Diana Ross defends Michael Jackson amid controversy

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March 25, 2019

American singer Diana Ross is standing up for her late friend and singer Michael Jackson amid resurfaced allegations of sex abuse against the late pop star in the explosive documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’.

Recently, Ross shared a message on her Twitter handle defending her late longtime friend, as she seemingly admonished those speaking out against Jackson.

“This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE,” the 74-year-old star wrote.

This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) March 23, 2019

In addition to sharing an enduring friendship, Ross has worked with Jackson several times over the years. The duo had shared screen space in ‘The Wiz’ (1978) and the late King of Pop also wrote and produced Ross’ 1982 single ‘Muscles’.

Ross was also named the secondary caregiver for Jackson’s three children–Prince Michael (22), Paris (20) and 17-year-old Blanket, who now goes by Bigi — in the singer’s will, reported People.

Ross’s message of support comes as fellow singer Barbra Streisand clarified her own statements regarding the sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the documentary.

Streisand recently drew flak when she told an london based daily that while she “absolutely” believed Jackson’s accusers, they were “thrilled to be there,” and that the singer’s alleged behaviour “didn’t kill them.”

The 76-year-old artist later apologised for her remarks, taking to Instagram, she wrote, “I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings. I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way.”

“Like all survivors of sexual assault, they will have to carry this for the rest of their lives. I feel deep remorse and I hope that James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth,” she added.

The late singer’s family denounced ‘Leaving Neverland’ and denied the shocking resurfaced allegations from accusers Robson and Safechuck, as well as past similar accusations made against Jackson, who was acquitted of charges of sexually abusing a different boy, in a 2005 trial, reported an online website.

Following the broadcast of the documentary, several brands like Starbucks and Louis Vuitton have distanced themselves from Jackson.

The film stirred controversy, drawing mixed reactions from the public. The late singer’s family criticised the film, while, many fans and supporters of Jackson staged protests against the broadcast of the documentary.

Earlier this month, HBO aired ‘Leaving Neverland’ which details allegations of sexual abuse committed by the late King of Pop.

The documentary tells the story of two men Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Both of the men say that they met Jackson as children when the singer was at the height of his fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They allege that Jackson sexually abused them, causing them trauma lasting into their adulthood.

Jackson’s estate has criticised the film, previously calling it “tabloid character assassination.

The Jonas Brother tease fans with new music again

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

Driving away your Monday blues, the Jonas Brothers, who recently reunited and surprised their fans by dropping a new song ‘Sucker’, have teased fans about an upcoming new music video.

Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas teased a new music video simply saying that they are “shooting something.”

While, the sibling duo didn’t get into details, Nick posted a video on his Instagram story of him and Joe wearing matching outfits. The two donned navy blue sport coat and a white shirt with black trim.

“B—h stole my look,” Nick said to the camera while shaking his head at his brother.

Nick also uploaded a photo of himself looking off into the distance and captioned it “shooting something.”

He looked dapper in bright yellow pants, a black and white checkered shirt and black slip-on sneakers with white palm trees on them.

The entire family was hanging out in Miami over the weekend, so these sartorial choices for the seemingly upcoming music video really fits the atmosphere.

Nick, who is quite active on the photo-sharing application, keeps putting out pictures from their Miami vacation.

The popular band comprising of Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas recently performed at a secret concert at The Box Theatre in New York City which consisted of their latest track and old hits. The concert tunes included ‘Sucker’, ‘Burnin’ Up’, ‘Year 3000’, ‘SOS’ and ‘That’s Just the Way We Roll’, reported E! News.

Broadway legend Patti LuPone joins Ryan Murphy’s ‘Pose’

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

“Pose” creator Ryan Murphy has announced that Broadway legend Patti LuPone is set to guest star in the upcoming second season of the FX drama.

Murphy also revealed that in season two, the series will jump from 1980s to 1990s.

“We’ve come up with this great role for Patti LuPone. She loves the show and we wrote this part and she said, ‘Yes, I want to do it,’ so she’s coming to play with us in a couple weeks,” Murphy said while moderating the “Pose” panel at PaleyFest.

He added that the lead actor of the show, MJ Rodriguez, will share many scenes with the double Grammy and double Tony winner star.

In its first season, “Pose” received critical acclaim for examining the African-American and Latinx ball culture in New York City, and it touted the largest cast of transgender actors ever on a scripted network.

The season tackled with transgender relationships, drag culture and the HIV/AIDS crisis of the late ’80s.

Deepika’s look from ‘Chhapaak’ as acid attack survivor will leave you stunned

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

This gotta give you goosebumps! Deepika Padukone, who won hearts with her performance in ‘Padmaavat’, is leaving everyone stunned with her first look of an acid attack survivor in her upcoming film ‘Chhapaak’.

Revealing the look of real-life acid attack survivor, Laxmi Agarwal, Deepika posted a picture on her Instagram account and the resemblance is uncanny!

Deepika’s character will be called ‘Malti’ and she looks absolutely unrecognisable in the picture. The picture is as powerful as it can get! Apart from the amazing prosthetics, it’s the intensity in the actor’s eyes that will win you over. Deepika effortlessly emotes the undying human spirit and determination of the survivor in the picture.

In the caption, the actor revealed that the film goes on floors today and also shared the release date of the upcoming drama.

“A character that will stay with me forever…#Malti Shoot begins today! #Chhapaak Releasing-10th January, 2020. @meghnagulzar @foxstarhindi @vikrantmassey87,” she wrote alongside the picture.

The film’s team had earlier shared a picture from the script reading session of the movie.

Giving an essence about the story, Deepika had posted a tweet on December 24, last year, writing, “A story of trauma and triumph. And the unquashable human spirit. Elated to collaborate with Fox Star Studios on #Chhapaak.”

The 33-year-old actor will essay the role of Laxmi, who at the age of 15, was attacked allegedly by a spurned lover in 2005. Agarwal had to undergo several surgeries. Later, she took up the job of helping acid attack survivors and promoted campaigns to stop such attacks. Her attacker, a 32-year old man, was an acquaintance of her family. Agarwal is a well-known advocate of stricter punishments in acid attack cases.

The film is being helmed by Meghna Gulzar and being co-produced by Deepika and Fox Star Studios.

Deepika was last seen on the big screen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’. Meanwhile, Vikrant last appeared in AltBalaji’s web series titled ‘Broken but Beautiful’, where he played the role of a heartbroken husband who lost the love of his life in a car accident.

Meghna’s last film ‘Raazi’, which starred Alia Bhatt, was a critical and commercial success. It also dominated the awards season this year, bagging the best film trophy at the recent Filmfare awards.

‘Chhapaak’ is slated to hit the theatres on January 10, 2020.

Gadkari files nomination from Nagpur

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday filed his nomination for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, where election will be held on April 11. Gadkari, who had emerged victorious by defeating Vilas Muttemwar (Congress) in the 2014 elections by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes, was confident of his victory this time too.

“This time, I will win with a bigger margin. People have a good opinion of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led government in the last five years. Our government did more than (was promised in) the poll manifesto,” Gadkari told reporters.
While filing his nomination Gadkari was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, family members and a large number of party workers.

Letters to the Editor: March 25, 2019

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

IOC ads of 10% payback on petrol through digital payment

Presently TV-advertisements by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are in plenty about 10 per cent pay-back on the purchase of petrol-diesel through the digital mode of payment. The central government had earlier started. 75 per cent pay-back if petrol and diesel are purchased through credit or debit cards from every petrol-pump of any public-sector oil-company to encourage cashless payments after demonetisation of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on November 8, 2016.

It is beyond understanding why and how IOC alone can provide 10-percent pay-back rather and 75 per cent by other oil companies. Now, with people already adopting card-payments at petrol-pumps, the incentive for cashless payments at petrol-pumps should be totally withdrawn or else it should be same for all public-sector oil-companies rather than just IOC advertising 10 per cent pay-back if digitally paid.

All public-sector oil-companies dealing in the retail sale of petrol and diesel should be merged to save heavy overheads and advertising costs. Net payable retail-price of petrol, diesel, and CNG should be rounded in multiples of Re 1 while of LPG refill in multiples of Rs 50 also to prevent daily fluctuation in prices of oil products.

Madhu Agrawal

Adopt amicable technology

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been striving to bring in necessary electoral reforms to conduct ‘free and fair’ elections. The introduction of a voter-id card was one such innovation that revolutionised the polling process and weed out dubious voters. The extent of dubious voters may still prevail owing to archaic paperwork related constraints to update the voter list including duplicate voters, deleted voters and transposed voters.

