New Delhi, Oct 8: NDA leaders on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Nana Patekar and said that the veteran actor was conscious about the welfare of society and it was one of his core values. They further added that the actor will be remembered fondly for his good works and also for his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “He was a very close personal friend, and our families have shared a relationship for many years. He did a lot of work for farmers, water conservation, and those affected by farmer suicides with great sensitivity. Social consciousness, social responsibility, and sensitivity towards society were special qualities of his personality. We will remember his work in Hindi and Marathi cinema for many years. He added that his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema will be remembered for a long time.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “He was a very prominent name in the world of cinema. Whether Marathi-speaking or Hindi-speaking, everyone watched and loved him. We mourn the demise of Nana Patekar ji and pray to God to grant him a place at His feet.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “This is very sad. When we all received the news of the incident, we were deeply shocked. Nana Patekar’s entire life was dedicated to the film industry, India and Indian culture. His acting left such a lasting impression that people from all sections of society accepted and appreciated him.”

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar expressed grief over the demise of the brilliant actor and said, “It is a sad incident…We pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. On my behalf, on behalf of my party and the people of the state, I pay tribute to him.”

Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Nana Patekar’s demise is a loss for the country and a major loss for the artistic community. He rose to prominence through the film and theatre world and was a very talented artist. No amount of praise can do justice to his art and acting. Through his characters, he highlighted the ills of society. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him and pray to God for the peace of his soul.”

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the demise of Nana Patekar was tragic. Calling him one of the greatest Bollywood celebrities, he paid his respects and tribute to him.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said, “He was an artist who overcame adverse conditions and left a mark on people through his acting skills. His characters made an impact.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Nana Patekar made a name with his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his Hindi film debut with ‘Gaman’ in 1978 and went on to become one of his generation’s most respected performers.

Nana’s breakthrough came with films such as ‘Salaam Bombay!’ and ‘Parinda’. He went on to deliver strong performances in films including ‘Angaar’, ‘Tirangaa’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’, ‘Yeshwant’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’, ‘Apaharan’ and ‘Raajneeti’.

New Delhi, Oct 7: At least one child was killed and seven people rescued after a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Seemapuri area on Wednesday, officials said.

Several others are still feared trapped in the debris as rescue operation is underway.

Speaking to media, Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajendra Prasad Meena said: “Seven persons have been rescued so far.”

Earlier, North East Delhi District Magistrate Ajay Kumar told reporters, “According to preliminary information, the building collapsed between 3 to 3:15 p.m. We received the call by 3:25 p.m., accompanied with location and video details.”

Mentioning that he also oversees the District Disaster Managament Authority (DDMA), Kumar said: “The officials and personnel of the DDMA and the NDRF were immediately informed about the incident and called at the site.”

He added that the SDM, police personnel and MCD officials also reached the spot at the earliest.

Ajay Kumar also said that since the building collapsed on the road, the people trapped include a few passersby and ragpickers.

“According to locals, four to five people might be trapped under a heavy slab, whose voices can be heard from outside,” he said while adding that rescue operation is underway.

A local Salim told media that children are also trapped inside the debris.

Fire Officer Manish Kumar, part of the team carrying out rescue operations, said that the Delhi Fire Service received the call of the incident at 3:30 p.m.

“Some sounds can be heard from under the slabs, so more casualties might be trapped inside. Efforts are underway to rescue those trapped,” he told media.

Speaking to media, a local said that two of his family members have been rescued.

“My daughter, son-in-law and two other children have been rescued and sent to the hospital. Six to seven more people might be trapped inside, rescue operation is underway to bring them out,” he added.

The tragedy in Seemapuri occurred a month after a five-storey building, housing a paying guest accommodation, collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, claiming seven lives, including five students.

Lucknow, Oct 7: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday took a jibe at the Samajwadi Party (SP), saying that the Rajya Sabha polls in the state have depicted that the results of the upcoming Assembly elections will come down to “80 per cent for the NDA and 20 per cent for the PDA”.

This comes a day after the Samajwadi Party chose to field two candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, paving the way for its two candidates and the BJP’s eight candidates to win unopposed.

Addressing a gathering in Lucknow, CM Adityanath said: “The Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh have depicted what the results of the Assembly polls are going to be. The fight has again come to 80-20.”

“80 per cent (of seats) to the NDA and 20 per cent to PDA,” the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister remarked.

“You are about to witness what is going to be the condition of the PDA,” he said, while taking a jibe at the Samajwadi Party’s acronym “PDA”.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav had coined the term ‘PDA’, which, according to the party, stands for ‘Pichhda’ (Backward classes), ‘Dalit’, and ‘Alpsankhyak’ (Minorities).

On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav, in a post on social media platform X, said: “Now our eyes are not on three, but on 403.”

His remark is being viewed in reference to the SP choosing not to field a third candidate for elections to the Upper House of the Parliament, despite intending to do so earlier.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the remarks while addressing the ‘Seva Jyoti Yatra – Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ at Patel Park in Lucknow’s Hazratganj.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service, describing it as a historic journey from a small village in Gujarat to the global stage, saying the milestone was a matter of pride for every Indian.

“Today is a day of pride for every Indian, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is completing 25 years of dedicated public service. On this occasion, on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and greetings to the Prime Minister. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of the state and every party (BJP) worker on this momentous occasion,” CM Adityanath said.

He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi had completed 25 years of continuous service, first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as the Prime Minister of India.