Manickam Tagore counters Amit Shah’s “vote chori” claim, says Gandhi chose Nehru in 1946

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday hit back at Union home minister Amit Shah’s remark that Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first prime minister through ‘vote-chori.’ Tagore listed five points to argue that Nehru assumed the post fairly and legitimately.“What really happened in 1946 — Patel, Nehru & the ‘vote chori’ myth. Shah claims that in 1946 “PCCs chose Patel, Nehru got two votes, and someone stole the election. Here’s the historical truth based on INC records, letters & historians — not WhatsApp University,” he posted on X.

According to the Congress MP, the first ‘fact’ is that in 1946 the Congress was electing its national president, and whoever was chosen for that role would automatically head the interim government — a position equivalent to that of a prime minister.He added that the second ‘fact’ is that while Patel received nominations from 12 of the Congress’s 15 provincial committees, Nehru did not receive a single nomination.The third ‘fact’, as per Tagore, is that no election was held between the two and, therefore, the ‘vote-chori’ claim is ‘pure fiction.’His fourth ‘fact’ stated that after the nominations were in, Mahatma Gandhi — who supported Nehru — asked Patel to withdraw from the race. Out of respect for Gandhi, Patel stepped aside, leaving Nehru as the sole remaining candidate.The fifth and final ‘fact’ is that with Patel withdrawing himself, the Congress Working Committee endorsed Nehru as the party president, making him the head of the interim government.“Those shouting ‘vote chori’ are rewriting history for politics. History is clear: it was Gandhi’s intervention, not Nehru’s ‘two votes’, that decided the leadership. Let facts speak louder than propaganda. India’s freedom struggle deserves honesty — not manufactured stories,” Tagore said.Amit Shah’s Lok Sabha speechShah’s comments came during his reply to the Lok Sabha debate on electoral reforms on Wednesday, where he responded to concerns raised by opposition members, including leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi — Nehru’s great-grandson. The home minister cited three instances of what he described as ‘vote theft,’ beginning with the 1946 Congress leadership decision.“I want to tell you about three incidents of ‘vote-chori’,” Shah said. “First, after independence, when the country’s prime minister was to be chosen… Sardar Patel received 28 votes, while Jawaharlal Nehru got only two. Yet Nehru became the prime minister.”He went on to cite the case of former prime minister Indira Gandhi — Nehru’s daughter — who won from Rae Bareli before her election was challenged in the Allahabad high court by Raj Narain. “The high court ruled that Indira Gandhi’s election had violated the rules and declared it invalid. That too was vote theft. They then brought a bill in Parliament stating that no case could be filed against the prime minister,” Shah stated.He also referred to a Delhi court case in which it was alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi — Rahul Gandhi’s mother — had “become a voter before becoming an Indian citizen.”

A fan displays tickets of Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour India 2025’ in Kolkata. (PTI Photo)

Lionel Messi will touch down in Hyderabad on Saturday for the city’s most high-profile sporting event of the year — and for fans, the chance of a lifetime comes with a staggering price tag. As per reports, organisers of The GOAT India Tour have announced that a photograph with the Argentine icon will cost Rs 9.95 lakh plus GST, with only 100 exclusive slots available, as per . The premium meet-and-greet will be hosted at the iconic Falaknuma Palace, and bookings are live on the District app.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Messi is scheduled to land in Hyderabad at 4 PM before heading to Uppal Stadium for a grand three-hour programme starting at 7 PM. Joining him will be World Cup–winning teammate Rodrigo De Paul and long-time strike partner Luis Suárez, adding more star power to the evening.

The stadium event will kick off with a 20-minute exhibition match between Singareni RR-9 and Aparna Messi All Stars. Fifteen children — including ten talented youngsters without access to formal training — will get a chance to participate, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy set to join the final five minutes.A major highlight will be a football clinic led by Messi, who serves as a UNICEF ambassador. Children will receive hands-on guidance from Messi, De Paul and Suárez, who will also participate in a special penalty shootout segment. The event will conclude with a felicitation ceremony for Messi by the Chief Minister.According to Parvathi Reddy, advisor to The GOAT Tour Hyderabad, all ticket categories for the stadium programme are available through the District app. She confirmed that no cricketers have been invited and that the evening will also include a musical concert. Messi is expected to stay at the stadium for about an hour and will spend the night in Hyderabad before departing for Mumbai on Sunday.Reddy emphasised that the Hyderabad leg will revolve around the football clinic aimed at inspiring young players. “Messi, Rodrigo and Luis Suárez will train children and give them tips. The clinic is the core of this event,” she said.Messi’s India tour covers four major cities — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi — offering fans across the country a rare chance to see one of football’s greatest icons up close.

Donald Trump has announced what is being termed ‘gold card’ – an expedited visa that will grant US residency to immigrants in ‘record time’. The Trump administration has also launched a website accepting applications for the $1 million gold card. During the announcement, Trump told reporters that the company will be happy with the new gold card, specifically naming iPhone maker Apple and its CEO Tim Cook. “The companies will be very happy and I know Apple will be happy. Nobody talked to me more about it than Tim Cook who said it’s a real problem,” Trump told reports, adding “It’s not going to be a problem anymore.”

What is Trump’s $1 million ‘gold card’

The new ‘gold card’ visa program has been in the works for months. In an executive order dated September 19, 2025, the ‘gold card’ visa is aimed to “facilitate the entry of aliens who have demonstrated their ability and desire to advance the interests of the United States by voluntarily providing a significant financial gift to the Nation.” As per an official government webpage, applicants will have to pay a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million. With the new ‘gold card’ visa, immigrants will “receive U.S. residency in record time,” the website states.The card will be subject to availability. Applicants who are eligible and approved for the gold card will get legal status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder. While the application and approval process is expected to take weeks, officials noted that “a small number of countries may have wait times of up to a year or more based on visa availability.”“A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” wrote Trump in a social media post announcing the $1 million ‘gold card’ visa.

DHS secretary Kristi Noem praises new ‘gold card’ visa program

Sharing a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wrote:“The Department of Homeland Security is working closely with @CommerceGov to facilitate the rollout of President Trump’s Gold Card program.Under this historic initiative, qualified individuals and corporations, who contribute $1 million and $2 million respectively, will receive expedited EB-1 or EB-2 green cards following rigorous vetting.This landmark program fulfills President Trump’s promise to attract the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and investors to America while guaranteeing they have skin in the game.”

Asian markets traded higher on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve delivered its third consecutive interest rate cut, although gains were capped as policymakers hinted they could slow the pace of future reductions.The latest quarter-point cut, bringing borrowing costs to their lowest level in three years, had already been widely expected. Investors, however, drew comfort from Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting comments, where he struck a tone that was “less hawkish” than feared.After a positive close on Wall Street, most Asian markets advanced. Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta all traded higher.While, Tokyo, Shanghai and Taipei slipped.Policymakers are attempting to bolster the US labour market, which has shown persistent weakness through the year. Concerns over slowing jobs growth have increasingly outweighed worries about elevated inflation, with some officials expecting the price impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs to ease over time, reported AFP.Expectations for aggressive easing in 2026 have cooled after the Fed used language similar to late-2024 — widely interpreted then as signalling a pause in its latest statement.Two policymakers dissented. Trump appointee Stephen Miran voted for a deeper 50-basis-point cut, while another member opposed any cut at all.Powell emphasised that the central bank remained flexible, saying officials are well placed to decide the “extent and timing of additional adjustments based on the incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks”.The US dollar weakened further against major global currencies. Gold, typically a preferred asset when US interest rates decline jumped nearly 1% to rise above $4,200. Silver extended its surge as well, hitting a new record of $62.8863 after crossing the $60 mark earlier this week amid strong demand and tightening supplies.Gold prices later eased slightly, pulling back from a near one-week high after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered a divided interest rate cut that left markets unsure about the pace of easing in 2026.Spot gold edged down 0.2% to $4,221.49 per ounce at 0300 GMT, after touching its highest level since December 5 earlier in the session. Meanwhile, US gold futures for February delivery rose 0.6% to $4,249.70 per ounce.Silver continued to outperform. Spot silver climbed 0.8% to $62.25 per ounce after hitting a fresh record of $62.88 earlier in the day. The metal has gained 113% so far this year, supported by robust industrial demand, falling inventories and its recent inclusion in the US critical minerals list.

NEW DELHI: Ajay Gupta — co-owner of Goa’s ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub — was tracked down to a private Delhi hospital where he had allegedly checked in citing “spine-related issues” in a bid to buy time and evade arrest in the blaze that killed 25 people on December 6. His cover collapsed after medical clearance, following which he was detained and brought to the Anti Extortion and Kidnapping Cell of Delhi Police’s Crime Branch on Wednesday.As per news agency PTI, Gupta, who arrived masked and covering most of his face, offered a brief defence — “I am only a partner” — while entering the Crime Branch office at Sunlight Colony.

According to sources, Goa Police had been searching for Gupta for days, issuing a Look Out Circular (LOC) after failing to trace him during their initial search in Delhi. Investigators later located him at a Lajpat Nagar hospital, where he had reportedly admitted himself immediately after the fire probe intensified.Following medical evaluation, crime branch officers detained him and initiated formal procedures to hand him over to Goa Police, which is seeking a transit remand. Officials said Gupta is likely to be arrested once the paperwork is completed.Meanwhile, five staffers of the nightclub — chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli — have already been arrested in the case.Two other co-owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled India shortly after the incident, prompting Goa Police to obtain an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against them.Once taken to Goa, Gupta will face extensive questioning on the nightclub’s management, the division of operational responsibilities and the fire-safety lapses that led to one of the state’s deadliest nightlife tragedies.(With agency inputs)

The anticipation is building for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, where team strategies will be built, and fortunes will be made. As is often the case, uncapped stars are likely to remain a key focus. They generally fall into a limited price category and possess immense skill, with the majority standing on the edge of making their international debuts for their respective countries. Franchises will keenly compete for these high-potential players, eager to secure versatile and future-proof talent. Here are some uncapped stars, all with a base price of INR 30 lakh, who are expected to trigger intense bidding wars.

5 uncapped players who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 auction

1) Tanush Kotian (India) – Off-spin all-rounder

Known as one of India’s premier domestic off-spinning all-rounders, Tanush Kotian is riding a phenomenal wave of recent form. His exceptional performance in the 2023-24 domestic season earned him the prestigious ‘Player of the Tournament’ award after his crucial centuries and wicket-taking ability led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title. This proven capability under pressure, combined with his rare skillset, makes him a highly coveted asset.

His maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Australia in late 2024 (as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin), despite not yet making his debut, underscores the high potential for future growth that franchises will be eager to invest in.

2) Atharva Ankolekar (India) – Left-arm spin all-rounder

A promising young left-arm orthodox spin-bowling all-rounder, Atharva Ankolekar is highly valuable due to the need for quality Indian players who can balance a squad. His potential is highlighted by his past success as the highest wicket-taker in the U-19 Asia Cup and his vital all-round contributions to Mumbai’s 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win.

Demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Ankolekar’s demand is palpable, as evidenced by his status as the most expensive player in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction. He offers an attractive, versatile, and high-potential option for franchises seeking a top-tier Indian spin option who can also contribute with the bat.

3) Traveen Mathew (Sri Lanka) – Overseas off-spin all-rounder

Traveen Mathew represents a rare and high-potential prospect as a young, internationally experienced off-spin bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka. His strong performance in the 2025 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, including a key three-wicket haul against the Pakistan Shaheens, signals his potential for success in competitive T20 formats.

Backed by List A career statistics showing an impressive 29 wickets at an average of 18.48, and having already featured in leagues like the ILT20, franchises view him as a strategically valuable overseas player. He offers flexibility in team composition and, with 15 wickets in 15 T20s, has the potential to become a surprise package in the tournament.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Quinton de Kock in the IPL 2026 auction

4) Sunny Sandhu (India) – Fast-bowling all-rounder

Sunny Sandhu is a promising young right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder—a prized asset for any T20 squad due to the essential requirement for Indian pace-bowling all-rounders. His potential as an explosive finisher was vividly demonstrated in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, where he scored a game-changing 30 runs off just 9 balls for Tamil Nadu, showcasing exceptional power-hitting ability under pressure.

