Those who spread Hindu-Muslim enmity can't be Hindu: Uddhav Thackeray
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that those who incite communal disharmony cannot be considered Hindus. He emphasised that his party's 'Hindutva' is "clean" and challenged the BJP-led Centre to conduct elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Addressing a public gathering on the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav criticised the BJP for allegedly fostering divisive politics. "If you have any shame, keep EVMs aside and hold elections using ballot papers. Our Hindutva does not promote enmity," he remarked.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced a significant setback, winning only 20 seats, while the BJP-led Mahayuti secured a landslide victory with 235 seats.
Opposition parties, including those in the INDIA bloc, have raised concerns over the transparency of EVMs, demanding a return to ballot papers. However, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently dismissed this idea, calling it "unwarranted and regressive." Similarly, the Delhi High Court upheld the use of EVMs, rejecting a petition that sought constituency-specific justifications for their use.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
