BJP Welcoming Tainted Leaders? "Doors Open For All," Says Finance Minister

All major political parties encashed electoral bonds and nobody has a moral authority to say anything as it was legal and according to law, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

She also said that given the Supreme Court's judgment against electoral bonds, more debate is needed to find a better system for electoral funding.

The minister said the law, now scrapped by the top court, was passed by parliament and the bonds were purchased as per the prevailing law of the time.

"It was passed by parliament and based on the law, bonds were bought and encashed by all parties but one... Everyone has received from everybody. Every donor has given to everybody.

"The very party which now says this is a scam, this is a scandal, had also taken money through the bonds. Tell me what moral authority anyone has to speak because it was the law then... it went lawfully. It was a step better than what prevailed earlier," Ms Sitharaman said.

On what the new government can do in this regard, she said there is a need to understand how to better the system, which has now been rejected.

The system of electoral bonds was still better than the previous system, "which is what we've gone back to now. We need to do something better, but a lot more work is required", she added.

Last month, a five-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, said the electoral bonds scheme violates the right to information and the freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution.

She also dismissed the allegations of connections between the Enforcement Directorate's raids and bond purchases, stating that even companies that donated to the BJP through electoral bonds were raided.

"ED raids still happened. It did not give them (companies) any immunity," she added.

The minister added that the law enforcement agencies are not acting with any political agenda as the law pursues those who disobey it.

"Stop making political arguments over them," Ms Sitharaman said.

Asked why the BJP is welcoming tainted politicians, she said the "doors are open for all".

"If people see work happening... and a party is making a difference, they obviously would want to come and join. But the BJP has value systems and the way in which the party runs under certain leadership. I don't think there is ever a compromise on that," she said.

Replying to a question on Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate's remarks against BJP Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, she said it is "outrageous" and "abhorrent".

Ms Shrinate should have tendered an unconditional apology, she added.

A controversial comment was posted on social media platforms from Congress leader Shrinate's accounts about Kangana Ranaut, the actor fielded by the BJP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

Following a row, Ms Shrinate removed the post and said that it was not posted by her but by someone who had access to her accounts.

The Finance Minister refused to call the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal a case of political vendetta.

The Delhi Chief Minister had not complied with several ED summonses, she said, adding that governance has gone down the drain in Delhi and Punjab - the two states where the AAP is in power.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Nepotism, Dynastic Politics: Kangana Ranaut On Why She "Despises" Congress

Asserting that she has a "glorious right-wing personality", Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday accused the Congress of supporting nepotism and specifically targeted its leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.

The actor, fielded by the BJP for the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, also said the Congress has "always been an appalling party for me".

She said the opposition party represents something she has long fought against in her film career.

"The Congress has always been an appalling party for me. The nepotism in the party has been hugely problematic for me because I was a target of the same system in my (film) industry. I had condemned it openly, I fought against it. Something that was exploiting me... Nepotism, groupism, dynastic politics... I despise this party," Ms Ranaut said at the Times Now Summit 2024 - India Unstoppable event here.

"Nepo kids," the "Queen" star said when she was asked to describe the Gandhi siblings in one line.

"They are weird as if they have landed from Mars," she added.

Ms Ranaut, 37, said she has open-heartedly supported the BJP.

"Regardless of whether I'm a party member or not, I have always fought for the party's cause. I have left no stone unturned. I always felt that my natural alignment and ideology is with a nationalistic government. I have a glorious right-wing personality," said the four-time National Award winner.

Days after Ms Ranaut was named the BJP candidate from Mandi, the Congress kicked up a proverbial storm after derogatory comments about the actor and her constituency were posted on the social media handles of its leaders Supriya Shrinate and H S Ahir.

In her defence, Shrinate on Monday said many people have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts and one of them made the inappropriate post. She also said she had deleted the post and will take action against a parody account that is using her name.

The actor, who had publicly called out Shrinate for posts shared via her social media handles, said she was hurt by the opposition leader's remarks.

"This (incident) sets the cause of women back by many years. She has posted a very alarming content," she added.

Shrinate had also hurt the people of Himachal Pradesh by comparing Mandi, a 'devbhoomi', to a market, Ms Ranaut further said.

"The meaning of Mandi is not what runs in the head of the Congress. The innocent people of Himachal Pradesh were deeply hurt when they branded it as if it was a flesh trade market. Mandi was named after sage Mandav," she said.

Asked if she had a message for Shrinate, Ms Ranaut said she has nothing to say to the Congress spokesperson.

Ms Ranaut also said it's ironic how Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who joined politics with the India Against Corruption campaign, is currently in jail on corruption charges.

Asked about her political debut, she said she is "anxious".

