Hate speech case: Suvarna appears before probe officer
Udupi: Udupi MLA Yashpal Anand Suvarna, booked for alleged derogatory remarks and hate speech against leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the investigating officer Friday. Responding to a police notice, the MLA answered questions posed by the investigating officer. The probe will proceed based on his responses, Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said. Udupi Town police had registered an FIR against Suvarna under sections 57, 192, 196(2), 352, 353(2) and 351(2) of BNS for allegedly making inflammatory statements against the Congress leader during a protest Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Udupi District Congress staged a protest in the town Friday against Suvarna’s alleged hate speech and threats against Rahul Gandhi, as well as his remarks on the NEET students’ movement. Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake demanded the MLA’s immediate arrest. Congress leader Niketh Raj Maurya said the younger generation was exposing the Centre’s actions through social media and would respond democratically in the 2029 elections. In a press release, Dakshina Kannada BJP spokesperson Arun G Shet accused the Karnataka govt of using the administrative machinery to further “politics of hatred” instead of functioning in an accountable and democratic manner. 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
TVK betraying farmers, DMK to hold stir in Thanjavur on August 3: MK Stalin
He added that the protest on Monday will demand firm steps to protect Cauvery water rights and a special relief package for delta farmers. CHENNAI: DMK president MK Stalin on Thursday accused the ruling TVK government of betraying farmers on multiple fronts. He announced a massive protest led by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin in Thanjavur on August 3, the day Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to meet his Karnataka counterpart DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru for talks over Cauvery. Reacting to it, TVK headquarters accused the DMK leadership of speaking “as though the party is still in power” and asserted TVK “will never allow the interests of Tamil Nadu’s farmers and people to be harmed.” In his statement on X, Stalin listed four grievances against the state government: disappointment over crop loan waivers, lethargic approach to the Mekedatu dam issue, damage to kuruvai cultivation because Mettur dam has not been opened, and delay in convening an all-party meeting on Cauvery-related matters. He added that the protest on Monday will demand firm steps to protect Cauvery water rights and a special relief package for delta farmers. Stalin also warned of larger agitations ahead. TVK headquarters responded with an unnamed statement issued on X, dismissing the DMK’s charge of inaction on Mekedatu as self-indictive. “If the DMK leadership claims the Mekedatu issue arose only after May 10, 2026, isn’t it confessing as to who was actually sleeping on the issue?” the statement said. “Even after being thrown out by the people of Tamil Nadu, speaking as though he (Stalin) is still the CM is what being out of touch with reality looks like – but as usual, there seems to be no one in the DMK to point this out to its leadership,” the statement read. Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday ordered notice to the state assembly secretary and the other respondents directing them to file a counter-affidavit to the petition filed by AIADMK challenging the amendment made to the June 19 Assembly resolution on Mekedatu issue, for adding a clause on the demand for setting up a tribunal to resolve the issue. The first bench of CJ Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan directed the respondents to file the counter-affidavits within two weeks and adjourned the hearing in the petition filed by the party’s Whip Agri SS Krishnamurthy. Don’t hold talks with Karnataka: Anbumani to CM Chennai: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay not to hold talks with the Karnataka CM on the proposed Mekedatu dam project, saying such a move would weaken Tamil Nadu’s long-standing opposition to the project. Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport before leaving for New Delhi, Anbumani challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clearly state his stand on the issue. “If Rahul Gandhi says in one sentence that Karnataka should not build the Mekedatu dam, we are ready to quit the NDA alliance,” the RS MP stated. 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
Tushar Gandhi appealed to Satheesan and Chennithala, whom he described as personal friends, to follow the Congress high command’s line.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson and president of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, Tushar Gandhi, has urged the state government to withdraw the FIRs and charge sheets filed against students who protested in solidarity with the Delhi protest. In his letter to Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Tushar Gandhi said he was “unpleasantly surprised” that Kerala Police had booked protesting students. “This does not behoove the progressive state of Kerala, and even more so, a government led by the Congress party,” he said in the letter. He noted that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had backed the students’ movement. They had condemned the “brutal oppression” unleashed by the Union government and the Delhi Police. Action against students in Kerala, where the UDF government is in power, was “disgraceful,” he said. “Let me not remind you that the Congress was born out of the spirit of satyagraha; one expects much better from a Congress-led government, invoking the Congress party’s roots in the Satyagraha movement,” he said in the letter. Tushar Gandhi appealed to Satheesan and Chennithala, whom he described as personal friends, to follow the Congress high command’s line. 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
