INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 18 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday May 1, 2026 President Trump Escapes A Third Assassination Attempt on His Life DoJ Has Filed Three Federal Charges Against The 31 Year Old Gumman Cole Thomas Allen Washington D.C. April 26,2026: A gunman fired shots at the White House Correspondence Association dinner, which was attended by the president, aiming to assassinate President Trump, his family, and members of his cabinet. The shooter was apprehended before he could carry out his murder mission. The gunman was identifieda as 31 year old Cole Thomas Allen, from California. He had a manifesto in which he sttated that he was on a mission to Kill the President, his family and his cabinet. He was a teacher at the C2 Education tutoring school and had won the Deember 2024 Best Teacher Award, The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 PM EDT while dinner service was underway. Witnesses described hearing “loud, rhythmic sounds” echoing from the lobby area, initially mistaken by some as clattering dishes before panic quickly spread throughout the ballroom. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were swiftly escorted out by Secret Service agents and tactical teams to a secure location. Cabinet members and other senior officials were also evacuated in an orderly but urgent manner. According to eyewitness accounts, hundreds of journalists and attendees ducked under tables and barricaded doors as security personnel moved into position. Armed agents were later seen securing the stage and sweeping the premises. Law enforcement agencies, including the Se- cret Service and D.C. Metropolitan Police, quickly established a wide security perimeter around the hotel, placing it under lockdown and instructing bystanders to move back and seek cover. No injuries have been reported among the President or other senior officials. In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump praised the rapid response of law enforcement, confirming that the suspect had been apprehended. He stated: “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended…” ANI Reporter Reena Bhardwaj, who was present at the dinner, described the tense moments that unfolded inside the ballroom and stated that after the POTUS was ush- ered out, his Cabinet members were subsequently escorted safely from the venue. Inside the ballroom, confusion quickly turned into alarm as staff sought cover and security forces entered with long guns. Attendees remained sheltered until authori- ties indicated it was safe to move. The annual dinner—often referred to as “Nerd Prom”—brings together journalists, government officials, and public figures. This year marked President Trump’s first attendance after years of boycotting the event, add- ing to an already heightened atmosphere. As of early Sunday morning, the Washington Hilton remained an active crime scene, with heavy law enforcement presence. Authorities have not yet released full details about the suspect or motive. India, New Zealand sign FTA with tariff relief, USD 20 billion investment commitment New Delhi, [India] April 27 (ANI): India and New Zealand signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties, with the pact expected to bring deep tariff cuts, expanded market access and enhanced services cooperation. The deal signed between India‘s Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand, Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McKlay is being described as one of India‘s fastest concluded bilateral trade deals. Remember: The FTA discussion concluded in December 2025, after negotiations that began in March the same year, is being described as one of India‘s fastest trade deals to move from negotiations to signing in just nine months. The agreement follows earlier negotiations that had stalled after multiple rounds, primarily over concerns related to India‘s dairy sector. The renewed deal reflects a more calibrated approach, balancing market access with sectoral sensitivities. Under the pact, New Zealand has committed to invest around “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” Martin Luther King Jr. USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years, while also easing trade barriers and simplifying standards and dispute settlement mechanisms.Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries has shown fluctuations in recent years, with India‘s exports and imports both witnessing periodic rises. Services trade has gained momentum, with India‘s services exports to New Zealand rising by about 13 per cent to reach USD 634 million in 2024, while imports grew by around 7 per cent to USD 611 million. Key Indian exports include pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and precious stones, whereas imports from New Zealand are dominated by wool, metals, fruits, nuts and aluminium. India stands to benefit from immediate tariff elimination by New Zealand on a large number of product lines. Currently, duties of roughly 10 per cent apply on several Indian exports across categories such as textiles, leather goods, carpets, ceramics and automotive components. The removal of these barriers is expected to boost competitiveness.Agricultural exports, including tea, coffee and spices are also likely to see improved market access. India has offered market access on roughly 70 per cent of tariff lines while keeping about 30 per cent excluded. Tariffs will be eliminated immediately on nearly 30 per cent of goods, while over one-third will see phased reductions. A small proportion will be subject to limited tariff cuts, and certain items will fall under quota-based concessions. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt have been kept out of the agreement, reflecting India‘s domestic sensitivities. Several other categories–including certain animal products, sugar, oils, gems and jewellery, and some metals–are also excluded. FTA See pAge 6
