Pak 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra was invited by Kerala as state tourism influencer: RTI
"People know about it. Do you think the ministers or the government in Kerala would arrange everything for her to carry out espionage? This was a standard practice the tourism department has followed for years," he said. The minister also urged to verify how influencers are shortlisted, stressing that neither the ministers nor the government directly handle such invitations."It's a serious issue and everyone should exercise more caution. Please check the procedure," he added.Meanwhile, the BJP has criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government, questioning why the backgrounds of influencers invited for the campaign were not thoroughly vetted beforehand."RTI reveals Pakistani spy Jyoti Malhotra visited Kerala on Left government invite & was state guest in a sense courtesy Tourism Dept. So Bharat Mata is blocked and Pak Spies are given RED CARPET by Left? Tourism Minister Mohammad Riyas is son in law of Vijayan. He should be sacked.. and investigated," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a post on X.Jyoti, who was arrested on May 16, just days after Operation Sindoor, was among 41 social media influencers engaged by the Kerala Tourism Department between January 1, 2024, and May 21, 2025, official RTI documents have revealed. During the state-sponsored promotional campaign, she travelled to Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar, with the government covering her travel costs and providing her an honorarium for the assignment.- EndsMust Watch
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
28 minutes ago
- India Today
Fauja Singh, 114-year-old marathon runner, dies in Punjab road accident
Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died on Monday after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. He was demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who spoke to Fauja Singh's family members. "My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," Khushwant posted on Singh, who authored Fauja Singh's biography The Turbaned Tornado, added that the veteran runner was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to injuries. SHO Hardeep Singh of Adampur Police Station said that Fauja Singh's son had informed the police following the incident. Investigation teams soon reached the location."As of now, the car that hit Fauja Singh has not been traced. We are investigating the matter, and an FIR has been registered," the SHO said. He added that Fauja Singh was on the main road at the time of the incident. "We will trace the case soon and arrest the accused," he Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria expressed grief over the passing of Fauja Singh. "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om," he posted on a longer tribute, Kataria said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and hope. Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day 'Nasha Mukt - Rangla Punjab' march from his village, Beas, district Jalandhar in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit. It is heartbreaking to learn that he lost his life today in a tragic road accident in his village. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers across the globe. May his soul attain eternal peace. Om Shanti Om."BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also paid tribute: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Fauja Singh ji, a symbol of unbreakable spirit, resilience and timeless inspiration. At 114, he proved that age is just a number and purpose knows no limits. A legend not just in running, but in life. Rest in power, Sir."- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Feetwashing ritual: DYFI takes out protest march in Alappuzha
Kottayam: DYFI on Monday organized a protest march to Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Attuva in Alappuzha district against the alleged incident of students washing the feet of BJP district secretary K K Anoop as part of a ritual. Hundreds of workers took part in the march which began from Edappon junction. Police set up barricades around 50 metres from the school to stop the march. DYFI district secretary James Samuel inaugurated the protest meeting. He said that Sangh Parivar's efforts to saffronise the education sector in the state will not succeed. Such efforts will be opposed at any cost, he said. As part of the protest, the workers burnt a copy of Manusmriti. Controversy erupted after padapooja rituals were held at few schools in Alappuzha and Kasaragod on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Students allegedly washed the feet of their teachers as part of this, which set off criticism from various organizations and the general education minister V Sivankutty.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
BJP protest turns violent at corp meet
T'puram: Unruly scenes unfolded at the corporation council meeting on Monday after BJP councillors launched a dramatic protest alleging graft charges against the corporation. The protest escalated into chaos inside the council chamber, leaving several councillors injured and corporation property damaged. The protest reportedly aimed to disrupt discussions around serious corruption allegations against two BJP councillors, Ashanath G S (Pappanamcode ward), accused of collecting bribes for distributing welfare benefits and P V Manju (Punnakkamugal ward), who allegedly siphoned off funds from Haritha Karma Sena workers involved in organic waste management. BJP members, especially women councillors, forcibly entered the mayor's chamber, broke a chair and damaged equipment including a mic stand, two fans and a sound box, causing an estimated loss of over Rs 2 lakh. The commotion began even before mayor Arya Rajendran entered the hall. As she arrived, BJP councillors tried to block her physically, leading to a scuffle. LDF councillors Irene, M Nizamuddin, I M Parvathi and Mary Gipsy were injured while trying to protect the mayor and were hospitalised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cách giao dịch ETH/USD mà không cần nắm giữ Ether IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Police intervened to remove the protesting BJP councillors. The protesters re-entered the chamber, sloganeering against police and LDF members. BJP male councillors also obstructed the session by raising banners and shouting slogans. Meanwhile, LDF councillors strongly condemned BJP's actions, calling it 'an assault on democracy'. They alleged that BJP was trying to hide corruption by creating disruptions.