‘First you broke their bones, now filing FIRs’: Rahul Gandhi warns PM Modi, Amit Shah to not ‘threaten Gen Z into silence’
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the action against student protesters, alleging that the government was trying to “silence Gen Z” through FIRs and social media takedowns after directly attacking them during protests.Making a statement on X, the Congress leader said, “PM Modi and Amit Shah – you cannot threaten Gen Z into silence. First you broke their bones. Now you are filing FIRs and taking down their accounts.” Further taking a jab at PM Modi and Shah, he added, “You are India’s past. Be careful about how you treat India’s future.” This comes a day after Rahul demanded a Supreme Court-monitored, high-powered committee to investigate the alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a post on X, the Congress MP had called for an impartial probe into the alleged use of force, saying, “Students deserve justice. An independent SC-monitored high-powered committee must be constituted to probe brutalities against our students.” Gandhi also shared a video purportedly showing police action against the protesters. The footage appeared to show police personnel lathi-charging demonstrators, while another clip showed a man in civilian clothes forcefully pushing a student carrying the Indian flag onto the road. His demand came as Opposition MPs from several INDIA bloc parties staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex over the alleged police action against students and the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The MPs gathered around 10.30 am, carrying placards questioning who ordered the police action at Jantar Mantar and raising slogans demanding accountability from the Centre over the alleged use of force and the alleged financial irregularities in donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The protest took place hours before the Rajya Sabha was scheduled to consider and pass the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. 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
‘Answer now’: CJP’s Saurav Das cites Rahul Gandhi’s claims, targets Amit Shah over July 20 police action
NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday demanded ‘answers’ from Union home minister Amit Shah over the July 20 police action against student protesters, citing allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das shared on ‘X’ and wrote, “This raises serious concerns about the Home Minister’s role in July 20 Police Brutality case. He must be held accountable. Every life is precious. A student lost his vision for life at the Home Minister’s order! Answer now.” The remarks came after Rahul, speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak bill, alleged that Shah was responsible for the police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. “The home minister put the pellets into the blood of our students; he ordered the students of India to be shot,” Rahul claimed in the House. He also alleged that only the home minister or the Prime Minister “can authorise” such use of force. Rahul further questioned Shah’s absence from the debate, saying he had seen the home minister sitting in his car but that “he is not present in the Lok Sabha because he is scared.” Many of Rahul’s remarks in the Lok Sabha were later expunged by the Speaker. However, outside Parliament and later at a press conference, the Congress leader repeated the allegations and demanded Shah’s removal. “There can be just two options – the Home Minister gave the order for firing (at protesters), the other is that the Home Minister did not know that there will be firing,” Rahul told reporters. “In the first case, he is culpable. In the second case, he is incompetent, there can be no other option,” he said. At a press conference, Rahul alleged that Shah either “ordered that students be shot with pellet guns and beaten with lathis having nails” or was unaware of the action. “If he ordered it, he is culpable and if he did not know then he is incompetent,” he said, adding that pellet guns could not be used without the home minister’s permission. Claiming Shah was “guilty,” Rahul urged the government to remove him from office. “Our advice to the government is to sack Amit Shah and order an independent high-powered committee monitored by the Supreme Court” to investigate the matter, he said. “Shah must go, he has shot our students and he must be held accountable,” Rahul alleged. The BJP rejected the allegations, accusing Rahul of making false claims. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rahul was attempting to mislead the House by claiming Shah had ordered police firing during the protests. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also denied the allegations. “Rahul Rahul said that bullets were fired at the students. He lied. No bullet was fired. He also lied that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the firing,” Patra said. The exchange comes amid continued political sparring over the July 20 CJP-led protest march to Parliament and the police action against demonstrators. 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
Lok Sabha passes anti-paper leak bill after row over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill making punishment in paper leak cases more stringent and trial speedier with a voice vote as the House was plunged into bedlam, as opposition members, including Rahul Gandhi, demanded a response from govt over the police crackdown on students during their Sansad Chalo march on July 20. An engaging and passionate discussion had unfolded in the House over the anti-paper leak bill as members from the opposition and the governing BJP-led NDA put forth their views and traded charges for over eight hours without any serious disruption. But fireworks flew when Rahul made the “firing” charge, the first by anyone, and repeatedly used an “unparliamentary” expression to target BJP leadership. Rahul had started off by accusing Shah of “putting pellets into the blood of our students” but soon amped up the attack to say that home minister had ordered firing. NEET protest row Minister for personnel Jitendra Singh, who piloted Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, said govt acted swiftly in the NEET paper leak case, and as many as 52 FIRs have been lodged since the anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024. He also criticised Gandhi, stating that he lacks knowledge of parliamentary norms and the functioning of government. Utmost restraint was exercised to prevent casualties: Minister Expressing disappointment over the ruckus during the passage of the bill, minister for personnel Jitendra Singh said, “Instead of debating it seriously and offering suggestions, attempts are being made to politicise it.” The 2024 law was brought in when govt faced raging paper leak controversies. Before this legislation, there was no specific substantive law to deal with unfair means adopted or offences committed by various entities involved in the conduct of public examinations by the central government and its agencies. According to Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, investigations into paper leak cases are to be completed within two months. The bill says that individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will get jail terms for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The Bill also allows state govts and UT administrations to designate special fast-track courts for cases registered under the law. Responding to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s remarks alleging atrocities and oppression were inflicted on innocent children, Singh said, “Utmost restraint was exercised andit was made sure that casualties do not happen.” Countering the charge that the education sector has been in a decline under the NDA govt, Singh said the number of universities has risen to 1,293 from 760 and higher education institutions to 64,896 from 51,534. He questioned the source of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s claim of 152 incidents of paper leaks. He said the govt regrets any such death more than the opposition. Singh claimed that the rate of suicide due to paper leaks had reduced. 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
‘Kannadigas ashamed’: Siddaramaiah targets Pralhad Joshi, calls him ‘ideological twin’ of Dharmendra Pradhan
BENGALURU: Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the Union education minister, alleging that the decision had left Kannadigas “ashamed” and demanding his immediate removal from the portfolio. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, “We should have been proud that a Member of Parliament from Karnataka had become the country’s education minister. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Pralhad Joshi – an MP who defended those convicted of raping a woman – leaving Kannadigas ashamed.” He alleged that Joshi and outgoing Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were “ideological twins” and claimed that both had entered politics through the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).”Pralhad Joshi is no different from outgoing education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Ideologically, they are twins. Both entered politics through the RSS-affiliated ABVP and share the RSS’s outlook towards women, Dalits, the poor, backward communities, Muslims and Christians. That is why Joshi has been brought in to replace Pradhan. Only the face has changed; the direction remains the same. He, too, will act according to the instructions of the RSS,” he said. Siddaramaiah also referred to the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Bilkis Bano case, alleging that Joshi had defended the Gujarat government’s decision to release those convicted in the case. “During the Gujarat riots, Bilkis Bano was subjected to gang rape. Pralhad Joshi defended the Gujarat government’s decision to release those convicted in the case on the grounds of ‘good conduct’ and spoke in their support,” he added. Siddaramaiah said Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had raised the issue in Parliament and demanded Joshi’s removal from the Education Ministry. “Our concern now is what will happen to the country’s education system under a person with such views. Leader of the opposition @RahulGandhi and MP @priyankagandhi have exposed Pralhad Joshi in the Lok Sabha and placed the truth before the country. Their voices may be silenced inside Parliament, but the voices of crores of people across the country cannot be suppressed. It may not be long before Joshi follows the same path as Dharmendra Pradhan,” he said. He further alleged that Joshi would “act according to the instructions of the RSS” and reiterated that “only the face has changed; the direction remains the same.” “If Prime Minister @narendramodi has even the slightest concern for teachers and students, he must immediately remove @JoshiPralhad from the Education Ministry and entrust this important portfolio to someone who is genuinely qualified,” Siddaramaiah added. 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
