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Congress not even in race in UP: MoS Baghel

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The Congress is not even in race in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls and if they are projecting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a chief ministerial candidate, it can be just too bad for her political career, Union Minister of State of Law, S.P. Singh Baghel said on Thursday.

“Earlier, I used to fear, if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi, who visit only Amethi or Rai Bareli, ventured out across Uttar Pradesh, there could have been a wave of support. People may remember Youth Congress days, they equate Priyanka as looking like Indira Gandhi. But it has not worked at all. And if Priyanka is being projected as a Chief Ministerial candidate, this can be just too bad for her,” Baghel told IANS after casting vote in Agra (South) constituency for the phase I of the seven phase assembly polls to the UP assembly.

Baghel was replying to a question about Congress’ attack on Prime Minister giving a longish television interview hours before the phase I polls. “The road to Delhi goes from Uttar Pradesh. The Congress is not seen anywhere. If at all, only those who are not originally from Congress, will win; those leaders with ground support who did not get tickets from their parties SP, BJP or BSP. Those originally from Congress are not going to win; they are all in a pathetic situation.”

Asked if the BJP will garner full support or go in for a coalition in view of the rural distress, Baghel – who is fighting from the Karhal seat against Akhilesh Yadav – said, “When he came there for filing nomination, he had declared karyakartas will fight the election, I will come straight on March 10 (day of the result) when we will win by a margin of 1.5 lakh. I challenged him that he will be forced to come here again. And he did come on February 6. (SP family members) Ram Gopal ji is camping in the area, Dharmendra, Dimple, Akshay are all out there asking for votes. This is an indication of their response.”

He also tried to downplay allegations that he is going against Mulayam Singh Yadav, saying, “I quit police service 29 years ago, why are they (SP) still talking about my past connection with Mulayam as his security officer? I am in active politics in Agra for the last 25 years, have won three elections, been in Rajya Sabha, was a minister in Yogi government and had I not resigned and contested Agra Lok Sabha seat, you would have been interviewing me as a UP Cabinet Minister.”

To a question if West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s campaigning in Uttar Pradesh will damage BJP’s prospects, Baghel said, “Mamata Di neither has any admirer nor any voter in the entire Uttar Pradesh. Had she not resorted to fascist tactics, had she not captured booths, had she not repressed BJP workers, not gotten them killed, she would have lost Bengal too. The BJP got 70 seats is an indication that we have reached the semi-finals. Long time ago, Chanakya had said, if the king is very popular, then enemy of the enemy will find an opportunity as a friend. Same is being done by Akhilesh and Mamata Di.”

Baghel sounded confident that BJP will win over 300 seats with ease. “The 2014 Parliament election ended the SP-BSP alternate game that Uttar Pradesh had witnessed since 1989 and now it is the Modi-Yogi story.

National News

Pahalgam attack: India now suspends inbound mails and parcels from Pakistan

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New Delhi, May 3: The Centre on Saturday announced to suspend exchange of inbound mails and parcels from Pakistan via air and surface routes, after banning all imports and barring Pakistani-flagged vessels from entering the ports earlier in the day.

In a notification, the Ministry of Communications announced the suspension of mails and parcels from the neighbouring country, in the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

“The Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes,” read the notification.

India earlier banned all imports — direct and indirect — from Pakistan amid rising tensions.

According to a notification by the Commerce Ministry, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”

“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,” said the notification.

Later, New Delhi barred Pakistan-flagged ships from entering any of its ports.

According to a directive from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Pakistan-flagged ships have been banned from entering Indian ports. The directive also prohibited India-flagged vessels from docking at ports in Pakistan.

Citing national security concerns, the directive was implemented to “ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and related infrastructure, in public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping.” The directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

“The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” the order issued by the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve to act decisively against terrorism and those who support it.

Speaking during a joint press conference with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Prime Minister Modi stated, “We are firmly united in our stance against terrorism. I expressed my gratitude to President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their sympathies to those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.”

“We are committed to taking firm and decisive actions against terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for its support in our fight against terrorism,” the Prime Minister added.

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International News

India bans all imports from Pakistan amid rising tensions

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New Delhi, May 3: India has banned all imports – direct and indirect – from Pakistan amid rising tensions with the neighbouring country over the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack.

According to a notification by the Commerce Ministry, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”

“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,” said the notification.

A provision in this regard has been added in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 “to prohibit direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan,” it said in the notification dated May 2.

As per official data, India’s exports to Pakistan fell 56.91 per cent year-on-year between April 2024 and February 2025 to $491 million, while there were no imports. Top exports to Pakistan in FY25 included drug formulations, sugar, bulk drugs, residual chemicals and auto components.

The Attari-Wagah border, the sole trade route between India and Pakistan, had already been closed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

At least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide operator, were massacred by terrorists in the scenic Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The relations between the two nations soured as terror links to Pakistan emerged.

As per official data, India’s exports to Pakistan fell 56.91 per cent year-on-year between April 2024 and February 2025 to $491 million, while there were no imports.

Top exports to Pakistan in FY25 included drug formulations, sugar, bulk drugs, residual chemicals and auto components.

Meanwhile, the ongoing tension with India has shaken the confidence of investors in Pakistan badly, setting the country on course to record its worst performance in dollar bonds and stocks since 2023.

The investors have lost at least four per cent during April, while equities are down by three per cent. In comparison, India’s assets have largely been invulnerable.

Global powers, including the United States, have called on both parties to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.

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National News

Congress expressed grief over the stampede at Lerai Devi Jatra in Goa, expressed condolences to the victim families

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Panaji, May 3: A tragic accident took place during the Lerai Devi Jatra in Shirgaon, Goa. More than 5 people lost their lives in a sudden stampede during the religious event. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has expressed deep grief over the incident and expressed its condolences to the victim families.

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee issued an official statement expressing deep grief over the stampede incident. Amarnath Panjikar, Chairman, Media Cell, GPCC said, “The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place during the Shirgaon Yatra where a stampede resulted in the loss of innocent lives and injuries to many others. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this hour of grief. We also pray for the speedy and complete recovery of all those who have been injured. The GPCC stands in solidarity with the affected families and the entire community of Shirgaon.”

He further added, “We urge Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to ensure that all necessary medical and financial assistance is provided immediately to the families of the deceased and injured. We also request the State Government to extend full cooperation to the Devasthan Committee to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the remaining four days of the Lerai Yatra during which lakhs of devotees visit Shirgaon to receive the holy Kaul of the Goddess. It is imperative that adequate security, crowd management and emergency response measures are put in place to prevent any mishap during the ongoing celebrations. The GPCC reiterates its commitment to the well-being and safety of the people of Goa and extends full support to any initiative aimed at preserving the sanctity and cultural significance of the Lerai Jatra.” Goa AICC in-charge Manikrao Thackeray wrote on social media platform X, “I am saddened by the news of stampede during the religious pilgrimage of Shri Lerai Devi in ​​Goa. According to reports, at least 7 people have died and 30 others have been injured in this accident. Goa in-charge Manikrao Thackeray has immediately left for Goa from Delhi. He will meet the injured devotees at the Medical College and get complete information about the incident.” Goa Congress also expressed grief and wrote on ‘X’, “Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at the Jatrotsav of Shri Lerai Devi Shirgaon. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. Wishing speedy recovery to all the injured.” Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief and wrote, “The news of the death of many devotees and injuries in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lerai Devi temple in Shirgaon, Goa is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Also, I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”

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