Rath deliberately stalled to help Adanis pull chariots, says Rahul; he has a habit of lying: BJP
Bhubaneswar: The BJP govt in Odisha slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday for his allegation that this year’s Rath Yatra was stalled to allow industrialist Gautam Adani and his family pull the chariots the next day. While there are past precedents of the chariots getting stalled for various reasons, Rahul tore into the govt saying, “Adani runs Odisha govt. Adani runs Narendra Modi. When Jagannath Yatra was taken out in Odisha, lakhs of people witnessed it. Then, a drama took place. The chariots were stopped for Adani and his family. This will help you understand everything about the Odisha govt.” Slamming Rahul, who was in Bhubaneswar to attend the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ (Save the Constitution rally), state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said he has a habit of lying. “The claims of Rahul Gandhi are false and baseless,” said Harichandan, explaining that Lord Balabhadra’s chariot had deviated from its path due to an irregular turn, causing delay in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha renewed his criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a day after Supreme Court allowed it to proceed with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Claiming that Congress will continue to oppose the SIR in Bihar, Rahul said, “The ECI is acting like a body of the BJP and attempting to steal the forthcoming Bihar mandate, similar to the practice they had adopted in Maharashtra. The Congress will not allow the ECI and BJP to repeat the Maharashtra-like ‘chunav chori’ (vote theft) in Bihar.” Rahul also accused the Centre and state of handing over the state’s resources to a handful of billionaires. Accusing the state govt of “stealing the wealth” from poor tribals, who form about 22% of the state’s population, the Congress leader said, “Just like the previous BJD govt, this BJP govt is allowing 5-6 big companies to exploit the state’s land, water, and forests.” He added, “Nowhere in the Constitution has it been written that the country belongs to Adani, Ambani and billionaires. The land in the country belongs to the poor and farmers and not to a single billionaire. But wherever we see, be it Odisha or Chhattisgarh, only one name is being seen — Adani.” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who also addressed the rally, took potshots at PM Modi over Operation Sindoor. “US President Donald Trump claimed that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. But, Modi remained silent as he lacked the courage to counter Trump. The PM’s only interest is in visiting foreign countries and getting awards there,” Kharge said. BJP state president Manmohan Samal hit back, highlighting Modi’s effective governance. “Modi ji’s good governance has impressed global leaders. Operation Sindoor has been widely praised by international experts. People in the country have not forgotten the Congress misrule. Odisha has made rapid progress under our double engine govt,” Samal said. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed Congress-sponsored ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ as ‘save Rahul Gandhi and Congress’ event. “Congress faced crushing defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana, after which Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are blaming the Election Commission and democratic institutions for their losses. The history of Congress has always been one of neglecting the rights of the poor and marginalized sections,” Pradhan said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Govt not trying to stop drivers’ strike: Bhakta
Bhubaneswar: OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday alleged that the govt is intentionally keeping the drivers strike unresolved to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s planned rally in Bhubaneswar on Friday. BJP dismissed these allegations, asserting that the govt was taking serious steps to resolve the deadlock. “The BJP government is purposely extending the crisis duration to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s ‘save constitution’ programme. We support the demands of the drivers and appeal them to allow the vehicles of our members and supporters to reach the rally venue at Baramunda. Our vehicles should not be stopped en-route the venue,” Das said. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal responded: “Congress should refrain from making baseless statements. Govt is committed to resolve the issue.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
BJP slams Congress’ ‘Emergency mindset’
NEW DELHI: BJP Thursday accused Congress of continuing to display “Emergency mindset” of 1975, claiming that Rahul Gandhi’s protest in Bihar Wednesday against Election Commission’s roll revision reflected a belief that constitutional institutions’ legitimacy depends on the party’s electoral success. BJP national spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi said, “Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during the protest suggest he believes that constitutional bodies are credible only if his party wins elections. Generations have changed, but not the mindset”. Trivedi also criticised Congress functionaries for targeting senior MP Shashi Tharoor who, in an opinion piece, called the 1975 Emergency a “dark chapter in Indian democracy” and noted that voters had responded to its excesses by voting Indira Gandhi out of power. In response, Congress MP Manickam Tagore took a swipe at Tharoor, posting on X: “When a colleague starts repeating BJP lines word for word, you begin to wonder – is the bird becoming a parrot? Mimicry is cute in birds, not in politics”. Trivedi said the criticism of Tharoor shows that “even after 50 years, some Congress functionaries shamelessly justify the Emergency and the mindset behind it (sic)”. The Emergency was imposed after Indira Gandhi’s election was nullified by the judiciary, with the party viewing constitutional institutions through the lens of political expediency, he added. Speaking on EC’s special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Rahul had alleged in Patna that BJP was using the “Maharashtra model” of manipulating electoral rolls for the upcoming Bihar elections. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
He met Priyanka hiding from Siddaramaiah, now he will talk to Rahul Gandhi in private, what is on DK Shivakumar’s mind?
