Manipur Flood Situation Improves As Water Level Recedes In Rivers

The flood situation had largely improved on Saturday in Manipur, which was ravaged for more than five days due to the massive deluge affecting around two lakh people in 348 villages and urban localities in eight districts after the incessant rains triggered by cyclonic storm Remal, officials said.

Officials said that the water level receded in most rivers including in Imphal, Nambul, and Kongba and from the villages, human habitations and localities.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who closely monitored the situation during the past five days, on Saturday appreciated various departments and officials for making efforts to clear the water-logging.

In a post on X, he said : "I appreciate the relentless efforts of the minor irrigation department. The officials, working in collaboration with local authorities, clubs and volunteers, have been working tirelessly day and night to ensure the swift removal/pumping out of water from populated and residential areas to restore normalcy, allowing businesses to resume and daily activities to continue."

Officials said that it would take one or two days more to clear the post-flood debris and mud.

The affected people took shelter in 56 relief camps. A large number of them have returned to their homes, the officials said.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles carried out an operation 'Jalrahat' in the affected areas and provided succour to the marooned citizens.

Since May 28, 16 columns of Assam Rifles have been deployed round the clock to evacuate those in need.

The dedicated teams used specialized equipment and employed advanced rescue techniques to reach those trapped in the flood waters.

The operation led to the rescue and evacuation of more than 6,500 people, including women and children, from grave situations due to the rising waters in Dewlahland, Thangal Bazar, North AOC and Mantripukhri, an Assam Rifles statement said.

The para-military force said that they distributed over 5,000 food packets and drinking water to those affected by the floods.

The flood waters entered important installations including medical colleges and government offices, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's private residence, and various hotels were inundated in knee to waist deep water.

Water also surged into the Raj Bhavan complex, leaving the Governor's Office and Secretariat, staff quarters, and the security personnels barracks under flood water, with only the vintage building, which is the official residence of the Governor, unaffected.

Water Resource Minister Awangbow Newmai said that since Monday in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, most parts of the state, spanning the hills and valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching, had been affected due to the flash floods.

Three persons have died in flood-related incidents so far while one person is missing and ten are injured.

The minister said that 56 relief camps have been opened and over 20,000 people have taken shelter there.

He also said 434 hectares of crop area was affected and landslides occurred in several hill district areas.

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

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"इस बार कांग्रेस 100 पार" : मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे ने गठबंधन सरकार में PM बनने के सवाल का दिया दिलचस्प जवाब

Mallikarjun Kharge Exclusive Interview : कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे ने एनडीटीवी को दिए एक्सक्लूसिव इंटरव्यू के दौरान दावा किया कि कांग्रेस लोकसभा चुनाव में 100 सीटों का आंकड़ा पार कर 128 सीट जीतेगी और भाजपा को सत्ता में आने से रोक देगी. कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष ने यह भी कहा कि जो भी कांग्रेस के घोषणा-पत्र में बोला गया है, हम वो करेंगे... आरक्षण का कोटा भी 50% से बढ़ेगा... ऐसा जयललिता ने किया था तो हम क्यों नहीं कर सकते? गरीब मुसलमानों को भी आरक्षण देने के सवाल पर कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे ने कहा कि जैसा मोदी जी ने गुजरात में किया, गरीब मुसलमान जातियों के लिए, वैसा ही हम भी करेंगे. 

1 जून को मीटिंग किस लिए?
इंडिया अलायंस की और से पीएम कौन बनेगा? इस सवाल के जवाब में मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे ने कहा कि जो गठबंधन के लोग चाहेंगे, वैसा होगा. उनसे जब पूछा गया कि क्या खरगे भी हो सकते हैं? इस पर उन्होंने कहा कि स्वीकार होना चाहिए... हम मिल कर लड़े हैं... हम मिल कर तय करेंगे. गैर कांग्रेसी के पीएम बनने के सवाल पर कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष ने कहा कि ये गठबंधन के दल तय करेंगे. उन्होंने बताया कि वोटों की गनती में गड़बड़ी ना हो, इसके लिए 1 जून को मीटिंग बुलाई है. बता दें कि 1 जून को इंडिया गठबंधन की बैठक दिल्ली के मुख्यमंत्री अरविंद केजरीवाल के जेल जाने से पहले बुलाई गई है. अंतरिम जमानत पर बाहर आए केजरीवाल को दो जून को सरेंडर करना है. सूत्रों के मुताबिक, इस बैठक में आगे की रणनीति पर चर्चा हो सकती है, लेकिन अभी इस पर इंडिया गठबंधन के नेता कुछ भी कहने से बच रहे हैं. बैठक में केजरीवाल, तेजस्वी यादव, अखिलेश यादव समेत तमाम विपक्षी दलों के प्रमुखों को न्योता भेजा गया है. पढ़िए, बाबा के नाम से विख्यात मनोरंजन भारती के साथ मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे का पूरा इंटरव्यू...

बाबा- ये खामौश दौर है चुनाव का, एक तरह से चुनाव अब खत्म हो चुका है. कांग्रेस कितनी सीटें जीतेगी? आपका अनुमान क्या है?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- अभी 1 जून को एक चरण का चुनाव बाकी है. हम पहले से बोलते आ रहे हैं कि गठबंधन की जितनी भी पार्टियां हैं, उन्होंने मिलकर बहुत अच्छा काम किया है. परफॉर्म भी किया है... और एक दूसरे को मदद भी करने की कोशिश हुई है. बहुत से जगह हमारे वोट भी एक-दूसरे को स्थानांतरित हो गए... इससे अंदाजा लगता है कि बीजेपी को हम सत्ता में आने रोक देंगे और उतनी संख्या हमको मिलेगी और बीजेपी सत्ता में नहीं रहेगी. ये हमको एक अंदाजा मिला है.. मैं खुद तमिलनाडु से लेकर जम्मू तक गया हूं... तो हमको अंदाजा है कि गठबंधन की सरकार बनेगी..

बाबा- कांग्रेस पार्टी के लिए कोई आंकड़ा बताना चाहेंगे?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- कांग्रेस पार्टी के लिए पूरा गठबंधन है...अच्छी सीटें आएंगी... और हमको तो स्वाभाविक है, जब बड़ी पार्टी हैं तो ज्यादा सीटें आएंगी.

बाबा- कांग्रेस को अच्छा परफॉर्म करना पड़ेगा..90 या 100 सीट लानी होगी..
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- हमारा अंदाजा है कि हम 128 तक आएंगे, लेकिन सब निर्भर करता है आखिरी फेज पर... लेकिन अब तक 100 के ऊपर के आंकड़े हमको मिले हैं. देखेंगे, आगे हमको कितने मिल जाएंगे..

बाबा- 1 जून को आपने एक बैठक बुलाई है, जिसमें सबको बुलाया गया है... उसका मकसद क्या है... और उसमें ममता बनर्जी नहीं आ रहीं. उस पर आप क्या कहेंगे? 
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- हमने एक इनफॉर्मल मीटिंग बुलाई है. कांउटिंग में गड़बड़ी की बहुत बार शिकायत आती हैं. फॉर्म7सी देखना चाहिए... किस तरह से हम उसको चेक कर सकते हैं और जो हमारे बूथ एजेंट होते हैं उनके बैठने का... उसके बारे में लोगों के साथ, रिटर्निंग ऑफिसर के साथ.. किस तरह से व्यवहार करना चाहिए... कहीं वोटों में हेराफेरी ना हो और जो दूसरी बात है हमारी गलतियों से वोट की हेराफेरी ना हो.

बाबा- क्या आप उस बैठक में ये भी बोलेंगे कि अपने-अपने सांसदों पर नजर रखें कि कहीं खरीद-फरोख्त की बात होती है चुनकर आने के बाद... तो ये बात भी करेंगे?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- ये बात इस बैठक में कैसी होगी... ये सब जो भी होगा 4 के बाद होगा... तो हम टेक्निकली एक टीम बनाकर हर राज्य में हमारे जो प्रेसिडेंट्स हैं...वो डिसिजन प्रेसिडेंट्स को बताएंगे और ब्लॉक प्रेसिडेंट्स को बताएंगे... कि अपने-अपने इलाके में सतर्क रहना है...और कभी आपको 5 हजार वोट ज्यादा मिले तो आप उठकर चले जाते हैं कि जीत गए... अब जो हार जाता है, वो भी चला जाता है... तो ये ना हो, इसलिए हम इनफॉर्मल मीटिग कर रहे हैं.

बाबा- सबसे पहला काम क्या होगा? अगर आपकी सरकार आती है तो क्या आरक्षण का कोटा बढ़ेगा? 50 फीसदी आपने अपने संकल्प पत्र में कहा है..
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- जो चीजें हमने हमारे संकल्प पत्र में कहा है, वो एक-एक करके हम निपटाएंगे. एक-एक करके उसको अनुष्ठान में लाएंगे..ये सारी चीजें हम करते जाएंगे... क्योंकि हमने जो पहले से वादा किया है... जो-जो महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दे हैं... वो सब मिलकर हम करेंगे.

बाबा- संकल्प पत्र में तो है कि आरक्षण का कोटा 50 फीसदी से बढ़ाया जाएगा... करेंगे ना इम्प्लीमेंट?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- हां, है. स्वाभाविक रूप से करेंगे... जब जयललिता कर सकती हैं तो हम क्यों नहीं कर सकते... जयललिता ने तो 69 प्रतिशत कर दिया था... कोटा बढ़ाने के लिए जब संविधान में प्रोविजन है...तो वैसा हम भी उसको लागू करेंगे.

बाबा- संकल्प पत्र में तो ये भी है कि जो मुस्लिम हैं, माइनॉरिटी हैं... उनको भी आरक्षण दिया जाएगा.. उनको भी कोटा में लाया जाएगा..
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- ये कोटे की नहीं, क्लास की बात होती है. जैसा खुद मोदी जी ने किया है कि खुद को पिछड़ी जाति में डालकर आरक्षण दिया... तो वो तरीके ढूंढेंगे... अब उसको कॉट्रोवर्सी करना... देखो, देश में आपको अच्छी सरकार देना और अच्छा देश को चलाना है संविधान के तहत. आप लोग एक एडमिनिस्ट्रेशन की बात करो और जो वादे किए हैं, उसको अमल में लाने की बात कीजिए.

बाबा- पीएम पद का उम्मीदवार कौन होगा?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- जो गठबंधन के लोग चाहेंगे, वही होगा.

बाबा- खरगे साहब हो सकते हैं, कोई दिक्कत नहीं है...
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- वो गठबंधन के लोगों के ऊपर है, जितने भी नेता हैं गठबंधन के और जो मैटर करता है वो सब मिकर तय करेंगे, किसको बनाना है.

बाबा- बड़ा दल होने के नाते तो कांग्रेस का ही होगा?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- बड़ा दल, छोटा दल... स्वीकार्यता देखते हुए करना है... अगर हमारे पास पूरे के पूरे 273 सीट होते तो हम ये कह सकते हैं... अगर हम मिलकर लड़ रहे हैं तो सबकी राय जरूरी है.. सबकी राय के ऊपर जो करेंगे, वो बहुत दिन चलने वाला है.

बाबा- आप ये तो नहीं कह रहे हैं कि कोई गैर कांग्रेसी भी हो सकता है, घटक दल से भी हो सकता है?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- गैर कांग्रेसी हो सकता है... ये हो सकता है.. वो हो सकता है... मैं ये तो नहीं बोल सकता... मैंने स्पष्ट बोला गठबंधन सरकार बनाने के लिए गठबंधन के नेता तय करेंगे.

बाबा- तो ये मामला ओपन है?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- हां, वो तो है.

बाबा- यदि कांग्रेस अच्छा नहीं कर पाती है तो हार का ठीकरा आप पर ही फोड़ा जाएगा... हमेशा से हुआ है कि एक स्केप घोस्ट कांग्रेस बना देती है.. हमने केसरी जी से समय में भी देखा और बाद में भी देखा...
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- किसके ऊपर ठीकरा पड़ेगा... क्या करेगा मैं उस चीज को नहीं जानता... अब तक मैं राजनीति में 58-60 साल और 53 साल एक्टिव राजनीति में ... बोले तो... एमएलए, एमपी, राज्यसभा, लोकसभा, ये सब देखे हम... हम उसूलों की राजनीति करते हैं. जब हम बचपन से राजनीति में आए हैं... इसलिए आएं कि हमारी आइडियोलॉजी को अनुष्ठान में लाने के लिए एक राजनीतिक ताकत होनी चाहिए... और वो राजनीतिक ताकत हमको इस्तेमाल करना है जो लोग हमारे उसूलों को... और जो लोग आज बहुत पिछड़े हैं, अति पिछड़े हैं, बहुत गरीब हैं , दलित हैं, इनकी तरफ अपना ध्यान है, मेरा खास करके.. मैं राजनीति में कभी रिटायर नहीं होने वाला हूं... राजनीति मेरी प्रतिबद्धता है... और जिस राजनीति में मैं बचपन से आया... तो इसलिए आया कि लोगों की अच्छाई के लिए... और लोगों के साथ जब अन्याय होता है... तो उनके तरफ से लड़ने के लिए मैं यहां आया हूं. हार के घर बैठने के लिए नहीं आया हूं.

बाबा- आपने आखिरी इंटरव्यू में कहा था कि 14 लोकसभा आपने देखा है.. क्या ये चुनाव अलग था?
मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे- देखो, हर चुनाव अलग-अलग रहता है... हर चुनाव में कहीं हवा रहती है...कहीं एक जगह सब शांत रहता है... कोई कुछ नहीं बोलता... और कहीं ऐसा होता है कि लोग किसी एक विषय पर भावुक हो जाते हैं... लेकिन इस वक्त जो माहौल बना.. वो महंगाई के खिलाफ, बेरोजगारी के खिलाफ और ये जो सहूलते हैं.. कमजोर वर्ग को दिए गए हैं... वो संविधान को घटाने का, जो कमजोर करने का काम उन्होंने किया... वो उसके ऊपर लोकतंत्र की जो संस्थाएं हैं.. ऑटोनोमस बॉडी उनको कमजोर करने का और उसको पूरा अपने हाथ में लेने का और लोगों को सताने का... ये चीजें पहले कभी नहीं होती थीं और कोई पहले ऐसा करता भी नहीं था.... लेवल प्लेइंग ग्राउंड होता था... जो जीतता था, वो करता था... लोग भाषण भी करते थे... हमने नेहरू जी के भाषण भी सुने हैं.. इंदिरा गांधी के सुने हैं, लाल बहादुर शास्त्री के सुने हैं और राजीव गांधी के सुने हैं... वाजपेयी के सुने हैं... वो अलग थे.. ये तो ऐसा करते हैं कि रास्ते में जाने वाले लोग जो स्पीच करते हैं, डर-डर के नुक्कड़ सभा करते हैं और बोलते हैं मंगलसूत्र, मुस्लिम और जाने क्या-क्या बोलते हैं... एक पीएम को ऐसा नहीं बोलना चाहिए... स्तर कम हो गया बोलने का... एक स्टेटमेंट के लिए नहीं बोल रहे हैं... वो लोकप्रिय होने के लिए बोल रहे हैं...

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Explained: Why Have Temperatures Reached Record Highs In India?

Several parts of India grappled with unusually high temperatures this week, forcing schools to close and hospitals to create special units to treat heat-related illnesses, while workers on construction sites were given a "paid holiday" in the afternoon.

Here is a look at what caused the unprecedented heat in the country.

HOW UNUSUAL HAS THE SITUATION BEEN THIS YEAR?

While every year temperatures in India tend to peak in the months of May and June, the number of heatwave days recorded over northwestern and eastern parts of the country this season have been more than double the normal, with eastern India also experiencing its hottest April on record.

India declares a heatwave day when the maximum temperature in any given region is 4.5 -6.4 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

Parts of the country have touched new highs in terms of the maximum temperature, including Delhi, which recorded the country's highest ever temperature at 52.9 C (127.22 degree F) on Wednesday.

While this figure may be revised as officials are investigating whether it was caused by an error in the sensor, two areas in Delhi also recorded 49.9 C a day earlier - an all-time high for the city.

In northern Haryana state, which surrounds Delhi from three sides, the Rohtak region recorded its highest-ever temperature on Friday at 47.5 C.

WHY HAVE TEMPERATURES RISEN THIS SEASON?

Scientists from India's weather department said that while a rise in temperatures during May and June is normal, it is usually controlled by periodic western disturbances, which are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean Sea that bring moisture-laden winds.

These neutralise the impact of the hot, dry air coming from the direction of Pakistan and Afghanistan into northern India.

This year, however, there were more western disturbances between March and early May than usual, while their strength has reduced over the last "10-15 days", leaving the wind coming from neighbouring countries unchecked and causing temperatures to rise.

Global and India-based experts say such weather changes are being worsened by human-driven climate change.

WHY IS THE SITUATION IN DELHI PARTICULARLY BAD?

Surrounded by alluvial plains in the north and east, the Thar desert in the west, and the Aravalli hill ranges in the south, Delhi, with a population of about 20 million, is one of India's fastest-growing areas.

Officials and experts say apart from its location, the capital is also particularly vulnerable because of its large population, scattered vegetation, and increased construction in the last two decades, with the built-up area increasing from 31.4% in 2003 to more than 38% in 2022.

WHEN WILL THE HEAT ABATE?

According to the India Meteorological Department, the temperature in northwest, central, and east India will gradually decline over the next three days because of the impact of the approaching western disturbance, rainfall, and the southwesterly wind blowing from the Arabian Sea.

Monsoon rains reached the southernmost state of Kerala on Thursday, bringing relief to residents there.

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

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"Growth Momentum Will Continue In PM Modi's 3rd Term": Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed 8.2 per cent GDP growth in 2023-24 as 'remarkable' and said the growth momentum will continue in the "third term of the Modi Government".

Today's GDP data showcases robust economic growth with a growth rate of 8.2 per cent for FY 2023-24 and 7.8 per cent for the fourth or March quarter of FY 2023-24.

"This remarkable GDP growth rate is the highest among the major economies of the world," Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post on X.

She said the manufacturing sector witnessed a significant growth of 9.9 per cent in 2023-24, highlighting the success of the Modi government's efforts for the sector.

Many high-frequency indicators indicate that the Indian economy continues to remain resilient and buoyant despite global challenges, she added.

"India's growth momentum will continue in the third term of PM Shri @narendramodi-led government," she said.

The last phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on Saturday while the results will be announced on June 4. 

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

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Case Against Gujarat BJP MLA's Son For Assaulting Student Leader: Cops

A case of attempt to murder was registered against Gujarat BJP MLA Geetaba Jadeja's son Ganesh Jadeja and others here on Friday for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a local NSUI leader, police said.

As complainant Sanjay Solanki, city unit chief of the National Students' Union of India, a Congress-affiliated organisation, is a Dalit, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act too was invoked.

"The incident took place in the early hours of Friday. We have registered an FIR against Ganesh Jadeja and his men. No one has been arrested yet," said inspector V J Savaj of Junagadh A Division police station.

As per the First Information Report, 26-year-old Solanki asked Jadeja to drive carefully on Thursday night when the latter's car passed too close to Solanki's two-wheeler in Kalva Chowk area.

Angered, Jadeja and his associates followed Solanki to his residence on Datar Road but left after Solanki's father, who knew Jadeja, intervened.

When Solanki went out on his two-wheeler early in the morning, a car with Ganesh Jadeja's men in it allegedly rammed it from behind around 3:00 am. As Solanki fell to the ground, five men stepped out, allegedly beat him with sticks, and put him in the car.

He was taken to Jadeja's residence in Gondal where Ganesh and others mercilessly thrashed him and asked him to quit the NSUI, the complainant said.

In the morning, the accused dropped Solanki at Bhesan crossroads, the FIR said.

Geetaba Jadeja represents Gondal constituency in Rajkot district.

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

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Will Go To Supreme Court To Get Delhi's Share Of Water From Haryana: Atishi

The Delhi government will approach the Supreme Court over Haryana not releasing the capital's share of water, which has led to a crisis, Water Minister Atishi said today.

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said Delhi is staring at an "emergency" and announced many measures to tackle the crisis, including banning the use of drinking water for washing cars and at construction sites.

The government held an emergency meeting over the water crisis that the city is facing amid a heatwave.

"We are going to the Supreme Court so that the court tells Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, from where Delhi's water comes, that Delhiites should get their rightful share of water. Apart from this, many emergency measures are being taken by the Delhi government," Atishi said.

She said a central water tanker control room is being set up in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and will be monitored by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

"There will be a central command and control centre. Any Delhi resident who wants a water tanker should dial 1916. From 1916, the request will go to our water tanker war room and from there, tankers will be provided to places where there is a shortage of water supply," the minister added.

She said from June 5, an ADM-level officer and an SDM-level officer will be stationed in each of the 11 water zones of the national capital.

"Why June 5? Because all the ADMs and SDMs are busy with election duty. These officers will form a quick response team. Wherever there are water-shortage hotspots, these ADMs, SDMs and their tehsildars will be fully available to deliver tankers and solve the problem," Atishi explained.

She added that a special team of the DJB's electrical department is being formed and it will work round the clock to ensure that no borewell is damaged or dysfunctional.

"We had announced on Wednesday itself that we are forming 200 enforcement teams of the DJB, which will check the wastage of water. A senior IAS officer is being appointed to head these teams. He will monitor these 200 teams and the challans issued by them," the minister said.

Further elaborating on the measures, she said there will be a complete ban on the use of potable water at construction sites, whether it comes from tankers, pipelines or borewells.

"If any construction site is found using potable water, it will be sealed by the MCD," she said.

Atishi said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) reinforcement teams will start visiting construction sites from Friday morning.

"There are many car-repair and car-wash centres that use potable water supplied by the DJB via the drinking water pipeline. The use of drinking water to wash cars and at car-repair centres is being completely banned.

"From Friday, DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee) teams will be on the ground to inspect car wash and car service centres. If any such centre is found using drinking water, it will be sealed immediately," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said.

Delhi is "going through an emergency situation", she said while attributing it to the heatwave in the national capital and Haryana not releasing water from the Yamuna River.

"We appeal to Delhiites to cooperate with the government. Use as little water as possible, do not waste water. Only when all Delhiites come together, we will be able to face this crisis," Atishi said.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the health and water departments will play the most important role during this heatwave.

"But the health department's secretary and the CEO of the DJB have gone on leave without informing their ministers and without taking permission from them.

"We do not even know the reason why they have taken leave. The people of Delhi should be our priority. The chief secretary told Thursday's meeting that he has given leave to both of them. The chief secretary is giving leave to the head of such an important department on his own without informing the minister. This is surprising and unfortunate," he said.

Bharadwaj said they will tell the apex court that if there is any possibility of getting water from the neighbouring states, the states should provide water to Delhi for a few days.

"If we get at least 50 MGD (million gallons per day) water in the Wazirabad pond, it will provide some relief," he said.

The capital is facing a water shortage due to unprecedented summer heat, with temperatures hovering around the 50-degree Celsius mark in parts of the city.

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

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Sharad Pawar Leader Tears BR Ambedkar's Poster, Later Apologises

NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad apologised today for tearing posters denouncing the Manusmriti that also had a picture of Dr BR Ambedkar.

The rival Nationalist Congress Party headed by Ajit Pawar targeted him over the incident and demanded that he be arrested, while the BJPsaid it would stage protests in Maharashtra over the issue.

Mr Awhad, a former state minister, was taking part in a protest at Mahad in Raigad district against the state government's alleged plans to introduce some verses from the Manusmriti in the school curriculum.

The ancient text supported the caste system and denigrated women, he said earlier, asking people to oppose the decision.

But a new controversy erupted when videos of the protest showed him tearing up a stack of posters that also had Dr Ambedkar's picture on them.

NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil demanded that Mr Awhad be arrested for insulting Dr Ambedkar.

Mr Awhad was responsible for "spoiling the social environment in the country and state by performing the stunt of burning the Manusmriti in Mahad," Mr Patil alleged, seeking to know what action NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar would take against his party's leader.

State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said his party would stage protests against the former minister on Thursday.

In a video statement later, Mr Awhad said party workers brought posters denouncing the Manusmriti which had Dr Ambedkar's photograph. "I tore them without realizing this. I apologise publicly," he said.

Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said two days ago that verses from the Manusmriti were not part of the curriculum in the state.

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

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