NEWS

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh’s recent remark on CM Mamata Banerjee’s leg injury has stoked a massive controversy. Ghosh had attacked The TMC supremo over her style of campaigning for assembly polls. Ghosh made the statement while addressing an election rally in Purulia. “She is wearing a saree showing her one leg and not the other. I have not seen anyone wear a saree like this. If u want to show legs then why are u wearing saree, wear a Bermuda, then everyone can see clearly,” he said. TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Derek O’Brien have slammed Ghosh for his comment.

The man who launched the 'Dharmayudham' (holy war) against VK Sasikala in February 2017 has embraced peace. In a U-turn from his earlier revolt against Jayalalithaa's aide, O Panneerselvam now says Sasikala's return to the AIADMK can be considered, even though chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami has categorically ruled it out.

In an interview to a Tamil news channel, OPS said, "She spent four years in prison. She was with and served Amma (Jayalalithaa) for 32 years. Just on humane consideration, I think if she accepts the present set-up of the party under a chief coordinator and his deputy, we could consider her return.''

That is not all. The Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister also denied that he had ever accused Sasikala of having links with Jayalalithaa's death. In the interview, he claimed that he had asked for an inquiry so that Sasikala's name could be cleared.

Come next month and the aviation security fees (ASF) paid by air travellers will increase from Rs 160 (at present) to Rs 200 for domestic and $5.2 (at present) to $12 for international outbound passengers.

The new rates will be applicable on tickets issued from April 1, 2021. In the last 1.5 months, airfare bands for domestic flights have been hiked upto 30% due to spiralling jet fuel prices and with ASF also increasing, flying is set to cost more.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) notified the new rates in an order last Friday. Certain categories of travellers are exempt from paying this fee.

The Union home ministry Wednesday upgraded security cover of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice-president Mukul Roy from 'Y plus' to 'Z' category in West Bengal.

Home ministry sources say Mukul Roy will continue to have 'Z' category security cover throughout the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election.

At present, Mukul Roy is protected by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

After his security upgrade, the number of troops in his security team will be increased to 33.

Under 'Z category' security, the beneficiary is guarded by 33 troops. This includes 10 armed static guards who are deployed at the beneficiary's home, six personal security officers (PSO)