Saharanpur Mosque Demolition Row Sparks Political Outcry as Asaduddin Owaisi Slams Action

Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has warned of severe flood risks posed by the Polavaram project, stating that backwaters could submerge several villages and houses along the Godavari Basin up to rooftop levels. He highlighted that the basin lacks free water flow, meaning inflows of 20 to 30 lakh cusecs could cause unprecedented damage and displace numerous residents. Urging the Centre and stakeholder states to reconsider and conduct a fresh review of the project, he noted that key areas like Bhadrachalam face recurring threats during monsoon inflows.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the Willesden Swaminarayan Mandir and the Khalsa Jatha British Isles Gurudwara during his tour of the United Kingdom. His visit to the UK marks the final leg of a global tour following visits to the United States and Canada. Bhagwat is scheduled to remain in the UK until September 7th. During this visit, discussions regarding the upcoming Punjab elections are expected to take place.

Pro-Hindu groups gathered at Jantar Mantar and outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi, protesting against the arrest and legal action taken against Swatantra Bhardwaj. Members of the Hindu Raksha Dal voiced strong opposition to the FIR registered by the Delhi Police, specifically demanding the removal of charges under the POCSO Act, the SC/ST Act, and attempt to murder sections. Protesters alleged that the legal action against Bhardwaj was unjustified and undemocratic, contrasting his arrest with what they termed a lack of action against anti-national elements. A five-member delegation entered the police station to submit a formal memorandum detailing their demands to the authorities. Bhardwaj was picked up from Bulandshahr by the Delhi Police following investigations linked to an episode during a protest on 23 June at Jantar Mantar. The gathering persisted despite rain in the national capital.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption launched raids at the residence of former DMK minister K.N. Nehru in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. DMK chief M.K. Stalin criticised the state government over the action, calling the raids politically motivated and diversionary tactics while the assembly session is underway and a case remains pending before the High Court. Stalin stated that the DMK will confront these measures through the path of law and accused the administration of resorting to horse trading to form the government without registering preliminary inquiries into such complaints.