Tuesday, September 2, 2025 | Vol. 68 No. 283 | 31 Pages Reg.No MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 1541/1957 M.p.c.s office Mumbai. PIN 400001 THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL INDIA EDITION | www.freepressjournal.in ● Leader in E-paper circulation GAMES NATION ‘Old family ties’: Dhankhar shifts to INLD leader Abhay Chautala’s farmhouse in Delhi RED LINES DRAWN | HC raps quota activist Jarange for bringing Mumbai to a standstill, comes down hard on state government also PIC: VIJAY GOHIL Noon deadline to clear streets of protesters Action time Urvi Mahajani MUMBAI The Bombay High Court on Monday pulled up Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters for disrupting life in Mumbai, observing that they had prima facie violated every condition of the permission granted to them by the police for holding a peaceful protest Azad Maidan. A special bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad gave the protestors time until Tuesday noon to vacate the streets and restore normalcy in the city. The bench convened a special hearing after petitions flagged concerns that the ongoing agitation — demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the Maratha community — had spiralled out of control and brought Mumbai to a grinding halt. “The situation is grim and the city of Mumbai has been practically brought to a standstill,” the bench observed, noting that Jarange Patil and his followers had failed to confine themselves to Azad Maidan, the designated site for the protest. Instead, large groups had gathered at sensitive spots including CSMT and Churchgate stations, the Marine Drive promenade, and even around the high court building. “The high court building is surrounded. The entry gates for the judges and lawyers are blocked. The cars of judges were prevented from coming to court today. The entire city has been blocked,” the bench remarked, stressing that the protest could no longer be described as “peaceful”. 4Contd on | city Why is the state government not getting the roads cleared? Every assurance is violated. Where is peace in this so-called peaceful protest? If there are further protesters who desire to enter the city, we direct the State to take appropriate steps to prevent their entry from such entry points as may be relevant. MUMBAI Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday evening softened his stand after the Bombay High Court expressed displeasure over the ongoing protests in Mumbai. He appealed to his supporters to respect the court’s directions and ensure that Mumbaikars are not inconvenienced, but firmly Pledges to continue hunger strike till his aims are met declared that his hunger strike at Azad Maidan would continue until the community secures reservation. “I will not leave the ground without taking a reservation. I will die, but I will take reservation,” Jarange asserted. Jarange instructed his fol- Edit Love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore RaGa anymore ‘We walk shoulder to shoulder’ TIANJIN MESSAGE Ashwin Ahmad NEW DELHI Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out the red carpet treatment for him, PM Narendra Modi declared that “even in difficult circumstances, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder. Our close ties are important, not only for our two countries, but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” The two leaders held talks on Monday on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. Highlighting the importance of the India-Russia relationship, the Putin waited for Modi and took him in his limousine to the venue where the two leaders held bilateral talks. MEA officials said the two leaders spoke for over 45 minutes in the car and thereafter held a one-hour-long bilateral meeting. There is no word on what the two discussed in private or whether there were translators present but both ■ Govt warns of action if protests spill beyond Azad Maidan ■ Jarange’s health worsens; BP drops ■ Keep Marathas out of OBC quota, says Chhagan Bhujbal ■ Mumbaikars will be grateful to HC for coming to their aid SEE NATION lowers to park their vehicles only in designated open spaces. “If you don’t find a place on the ground, sleep in your vehicles. No one should act in a way that causes trouble to Mumbaikars. Those who don’t follow my instructions can return to their villages. I am fighting for you; please maintain peace,” he urged. 4See also | city leaders can get by in English. The PM later expressed satisfaction with the sustained growth in India-Russia ties in the economic, financial, and energy sectors. In his opening remarks to the Russian president, Modi stated that “1.4 crore Indians were eagerly awaiting his attendance” at the 23rd IndiaRussia annual summit. The PM added that his meetings with Putin were always “memorable.” 