This is combined with his knack for taking key wickets and high performance in U-23 state tournaments. The young player even received a viral social media endorsement from veteran Indian spin legend Ashwin, making him one of the most exciting, high-potential Indian players in the pool.

5) Delano Potgieter (South Africa) – Overseas power-hitter & pacer

Delano Potgieter is a strong contender to trigger a bidding war, thanks to his exceptional all-round abilities and recent match-winning performances in top T20 leagues like the SA20. As a left-handed power-hitter who can bat flexibly in the top order and a right-arm medium pacer known for taking crucial wickets and maintaining a low economy rate, he offers a rare and valuable skillset that provides immense team balance.

His significant performance in the 2025 SA20 season, including a spectacular five-wicket haul of 5/10 and quick-fire runs, has already made him a sought-after talent. Furthermore, his uncapped status in the IPL allows teams to acquire him at an attractive base price without consuming a valuable overseas slot, greatly increasing his demand.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Lungi Ngidi in the IPL 2026 auction

Smriti Mandhana (Video grab)

NEW DELHI: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance on Wednesday after calling off her wedding with musician Palash Mucchal, choosing the Amazon Smbhav Summit stage to speak not about the turbulence in her personal life but about the unwavering force that continues to define her — cricket. Calm, composed and extremely clear about what fuels her, Mandhana offered an emotional reflection on her journey, her motivation and the power of wearing the India jersey.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Mandhana said that over 12 years of international cricket have taught her one life-defining truth: nothing comes close to the love she feels for the sport. That conviction came through in a dramatic passage that soon went viral. “The love for the game… I don’t think I love anything in life more than cricket,” she said. “When you go out to bat or represent your country, no other thoughts exist. When you put on the Indian jersey, the only thing you want to do is win the match for India. Once you put on the jersey, you just keep all your problems aside because you are one of 2 billion people representing the country. That thought alone gives you razor-sharp focus.”

The remarks carried added weight because this was Mandhana’s first public appearance since she confirmed on Sunday that her wedding had been called off. In her Instagram statement, she had urged privacy for both families while reaffirming her commitment to representing India “for as long as possible.” At the event, she stayed away from any personal references, instead speaking deeply about the emotion and purpose attached to her cricketing journey.Mandhana described her childhood dream of becoming a world champion and the years of struggle that culminated in India’s World Cup triumph last month. She recalled how the team had visualised the final, how seeing the moment unfold gave them goosebumps, and how the presence of legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami added a layer of emotion that made the victory feel like a milestone for women’s cricket itself.WATCH: Smriti’s first public appearance after calling off weddingShe also spoke candidly about the internal dynamics of the team, saying disagreements are healthy because they come from a shared passion to win. Every player, she said, has an opinion on how India can win, and those discussions — not arguments — are what make the team stronger.Mandhana concluded by sharing the two biggest lessons cricket has taught her: every innings begins from zero, and the game is always bigger than the individual. She said playing for the person next to her — not for herself — is a value that shapes not only cricket but life beyond it. Her words, delivered in her first appearance since a deeply personal decision, reinforced a single message: her purpose remains unchanged, and her love for the Indian jersey remains her strongest anchor.