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘advice’ to PM Modi, and 3 guarantees to students over police action on protesters
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of denying him an opportunity to speak in the Lok Sabha because he held Union home minister Amit Shah responsible for the alleged police brutality during the July 20 CJP march. Addressing a press conference after the proceedings, Rahul claimed he was assured he would be allowed to resume his speech if he apologised, but said he refused, declaring that he would “never ever apologise to the BJP, RSS, or any other person associated with them.” “As you saw today, the leader of the opposition was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. Multiple times, I asked the Speaker to bring order to the House so that I could speak. Multiple times, Rajnath Singh ji and others were allowed to speak, but I was not allowed to speak. The excuse was that I said something about Mr. Amit Shah. I said that Mr. Amit Shah was responsible for the brutality that was carried out,” Rahul said. “I was also given an assurance that if I apologise, I will be allowed to continue speaking. The first thing is, I will never ever apologise to the BJP, RSS, or any other person associated with them. The second thing is, it is my right as the Leader of the Opposition to raise issues that are important for this country. To me, the most important issue today is that our students, people who are open-minded and ask questions, were brutalised on the streets of Delhi,” he added. ‘Sack Shah, order probe’ During the conference, Rahul called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Amit Shah over the alleged crackdown on student protesters and demanded an independent probe into the incident, which is being monitored by the Supreme Court. He also claimed the Congress had gathered evidence showing that police used electric batons, pellet guns and lathis fitted with nails to disperse students. “They were shot with pellet guns. One boy who was shot with a pellet gun is most likely to lose his eye and may not be able to see. I have seen the AIIMS medical certificate, which shows that he was shot with pellet guns. Shock batons were used, not just normal lathis, lathis with nails. Where did the police get this idea from?” Rahul said. “Now there are two possibilities. Either Amit Shah gave the order to shoot people with pellet guns, beat people with lathis with nails, and use electric batons, or he did not know it was happening. If he did not know, he is incompetent. If he ordered it, he is culpable. In either case, he has to go. And every single child who has been beaten must know this,” he added. “We are not asking for anything that is out of the ordinary. At least have the decency to take responsibility for what you have done,” he further said. 3 promises to students During the press conference, Rahul Gandhi also made three promises to students affected by the alleged police action. He said the he would ensure justice for the injured students, punish those responsible for the alleged use of pellet guns, and hold those involved accountable. “We will ensure that the students who were beaten, maybe not today, maybe sometime from now, but we will ensure that every single one of those students who was beaten gets justice,” he said. “We will ensure that the people who shot our students with pellet guns will be punished. It’s very simple for us to do. We have the photographs. We’ve collected all the videos and all the photographs. We know the police officers who have done it,” Rahul said. “So, you might think you’re very smart, but accountability is going to come. This is our guarantee. This is our guarantee to the students,” 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
CM’s ‘Gen Z’ push sparks buzz over young faces in Telangana Cabinet
Some believe Revanth is keen to give greater representation to young legislators, while others think move is aimed at enhancing Cong appeal HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s recent remarks on “Gen Z” have set off speculation within the Congress over the possible induction of younger MLAs into the state Cabinet during the impending expansion or reshuffle. Party leaders said the discussion has gained momentum, with many believing that Revanth is keen to give greater representation to younger legislators. The move is also being seen as an effort to strengthen the Congress’ appeal among young voters, not only in Telangana but across the country. According to senior party leaders, if the proposal goes ahead, one or two young MLAs could find a place in the Cabinet. They say the move would reflect Revanth’s political style while helping the party connect better with younger voters. Sources said Revanth is likely to take up the proposal with the Congress high command, arguing that projecting younger ministers could work in the party’s favour ahead of the next electoral cycle. The speculation has also led to some nervousness among sitting ministers, as any Cabinet expansion or reshuffle could change the existing political equations. According to party sources, the Cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected in August. They said discussions on the Karnataka Cabinet expansion are almost