Amid speculations of a change of leadership in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and has sought time to meet Rahul Gandhi. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also wants to meet Rahul Gandhi separately. This meeting has created a stir in the state politics. Bengaluru: Speculations of a change in the Chief Minister of Karnataka are rife. There are also talks of a reshuffle in the cabinet. Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi on Wednesday. Here, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, both want to meet AICC leader Rahul Gandhi, but separately. They have sought separate times to meet Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. There is speculation that there may be a change in leadership later this year. The Chief Minister told the media that if he gets time, he will meet Gandhi. Shivkumar said that he has sought time to meet some big leaders. Shivkumar has expressed his desire to meet the big leaders of the party when just a few weeks ago Siddaramaiah had said that he would remain the Chief Minister for the entire five years. Did not post photo One special thing about this meeting of DK Shivkumar and Priyanka Gandhi was that it was kept secret. Shivkumar, who posts photos of meetings with every small and big leader on social media, did not even post any photo of his meeting with Priyanka Gandhi. However, when the news came out from sources, he avoided answering it. Siddaramaiah wants to change the cabinet Both the leaders have not told what they will discuss in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that he will talk to AICC General Secretary RS Surjewala on the names of four members of the Legislative Council. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the names will be finalized before the Legislative Assembly session begins. According to sources, the Chief Minister wants to include some new people in his cabinet, but he has not been successful yet. Shivkumar said that there has been no talk about cabinet reshuffle yet. Talking with Priyanka Gandhi for 30 minutes Rahul Gandhi was busy in election rallies in Bihar. So Shivkumar met Priyanka at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. Sonia Gandhi is the former national president of Congress. According to sources, this meeting lasted for about 30 minutes. In this, the political atmosphere of Karnataka was discussed. What did Shivkumar say on meeting Priyanka Gandhi Shivkumar did not give much information about the meeting. He just said that I went there. When he was asked if he met Sonia, he said that I did not meet Sonia Gandhi. He definitely said that he has sought time to meet Rahul. He said that let’s see. I have sought time from his office to meet on Thursday. If he comes back by then, then the meeting can happen. Meeting amid discussion of changing CM This meeting has taken place at a time when there is a strong discussion in the Congress that Shivkumar can become the Chief Minister in place of Siddaramaiah. This can happen under an agreement. However, both the leaders have denied any such agreement. But there is still talk within the party about changing the chief minister in November. It is being said that Shivakumar was going to play a key role in the party’s victory in 2023. He wants the chief minister’s post on the basis of the agreement that he will get this post in the middle of the five-year term. DKS stayed in the Chief Minister’s suite Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stayed in the suite reserved for the Chief Minister in the new Karnataka Bhavan built in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. This started political discussions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier stayed in this suite during a visit, but due to poor ventilation, he moved to an annex building. Sources say that Shivakumar had sought permission from Siddaramaiah to use the vacant suite. Shivakumar dismissed any political significance, saying that the post of Chief Minister is not vacant. Now there is no need to discuss such issues. Curated by: Shashi Mishra About the author Shashi Mishra Journalism with impartiality, honesty, confidence and inquisitiveness. Passion started with Amar Ujala in 2007. Dainik Jagran Kanpur carved it. Polishing in Sahara and Navbharat Times gave it shine. Journey continues with Navbharattimes.com. Courtesy : Hindi News
One state, 8 crore voters, one big fight: Bihar’s ballot battle explodes; SIR controversy explained
NEW DELHI: A storm is brewing in Bihar’s political landscape months ahead of the assembly election as Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is facing fierce opposition from INDIA Bloc. Opposition parties in the state have alleged that the SIR is designed to “benefit NDA” in the elections, a charge the Election Commission has denied. The controversy has now landed in Supreme Court, which will hear petitions on July 10 challenging the exercise by EC. Bihar Bandh RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi joined the Bihar Bandh rally on Wednesday in Patna to oppose SIR. Speaking at the Bihar Bandh rally, Yadav said, “Today, the Bihar Bandh has been called to address how the Election Commission has become ‘Godi Aayog’. NDA is losing, so they are using the Election Commission. Preparations have been going on to remove the names of Bihar’s poor people from the voter list under the directions of Modi ji, Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar ji.” “This is a conspiracy to cut off the votes of almost crores of voters, who belong to the poor community, who are standing at the bottom steps of society