Rahul Gandhi claims PM Modi ‘most anti-youth PM India has seen’
NEW DELHI: Congress’s Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Narendra Modi as the “most anti-youth PM India has ever had” as opposition jointly condemned BJP for crackdown on the “paper leak” protest march to Parliament Monday. Rahul said the young protesters are not criminals and Modi should accept their legitimate demands. “It is disgusting what govt and police are doing. Tear-gassing and lathi-charging students is not India’s way… all they believe in is ‘asatya’ and ‘hinsa’, which are anti-Indian principles,” he said in a video statement, adding, “Modi disrespects all the young people of this country.” He said there is general outrage against RSS having captured the education system. With state action against students coupled with viral visuals dominating the headlines, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut said “paper leak” and “donation scam” will dominate Parliament in the coming days. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the large youth turnout proves the failure of BJP regime in conducting NEET and other exams. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, rebuking govt for police action, said, “It’s ridiculous… They are the future of the country. This Parliament belongs to them. It’s no one’s personal fiefdom.” DMK MP Kanimozhi dubbed the protest the most democratic form of expressing people’s opinion. 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
Ahead of Monsoon Session, Opposition targets Centre over Ram Temple donation scam, delimitation
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge’s joint letter to PM Modi, saying it was “only appropriate” they sought answers on the Ram Temple donations row. NEW DELHI: A day ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Congress intensified its attack on the Narendra Modi government over alleged financial irregularities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, urging the Prime Minister to respond to allegations of fund misappropriation and order an independent probe. Separately, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sought an all-party meeting on the government’s proposed delimitation exercise and amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a joint letter written by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Modi, saying it was “only appropriate” that the two Opposition leaders had sought answers on what the party described as “chanda chori, aastha se dhokha” (donation theft, betrayal of faith). Ramesh also invoked Modi’s statement in Parliament on February 5, 2020, announcing the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict. “In one of his rare token appearances in the Lok Sabha on February 5, 2020, the PM had taken full credit while announcing the establishment of this Trust, which has betrayed the faith and devotion of crores of devotees across the country. Pradhan Mantri Chuppi Todo!” Ramesh said in a post on X. In their July 18 letter, Gandhi and Kharge alleged that devotees who contributed to the construction of the Ram Temple had been let down by the alleged diversion of funds. “You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed,” the letter read. The two leaders noted that while the Supreme Court had directed the creation of the Trust, its members were appointed by the government. Alleging that several trustees were associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated organisations, they argued that the Centre was accountable for ensuring transparency and proper oversight. Describing the Prime Minister’s silence as “unacceptable”, Gandhi and Kharge called for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s finances, including donations received in cash, gold and silver. They also demanded that the Trust’s accounts and the findings of the inquiry be made public, saying devotees had a right to know how their contributions had been used. The Congress is expected to raise the issue during the Monsoon Session, which begins on Monday. In a separate development, TMC MP Derek O’Brien wrote to the Prime Minister on July 19 seeking an all-party meeting before the government proceeds with proposed legislation on delimitation and amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. He noted that while the parliamentary bulletin for the Monsoon Session does not currently list a Bill on delimitation, the Opposition remained apprehensive because of what he termed the government’s “dubious record” of introducing significant legislation without adequate notice. Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, O’Brien alleged that the legislation had been introduced in the Rajya Sabha before the supplementary list of business was circulated to MPs. He urged the government not to adopt similar “cloak and dagger tactics” on an issue as significant as delimitation. On the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, O’Brien said the legislation, listed for consideration and passage during the Monsoon Session, would weaken institutions working among the country’s poorest and most marginalised communities. He alleged that the amendments would adversely affect thousands of educational institutions run by the Christian community, as well as internationally reputed charitable organisations, by giving the executive excessive control over their functioning. Mukesh Ranjan 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
CM DK Shivakumar insists on ground report from officials
“I have to submit a report on the drought situation to the Central government. When the Centre’s team visits for an assessment, BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said his government will ensure that a comprehensive and authentic ground report on the drought situation reaches the Centre before the central team arrives for its own assessment. He said officials were asked to visit fields before filing their reports. “I have told officials I don’t want only paper reports. Your own eyes should be your evidence. Every official must visit farms in their respective taluks and submit reports based on the actual ground conditions within the next 15 days,” he said. “I have to submit a report on the drought situation to the Central government. When the Centre’s team visits for an assessment, we should have all the necessary information ready, and provide accurate data,” he told the media after the cabinet meeting. “I have already requested the Prime Minister to send a Central team to assess the drought situation. Parliament will also begin shortly, and I will brief our Members of Parliament about the ground reality,” he added. He claimed to have held a four-hour special meeting to review the drought situation, and directed officials to remain in their headquarters. The government plans to utilize alternative schemes to keep villagers employed during this period. He appealed to farmers not to sow crops, assuming that water will be released later. “Hydropower reservoirs have 23 per cent storage. In the Cauvery basin, storage levels are also low, while the Krishna basin reservoirs stand at around 48 per cent. Of 3,817 minor irrigation tanks, 3,235 have less than 50 per cent storage,” he said. Start VB-G work to stop migration: DCM Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara expressed concern over the slow implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), stating that work has not begun in most parts of Karnataka despite worsening drought conditions. Reviewing the drought situation, Parameshwara, who also holds the revenue portfolio, said 2,443 of the state’s nearly 5,000 gram panchayats are yet to start work under the employment scheme, with only four or five districts making progress. He directed all Zilla Panchayat CEOs to immediately commence the work to curb distress migration from districts such as Ballari, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir and Vijayanagara. Parameshwara said Karnataka has recorded a 68 per cent rainfall deficit, while groundwater levels have fallen by around four metres in 88 taluks. Reservoir levels are declining rapidly and the number of villages dependent on tanker water supply is increasing. Document all VB-G work: CM Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said amid the state’s continuing agitation against the Centre’s VB-G RAM G, the state has prepared to bear 40 per cent of its share. “The Centre has approved several schemes and informed us about works that can be taken up. As far as possible, we should focus on community development, infrastructure works and certain individual beneficiary schemes. Every work must be properly documented with all supporting records. Officials should be extremely careful and leave no loopholes,” he warned. He stressed that the state’s priority is to ensure that people do not migrate to other states in search of work. “They should be provided employment locally,” Shivakumar said. ENS Rahul Gandhi to visit soon The CM said LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Karnataka soon and address students, besides performing the bhoomi puja (foundation stone laying) for the new Congress office in Bengaluru. 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
CM Revanth Reddy to Congress leaders: Stay off Gandhi Bhavan, hit the field for SIR
Revanth warned Congress leaders against skipping SIR form campaign work, saying inactive leaders would lose chances for nominated posts. HYDERABAD: In a blunt ultimatum to underperforming party workers, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed Congress leaders to stay away from Gandhi Bhavan and take to the field during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning that those who remained inactive would not be considered for nominated posts. In a no-holds-barred Zoom meeting on Sunday, Revanth told party leaders not to visit the state Congress headquarters until the August 3 deadline for submitting SIR Enumeration Forms. Expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of field-level participation, he said chairmanships and other nominated posts would not be given to leaders who remained inactive during the campaign. He also announced that the 100 best-performing BLAs would be given an opportunity to click a photograph with Rahul Gandhi. Revanth directed the in-charge ministers to supervise the SIR exercise and said a constituency-wise review would be held on July 30. He warned MPs appointed as SIR in-charges that strict action would be taken if they failed to discharge their responsibilities. With the deadline extended to August 3, he said the additional time should be used to intensify outreach. A separate review with the 10 in-charge ministers will be held on Monday, while MPs have been asked to conduct periodic reviews even during the ongoing session. Revanth said the Congress had organised 489 SIR meetings across the 119 Assembly segments but stressed that attention was needed in the weakest-performing ones. He told MLAs, constituency in-charges and corporation chairpersons to scrutinise reports submitted by BLAs instead of relying solely on BLO reports. Stating that the presence of party leaders in the field was mandatory, he directed ministers, MLAs, corporation chairpersons, constituency in-charges and SIR coordinators to tour their respective areas over the next 10 days. 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
‘No backtracking’: Protesters dig in at Jantar Mantar despite Wangchuk’s removal
Protesters asserted the movement has only grown stronger, while organisers reiterated that the planned march to Parliament on July 20 will go ahead as scheduled. NEW DELHI: The protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar showed no signs of losing momentum on Saturday despite the absence of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was forcibly removed from the site by Delhi Police early in the morning. The entire stretch of Jantar Mantar remained heavily barricaded at both ends, restricting vehicular movement after Wangchuk’s removal from the site. Protesters asserted the movement has only grown stronger, while organisers reiterated that — ‘Sansad Chalo’ — the planned march to Parliament on July 20 will go ahead as scheduled. The protesters have been demanding sweeping examination reforms, accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On the 28th day of the protest, which began on June 20, CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke launched an indefinite hunger strike over Wangchuk’s removal, further intensifying the agitation, as protesters also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation. Dipke was later targeted with an ink-like liquid attack by an unidentified woman. The incident briefly disrupted the programme as supporters rushed towards the stage, triggering commotion. The woman’s identity and the motive behind the act were not immediately known. However, police said that she has been detained. Meanwhile, organisers said the health of three student activists who are already on an indefinite fast had deteriorated as their protest entered its 21st day. They alleged that Delhi Police attempted to detain the fasting students from the protest site. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke begins an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after activist Sonam Wangchuk, unseen, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days, was shifted to a hospital for medical care in New Delhi on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Speaking at Jantar Mantar, activist and Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav said the government’s action against Wangchuk had failed to weaken the movement. “The government thought that by picking up Wangchuk ji, the protest would fizzle out but technically, andolan ki hawa nahi nikli, sarkar ki hawa nikal gayi (the protest hasn’t run out of steam; the government has). The government may break the protest but the plan for the march on July 20 is fixed,” Yadav said. Echoing the sentiment, Saurav Das, chief spokesperson of the CJP, said there would be no change in the programme. “Call is already given for the July 20 protest. No backtracking at any cost,” Das said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Centre over Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site. Breaking his silence on the issue, the Lok Sabha LoP accused the Narendra Modi government of suppressing peaceful dissent. Writing on X, Gandhi said the core principles of the Modi government were “Asatya” and “Hinsa” and described Wangchuk’s removal while he was observing a non-violent hunger strike as “wrong”. Hundreds of students, families, civil society members and political supporters continued to gather at the site Television personalities and former DUSU President Ronak Khatri of the NSUI were among those who joined the demonstration and extended support to the movement. Meanwhile, Supporters were seen making announcements inside Delhi Metro trains on Saturday, urging commuters to join the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on July 20. A YouTuber, Vidhushi, announced on Instagram that she would sponsor train tickets for five students from across India who wished to travel to Jantar Mantar on July 20 but were unable to do so because of the cost. CJP chief Dipke urged supporters to arrive on the night of July 19 to avoid possible restrictions by Delhi Police on the day of the march. Organisers also claimed they had received three lakh missed calls on their helpline to register attendance for the July 20 protest. Ifrah Mufti 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
CM DK Shivkumar, Dy CM Dr G Parameshwara meet Kharge, cabinet expansion likely by Wednesday
The high command may announce the list of new ministers by Tuesday evening, sources informed TNSE. BENGALURU: With AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge returning to New Delhi, the much-awaited expansion of the DK Shivkumar cabinet has gained momentum. If all goes well, the new ministers could take the oath on Wednesday, highly placed sources told The New Sunday Express. There, however, is no clarity as yet whether all 20 vacancies will be filled or a couple of them will be kept vacant anticipating potential dissidence after the expansion. “The Congress high command can no longer defer the expansion exercise as there is a lot of pressure from the legislators, mainly to address the prevailing drought in the state,” informed sources added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called on Kharge in Bengaluru on Saturday and accompanied him to Kempegowda International Airport. When Shivakumar, his predecessor Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president BK Hariprasad held talks with the Congress top brass, including LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi, Kharge was in Bengaluru. According to party insiders, Kharge has been favouring new faces such as Raichur North MLA Basanagouda Daddal, Jewargi MLA Dr Ajay Singh, son of former CM late N Dharam Singh, Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima, AR Krishnamurthy, MLC Manjunath Bhandary from Dakshina Kannada, and MLC A Vasanthkumar from Raichur. Meanwhile, Shivakumar has been pushing the names of former Deputy CM and Athani MLA Laxman Savadi, Anekal MLA Shivanna, Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda, Gubbi MLA SR Srinivas, Arsikere MLA KM Shivalinge Gowda, Haliyal MLA RV Deshpande, Narasimharaja MLA Tanvir Sait, Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane, and MLC Dr Arathi Krishna. If Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad are not made ministers, they are likely to be appointed as the CM’s political secretaries, sources added. Meanwhile, former CM Siddaramaiah has been pushing the names of T Narasipur MLA Dr HC Mahadevappa, Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra, Kanakagiri MLA Shivaraj Tangadagi, Malavalli MLA PM Narendraswamy, Kalghatgi MLA Santosh Lad, Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao, Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy, Hosadurga MLA BG Govindappa, Ramdurga MLA Ashok M Pattan, Chamarajanagar MLA C Puttarangashetty, and Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. Also, MLAs SN Narayanaswamy (Bangarpet), Vijayanand Kashappanavar (Hungund), Appaji CS Nadagouda (Muddebihal), and Laxmi Hebbalkar (Belagavi Rural) are strong contenders. Former ministers Dr MC Sudhakar and TB Jayachandra are pinning their hopes on the high command to consider their track record and make them ministers. Meanwhile, KPCC president BK Hariprasad himself has emerged as a frontrunner for a cabinet berth besides proposing the names of some of his choices. But the high command has gathered information on its own from sources and also a survey conducted by the party’s election strategist, Sunil Kanugol. According to Congress insiders, the party may consider the winnability of legislators in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Kharge is likely to hold talks with Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries (organisation) KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to arrive at a decision. On Monday, Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, and Hariprasad are likely to be called to Delhi for a final round of talks. The high command may announce the list of new ministers by Tuesday evening, sources informed TNSE. Senior Congress leader and Aland MLA BR Patil may be made the Assembly speaker, sources added. Deputy CM meets Kharge Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara also paid a courtesy call to Kharge along with Shivakumar. “I had a cordial meeting with Kharge. During the meeting, we discussed various important matters, including the current political developments in the state, administrative issues, and matters relating to the strengthening of the party organization,” the minister posted on the social media platform ‘X’. 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
Ram Temple offering theft case: Rahul Gandhi and Kharge write to PM Modi, making three major demands
Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the issue of theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. They demanded immediate action and named the RSS and VHP. They said that devotees feel cheated and PM Modi should break his silence on this matter. PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party national president Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In this letter, they have made three major demands and have strongly criticized the Modi government. The letter also names the RSS and VHP. They have demanded immediate action in this matter and have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence. They said that millions of devotees across the country feel cheated by this theft. Read the full letter from Rahul and Kharge The two leaders made three demands, writing, “Prime Minister, you are aware of the theft of thousands of crores of rupees from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Millions of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion, and trust feel betrayed by this theft. You announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the instructions of the Supreme Court of India, but its members were appointed entirely by your government. It is well known that the Trust’s members are associated with the RSS, VHP, and their affiliated organizations. Its disgraced former General Secretary was also a close associate of yours. Your silence in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to establish accountability and ensure reparations. Please address this issue as soon as possible.” Rahul and Kharge’s Three Demands We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs, including the management of all offerings, including cash, gold, and silver. The investigation results and the trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings were used. Those found responsible should be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence. Curated by: Sanjeev Kumar About the Author Sanjeev Kumar (Senior Digital Content Producer) Sanjeev Kumar currently serves as Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in May 2025. He has six years of experience working on the online news desk in journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
Khera says Indira, Manmohan engaged protesters, accuses Centre of ‘indifference’ to Wangchuk
Khera’s visit came a day after former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and other protesters at the protest site. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026.Photo |PTI Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday met climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and urged him to end his indefinite hunger strike, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, while accusing the Centre of refusing to engage with demands for education reforms. Wangchuk has been on a fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy. After meeting Wangchuk and the protesters, Khera said peaceful protest was a constitutional right and that it was the responsibility of any democratic government to engage with citizens who resort to fasting to make their voices heard. “In a democracy, peaceful protest is a constitutional right. When citizens undertake a fast to be heard, the duty of the government is to listen — not look away. That is Raj Dharma,” Khera said in a post on X. The Congress leader contrasted the Centre’s response with that of previous governments, saying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 had engaged with protesters despite differences. “That is what Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji did in 1984. That is what Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government did in 2011. They understood that a government’s first responsibility is engagement, even in disagreement,” he said. Khera alleged that the present government had chosen “indifference” towards demands for education reforms raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the protesters at Jantar Mantar. “This government, however, has chosen indifference. It has refused to engage with the demand for education reforms — whether raised by Shri Rahul Gandhi and the NSUI and IYC workers across the country or the protesters at Jantar Mantar. Such indifference is not merely arrogant; it is callous and wholly unworthy of a democracy,” he said. Appealing to Wangchuk to call off the fast, Khera said preserving the movement’s leadership was more important than continuing the hunger strike. “Today, on behalf of the Congress Party, I met Shri Sonam Wangchuk and the protesters at Jantar Mantar, and urged them to end their fast in light of their deteriorating health. A movement is not strengthened by losing its people. We live to fight another day,” he said. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, one of the protest organisers, thanked Khera for extending solidarity. “I thank Congress MP @Pawankhera ji for visiting Jantar Mantar, expressing his solidarity, and checking on Sonam sir’s health. Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign,” he said in a post on X. Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said his health continued to be under close observation on the 20th day of his hunger strike. According to medical parameters recorded at 9.30 am on Friday, Wangchuk weighed 56.55 kg, having lost 350 grams in the previous 24 hours. His blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate 72 beats per minute. Doctors noted mild dehydration. Dr Satish Lamba said Wangchuk had progressed to a stage where organ involvement was possible because of prolonged fasting. “…It is the 20th day of the hunger strike… The person’s weight is 56.55 kg, a reduction of 350 grams over the last 24 hours… Hydration is fair, with mild dehydration observed… The initial stage involved fat loss, followed by muscle loss and the formation of ketone bodies in urine. Now, at this third stage, organ involvement is possible. The medical team is maintaining 24-hour vigilance and continuous monitoring,” he told reporters. Khera’s visit comes a day after former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and expressed solidarity with the protesters. Kejriwal backed the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, proposed Wangchuk’s name as the next Union Education Minister, and urged the Centre to address the protesters’ demands. He also warned that the NDA government could face the same electoral consequences as the UPA II government in 2014 if it ignored public concerns. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to clinically monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and ensure that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors is provided. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the directions while disposing of a PIL filed by Rakesh Kumar Sahni, who sought the court’s intervention over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. The Bench observed that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi government, informed the court that government doctors were already conducting regular examinations and monitoring Wangchuk’s medical parameters daily. Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over nationwide examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. 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
‘7.5 crore students affected in 10 years’: Rahul Gandhi calls paper leaks the ‘norm’ at Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Dehradun
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said India’s education system has reached a stage where paper leaks have become “the norm”, alleging that the issue affects millions of students and requires a political consensus to resolve. Addressing a student outreach programme, “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, he clarified that the event was not a political meeting but focused on the concerns, struggles and future of the youth. “This is not a political meet; it’s about youth, their future, struggles and difficulties,” PTI quoted the Lok Sabha leader of opposition as saying. The Raebareli MP further said that more than 7.5 crore students had been affected by paper leaks over the past 10 years, with 152 cases reported but no convictions recorded. “From top to bottom, the entire education system is involved in paper leaks,” he claimed, adding that “advanced technology” was being used to carry out such frauds. “If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” the Congress leader stated. Rahul Gandhi also called for a political consensus to end paper leaks, stressing that all parties must implement measures to protect students. “There can be political consensus on ending paper leaks which everyone must implement,” he added. Calling for reforms in the examination system, he argued that the existing model was “outdated” and needed to evolve. “The current exam testing system is of the 19th century; we must evolve a 21st-century system,” the asserted. He proposed shifting from a government-centric to a student-centric examination framework, with secure question banks and randomised question papers to prevent leaks. “Today’s exam system is government-centric; we want a student-centric system,” he maintained. Rahul Gandhi also demanded protection and compensation for students affected by paper leaks, along with immediate re-examinations for those impacted by compromised tests. On educational institutions, he argued that political organisations should not control campuses and that vice-chancellors should not be appointed from a single organisation. “No political party or organisation should have a hold on any educational institution; VCs shouldn’t be from one organisation,” Rahul Gandhi stated. He further claimed that the current system benefits a small section while harming honest students. “One per cent uses the system, follows the path of paper leaks and hurts the 99 per cent others who are honest and poor,” he concluded. 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 netas’ comments keep speculation about alliance with SP alive
Lucknow: Even as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav appear aligned on fighting the BJP together in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, repeated comments by a section of Congress leaders have kept speculation alive about the future of the alliance. Over the past three months, at least three episodes involving Congress functionaries have reignited debate over the SP-Congress relationship, prompting political observers to question whether the state Congress is deliberately keeping the issue alive as part of a negotiating strategy or for other political considerations. The developments come despite Akhilesh reportedly directing SP functionaries not to make loose statements on the alliance. Political analysts say such public sparring risks projecting an image of a divided opposition. “This may not sit well with voters who backed the INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the alliance won 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh and restricted the BJP-led NDA to 36,” said a political commentator. “At the same time, it is difficult to believe state-level Congress leaders would repeatedly make such statements without approval from the party’s central leadership.” Senior SP functionaries see a pattern in the recent remarks. According to them, some Congress functionaries appear keen on generating headlines, even if it contradicts Rahul Gandhi’s publicly articulated position on opposition unity. They argue that recurring media reports suggesting friction between the two parties only benefit their political rival, the BJP. Rahul’s July 1 birthday greeting to Akhilesh on social media had briefly quelled speculation. “With the participation of PDA, we will together fulfil the resolve for social justice,” he wrote. However, the debate resurfaced on July 13 when Congress MP from Saharanpur Imran Masood suggested that any future alliance in UP should be based on a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement. He also argued that the SP stood to gain more from the alliance than the Congress, citing the SP’s tally of 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. The latest controversy is not the first sign of divergence between Congress’s central and state-level functionaries. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav finalised a seat-sharing arrangement under which Congress contested 17 seats. Subsequently, Congress sought the inclusion of Shravasti as an 18th seat, a demand the SP rejected. The matter was settled only after senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik announced that the 17-seat formula was final. The SP went on to field Ram Shiromani Verma from Shravasti, who defeated BJP candidate Saket Misra. Another flashpoint emerged on May 20 this year when Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia and Congress Scheduled Caste wing chief Rajendra Pal Gautam tried to pay visit BSP chief Mayawati at her Lucknow residence. It came while Rahul Gandhi was in Amethi and reportedly prompted the Congress leadership to seek an explanation from the two leaders. Weeks later, Gautam was appointed the party’s Uttar Pradesh in charge. Tensions escalated further in June after Masood questioned the SP’s leadership structure, Muslim representation and future seat-sharing plans. The SP responded by urging the Congress high command to rein in the MP. While SP functionaries declined to comment officially on Masood’s latest remarks, they rejected his assertion that the SP was more dependent on the alliance. One party functionary pointed out that the idea of the INDIA bloc was floated by Rahul Gandhi and that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was sent to persuade Akhilesh to join the grouping. Responding to Masood’s allegation that the SP remains silent on Muslim concerns, the SP camp noted that the party had four Muslim MPs among its 37 Lok Sabha members and 32 Muslim MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh assembly. “They could not have been elected from Muslim-dominated constituencies if voters believed the party did not represent their concerns,” a functionary said. SP functionaries also disputed Masood’s contention that the alliance benefits the SP more because Congress is a national party. They pointed to Congress’s defeats in Punjab (2022) and Haryana (2024), where it contested without significant alliance support, and argued that electoral data from other states does not support such claims. For now, despite periodic flashes of discord, the Congress and SP leaderships continue to signal commitment to opposition unity. Whether the public messaging from sections of the Congress reflects negotiation tactics or deeper unease within the alliance remains an open question as both parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 battle in UP. 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