New Delhi, Oct 21: Congress leader Udit Raj on Tuesday criticised the Ayodhya Deepotsav celebrations, claiming that those who light diyas are the same people who create a Hindu-Muslim divide and are responsible for the oppression of Dalits.

The sacred city of Ayodhya marked this Diwali with a record-breaking Deepotsav celebration that lit up the ghats of the Saryu River and reignited political tempers across the spectrum.

The city entered the Guinness World Records after 26.17 lakh earthen lamps illuminated the riverbanks, while 2,128 devotees performed a synchronised aarti, creating a grand spectacle of spiritual fervour and visual splendour.

A Guinness World Records certificate was formally conferred, underscoring Ayodhya’s growing prominence on the global spiritual map.

Reacting to the event, Udit Raj told IANS, “Those who light diyas are responsible for the Hindu-Muslim divide in the society. They are responsible for Dalit oppression. They only talk about hatred. No matter how many diyas they light, it does not matter. There are several other records in India, like crime against Dalits, poverty, and unemployment. These should also be focused on.”

He also raised concerns over pollution levels in Delhi following Diwali celebrations, for which the Supreme Court had permitted the use of green firecrackers this year.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘very poor’ category, reaching 400 on Tuesday morning, a day after Diwali festivities, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While the overall AQI stood at 347, several areas recorded levels in the ‘severe’ category.

“The government is responsible — why did pollution suddenly rise during Diwali? They tried to say that stubble burning caused this, but fireworks went off all night. If anyone questions this, they are labelled anti-Hindu. In other words, if we talk about saving lives or the climate, we are considered against tradition. Now, who will speak up?” Raj asked.

“Another thing is that literate and wealthy people spend so much on crackers. Would we consider this an educated population? The civil society also has its responsibility. What can be more important than health?” he further questioned.

Chandigarh, Oct 21: Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) O.P. Singh, along with other senior officers, on Tuesday paid homage to the supreme sacrifices of 191 martyrs by laying a wreath at the Police Martyrs Memorial in Police Lines in Panchkula to mark the Police Commemoration Day.

Extending condolences, Haryana DGP Singh said that whenever “a police personnel lays down his life, the family faces a mountain of hardships. In a single moment, their life’s direction changes — emotional and financial challenges emerge simultaneously.

In such difficult times, it becomes our foremost duty to stand firmly with the bereaved family. In this spirit, Haryana Police has made provisions to provide government jobs and financial assistance up to Rs 1 crore to dependents of the martyrs so that their livelihood continues with dignity and no child is deprived of education or a better future.”

DGP Singh said “martyrdom is regarded as the highest form of sacrifice”.

He emphasised that through imagination and sensitivity, “we must build a civilisation where the lion and the goat can drink water at the same stream, symbolising a balance between strength and peace”.

He said while “it is natural for a lion to take pride in its strength, a goat should not lament its helplessness. There are some criminal elements in society whose tendencies resemble wolves and foxes, driven by violence and selfish motives. Such people must be dealt with firmly and decisively”.

The DGP said those who “consider violence a means of progress are enemies of civilisation. Our fight with them is not ideological but legal. We are people who walk the path of law, and our policy is crystal clear – tit for tat.”

“If a criminal fires one bullet, the police will not retreat; we will ensure justice and security through all possible action.”

He added the police deeply respect those warriors who stand their ground in the battlefield and sacrifice their lives rather than turning their backs.

“These true sons of the soil keep the system alive through their valour and sacrifice.”

In conclusion, DGP Singh said Haryana Police deeply understands the pain of the families of its martyred colleagues.

“We bow to those brave mothers who gave birth to such valiant sons who laid down their lives for the nation,” he said.

“Together, we will make Haryana stronger, safer, and more sensitive, so that the sacrifices of our martyrs continue to inspire generations.”

On October 21, 1959, ten brave personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force were ambushed and martyred by Chinese soldiers while patrolling the Indo-Tibetan border in the Ladakh region. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day in their memory.

Patna, Oct 21: As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gears up to begin his Assembly election campaign on Tuesday, leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have expressed confidence that the alliance will once again form the government in the state, while also criticising the Mahagathbandhan for its internal discord.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to address two major election rallies in Muzaffarpur on the same day, beginning his campaign from the Minapur Assembly constituency. The first rally will be held at the playground of Minapur High School, where he will address the public and highlight the achievements of his government.

Speaking to media, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is the unanimous leader of the NDA and under whose leadership the elections are being held, has continuously inspected various development projects throughout 2025, monitored their progress, and laid foundations for new works. Now, he will appeal directly to the people in open grounds, showcasing how we have brought development to every section of society.”

Taking a swipe at the Mahagathbandhan, he said, “Their leaders are stuck in internal conflicts. Instead of leading, they are entangled in family matters. Some are roaming around taking their grandmother’s name, while others bring along their father and mother. This is not politics; it has become their family affair.”

BJP State President Dilip Kumar Jaiswal also expressed confidence in the NDA’s prospects. Speaking to media, he said, “The first phase of the election campaign begins today, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is inaugurating it. Following this, on October 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to the late Karpoori Thakur, honouring him as a people’s leader, which will mark the formal beginning of the NDA’s campaign. While Tejashwi and Rahul Gandhi are busy claiming the title of ‘Janayak’, the public has understood that the return of ‘jungle raj’ must be stopped. The NDA will form the government once again.”

Referring to RJD’s ticket distribution, Jaiswal added, “Our Home Minister Amit Shah rightly said in Saran that the RJD began distributing tickets from Shahabuddin’s family. That itself shows where their focus lies. Their arbitrary ticket distribution proves that the RJD wants to bring back ‘jungle raj’, but the people of Bihar have seen through them. The NDA will form the government with a decisive majority.”

Commenting on the elections, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who is currently in Bihar, also expressed confidence of winning the polls.

Speaking to media, he said, “The Prime Minister is our supreme leader, the leader of the NDA, and wherever elections take place, his programs are underway. Bihar is eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Preparations are in full swing, and the NDA is moving steadily toward victory.”