4Contd on | nation New Asian alignment DECLARATION ON TERROR: The Member States, while reaffirming their firm commitment to the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, emphasise the inadmissibility of attempts to use terrorist, separatist and extremist groups for mercenary purposes. They recognise the leading role of sovereign states and their competent authorities in countering terrorist and extremist threats. The Member States strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, emphasise that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable, and call on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists. SEE NATION Carpool diplomacy: Modi, Putin bond Bombay High Court Jarange aligns with HC orders Kalpesh Mhamunkar Cinema Sumona reveals car mobbed by Maratha quota protesters Serbia’s Novak Djokovic storms into US Open quarterfinals despite facing neck trouble FPJ News Service MUMBAI Forget summit tables and stiff handshakes. In Tianjin, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin took diplomacy for a spin — literally. After the SCO summit, Putin rolled up in his gleaming Aurus limousine and waited a full ten minutes before Modi appeared. Only then did the two settle into the backseat. What should have been a brisk drive to the Ritz-Carlton (venue of India-Russia bilateral meeting) stretched into a 45-minute huddle, the car parked outside while the engine purred and the world speculated. This wasn’t transport; it was theatre on wheels. The famously impatient Russian president cooling his heels for the Indian prime minister said plenty. Putin’s message was simple: India isn’t wobbling despite Washington’s tantrums. US President Donald Trump has been fuming over India’s Russian oil buys, accusing Delhi of “funding Putin’s war” and piling on tariffs. The Kremlin’s counter? A rolling photo-op that screamed, Modi is still my guy. 4Contd on | nation Ukraine understanding ussian President Vladimir Putin says he reached "understandings" with US President Donald Trump over the end of the Ukraine war, at their meeting in Alaska last month, BBC reported. But he did not say whether he would agree to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brokered by Trump, who had apparently given Monday as a deadline for Putin's response. Speaking at the SCO summit, Putin blamed the West for the war. R Rubio pipes up: Remember US Too late: Trump ANI PTI WASHINGTON NEW YORK/WASHINGTON US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reminded India that the friendship between the peoples of the two countries was the “bedrock of cooperation.” The comment came as PM Modi met Russian President Putin to deepen ties. The US Embassy in New Delhi shared a post on X on Monday, describing the IndiaUS ties as a defining relationship of the 21st century. It said the partnership continues to reach new heights, driven by people, progress, and possibilities in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship and defence. “The enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation and propels us forward as we realise the tremendous potential of our economic ties,” Rubio was quoted as saying. US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that India has now ‘offered’ to cut its tariffs to zero, but said the move has come too late. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US does very little business with India, while India does a large amount of business with the US. He added that India sells massive amounts of goods to the US, its biggest “client,” but the US sells very little to India. “The reason is that India has charged us, until now, such high tariffs, the most of any country, that our businesses are unable to sell into India. It has been a totally one-sided disaster,” Trump said. He also noted that India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia and very little from the US. “They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. 4Contd on | nation They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago. Donald Trump US President They should have done so years ago. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!!” Trump wrote. Trump’s remarks came as Modi, Putin and Xi held talks during the SCO summit. Motormouth Navarro targets Delhi again FPJ News Service MUMBAI White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has shot his mouth off again on India and tariffs. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Navarro said that losing the ongoing trade case would be disastrous for the United States. He went further, accusing Indian elites of exploit- ing ordinary citizens. “I would just simply say to the Indian people, please understand what’s going on here. You got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop,” Navarro said. His comments have been criticised as a casteist jibe. Navarro argued that India, along with China, had become a major buyer of Russian oil after Calls out ‘Brahmins profiteering’ the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Before the war, India had imported only very small amounts of Russian crude. 