Congress renews push to rebuild party ahead of 2027 Assembly elections in Gujarat
The statement underlines the political significance the Congress attaches to Gujarat, where the party has struggled to regain its footing against the BJP’s long-standing dominance. AHMEDABAD: Newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Gujarat on Saturday for his first visit since taking charge, signalling the Congress high command’s renewed push to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His arrival follows the removal of Mukul Wasnik from the Gujarat in-charge post, amid growing concerns over the party’s organisational performance. Welcomed at Ahmedabad Airport with a traditional turban ceremony and a tribal dance performance, Surjewala immediately stepped into a packed schedule of political meetings at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan. The visit is expected to set the tone for a major organisational exercise in the Gujarat Congress. Organisation Revamp Tops Surjewala’s Agenda Throughout the day, Surjewala is scheduled to meet state office bearers, city and district Congress presidents, heads of various cells and departments, and party MLAs. The discussions will centre on strengthening the organisation, energising grassroots workers and restoring the Congress’s political momentum across Gujarat. The timing is significant because the party has yet to finalise its new organisational team, despite repeated visits by Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda to Delhi. With the organisational restructuring still pending, Surjewala’s appointment has triggered expectations of major changes in the state unit. His immediate challenge is to rebuild a party organisation capable of taking on the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections. However, the Congress will also have to address internal weaknesses, revive worker morale and strengthen its presence at the district and booth levels. Surjewala Invokes Bapu, Sardar Patel and Congress Ideology Speaking after his arrival, Surjewala positioned Gujarat as the ideological heartland of the Congress and linked his new assignment to the party’s historical roots. “Gujarat is the land of Bapu and Sardar Patel, and the ideology of the Congress originated here. For the Gujarat Congress and the Indian National Congress, Gujarat is not merely a state but a source of inspiration. We will further strengthen the path of Gujarat’s creation, progress, development and communal harmony,” Surjewala said. The statement underlines the political significance the Congress attaches to Gujarat, where the party has struggled to regain its footing against the BJP’s long-standing dominance. Wasnik’s Exit Exposes Leadership Discontent According to Congress sources, the high command had expressed dissatisfaction with Mukul Wasnik’s working style. Sources alleged that Wasnik’s brief visits to Gujarat failed to provide the sustained leadership required to strengthen the party’s grassroots organisation. The criticism centres on an alleged routine in which Wasnik would arrive in Ahmedabad on a 2 pm flight and return to Delhi on the 7 PM flight, limiting his time for extensive organisational engagement. Congress insiders claim that this approach contributed to the weakening of the party’s ground-level network. The discontent reportedly intensified after the favourable political atmosphere generated during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra failed to translate into electoral gains. According to party sources, local leadership’s inaction weakened the momentum, culminating in a major Congress setback in the local body elections. ‘Racehorses’ Versus ‘Wedding Horses’: Congress Plans Internal Sorting With Surjewala now at the helm, the Gujarat Congress is reportedly preparing a sharper assessment of its leaders and workers. According to Congress sources, the new in-charge has been tasked with identifying “racehorse” leaders who are committed, active and capable of delivering results while separating them from “wedding horses”, a phrase used to describe leaders who create a show but deliver little on the ground. The exercise is expected to focus on performance, grassroots commitment and electoral effectiveness. At the same time, sources claim that the high command is examining allegations of senior leaders maintaining covert political links with the BJP. However, these allegations remain unverified, and no specific leader has been officially named or accused by the party in connection with such ties. Co-In-Charges Under Scanner The organisational shake-up could extend beyond the state leadership, with Congress sources speculating that co-in-charges Suhasini Yadav and Ramkishan Ojha may also face removal. The speculation comes amid expectations that Surjewala will push for a comprehensive restructuring of the Gujarat unit. While no official announcement has confirmed their removal, the possibility reflects the wider internal churn triggered by Wasnik’s exit. For Surjewala, the task ahead is clear: transform the Gujarat Congress from an organisation battling internal drift into a politically aggressive force capable of challenging the BJP in 2027. Whether the proposed restructuring delivers that revival will depend on how decisively the party acts and how effectively its leadership reconnects with workers on the ground. Dilip Singh Kshatriya 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
UP govt seems determined to use Goonda Act as tool of harassment: Allahabad HC
A Lucknow bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi said the Goonda Act is a “very powerful” legislation and must be invoked with great caution, only in clear cases and for maintaining public order. LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government over alleged misuse of the Goonda Act in the state, observing that cases coming before it indicate that the state government appears determined to use the stringent law as a tool of harassment. A Lucknow bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi said the Goonda Act is a “very powerful” legislation and must be invoked with great caution, only in clear cases and for maintaining public order. The court made the observations while quashing the order of the Gonda district magistrate declaring a person named Zahid Ali a “goonda” and externing him from the district for six months. The court also set aside the appellate order passed by the divisional commissioner upholding the DM’s decision. The Gonda District Magistrate had, on May 11, passed the order under Section 3(1) of the Goonda Act, relying on two criminal cases and a beat information report. One of the criminal cases dated back to 2010 and the other to 2020. The high court found that Ali had already been acquitted in the 2010 case by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gonda, on August 26, 2017. It observed that a case in which a person had already been acquitted could not subsequently be used as a ground to declare him a goonda. The court further noted that there was a gap of nearly six years between the 2020 criminal case and the 2026 order declaring Ali a goonda. It said no rational nexus could be established between the two. The high court also took exception to the police report mentioning the case in which Ali had already been acquitted, observing that it indicated that an incorrect picture of the petitioner had been placed before the DM. The court said that mere involvement in a single criminal case of 2020 could not establish that Ali was a habitual offender or habitually committed or abetted offences. The bench also refused to accept the beat information report as a valid basis for invoking the Goonda Act. No criminal case had been registered on the basis of the information, nor had Ali been given an opportunity of hearing in relation to it. Relying on such material, the court said, would violate the principles of natural justice. The court also found that the commissioner had treated the acquitted case as a pending case against Ali, reflecting a failure to properly exercise discretion. Holding that the orders passed by both the DM and the commissioner were legally unsustainable, the high court quashed them and allowed Ali’s petition. 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
Congress spars with RJD on MLC seat allocations in Bihar, to field eight candidates
A day after Lalu Prasad’s RJD announced candidates for six out of the eight seats, the Congress on Saturday said that the grand old party will field its candidates on all eight seats. PATNA: Differences have emerged within Opposition Mahagathbandhan ahead of elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC). The Election Commission is set to announce the election schedule for four graduate and as many teacher constituencies soon. A day after Lalu Prasad’s RJD announced candidates for six out of the eight seats, the Congress on Saturday said that the grand old party will field its candidates on all eight seats. “Congress was not taken into confidence before releasing candidates’ list by RJD,” party leader Asit Nath Tiwary said. He accused the RJD of not following coalition dharma and said that the decision to release the names of candidates for the election was taken by the top brass of RJD. But Congress, which is an ally of Mahagathandhan, was not taken into confidence while finalising the seats it wanted to contest, Tiwary added. RJD has fielded Sanjeev Kumar Singh from the Patna teacher constituency, Dilip Kumar from the Patna graduate constituency, Nitesh Kumar from the Kosi graduate, Anil Kumar Jha from the Darbhanga graduate, and Prof. Jay Ram Yadav from Saran teacher constituency and Dr Rashmi Vinayak Gautam from Tirhut graduate constituency. While releasing the list, RJD leaders said that the two remaining seats were under consideration of the top leaders of the party. The seats are Darbhanga and Kosi teacher constituencies. Currently the seats are held by Congress leaders, including former state president Madan Mohan Jha. Jha was elected from Darbhanga teacher constituency. Congress leaders held a meeting in Patna on Saturday to finalise the list of nominees. BJP, JD(U) finalise names In the NDA camp, both the BJP and JD(U) have finalised the names of their candidates. Controversy erupted within JD(U) over the Patna graduate seat after party MLA from Mokama Anant Singh backed the candidature of Anuj Kumar against sitting MLA Neeraj Kumar. Ramashankar 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
Congress begins preparations for Rahul Gandhi’s Indore Youth Event
Indore: Congress on Saturday began preparations for the Sept 19 Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron ki Goonj” programme irrespective of a formal approval of the venue decided for the event, the land in front of Regional Park in Indore. The inspection and preparation of the ground have begun and it will be ready for the mega event, Congress city president Chintu Choukse told TOI. Congress has paid over Rs 10 lakh to IDA for use of the ground for three days. The party has claimed that around 1.5 lakh students have registered for the programme and that around 20,000-30,000 of them are expected to attend the youth conclave. “We have paid the sum demanded for the use of land for three days. But a formal approval is awaited,” Choukse said. The ground opposite Regional Park is spread over around 2.25 hectares. Based on an estimated requirement of five square feet per person, it could accommodate around 25,000 to 30,000 people. However, the actual capacity could be lower as separate space will be required for the stage, parking, security arrangements, ambulances and other facilities. Congress had sought around 1.25 hectares of land for the programme. According to the IDA’s fixed rate, the rent was set at Rs 8.40 per square foot, resulting in a payment of around Rs 10 lakh, which was deposited by the party. Congress had alleged that lower charges were being levied for other events while it was being asked to pay a higher amount. Officials, however, said the fee was determined on the basis of the area of land and its use. Choukse said elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure the interaction between Rahul Gandhi and the youth. “Separate arrangements are made for the girls and boys to attend the event,” he said. The Congress city president said it has received support from the tribal organisation Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) for Gandhi’s event. A recent meeting attended by Congress state in charge Harish Chaudhary, state Congress president Jitu Patwari, Manawar MLA Hiralal Alawa and JAYS office-bearers decided that the organisation would participate in the student-focused event. 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
Hyderabad cops detain man for posing as RaGa’s aide
Police said the accused misused Kanishka’s name and identity for wrongful gain and targeted candidates who had contested Assembly elections on tickets of different political parties. HYDERABAD: Hyderabad cyber crime police brought a 45-year-old habitual offender from a prison in Punjab on a PT warrant in an impersonation fraud case in which he allegedly posed as a political aide to Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and duped 14 people across the country of around Rs 3 crore in cash and gold ornaments. The accused, Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, a native of Punjab, was brought from Central Prison, Patiala. He was brought to Hyderabad for questioning in a case registered on July 1 based on a complaint by AICC secretary Jetti Kusuma Kumar. According to the complaint, Gaurav had been impersonating Kanishka Singh, an Indian politician and political aide to Rahul Gandhi. The accused allegedly contacted the complainant through WhatsApp calls and messages, offering political favours, positions and other benefits in exchange for money. The complainant provided call details and other evidence to police. No money was lost in this case. Police said the accused misused Kanishka’s name and identity for wrongful gain and targeted candidates who had contested Assembly elections on tickets of different political parties. He allegedly promised political support, positions and other favours in exchange for cash and gold. Further investigation is under way. 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
Don’t go public about quitting electoral politics: Rahul Gandhi to Siddaramaiah
The proposed caste enumeration as part of the 2027 Census also figured prominently during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul, the sources said. BENGALURU: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday reportedly advised former chief minister Siddaramaiah not to make public statements about quitting electoral politics. At a meeting with Siddaramaiah in Delhi, Rahul told him that such remarks could hurt the Congress. The two are learnt to have discussed the political situation in the state and party organisational and electoral issues for nearly one-and-a-half hours, sources close to Siddaramaiah said. Rahul is also understood to have told Siddaramaiah that the Congress needs senior leaders of his experience. Siddaramaiah is learnt to have explained that his decision is limited to electoral politics. He wants to remain active in public life and continue to raise issues concerning people. He cited his age and the changing nature of electoral politics for his decision not to contest the 2028 Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah recently said that he would not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, triggering speculation about his political future. He subsequently clarified that he had referred only to retirement from electoral politics and not active politics. Siddaramaiah, however, downplayed the significance of his meeting with Rahul. He told reporters that he had sought an appointment with Rahul and met him. The sources said Siddaramaiah also discussed filling two vacancies in the Shivakumar Cabinet and nomination of five MLCs. He is learnt to have proposed the names of some of his loyalists. Siddaramaiah is understood to have conveyed his concerns over his role being overlooked during the recent Cabinet expansion. He had backed Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar, a Kuruba leader, for a cabinet berth. However, the high command considered Chikkamagaluru MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda, also a Kuruba leader, before dropping her at the last minute. Political observers said Siddaramaiah is keen that his suggestions be given weightage while choosing Kuruba leaders for important posts, given his influence among the community members. Siddaramaiah also met AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. The proposed caste enumeration as part of the 2027 Census also figured prominently during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul, the sources said. Rahul is learnt to have sought Siddaramaiah’s views on the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the 2027 Census. Being a prominent Congress leader familiar with issues related to Backward Classes and member of the Congress Working Committee, Siddaramaiah could be assigned a key role in shaping the party’s response to the exercise. The sources said Siddaramaiah may have discussed the implementation of the findings of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission’s socio-educational survey. The meeting assumes significance as the Congress seeks to build its campaign around social justice, caste representation and the rights of Backward Classes ahead of the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Rahul Gandhi Says India’s Education System Failing Young Generation, Flags 3 Key Issues