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 Ten Thousand Coffee Opens First West Coast Franchise in Monterey Park MONTEREY PARK, Calif., April 23, 2026 — Ten Thousand Coffee is expanding to the West Coast with the opening of its first U.S. franchise location in Monterey Park, California, company officials announced. The new café, located at 2100 S Atlantic Blvd, will hold a soft opening on April 29, followed by a grand opening celebration on May 2. To mark the launch, the company will offer four of its signature drinks—the Einspanner, Espresso Cream Latte, Matcha Einspanner and ONYX Latte—for $1 each from May 2 through May 8. The promotion will be available in limited quantities daily. The location is operated by BK Franchise, a subsidiary of H Mart, which is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States. The Monterey Park store represents Ten Thousand Coffee’s first franchise location in the country and signals the brand’s broader expansion strategy. Originally established in New York, Ten Thousand Coffee has built a reputation for its minimalist design and specialty-grade coffee. The company emphasizes structured operations and efficient store models aimed at supporting fran- chise growth. Following a strong 2025, during which nearly 20 franchise agreements were signed, the company is accelerating its expansion plans in 2026. The Monterey Park café serves as the first step in a broader push into California and other major U.S. markets. “The Monterey Park location carries special significance as our very first franchise storefront,” a BK Franchise representative said. “We aim to leverage our operational expertise and brand strength to achieve sustainable growth alongside our partners.” Additional loca- tions are planned in New Jersey, Texas and Illinois. Internationally, the brand has expanded into Australia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Ten Thousand Coffee was founded in Sydney and operates under the philosophy of de- livering a “daily specialty coffee experience,” using specialty-grade beans and proprietary roasting methods. For franchise inquiries, the company can be reached at franchise@10000coffeeus. com If you’d like, I can also tailor this further for a specific newspaper (e.g., tighter AP wire version, headline variations, or a feature-style story with quotes and local angle). All preparations done for second phase of West Benal polls: Election Commission Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 27 (ANI): Ahead of the next phase of elections in West Bengal, polling parties have begun moving towards their respective polling stations, including remote riverine areas of Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Monday.”All Preparation Done. ECI Polling Parties moving to their respective Polling Stations, crossing rivers by boat to reach riverine areas of 123 Sandeshkhali AC, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal,” ECI said in a post on X.Earlier, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal urged people to go to the booths and cast their votes.”It is the Election Commission’s motto that we will allow everyone to vote… All of you should go to your booth and cast your votes… We will take appropriate action wherever violence is reported… We will face all the challenges… We have taken a list of high-rises, and most of them have been accommodated. There will be some booths inside the high rises…” he said.District Magistrate Shweta Agarwal also informed that all kinds of facilities have been provided for voters at every booth. “There are 16 constituencies here. There are 4,660 polling booths here, and one camera inside and one camera outside is being installed at every booth… We have followed all the guidelines…All kinds of facilities have been provided at every booth…We are fully prepared…Sheds have also been made for people to protect them from the heat… A control room is also being set up,” she said. The West Bengal Sector CRPF said in a post on X that an ops Trust was launched in which a route march and CBM was conducted by CRPF at Polerhat under PS Polerhat, Kolkata, for free, fair and transparent Bengal election. During the move, troops interacted with the local populace and encouraged them to go out for vote without fear. Separately, the Kolkata Police seized unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 4,00,000 from a motorcyclist during SST naka checking at Natunhat on Biren Roy Road (West) under Sarsuna Police Station limits in the 154 Behala West Assembly constituency. The cash, along with the motorcycle and bag, was seized as per prescribed SOPs in the presence of an SST magistrate, and further action has been initiated, police said.Kolkata Police also issued a detailed traffic advisory in view of election-related movement and polling arrangements. According to the notification, restrictions on goods vehicles will remain in force on April 28, April 29 and May 4, while several arterial roads will witness diversions and regulated movement during polling and counting days. Vehicular movement along stretches such as AJC Bose Road, Judges Court Road, Rani Rashmoni Road, Strand Road, Dufferin Road, and parts of Diamond Harbour Road, among others, may be restricted depending on deployment requirements. Authorities further stated that only voters will be allowed within 100 metres of polling stations, mobile phones will not be permitted inside booths, and no vehicles– except those on election duty–will be allowed near counting centres on May 4. The advisory has been issued to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate the secure movement of polling personnel and central forces across the city during the election process.West Bengal is under poll fever with polling for the second phase of elections scheduled on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. The state recorded a massive 93.2% voter turnout in the first phase of the elections, a record-breaking figure that has both the TMC and the BJP claiming a decisive lead. (ANI)
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 Battle for Bengal: Mega phase 2 kicks off across TMC strongholds Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 29 (ANI): After a record-shattering turnout in the first phase, West Bengal enters its second and final phase of polling today. This round is widely seen as the “litmus test” for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party’s traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata.The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 has officially commenced, preceded by rigorous mock polls across the state’s high-stakes corridors. Early morning visuals captured a state in “mission mode.” Election officials and polling agents gathered at dawn to conduct mock polls, a mandatory procedure to ensure the integrity of EVMs and VVPAT machines. At the Baranagar Kamarhati Joint Water Works, agents for the Baranagar constituency tested machines at booths 201, 202, and 191. Polling station 79 in Shibpur saw a flurry of activity as officials verified the tech before the first actual voter arrived.At the prestigious Auxilium Convent School in Ballygunge (Booths 99/161), mock polls were completed under tight supervision.Similar drills were reported across the district, ensuring the “final frontier” of the election started without technical glitches.The atmosphere remains electric and heavily guarded. At Kolkata Port (Booth 25), a massive deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) was seen forming a multi-lay- ered security ring.In Canning (South 24 Parganas), the Marayhaldi Aboyidho Primary School (Booths 98/98A) was transformed into a fortress, reflecting the Election Commission’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward booth jamming. Despite the heavy security, the political temperature reached a boiling point early in South 24 Parganas. AISF President Naushad Siddiqui highlighted a burgeoning controversy involving alleged voter intimidation.”A video has been going viral since last night showing a Gram Panchayat chief threatening people not to vote,” Siddiqui told reporters. “They won’t be able to achieve anything by these tactics… the people are determined.”The viral video has already prompted a flurry of complaints to the Election Commission, with opposition parties demanding immediate arrests to ensure a “fearfree” voting environment. By 6:30 AM, long queues had already snaked around UAE OPEC exit signals de-dollarisation, positive for India’s “Oil for rupee”: Kotak Securities Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 29 (ANI): The impact of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exiting OPEC on global oil prices will depend on when supply through the Strait of Hormuz normalises, and with strong relation between India-UAE, the move could also accelerate oil-for-rupee trade, according to Anindya Banerjee, Head of Research for Currency and Commodities, Kotak Securities. In an exclusive conversa Once the West Asia situation stabilises and oil flows return to normal, the UAE’s exit from OPEC is likely to have a downward impact on oil prices.”...Once the situation normalises in West Asia and oil begins to flow, the UAE stepping out of OPEC will definitely be bearish for oil prices because they also hold a significant spare capacity which they had taken offline because of the OPEC agreements,” he said. He added that while Saudi Arabia remains the most important member of OPEC, the UAE’s move is structurally negative for oil prices in the long term.Banerjee noted that the UAE’s production is significant, with plans to reach 5 million barrels per day by the end of 2027, making it a key global supplier with about 3 to 4 per cent share of global oil supply. He linked the development to broader global shifts in the energy trade system. “Honestly, we see this as a step towards the ongoing de-dollarisation process, which is happening globally... we are seeing that structure is being unwound, is being reversed, and all these actions are in that direction...” He said that in the future, oil trade may increasingly move away from the US dollar, with transactions taking place in currencies such as the yuan, rupee and others. On India-UAE relations, Banerjee said strong strategic ties between the two countries could help India secure stable energy supplies and promote alternative trade mechanisms.” Absolutely, oh because UAE and India has become strategic partners across various sectors... So I think the oil for rupee program will gain momentum, as I said, in the multipolar world order...,” he said. He added that growing cooperation between Asian and West Asian countries reflects an emerging multi-polar global order, where countries are increasingly looking beyond traditional dollar-based