All posts tagged: lobbying

CPI(M)’s Md Salim says there is no lobby in the party as estranged leader Pratik Ur Rahaman raises questions about lobbying and favouritism

CPI(M)’s Md Salim says there is no lobby in the party as estranged leader Pratik Ur Rahaman raises questions about lobbying and favouritism

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Mohammad Salim addresses a press conference at the CPI (M) party head office in Kolkata, on February 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI “There is no lobby in the party that favours anyone,” Mohammad Salim, West Bengal State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said on Friday (February 20, 2026), rejecting allegations of lobbying and favouritism raised by estranged leader Pratik Ur Rahaman.  The senior CPI(M) leader avoided taking any direct questions on Mr. Rahaman, even as political speculation grows about the latter possibly joining the ruling Trinamool Congress.  Mr. Salim also aimed the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying neither party has “original” young leaders and that most are “stolen”, “rented” or “poached” from other parties. His remarks come days after Mr. Rahaman resigned from his post in the CPI(M) and publicly aired his differences with the State leadership.  The veteran CPI(M) leader further added that individual exits from the party cannot weaken the party. “CPI(M) is not that weak that it will end because some people have resigned… We can only try to save people (referring to Mr Rahaman) when they are drowning, but …

Hiring Lobby Firms In US Is Standard Practice: MEA On Outreach Row | World News

Hiring Lobby Firms In US Is Standard Practice: MEA On Outreach Row | World News

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 18:21 IST The ministry stated that filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) are public record The ministry’s response came following reports that the Indian Embassy in Washington had hired a lobby group led by a former Trump adviser shortly after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. File imge India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed criticism surrounding the engagement of US lobbying firms, characterising the practice as a “common and transparent” administrative procedure. The response came following reports that the Indian Embassy in Washington had hired a lobby group led by a former Trump adviser shortly after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The MEA stated that filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) are public record. The ministry emphasised that the Indian mission has consistently utilised the services of specialised firms since 1950 to navigate the complex US legislative and executive landscapes. The statement follows intense scrutiny from critics, who questioned the timing of a contract reportedly signed with the firm SHW Partners …

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker to reunite for Rush Hour 4 after Donald Trump’s lobbying; Netizens say

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker to reunite for Rush Hour 4 after Donald Trump’s lobbying; Netizens say

After years of uncertainty, Rush Hour 4, starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan is officially back in motion, returning to life at Paramount. The long-delayed sequel has finally secured studio backing and distribution, reportedly following intervention from American President Donald Trump on behalf of filmmaker Brett Ratner, who has been attempting to revive the Jackie Chan–Chris Tucker franchise since stepping away from Hollywood amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations during the #MeToo era. The revival of Rush Hour franchise brings director Brett Ratner back into the fold, marking his first major studio return since multiple sexual misconduct allegations sidelined his career during the #MeToo movement. Brett recently stepped back behind the camera to direct a $40 million documentary on Melania Trump for Amazon MGM Studios, owned by Jeff Bezos—another figure who has maintained amicable ties with Trump. The documentary is scheduled for a theatrical release in January, next year. The 56-year-old maker spent several years trying to finance and place the project, but studios repeatedly passed on it. However, according to latest reports, the tide turned …

Paresh Rawal claims lobbying exists in National Awards just like Oscars: ‘Utna nahi hai jitna…’

Paresh Rawal claims lobbying exists in National Awards just like Oscars: ‘Utna nahi hai jitna…’

Actor Paresh Rawal, who won a National Award in 1993, has opened up about the influence of lobbying in award circuits. The actor admitted that even the prestigious National Awards aren’t entirely free from lobbying, adding that similar practices take place at the Oscars as well. Paresh Rawal was most recently in the role of a tour guide in Agra in the film The Taj Story.(Twitter) Paresh Rawal on lobbying in National Awards Recently, Paresh sat down with Raj Shamani in his podcast to discuss several aspects of his career. During the conversation, Paresh spoke about lobbying practices at the National Awards and Oscars, stressing that he values appreciation from directors and writers far more than any trophy. Talking about the credibility of film awards, Paresh said, “Award to mujhe to pata hi nahi hai. Ek baat main ye bhi bolun, National Award mein thoda bahut (lobbying) hota hoga. Utna nahi hai jitna baaki ke awards mein hota hai. Baaki ke award ki to baat karo ya na karo, koi farq nahi padta. National Award …

Paresh Rawal Calls Out Lobbying In National Awards: ‘Oscars Mein Bhi Hote Hain’ | Bollywood News

Paresh Rawal Calls Out Lobbying In National Awards: ‘Oscars Mein Bhi Hote Hain’ | Bollywood News

Last Updated:November 02, 2025, 16:23 IST Paresh Rawal discusses lobbying in National Awards and Oscars, valuing praise from directors and writers over trophies. Paresh Rawal on national awards. Paresh Rawal is never one to hold back his thoughts and this time, he’s taking on the topic of film awards. In a recent chat with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, the veteran actor spoke openly about lobbying in the National Awards, even saying that the Oscars aren’t free from it either. He also shared what kind of recognition truly matters to him and it’s not trophies or titles. Reflecting on the credibility of film awards, Rawal admitted that even reputed honours aren’t entirely free from bias. “Award to mujhe to pata hi nahi hai. Ek baat main ye bhi bolun, National Award mein thoda bahut (lobbying) hota hoga. Utna nahi hai jitna baaki ke awards mein hota hai. Baaki ke award ki to baat karo ya na karo, koi farq nahi padta. National Award to National Award hai, reputed hai,” he said. Rawal further pointed out that lobbying …

Paresh Rawal recalls losing National Award to Mammootty due to lobbying: ‘Khel khela jata hai…’

Paresh Rawal recalls losing National Award to Mammootty due to lobbying: ‘Khel khela jata hai…’

Paresh Rawal recently opened up about a moment in the early 1990s when he lost out on the National Award despite initially being told he had won. In a conversation with The Lallantop, the actor shared that he was once the frontrunner for the Best Actor award for his performance in Sardar. However, it was Malayalam superstar Mammootty who ultimately bagged the award. Rawal recalled receiving an early morning call while shooting in Mauritius in 1993 or 1994. It was producer Mukesh Bhatt who informed him that he was set to receive the National Award for the film Sir. Just as he was absorbing the news, another call came, this time from filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi. She told him he had won the Best Actor award for Sardar, directed by Ketan Mehta. “Sardar ke liye? Ketan Mehta ki film ke liye?” (For Sardar? The one directed by Ketan Mehta?), Rawal asked her, to which she confirmed, “Haan, Ketan Mehta ki film ke liye” (Yes, for Ketan Mehta’s film). Naturally elated, Rawal returned to Delhi only to …

Payal Kapadia interview: ‘Laapata Ladies was a sensible choice for the Oscars as lobbying in Hollywood takes money’ | Bollywood

Payal Kapadia interview: ‘Laapata Ladies was a sensible choice for the Oscars as lobbying in Hollywood takes money’ | Bollywood

Nov 08, 2024 12:56 PM IST In an interview with Hindustan Times, director Payal Kapadia talks about All We Imagine As Light not getting selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars. When director Payal Kapadia’s film All We Imagine As Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024, she became an overnight global sensation. However, this was not the first feather in the cap for the 38-year-old – her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing won L’Œil d’or (The Golden Eye) Award at Cannes 2021, among numerous other awards. All We Imagine As Light is the Film and Television Institute of India graduate’s first feature and she’s excited to see it release on screens across India on November 22. Also read: Kiran Rao thinks it’s ‘low’ of people to credit ex-husband Aamir Khan for her success: ‘He has a hand in my life but…’ Payal Kapadia’s film All We Imagine As Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024. Featuring Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha as two Malayali nurses, Prabha and Anu respectively, and …

Parineeti Chopra birthday 2024: When she spoke about lobbying and camps

Parineeti Chopra birthday 2024: When she spoke about lobbying and camps

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra was last seen in the film `Amar Singh Chamkila` directed by Imtiaz Ali and co-starring Diljit Dosanjh. While the actress has been taking it slow post her wedding with AAP leader Raghav Chadha, she has also been quite active on social media. On her birthday, we take a look at the times the actress has been vocal about her journey in the film industry. From facing financial challenges in the initial phase of her career, challenges with staying in shape to losing roles and existence of camps in the industry, the actress has been vocal of several things about Bollywood.  Parineeti was asked to pay Rs 4 lakh per month on fitness On a podcast with Raj Shamani, Parineeti said that she was asked by her advisors to hire a fitness expert and a nutritionist and pay them Rs 4 lakh a month to lose weight. This was something that she could not afford especially when she was paid Rs 5 lakh for her first film. Parineeti said that she doesn`t …

Haryana BJP legislature party to meet on October 16 to pick leader; hectic lobbying for berths continue

Haryana BJP legislature party to meet on October 16 to pick leader; hectic lobbying for berths continue

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praying at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on October 14, 2024 | Photo Credit: ANI Ahead of the new BJP government’s swearing-in ceremony on October 17, the BJP legislature party will hold a meeting on October 16, Haryana’s caretaker Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Monday (October 14, 2024). Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who have been appointed by the BJP as the central observers for Haryana, will participate in the meeting. The legislators are expected to elect their leader at the meeting, following which the BJP will stake claim to form the government in Haryana. Haryana Assembly elections 2024 | CSDS-Lokniti survey Mr. Saini, who was appointed Chief Minister by replacing Manohar Lal earlier this year, will in all probability head the government again. He is expected to be elected the legislature party leader. “On October 16, our central observers, Home and Cooperation Minister honourable Amit Shahji and CM Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadavji will hold a meeting with our newly …

Jacob Wohl is running an AI lobbying company under a pseudonym

LobbyMatic claims on its website that its AI-powered software can do everything — like automatically monitor congressional hearings or “supercharge research” into legislative and regulatory issues. Jumping on the AI hypewagon is a perfectly respectable career move. The problem is that sources have told Politico that Wohl and Burkman are running the firm under the pseudonyms “Jay Klein” and “Bill Sanders.” LobbyMatic has no leadership listed on its official website. A company by the name of LobbyMatic that is registered in Delaware lists its registered agent as “A Registered Agent, Inc.” When reached for comment, LobbyMatic emailed The Verge with a link to a video featuring a man who looks like Jacob Wohl. In the video, he admits that “years ago I was involved in partisan politics.” Later in the video, he adds, “I don’t want my past in partisan politics half a decade ago to distract from a phenomenal product.” The man does not explicitly identify himself as Wohl at any point or address the claims that he is running the company under a …