complete at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) level, after which the focus is likely to shift to Telangana. Young aspirants Following the chief minister’s remarks that Gen Z leaders should become ministers, the names of some of the Assembly’s youngest MLAs, including Mamidala Yashaswini Reddy, Mynampally Rohith Rao and Chittem Parnika Reddy, have begun doing the rounds in Congress circles. Party sources said there is a fair chance that one or two young legislators could be accommodated in the Cabinet. At the same time, there is also talk that up to three senior ministers could be dropped and given organisational responsibilities, either in the state unit of the party or at the national level. Congress leaders expect Revanth to discuss the issue with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently encouraged greater participation by young people in politics. They believe the induction of younger ministers could send a message beyond Telangana and help the party strike a chord with young voters across the country. Leaders familiar with the chief minister’s political thinking also believe he is likely to give more tickets to younger candidates in the next Assembly elections, particularly if the proposed delimitation exercise increases the number of Assembly constituencies. They say this would fit in with Revanth’s long-term political strategy in both Telangana and the Congress. Party leaders also point out that several first-time legislators are relatively young. They mention MPs Chamala Kiran Reddy, Kadiyam Kavya, K Raghuveer Reddy, Gaddam Vamshi Krishna and Anil Kumar Yadav, along with MLC Balmoor Venkat, as part of the younger leadership, even if they do not fall within the Gen Z age group. Senior Congress leaders also expect the party to field a larger number of candidates in the 40-45 age bracket at the next Assembly elections, especially if the number of constituencies increases from the present 119 to 182 following delimitation. Ireddy Srinivas Reddy 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’s statement, “A person who defends rapists has been appointed Education Minister,” sparked uproar in the Lok Sabha.
The ruling party strongly objected to Priyanka Gandhi’s statement in the Lok Sabha, calling it baseless and offensive against the Education Minister. Several ministers, including Kiren Rijiju, demanded an apology and action, while Priyanka Gandhi stated that she would verify her allegations through appropriate channels. New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that after youth protests demanding reforms in the education system, PM Modi appointed a person who “defends rapists” as the country’s Education Minister. Rahul Gandhi targeted Education Minister Prahlad Joshi in the Lok Sabha following remarks made by party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka had made some comments about Joshi in the Lok Sabha, citing a newspaper report about the accused in the Bilkis Bano case being granted bail, which were expunged from the House proceedings. Following this, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament, “After protests by young people demanding reforms to the education system in the country, the BJP has appointed a person who defends rapists as the country’s Education Minister. There can be nothing more shameful than someone who advocates for the protection of rapists becoming the country’s Education Minister.” Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “The Prime Minister’s move is strange. He has so many people in his cabinet; he could have appointed anyone as Education Minister, but he chose someone who defends rapists.” Later, Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “No one can be more despicable than someone who defends rapists. Prahlad Joshi is an insult to our education system and every student. Now, the institutions where millions of young women study will be under his supervision.” He emphasized that the women of India will never accept Prime Minister Modi’s new Education Minister. Uproar over Priyanka’s statement When Priyanka Gandhi mentioned this issue in the Lok Sabha, ruling party members objected, calling it a baseless and offensive remark against the Education Minister. The House witnessed a brief uproar over the issue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected, stating that the comments made regarding the new Education Minister were character assassination and that it was inappropriate to make such allegations without verification. Demand for an apology from Priyanka Gandhi He said that if Priyanka Gandhi cannot verify her allegations, she should apologize to the House. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that such statements should not be made in the House without facts. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra cannot get away with making such allegations. He demanded that the Congress MP apologize to the House and action be taken against her. Priyanka Gandhi said that she would verify her statement in the House through appropriate channels. Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay About the Author Ashok Upadhyay is a Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He has 12 years of field reporting and desk work experience. He began his journalism career with Navbharat Times Hindi newspaper in 2014. He has extensive experience reporting on the political and crime beats. He also worked on the central desk at Amar Ujala Dehradun and has done ground reporting for several elections. He has been working on the news desk at NBT Digital for the last six years. Courtesy: Hindi News