like the Dalits, backwards class, or extremely backwards class,” Yadav added. SIR: What is it and why now? SIR is a door-to-door verification drive by the Election Commission to be conducted across Bihar to update its electoral rolls. This is the first such intensive revision in the state since 2003. Under this drive, over 8 crore people will be asked to fill out forms with photographs and address proof. Over 3 crore people, who are estimated not to have been listed in 2003, will be asked to provide additional documentation. According to the official notification of EC released on June 24, new voters born after 1987 are required to furnish their parents’ birth details, provided the parents weren’t listed in 2003. INDIA bloc raises alarm The political storm was triggered after opposition INDIA bloc alleged that this drive is designed to “benefit the ruling NDA.” They also accused the poll panel of trying to “wrongfully delete” the voters’ names who are unlikely to vote for the ruling dispensation. The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav, moved the Supreme Court against the SIR. A protest march led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also organised on Wednesday. — ANI (@ANI) Amid this, a clause that states EROs “will refer cases of suspected foreign nationals to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act, 1955” is also under the radar. — ANI (@ANI) Their concerns include: Timing & targeting: Why is this massive revision being done only in Bihar and just before state elections? Exclusionary tactics: Over 3 crore people face tougher documentation if their names didn’t appear in the 2003 rolls. Youth under scrutiny: Voters born after 1987 must prove parental citizenship history. ID limitations: Aadhaar and MNREGA cards are reportedly not accepted as valid proof. Citizenship clause fears: EROs can flag “suspected foreign nationals” — a clause feared to be misused, especially in Seemanchal. The timing of SIR opposed “Why has this exercise been ordered only in Bihar when in 2003 a similar revision of electoral rolls was undertaken for the entire country? And why just before the assembly polls? If it was so urgent, why was the work not started immediately after last year’s Lok Sabha elections,” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said. General secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation Dipankar Bhattacharya, while criticising the move, said that EC has opted for a “logistical nightmare”. He added that it is almost impossible to complete the drive by July 25. On opposition bloc’s Bihar Bandh, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Today, the opposition parties have called a Bihar Bandh against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Bihar LoP and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc have come down to the streets… I want to bring to the attention of the country some important issues. In our country, citizens of India vote to form MPs and MLAs. Also, they cast their votes from where they live. So what is their problem if a revision of voter lists is done?” Voices from the ground: Errors, confusion, and chaos In Muzaffarpur, a resident claimed her son’s address was bizarrely listed as a shamshaan ghat (cremation ground), while her daughter-in-law’s address was left blank, according to a news report from PTI. EC stands its ground Meanwhile, the Election Commission said that 2.88 crore voters, nearly 36.5%, have been covered in the door-to-door exercise. It also rejected the opposition’s allegations, saying that the revision is “lawful and constitutional.” Supreme Court steps in The apex court is scheduled to hear multiple petitions, including a joint plea by Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, JMM, CPI, and CPI(ML) on July 10. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Snubbed? Security stops Pappu Yadav, Kanhaiya Kumar from entering Rahul, Tejashwi’s van
NEW DELHI: A video from Wednesday’s Bihar Bandh protest seemingly showed Congress leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav being stopped from boarding a protest vehicle carrying Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav and other senior INDIA bloc leaders in Patna. The leaders were participating in the ‘Bihar Bandh’ rally, organised to oppose the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of the state assembly elections. — PTI_News (@PTI_News) Visuals from the protest show Kumar and Yadav being stopped by security from joining the truck carrying Gandhi, Tejashwi and other top Mahagathbandhan leaders. Meanwhile, responding to the incident, Pappu Yadav said it was not an “insult.” “I fell and got hurt. One leader from each party was present there, but this is not an insult. Nothing is greater than the public; it is acceptable to be insulted for them, not just once but even a million times,” the Purnia MP said while talking to news agency ANI. — ANI (@ANI) Earlier in the day, several opposition leaders gathered at the Sachiwalay Halt railway station, where Congress workers blocked railway tracks and shouted slogans such as “Chunav Aayog hosh mein aao” (Election Commission, come to your senses). Among the prominent faces at the protest were CPI general secretary D. Raja, CPI (ML) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, and Sanjay Yadav. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, also took part in the demonstration. At the centre of the protest is the ECI’s June 24 notification announcing the SIR of Bihar’s electoral rolls. The ECI maintains that the revision is in line with Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. These provisions define who is eligible to vote and the grounds for disqualification. However, critics, including Swaraj India member Yogendra Yadav and the Association for Democratic Reforms, argue that the move violates universal adult suffrage. They have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the on Thursday. To counter rumours, the ECI issued a statement last, affirming that no changes have been made to the SIR process and dismissing claims of manipulation. The Election Commission also shared Article 326 on social media, highlighting that every Indian citizen aged 18 or above is entitled to vote unless legally disqualified. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul joins protest march, targets EC against roll revision
Patna: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday alleged that the special intensive revision (SIR), ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, was just an extension of the “Maharashtra model” of “fudging electoral rolls”. His remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP, who said that Rahul was allegedly attempting to pressure the judiciary ahead of a key Supreme Court hearing over the issue. Rahul had come from Delhi to join the protest march, which began from the Income Tax roundabout. The march was meant to reach the office of the chief electoral officer, Bihar, when the police stopped it near the assembly. On being stopped, the leaders addressed the gathering there. He alleged that the election commissioner was not only “stealing” votes but also the future of the younger generation. He warned that the law wouldn’t spare the EC for indulging in such an act. Leading the opposition’s protest march in Patna, Rahul alleged that the “Maharashtra assembly elections were rigged to favour the BJP and now attempts are on to repeat the same in Bihar, though in a different manner.” RJD’s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, CPI-ML and CPI general secretaries Dipankar Bhattacharya and D Raja respectively and VIP’s Mukesh Sahani, joined the protest. “Maharashtra me janadesh chhina, ab Bihar me matadhikar—tarika naya, sajish purani (In Maharashtra, the people’s mandate was snatched and now in Bihar, attempts are being made to rob the right to vote. The method could be new, but the conspiracy is old),” Rahul alleged, waving a copy of the Constitution. He said the EC’s job is not to work for the BJP but to protect the Constitution, which it is not doing. According to Rahul, the scene changed after the BJP made certain changes in the selection process of the EC. “Earlier, the BJP (ruling party), opposition parties, and the Chief Justice would together select the Election Commissioner, but now the thing has changed,” Rahul said, warning they would have to face the consequences. Alleging the SIR is an attempt to disenfranchise the poor voters, Tejashwi warned of revolution over the issue. Bhattacharya claimed the people of Bihar are in the mood to teach a lesson to the 20-year-long NDA BJP-Nitish govt this time, but the Election Commission is engaged in misleading the public and conspiring in voter selection. Reacting sharply, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned the motive behind the protest, asking if the opposition is trying to pressure the judiciary by such tactics. “All these leaders have approached the Supreme Court, which is their right, and when the hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, why are they engaging in street politics today to exert pressure?” he said. Deputy CM, Samrat Choudhary, said Rahul came here only for a picnic. “Rahul came here just for a picnic; he has nothing to do with Bihar’s problems,” Choudhary alleged. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Change of chief minister whispers grow louder as Shivakumar meets Priyanka
Bengaluru/New Delhi: Amid increasing speculation over a possible change in chief minister and a cabinet rejig, deputy chief minister and president of the Karnataka Congress unit DK Shivakumar Wednesday met Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the national capital. With Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi occupied with poll rallies in Patna ahead of elections in Bihar, Shivakumar met Priyanka at the residence of former Congress national president Sonia Gandhi. Sources say the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, focused on the political climate in Karnataka. Shivakumar refused to divulge details of the meeting, merely saying he “visited the place”. Asked if he met Sonia, he said, “I did not meet Sonia Gandhi.” He admitted that he had sought an appointment with Rahul. “Let us see. I have asked for time from his office to meet him on Thursday, if he is back by then,” he said. The meeting comes at a time when murmurs are intensifying within Congress of Shivakumar possibly replacing Siddaramaiah as CM as part of a rotational agreement. While both have denied any formal arrangement, talk of a mid-term switch — in Nov — continues to persist within party ranks. It is said Shivakumar, credited with playing a pivotal role in the party’s resounding assembly victory in 2023, is pushing for the top post based on an “understanding” that he would take over midway through the five-year term. But dismissing reports of cabinet changes, Shivakumar, said, “No cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. The chief minister and I are meeting central ministers to discuss various state issues.” He also supported Congress national general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s meetings with MLAs, saying, “Feedback from legislators is primarily to strengthen party organisation in Karnataka. Even the state unit was contemplating changing faces at the district level of the party.” He went on to say: “We formed teams and sent them to all 31 districts to make changes in the district Congress committees. We want to make changes in at least 20 of the 31 districts and give opportunities to fresh faces.” He said another AICC general secretary, Vijay Inder Singla, had also visited Karnataka to review progress on setting up 100 party offices. “We will request Rahul and Mallikarjun Kharge to inaugurate these 100 new offices,” he said. Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, Surjewala denied reports of a meeting between Rahul, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah in Delhi as “purely imaginary”. He said, “I have no knowledge of any such meeting of Rahul with the Karnataka CM and deputy CM. Yes, the CM and deputy CM are in Delhi to raise issues concerning people of Karnataka and the state govt.” Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar occupied a suite reserved for the CM at the new Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, triggering political chatter. CM Siddaramaiah had used the suite on an earlier visit but shifted to an annexe building citing poor ventilation. Sources say Shivakumar sought Siddaramaiah’s consent to use the vacant suite. Shivakumar dismissed any political significance, saying: “The CM post is not vacant. There is no need to discuss such issues now.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
BJP Claims Kharge’s Comments Reflect “Anti-Dalit, Anti-Adivasi” Mindset
Speaking at a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Kharge’s statements were not only disrespectful to the constitutional heads but also revealed the Congress party’s deep-seated bias. Kharge Called Kovind Covid, Murmu A Land Mafia’: BJP Slams Congress For ‘Insulting’ Dalit, Adivasi Presidents The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging he had used “objectionable” language for President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind. The party has sought a public apology from both Kharge and the Congress for his remarks. The controversy erupted after Kharge, during a public event in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on Monday, reportedly mispronounced the names of both leaders before correcting himself. However, it was his subsequent comments that drew sharp criticism from the BJP. “You (Kharge) talk big – you called Ram Nath Kovind ji ‘Covid’… You call ‘Murma ji’ and then called her (President Droupadi Murmu) a land mafia, alleging that she has become President to snatch away assets, forests,” Bhatia stated. He further said, “This shows the anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution mindset of the Congress in its DNA.” “Kharge Should Step Down”: BJP Turns Up Heat Related video: “This is the mentality…” Pawan Khera hits out at BJP for Kharge’s remarks on Prez Murmu, Kovind (ANI – Video) What Congress president Malik Arjun Kargeji said is absolutely right Bhatia demanded a formal apology from Kharge and the Congress party for the “distasteful and derogatory” comments. He added that Kharge had not just insulted the two presidents but had also hurt the sentiments of Dalit and Adivasi communities. “If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologise, you will see every citizen (of the country) expressing their anger. This mistake will cost Congress dearly,” Bhatia warned. He also urged Congress workers to demand Kharge’s resignation as party president over the incident. “Acting at Rahul Gandhi’s Behest”: BJP Targets Leadership Targeting the Congress leadership, Bhatia described Kharge as a “remote-controlled national president” acting on instructions from Rahul Gandhi. “Entire India, Adivasi society, Dalit society and women are condemning Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress,” the BJP spokesperson said. As of now, the Congress has not issued any official response to the BJP’s allegations. Courtesy : MSN Note: This news is originally published on https:/msn.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul to join oppn protest in city today
Patna: Over 25 crore employees of banking, postal, mining, construction and transport sectors have called for a nationwide ‘chakka jam’ (Bharat bandh) on Wednesday. The strike, backed by trade unions and several social organisations, is being held over 44 demands, including opposition to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for Oct-Nov. The opposition INDIA bloc has thrown its weight behind the strike. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is set to join the protest in Patna. Congress state president Rajesh Ram said Rahul would participate in the ‘chakka jam’ foot march starting at 9.30am from the income-tax roundabout to the State Election Commission office via Shaheed Smarak. All senior leaders of the INDIA bloc, including RJD leader and alliance coordination committee chair Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, are expected to take part in the march, Ram added. A joint platform of 10 central trade unions, supported by workers’ and farmers’ groups, has called for the strike in protest against what they describe as the “anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies of the central govt.” Several political parties and civil organisations have challenged the ongoing electoral roll revision in Bihar, filing petitions before the Supreme Court. The apex court is set to hear the matter on July 10. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.