‘Compromised PM sold India’s interest’: Rahul Gandhi as US court dismisses Adani case
Adani welcomed the court’s decision, saying he accepted it with ‘humility’ and ‘deep respect’ for the judicial process. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a US federal judge permanently dismissed criminal charges against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, alleging that the decision came at a cost to India’s interests. “There is much more to this than meets the eye,” Gandhi said in a post on X, sharing a media report on the US Justice Department’s request to dismiss the charges. “A compromised PM was forced to sell India’s interest. India is paying a huge price,” he said. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York approved the Justice Department’s request to dismiss charges against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and former Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain. The ruling removes a major legal overhang that had hung over the ports-to-energy conglomerate for nearly two years. In a 47-page order issued on August 10, Garaufis dismissed Counts Two, Three and Four of the indictment, covering securities-fraud conspiracy, wire-fraud conspiracy and securities fraud. The dismissals were with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled. The judge, however, reserved judgment on Count One, alleging violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and Count Five, alleging conspiracy to obstruct justice. Both counts involve five India-based co-defendants who have not appeared before the US court. The Justice Department has until August 31 to meet the court’s requirements, while lawyers for the non-appearing defendants must confirm their clients’ consent by the same date. Garaufis made clear that the dismissal reflected prosecutorial discretion and did not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations. “No one should mistake” the ruling for the court’s agreement with the government’s decision or an opinion on the merits, Garaufis wrote. No trial was held, witnesses were examined or evidence tested in court. The Adani Group has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that it acted in accordance with applicable laws. In May, the Justice Department sought dismissal of the charges following an extensive review, citing jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges, the predominantly Indian nature of the alleged conduct, scrutiny by Indian authorities, the absence of identified investor losses and a shift in departmental priorities. The department also argued that the case, unsealed in the final weeks of the Biden administration, had little realistic prospect of reaching trial and appeared to be a politically motivated “name and shame” exercise. Adani welcomed the court’s decision, saying he accepted it with “humility” and “deep respect” for the judicial process. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Jharkhand exam stir enters 19th day as students vow to intensify agitation
Students protesting under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have refused to call off the agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system. The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesting students vowing to intensify their stir until their demands are met. Students protesting under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have refused to call off the agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system. The protesters are demanding greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay group has announced a one-day hunger strike and a ‘kali patti’ (black armband) protest against the police lathi-charge on students during their march towards the state assembly on Monday. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. While students alleged that several demonstrators were injured, Ranchi Police said 14 of its personnel sustained injuries in the clashes. The police action triggered a political confrontation, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday. Roads were blocked, educational institutions remained shut and markets were closed in several districts, disrupting normal life. The BJP demanded an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities and accused the JMM-led government of suppressing the voice of protesting youths. It also questioned the intentions of government officials who visited the dharna site around midnight. The ABVP separately staged a march towards the assembly on Tuesday, while the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. Leaders of the outfit said the agitation would continue and that a fresh programme to intensify the protest would be announced soon. The prolonged agitation has also affected the health of protesters. Six demonstrators are on an indefinite hunger strike, with two admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital. Add as a preferred source on Google JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for about 10 days, remains in the emergency ward. Doctors said his condition was stable, though he has refused food despite repeated appeals. His blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being closely monitored. Another protester, Rahul Kranti from Palamu, began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4 and was admitted to hospital on August 7 after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said his health parameters were currently normal. The sixth round of talks between the government and representatives of the protesting students on Sunday failed to break the deadlock, with both sides accusing each other of lacking seriousness. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the examination system and assured protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. He has also accused the BJP of turning the students’ agitation into a political platform. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Portfolios within 24 hours’: Rahul, Kharge discuss Karnataka ministry allocation
NEW DELHI: Portfolios for ministers inducted in the recent Karnataka cabinet expansion will be allocated within the next 24 hours, news agency ANI reported citing sources. This came after a meeting between Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday. The Karnataka cabinet was expanded earlier this month with 20 new ministers inducted, taking the ministry to its full sanctioned strength of 34, including chief minister DK Shivakumar. The expansion came two months after Shivakumar took office and also saw the return of former ministers including B Nagendra, Laxman Savadi and Zameer Ahmed Khan. Gayathri Shanthegowda is the only woman among the new inductees. The expansion also triggered discontent among some Congress MLAs who were left out. Yashavantarayagouda V Patil and Belur Gopalakrishna resigned as MLAs ahead of the swearing-in after not finding a place in the Cabinet. Shivakumar urged disappointed legislators to remain patient, saying it was not possible to accommodate everyone at once and promising opportunities in the future. The Congress high command also approved new appointments to key legislative posts, including GS Patil as assembly Speaker and AS Ponnanna as deputy Speaker. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Much more to this than meets the eye’: Rahul targets PM Modi after US court drops case against Adani
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reacted sharply to Gautam Adani’s acquittal by a US court and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the development. In a post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said, “There is much more to this than meets the eye. A compromised PM was forced to sell India’s interest. India is paying a huge price.” A US federal judge in New York on Monday dismissed the nearly two-year-old criminal case against Adani and the other accused. The US Department of Justice had sought dismissal of the charges, citing six “overlapping bases”, including that the case involved foreign conduct, India had not found “actionable misconduct”, no money had been lost on securities issued and there were “extraordinary proof problems”. The case, filed in November 2024, accused Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and six others of conspiracy to bribe Indian government officials to secure a solar power contract. The Adani Group had denied the allegations and said its companies and executives had acted in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. Judge Nicholas Garaufis had earlier questioned the DOJ’s decision to drop the case and sought further explanation for the move. The DOJ had argued that the defendants were foreign nationals who had never appeared in the US and were unlikely to do so. Adani, meanwhile, welcomed the court’s decision, saying: “Throughout this challenging period, our faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering. My deepest gratitude to those who never lost faith in us, in the system and in India’s capacity for justice,” according to the supplied text. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Only Ken-Betwa project under implementation among 30 identified river-linking projects: Centre tells RS
According to the reply, the 30 projects under the Peninsular and Himalayan components are at various stages, including feasibility reports, detailed project reports (DPRs), pre-feasibility reports and implementation. The government on Monday said the Ken-Betwa Link Project is the only priority link project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) that has entered the implementation stage, while 30 Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects have been identified under the plan. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the government had formulated the NPP for inter-basin water transfer and 30 ILR projects were identified under it, comprising 16 link projects under the Peninsular component and 14 under the Himalayan component. “National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work of ILR,” the minister said. The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), the only priority link project under the NPP that has entered the implementation stage, has an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore. The project is envisaged to provide irrigation to about 11.88 lakh hectares, drinking water supply to about 62 lakh people, 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, according to the reply. In addition, the Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which incorporates the Godavari (Polavaram)-Krishna (Vijayawada) link, stands classified as a national project and is executed by the Andhra Pradesh government and the Polavaram Project Authority. The project envisages irrigation to about 7.2 lakh acres and the stabilisation of 23.5 lakh acres in the Godavari and Krishna delta systems, diversion of 80 TMC of Godavari water to the Krishna basin, drinking and industrial water supply, including to Visakhapatnam, domestic water supply to about 28.5 lakh people in 611 villages and hydropower generation of 960 MW. The PIP has received a cumulative central assistance of Rs 20,658 crore, Choudhary said. According to the reply, the 30 projects under the Peninsular and Himalayan components are at various stages, including feasibility reports, detailed project reports (DPRs), pre-feasibility reports and implementation. Under the Peninsular component, the modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link has an MoA for implementation signed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while the Ken-Betwa link has a completed DPR and work has commenced. The Damanganga-Pinjal link and the Par-Tapi-Narmada link have completed DPRs and have been dropped from the status of “priority links”. Under the Himalayan component, the Sarda-Yamuna link has a completed DPR, while the Kosi-Ghaghra, Gandak-Ganga and Ghaghra-Yamuna links have completed feasibility reports. The Kosi-Mechi inter-state link has a completed pre-feasibility report and the proposal has been dropped. The government said the Kosi-Mechi inter-state link was dropped due to international dimensions and, on the request of the Bihar government, the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link was studied by the NWDA and its DPR submitted to the state government. The government said environmental and socio-economic impacts are assessed as part of the preparation of feasibility reports and DPRs for ILR projects. “An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) forms part of the preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for every Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project, with assessment of environmental and socio-economic impacts,” Choudhary said. For the Ken-Betwa Link Project, a comprehensive EIA has been completed along with an Integrated Landscape Management Plan, which outlines measures relating to catchment-area treatment, landscape-level ecological management, biodiversity conservation, command-area development and long-term monitoring of environmental parameters. For all ILR projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) components stand included in the sanctioned project structure, the government said. “Project execution conforms to applicable environmental, forest-clearance and R&R provisions,” the reply said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Amit Shah responsible for violence against students, lacks courage to face Parliament: Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi said that raising concerns about the country’s education system was not a crime and argued that students were demanding reforms, not resorting to violence. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of being responsible for the alleged police violence against students protesting the paper leak issue and claiming that he lacked the courage to explain the incident in Parliament. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha made the remarks after meeting a group of students who had protested last month, demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leak controversy. The students have alleged police excesses during the July 20 protest. “I just met young protesters from various states and had a discussion. I want to thank them and I am proud of thousands of students like them as they fought for the Constitution, the education system and the future of India,” Gandhi told reporters outside former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence. “They mentioned to me how they were assaulted, beaten and threatened.They have defended the Constitution, protected the idea of India and the future of India,” Gandhi said, flanked by the students. He said raising concerns about the country’s education system was not a crime and argued that students were demanding reforms, not resorting to violence. “If anything, the system needs to be changed, it needs to be corrected and that is all they (the students) were asking for. They were not indulging in violence, they were not being aggressive or nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened,” Gandhi alleged. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition members stage a protest demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi, Shah of intimidating Gen Z with FIRs, says they are ‘India’s past’ On the alleged police brutality student protesters, Gandhi said, “Forcing them, sending ‘goondas’ and forcibly taking their apology, taking apology from a 15-year-old and accepting that apology, is nonsense and unacceptable to us,” he said. Gandhi said the country needed an education system that worked and urged an end to exam paper leaks. He also directly targeted Shah, alleging that the Union home minister was accountable for the alleged violence against the protesters. “The person who is responsible for this violence is the home minister.” “The person who had pellet gun fired at this young lady, the person who had a pellet gun fired at that young man whom I brought before the press a few days ago, the person who has turned the police force against this young lady, is Amit Shah and he is the home minister of India,” Gandhi said. “He (Shah) does not have the decency to come to Parliament. He does not have the decency or the courage to comment on what has happened. “There are two possibilities, he did not know that violence was carried out on children, in which case he is incompetent; or he ordered that the pellet gun be fired and violence unleashed against youngsters, which means he is culpable. Either way, he is responsible,” the former Congress chief said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Centre responsible for ‘paralysing’ both Houses of Parliament: Kharge
Kharge accused PM Modi and HM Shah of running the government from home, and alleged that they were ‘afraid’ of coming to Parliament. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday questioned why the Union Home Minister Amit Shah was not making a statement on the brutalities against students who protested against NEET irregularities on July 20. He claimed that the government was responsible for both Houses of Parliament remaining paralysed. Kharge said the Opposition wants a debate, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah are “afraid” of coming to the House, which means they know that they have done something wrong. “We want a debate. Why do they (government) not want to debate? They give a statement on other issues; why are they not giving a statement on this issue? We are only asking for a statement. They do not have a reply to this, and the House is not able to function because of them; the government is responsible, Prime Minister Modi is responsible, Home Minister Shah is responsible,” the Congress chief told reporters in the Parliament House complex. “For the past 17 days, we have been trying to get Amit Shah to come to the House and make a statement on the injustice and atrocities committed against the children,” he said. Instead of coming to the House to answer, Prime Minister Modi is making reels on Instagram at night, Kharge said and asked why the PM was “ignoring” Parliament. This is an “insult” to the MPs, and also to the people, he said, alleging that the PM and the home minister do not want to run the House smoothly. “Why are these people so afraid of coming to the House? It means they know they have done something wrong,” Kharge charged. The Modi government neither wants to solve the problems of the people nor provide solutions to students and the youth, he said. “We are demanding that either come to the House and make a statement or if they don’t want to make a statement in the House, then resign,” he said. Kharge accused Modi and Shah of running the government from home. Modi-Shah sit in rooms and listen to everything, and they instruct their people that as soon as the opposition stands up to speak, create chaos in the House, Kharge claimed. “With great sorrow, I must say that the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha doesn’t even let us raise our voices. He says he will give me time, I sit down trusting him, and then they adjourn the House. This is not good,” he said. The Opposition has been demanding in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha a statement from Shah on the alleged police excesses during the July 20 student protest over the paper leak issue. Both Houses of Parliament have remained deadlocked, with the opposition refusing to relent. Most of the legislative business is being conducted amid din. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Use of force against peaceful protesters wrong’: Rahul Gandhi condemns police action on Jharkhand students
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the alleged use of force by the police against the protesting students in Jharkhand, saying that violence against a peaceful protest is wrong. During a press conference, Rahul said, “We condemn any violence against peacefully protesting students. It does not matter where it is happening. We condemn it, we are against it, we do not recommend it, and we do not support it.” “As long as the protest remains peaceful, attacking that protest with violence is wrong,” he added. Earlier, in a social media post on X, the Congress leader said that students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions. “Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions. The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately,” the leader of opposition (Lok Sabha) posted on X. This came as the BJP has repeatedly criticised Rahul over his “silence” on the students’ protest in Jharkhand, which is ruled by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), an ally of Congress in the INDIA bloc. The protest has been led by aspirants seeking greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the recruitment process. The students marched towards the assembly premises despite heightened security arrangements in the area as their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations continued. Police carried out a lathi charge, fired tear gas and deployed water cannons after the protesters moved closer to the Assembly. The march escalated after protesters managed to break through several barricades put up by security personnel and continued towards the Vidhan Sabha. Water cannons were used after the protesting students breached multiple barricades. The students have maintained that their agitation will continue until their demands regarding the recruitment examinations are addressed and concrete action is taken against those responsible for irregularities. Meanwhile, in a major development in the investigation, the state police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday arrested Jharkhand Public Service Commission’s (JPSC) former Chairman L Khiangte. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Factionalism mars Punjab Congress campaign as clashes erupt across State
A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ‘Harr booth mazboot’ campaign by Bhupesh Baghel had failed to strengthen the party’s booth-level organisation. CHANDIGARH: Open factionalism, slogan shouting, clashes and poster wars marked the Punjab Congress’s 10-day Harr booth mazboot campaign, which ended on Saturday after party in-charge and AICC General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel toured 18 districts to assess preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections. The campaign ended in Ludhiana, the parliamentary constituency of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The incidents during the tour highlighted continuing differences within the state unit, with “go back” slogans and protests reported at several programmes. Ludhiana emerged as a major centre of discord as Baghel’s tour ended with a programme at Khanna. Supporters of former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu raised slogans, prompting Warring to accuse them of being backed by the RSS. The unrest was also reported in Malerkotla, where rival factions allegedly clashed on stage. The dispute turned physical, forcing police to intervene and use batons to separate the groups. At Khanna, a section of Congress workers raised slogans in support of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. When attempts were made to stop the slogan-shouting, the group reportedly walked out of the meeting. Similar protests and disagreements were reported during party programmes in Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa, highlighting the factionalism within the state unit. Harr booth mazboot campaign ended in Ludhiana, the parliamentary constituency of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Punjab Congress rift resurfaces as ex-CM Channi skips Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament speech A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the campaign had failed to strengthen the party’s booth-level organisation. “Repeated clashes during party meetings have sent a negative message to voters. It gives the impression that Congress leaders are more focused on internal power struggles than public issues,” he said, adding that leaders with personal differences should approach the high command and resolve them instead of creating scenes at party programmes. Throughout his 10-day tour, Baghel repeatedly warned that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline. He said those who disrupted party programmes would be identified and action would be taken against them. Baghel also said the party’s external enemies were visible and identified, while those working within the organisation as “sleeper cells” and “internal saboteurs” needed to be exposed and removed. The Punjab Congress has been facing factionalism despite repeated efforts by its leadership to strengthen organisational unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The differences came to the fore after the Congress leadership on July 1 retained Warring as Punjab Congress president and appointed former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of its campaign committee. A section of leaders led by Channi opposed Warring’s continuation as state unit chief and sought his removal. Harpreet Bajwa Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘You’ll have to answer for this crime’: Rahul slams PM Modi, HM Shah over police action on students
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday upped the ante against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing them of “doling out pardons” instead of apologising to the students for the alleged police brutality against them during the protest march in Delhi on July 20.A day after his “Chaatron Ki Goonj” event at Prayagraj, Rahul, in a social media post on X, said that students are the light of the nation and he stands with them with “full strength.” “‘I have no way out left now’ – This is what a student said to me yesterday in Prayagraj. Years of preparation, sold the family land, parents’ debts, and still nothing to show for it. This defeat is not his. This is the defeat of that system which refused to reward his hard work,” Rahul Gandhi said. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) “Thirteen days have passed – not a word has come from home minister Amit Shah’s mouth. Instead of apologizing, Modi ji is doling out pardons. Amit Shah ji, don’t think for a moment that we will stop demanding accountability. Lathis and pellets rained down on children on the streets of the capital – and you didn’t say a word. Whether today or tomorrow, you will have to answer for this crime. Students are the light of the nation, and I stand with them with my full strength,” he added. Earlier on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi said the country’s youth were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with youngsters spending lakhs and crores on educational certificates that offered no guarantee of employment. “Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you a job,” the Congress leader said. Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground, Rahul cautioned youngsters against getting trapped in the “intoxication” of making Instagram reels, saying social media was being used to keep them occupied as jobs and opportunities shrink. “You make reels and work on Blinkit-like platforms because there is no job for you in this country,” he said, describing the trend as a “dreaded intoxication” and warning that youngsters were being turned into “bandhua mazdoor” (bonded labourers). The Congress leader said that avenues in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, public and private sector jobs, corporate, IT and banking were shrinking, with AI increasingly being used by influential corporate houses. He also alleged that people associated with RSS ideology had been appointed to head various institutions, affecting the entire system. Despite his criticism, Rahul said the country’s youth had “lighted the path” towards a promising future. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights