BJP National Spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla Quits Party Citing Personal Reasons
BJP leader and national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla has abruptly resigned from the BJP, citing personal reasons. However, an official announcement on this matter has not yet been made. Poonawalla updated his bio on his social media account, X, without mentioning the BJP. He stated that an official statement regarding his resignation will be issued soon. His sudden resignation from the party has surprised political analysts. A day before his resignation, Shahzad Poonawalla shared an old interview in which he stated that he was considering a departure from active politics. He said, “I have been in active politics for about 18-19 years. I started at a very young age and have now reached the point I wanted to reach.” Poonawalla explained that he initially decided to leave politics after Prime Minister Modi secured a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, he subsequently decided to remain active to help the BJP in key assembly elections, including in Delhi, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. He further stated that he now feels the time has come to move on from active political life. 38-year-old Shahzad Poonawalla is known as the BJP’s chief spokesperson. He began his political career with the Congress party. He served as vice-president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) in Pune, a member of the All India Congress Committee’s media cell’s research team, and secretary of the Maharashtra Congress. However, in 2017, after questions arose about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, he joined the BJP. He publicly challenged the presidential election within the Congress party, alleging that the election was rigged to make Rahul Gandhi president. He demanded a transparent and merit-based election and asked whether Rahul Gandhi would resign from his post and contest the election as an ordinary member of the party. This public rebellion led to his isolation within the Congress party, and he eventually left the party. During the 2017 Gujarat Assembly election campaign, PM Modi praised Shahzad Poonawalla for publicly exposing the lack of internal democracy within the Congress.
Uttarakhand Pride: CM Dhami Honors International Medal-Winning Female Boxers Nikita, Kajal, and Aarti”
Uttarakhand’s women have once again brought glory to the state with their outstanding performances at the international level. On Tuesday, July 21st, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with female boxers at the Chief Minister’s residence. The Chief Minister honored Pithoragarh boxers Nikita Chand, Kajal Farswan, and Aarti Dhariyal for their achievements. He also honored the players’ coaches, Vijendra Mal and Lalit Kumar, and wished them a bright future. At the recent Under-30 Asian Boxing Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 3rd to 15th, Uttarakhand’s promising boxers, Nikita Chand, won a silver medal in the 60 kg weight category, and Kajal Farswan won a silver medal in the 65 kg weight category. Both athletes have brought glory to Uttarakhand and India internationally through their talent and hard work. Nikita Chand, a resident of Badlu village in Pithoragarh, previously won gold medals at the 2021-22 and 2023 Asian Championships. She is currently training under the guidance of her coaches, Vijendra Mal and Bhaskar Bhatt. Kajal Farswan, a resident of Bhadeli village in Munsyari, has also achieved success in boxing. She trained under coach Nikhil Mahar at the Small India Centre and was selected for the NBA, Rohtak. She is currently training at the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala. She has previously won a silver medal at the Under-19 ASBC Championship, a bronze medal at the Under-23 Asian Boxing Championship, and a silver medal at the 38th National Games in 2025. Another talented female boxer from Pithoragarh, Aarti Dhariwal, has brought glory to the country and the state by winning a gold medal in the 54 kg weight category at the Gold Belt Boxing Competition held in Romania from July 12 to 16, 2026. She also won a bronze medal at the Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship in 2024-2025. Based on her continued success, she has also been selected for the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala, where she is currently training. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the government is focusing on expanding sports facilities and encouraging talented athletes to promote sports talent in the state. Uttarakhand’s athletes have consistently excelled at the national and international levels, bringing glory to the state. The government’s efforts are to ensure that every talented athlete in the state receives the necessary opportunities and facilities to hone their skills and perform on the big stage.
Bollywood Outraged Over Police Action on NEET Protesters Said “Bones Broken, Country’s Heart Broken”
The recent NEET paper leak has sparked student anger, leading to another protest in Delhi on July 20th. A large number of students demonstrated for justice. A video of police lathi-charging protesters during the protest is rapidly going viral. Several film stars have expressed their support. Expressing their grief over the mistreatment of students, they have urged the government to listen to their concerns. Diljit Dosanjh-”students should not have been treated this way” Responding to this, Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh wrote on his Instagram story, “What happened today was very bad. The students should not have been treated this way. I request the authorities to listen to the students. I have been labeled an anti-national several times, and many people will still call me that. I have faced numerous legal problems since the farmers’ protest, which I cannot elaborate on here; God is in charge.” Sonu Sood released a poster Sonu Sood has also released a poster in support of the students. He wrote, “Our students need hands that embrace, not sticks.” Sonakshi Sinha -”many people’s bones were broken” Dabangg actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has been supporting the student protests since the beginning, shared photos of the demonstration, writing, “On July 20th, many people’s bones were broken, and the nation’s heart was also broken ”Remember.” Riteish & Genelia -”energy, courage, and dreams of our youth” Actor Riteish and his star wife Genelia also expressed their solidarity with their country through their Instagram stories, saying, “We stand in solidarity with our country. Their voices must be heard without fear, noise, or clarity. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation’s future. The energy, courage, and dreams of our youth will bring to India the India we aspire to build.” Elvish Yadav -” They must be heard” YouTuber Elvish Yadav wrote on his Instagram account, “I am neither a BJP nor Congress supporter, but what is happening to the students is very wrong. Students who have taken to the streets to fight for their genuine cause should not be treated this way. They must be heard. The government needs to take appropriate action on this issue.” Apart from this, many stars like Shekhar Suman, Dia Mirza, Vir Das and stand-up comedian Munawar Farooqui have also supported the student protest. Veteran Hindi film actress Shabana Azmi is also a part of the protest and is walking shoulder to shoulder with the students.
Dhami Government Temporarily Suspends Tree Cutting for Bhaniawala-Rishikesh Four/Six-Lane Project After Public Outcry
Significant news is emerging regarding the cutting of 3,000 trees for road widening between Bhaniawala and Rishikesh in Dehradun. The Dhami government has temporarily halted the cutting of 3,000 trees after discussions with the central government. The state government states that the cutting of trees for this project will remain suspended until a satisfactory consensus and trust is established with all stakeholders. Numerous citizens, environmentalists, and local residents have been protesting for the past few days regarding the Dehradun-Rishikesh four-lane/six-lane project, resulting in the government temporarily halting tree cutting. The state government maintains that development is essential, but no decision will be made without regard to public sentiment, the environment, and local interests. To this end, the Principal Secretary and relevant officials have been instructed to re-establish detailed dialogue with all stakeholders, local citizens, public representatives, and experts. Further action will be taken in full respect of the High Court’s directives and decision. Additionally, tree felling under this project will be suspended until a satisfactory consensus and trust is reached with all stakeholders. Last Friday, after his visit to Dehradun for the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” program, Rahul Gandhi went directly to the protest site, where he met with those protesting the tree felling. He also promised to raise the issue in Parliament.
PoK Protests Intensify as JAAC Long March Halts Temporarily Amid Deadly Clashes
The situation in PoK has become extremely tense following security forces’ action against protesters demanding economic and political rights, a move that has drawn deep concern from organizations and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. Clashes between supporters of the banned protest group and security forces Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK are demanding greater political representation and solutions to economic problems such as food shortages. Clashes between supporters of the banned protest group and security forces have reportedly left nine people dead and a dozen injured. Reports indicate that they had called for a march to Muzaffarabad this week, defying government warnings. However, protests that preceded the march turned violent. Human rights organizations have condemned the use of tear gas and lethal force by Pakistani security forces to combat protests in PoK. Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in the Pakistan-occupied Poonch district, told AFP that a paramilitary soldier and a police officer were killed in Tuesday’s violence, adding that more protests were underway in Poonch district. And if protesters try to march towards the capital, authorities will stop the march. political development of communities in Jammu and Kashmir According to AFP data, in June, the local government banned the JAAC under the anti-terrorism law, which further escalated the unrest. This led to clashes between protesters and police, in which 22 people were killed.Concern is being expressed in Jammu and Kashmir over this development. Mirwaiz Amar Farooq said in an X-post that he was deeply concerned and saddened by the news of the deaths of civilians and Police A personnel. His prayers are with the families of the victims and all those affected by these tragic incidents. Mirwaiz appealed to Pakistan to prioritize dialogue and urged protesting organizations to uphold their responsibilities. “My family has a long history of supporting the social, educational, religious, and political development of communities in Jammu and Kashmir, including those on the other side of the LOC,” he said. “I urge the Government of Pakistan and the local government to prioritize restraint and engagement through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation and accommodation rather than confrontation, and prioritize respect for human rights and the sanctity of human life.” local assembly reserved for refugees The JAAC’s demand is to remove 12 seats in the local assembly reserved for refugees from outside Kashmir, which are used by Pakistani political parties to contest regional elections, thus influencing the outcome of regional elections. The BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit also expressed concern over reports of a growing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and demanded an immediate halt to the use of force against civilians and the release of those detained during peaceful protests.Most shops remained closed and public transport was also disrupted in Poonch on Wednesday as protesters blocked roads.
West Bengal Set to Introduce UCC on June 29, Following Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat
After Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is now set to be implemented in West Bengal as well. The West Bengal government is preparing to table the UCC Bill in the Legislative Assembly on June 29, 2026. Under this law, regulations concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption will be uniform for all citizens. Key aspects of the UCC in West Bengal include the process of establishing legal timelines. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the UCC Bill would be introduced during the Assembly’s current budget session. Notably, the West Bengal government will follow the roadmap adopted by Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat; a committee headed by a retired judge will be constituted for the UCC. It is worth noting that implementing the UCC in West Bengal was a key promise in the BJP’s election manifesto, in which the party pledged to enforce the UCC within six months of forming the state government. While this move is garnering support from Muslim women, it is also facing stiff opposition from the opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Congress. They argue that personal laws specific to certain religions are linked to cultural and religious identities, and that the UCC would effectively strip various religions of their distinct cultural identities.
George Kurian Resigns as Union Minister of State in Modi Government..
Union Minister George Kurian, who served as Union Minister of State in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, has resigned from his post. President Draupadi Murmu, on the Prime Minister’s advice, has accepted his resignation with immediate effect. A press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that, on the Prime Minister’s advice, the President of India has accepted George Kurian’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India with immediate effect. George Kurian also held the charge of Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. He was the only minister in the Modi government who belonged to the Christian community. His term in the Rajya Sabha ended on June 21. George Kurien was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh 65-year-old George Kurian has been associated with the BJP since the 1980s and is considered a senior leader within the party. After the BJP’s formation in 1980, he held several key positions within the organization, particularly working to expand the party in Kerala. After being active in the organization for a long time, he also assumed responsibilities at the national level. George Kurien was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh on August 27, 2024, and was included in the Union Council of Ministers in August 2024 during the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kurien was given the responsibility of Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries. He was born on September 20, 1960, in Kottayam district, Kerala. Apart from politics, he has also practiced as a lawyer in the Supreme Court. He received his early education from Kottayam district and became a Union Minister in the Modi government in June 2024.
‘Guru Dokhi’ Tag on Bhagwant Mann: Congress & BJP Demand Punjab CM’s Resignation
A political controversy has erupted following a decision by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a significant development concerning Punjab politics and the Sikh community, the Akal Takht issued a significant verdict regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. On Monday, June 15th, the Akal Takht declared Mann “Guru Dokhi” and “anti-Khalsa Panth,” sparking heated exchanges of words within political circles. Following the Akal Takht’s decision, opposition parties Congress and BJP have demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Punjab Pradesh Congress President Raja Wading has urged the Chief Minister to break his silence on these allegations and resign. According to a report by news agency PTI, the Akal Takht has taken this decision in connection with an alleged objectionable video regarding which the Chief Minister has been accused of lying. The Akal Takht is considered the highest religious body of the Sikhs. The Akal Takht has summoned all Sikh MLAs from Punjab, regardless of their political affiliation, and the Punjab Cabinet to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th. This summons has been issued in connection with the anti-sacrilege law enacted by the state government. Regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht stated that all Sikh MLAs and the Punjab Cabinet must appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th regarding the “Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.” Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh issued this order from the Akal Takht platform after a meeting of the “5 Singh Sahibans” in Amritsar. Bhagwant Mann is also accused of making objectionable comments about the “Gurudwara donation box” and insulting Sikh Gurus. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj claimed that a video circulating on social media showing a man resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been authenticated by two forensic labs. He stated that the video has not been tampered with or created using artificial intelligence (AI). He stated that in January, the Akal Takht Secretariat had written to the Chief Minister regarding an investigation into the video. At that time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself stated that he was ready for a forensic examination of the video. Giani Kuldeep Singh stated that Bhagwant Mann lied to the Akal Takht regarding the video. He added that the “five Sikh Sahibans” unanimously declared the Chief Minister to be “Guru Dokhi” and “anti-Khalsa Panth.”
Narendra Modi Creates Record, with Third Consecutive Term as Prime Minister…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again made history. He has become the first Prime Minister since independence to complete three consecutive terms. It is worth noting that he first took the oath of office on May 26, 2014, following the BJP’s electoral victory. He subsequently secured the premiership again in 2019 and 2024, making him the first leader since independence to serve three consecutive terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first leader to complete 12 years or 4,399 days as India’s Prime Minister. PM Modi claimed the top spot by surpassing the record held by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose tenure lasted 4,398 days. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi holds the third position with a tenure of 4,077 days, while Dr. Manmohan Singh ranks fourth with 3,656 days. On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing three terms, senior BJP leaders Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh described the milestone as a reflection of the public’s strengthened trust in Modi’s work regarding security, culture, and diplomacy. Responding to this, PM Modi remarked that good governance is measured by public service, which in turn reinforces trust. Meanwhile, global leaders from the US, Israel, the Maldives, Australia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Africa also extended their congratulations.
Major Expansion of West Bengal Cabinet: 35 BJP MLAs Sworn in as Ministers
The cabinet of the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal was expanded on Monday (June 1, 2026). During this ceremony, 35 BJP MLAs took the oath of office as ministers. Those who took the oath as Cabinet Ministers include Swapan Dasgupta, Dudh Kumar Mondal, Deepak Barman, Manoj Oraon, Gouri Shankar Ghosh, Arjun Singh, Tapas Roy, Saradwat Mukherjee, Jagannath Chatterjee, and Shankar Ghosh. All of them will now serve as senior ministers in the state government. Additionally, Rajesh Mahto, Indranil Khan, and Malti Rao Roy took the oath as Ministers of State (Independent Charge). They will be entrusted with the responsibilities of their respective departments. Several BJP MLAs—including Shantanu Pramanik, Purnima Chakraborty, Umesh Roy, Joel Murmu, Ashok Dinda, Anandamay Barman, Kaushik Chowdhury, Gargi Das Ghosh, Bhaskar Bhattacharya, Dibakar Gharami, and Sumana Sarkar—took the oath as Ministers of State. list of Ministers of State sworn-in today: list of MLAs who take oath today: Ministers of State (independent charge)