Welfare officer axed over Rahul’s visit to SC/ST hostel
Darbhanga: The suspension of district welfare officer (DWO) Alok Kumar following Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s alleged unauthorised visit to the Ambedkar Kalyan Chhatravas (AKC) hostel in Darbhanga on May 15 has sparked controversy. Gandhi was scheduled to address a gathering at the local town hall, for which official permission had been granted, but instead proceeded to the hostel with a large number of party workers. Kumar’s suspension was communicated on Saturday through a letter issued by Vivek Sehra, secretary of the state SC/ST welfare department. According to sources, the local Congress unit had initially sought permission on May 13 to hold Gandhi’s event at the AKC hostel. DWO Kumar rejected the request and forwarded the matter to the state SC/ST welfare department. However, no directive was received in response. Subsequently, the Congress unit secured permission to hold the event at the town hall, making the necessary payment to the Darbhanga Municipal Corporation. Despite this, Gandhi, upon arrival on May 15, bypassed the approved venue and moved to the hostel instead, accompanied by a large crowd of supporters. Curiously, the dilapidated road leading to the AKC was repaired overnight in anticipation of his visit. Senior district officials were also present during the late-night roadworks. On the morning of the visit, a DSP arrived at the hostel and found himself in a difficult situation due to the large gathering. He recommended deploying additional forces, but no reinforcements were sent. Gandhi proceeded to enter the hostel, interacted with inmates and addressed the crowd of party workers. When contacted, suspended DWO Alok Kumar said, “I have been axed for no fault of mine. I rejected the request and sent the matter to the state department within 20 minutes. The district administration, without consulting me, renovated the road, which locals had been requesting for a long time but was never done.” 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.
BCs must unite to fight for social justice, says TPCC chief
Hyderabad: Telangana Congress president and MLC B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Saturday emphasised the urgent need for unity among all Backward Classes (BCs) in the state. He stated that the time has come for these communities to rise above political boundaries and assert their rightful share in politics and all other sectors of society. Speaking at the launch of the book ‘OBC Porubata’ at Gandhi Bhavan, he pointed out the historical marginalisation of BCs, who, he said, had long been treated merely as vote banks. “Today, the BCs are demanding justice, representation, and their rightful share across all sectors,” he said. “BCs, SCs and STs represent 55% of the state cabinet led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy. Also, these communities, apart from minorities, represent 68% in the composition of vice presidents and general secretaries of the TPCC,” Goud said. Crediting Congress’ commitment to social justice, he cited the Centre’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census as a major political milestone. “Telangana has become a national model by implementing the caste-based survey in a transparent and scientific manner under the leadership of chief minister Revanth Reddy, despite him being from the OC category,” Goud said. He highlighted that the very concept of the caste survey stemmed from Rahul Gandhi’s vision during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which helped him understand ground realities across India. A detailed presentation on the Telangana caste survey was earlier made to over 450 Congress representatives, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi by both Mahesh Goud himself, and later by chief minister Revanth. As per the Congress Kamareddy Declaration during the 2023 assembly polls, the current govt legislated 42% reservations for OBCs in education, employment, and political representation. “The BJP-led Central govt, which earlier opposed the caste census, has now announced its intention to conduct one alongside the general census—reflecting the impact of the Congress’ push for social justice,” he said. The TPCC chief urged BC communities to unite in pressing for legal backing of the BC bills and its inclusion in the IX Schedule of the Constitution. “The movement for the BC bill must transcend caste divisions and be driven by a collective spirit for equity and justice,” he added. 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.
I will not join BJP, nor will it accept me: Lakshman Singh
Bhopal: Former Congress MLA Lakshman Singh, who was expelled from the party on Wednesday, said he received a phone call and was asked to write that Rahul Gandhi would be Prime Minister. “I got a phone call and was asked to give in writing that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister, then my expulsion would be stopped. I refused,” he said, speaking to reporters in Guna on Thursday. “Since I did not agree to write that, I was expelled from the party. Only those who say that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister can remain in the Congress party. I cannot do that,” he said, explaining his expulsion from the party. Lakshman Singh, who joined the BJP in late 2003 and contested as a party candidate from Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, said, “Neither will I go to join the BJP and nor will the BJP accept me.” 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.
Dalit hostel row: Samrat Choudhary slams Rahul over ‘baseless’ charges
PATNA: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary on Friday lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his June 10 letter to PM Narendra Modi. In the letter, Rahul alleged poor conditions in Ambedkar hostels and delays in scholarships for Dalit and EBC students in Bihar.Samrat responded by stating that the state govt had disbursed Rs 4.7 crore through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in 2024-25, providing Rs 4,000 per month in scholarships to Dalit students. Rahul, citing his May 15 visit to the Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga, claimed that six to seven students were cramped into each room and the hostel suffered from filthy toilets, unsafe drinking water, poor food quality and a lack of educational resources. He also alleged that no student had received a scholarship in 2021-22. Dismissing these claims, the Choudhary said the allegations were “baseless and prejudiced”, accusing Rahul of misleading the public and engaging in “politics of spreading discontent”. Invoking the legacy of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, Choudhary said, “The Gandhi family, which once sent Karpoori Thakur to jail, is now questioning the hostel named in his honour. Congress has never respected the backward-Dalits and has always opposed reservation. The NDA govt is working for these sections of society.” He added that any deficiencies found in hostels for Dalit and EBC students were promptly addressed. “Hostel residents also achieve success in competitive exams by taking advantage of the peaceful environment and high-quality facilities,” he said. Choudhary detailed the state’s efforts, citing the existence of 100 Jananayak Karpoori Thakur hostels, 100 OBC welfare hostels and 39 OBC girls’ residential +2 schools equipped with libraries, smart classrooms, TV sets, CCTV, sanitary napkin vending machines, generators, computer labs, biometric devices, medical check-up facilities and messes. He said hostel grants had been provided up to April and food distribution would continue till March 2025. Regular inspections and necessary repairs were carried out, he added. Choudhary, who also oversees the finance portfolio, said Rs 321 lakh had been sanctioned in 2025 for the repair, painting, water supply and electrification of Karpoori hostels. 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.
Even Congress does not take Rahul Gandhi seriously: Gadkari
Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying nobody takes him seriously. Gadkari was replying to a query on Gandhi’s letter to PM Narendra Modi and said, “Many people write to the PM. Don’t take Rahul seriously, even Congress party does not take him seriously.” On June 10, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had written a letter to PM Modi raising concerns related to students from marginalized communities. Gadkari was addressing the media in Nagpur on the completion of 11 years of Modi government. Post Operation Sindoor, national security issue has come to the fore and Gadkari was asked about plans to build highways along the country’s border with the capability to handle landing and take-off for fighter jets. “We have built 28 such highways where planes can land and take-off. In Rajasthan, we have 300-400km of desert and there too we have constructed roads like this. So, we have done it (building roads) from a security point of view,” said Gadkari. There was speculation in the media about 33% reservation for women in Parliament being implemented ahead of Lok Sabha 2029, and Gadkari said, “We are committed to ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and we will do it.” But he did not make comments on the timeline. Speaking about the govt’s achievements, Gadkari said, “What we were able to do in the last 11 years, could not be achieved in 60 years. Before 2014, there were only five cities which had metro train services. But now it’s almost two dozen. The number of AIIMS has also increased substantially.” Gadkari said the Narendra Modi-led govt has taken major strides in overall development of the country. Gadkari said, “You look at North-East, Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, everywhere we have constructed a wide network of roads. In NE, we have constructed major bridges which has helped in ease of transportation.” He said having a strong road network, combined with fuel-efficient policies, will help to reduce logistics costs. “If we reduce our logistics costs then India can become very competitive in the export sector,” said Gadkari. The Union minister also talked about alignment of greenfield expressways, which is aimed at reducing travel time. 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.
I will not join BJP, nor will it accept me: Lakshman Singh
Bhopal: Former Congress MLA Lakshman Singh, who was expelled from the party on Wednesday, said he received a phone call and was asked to write that Rahul Gandhi would be Prime Minister. “I got a phone call and was asked to give in writing that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister, then my expulsion would be stopped. I refused,” he said, speaking to reporters in Guna on Thursday. “Since I did not agree to write that, I was expelled from the party. Only those who say that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister can remain in the Congress party. I cannot do that,” he said, explaining his expulsion from the party. Lakshman Singh, who joined the BJP in late 2003 and contested as a party candidate from Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, said, “Neither will I go to join the BJP and nor will the BJP accept me.” 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.
MP News: Politics intensifies over Laxman Singh’s expulsion, Digvijay Singh’s brother said- Party wants me to replace Rahul…
MP News: Congress leader Laxman Singh has been expelled from the party for 6 years. Politics has intensified in the state over his expulsion. BJP is ripping Congress apart. On the other hand, Congress is calling its decision right. Meanwhile, Laxman Singh has said something big while attacking Congress. Gwalior: Former CM Digvijay Singh’s brother Laxman Singh has been expelled from Congress once again. Politics has heated up in the state over his expulsion. On one hand, BJP is ripping Congress apart in this matter, on the other hand, Congress is calling its decision right. Meanwhile, a big statement of Laxman Singh, who was expelled from the party, has come to the fore. In fact, former CM Digvijay Singh’s younger brother Laxman Singh has been expelled from the party for 6 years. On which Laxman Singh said that he has been punished for speaking the truth. After being expelled from the party, his statement has come out. He said that he was pressured to say that Rahul Gandhi will become PM. But he refused to say this. Energy Minister took a jibe at Congress Politics has intensified on the issue of expulsion and now the round of statements is going on. Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar also reacted to the expulsion of Laxman Singh in Gwalior. He said that the Congress party has no other way left except to expel someone if he says the right thing. Those who will praise the right work will be expelled from the party. On the other hand, what is the point of those who do not have the courage to say the right thing. Laxman Singh said the right thing so he was expelled. What did the former leader of the opposition say At the same time, former leader of the opposition Govind Singh was talked to regarding this matter. Then he also gave a vague answer to this. When he was asked what was the reason for Laxman Singh being expelled from the party. On this, he said that we are not in the committee of the Congress party which has taken this decision. The decision taken by the party must have been taken after careful consideration. Anyway, whatever may have been the reason for the expulsion of Laxman Singh, be it indiscipline or any other reason. But this matter has gained momentum. Along with this, the atmosphere of discussions has also become heated in the political corridors of MP. Reactions of leaders of the ruling and opposition parties are coming out. About the author Sanjay Chaturvedi I work for Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh in Navbharat Times Digital. I have joined Navbharat Times from Asianet News Network in journalism. After starting work from Indore city, now I am working in Bhopal. Edited by: Sanjay Chaturvedi • Reported by: Vijay Rathore Courtesy : Hindi News
Ahmedabad air crash: Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among victims, confirms BJP; calls his demise ‘a big loss’
NEW DELHI: BJP leader and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani is among the victims of the Ahmedabad Air India crash, top leaders of the party confirmed on Thursday. “Our leader Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim in this incident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP,” Union minister and Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil told reporters. — PTI_News (@PTI_News) BJP MP Sambit Patra called Rupani’s demise an “irreparable loss.” “The news of the tragic demise of former chief minister of Gujarat and senior member of the BJP family, Vijay Rupani ji, in the unfortunate plane crash in Ahmedabad is extremely painful and heart-wrenching. This is an irreparable loss not only for Gujarat but for the Indian politics,” Patra posted on X. — sambitswaraj (@sambitswaraj) Rupani was among 242 people on board the London-bound flight which took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm and crashed within minutes of take-off. There were 230 passengers (169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian), two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The BJP leader was the 16th chief minister of Gujarat, in office from August 2016 to September 2021. 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.
Congress Expels 5-Time MP, Digvijaya Singh’s Brother, For ‘Derogatory Remarks’ On Rahul Gandhi
The Congress party expelled Laxman Singh, a former MLA and brother of ex-chief minister Digvijaya Singh, for six years due to alleged anti-party activities. The Congress on Wednesday expelled former Madhya Pradesh MLA Laxman Singh, who is brother of ex-chief minister Digvijaya Singh, from the primary membership of the party for six years for “anti-party activities”. The action against Laxman Singh, also a five-time MP, came after he repeatedly made “derogatory” remarks against party leader Rahul Gandhi. The Congress had earlier issued a show cause notice against him saying why action should not be taken against him for his remarks. recommended by “Congress president has expelled Laxman Singh, former MLA, Madhya Pradesh, from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress for a period of six years with immediate effect due to his anti-party activities,” Tariq Anwar, member secretary of the Congress’ Disciplinary Action Committee, said in a statement. The statement did not elaborate based on what “anti-party activities” it had acted against Laxman Singh. The MP Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) had made a recommendation to the party leadership for initiating action against him for his alleged anti-party activities and the matter was sent to the Disciplinary Action Committee of the AICC. Laxman Singh has been a five-time MP and three-time MLA from Madhya Pradesh. He was first elected to the state legislature in 1990. He became an MP for the first time in 1994 from Rajgarh. He switched to the BJP in 2004 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha again. He returned to the Congress fold in 2013. Last month, the Congress issued a show-cause notice to Laxman Singh, younger brother of party veteran Digvijaya Singh, saying his “derogatory” remarks targeting senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have “crossed all acceptable limits”. It said his remarks have caused “serious damage” to the party’s “image and dignity”. On April 25, Laxman Singh had attacked the party leadership in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. “Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra are naive. The country is suffering the consequences of their immaturity,” he had said during a condolence meeting organised to pay tributes to the Pahalgam victims. The notice was issued to Laxman Singh on May 9 by party’s Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) member secretary Tariq Anwar. It said, “This is to bring to your notice that a complaint has been received from MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of MP Harish Chaudhary regarding your repeated public statements that have caused serious damage to the image and dignity of the Congress.” “It has been further noted that your recent statement has crossed all acceptable limits, particularly the derogatory and disrespectful remarks directed at senior party leadership, including the Honourable Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi,” the notice said. On April 25, Laxman Singh had also targeted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying he could be “in cahoots with terrorists”. Targeting Vadra, he had said, “Robert Vadra’s statement that the terrorists attacked because they did not allow Muslims to offer namaz on the road is not only irresponsible but also a statement that poses a threat to the security of the country. I am saying all this in front of the camera, so that no one is confused. Congress should think 10 times before speaking, otherwise the public will answer in the elections.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India, and around the world. Courtesy : Times Now Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesnow.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘Deplorable hostels, delayed scholarships’: Rahul Gandhi writes letter to PM Modi; demands action on issues of students
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday highlighting two major issues that he says are obstructing educational opportunities for 90 per cent of students belonging to marginalised communities. In the letter dated June 10, Gandhi addressed the poor conditions in residential hostels of students from backward communities and delays in their post-matric scholarships. “Firstly, the conditions in residential hostels for students from Dalit, ST, EBC, OBC and minority communities are deplorable,” the Congress leader said. Recalling his visit to the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, he said students had shared several concerns about the state of the facilities. These included overcrowded rooms where 6–7 students were forced to share a single space, unhygienic toilets, unsafe drinking water, no proper mess facilities, and a complete lack of access to libraries or the internet. Gandhi also drew attention to the severe delays in disbursing post-matric scholarships to those those from marginalised communities. He cited the example of Bihar, where the scholarship portal had remained non-functional for three years, resulting in no student receiving aid during that period. “Even thereafter, the number of Dalit students receiving scholarships fell by nearly half, from 1.36 lakh in FY23 to 0.69 lakh in FY24. Students further complain that the scholarship amounts are insultingly low,” he added. Calling for immediate action, Gandhi urged the government to audit all hostels for students from Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Backward Class (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority communities and allocate adequate funds to ensure proper infrastructure, sanitation, food, and academic support. He also emphasised the need for the timely disbursement of post-matric scholarships and an increase in the amounts awarded. Gandhi said that although he cited Bihar as an example in his letter, such failures are prevalent all across the country. 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.