"It's a complete lifestyle change. It's nerve-wracking. It's a new role... I will be a horse with blinkers on. Suddenly this world has opened up. I want to do it well. I want to be more involved with the real world as opposed to being consumed by the field of arts," Ms Ranaut added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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PCB In Talks To Hire Former Mumbai Indians Star As Head Coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board has narrowed down its search for a new head coach to former Australia and New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi. A PCB source said on Wednesday that "extensive discussions" had taken place with the 42-year-old Ronchi, who has also coached Pakistan Super League side Islamabad United. "With no high-profile coach showing interest in working for the PCB as most of them are already committed with different leagues or have reservations working in Pakistan cricket, the search has come down to Ronchi," the source said.

He said the contract with Ronchi should be finalised in the next few days before the home T20 series against New Zealand commences.

Ronchi, after taking retirement from professional cricket, has also worked with the New Zealand team as its batting consultant and coach.

The source added that the PCB team had contacted some well-known coaches but most of them were either already committed or reluctant to accept any assignment with the Pakistan board.

"Given the history of the PCB in dealing with foreign and local coaches, obviously one can understand the reservations of some foreign coaches," he said.

The source said that even Ronchi had not said yes as yet and had asked for an ironclad assurance that he would be given a proper time frame to work with the Pakistan team over a period of time no matter what the results are.

"He wants clear assurances that his performance will only be evaluated after a certain period of time, not after every series or event," the source said.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had last week blamed the leakage of salary details and other aspects of a possible coaching contract with Shane Watson for the Australian to eventually back out of the discussion.

The PCB has already started its training camp at the Kakul army base in preparation for the T20 World Cup in June, starting with Pakistan's home series against New Zealand in April.

Ronchi is among those few players who have represented two countries in international cricket -- he appeared first for Australia and then for New Zealand. PTI Cor AM AM AM

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SRH's 277/3 Is Not The Highest In T20 Format - A Look At Top Team Totals

Records tumbled left-right and centre as Sunrisers Hyderabad smashed 277 for three, the highest total in IPL history, to leave Mumbai Indians shell shocked on Wednesday. Travis Head (62 off 24) and Abhishek Sharma (63 off 23) came up with a sensational display of power-hitting, that saw the latter snatching the franchise record for fastest fifty from the Australian within minutes. Heinrich Klaasen (80 not out off 34 balls) provided the fireworks in the end to help SRH break an 11-year-old record. The previous highest total in IPL was 263 for five achieved by Royal Challengers Bangalore back in 2013.

It was raining fours and sixes throughout the innings as Head and Sharma toyed with the Mumbai Indians attack.

Head, who was surprisingly left out of the playing eleven for the opening game, reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous batters in the game with a whirlwind effort.

He broke David Warner's record of the fastest fifty by a SRH batter with a 18-ball half-century before Sharma surpassed Head's feat 20 balls later by reaching the milestone in 16 balls.

Head, who was dropped by compatriot Tim David at the start of his innings, opened his front leg and hit boundaries at will, collecting nine fours and three sixes in total.

The southpaw completed his fifty with an inside out four wide of mid-off before dispatching a bouncer from Gerald Coetzee for a six over deep midwicket, prompting opposition skipper Hardik Pandya to acknowledge the Australian's brutal assault.

When Head departed, Sharma went hammer and tongs, mostly targeting the cow corner region for his seven sixes and three boundaries.

It was a nightmarish start to the IPL for the 17-year-old South Africa pacer Kwena Maphaka, who made the Mumbai Indians squad at the back of his exploits in the U-19 World Cup.

He leaked as many as 66 runs in his four overs. The left-arm pacer could not recover from Head's onslaught in his second over in which he conceded 22 runs.

With the majority of the Mumbai bowlers taken to the cleaners, it was surprising that Mumbai Indians skipper Pandya waited till the 13th over to give Jasprit Bumrah his second over.

Following Sharma's dismissal, the in-form Klaasen ensured there was no stopping to the SRH's six hitting spree. Klaasen ended up with seven sixes with the maximum off a Bumrah bouncer standing out.

Klaasen had almost taken SRH over the line with his breathtaking knock against KKR at the Eden Gardens.

Former skipper Aiden Markram chipped in 42 off 28 balls. 

However, SunRisers Hyderabad's 277/3 is not the highest score in the shortest format. 

Highest team totals in the format (T20I and T20 combined)
1. Nepal 314/3 vs Mongolia, 2023
2. Afghanistan 278/3 vs Ireland, 2019
3. Czech Rep. 278/4 vs Turkey, 2019
4. SunRisers Hyderabad 277/3 vs Mumbai Indians, 2024
5. Punjab 275/6 vs Andhra, 2023

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Grand Alliance Agree On Seat Sharing, Big Meet In Delhi Tomorrow

The Grand Alliance in Bihar has come to an understanding about the sharing of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats. Sources said the under the deal, Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal will contest 26 seats, the Congress 9 seats, the Left parties five of which the CPIML will contest three seats.

