New Delhi: Congress leader and former student activist, Kanhaiya Kumar on Tuesday was slammed by netizens after a video of his interaction went viral on social media. In the video, Kumar is seen avoiding questions about jailed student leader Umar Khalid and RJD leader Meeran Haider.

Kumar, in the video, is seen speaking to media reporters in Bihar’s Sivan when a reporter questioned him about the two activists. Kumar can be heard saying “Does Meeran Haider belong to my party?”

He then asked the reporter about Meeran Haider’s political affiliation. When the reporter says he is with Rashtriya Janata Dal, Kumar says “Then why are you asking me about him?”

Later, when the reporter questions Kumar about his “friend” Umar Khalid, Kumar replied, “Who told you so?”

Umar Khalid and Kumar, both shot their fame to national headlines during the protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2016 over the death of Dalit student Rohith Vemula.

Both were also slapped with sedition in a case in which the Delhi Police claimed that the two were a part of an event to commemorate convicted terrorist Afzal Guru where 'anti-India' slogans were allegedly raised.

Jamia student Meeran Haider was arrested and charged with sedition in December 2019 amid the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). He was also the head of the Delhi youth wing of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Another activist and former student leader Safoora Zargar also slammed Kumar and asked him to join BJP and RSS.

“Hey @kanhaiyakumar let me tell you @UmarKhalidJNU wouldn’t want to be friends with you. Plz join the BJP/RSS soon so that u don’t have to even PRETEND to be secular anymore. Would be a lot easier for you. You ll also win the seat u r so desperate for.” She wrote in her tweet.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.