After Giriraj, Togadia ‘hate speech’ puts BJP on back foot
Cong, parties flay VHP leader Police start probe
New Delhi, April 21
The BJP today found itself on the back foot as VHP leader Pravin Togadia’s alleged anti-Muslim remarks triggered a political storm. With the Congress and other parties coming down heavily on Togadia and accusing him of “spreading venom”, the police started an inquiry into the alleged hate speech given by the VHP leader at Bhavnagar on Saturday.

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SAD promises fast-track courts on anti-Sikh riots
Bathinda, April 21
The Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday stuck to its “traditional” issues of transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas to Punjab, non-sharing of river water and justice for anti-Sikh riot victims in its manifesto.

Frame charges against Punjab DGP Sharma: Ropar court
Ropar, April 21
A local court has ordered framing of charges against Punjab DGP SK Sharma and others in a 24-year-old kidnapping case. Additional district and sessions judge KS Sullar rejected a plea filed by Sharma for discharging him in the case and fixed May 6 as the date for framing charges. Sharma was recently elevated to the rank of DGP.

Probe into liquor flow at SAD rally indicts Ranike’s son 
Patiala, April 21
The final probe report on allegations of liquor distribution to woo voters at the March 20 SAD rally in Ghanaur has nailed Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike’s son and Excise and Taxation Inspector (ETI) Bhupinderpal Singh for “dereliction” and has recommended “action against him and the liquor contractor”.

Other khaps back decision on inter-caste marriages
Hisar, April 21
The decision of the Satrol khap panchayat to allow matrimonial alliances in 42 villages falling under its jurisdiction in Narnaund block of the district has got the stamp of approval from the sarv khap mahapanchayat and many other khaps that termed the decision as “pragmatic” and “in tune with the changing times”.

For planet earth: Students during an awareness programme on the eve of World Earth Day in Patiala on Monday. Tribune photo Oped: Countering climate change with smart action