July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Politics

ED Issues Second Summons to Robert Vadra in Shikhopur Land Deal Case; Vadra Alleges Political Vendetta

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday issued a second summons to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Shikhopur land deal in Haryana. The summons comes days after Vadra failed to appear before the agency following an earlier notice issued on April 8. In a show of defiance, Vadra, accompanied by supporters and Congress workers, marched to the ED office, asserting his innocence and calling the case a politically motivated attack. “Whenever I talk for the people, they try to suppress me. It’s a political vendetta. I have nothing to hide,” he said. He further claimed that the case has been repeatedly used to target him and his family, particularly when he expresses interest in entering active politics. “People love me and want me to join politics. When I express that willingness, they bring up old issues to divert from real problems,” he added. Vadra also stated that he has been summoned 15 times and interrogated for over 10 hours each time over the past 20 years, and that his legal team is compiling 23,000 documents to support his defense. Meanwhile, Congress supporters present at the ED office chanted slogans accusing the ruling BJP of misusing central agencies. One of the popular chants was, “Jab jab Modi darta hai, ED ko aage karta hai,” implying that the agency is being used to silence dissent and target opposition voices. The case pertains to a 2008 land transaction in Shikohpur village near Gurgaon, where Vadra’s company Skylight Hospitality purchased around three acres of land for Rs 7.5 crore. Later, the Haryana town planning department issued a letter of intent to develop a commercial colony on 2.71 acres of the plot. Subsequently, Skylight entered into an agreement with DLF to sell the land for Rs 58 crore, and the sale deed was registered in favor of DLF. Once Vadra deposes before the ED, the agency is expected to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to sources cited by news agency PTI. He has previously been questioned by the ED in connection with another money laundering case.

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Editor03 mins

PM Modi Slams Congress Over Waqf Law Opposition, Calls Out ‘Appeasement Politics’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing it of appeasing Muslim fundamentalists and neglecting the broader Muslim community. Speaking at the inauguration of Hisar airport in Haryana, PM Modi said the Congress’s stand on the new law was a clear indication of its vote-bank politics. He challenged the party’s commitment to the Muslim community, questioning why it had never appointed a Muslim party president or allocated 50 per cent of its election tickets to Muslim candidates. The Prime Minister emphasized that the newly inaugurated Hisar airport would serve as a significant milestone in Haryana’s developmental journey. He also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling him a Dalit icon and the architect of the Constitution. Modi stated that every decision of his government is inspired by Babasaheb’s struggle and dedication to social justice. Targeting the Congress party’s historical approach, Modi accused it of misusing the Constitution for political power. “During the Emergency, the spirit of the Constitution was murdered,” he said. He criticized the Congress for never implementing a Uniform Civil Code, which he claimed is enshrined in the Constitution, while his government had taken a step forward by introducing it in Uttarakhand. Modi also accused the Congress of betraying Ambedkar during his lifetime. “They insulted him, made him lose elections, and tried to erase his legacy after his death,” he said, adding that the Congress had perpetuated vote-bank politics while ignoring real issues like education and empowerment of marginalized communities. He said the Waqf law, as changed arbitrarily by Congress, was used to benefit land mafias rather than poor Muslims, Dalits, and backward classes. According to Modi, the new amendment ensures that tribal lands and properties cannot be taken over by Waqf Boards, and that this will help restore the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslims, which he described as true social justice. In response, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge countered Modi’s claims by invoking Ambedkar’s belief in the power of education. He said the current government does not follow Ambedkar’s vision but only indulges in blaming the Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others from the past. Kharge also highlighted the Congress’s consistent demand for immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, with specific provisions for SC, ST, and OBC women, as part of their long-standing commitment to equality.

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Editor04 mins

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

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Editor03 mins

Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia: 155 Chinese Nationals Allegedly Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia. “We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged. Zelensky claimed: “Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.” China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that: “The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.” He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict. Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of: China’s Balancing Act China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods. North Korea Also in Focus The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort. With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.

