‘Always been more than one tendency in party’: Shashi Tharoor shares post comparing his ideas with Rahul Gandhi; calls it a ‘thoughtful analysis’
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday reposted a thread which contrasted his ideological tendencies with that of Rahul Gandhi’s. The thread called the leader of opposition’s rural policies “devastating”, while that of Tharoor’s more aligned with the “background, political language, and audience.” Tharoor called the analysis “fair, and reflective of a certain perception of the current reality.” The post also called the Congress party “Rahul Gandhi represents a different strategic turn: Congress’s post-2010 attempt to reposition itself as a rural, grievance-driven mass party to counter BJP dominance. This was a reactive, yet devastating shift that can be shown through the electoral results themselves,” the thread posted by X account Civitas Sameer read. — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) “The most ironic part of it all is that the individual leading this rural turn is among the most elite and insulated figures in Indian politics. Born into a dynastic family, symbolic rural politics without lived or organisational depth lacks any credibility,” it continued. The post then went on to contrast Rahul with Tharoor saying: “Tharoor, by contrast, shows alignment between background, political language, and audience. His increasing focus on SM platforms (particularly Instagram) and digital media reflects awareness of political fit, not ideological drift.” “Tharoor has not engaged in a ‘rightward shift’ as many on the Congress party side make it out to be. He was a proud Hindu from day one for his own reasons (whatever it may be) and even wrote a whole book about it called ‘Why I am a Hindu’,” it further said. Though the post noted that Tharoor was being sidelined within the party, it clarified that it wasn’t “an endorsement of Tharoor’s worldview.” “Many on the Right are merely noticing it now because of the reactive ostracisation efforts of the mainstream INC. Like the urban technocratic leaders of the past, he is being sidelined by this new INC. However, this is not an endorsement of Tharoor’s worldview. It is an observation that he understands limits, while INC as a party does not. INC today is neither a credible urban reformist party nor a serious rural mass party. It has abandoned one without successfully transforming,” it said. “Thank you this thoughtful analysis. There has always been more than one tendency in the party; your framing is fair, and reflective of a certain perception of the current reality,” he said. The post also called the Grand Old Party “neither a credible urban reformist party nor a serious rural mass party.” “However, this is not an endorsement of Tharoor’s worldview. It is an observation that he understands limits, while INC as a party does not. INC today is neither a credible urban reformist party nor a serious rural mass party. It has abandoned one without successfully transforming,” the post said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Vote chori is Congress issue’: Abdullah’s distances INDIA bloc from Rahul’s choir against EC
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday distanced himself from the “vote chori” issue raised by the Congress, asserting that the “INDIA bloc has got nothing to do with it”. His remarks came a day after senior Congress leaders attacked the BJP and election commissioners at a ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ rally in the national capital, alleging that “vote chori” was in the ruling party’s DNA and accusing its leaders of being “gaddar” conspiring to take away people’s voting rights. Abdullah’s National Conference is a constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc, in which the Congress is the largest party by the number of opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha. Responding to questions on the Congress campaign and allegations of electoral irregularities, Abdullah said, “The INDIA bloc has got nothing to do with it. Every political party is at liberty to set its own agenda. The Congress has made ‘vote chori’ and SIR as its main issues. Who are we to tell them otherwise?” The Congress has claimed it has collected around six crore signatures against alleged “vote theft” and plans to submit them to the President of India. Earlier, when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was ongoing during the Bihar elections, Abdullah had claimed that the people of Bihar are “dissatisfied” with the Election Commission over allegations of ‘vote theft.’ Abdullah said the Election Commission must stay true to its ideals of independence and fairness. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Omar Abdullah said, “There are concerns regarding the special dispensation that was created for Bihar, and how useful it will be for the ruling alliance will be shown when the results come out… It has left the people of Bihar very dissatisfied with the conduct of the Election Commission… We have always taken pride in the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission. I think the Election Commission must hold true to those ideals…” Later, when the Bihar poll results were declared, in which the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan was routed, Abdullah said the Bihar assembly poll outcome was more surprising for him than his party’s loss in the Budgam bypoll. Nitish Kumar, he said, turned anti-incumbency into pro-incumbency. “It is good for other states to see what Nitish Kumar ji did for voters. He set caste politics aside and focused on women, introducing schemes that helped him politically also… while Congress, emboldened by its ‘vote chori’ campaign, made seat-sharing among INDIA bloc partners more difficult,” said the National Conference chairman. Abdullah also stressed that political interference in institutions should not be tolerated. Political interference in institutions should not be tolerated and needs to be dealt with seriously, he told reporters at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in response to reports about the interference in the working and staff engagement in a power project allegedly by a BJP MLA. “Political meddling in the functioning of corporations and departments is unfortunate and worrisome. Political interference should not happen. Such matters must be viewed with seriousness. Earlier, these institutions were accountable to an elected government, but now decisions are being taken without that system in place,” Omar Abdullah alleged. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Everything fine’: Shashi Tharoor on absence from Congress’ Delhi rally; was abroad for ‘prior commitment’
