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Assam Police initiated legal action against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other functionaries for allegedly inciting participants of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra "to disobey lawful orders and putting life and property in danger" while attempting Tuesday to enter Guwahati, which was off-limits for the march. Police filed a suo motu FIR later.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma directed legal proceedings following a scuffle between Congress workers and police as Assam government deployed barricades at Khanapara in Guwahati to prevent the entry of the yatra through the city's busy routes. At least eight Congress functionaries, including MP Gaurav Gogoi, Assam PCC chief Bhupen Borah and leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia, and a few cops were wounded. CM Sarma said a criminal case would be filed against Gandhi, with plans for his arrest after the LS polls. Urging police to use video shared by Congress on social media as evidence, he said around 3,000 people and 200 vehicles led by Gandhi tried to enter the city despite being advised not to.

Today is the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in the lives of crores of people. I never had the opportunity to meet Karpoori Ji but, I heard a lot about him from Kailashpati Mishra Ji, who worked closely with him.  He belonged to one of the most backward sections of society, the Nai Samaj. Overcoming numerous obstacles, he achieved a lot and worked for societal betterment.

Jan Nayak Kapoor Thakur Ji's life revolved around the twin pillars of simplicity and social justice. Till his last breath, his simple lifestyle and humble nature resonated deeply with the common people. There are numerous anecdotes that highlight his simplicity. Those who worked with him recall how he preferred to spend his own money for any personal matter including his daughter's wedding. During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, a decision was taken to build a colony for political leaders, but he himself did not take any land or money for the same. When he passed away in 1988, several leaders went to his village to pay tribute. When they saw the condition of his house, they were moved to tears- how can someone so towering have a house so simple! 

With the who's who of India heading to Ayodhya for the Shri Ram janmabhoomi Temple inauguration, the holy city's airport handled 40 charter flight arrivals and as many departures on Sunday. Ayodhya Airport director Vinod Kumar says the airport will handle well over 100 arrivals and as many departures on Jan 21 and 22. They will primarily be special charters apart from VVIP movement and scheduled flights.

"We got about 40 flights which dropped their passengers on Sunday and then went to be parked at all nearby airports like Lucknow, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Varanasi and many others. They will return on Jan 22 to pick up the passengers. In all, we are well prepared to handle a large number of (over 100) flights on Jan 21 and 22," Kumar said.

The Bombay High Court has extended the interim relief granted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from appearing before a magistrate court in Mumbai until February 26 in a defamation case against him.

Gandhi had approached the Bombay High Court through his lawyer Kushal Mor, seeking the quashing of the proceedings against him for his "commander-in-thief" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 while addressing a public rally in Rajasthan. Gandhi had tweeted the same on September 24, 2018.

On Monday, all that glittered was Ram Lalla. As many as 132 craftsmen worked round the clock to put together the jewellery that adorns the main idol. The collection comprises 14 pieces — mukut, tilak, emerald ring, ruby ring, a short round necklace, a panchlada (five- layered necklace), vijay mala, kamar and baju bandh (waist and arm belt), kangan (bangle), pag kada (ankle band), gold payal apart from dhanush and baan (bow and arrow). It has a total of 18,567 round brilliant diamonds, 2,984 rubies, 615 emeralds, and 439 uncut diamonds, as per the certification reports.