West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur but sparked controversy by questioning why the victim was “out at night.” Afghanistan’s foreign minister warned Pakistan of “other options” after deadly border clashes, prompting the closure of the Torkham crossing.Congress leader P Chidambaram called Operation Blue Star “the wrong way” to reclaim the Golden Temple, saying Indira Gandhi “paid with her life.” In Bihar, seat-sharing talks in the INDIA bloc remain unresolved, while the NDA edges closer to finalising its poll pact ahead of the Assembly elections.
Here are the Top 5 news of the evening:
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses shock over Durgapur gang-rape; says ‘girls must protect themselves’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur but courted controversy by questioning why the victim was “out at night.” While asserting that three accused had been arrested and strict action would follow, Banerjee said private medical colleges must ensure students’ safety and that “girls have to protect themselves.” Read full story
Afghanistan warns Pakistan of other options after deadly border clashes; Torkham crossing is closed
Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has warned Pakistan that Kabul has “other options” if peace efforts with Pakistan fail, following deadly clashes along the Durand Line that killed dozens on both sides. Muttaqi said overnight retaliatory operations along the Durand Line achieved their objectives while avoiding civilian casualties, accusing “some elements in Pakistan” of fomenting instability. Meanwhile, Pakistan has closed the Torkham and Chaman crossings. Read full story
P Chidambaram calls Operation Blue Star a mistake, says Indira Gandhi paid with her life
Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday described Operation Blue Star as “the wrong way” to reclaim the Golden Temple, saying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi “paid with her life” for the decision, while noting it was a collective choice involving the Army, police, intelligence, and civil services. Chidambaram contrasted Operation Blue Star with Operation Black Thunder, which he called the correct approach. His remarks drew criticism from Congress leaders, including Rashid Alvi, who questioned why Chidambaram was publicly attacking the party decades later. Read full story
Bihar elections seat-sharing talks stall in INDIA bloc while NDA nears final deal
With the Bihar Assembly elections drawing closer, hectic seat-sharing talks have gripped both alliances, but while the NDA appears near a final deal, the opposition INDIA bloc continues to wrestle with internal discord. The RJD, Congress and Left are yet to seal an agreement even as nominations for the first phase close on October 17. RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav’s sudden departure for Delhi on Sunday sparked speculation of a meeting with Rahul Gandhi to resolve the stalemate. Read full story
Hamas rules out governing Gaza after ceasefire, denies disarmament as ‘out of the question’
A senior Hamas source has said the group will not govern Gaza once the ceasefire holds, calling the issue “closed” while rejecting disarmament. Ahead of a peace summit in Egypt, US President Trump’s 20-point plan proposes a “deradicalised terror-free zone” with a temporary technocratic committee managing Gaza. Humanitarian aid is being scaled up, with 600 trucks entering daily. Trump is set to travel to Israel Monday to co-chair the Sharm el-Sheikh summit with Egyptian President el-Sisi, joined by over 20 world leaders. Read full story