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday said he was absent from the party’s “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” rally as he was abroad due to a “prior commitment.” The former diplomat, who has recently made headlines for skipping Congress meetings and for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, added that there are “no issues” from his side. “I was abroad yesterday. It was a commitment I had made six months ago. From my side, everything is fine,” he told news agency ANI. Earlier, Tharoor had also skipped a meeting of Congress Lok Sabha MPs chaired by Lok Sabha leader of opposition and former party chief Rahul Gandhi. According to party sources, the Thiruvananthapuram MP had informed in advance about his unavailability. Another senior leader, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari, was also absent from the meeting. As per posts on Tharoor’s X timeline, he was at an event in Kolkata on Sunday night. On Sunday, the Congress held its “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod” rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, heightening its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities. The grand old party intensified its campaign over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Tharoor, who joined the Congress in 2009, has in recent months taken positions that differ from the party’s official line on several issues.For instance, he was recently chosen by the Centre to lead one of the all-party delegations that visited several countries following Operation Sindoor in May, despite not being nominated by the Congress. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP Dalit assault case: BJP worker accused released on bail, grand welcome by supporters; leaders claim case falsely filed
BALLIA: Munna Bahadur Singh, a local BJP worker, was given a grand reception following his release on bail from Mau district jail in a case related to the alleged assault of a Dalit power department official. A video of the welcome has been widely shared on social media. The footage shows Singh being greeted by numerous supporters as his convoy returned to Ballia after his release on Friday, granted by the Allahabad High Court. Singh was arrested for allegedly attacking Lal Ji Singh, the Superintending Engineer of the state power corporation, with shoes inside his office at the district headquarters on 23 August. Following the incident, police filed a case and Singh was sent to jail. Even prior to his release, several BJP leaders expressed support for him publicly. Former BJP MLA Ram Iqbal Singh wrote on Facebook that Munna Bahadur Singh had gone to the power department to raise concerns about electricity supply affecting several villages and was “falsely implicated” in the case. He also welcomed the High Court’s decision to grant bail. Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh’s younger brother, Dharmendra Singh, also shared on Facebook that he was present when Munna Bahadur Singh was released. He added that BJP workers “warmly welcomed Singh from Mau to Ballia and extended best wishes for his future.” Speaking to reporters, Munna Bahadur Singh said the reception reflected “the affection and support of party workers.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
For Punjab Assembly election, BJP turns to Dalit-dera strategy
Having already made inroads into the urban Sikh electorate of Punjab, the BJP seems to have begun an exercise to woo the Dalit votebank ahead of the next Assembly elections in the state. In a carefully choreographed move, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, along with Dalit leaders including former Union Minister of State Vijay Sampla and former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Avinash Chander, facilitated a meeting between Dera Sachkhand Ballan chief Sant Niranjan Dass and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last week. The timing was deliberate: Ahead of the 649th Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Dera Ballan holds deep religious and emotional significance for the Ravidassia community in Punjab. Recognising the power of digital outreach, BJP leaders promptly released photographs of the meeting across social media platforms, sending a clear political signal to 32 per cent Dalit voters across the state. “We had gone to invite the PM for the start of the year-long celebrations to mark the 650th jayanti of the Guru from his birthplace Banaras (Varanasi) in the coming February. Since the PM is Varanasi MP, the dera chief wanted to seek his approval for the allotment of additional 15-20 acres for setting up a satsang bhawan. The talks went on very smoothly,” said Avinash Chander. The BJP has reportedly identified nearly 250 small and large deras across Punjab that hold varying degrees of influence over local constituencies — a sign of a more structured, long-term approach. “Our party has not been able to garner support from the Jatt community in the state, who are majorly landowners and have agriculture as their major source of income. The party is looking to be cordial with all other communities, including Ravidassias, Valmikis and OBCs, in line with its strategy in Haryana,” said a senior BJP leader from the state. The BJP move has clearly unsettled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In 2023, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan and handed over a cheque of Rs 25 crore for establishing a Sri Guru Ravidas Research Centre. However, land for the project is yet to be allotted. Last month, Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Jasvir Garhi summoned the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner to seek clarity on the status of the project. The administration is now reportedly looking for suitable land in the vicinity. Interestingly, the research centre was originally announced by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Punjab’s first Dalit CM and now Congress MP from Jalandhar. Channi had announced and sanctioned the same amount ahead of the 2022 Assembly poll. He is known for his close association with the dera, including frequent visits, partaking in langar, and even sleeping on the floor of the premises during his tenure. Like the BJP, SAD and the Congress, AAP has also been trying to appease various deras. AAP gave MP’s seat to Balbir Singh Seechewal, running a dera in Sultanpur Lodhi. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with functionaries of Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan, Nurmahal, in Delhi this week. Last month, the state government had got handed over the custody of Akal Bunga gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi to a Nihang faction led by Baba Balbir Singh. Both AAP and BJP had last month organised parallel events to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur. Article_Author Deepkamal Kaur Courtesy: The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Adivasis, Dalits will lose Aadhaar, ration cards next
Hyderabad: ChiefMinister A Revanth Reddy, while slamming the Narendra Modi regime for removing the names of certain sections from the voters’ lists in the guise of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and indulging in ‘vote chori’, has warned that Adivasis, Dalits and minorities will lose their Aadhaar cards, ration cards, lands and their properties in the next stage. He was addressing a mammoth ‘Vote Chor – Gaddi Chhod’ rally in New Delhi on Sunday. The Chief Minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its second chief Golwalkar, and their associates had obstructed granting voting rights to Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and the poor. It was Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar who fought for granting voting rights to the poor and thereby provided them an opportunity to form governments in the country. The Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had strategised to win 400 MP seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the aim of implementing the RSS’ ideology. As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had cautioned people that the BJP will change the Constitution and abolish reservations should it win 400 MP seats and exposed the saffron party’s conspiracies, people gave a mandate limiting BJP to 240 seats and therefore the Constitution was protected. “Now, to implement the RSS ideology by deceit, the BJP government has resorted to the removal of voting rights of particular communities,” the Chief Minister charged. Like Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar, presently Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge were fighting against Modi and Amit Shah to safeguard the rights of the deprived communities, Revanth Reddy said. “Today, we are standing in Ramlila Maidan against the ideology of RSS and Golwalkar. It is not a Congress problem, but a grave national problem”, he observed. Appealing to people to support Rahul Gandhi in the fight against the Centre on ‘vote chori’, the Chief Minister said that tribals will lose everything if their voting rights are taken away. The Chief Minister asserted that Rahul Gandhi was continuing the fight “like a soldier” against the Modi government; and hence, everyone should rally behind the Congress for a great cause. By K Venkateshwarlu Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Telugu Dalit IPS officer’s suicide: Haryana govt relieves DGP
Kumar (52), a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. Chandigarh: Two months after being sent on leave amid a controversy over IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s alleged suicide, the Haryana government has relieved IPS Shatrujeet Kapur from the charge of Director General of Police. O P Singh, who was given the additional charge as state police chief during Kapur’s absence, has been appointed as officiating DGP till further orders. The Haryana government is likely to send a panel of senior IPS officers’ names to the Union Public Service Commission to appoint a new state police chief, as Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, is due to retire on December 31. Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer, will continue to hold the charge of chairman of Haryana Police Housing Corporation, Panchkula, according to an official order. An engineering graduate, Kapur was appointed the state police chief in August 2023. On October 14, Kapur went on leave amid mounting criticism from opposition parties over IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s alleged suicide. Singh was then given the additional charge of DGP. Kumar (52), a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. In an eight-page ‘final note’ purportedly left behind, Kumar accused multiple senior officers, including Shatrujeet Kapur, of “blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities”. Amid pressure from the political parties, the Haryana government first shunted out Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya and later sent Shatrujeet Kapur on leave. Kumar’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, gave consent for post-mortem a week after the alleged suicide after receiving assurance from Chandigarh Police that a fair probe would be conducted and a commitment from the Haryana government that action would be taken against any “erring” officials. Posted by Mohammed Baleegh Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
From Jennifer Lopez to Elon Musk: Celebrities who have transgender or nonbinary children
Public conversations about gender identity have once again moved to centre stage after a recent online clash between Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The dispute erupted when Newsom’s press team referred to Musk’s transgender child as a daughter, prompting Musk to respond publicly that he has a son named Xavier and accusing political leaders of exploiting deeply personal family matters. The exchange highlighted how intensely politicised such issues have become. But Musk is far from alone. From Hollywood to professional sports, many celebrities have spoken in very different ways about having transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse children. Some have embraced advocacy, others have prioritised privacy, and some have faced criticism or controversy, underscoring how varied parental responses can be even at the highest levels of fame. Celebrities who have transgender or nonbinary children Elon Musk Elon Musk has one of the most publicly contentious cases. His child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, legally changed her name and gender in 2022 and distanced herself from him. Musk has since described her transition as being influenced by what he calls a “woke mind virus”, a phrase that has drawn widespread criticism. Vivian has publicly rejected his characterisation. Unlike most other celebrities on this list, Musk has framed the situation in political and ideological terms, making it part of a broader cultural debate rather than a private family matter. Vivian Jenna Wilson Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez has spoken publicly about her child Emme, who has described themselves as nonbinary. Lopez has used inclusive language in interviews and public appearances, emphasising love, pride and respect rather than labels. She has also been careful not to overexpose her child, keeping discussions focused on acceptance rather than advocacy or controversy. Jennifer Lopez Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Former NBA star Dwyane Wade, along with his wife Gabrielle Union, has been one of the most vocal supporters of a transgender child in public life. Their daughter Zaya Wade came out as transgender several years ago. Wade has spoken openly about educating himself, listening to his child and prioritising her safety and wellbeing, particularly amid political debates around transgender youth in the US. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Cher Music icon Cher has long been associated with LGBTQ+ visibility through her son Chaz Bono, one of the earliest and most widely known transgender public figures. Chaz transitioned publicly in the late 2000s, and Cher has spoken candidly about her own learning process, describing how parental understanding can evolve over time. Cher Angelina Jolie Angelina Jolie’s child Shiloh has often been discussed in media for gender-nonconforming expression. Jolie has consistently avoided attaching labels, instead emphasising her children’s right to self-expression and privacy. She has criticised intrusive media coverage and has framed parenting as supporting individuality rather than defining identity publicly. Angelina Jolie with kids Jamie Lee Curtis Actor Jamie Lee Curtis has publicly supported her daughter Ruby, who is transgender. Curtis has spoken about learning alongside her child and has become an advocate for acceptance, often discussing how language and empathy matter when families navigate gender identity. Jamie Lee Curtis Megan Fox Megan Fox has spoken about raising her children in an environment free from rigid gender expectations. One of her children, Noah, has expressed gender-nonconforming behaviour. Fox has been clear that she does not want speculation or labelling imposed on her child, repeatedly calling for respect and restraint from media and the public. Charlize Theron Charlize Theron has shared that her daughter Jackson is transgender. She has said she realised this after listening to her child and has stressed the importance of believing children when they express who they are. Theron has also spoken about the broader need to protect transgender children from stigma. Cynthia Nixon Actor and activist Cynthia Nixon has a son, Seph, who is transgender. Nixon has spoken publicly in support of her child while also engaging in wider political advocacy around transgender rights, particularly in healthcare and education. Cynthia Nixon Robert De Niro Veteran actor Robert De Niro has spoken about his daughter Airyn, who is transgender. De Niro’s public comments have focused on unconditional parental love, avoiding political framing and emphasising acceptance over commentary. What unites these celebrities is not a single narrative, but contrast. Some parents have embraced public advocacy, others have prioritised privacy, and one has openly clashed with his child in the public sphere. Gender identity, as experts consistently note, is personal and complex, and these high-profile families illustrate how differently parents respond when those conversations unfold under public scrutiny. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress MLAs worried tussle could hurt prospects in next election
Belagavi: The ongoing tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar over the chief minister’s post has caused unease among a large section of ruling Congress MLAs, who say that besides hindering governance, it could have an adverse impact on their electoral prospects in the next assembly elections. Competing claims by Shivakumar’s and Siddaramaiah’s supporters have led to the emergence of at least three factions, with a group of Dalit ministers also coming together to demand the top post for one from their community. The widening rift was evident on the sidelines of the ‘Vote Chori’ rally in New Delhi Sunday, where Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held separate breakfast meetings with their respective supporters. The chief minister was notably absent from the luncheon hosted by Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and did not speak at the rally either. Against this backdrop, legislators who have maintained a neutral stand have cautioned the party’s high command against further delay in resolving the issue. The matter was raised during the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Belagavi last week, where MLAs urged brass to settle the issue quickly. Several legislators warned that an over-reliance on the govt’s guarantee schemes, without clarity on the tussle, could prove detrimental to the party. “As the governing party, we will face anti-incumbency,” said KY Nanje Gowda, Malur MLA, who raised concerns over the guarantees and political challenges during the CLP meeting. “The worry is that it would get stronger if the prevailing political situation in the party continues.” Gowda said MLAs were finding it increasingly difficult to face voters and respond to questions about stalled development works. While Siddaramaiah is said to have assured legislators of releasing pending development funds, several MLAs privately admitted that assurances and the release of limited funds would not be sufficient unless uncertainty over the CM post is addressed. While the anti-incumbency factor is normally assessed towards the end of a five-year term, Congress appears to be confronting this challenge much earlier. Sources say some MLAs are even exploring alternative political strategies, including distancing themselves from the party. This comes at a time when principal opposition BJP is seeking to strengthen NDA along with its ally JD(S), and is reportedly looking to poach Congress MLAs with strong electoral prospects. “It is not that the opposition is pointing fingers at the govt’s overall failure,” said BJP state president BY Vijayendra. “It is evident that many Congress MLAs are unhappy with the present dispensation and people are eager to vote out the Siddramaiah-led govt.” Several senior Congress members have echoed the concerns raised by the neutral camp. “It is quite natural that MLAs are concerned about their future,” said RV Deshpande, former minister and Haliyal MLA. “It is not advisable to allow the situation to grow worse, and the high command should step in at the earliest.” However, a resolution to the crisis appears distant, with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge emerging as a potential contender amid the SC-ST camp’s push for a Dalit chief minister. Alarmed by these developments, legislators from the neutral camp are planning to travel to New Delhi after the ongoing Belagavi session to meet the party high command and press for an early resolution. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Reasons for Messi mess in Kolkata: Neta clans’ selfie rush, VIP culture, outsider entry; damage worth Rs 2.5 crore
KOLKATA: Almost everything that could have possibly gone wrong at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday went wrong, as revealed by a post-mortem by TOI 24 hours after the massive Messi mess. Those who had a ringside view of how the mayhem unfolded were near-unanimous about the origin of the trouble. Someone from the crowd of hangers-on of the politicians and the organisers, who were near Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi, was pestering him for an autograph on a T-shirt when the pen scratched his body. That immediately alerted Messi’s security phalanx, who “suggested” that security was not up to the mark and things could get dangerous for him. It was after this incident that Messi told event organiser Satadru Dutta, now in police custody, that he wanted to leave the stadium. The 60,000-odd spectators, who were in the dark about what was going on, vented their ire on the stadium and its furniture after waiting in vain for their idol to come out again. ‘Paid Rs 15k for a ticket, for nothing’ Officials dealing with the aftermath of the vandalism and violence, which left several cops injured, were again near-unanimous that liberal distribution of ‘VIP passes’ to netas and organisers and their extended clans triggered a chain of events leading to the disaster. A ‘VIP pass’ holder was seen clutching at Messi’s hand for a selfie when the football star wanted to wave at his fans. Things then worsened superfast, with people who did not have tickets rushing into the stadium after the trouble started. Chaos, however, had begun much earlier. When the white Audi carrying Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul entered the stadium at 11.30 am, it was immediately surrounded by VIPs, politicians, police officers and those accompanying them. Messi, Suarez and De Paul struggled to step out of the car as the cordon collapsed under the weight of people desperate for a picture, a selfie or an autograph. For a short while, Messi appeared cheerful, walking alongside his teammates to the centre circle, where former India internationals lined up to greet him. Former striker Dipendu Biswas said he touched Messi’s left foot and got a jersey signed by him. Mehtab Hossain, too, got a shirt signed by Messi for his son. Trouble began when politicians and some cops tried to push closer for selfies with Messi. “Some selfie-seekers began pushing and shoving him in a shocking manner,” one witness said. Messi appeared uncomfortable but tried to remain composed. “He is used to extreme adulation, but this was different. The nudging simply would not stop,” a witness said. Dutta, the organiser of the event, repeatedly appealed for order, but his requests were ignored. Cops around the footballers, instead of shielding them from the disorderly crowd, were busy taking selfies with Messi. Many were seen pushing Suarez and De Paul aside to get closer to Messi. When Messi was moving towards the ‘VIP gallery’, a woman rushed in for a photograph, triggering a crush. “I heard his manager say ‘vida’ (Spanish word for life) to Messi,” a witness said. “That’s when I realised Messi’s team sensed a serious threat to his safety and wanted to leave.” Moments later, chaos erupted: seats were ripped off, iron fencing collapsed, and thousands surged onto the pitch. A canopy and sofas for VIPs were set on fire. The administration has so far assessed damage worth Rs 2.5 crore. Officials said the figure would rise as assessment was still on. Bidhannagar commissioner Mukesh said summons have been issued to several people involved in organising the event. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights