‘Why Prayagraj, not Jharkhand?’ Posters target Rahul ahead of visit
Prayagraj: A poster war erupted in Prayagraj on Saturday ahead of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, with posters targeting him over issues concerning students in Jharkhand and his stand on NEET appearing at several locations across the city. The identity of those behind the posters remained unclear, but their appearance pushed up the political temperature ahead of Gandhi’s scheduled ‘Chattron Ki Goonj’ programme. However, the posters were later removed from several locations by his supporters. Among the posters displayed were slogans such as “Kab aaoge mere Rahul, tumhein Jharkhand bulata hai” (When will you come, Rahul? Jharkhand is calling you), “Jo bhaag kar Prayagraj aaye, woh Jharkhand jaane se kyun ghabraye?” (Why is one who ran to Prayagraj afraid of going to Jharkhand?) and “Jab Jharkhand ke chhatra nyay maang rahe hain, Rahul Prayagraj drama karne kyun aaye?” (When students in Jharkhand are demanding justice, why has Rahul come to Prayagraj for a drama?). Another poster targeted Gandhi over the NEET issue, carrying the slogan: “NEET par hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai, Prayagraj wow… Jharkhand chhee.” The posters questioned Gandhi’s political position on student-related issues, NEET and his decision to visit Prayagraj. None of the posters carried the name of any political party, organisation or individual. As a result, it could not be immediately established who had put them up. No person or organisation had claimed responsibility for the posters till Saturday afternoon. The posters surfaced as Congress workers put up their own hoardings and banners across prominent city routes to welcome Gandhi and promote his ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground. The programme is scheduled to focus on issues including NEET, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks, unemployment, and concerns of students and youth. Meanwhile, Congress workers have made extensive preparations for Gandhi’s visit, during which he is scheduled to interact with students and young people. With the rival posters appearing just hours before the event, the political contest surrounding the visit has acquired an added edge. 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 steps in to pacify disgruntled Karnataka Congress MLA M Krishnappa
Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. BENGALURU: The Congress state leadership, led by state unit chief BK Hariprasad and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, appears to have, to some extent, pacified the disgruntled legislators who were denied cabinet berths. But it looks like the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is being forced to deal with Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa, who has made it clear that he is unwilling to accept anything less than a ministerial post. Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. According to Congress sources, Priya Krishna was in New Delhi to meet Rahul and, in all probability, his father is likely to be inducted into the cabinet. “Politics is a game of possibilities. Nobody knows what will happen,” remarked KPCC president BK Hariprasad, who met Krishnappa in Bengaluru on Friday. Hariprasad confirmed that Krishnappa’s “pain” has been conveyed to Rahul and the latter will speak to the former soon. Shivakumar had earlier sent ministers HC Balakrishna and N Cheluvarayaswamy, both Vokkaligas, to pacify Krishnappa. AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, while reaching out to the upset MLAs, also met Krishnappa on Wednesday. Shivakumar, too, was present at the meeting. “Krishnappa, a five-time MLA, is an influential leader in Bengaluru and the Congress leadership does not want to ignore him ahead of the crucial polls to the Greater Bengaluru Authority,” said a political analyst. Krishnappa hails from the influential Vokkaliga community. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge echoed Hariprasad. “We need Krishnappa sir’s experience as well as Priya Krishna’s youthful energy. Not only them… but we need hundreds of them to join hands together… only then can we build the party,” Priyank told reporters. Meanwhile, Shivakumar is also likely to visit Delhi on Saturday to discuss political developments in the party after the cabinet expansion and to conduct a “minor surgery” by dropping ministers to placate unhappy legislators, sources said. Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna, also a Vokkaliga, may have to sacrifice his ministerial post to help the Congress douse the fire for the smooth sailing of the State Government, sources said. Meanwhile, the allotment of portfolios to the newly appointed ministers is likely to be completed before the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislature on August 13. “When the Chief Minister is our man, why should I ask for a portfolio?… What should I do with it? What is paramount for me is the work I do in my constituency and my district. Even with sleepy eyes, I will go and get the necessary work done (by the CM),” Balakrishna said, hinting that he is ready for any consequence. It remains to be seen whether the Congress high command will drop some ministers to make room for disgruntled legislators, ensuring adequate representation for different castes, communities and regions. The leadership will also have to address the lack of women’s representation, as the cabinet currently has no woman minister and one berth is still vacant. Ready to resign if top brass asks me to: Priyank Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he is ready to resign as a minister if the Congress high command asks him to and will work for the party. “There are close to 140 Congress MLAs in Karnataka and 33 ministerial posts. Satisfying everyone is a difficult job. Even though there are challenges in ensuring social justice and regional representation, party leadership has made an honest effort,” Priyank Kharge told reporters, adding that he will always abide by the decision of the high command. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, minister BZ Zameer Ahmed also said he is ready to quit the cabinet and work for the party. Later, in Chitradurga, he said the recent cabinet expansion was based on the findings of an internal survey, which suggested that giving cabinet berths to leaders with a strong influence in their respective communities would benefit the party. CM answers political questions with sarcasm CM DK Shivakumar on Friday responded with a pinch of sarcasm to a series of questions on the issues related to the recent cabinet expansion and political developments, brushing aside concerns over internal discontent and portfolio allocation delays. When asked about Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa seeking a ministerial berth, Shivakumar said, “There is nothing wrong, everyone asks.” On reports that he had called Chintamani MLA MC Sudhakar and other leaders to his office to pacify them, he denied any unrest, stating, “No one is upset. There are some senior leaders. They will have to be given responsibility. We will sort everything out.” Responding to a question on when the possibility of the cabinet having women ministers, he said, “They will be sworn in after informing you (media).” When asked about speculation of a “minor surgery” in the cabinet, Shivakumar retorted, “We thought the media should have a surgery”. On delays in portfolio allocation, he drew comparisons with previous governments, saying, “How long did Yediyurappa run the government alone? How long did the government run in Delhi?” To a question on whether bringing the party back to power in 2028 was the agenda, he countered, “Everyone has agreed, have you (the media) agreed?” Not resigning, want portfolio changed: Muniyappa Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister KH Muniyappa on Friday has dismissed reports claiming that he will resign from the cabinet and pave the way for his daughter, KGF MLA, Roopakala Shashidhar, to become a minister. In a statement, Muniyappa’s office said the senior Congress leader remains committed to the party and has served it loyally for over five decades. It highlighted his political career, including seven consecutive terms as MP from the Kolar Lok Sabha constituency and three terms as a Union Minister. The statement clarified that Muniyappa has only sought a change of portfolio
‘Govt stealing money, destroying lives’: Rahul Gandhi vows campaign against E20
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Congress will soon take up the issue of the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended fuel programme. In a social media post on X, Rahul shared a video and accused the government of “stealing directly out of people’s pockets”. “This E20 issue is a very serious matter. Usually, we say, ‘Daal mein kuch kaala hai.’ But here, the whole daal is black,” the Congress leader said. “Brothers and sisters, this is a matter of priorities. In any campaign, we have to decide the order in which issues are taken up. The problem right now is that there is so much corruption that there is a long list of issues we have to prioritise. But don’t worry. We will take up the E20 issue in a big way because it is damaging people’s cars and scooters and their lives and is, quite literally, stealing money directly out of their pockets,” he added. The remarks came days after Congress alleged that the Centre’s push for E20 petrol had increased fuel costs for consumers while primarily benefiting ethanol producers, claiming motorists were paying more despite assurances of cheaper fuel. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that since March 2025, regular fuel stations across the country had been supplying “practically only E20 petrol”. Referring to earlier statements by Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, he said the government had claimed ethanol blending would bring the price of diesel down to Rs 50 per litre and provide a petrol alternative at Rs 55 per litre, but no such reduction had materialised. “On the contrary, according to an independent analysis, between April 2023 and March 2026, consumers collectively spent an additional approximately Rs 88,234 crore to compensate for the lower mileage from ethanol-blended fuel,” he wrote in a post on X. He further claimed that the Centre could have reduced the retail price of E20 petrol to offset the lower fuel efficiency and noted that NITI Aayog’s Ethanol Roadmap had recommended financial and tax incentives for E10 and E20 fuels to compensate consumers. “E20 has stripped the average middle-class Indian of options, imposed higher fuel costs on them, and placed an extra burden on the very vehicle they saved for years to buy. If any segment has benefited the most from E20, it is the ethanol producers,” Ramesh said. However, the Centre has maintained that ethanol blending helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil and supports farmers by creating demand. 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 mobilises students ahead of Rahul’s Prayagraj event
Prayagraj: A day after the Kayastha Pathshala (KP) authorities restored permission for Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme, preparations gathered pace across Sangam City on Friday, with senior Congress leaders camping in the city and youth workers reaching out to students to ensure a large turnout. The Congress MP is scheduled to interact with students at KP Ground on Saturday evening on issues related to education, employment and recruitment. While the state and district Congress leadership is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the participation of the maximum number of youths from Prayagraj and adjoining districts, the entire city has been flooded with posters and banners of “Chhatron Ki Goonj”. The event in Prayagraj, often referred to as the students’ hub of eastern UP, will be the third in the country after Kota and Dehradun, as the Congress campaign focuses on the future of the youth, transparency in recruitment examinations, employment and reforms in the education system. Rahul is scheduled to reach Prayagraj around 3.15 pm on Saturday and will head to Swaraj Bhawan, where he will meet people, including senior leaders and party workers. He will interact with students at KP Ground between 5 pm and 7.30 pm and later leave for Delhi around 10 pm. Mohd Farhan, organiser of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event, told TOI, “Over 1.74 lakh students have registered for the event.” He added that senior Congress functionaries, including Aradhana Mishra (member of the UP Legislative Assembly), Rajendra Pal Gautam (AICC in-charge for UP), UPCC chief Ajay Rai and others, are camping in the city to make the event a grand success. Rai said that Rahul is visiting Prayagraj to stand in solidarity with the students. He clarified that it is not a political event and that there will be no party flags or political activities, but only discussions on issues concerning students. The Kayastha Pathshala authorities had cancelled the venue for Rahul Gandhi’s event on Wednesday. However, KP president Chaudhary Jitendra Nath Singh, in response to an undertaking submitted by UPCC chief Ajay Rai, revoked the earlier decision and permitted the event at KP Ground with a seven-point directive. The Kayastha Pathshala granted permission after taking note of the approval issued by the district administration. The Indian Youth Congress on Friday announced that it will set up ‘Students Goonj Parks’ at more than 250 locations across the country on August 8, where students will gather to watch Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with students in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj live. According to an official statement, large LED screens will be installed at designated student hubs and other high-footfall locations to livestream Gandhi’s interaction, with the initiative aimed at taking the conversation beyond Prayagraj and creating spaces for students to discuss issues related to education and examinations. 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
‘Visible change of heart’: Rijiju challenges Rahul Gandhi to support women’s quota Bill
NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday targeted Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on women’s freedom of expression and challenged him to support the BJP-backed Women’s Reservation Bill “unconditionally”. Rijiju’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi posted a video calling for greater freedom of expression for women and arguing that India cannot fully develop without women being able to express themselves freely. Responding to the senior Congress leader, Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi’s message appeared to be a positive change and urged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill without conditions. “This seems to be a positive message from the Congress Party. There’s a visible change of heart in Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji about the Women. Now, I hope the Congress Party will support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally,” the Union minister posted on X. The Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill but have opposed linking its implementation to the delimitation exercise. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation, which would determine the number of Lok Sabha seats. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation did not move forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Lok Sabha on April 17. The legislation provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies and links its implementation to delimitation. Earlier, Rahul said in a social media video that women in India should be given greater freedom to express themselves in all areas of life. He said, “The energy of India’s women is trapped. It is not allowed to express itself. It is not allowed to imagine. For me, no country can be successful if its women are not expressing themselves. And I think a lot of my politics, and a lot of what politics should be in this country, is about making people understand that our country is stunted and incomplete without the expression of women.” Rahul further said, “It’s not just them doing well in business or politics, but being able to express in their houses, walk the streets comfortably, them putting a point of view that many don’t agree with, questioning their parents, husbands, brothers.” “A certain amount of freedom from patriarchy and the rigid control men put on women is required if India wants to develop. It has been assaulted and put in the back seat, and we have to bring back women into conversation and allow them to express,” the Congress leader added. Rahul posted his message on women’s freedom after meeting Gen Z protesters and highlighting the repercussions they have faced following their protests amid the crackdown. 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 proposes INDIA bloc visit to injured Bihar student protesters
While there was broad consensus on the proposal, the bloc is yet to finalise the date and composition of the delegation, sources said. NEW DELHI: As the deadlock in Parliament continues over the NEET row, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday proposed that leaders of the INDIA bloc jointly visit students in Bihar who were allegedly assaulted during recent protests, sources said. The proposal was discussed at an INDIA bloc meeting, where leaders agreed that such a visit should take place during the ongoing Monsoon Session to keep the issue at the centre of the Opposition’s campaign both inside and outside Parliament. While there was broad consensus on the proposal, the bloc is yet to finalise the date and composition of the delegation, sources added. Last week, Gandhi attacked the Modi government over allegations that AK-47 rifles were used against protesting students in Bihar and demanded action against those responsible for the alleged attacks. According to leaders present at the meeting, the Opposition believes the alleged police crackdown on students should remain one of its principal political issues both inside and outside Parliament. The proposal comes a day after the venue provider in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, revoked permission for Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj event, scheduled for Saturday, citing an Allahabad High Court order. However, Gandhi said that no matter how hard the BJP government tries, it cannot stop him from raising students’ voices. Ask Me Anything In another outreach to Gen Z, Gandhi on Thursday launched an “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram, inviting students to interact with him directly. Sharing a link to the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.” On Wednesday, Gandhi met a group of students who had protested last month, demanding the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leak issue, and who allegedly faced police excesses on July 20. Preetha Nair 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 gets nod for Prayagraj event ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ after venue cancellation is revoked
The administration restored permission for the August 8 ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event after KP College had earlier withdrawn approval citing academic activities and a court order. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has received permission to hold his proposed ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj after the administration revoked the earlier cancellation of the venue booking. The public interaction with students is scheduled to be held on August 8. The programme had briefly been thrown into uncertainty after the management of KP College withdrew permission for the use of its sports ground, citing academic concerns and an Allahabad High Court order that emphasised preventing disruption to students’ academic activities. In a letter to the City Congress Committee, the acting president of Kayasth Pathshala, Chaudhary Jitendra Nath Singh, said the decision to cancel the booking was based on inputs from the college principal and the High Court’s August 14, 2025, order. The organisers were also asked to collect the deposited amount. However, the cancellation was later revoked, clearing the way for the event. Earlier on Thursday, Gandhi alleged that the administration had been attempting to prevent the programme from taking place ever since he announced his visit to Prayagraj. In a post on X, Gandhi said students of Allahabad University were protesting against fee hikes and seat cuts, but instead of addressing their concerns, the administration had responded by registering FIRs against them. “Students of Allahabad University are fighting for their future against fee hikes and seat cuts. But instead of listening to the students, the administration is filing FIRs against them,” he wrote. Alleging that the Narendra Modi government was suppressing the voices of young people, Gandhi said, “Ask a question, and you get a lathi charge; protest and you face cases, and raise your voice and you get pellet guns.” “Ever since I decided to come to Prayagraj to hear the students’ side, the administration has been trying every possible way to stop my programme. It’s clear that they are even afraid of the students’ echo,” he added. 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 reveals his favourite BJP leader in candid Gen Z ‘Ask Me Anything’ on Instagram
