Sambhal (UP): A day after the Shahi Jama Masjid management sought the ASI’s permission to redecorate the mosque ahead of Ramzan, the Sambhal administration on Monday said no work should be done without the agency’s approval.

Shahi Jama Masjid management committee president Zafar Ali told reporters on Sunday that it had written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), seeking permission to clean, paint and decorate the mosque ahead of Ramzan.

Asked about the management committee’s letter to the ASI, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya told reporters that the matter was pending in court and the property belonged to the ASI.

Statement Of Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya

“The ASI has to take a decision. We have said that until the ASI grants permission, no one has the right to tamper with it (mosque) in any way,” he said.

“I don’t think there is any need for painting this type of a disputed structure. Still, the ASI should take a decision. There is nothing from our side,” he added.

In its letter, the management committee emphasised that the mosque had undergone cleaning and decoration ahead of Ramzan for centuries without any objections from the ASI. However, as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and harmony, the committee decided to seek permission this time.

Ali had said that the management committee were seeking formal approval to continue the longstanding tradition.

He had also expressed hope that the ASI would grant permission.

The Mughal-era mosque burst into the limelight after violence erupted during a survey as protesters clashed with security personnel, leading to multiple casualties.

The survey of the mosque was ordered by a local court after a petition was filed that claimed a Harihar temple had stood at the site.

New Delhi, Feb 24: In a bold move to combat India’s rising obesity crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed 10 prominent figures from various fields to lead a nationwide campaign against weight issues, following his call for action in the monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ The move has received widespread acclaim from politicians across the spectrum.

Addressing the media, BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasising the significance of personal responsibility in combating obesity.

“At the right time, Prime Minister Modi raises such important societal issues. By appointing new people from the community as brand ambassadors, he has expressed his concern over the growing obesity rates. It’s not just about diet and exercise; it’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle to reduce the strain on our health system,” said Thakur.

He stressed the direct link between reducing obesity and boosting productivity, not only for individuals but also for the nation.

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, reflecting on a recent interaction with PM Modi, highlighted his focus on personal health.

“A strong country is one that focusses on the health of its people. Modi ji’s efforts to promote regular checkups, exercise, and yoga show his commitment to a healthy India. Obesity, much like any other disease, should be fought with the same seriousness,” she remarked, lauding the inclusion of multiple influential figures in the initiative.

Mahesh Tapse, NCP’s chief spokesperson, also pointed out India’s alarming rise in obesity rates.

“India has surpassed the US as the obesity capital of the world due to changing lifestyles. PM Modi’s campaign is a step in the right direction, especially since he has involved Opposition leaders as well. A fit population is essential for a productive nation,” Tapse stated, adding that the Prime Minister should also consider addressing the overall fitness of the nation.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, responded to the PM’s call with enthusiasm, expressing his readiness to support the initiative.

Omar Abdullah even nominated 10 more influential figures to carry the message forward.

The campaign, which was initially launched with PM Modi’s call to reduce oil consumption by 10 per cent, has now become a community-wide effort, with leaders from all walks of life taking up the cause.

CM Omar Abdullah further nominated 10 names in which there is a rhythmic gymnast Palak Kour Bijral.

Palak Kour Bijral expressed her excitement over being tagged by CM Omar Abdullah in PM Modi’s obesity awareness campaign.

“It’s an honour for me that the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah sir, has included me among the ten people he has nominated as part of PM Modi’s obesity awareness campaign. This is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about how we can tackle obesity and live healthier lives,” she said.

Palak plans to take the initiative forward by nominating ten more individuals to spread the message further.

“The key to fighting obesity is awareness—understanding how to combat it, how to live a healthier life, and what the road map looks like,” she added.

For Palak, the first step in this journey is physical activity.

“Obesity occurs when we overeat, and the best way to handle it is through fitness. I urge everyone to engage in some form of physical activity—start with walking if you haven’t been active, or challenge yourself to go to the gym. Activities like gymnastics, which I practice, are fantastic for overall body development,” she added.

Palak also emphasised the importance of nutrition.

“Eat clean food, avoid junk and fried foods. These are the two key aspects—physical activity and healthy eating—that can help you fight obesity,” she said.

Reflecting on her own journey, Palak shared how she went from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi and received recognition from the President of India.

“I am extremely grateful for the support I’ve received from Omar Abdullah and for the opportunity to be part of this campaign. Now, I want to take this forward by raising awareness through social media and by inspiring the children I coach in my academy,” she added.

Palak is committed to using her platform to spread the message about combating obesity, sharing tips on fitness and nutrition, and empowering others to live healthier, happier lives.

New Delhi, Feb 24: Vijender Gupta, BJP legislator from Rohini, was elected the Speaker of Delhi Assembly on Monday after his name was proposed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Soon after his election, the proceedings of the House were adjourned due to disruptions by the Opposition legislators of the AAP.

During the House proceedings, conducted by pro-tem Speaker Arvinder Singh Lovely, Gupta was elected as the new Speaker with unanimity.

Soon after assuming the new role, Speaker Gupta faced the challenge of slogan shouting by the AAP legislators during the discussion on vote of thanks for the election of new the Speaker.

In his opening remark, he condemned the Leader of Opposition Atishi for trying to raise an issue without permission and disturb the proceedings.

“I want to warn the Opposition that they should not try to spread anarchy. They should let the proceedings to continue smoothly,” he said, expressing his displeasure over the behaviour of AAP legislators.

Earlier, while greeting Speaker Gupta on his election Atishi said photos of B.R. Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh had allegedly been removed from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Her remarks, without the permission of the Chair, triggered noisy protests from the Treasury Benches with the Speaker censuring the LoP for speaking out of turn and context. When the AAP legislators continued to disrupt the proceedings, the Speaker adjourned the House proceedings.

Earlier, CM Gupta along with her Council of Ministers took oath as members of the Legislative Assembly. The first session of the House commenced on Monday morning and saw all newly-elected legislators taking oath.

There are 48 BJP legislators and 22 AAP legislators in the 70-member Assembly.

Along with Delhi CM, the BJP ministers namely Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Kapil Mishra, Ravinder Singh Indraj, Pankaj Kumar Singh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa also took the oath.

AAP’s MLAs, including Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Atishi, also took oath during the first session of the House.

With her appointment, Rekha Gupta has become the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sheila Dikshit, Sushma Swaraj, and Atishi.

She is also the fourth BJP leader to hold the top post in the national Capital, succeeding Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj.

The first session of the Delhi Assembly is set to last for three days.

The proceedings began with BJP MLA Lovely taking oath as the pro-tem Speaker, a temporary position responsible for conducting House proceedings until a full-time Speaker is elected. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena administered the oath to Lovely at Raj Niwas.