systems. Overall, Banerjee said that while immediate impact depends on supply normalisation, the UAE’s exit from OPEC could have long-term implications for oil prices, global energy trade, and currency dynamics. (ANI) polling stations in South 24 Parganas. Despite the intense heat predicted for later in the day, voters, many of them women and first-timers, arrived early to exercise their franchise in what is being described as one of the most polarised and significant elections in Bengal’s history.The second round is widely seen as the “litmus test” for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party’s traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata. The scale of this phase is massive, covering nearly half of the state’s total assembly seats, 142 (out of 294). The total electorate is around 3.21 crore (Male: 1,64,35,627 and Female: 1,57,37,418 and Third Gender: 792)1,448 candidates are in the fray, including 220 women at 41,001 polling stations, with over 8,000 managed entirely by women. While 142 seats are up for grabs, all eyes are on the “Big Five” urban contests. The “VVIP” seat of Kolkata Bhabanipur Constituency – Mamata Banerjee (TMC) vs. Suvendu Adhikari (BJP). Tollyganj, the heart of the Bengali film industry is a high-profile star-studded battle. Dum Dum, a crucial North Kolkata urban belt, will witness a fight between the senior TMC leadership vs BJP challengers. Kolkata Port, a strategically vital urban seat, will witness a fierce multi-cornered contest, while Krishnanagar, a key seat in the Matua-dominated belt, will be the focus of citizenship (CAA) narratives.To prevent a repeat of the violence that has historically marred Bengal polls, the Election Commission has turned the state into a virtual garrison. Approximately 2,321 to 2,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces are on the ground. 6,000 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are on standby, and 100% webcasting is active in all 41,001 polling stations. A massive team of 142 General Observers and 95 Police Observers (including the controversial Ajay Pal Sharma) are monitoring the process. In the 2021 elections, the TMC dominated this specific belt, winning 123 of these 142 seats. For the BJP, this phase is about making inroads into the urban “bhadralok” vote and the Matua community. For the TMC, it is about holding the line to ensure a fourth consecutive term for Mamata Banerjee.The first phase of elections on April 23 had seen a record 91.78 per cent polling. The voting on Wednesday will decide the electoral fate of 1,448 candidates, which includes 1,228 men and 220 women.The Election Commission has made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the polling process. Of over 3.22 crore total voters, 3.21 crore are general electors and nearly 40,000 are service voters. There are 1.64 crore male electors and 1.57 crore female electors, and 792 have been identified as the third gender. Over 4.12 lakh voters are in the 18-19 age bracket, and over 3,200 voters are 100 years and above. There are over 57,000 voters with disabilities (PWD). The Election Commission has set up 41,001 polling stations for the smooth conduct of elections. Authorities have put in place extensive security measures, including deployment of central armed police forces and state police personnel, particularly in sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas.Election officials are closely monitoring the process through webcasting, CCTV surveillance and the presence of micro-observers to ensure free and fair polling. Special arrangements have also been made to facilitate voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The high-stakes electoral contest sees the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, aiming to retain power, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is making strong efforts to expand its presence in the state.These include 39,301 main stations and 1700 auxiliary stations. There are 8,845 all-women-managed stations, 13 PWD-managed stations, and 258 “model” polling stations. There will be webcasting for all 41,001 polling stations.The results of West Bengal polls will be declared on May 4, along with the outcome of polls in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. (ANI)
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India This Week India, New Zealand sign FTA with tariff relief, USD 20 billion investment commitment FTA from page 1 However, selected agricultural products like apples, kiwifruit and manuka honey will be allowed under tariff rate quotas, enabling controlled imports while facilitating technology transfer and productivity improvements through cooperation initiatives. New Zealand has agreed to open over 100 services sectors to Indian providers and extend favourable treatment across a wider range of sub-sectors. In return, India will liberalise more than 100 services segments for New Zealand, though preferential treatment will apply to a smaller subset. The agreement includes provisions to ease mobility of professionals and students. There will be no cap on Indian students, with extended post-study work opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. A d d i t i o n a l l y, up to 5,000 visas will be available at any time for skilled Indian professionals across sectors such as IT, healthcare, education, construction and traditional wellness fields. The agreement will require ratification by both countries before implementation. While India will complete the process through executive approval, New Zealand will need parliamentary clearance, which could take several months.Once operational, the FTA is expected to significantly deepen trade and investment flows, while opening new avenues for cooperation across goods, services and human capital. Goyal, McClay hail ‘comprehensive’ India-New Zealand FTA as new chapter in ties Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay described India and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as a “comprehensive” and “forward-looking” framework aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties between the two nations. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Goyal said the agreement goes “far more than an Agreement on Tariffs and rules of origin,” underlining its wide-ranging scope across sectors. “It is a comprehensive framework spanning market access, agri product productivity, investment and mobility, designed to benefit manufacturing, farmers, artisans, MSMEs, women, entrepreneurs, students and skilled professionals across both nations,” he said. Highlighting key provisions, Goyal noted that New Zealand has committed market access in 118 sectors and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status in 139 sectors. He added that the agreement opens dedicated work, study and holiday visa pathways for our professionals, students and young travellers.On agriculture, the minister said the pact would support rural economies through enhanced cooperation. “The agricultural productivity partnership raises productivity incomes and exportable surface,” he said, adding that a mutual recognition agreement in organics would boost India’s organic exports.Goyal also pointed to investment opportunities, stating that the FTA is expected to “channel 20 billion US dollars into India,” benefiting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, food processing and innovation while generating employment. He described the acceptance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) reports as a “game changer” for India’s pharma and medical devices sectors.Emphasising the role of businesses, he said, “These FTAs are signed by governments, but they are delivered by enterprise,” noting the presence of a large group of business partners at the signing. Drawing a cricket analogy, Goyal added, “This FTA is our shared pitch today, we open a new innings togeth- er. Let us bat well, score higher and build a partnership to last.” New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay termed the agreement “a significant step forward in a relationship that continues to grow in depth, ambition and strategic importance.” He said strengthening ties with India remains a “key priority” for New Zealand.” We see India not only as a major economic partner, but as a country with which we share strong people-to-people links, complementary economies and a commitment to working constructively together in a changing global environment,” McClay said. He highlighted the historical connection between the two nations, recalling how Indian and New Zealand troops fought side by side during the First World War, forging “camaraderie and bonds that endure.” McClay described the agreement as the result of sustained efforts over the past two and a half years, reflecting “a shared determination to deliver outcomes that are practical, forward-looking and mutually beneficial.” He noted India’s rapid economic rise, calling it “a globally significant story” and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to partnering with India on its growth journey. The minister said the FTA would improve market access, reduce barriers and create “clear and predictable rules,” enabling greater trade and investment flows while benefiting businesses of all sizes, including SMEs.”As ministers, we recognize the signing the agreement is not the end of the process. In fact, it is a beginning,” McClay said, stressing that its success would depend on effective implementation.He concluded by stating that the agreement marks “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, grounded in “mutual respect, shared interest and a clear ambition to work more closely together in the years to come.” (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Friday, May 1, 2026 The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- May1, 2026 Vicious Politicians Rajan George Vile Politicians rise in power, Devoid of wisdom, spewing vain— Vile and empty rhetorics, Blind to pain lacking judgment, without restraint, from their foul mouth vitriolic words of venom overflow, Seeds of hatred carelessly cast, with little thought for what they sow. They always turn againt noble souls Who relentlessly work for good— Men of honor, striving daily, To ameliorate the lives of others Who’ve placed in them their trust But venomous beasts wants him gone Hire goons to kill, with forked tounge mislead The masses with deceitful and lies Their hatred finds its dwelling In the restless, fractured mind— Souls that hunger, lost and searching, Eager purpose there to find. Blind to cost and consequence, Driven by a fleeting flame, They pursue a darkened vision, Unaware of where it aims. Soon they gather means for violence, Weapons forged to match their rage, Urged along by reckless voices Playing out a darker stage. Beasts of politics incite them, Fanning fury for their gain, While they stand at safe distance, Free from burden, free from stain. They themselves will never act— Yet their signals still are heard By the broken and unsteady, Clinging tightly to each word. Trusting voices steeped in malice, They step forward, risk their breath, Carrying out the whispered bidding That may lead to ruin—or to death. Even plots against a leader Spring from rhetoric such as this— From those feeding on division, Twisting truth to serve their wish. Living on the people’s labor, Yet betraying those they claim, Sowing discord, feeding conflict, Fueling ever-burning flame. And the ones who trust these voices Walk a path that ends in loss— Driven not by truth or reason, But by passion’s reckless cost. Feeding on the words of folly, Drinking deep what hatred gives, They destroy themselves in blindness— And the shattered life it leaves. Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 Stylish Senior Living Is Here EXPLORE OUR RESIDENCES Find the perfect floor plan to fit your style and budget at an Erickson Senior Living®managed community near you! • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. 2535500 EricksonSeniorLiving.com Raghav Chadha leads breakaway to BJP; AAP to seek their disqualification from Rajya Sabha New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a major setback after its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, who was removed as party’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha earlier, joined the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday. Chadha, while addressing a presser in the national capital, formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party’s Upper House members would merge with the BJP. The move triggered furious reactions from AAP leaders while drawing a warm welcome from the BJP.The trio MPs — Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal — announced a split in the party and joined the BJP later in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin, who welcomed the decision. As this happened, Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh announced that he will write to the Rajya Sabha chairman to demand the disqualification of the three MPs, citing the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which details provisions of disqualification on the grounds of defection. While announcing the merger during a press conference, Raghav Chadha framed the decision as a matter of conscience, stating, “The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits…For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting closer to the public.” “There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, more than 2/3rd of them are with us in this. They have signed, and this morning we submitted the signed letter and documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman…three of them are here before you. Besides us, there are Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal,” he added. Chadha stated that there were only two options left for him, “either quit politics and give up our public work in the last 15-16 years”. He did not hold back in expressing his emotional turmoil, stating that he feels “sad, hurt, and deeply disappointed” at the transformation of a movement he once believed in wholeheartedly.”I did not enter politics to build a career; I entered to serve the nation and contribute to building a corruption-free India,” he said.He cited the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and India’s rapid progress in recent years as key factors influencing his decision. Reflecting on the mutual relationship between the party and its MPs, Chadha said, “If the party gave us a platform, we 7 MPs — and even 2/3rd of the MPs — also gave a lot to the party. Any party distributes responsibilities, and AAP gave us a great deal. In return, I gave everything I had to AAP. I helped build AAP’s very identity and atmosphere.”Rajya Sabha member Sandeep Pathak also said, “I had never thought that such a situation would ever occur in my life. But it did. I was a part of this party for 10 years. Today, I am separating my path from that of the AAP. When it came to joining a party, I joined AAP because they spoke of new politics and politics of work. In 10 years, I worked hard. All political decisions I made were taken by prioritising the party’s interests.”The rupture had been building for weeks, as an open rift between the party was visible after AAP leadership removed Chadha as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, following which several party leaders attacked him and accused him of being soft towards the BJP. Ashok Kumar Mittal, who was appointed in his place, also joined the BJP today. In a direct attack on AAP following his removal earlier, Chadha said his silence in Parliament should not be mistaken for defeat. AAP’s reaction to the split was swift and fiery, with Sanjay Singh terming the MPs as “traitors”, a sentiment shared by other party leaders as well.” Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have begun their ‘Operation Lotus’ to stop the good work of Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann Government…7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are joining the BJP. The people of Punjab should remember these 7 names. These ‘traitors’ of Punjab would never be forgiven by the people,” said Singh. He characterised the BJP as a party that has “backstabbed” farmers and the people of Punjab, adding, “You will go with them to bring change and revolution. Who will believe such a thing?”, further stating that Chadha has gone into the “lap” of the BJP.In an X post, Manish Sisodia said that while thousands of AAP workers were enduring “threats” from the BJP, to strengthen the party’s ideology, these members “struck a deal” out of fear and greed.”
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