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched an “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram as part of a fresh outreach to Gen Z, responding to questions on student protests, women’s education, politics and even lighter topics such as Batman. Sharing the initiative on X, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.” The Congress later shared video clips of his responses. Responding to a question on the ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, Gandhi said the country’s education system had “collapsed” and urged governments across party lines to pay attention to students’ concerns. “The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have said it in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad that our education system has collapsed. It is unaffordable and oppressive,” Gandhi said. “Every government, whether it is the Centre, a Congress government or the Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system,” he added. The protest in Jharkhand entered its 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators continuing an indefinite hunger strike. Student groups have formed an 11-member delegation for talks with the state government over their demands. Asked what message he had for young women fighting for their right to education, Gandhi said women deserved equal — if not greater — space in every sphere of life. “India’s women are our biggest strength. I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, in our education system or in the corporate sector. You be confident, you be brave, you be powerful exactly as you are, and we are there to fully support you,” he said. In one of the lighter moments of the interaction, Gandhi was asked to name his favourite politician from the BJP. He named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying they got along well and praising his knowledge of military history. On the state of education, Gandhi alleged that the system was “busy destroying thinkers” and claimed that after being “captured” by the RSS, its focus had shifted to discouraging independent thinking among young people. Asked if he was Batman, Gandhi joked, “Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together.” Replying to a question on the philosophy that inspires him the most, Gandhi referred to the ideas of Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev, Basavanna, Sankardev, Birsa Munda, Periyar, Mahatma Phule, Narayana Guru, B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, among others, saying these traditions had shaped India’s Constitution. The Instagram interaction came a day after Gandhi met students who had protested over the NEET paper leak and allegedly faced police action last month. On Wednesday, he accused Union home minister Amit Shah of being responsible for the violence against the protesters and claimed the government had failed to explain the incident in Parliament. Gandhi has increasingly been using Instagram to engage with students and young voters. The platform has emerged as a key battleground for political outreach, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders across parties also stepping up their engagement with Gen Z audiences. 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
Jharkhand student protest Day 14: Hunger strike continues as BJP, Rahul Gandhi back students
NEW DELHI: The protest by JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Jharkhand entered its 14th day on Thursday, with students demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, while political pressure on the Hemant Soren government intensified. The protest, launched on July 25 under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, has grown into one of Jharkhand’s largest student-led movements in recent years. Protesters are seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, an independent probe into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. Here are the top developments: BJP MLAs protest outside Assembly BJP MLAs on Thursday staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly, on the first day of the Monsoon Session, over alleged irregularities in the state competitive examinations. Speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Alok Chaurasia said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly and vocally with the students regarding the functioning of Jharkhand government agencies such as JPSC, JSSC, and CJL, as well as the widespread corruption across the state, particularly the fraud committed against students…” The legislators raised slogans against the government, with chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleging it was “selling” Jharkhand’s youths’ future and demanding a CBI probe, saying, “nobody trusts your CID and committee.” Rahul Gandhi speaks to aspirants Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to JPSC-JSSC aspirants over the phone on Thursday. Student leader Piyush Kumar said the students raised their demand for cancellation of the examination, an investigation and reforms. “We told him of our demands, that exam should be cancelled, regarding investigation and reforms. He said that he stands with our demands, and that they will take it up with the Govt. He said that he stands with and supports students…We are yet to get any official information regarding the date and time of meeting (with the government),” Kumar said. Student leader Ravindra Paswan said Gandhi enquired about the situation at the protest site. “He asked us about the situation here. We told him about the irregularities in exams here. We told him that Congress is in the government in Jharkhand and they should help us. He told us that he stands with students,” Paswan said. 11-member delegation finalised According to JPSC JSSC Reform Manch, protesting students have finalised an 11-member delegation for talks with the state government. The group comprises eight student representatives, one lawyer and two technical experts. The eight student representatives are Piyush Kumar Singh, Ravindra Paswan, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Kartik Soren, Ravindra, Ankit Kumar and Shalu Singh. Students have also demanded that any dialogue with the government be held in the presence of the media. Officials reach protest site Ranchi Sadar SDO Rajat Kumar and ADM Dhananjay Kumar reached Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to hear the grievances of the protesting aspirants. “We came to speak with our younger brothers about how we can assist them in their preparations for the future,” Rajat Kumar said. A protester said there had been a suggestion that a four- or five-member delegation should participate in talks, but students insisted on a transparent process. ‘Assembly gherao’ on Monday Amid the continuing agitation, students announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met. Protester Radhe Kumar said the decision was taken after the government initiated contact with the students. JMM MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato urged the government to immediately open talks, warning that “something untoward will happen” if the situation remains unresolved. Hunger strike continues Activist Sonam Wangchuk rejected reports that student leader Devendra Nath Mahato had ended his hunger strike after speaking with him. A total of six demonstrators are presently on a hunger strike. In a video message on X, Wangchuk said, “He consumed water, not food; I want to clarify this.” He added, “He was fasting without water and without food, which is, in a way, like suicide. So, I only urged him to consume water and salt now and continue his fast.” Mahato began his indefinite hunger strike on August 2 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He is now continuing the fast on water and salt. Minister claims 19 arrested Jharkhand minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said on Thursday that the government was investigating the allegations and that 19 people had been arrested. 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
Amit Shah responsible for violence against students, lacks courage to face Parliament: Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi said that raising concerns about the country’s education system was not a crime and argued that students were demanding reforms, not resorting to violence. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition members stage a protest demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition members stage a protest demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament.Photo | PTI Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of being responsible for the alleged police violence against students protesting the paper leak issue and claiming that he lacked the courage to explain the incident in Parliament. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha made the remarks after meeting a group of students who had protested last month, demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leak controversy. The students have alleged police excesses during the July 20 protest. “I just met young protesters from various states and had a discussion. I want to thank them and I am proud of thousands of students like them as they fought for the Constitution, the education system and the future of India,” Gandhi told reporters outside former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence. “They mentioned to me how they were assaulted, beaten and threatened.They have defended the Constitution, protected the idea of India and the future of India,” Gandhi said, flanked by the students. He said raising concerns about the country’s education system was not a crime and argued that students were demanding reforms, not resorting to violence. “If anything, the system needs to be changed, it needs to be corrected and that is all they (the students) were asking for. They were not indulging in violence, they were not being aggressive or nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened,” Gandhi alleged. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition members stage a protest demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi, Shah of intimidating Gen Z with FIRs, says they are ‘India’s past’ On the alleged police brutality student protesters, Gandhi said, “Forcing them, sending ‘goondas’ and forcibly taking their apology, taking apology from a 15-year-old and accepting that apology, is nonsense and unacceptable to us,” he said. Gandhi said the country needed an education system that worked and urged an end to exam paper leaks. He also directly targeted Shah, alleging that the Union home minister was accountable for the alleged violence against the protesters. “The person who is responsible for this violence is the home minister.” “The person who had pellet gun fired at this young lady, the person who had a pellet gun fired at that young man whom I brought before the press a few days ago, the person who has turned the police force against this young lady, is Amit Shah and he is the home minister of India,” Gandhi said. “He (Shah) does not have the decency to come to Parliament. He does not have the decency or the courage to comment on what has happened. “There are two possibilities, he did not know that violence was carried out on children, in which case he is incompetent; or he ordered that the pellet gun be fired and violence unleashed against youngsters, which means he is culpable. Either way, he is responsible,” the former Congress chief said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights