It was the fourth strike in the Trump administration’s legally disputed campaign targeting suspected drug runners in the Caribbean Sea.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/us/politics/hegseth-military-boat-venezuela.html
Category Archives: politics
‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission
**‘Why No Panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur following the tragic stampede at a rally led by TVK chief Vijay, which resulted in 41 deaths.
### Stalin Questions BJP’s Selective Approach
Stalin highlighted that the BJP did not send similar fact-finding panels to BJP-ruled states like Manipur during times of ethnic violence, nor when a stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. He accused the party of having political motivations behind their actions in Karur.
### Political Motives Behind Karur Visit
Labeling the BJP’s visit as politically driven, Stalin said, “The BJP’s decision to dispatch a delegation to Karur was not out of concern for Tamil Nadu but because of the upcoming elections.”
He further criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, pointing out that she had ignored Tamil Nadu during three major natural disasters but chose to come after the stampede. Stalin stated, “The BJP is a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others.”
### BJP Delegation Visits Karur: Hema Malini’s Criticism of Tamil Nadu Government
The BJP’s eight-member team, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, met with the families of those affected by the tragedy. Speaking to the media after the visit, Malini slammed the DMK government, saying it was unfair for a rally featuring a star of Vijay’s stature to be held in a limited space. She claimed that many women and young girls had come to see Vijay and that the TVK had requested a larger venue, which was denied.
### BJP Demands Report on Stampede Causes
The BJP delegation has demanded a detailed report from Stalin outlining the primary factors that led to the stampede. However, they have no legal or constitutional authority to insist on such a report. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin seeking information on the preventive measures planned to avoid similar incidents in the future.
In response, Stalin announced a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan and assured that safety guidelines for future political events would be implemented.
—
*This incident has further intensified the ongoing tussle between the Tamil Nadu state government and the central government over fund disbursement and governance issues.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story
‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission
**‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur following a deadly stampede at a rally organized by TVK chief Vijay, which tragically claimed 41 lives.
### Political Motives Behind Karur Visit
Stalin accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy, asserting that the decision to send a fact-finding teams was motivated by the upcoming elections rather than genuine concern for Tamil Nadu. He questioned why similar delegations were never dispatched to BJP-ruled states like Manipur during times of ethnic violence, or to Uttar Pradesh following the Maha Kumbh stampede.
Highlighting the perceived political nature of the BJP’s actions, Stalin said, “When Tamil Nadu faced three major natural disasters, the Union Finance Minister did not bother to visit. Yet, she made a special trip to Karur. The BJP is like a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others.”
### Finance Minister’s Controversial Visit
Stalin also took aim at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, describing it as a “representative” gesture of the central government lacking sincerity. His remarks underline the ongoing friction between the Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led Union government, especially concerning delayed fund disbursements and disaster response.
### BJP Delegation’s Visit and Response
The BJP dispatched an eight-member delegation, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, to Karur to meet the families of the victims. After the visit, Malini publicly criticized the DMK government, claiming it had failed to provide adequate space for the rally. She remarked, “For a star of his stature, that was unfair. Many women and young girls had come to see Vijay.” She added that the TVK had actually requested a larger venue.
### Demand for a Detailed Report
In the wake of the stampede, the BJP delegation has demanded a comprehensive report from Stalin’s government outlining the primary factors that led to the tragedy. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin urging him to implement measures that would prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response, Stalin announced the launch of a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. He also promised to issue new safety guidelines aimed at ensuring security during political events moving forward.
—
This incident and the subsequent political exchanges reflect the tense atmosphere between Tamil Nadu’s state government and the Union government, with both sides attributing blame amid growing electoral stakes.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story
‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission
**’Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur in the aftermath of a deadly stampede that claimed 41 lives at a rally organized by TVK chief Vijay.
Stalin questioned why similar panels were not dispatched to BJP-ruled states like Manipur following ethnic violence or during the Maha Kumbh stampede in Uttar Pradesh. He accused the BJP of pursuing political motives rather than genuine concern through such actions.
**Political Motives Behind Karur Visit**
Stalin alleged that the BJP’s initiative to send a fact-finding team to Karur was driven by the upcoming elections rather than a sincere care for Tamil Nadu. He also took aim at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, calling it a mere “representative” gesture by the central government.
“When Tamil Nadu faced three major natural disasters, the Union Finance Minister did not visit the state, but she chose to come to Karur. The BJP is a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others,” Stalin remarked.
**BJP Delegation’s Visit and Criticism**
The BJP’s eight-member delegation, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, met with families of the victims in Karur. Following the meeting, Malini criticized the Stalin government for not providing a larger venue for the rally. She stated, “For a star of his stature, this was unfair. Many women and young girls had come to see Vijay.” She also mentioned that TVK had requested more space for the gathering.
**Demand for Report and Inquiry**
The BJP delegation has called on Stalin to submit a detailed report outlining the primary factors that led to the stampede, despite lacking any legal or constitutional authority to demand such a report. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin seeking information on measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response, Stalin announced a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan and promised the implementation of safety guidelines for upcoming political events.
—
*This incident has further strained the ongoing dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government over fund disbursement and administrative cooperation.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story
Mary Ann McIntyre
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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/mary-ann-mcintyre/article_4a350af2-92ae-467a-81e1-fcb4f4035b4d.html
UP Panchayat Elections 2026: OBC Reservation Commission Delay May Postpone Polls
**Lucknow:** The three-tier panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for April-May 2026, may face delays due to the non-formation of a dedicated commission for Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation.
The tenure of the Gram Panchayats, Kshetra Panchayats, and Zila Panchayats ends on May 26, July 19, and July 11 next year, respectively. This means the elections are required to be held before these dates. However, similar to the municipal elections, the OBC reservation formula needs to be finalized prior to conducting the polls.
### Role of Proposed Commission
The proposed commission is tasked with studying the socio-economic and political status of OBCs in the state. Based on this study, it will submit its recommendations to the government. According to a Supreme Court ruling, OBC reservation cannot be implemented without such a report.
### Timeline Challenges
Sources indicate that the commission will need to conduct district visits and may require up to six months to prepare its report. This duration raises the likelihood of postponing the elections.
A Panchayati Raj official confirmed that the proposal for the commission has already been sent to the state government. The election schedule now depends on the government’s decision regarding this proposal.
*Also watch:* Developments on the reservation formula and election timelines will be closely monitored in the coming months.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-panchayat-elections-2026-obc-reservation-commission-delay-may-postpone-polls
Trump says U.S. in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean
President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and stated that the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them. This revelation comes from a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, October 3, 2025, following recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean.
The memo represents an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers, with Mr. Trump effectively declaring that drug trafficking into the United States amounts to an armed conflict requiring the use of military force. This is a new rationale for both past and future actions.
> “The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” the memo states. Mr. Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”
The memo continues, saying, “The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense and defense of others against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations.”
This development signals a potential shift not only in the administration’s willingness to exceed traditional presidential authority to wage war but also in Mr. Trump’s stated America First agenda, which typically favors non-intervention overseas. It raises serious questions about the extent to which the White House intends to use its war powers, and whether Congress will assert its authority to approve or reject such military actions.
### Declaration Follows Strikes on Boats in the Caribbean
Last month, the U.S. military carried out three deadly strikes against boats in the Caribbean accused of ferrying drugs. At least two of these operations were conducted against vessels originating from Venezuela. These strikes followed a buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean not seen in recent history.
Though the memo did not include a timestamp, it references a September 15 U.S. strike that resulted in the destruction of the vessel, confiscation of illicit narcotics, and the deaths of approximately three unlawful combatants.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated, “As we have said many times, the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores. He is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans.”
The Pentagon referred questions to the White House. Pentagon officials briefed senators on the strikes on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke under conditions of anonymity.
### Legal and Congressional Concerns
During the classified briefing at the Capitol, several senators perceived the Trump administration’s outlined legal framework as a new and controversial approach—raising significant questions about Congress’s role in authorizing such military actions.
The memo sets out the administration’s justification for past military strikes against boats in the Caribbean—actions that have raised concerns among lawmakers about their legality—and potentially legitimizes future operations.
### Details on Targeted Cartels Remain Sparse
President Trump has designated several Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The administration previously justified military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.
However, Pentagon officials could not provide a list of the designated terrorist organizations involved in the conflict. This lack of transparency frustrated some lawmakers who were briefed on the matter.
While allied nations have made significant efforts to combat these groups, the memo states that the cartels have become transnational and conduct ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere as organized entities. It refers to cartel members as unlawful combatants.
### Bipartisan Push for Congressional Authorization
As the Republican administration targets vessels in the Caribbean, lawmakers from both major political parties have expressed objections. They have pressed Mr. Trump to seek war powers authorization from Congress for such military operations.
The first military strike, carried out on September 2 against what the Trump administration described as a drug-carrying speedboat, resulted in 11 deaths. Mr. Trump claimed the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.
Several senators and human rights groups have questioned the legality of these actions, calling them a potential overreach of executive authority—particularly because the military was used for law enforcement purposes.
The Trump administration has yet to explain how the military evaluated the boats’ cargo or determined the passengers’ alleged gang affiliations before conducting the strikes.
### Senator Jack Reed Reacts
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, commented on the situation:
> “The drug cartels are despicable and must be dealt with by law enforcement. The Trump Administration has offered no credible legal justification, evidence, or intelligence for these strikes.”
A former Army officer who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, Reed’s criticism underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding the administration’s approach to combating drug cartels.
—
The unfolding situation highlights the complex balance between national security, executive authority, and legislative oversight as the U.S. grapples with transnational drug trafficking and its consequences.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-says-us-in-armed-conflict-with-drug-cartels-after-ordering-strikes-in-the-caribbean/article70119237.ece
Sambhal Bulldozer Row: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Alleges Injustice, Questions Demolition After Supreme Court Guidelines
**Sambhal Demolition Drive Leaves Villagers Devastated**
In Sambhal’s Raya Buzurg village, a major demolition drive on Thursday shook residents as a mosque and a marriage hall were razed by authorities. Both structures were reportedly built on what officials termed as pond land, prompting the bulldozer action.
The 30,000 sq ft marriage hall was demolished in a four-hour operation starting at 11:30 am. Meanwhile, villagers themselves began dismantling the adjacent 550 sq ft mosque after authorities granted them a four-day window to do so.
The drive was closely supervised by District Magistrate Rajendra Pansiya and SP Krishna Vishnoi, with the deployment of 200 police and PAC personnel. Additionally, drone surveillance was utilized to monitor the situation from above.
According to the administration, the mosque and marriage hall were constructed illegally about a decade ago by a local cleric named Minjar. However, the demolition has dealt a severe blow to the community.
Residents mourned the loss, emphasizing the importance of the marriage hall, which was built through community donations. “The hall was a place where poor families could celebrate weddings free of cost. Now where will our children marry?” expressed Atahar, a local villager. The grief was palpable, with many villagers refraining from cooking food at home in protest.
Another resident, Irfan, recalled the origins of the hall: “It was built after the pond dried up, with our small contributions. We made it for the community, not for profit.”
The demolition has also drawn political attention. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the operation on social media, accusing authorities of using bulldozers as a tool of injustice and ignoring Supreme Court guidelines.
Despite such criticisms, officials assert that due legal process was followed, including serving notices a month in advance.
For many residents of Raya Buzurg, the demolition represents more than just the destruction of buildings; it marks the loss of spaces integral to their community life and collective identity.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/sambhal-bulldozer-row-aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-alleges-injustice-questions-demolition-after-supreme-court-guidelines
Thousands attend funerals of youths killed by Pakistani forces in PoJK
He accused authorities of double standards, adding: “The Jammu Kashmir Joint People’s Action Committee’s march is peaceful, but Pakistani forces are committing atrocities on unarmed citizens and martyring them.”
The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre on a 38-point charter of demands. These include political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, lower electricity tariffs, free education and healthcare, and an end to perks for government officials, ANI reported.
Public anger has also grown over the decision to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Muzaffarabad has become the epicentre of the agitation, which has spread to multiple districts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Shops, markets, and transport services have been shut down, bringing life to a standstill.
Despite an indefinite lockdown and internet blackout imposed by authorities, large protest caravans have pushed through blockades to join the movement, ANI reported.
Opposition leaders in Pakistan have amplified the unrest online. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syeda Zahr posted: “A sea of people from Rawalakot has set out towards Muzaffarabad.” Chaudhry Muddasar Raza Machhiana, coordinator to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, praised the demonstrators: “Salam to the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) who know how to claim their rights.”
Neelum Valley Public Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir accused the government of unleashing violence on its citizens. “This government has turned into a demon. They want to silence us by shutting down the media, deploying forces, and firing on us,” he said in a viral video.
Violent clashes over the past three days have already claimed more than half a dozen lives and left several seriously injured, sources said. In Dudyal, Mirpur, the Action Committee announced that the body of one protester would not be buried until the administration meets their demands.
Security forces have been deployed across PoJK to block protest marches and clear bridges and key routes. Despite the clampdown, the agitation shows no sign of slowing, with protesters vowing to continue until their demands are met.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pojk-protests-intensify-as-thousands-attend-funerals-of-youths-killed-by-pakistani-forces-23596902
Mumbai News: BMC Issues Show-Cause Notice To V N Desai Hospital Medical Superintendent For ICU Scam And Operational Lapses
**Mumbai: BMC Initiates Action Against Medical Superintendent of V N Desai Hospital**
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly initiated action against the medical superintendent of V N Desai Hospital, Santa Cruz, following mounting concerns over the hospital’s management and infrastructure, according to sources.
### Poor Infrastructure and Irregular Functioning
In recent months, V N Desai Hospital has come under intense scrutiny due to poor infrastructure, irregular functioning of critical departments, and alleged misconduct by senior officials, particularly the medical superintendent. These issues were initially highlighted in the *Ailing Hospital* series by the Free Press Journal, which exposed several lapses affecting patient care and hospital operations.
### Fake Doctor in ICU Confirmed
Further investigations revealed a shocking discovery — a fake doctor had been engaged in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This claim was later confirmed by the Maharashtra Medical Council. In response, the BMC has issued a show-cause notice to the medical superintendent, seeking explanations for the serious lapses that occurred under his supervision.
### Complaints by Health Activists
Health activists have raised their voices against the deteriorating conditions at V N Desai Hospital. They lodged complaints with the State Human Rights Commission and copied the civic administration, detailing multiple operational shortcomings. Among the issues cited were a non-functional blood bank, irregular ENT, ophthalmology, and paediatric services, and frequent disruptions in the availability of essential medicines, X-ray, CT scan, and operation theatre facilities.
According to the activists, these persistent deficiencies have forced patients to seek private healthcare repeatedly, adding significant financial and logistical burdens.
### Civic Body Plans Transfers and Improvements
Sources within the civic body revealed that the BMC plans not only to transfer the current medical superintendent but also to appoint a senior doctor from an Eastern Suburb hospital to take charge of V N Desai Hospital. This decision follows a recent inspection by senior civic officials aimed at addressing ongoing complaints and improving patient care.
Surprise inspections have reportedly become a standard measure across municipal hospitals to detect mismanagement and enhance service delivery.
### Allegations of Mismanagement
One of the health activists involved in filing the complaint accused Dr. Acharya, the medical superintendent, of repeatedly ignoring warnings about unsafe hospital conditions and failing to enforce staff discipline. The activist alleged that Dr. Acharya allowed crucial tests and HIV kits to remain unavailable and was complicit in an ICU scam involving the fake doctor.
“He reportedly halted critical services such as USG and the blood bank without providing alternatives and protected favourites despite repeated complaints,” the activist said. “These lapses have delayed vital testing, forced patients to rely on private care, and caused chaos in hospital operations, severely compromising patient safety.”
—
*For more news and updates on healthcare and civic administration in Mumbai, stay tuned.*
—
*Also Watch:*
To explore exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-issues-show-cause-notice-to-v-n-desai-hospital-medical-superintendent-for-icu-scam-and-operational-lapses