MP Evening Wrap:BJP rewards poll strategist Rajneesh Agrawal with Rajya Sabha; India’s GDP falls to 3-quarter low of 7.8% in Q4 more

Bhaskar English brings you the biggest news from Madhya Pradesh and around the world. Here are the top news headlines of the day: 1. India’s GDP falls to 3-quarter low of 7.8% in Q4 India’s GDP growth slowed to a three-quarter low of 7.8% in the March quarter of FY26, mainly due to weaker agriculture and manufacturing performance. However, the government raised full-year growth estimates to 7.7% on stronger consumer spending, while introducing a new 2022-23 base year for GDP calculations. Read More 2. BJP rewards poll strategist Rajneesh Agrawal with Rajya Sabha seat in MP Rajneesh Agrawal, known in BJP circles as ‘Booth Ka Bhoot’ for his election management skills, has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. A key organisational strategist, he helped digitise 65,000 booths and strengthen grassroots networks, edging out several senior leaders for the coveted berth. Read more 3. ‘She was our only hope’, mother mourns NEET aspirant’s death Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to the family of Akanksha Chaturvedi, a Madhya Pradesh student who died by suicide after allegedly being distressed over the NEET paper leak. During the call, Akanksha’s mother said her daughter was the family’s only hope, while Gandhi offered support and expressed condolences. Read more 4. Annamalai quits BJP, to launch new ‘political movement’ Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has launched a new political party after quitting the BJP, citing ideological differences with the leadership. The former IPS officer said he informed the party of his decision in December 2025 and plans to contest the 2031 Assembly elections. Read more 5. Unemployment drives youths into fake transgender gangs extorting train passengers The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has uncovered a network of young men posing as transgenders to extort money from train passengers across Madhya Pradesh. Over 60 such individuals have been caught in six months. Police say many earn ₹1,500–2,000 daily, while transgender groups allege the impersonators are damaging their community’s reputation. Read more 6. MP Finance Dept audits 38,000 employees, service records reviewed over salary irregularities The Madhya Pradesh Finance Department has launched a special audit of nearly 38,000 work-charged, contingency-paid and other government employees to review service records, pay fixation and retirement benefits. Departments have been directed to identify irregular salary payments, correct service-book errors and resolve pending cases within six months, with accountability fixed for delays. Read more 7. Putin says US pressure on Modi is futile Russia has offered India joint development and production of the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, with President Vladimir Putin saying Moscow is ready to share advanced defence technologies. Putin also said external pressure on India would be ineffective, praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and expressed confidence that India-Russia trade will reach $100 billion in the coming years. Read more 8. Road accident sparks mob violence in Chhatarpur, family alleges toddler thrown A road accident in Chhatarpur escalated into hours of violence after a family alleged their three-year-old daughter was snatched and thrown during an assault by the accused bikers and their associates. Stone-pelting, vandalism and clashes followed, prompting deployment of additional police forces. Two FIRs have been registered, while all accused remain absconding. Read more 9. Datia bypoll buzz grows around Narottam’s comeback Caste equations are expected to play a key role in the by-election. Yadav, Kushwaha and Brahmin voters will significantly influence the outcome, with analysts suggesting that shifting loyalties may impact Congress more than BJP, especially if new candidates enter the contest from similar social groups. Read more 10. Shreyas Iyer to become India’s T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer is reportedly set to become India’s new T20 captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, who has been removed from the role. Tilak Varma is likely to be appointed vice-captain, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to earn a maiden senior team call-up after a standout IPL season. Read more