The ECI has also been following an archaic method to curb dubious and fraudulent voting by marking indelible ink in the finger of every voter post casting a ballot. The ink reflects of having cast a vote successfully and prevents any further voting process owing to the inevitable impression mark on the finger. It is ironical to note that in an era which witnessed many innovations thanks to technology, the ECI still relies on obsolete silver nitrate-based inedible ink to identify ‘genuine’ voters in a polling process. It is now high time that ECI brings up an innovative strategy to identify dubious and fraudulent voters with the help of advanced technological revolution and just let go of ink marking fingers.

The ECI should strive to do away with the archaic method of marking inedible ink on a voter’s fingers. It should instead adopt necessary amicable technology friendly solutions like a digital voter signature, online verification of voters, linking of voters to id cards post polling etc. to curb fraudulent voters and provide more opportunities to genuine voters.

ECI in future should further show necessary consideration to professionals in the field of healthcare, agriculture, handloom, food processing, dairy farming etc., as they may perhaps be averse to the defunct method of indelible ink mark on the fingers post casting a successful ballot.

Varun SD

Coastal road is cleared but there is road divider as well

Coastal road project gets Centre’s green light finally and it is clear for the much relief of the road users of Mumbai. Mumbai’s infrastructure projects are getting shape one by one and the part 2 of 9 coastal road has got the final clearance. The project cleared hurdle after environment ministry’s expert committee’s approved work on the second phase of 9.98 km road connecting Marine Drive and Kandivali will start soon. The much-awaited coastal road plan is a boon. However, the project gets affluent people out on the streets protesting as residents seek guarantees that this is not just another land grab and much worried about the proposal of creating large open spaces. It is indeed a dream come true project for the Mumbaikars. Though it is not a new idea, the coastal freeway has received an impetus under the present government in the state of Maharashtra, which feels that the freeway road is desperately needed to improve movement of Mumbai’s traffic. It is indeed a gift for the Mumbaikars but how the proposal will turn in the wake of large scale reclamation complaints in executing the project successfully.

Ramani

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

An Apple a day, keeps the Doctor away

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Jubel D'Cruz

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March 25, 2019

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This proverb means that eating an apple each day keeps you healthy — apples are so full of vitamins and nutrients that if you eat one every day, you will not become sick and you will therefore not have to visit the doctor.

It has long been established that the apple is one of the best fruits. In fact, it is a mine of vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fibre.

It is estimated that a medium-sized apple has 81 calories of energy, including 21 grams of complex carbohydrates.

No doubt, apples do not contain as much vitamin C like some other fruits like guava and oranges, but they have other antioxidants known as phytochemicals. It is for this reason that it is said, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. One should eat at least one apple daily.

There are three main useful parts of an apple. They are its food value, fibre, and flavonoids. Apples can act as a preventive object against heart diseases, strokes, and cancer since its phytonutrients prevent oxidation of the LDL that is ‘bad’ cholesterol. Moreover, the abundant magnesium and potassium which the apple contains are enough to ensure a healthy heart to the eater. Potassium, in particular, lowers blood pressure and regulates heartbeat. Moreover, an apple contains zero fat and cholesterol.

Flavonoids present aplenty in the apple act as anti-oxidant agents. The apple must be eaten along with the skin. The largest amount of minerals and vitamins in the apple is present in the skin and it goes on decreasing as one move in the flesh towards the centre. For instance, the skin contains five times more vitamin A than the flesh (or pulp) of the apple.

According to reports, apple-eaters have better lung function than non-apple eaters. Then the pectin present in the apple aids in detoxification by supplying the galacturonic acid. This acid is required by the body to eliminate some harmful substances.

The apple is also regarded as a brain tonic. It is said that apples control age-related deterioration in mental processes. The malice acid which the apple contains helps not only the brain but also the liver and the bowels in their efficient functioning.

The apple is useful in another way too. The acid present in it acts as an antiseptic which prevents tooth decay. Hence, the apple should be chewed slowly and thoroughly in the mouth at the time of eating.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Will offer PM Modi whistle and cap if he wants to be Chowkidaar: Akbaruddin Owaisi

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Web Team

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March 25, 2019

Akbaruddin Owaisi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adding chowkidaar as a prefix on his name and said that he would offer him with a whistle and cap if he is interested in performing such a job.

Speaking at rally on Sunday Owaisi said, “I have seen on twitter where the names have become as ‘Chowkidaar Narendra Modi’, ‘Chowkidaar Amit Shah’. Why only one twitter? He should mention his name ‘Chowkidaar’ in his Aadhar card, voter-id and passport.”