4Contd on | nation India rushes aid to quake-hit Afghanistan EC to consider claims beyond Sept 1 Rahul warns FPJ News Service MUMBAI India has rushed emergency assistance to Afghanistan following the devastating earthquake in Kunar province. An initial consignment of 15 tonnes of food was moved from the Indian mission in Kabul to the affected region, while 1,000 family tents arrived in Kabul on Monday to provide tempor- ary shelter for the displaced. More relief supplies are expected to follow from India in the coming days. The quake has already claimed over 800 lives, injured thousands, and flattened entire villages, prompting the Taliban government to appeal for urgent international aid. A devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday Over 800 dead near Jalalabad, villages flattened after 6.0magnitude tremor night, killing at least 812 people and injuring more than 3,000, according to preliminary UN figures. Officials warn the toll could rise sharply as rescue operations continue. The quake hit at 11:47 p.m. on August 31, with its epicentre 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad near the Pakistan border. PM Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the tragedy and affirmed India’s readiness to provide aid. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. 4Contd on | nation Commission assured that all NEW DELHI such claims or objections filed before the last date of nominaIn the Bihar Special Intensive tions will be considered. Revision (SIR) case, the ElecTaking note of this, the tion Commission of Court did not exBIHAR SIR India (ECI) intend the September formed the Su1 deadline, as sought preme Court on Monday that by political parties. As revoters can continue to file ported by Bar & Bench and claims and objections to the Live Law draft electoral rolls even after A bench of Justice Surya the September 1 deadline. The Kant and Justice Joymalya FPJ News Service Bagchi recorded the ECI’s submission that claims, objections, and corrections can be submitted after September 1, and they will be considered after the roll has been finalised. The process will continue until the last date of nominations, with all inclusions and exclusions integrated into the final roll. 4Contd on | nation of ‘Hydrogen bomb’ soon Dheeraj Kumar PATNA offgrid ‘One who can fool people best is best leader’ SC dismisses PIL Vidhi Santosh Mehta MUMBAI Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stirred fresh debate on MOnday with his blunt remarks on politics and leadership. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari said that in politics, speaking the truth wholeheartedly is discouraged, and “one who can fool people the best can be the best leader.” (Jo logon ko sabse acchha moorkh ba- Jo logon ko sabse achha moorkh bana sakta hai, wahi sabse achha neta ho sakta hai. Nitin Gadkari Road transport minister nahsakta hai, wahi sabse acchha neta ho sakta hai). Gadkari, known for his candid comments, explained that while talking is easy and doing is difficult, in the field he works in, telling the truth openly is often prohibited. Quoting a Marathi saying “Haose, navse, gavse” (everyone has their own styles and motives), he added that leaders who can convince people by fooling them often succeed. At the same time, the BJP leader urged people to live with honesty, dedication, and values rather than take shortcuts. He cautioned that shortcuts may offer quick results but undermine long-term credibility. “If you want to cross the road by breaking the rules, you may cross a red light, but shortcuts cut you short,” the minister said. Gadkari emphasised that honesty, credibility, dedication, and truth are essential for lasting success. Quoting Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, he said, “In the end, truth always wins.” Praising the teachings of the Mahanubhav sect’s founder Chakradhar Swami, Gadkari said his values inspire everyone. 4Contd on | nation against E20 petrol FPJ News Service NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the rollout of 20 per cent ethanolblended petrol (E20) without giving consumers the option to buy ethanol-free fuel. A Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order after the Central government opposed the plea and said the policy benefits sugarcane farmers. As reported by Bar & Bench and Live Law The petition was filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who argued that vehicles manufactured in India before April 2023 are not compatible with E20 petrol. Even some vehicles made in the last two years, though BS-VI compliant, cannot tolerate the higher ethanol content. 4Contd on | nation Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he would soon drop a “hydrogen bomb” of revelations on alleged vote theft, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would then be unable to “show his face” to the nation. Speaking at the concluding event of his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Patna, Rahul said, “Be prepared. After an atom bomb of revelations on vote theft in Karnataka, a hydrogen bomb is coming. The truth of this vote chori will be exposed before the entire country. I guarantee you, Modi Ji will not be able to show his face.” 4Contd on | nation 4See also | nation