birla over allegations of bias. The proceedings against him involved nearly 12 hours of intense debate over two days. With Speaker Birla absent during the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House, announced the rejection of the motion by voice vote amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.After the motion was defeated, Birla returned to the Chairman and addressed the House on Thursday.“This House represents the sovereign will of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. Each member comes with the mandate of millions of citizens and hopes to address their problems, deprivations and aspirations,” he said. Birla stressed that he has always sought to conduct proceedings with fairness, discipline and balance while maintaining the dignity of the House and providing opportunities to all members.