Rahul Gandhi criticised India’s education system, stating it is failing the youth it aims to uplift due to issues like paper leaks and high fees. The Congress leader’s remarks came ahead of the fifth edition of his ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said India’s education system was failing the very generation it was meant to lift and asked students, parents and teachers to tell him why they have lost hope in it. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said fixing the education system begins with listening to those who experience its failures every day. “India’s education system is failing the very generation it was meant to lift. Paper leaks. Crushing fees. Decaying infrastructure. Millions of young Indians work honestly, and the system still lets them down,” Gandhi said on X. “Fixing it begins with listening to those who experience its failures every day. Students, parents, teachers, tell me: why have you lost hope in the education system?” he said. Gandhi asked students, parents and teachers to share their experiences, evidence and ideas on an online link he shared. “Together, we will bring hope back,” Gandhi added. The Congress leader’s remarks came ahead of the fifth edition of his ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative, which will be held in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on September 19. He has asserted that hearing the voice of every student in the country is essential to changing the system. Gandhi has held four ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ events in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune. The last one in Pune on August 22 was for girl students. Courtesy : Times Now Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesnow.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CM’s assembly speech historically significant: Cong min
Trichy: Higher education minister P Viswanathan has defended chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s recent address in the assembly, lauding it as ‘historically significant’. The Congress minister reiterated that Rahul Gandhi is his party’s prime ministerial candidate in the next general elections. “Chief minister’s speech in the assembly is not wrong. He has both the authority and the right to speak. The chief minister’s response was one of the most important speeches in the history of the legislature,” he said. Viswanathan expressed confidence that TVK will win the two constituencies in the upcoming by-elections. To a question on the prime ministerial candidate for the next general elections, Viswanathan said it will be Rahul Gandhi. “I am a Congress worker by birth. Rahul Gandhi will be chosen as the PM candidate of the INDIA alliance. This is the Congress party’s stand,” he said. 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
TN minister reiterates Rahul Gandhi for PM pitch; rules out Vijay as contender
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu minister and Congress leader P Viswanathan on Thursday reiterated that Rahul Gandhi will be the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, saying he would also be projected as the INDIA bloc’s candidate. Viswanathan made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli International Airport, where he arrived from Chennai en route to Thiruvarur to attend various programmes. Rahul Gandhi remains Congress’ choice Asked who would be the Prime Ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc, Viswanathan said there was “no hesitation” in stating the Congress’ position, news agency ANI reported. “I am a Congressperson by birth. Our clear position is that Rahul Gandhi should be the Prime Ministerial candidate. Rahul Gandhi will be chosen as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc,” he said.Responding to a question about Congress MP Manickam Tagore allegedly being hesitant to name Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate, Viswanathan said, “As a Congress minister, I openly declare that Rahul Gandhi is our Prime Ministerial candidate for 2029.” Vijay’s PM pitch dismissed Viswanathan also rejected suggestions that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay could be projected as the Opposition’s Prime Ministerial candidate. He said it was natural for every political party to project its own leader and there was nothing wrong with the Congress putting forward Rahul Gandhi, given the party’s long political history. Viswanathan said the assessment that Vijay could be projected as the PM candidate was incorrect and suggested that Vijay himself could announce Rahul Gandhi’s name. He, however, said it was too early to discuss the issue. Praising Rahul Gandhi’s political journey, Viswanathan said his struggles should be “engraved in golden letters in world history”. Congress hopes Left will join alliance The minister also said the Congress was working with the confidence that the Left parties would join its alliance. His remarks came a day after the TVK-led ruling alliance formally adopted the name “Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance” at a meeting of its constituent parties at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur. 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
Cong lines up Rahul, Priyanka, Kharge for poll rallies
Dehradun: With assembly elections just months away, Congress has intensified its outreach in Uttarakhand. Building on recent high-profile visits by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and state incharge Kumari Selja, the party is preparing a fresh wave of public rallies featuring prominent national leaders through Sept and Oct. According to party insiders, the upcoming schedule features targeted public meetings across regions, with Rahul Gandhi slated to address a rally in Kumaon region, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Garhwal, and Mallikarjun Kharge in Roorkee. The state unit confirmed that final dates and official announcements will be released once formal approval is received from the high command. Speaking on the party’s election momentum, Congress state chief spokesperson Garima Dasauni noted that continuous engagement is already underway. “A comprehensive lineup of programmes is being coordinated from Sept 15 to Oct 15. State Congress unit is planning political rallies and events continuously leading up to the elections,” Dasauni said. The state leadership emphasised that these upcoming events form part of a broader, structured roadmap designed to keep the momentum high in the run-up to the polls. Kautilya Singh 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