Sanju Samson once again found himself out of India’s playing XI, this time for the first T20I against South Africa, and the decision has raised fresh questions about where he stands in the team’s long-term plans. Despite his talent, Samson’s opportunities have dwindled ever since Shubman Gill cemented his place at the top of the order. With Gill now a central figure in the T20I setup, Samson’s preferred slot as an opener has effectively shut. Compounding the issue is Jitesh Sharma’s emergence as a finishing wicketkeeper-batter, a role Samson has rarely been tested in. According to Ravichandran Ashwin, this dynamic has pushed Samson further down the pecking order.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “Before the match there was a lot of talk about why Sanju wasn’t playing. But once Shubman Gill came into the side as vice-captain, it was always going to be tough for Sanju to get a place.” Ashwin pointed out that Samson hasn’t had enough game time at No.5, which is precisely where Jitesh fits in best. “If you want to play Sanju, you have to use him at No.3, especially against spin,” he added. Ashwin also took a moment to applaud Hardik Pandya, who produced a blistering unbeaten 59 off 27 balls to rescue India from a precarious position. India had crashed to five wickets down for almost nothing before Hardik’s counterattack pushed the total beyond 170. “Hardik looked incredible. It didn’t feel like he was returning from an injury. The way he hits spin with that bat swing… I would trade anything for that,” Ashwin said. He added that Hardik’s clarity and confidence make him irreplaceable in India’s current setup. “Right now, there is no replacement for Hardik in India. I hope we eventually find someone who can fill that role, but as of today, there’s no one like him,” he concluded.

Most experts believe that a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve is a positive signal for the Indian markets. (AI image)

The US Federal Reserve cut the benchmark rate by 25 basis points in the latest monetary policy review. A split US Federal Reserve announced its third successive interest rate cut of the year, whilst indicating a potential pause in future cuts. The rate cut, reducing the range to between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent, brings it to the lowest level in approximately three years – matched market predictions.A rate cut by the central bank of the world’s largest economy has implications for markets globally and India is no different. Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty, are already down 2.05% and 2.16% from their lifetime highs hit a few days ago. The markets have been bleeding despite a repo rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Continuous outflow of foreign capital, rupee depreciation, and lack of clarity on the India-US trade deal are acting as negative triggers for the stock market. What does the US Fed’s rate cut mean for the Indian stock markets? We take a look:

US Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision:

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank finds itself “well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves from here.” The Federal Reserve reintroduced specific phrasing from late 2024 in its policy statement, suggesting a temporary halt to rate cuts.Powell emphasised that the committee remains suitably placed to assess the “extent and timing of additional adjustments based on the incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.”The Federal Reserve projected one rate cut for the upcoming year, whilst highlighting increased employment-related concerns in its latest policy announcement.

What it means for Indian stock markets

Most experts believe that a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve is a positive signal for the Indian markets. Vijay Singh Gour, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan explains that the Fed’s monetary policy influences India’s financial markets, mainly by driving capital flows. The market had anticipated a 25 basis point rate cut, which would ease global liquidity. Such a cut is generally positive for Indian equities because lower US Treasury yields make dollar-denominated assets less appealing, encouraging Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to increase allocations to emerging markets like India, thus boosting inflows and strengthening the Rupee, Vijay Singh Gour told TOI. “The 25 bps rate cut from the Federal Reserve is likely to provide some relief to the Indian currency and the FII sell off. This shall ease some pressure on Indian markets which are expecting some positive triggers,” says Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist & Executive Director, Anand Rathi Group. “Also the Fed rate cut further opens up the space for RBI for a rate cut in the current low inflation environment to support growth,” he tells TOI.Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited cautions that the rate cut bodes well for the Indian markets, but the net impact may be muted. “The Fed’s decision to cut rates by 25 bps was on expected lines. The noteworthy part of the decision is the 9-3 vote, which signals a tough road ahead for further rate cuts. The FOMC’s dot plot indicates two more rate cuts – one in 2026 and another in 2027. However, this might change since the Fed chair has clearly indicated that “ we are well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves,” he tells TOI. The Fed decision, though favourable from the market perspective, is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Indian market, which is being weighed down by the sustained selling by FIIs, the huge supply of paper from IPOs and the poor earnings growth of the last six quarters, he feels. “Of these, earnings growth is the most significant, and this is going to change for the better in the coming quarters. A slowdown in IPOs is likely in 2026, and along with this when earnings growth picks up, the market will respond positively. Weakness in the market now presents buying opportunities in high quality stocks, particularly in largecaps and selectively in midcaps,” VK Vijayakumar adds.