“We want a PM and not ‘Chaiwala’ or ‘Pakodewala’ …I am surprised at those who vote for Modi, what kind of person they vote for. If Modi is so interested in being a ‘Chowkidaar’ he should come to me. I will offer him chowkidaar’s cap and whistle.

Facepalm for BJP: Sapna Choudhary denies rumours on joining Congress

By

Suraj Chandran

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March 24, 2019

Haryanvi singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary termed the reports of her joining Congress party as baseless. She added that the pictures circulated online are old. “I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old,” she said in a press conference. News agency ANI had reported that Sapna had joined Congress under the presence of Raj Babbar. Raj Babbar had also tweeted welcoming her into the party. Pictures of Sapna Choudhary’s membership form too are doing the rounds on social media.

Due to high crime rates, Haryana residents are currently not favouring BJP. The arrest of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim also has not gone down well with people of Haryana. He continues to have a huge vote bank in Haryana despite his conviction. Already his followers had come forward in large numbers to protest against his conviction. Haryana has witnessed several incidents of rape and molestation with even a BJP member’s son accused of stalking. Sapna Chaudhary is a well-established name in north India and she has a major fan following. Rumours of her joining Congress led many to think it as a challenge for the BJP in the state.

BJP MLA from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh Surendra Singh stooped to a new low by comparing former Bigg Boss contestant and Haryanvi singer and dancer with the UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi.

Equating Sonia Gandhi to Sapna Choudhary, he said, ‘Both have dancing background’. Singh’s sexist slur has got him enough criticism from the netizens.

In a video that went viral on social media, Singh also said that he wanted to congratulate Congress President Rahul Gandhi for embracing Sapna despite her profession as a dancer the same way former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had embraced Sonia Gandhi despite she belonging to ‘the same profession’ before marriage.

Social activist Anjali Damania asserted, “Politics and political discourse are falling to an extremely low level. Not even a dash of respect is shown while addressing political opponents.”

“BJP MLA Surendra Singh’s statement on Sapna Choudhary is a reflection of the mindset of most of the BJP leaders. If BJP would respect women, there would have been an immediate clarification from the party distancing itself from such trash statements. None of the women in BJP have condemned the statement. “Sapna ko Apna Bana Liya?” How dare this BJP MLA use such derogatory statements about women,” she added.

As per media reports, Sapna was in contact with the Congress for a long time. It was being speculated that Congress might field Sapna against BJP leader Hema Malini from Mathura that has a dominant presence of Jat community. However, Mahesh Pathak was named from the seat.

The All India Mahila Congress president and MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev said, “There are several reports about Sapna Choudhary joining Congress. Our party will stand to drive benefit out of it as she is a popular face. The party will soon decide about whether to issue tickets to her. The manner in which BJP MLA Surendra Singh has been making comments just goes to show the sick mentality of BJP. BJP leaders have been known for making such comments against women.”

Sapna also had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. While interacting with media, Sapna had earlier mentioned that she would campaign for Congress party. She has a massive fan following in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Sapna has held stage shows in several states across north India.

BJP National President Vijaya Rahatkar said, “Sapna Choudhary’s name was proposed by Congress for gaining publicity. Mathura is BJP’s safe seat as already Hema Malini has done several works. Every time, Congress tries to induct several celebrities.”

Sapna Choudhary was born in Rohtak district of Haryana on September 25, 1990. She had to undergo several hardships in the initial stage of her life. Her father used to work in a private firm and he was facing financial problems. She lost her father at a young age. Sapna started her career by conducting the orchestra. She took up dance as a career for earning her livelihood. She has organised several stage shows till date. Sapna has also worked in Hindi films. She worked in Abhay Deol starrer Nanu Ki Jaanu. She rose to fame with her ‘aakhya ka yo kaajal’ song and also participated in Bigg Boss 11 in 2017. Sapna shares her opinion about politics on social media. In February 2017, two cases were registered against her for hurting the sentiments of the Dalit community during one of her stage performances in a Gurugram village.

In September 2016, she attempted suicide by consuming poisonous substances at her residence in Chhawla in Nazafgarh Delhi alleging harassment by Dalit activists over a controversial folk song.

Congress leader and AIMC General Secretary Nagma stated, “What message is BJP trying to convey by making such comments against Sapna? Sapna may or may not join a party but what right does someone have to make such comments against her? We have to change the mindset through which we view women. When we point fingers against someone, four fingers are pointed towards us.”