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Editor04 mins

Finance Department Tightens Project Implementation Rules: Cabinet Nod Now Mandatory

In a move aimed at curbing unregulated budgetary expenses, the Finance Department has issued a circular mandating cabinet approval for all new projects, including those sponsored by the Central Government. The new directive makes it compulsory for all departments to seek formal clearance before initiating any project or scheme. Multi-Tier Approval System Introduced Before seeking cabinet clearance, departments must first get their project proposals vetted by the Cost Screening Committee, to be chaired by the respective department head. Following this, projects will be assessed based on their financial scale through various finance committees: If any project’s cost escalates by more than 10%, additional approval must be obtained from the relevant finance committee. Deadline and Duration of Project Validity The circular also states that projects running until March 31, 2026, must obtain fresh approval to continue. Additionally, all such projects must aim for completion by September 2025, or face discontinuation of funding beyond March 31. The order coincides with the upcoming term of the 16th Finance Commission, which will function from 2026 to 2031. Approvals given under the current framework will remain valid throughout this period. This revised process marks a significant tightening of fiscal controls and is expected to enforce greater transparency, discipline, and accountability in public spending across departments.

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Editor03 mins

BJP Receives Over ₹2,243 Crore in Donations in 2023-24, Over Six Times More Than Congress: ADR Report

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to dominate the political donation landscape, receiving a staggering ₹2,243.94 crore in donations during 2023-24, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This marks a 211.72% jump from the ₹719.85 crore received in 2022-23. In comparison, the Indian National Congress (INC) received ₹281.48 crore, reflecting a 252.18% increase from the previous year’s ₹79.92 crore. Despite the growth, Congress’s donation total was still over six times lower than that of the BJP. 🔍 Key Figures from ADR Report: Party Donations Received (2023-24) % Change (YoY) BJP ₹2,243.94 crore +211.72% Congress ₹281.48 crore +252.18% AAP ₹11.06 crore -70.18% CPI(M) ₹7.6 crore Not specified NPP ₹14 lakh Not specified BSP ₹0 First time in 18 years 🧾 Transparency Concerns: The ADR report flagged transparency lapses, stating that: The lack of cheque numbers, bank names, and encashment dates makes it difficult to trace the origin of funds, the report noted. 🟣 BSP’s Decline The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) reported zero donations above ₹20,000 for the first time in 18 years, signaling a sharp erosion in its financial and political base. Once a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has faced severe electoral setbacks: 📈 Total Donations to National Parties (2023-24): The massive spike in donations, especially to the BJP, once again brings into focus the disproportionate funding patterns and transparency gaps in political finance.

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Editor03 mins

Kashmir: Senior Hurriyat Leaders Renounce Separatism Amid Amit Shah’s Visit

In a significant development coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Kashmir Valley, three senior separatist leaders have publicly renounced separatism and distanced themselves from Hurriyat Conference factions, signaling a marked shift in the region’s political narrative. The leaders — Mohammad Yousuf Naqash (Islamic Political Party J&K), Hakeem Abdul Rashid (Muslim Democratic League J&K), and Bashir Ahmad Andrabi (Kashmir Freedom Front) — were all formerly affiliated with the Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In similarly worded statements, the trio declared allegiance to the Constitution of India and made it unequivocally clear that they no longer support separatist ideologies or entities such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). “My organization and I have no connection whatsoever with APHC factions or any entity pursuing separatist agendas. We are loyal citizens of India and owe allegiance to the Constitution,” read their statements. They further warned that any misuse of their names in association with separatist groups would be met with legal action. They emphasized that their departure from the separatist fold was due to the failure of APHC to effectively address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A Broader Trend This renunciation is part of a growing wave of public exits from separatist politics in the Valley over the past month. It marks a historic shift — the first time since the 1990s insurgency that multiple separatist leaders have voluntarily denounced the separatist movement in such open terms. Union Minister Amit Shah has previously welcomed such moves, posting on X that “Separatism has become history in J&K”, reflecting the government’s long-standing effort to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. Background on APHC Formed in 1993, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was a coalition of over 20 political, religious, and civil society groups advocating for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, often citing UN resolutions. Over time, its internal divisions and diminishing influence have led to a weakening of its political relevance. With this latest development, it appears that a new chapter may be unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, one that could significantly alter the narrative around conflict, identity, and reconciliation in the region.

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Editor04 mins

भोपाल के 126 से ज्यादा कब्रिस्तानों पर अतिक्रमण, अस्पताल और दुकानें भी बनीं: वक्फ संपत्तियों की हालत चिंताजनक

भोपाल। शहर के ऐतिहासिक वक्फ संपत्तियों पर अतिक्रमण का मामला एक बार फिर सुर्खियों में है। भोपाल टॉकीज चौराहा के पास स्थित कब्रिस्तान की ज़मीन पर अस्पताल और दुकानें तक बना दी गई हैं। ये अकेला मामला नहीं है—भोपाल शहर में लगभग 150 से अधिक कब्रिस्तानों में से सिर्फ 15 से 24 कब्रिस्तान ही अस्तित्व में बचे हैं, जबकि 126 से अधिक कब्रिस्तान अतिक्रमण की चपेट में हैं। 🔥 मुख्य बिंदु: वक्फ संपत्तियों की दुर्दशा: हाजी मोहम्मद इमरान, जमीअत उलमा ए हिंद (मप्र) के सचिव के अनुसार, “वक्फ बोर्ड की जानकारी में सब कुछ है, लेकिन न तो कार्रवाई होती है और न ही मुस्लिम समाज को जागरूक किया गया।” 📌 वक्फ बोर्ड की प्रतिक्रिया: डॉ. सनव्वर पटेल, अध्यक्ष, मप्र वक्फ बोर्ड: “हमने 150 कब्रिस्तानों का रिकॉर्ड देखा है, पर भौतिक सत्यापन में सिर्फ 24 मिले। सत्यापन के बाद सभी अतिक्रमणकारियों को नोटिस भेजे जा रहे हैं।” 😔 भावनात्मक संकट भी गहराया: कई परिवार जो अपने पूर्वजों के पास अपने प्रियजन को दफनाना चाहते थे, अब उनके पास कब्रिस्तान ही नहीं बचा। कुछ कब्रिस्तानों में तो रास्ता तक नहीं बचा है। क्या है वक्फ: वक्फ वह संपत्ति होती है जिसे कोई व्यक्ति अल्लाह की राह में समाज के कल्याण के लिए देता है। इसका पंजीकरण होता है और वक्फ संपत्ति जब तक समाज के हित में उपयोग होती रहे, तब तक वक्फ करने वाले को पुण्य मिलता है। ज़रूरी सवाल: अगर आप चाहें तो मैं इस पर एक विस्तृत रिपोर्ट या प्रेस रिलीज़ भी ड्राफ्ट कर सकता हूँ।

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Editor01 mins

ED Raids Properties Linked to DMK Minister KN Nehru’s Family Across Tamil Nadu

Chennai/Tiruchy/Coimbatore, April 8: In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations across Chennai, Tiruchy, and Coimbatore as part of an ongoing probe into financial irregularities involving the TVH Group, a real estate company allegedly promoted by KN Ravichandran, brother of senior DMK leader and State Minister KN Nehru. According to official sources, the searches were connected to banking transactions by the TVH Group, with raids conducted at over 10 locations, including high-profile neighborhoods in Chennai like Adyar, Teynampet, Alwarpet, CIT Colony, Besant Nagar, and MRC Nagar. Key Highlights: Political Reactions: Amid rising political temperatures, Law Minister S Regupathy slammed the ED, calling it a “non-political ally of the BJP.” Drawing parallels with other opposition leaders facing similar action, he said the agency functions as “an extended arm of the BJP.” In a late evening press conference, DMK MP and legal wing head NR Elango described the raids as politically motivated and retaliatory, stating: “These delayed and unlawful raids target DMK leaders whenever our Chief Minister MK Stalin raises constitutional issues. The case in question appears to be related to a 2013 bank transaction, already charge-sheeted by the CBI in 2021. There is no indication that it involves any new corruption charge.” Minister’s Response: Despite the tense atmosphere as DMK cadres assembled near the raid locations, Minister KN Nehru was seen urging his supporters to leave and not interfere with the ED’s actions. This helped defuse the situation, avoiding any confrontation.

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Editor03 mins
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