Delhi Police on Alert Over Jantar Mantar March Call by CJP, AISF and SFI

Piyush Goyal Slams Rahul Gandhi, Claims Disrespect Towards President, Demands ApologyUnion Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging disrespectful behaviour towards President Droupadi Murmu. The union minister stated that Rahul Gandhi used derogatory language against the President, termed him a blot on Indian democracy, and demanded an apology. Goyal asserted that when the President granted time, Gandhi was duty-bound to provide evidence rather than making unverified claims. This reaction followed Rahul Gandhi's statement after submitting a memorandum to the President, wherein he claimed the President neither denied nor questioned the opposition's allegations of electoral irregularities and instead sought proof of election theft. Government sources within the President's office rejected Gandhi's assertions, clarifying that top officials dismissed the claims. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have condemned Gandhi's statements, maintaining that constitutional offices should not be drawn into political controversies.Delhi CEC Stir: Opposition Leaders Detained, Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre, BJP Hits BackA major political face-off erupted on the streets of Delhi as demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner led to the detention of several opposition leaders. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was detained alongside Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, and fellow party members from South Avenue. Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Kerala leader of opposition Pinarayi Vijayan were also detained alongside Left leaders during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Following police action, opposition leaders took to social media to register their condemnation. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi issued a challenge to the Narendra Modi government, declaring that the opposition will not back down and asserting that democratic space is closing around ruling figures. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched back-to-back counter-attacks, accusing the opposition of attempting to trigger anarchy in the national capital and alleging that Rahul Gandhi disregards constitutional protocol. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also criticised the protesters.Ujjwal Nikam: 'It was a fight against Pakistan'In an interview with India Today, actor Rajkummar Rao and Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam discussed the biographical courtroom drama Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam. Nikam detailed prosecuting the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, securing video evidence from Chicago operative David Headley, and establishing Lashkar-e-Taiba's links to Pakistan military officials. He also recalled his interactions with Ajmal Kasab and discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfikar Ali prior to Ali's assassination. Rao shared his preparation process for portraying Nikam, focusing on the prosecutor's mannerisms, courtroom energy, and public persona. Rao also detailed filming key courtroom scenes alongside Lalit Prabhakar, who plays Kasab, and shared insights on his production venture with Patralekhaa.Delhi Lockdown Row: Sanju Verma, Yeshwardhan Azad & O.P. Rawat Debate Capital DeploymentsA panel discussion examined the extensive security measures, police barricading, and preventive detentions enforced across Delhi in response to street demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision voter list exercise. BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma defended the administrative actions under constitutional provisions to maintain public order and prevent unlawful assembly. In contrast, former IPS officer Yeshwardhan Azad evaluated the security deployment, suggesting authorities should establish designated protest sites instead of implementing widespread restrictions and detentions. Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat highlighted the importance of institutional transparency, stating that the Election Commission of India must directly address public concerns and engage with all stakeholders immediately to prevent agitation. The discussion further covered traffic disruptions, allegations regarding the detention of opposition lawmakers, police administration frameworks, and the balance between democratic protest rights and state security protocols.