The parties will hold a meeting in Delhi tomorrow to take a final call on the constituencies, after which the formal announcement will be made from Patna, sources said.

Key leaders of all the parties will be present in the meeting at Delhi tomorrow. It is likely that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhis will attend the meeting, sources said.

The Congress had contested on nine seats in 2019 as well. Of those, the party won just one seat. The RJD failed to win any. The NDA had won 39 of 40 seats, of which the BJP won 17, Nitish Kumar's Janta Dal United just one seat behind, and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party all six it contested.

This time, Nitish Kumar is back again in the NDA after a brief stint with the Grand Alliance. The BJP has also retained Chirag Paswan, despite the split in his party and their initial backing of his rebel uncle, Pashupati Paras.

The announcement has to take place soon, since the filing of the first phase of nomination in Bihar ends on Thursday -- the extra days being on account of an extended government holiday for Holi.

Last week, the NDA formally announced its seat share in Bihar, in which the BJP took pole position, contesting 17 seats.

Mr Kumar's JD(U), which previously dominated the alliance in the state, will contest on 16 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party will contest on five seats, Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha's RLM gets one seat each.

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Saudi Arabia To Participate In Miss Universe Pageant For 1st Time Ever

Saudi Arabia will participate in the Miss Universe pageant for the first time, making it a historic event for the Islamic country.

Rumy Alqahtani, a beauty pageant veteran and an influencer on Monday announced this news on her Instagram handle that she will be representing the kingdom in one of the most popular pageants in the world.

She shared glamourous pictures of herself. In the picture, model can be seen wearing a strapless sequined gown.

Along with the photos, she wrote, "I am honoured to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition," she wrote in Arabic on Instagram.

According to the Khaleej Times, born in Riyadh, Alqahtani is no stranger to the spotlight. She has joined numerous global pageants, with the latest one being Miss and Mrs Global Asian in Malaysia a few weeks ago.

Last year, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023.

For the first time, a contestant from Nicaragua became the winner of the contest while Antonia Porsild from Thailand and Moraya Wilson from Australia secured the second and third positions respectively.

The organizers of the event had announced last year that the next edition will be held in Mexico.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Hardik Walks Away As Rohit, Bumrah Continue Discussion. Video Viral

After any loss, it's a tough time for any team. The same is the case with Mumbai Indians, who began their journey under new skipper Hardik Pandya on a losing note. The five-time champions went down to Gujarat Titans on Sunday, which was Pandya's former franchise. Since the time he was made skipper in place of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya has been under intense scrutiny. He himself must have felt the eyeballs following him a little bit more than in earlier years. 

After Mumbai Indians' loss to Gujarat Titans, the internet has been on overdrive. A video has gone viral on social media, which shows Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah discussing something. After Pandya walks away, Rohit and Bumrah continue chatting. This has led to intense speculation.

When you bring in a Chapri as Captain,having leaders like Rohit & Bumrah in squad,it's bound to happen! Look at his attitude, Am Captain, you do as I say! Bumrah to Rohit be like, he's not even listening, what to do? Rohit jst nods, jst do what he wants! #MIVsGT #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/wTTQqeQ1bc

— Sushant Kumar Nahak (@sushantkoko) March 24, 2024

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard backed Hardik Pandya's move to open the bowling instead of Jasprit Bumrah and also said the skipper batting at number seven in their IPL opener against Gujarat Titans was a "collective decision".

An inexplicable batting strategy saw MI lose their opener by six runs here on Sunday after they looked on course for victory.

Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first and surprisingly, Hardik opened the bowling against his former side.

"You have to plan and decide what you want to do as a team. Hardik (Pandya) has also bowled with the new ball for Gujarat over the last couple of years. He swung the new ball and bowled it well, which was nothing new to us.

"We tried to use the advantage of the new ball swinging along. When I look at the decision made, there is nothing wrong with it, and we move on," Pollard said at the post-match press conference.

When the discussion turned to the logic behind Hardik coming in to bat at number seven Pollard said one can't attribute the decision to the skipper.

"No decision is made on full autonomy, so we can't say it is his decision. As a team, we have plans; we talk about setting entry points for batters. The top order batted deep into the game, and we also had two power hitters to go in the back end.

"Usually, if you look at it over time, Tim (David) has finished games for us, and Hardik has done it over the years.

"So, at any point, any one of them can resurrect the situation. It didn't happen tonight, so there will likely be a chat about who should have gone earlier.

"But all of those things are in hindsight, and as a team, we make decisions, so let's put a stop to 'Hardik made a decision, Hardik did this, Hardik did that'. We are a team. We make decisions collectively as one," the West Indian said.

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