#SapnaChoudhary: Hope Karma bites BJP leaders in the back

By

Vaidehi Taman

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March 24, 2019

Sapna Choudhary, a popular Haryanvi dancer and stage performer hit the headlines when some news agencies declared her joining in the Congress party. The BJP supporters on social media went on posting morphed pictures of her with utmost slang.

What hurts me the most is the level of abuses hurled by the BJP supporters on social media, forgetting the fact that everyone has their choice of the profession they chose! This young lady had a big battle to reach this peak.

She belongs to a middle-class Jat family. Her father died at a very young age leaving three kids and ailing wife. She lost her father at the age of 12 and she was in school by then. Poverty and father’s loss forced her to fight for the family needs being the eldest of all siblings. She started dancing to provide financial support to her family. Sapna started her dancing career at the age of 12. During 2012-2013, she started doing stage shows and she roughly earned any money. She earned no money for her first stage show. She was offered some tips and food. The audiences showed their madness for her performance but at such a young age, keeping herself safe in the world of scavengers was a real challenge for her. The days were passing and her demand was growing. After that, she was paid Rs 3,000 in her next stage performance. Her income was very low (Rs 3,000-Rs 10,000) during that period. She had to feed four members in that income. Life was just hand to mouth. At times, we become moral police but never share social responsibility towards such young strugglers. Imagine the amount of fracas she had to go through to run her family. The needs of her family were growing beyond just two-time meals. She needed more money to support her household and she started doing a lot of shows.

Because of her incredible talent, she started gaining a lot of attention and popularity. Words spread around quickly and everyone wanted to see her dancing and singing in their private and public shows. Everybody was full of acclaim for her. Every age group was her fan. Everybody wanted her to perform on parties, functions, ceremonies, and other programs. She started performing in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, New Delhi, and wherever she got a chance. The social media played a very important role in spreading her talent. Her dance videos went viral with millions of likes and shares. Sapna, the dancer cum singer, came into limelight when her videos got circulated on different social media platforms. The popularity comes with a lot of baggage; one day, she came in controversy by consuming poison in her attempt to commit suicide and was admitted to hospital. According to the reports, the singer was depressed after two cases were registered against her for hurting the Dalit community during a stage performance and she was being harassed online. We all are born human but we are not always humane. The guy was not punished for provoking the bright young blood to commit suicide. Though suicide is an act of cowards but I can feel her situation and the reason behind such extreme decision. However, no one took the boys in the account for harassing her; rather, there were frequent attacks on her. Well! I have already written that she is a born struggler. She recovered from the trauma and got back to the stage.

After the popularity of her dance, she formed an orchestra group and became never stoppable. She is strong and completely independent. People from all over the country are convinced of her killer dance moves and performances. She has become more famous on social media after participating in the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss’.

Previously, Sapna Choudhary was only seen in the traditional outfits, but now she has become a style statement. Seeing her glamorous transformation, her fans are also overwhelmed. Recently, Sapna Choudhary made a tattoo ‘Desi Queen’ on her back and this desi queen certainly knows how to grab the attention of her audience. Here she got the new title as “Desi Queen’.

There are so many dancers and artists already in BJP who once used to entertain people of India. However, ignoring all those performers in BJP as workers, Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Surendra Singh went all lows with his suggestions and comments like Sonia Gandhi and Sapna Chaudhary belong to the same profession and culture and, hence, Rahul Gandhi should consider marrying the stage performer. He further said that the Congress President, like his father, should accept the Haryana-based dancer as his wife. He further said that the best part is both the mother and daughter-in-law would share the same profession and culture.

You can imagine the standards of the BJP leaders by such utterances. PM Modi boasts about Beti Bachao and his very own leaders go to every extent to tarnish the image of a woman just because she is rumoured to be joining the opposition political party.

Though! Choudhary has not joined politics but if she would have contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the defeat of BJP was inevitable. Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background. She would have been the perfect candidate for the prestigious seat and can give a tough contest to Hema Malini and her one bold move in politics might have given sleepless nights to BJP. The party supporters were seen rattled just because of this very reason. They were seeing their defeat just with one rumour of Sapna joining politics.

BJP supporters have slanged a successful young lady with great struggle because there was news of her joining politics. Meanwhile, Sapna Choudhary gave clarification to media that she had met Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and is also in contact with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Manoj Tiwari. She also said that her pictures with Priyanka Gandhi are old.

Hope the abusive army of BJP and its leader bite their own tongue for going berserk on Sapna. Hope they have the courtesy to apologise to her. However, I am sure they are the people with a blindfold and not brains.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)