Innocent girls were traded for 1.5 lakh rupees: Learn about the exploits of this human trafficking gang, which spanned from Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan.
A human trafficking racket spanning Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan has been busted. Innocent girls were traded for 1.5 lakh rupees in the name of marriage; 3 arrested. Uttar Pradesh: Police in the capital Lucknow have busted a major interstate child trafficking ring that sold innocent girls in Rajasthan under the guise of marriage. These girls were traded for up to 1.5 lakh rupees. Police have arrested three adults, including a woman, and a minor in this case. The search for the gang’s main leaders, based in Rajasthan, has been intensified. This horrific syndicate was exposed when Kamlesha, a resident of Ganiyar village in Mohanlalganj, filed a complaint with the police on May 12th. She reported that her two granddaughters, aged 16 and 12, had suddenly gone missing. The investigation revealed that the girls were kidnapped under the pretext of reuniting them with their estranged mother and providing them with a better life. Since the case involved minor girls, the police took immediate action and deployed four special teams in plain clothes. Footage from approximately 150 CCTV cameras was scanned during the investigation. Although the girls’ mobile phones were switched off, their location was traced to Rae Bareli using technical surveillance and ground intelligence. Acting swiftly, the police safely rescued both sisters on May 18th. The victims’ statements, recorded under the Indian Civil Defence Code, revealed a disturbing truth: the girls were being taken to Rajasthan for forced marriage and sold. Based on solid evidence, the police arrested the main suspects from Atrauli intersection on June 3rd. Those arrested include 25-year-old Anurag Yadav, 32-year-old Mohammad Akhtar, 23-year-old Priya Patel alias Sheela, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Additional DCP (South) Vasant Kumar Rallapalli stated that the investigation revealed several shocking revelations. This entire network had been active between Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan since 2020. During interrogation, it was revealed that accused Priya Patel had contacted a woman named Sonam, who lived in Kota, Rajasthan. Priya, along with her live-in partner Anurag and associate Akhtar, began targeting orphans or girls from poor families whose families could not easily reach the police. This vicious gang lured girls by promising them jobs, travel, and a better life. In this latest case, the accused gained the girls’ trust and took them to Rae Bareli. There, they were dressed in new clothes and photographed. These photos were then sent via WhatsApp to Sonam and her husband, Bhupendra Chaudhary, in Rajasthan. Once the girls’ faces were “approved,” the deal was finalized. According to the police, the plan was to take the girls to Bambori in Kota district, where Priya was to receive ₹1.5 lakh per girl. Investigators have also uncovered important clues indicating that two sisters from Rae Bareli were previously sold through this network. Police have also seized two four-wheelers used to transport the girls from one district to another. According to Additional DCP Rallapalli, this is a highly organized gang, with pre-determined roles. Currently, the police are focused on arresting the masterminds, Sonam and Bhupendra Chaudhary, who are based in Rajasthan, and identifying other victims, for which raids are being conducted. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress says they are in touch with DMK, AAP and other Opposition parties; BJP won’t secure two-thirds majority
Senior Congress leader says party is coordinating with all Opposition parties that voted against the delimitation Bill in April ahead of the Monsoon Session. The Congress is in touch with all Opposition parties that voted against the proposed Constitution amendment bill on delimitation earlier this year and is confident the government will not secure the two-thirds majority required to pass it if it is reintroduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday. Ramesh’s remarks come amid speculation that the Centre may bring back a revised Constitution amendment bill to operationalise the women’s reservation law through a fresh delimitation exercise. Speaking after a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group at Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s residence, Ramesh said the party was coordinating with allies and other Opposition parties that had united to defeat the legislation in April. “We are in touch with all parties including the DMK who voted with us on the 17th April. We are in touch with all parties, which voted together collectively on the 17th. We are in touch with the DMK; we are in touch with the Aam Aadmi Party.” He said the Samajwadi Party had played a crucial role in defeating the government’s proposal. “We are in touch with the Samajwadi Party, and I can tell you that the top leadership of the Congress Party, which means the Congress president and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha are in touch.” Ramesh said the Congress would continue to coordinate with these parties as they shared concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise and its potential implications. He alleged that the BJP’s approach to delimitation in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir had raised serious concerns and cautioned against believing speculative media reports about the government’s numbers in Parliament. “The reality is that they have a long way to go to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, and there is no scope for achieving it. Nevertheless, let me reiterate — such a two-thirds majority would be a tainted one.” Referring to the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Ramesh said the party had sought an overwhelming mandate but failed to achieve it. “They desired a two-thirds majority and raised the slogan of ‘crossing 400’ in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections; the public rejected them — they secured 240 seats — and now they are in pursuit of a two-thirds majority.” He described any attempt to secure such a majority after the elections as “an insult to the public mandate” and “an insult to the Constitution”. The Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group meeting, attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders, finalised the party’s strategy for the Monsoon Session beginning July 20. Among those present were AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, P Chidambaram, K Suresh, Naseer Hussain, Manickam Tagore, Kumari Selja, Tariq Anwar, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Ramesh. The Opposition INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet on July 20 to formulate a joint strategy for the session, while the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19. The government is expected to introduce key legislation during the session, including the proposed Constitution amendment bill on delimitation and increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats, as well as another Constitution amendment bill seeking the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and other ministers if they remain in custody for 30 consecutive days in serious criminal cases. Besides opposing the government’s legislative agenda, the Opposition plans to raise issues including the alleged NEET paper leak, the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, rising fuel prices and the proposed India-US trade deal during the session, which is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 13. COurtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress gets strategy in place for opposition
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the BJP will not secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday said that it would oppose the constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation, dismissal of ministers and chief ministers, and other bills on FCRA and Higher Education, during the Monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 20. The decision was taken at the key strategic meeting, attended by senior Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and others. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the BJP will not secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. “We have learnt that the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) is making efforts to bring back the Delimitation Bill. The government failed to secure a two-thirds majority on 17th April, suffering a significant setback. It now wants to reintroduce the Bill.” This was discussed along with the Constitution amendment bill, which seeks to remove ministers from office for 30 days over serious offenses, he said. The home minister has “split parties” and is looking to manage a two-thirds majority by “cunningness,” which would be an insult to the Constitution, he said, adding that such a majority would be a “blot on democracy”. “LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun are in touch with all parties that had supported us on April 16 and 17 in defeating the government’s delimitation bill,” he said. “The Congress Party has consistently maintained that it will strongly oppose the Delimitation Bill and will continue to do so. We will also make every effort to maintain the unity and solidarity of all Opposition parties,” he said. There was also some discussion on the ‘One Nation, One Election,’ on which a JPC has been constituted, Ramesh said. “We will also oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill in its entirety. The Bill may be introduced during this session. There is also a possibility that the FCRA Amendment Bill will be introduced. We will oppose it as well. We had opposed it earlier, following which the government withdrew the Bill. However, we are now hearing that it may be brought back,” Ramesh said. The party will also corner the government on the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir. 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
‘Cabinet expansion very soon’: Congress hints at Karnataka reshuffle after Rahul-DKS meeting
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said the Karnataka cabinet expansion is expected to take place ‘very soon’, indicating that the exercise could be completed before the upcoming assembly session as consultations with the party leadership continue in Delhi. His remarks came after Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah, state Congress president BK Hariprasad and other senior leaders met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal to discuss the long-pending cabinet expansion. Speaking to reporters, Surjewala said the discussions had only begun and it was too early to announce a timeline. “Today, CM DK Shivakumar, former CM and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah, our PCC President BK Hariprasad, and many of our ministers and senior Congress leaders arrived in Delhi. DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have met Rahul ji, and they have met with the General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal. The discussions have just begun. I cannot give you a specific date right now; all I can say is that these are preliminary discussions. The Karnataka cabinet expansion will take place very soon,” he said. Surjewala said there are 20 vacancies in the cabinet and the post of Speaker is also lying vacant. “There are 20 vacancies in the cabinet, and the post of Speaker is also vacant. Let the consultations take place; anything can be said only after the discussions. The endeavour will be to fill as many vacancies as possible, or indeed all of them. Yes, I fully expect the cabinet formation to be completed before the Assembly session begins,” he added. Earlier in the day, Shivakumar shared details of the meeting on X. “Called on Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi today, along with AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Shri Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, and KPCC President Shri BK Hariprasad. We remain committed to the welfare of our people and the continued development and progress of the state,” he posted. The Congress has been holding consultations on the cabinet expansion for several weeks. The exercise is expected to balance regional representation, caste equations and organisational priorities while filling 20 vacant ministerial berths. The expansion has gained significance ahead of the Karnataka assembly session beginning in August, with the party aiming to strengthen governance and prepare for upcoming local body elections. Nearly 50 aspirants are reportedly in the race for the available cabinet positions, making the final selection a politically sensitive exercise. 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
‘500 farmers join CJP protest’: Sonam Wangchuk gets support from Rakesh Tikait, Kejriwal at ‘packed’ Jantar Mantar
NEW DELHI: Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk’s protest gathered fresh momentum on Thursday as farmer leader Rakesh Tikait reached New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar with around 500 farmers, strengthening the ongoing agitation against the Centre and adding to the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal over the NEET fiasco. The development came as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, with doctors warning that his health has become increasingly fragile after he lost more than 9 kg. Welcoming Tikait’s support, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) posted on X, “jhukti hai sarkaar, jhukane wala chahiye!” The protest also received backing from several opposition leaders and parties on Thursday. After remaining silent for weeks, the Congress made its first official intervention, reaching out to Wangchuk and urging him to end his indefinite fast while assuring him that the party would continue to demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal. The appeal came on the 19th day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “we share the anguish and outrange the Wangchuk feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt – for the collapse of the examination system in particular.” Congress leader Sachin Pilot also expressed solidarity with the activist and appealed to him to end his fast. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s stand, Pilot wrote on X, “The ordeal faced by students and their families due to the paper leak and various irregularities has shaken everyone. Rahul Gandhi ji and our party believe — the youth are the future of the country. No injustice of any kind will be tolerated against them. Students must get justice.” Earlier in the day, former Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also joined the protest at Jantar Mantar and shared the stage with Wangchuk before a large gathering. Kejriwal demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and went a step further by backing Wangchuk as his replacement. He said, “Exam papers are being leaked constantly, day after day. There are irregularities in the papers and flaws in the evaluation process… When the NEET paper leaked, 20 students committed suicide, yet the government took no measures to assure anyone that leaks wouldn’t recur. Further leaks followed the NEET incident, and the CBSE evaluation system was compromised, yet no action was taken against the company involved.” He added, “It appears the government is consumed by arrogance. I want to tell the government: either listen to the voice of the youth, or these very young people will throw you out of power in 2029… I urge the Prime Minister and the country’s 1.4 billion citizens to desire that Sonam Wangchuk be appointed as the education minister in his place.” Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also extended support to Wangchuk’s protest and visited Jantar Mantar. Moreover, apart from several senior opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, the CJP-led protest has also drawn support from prominent public figures. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and actors Swara Bhaskar and Prakash Raj visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. Meanwhile, doctors treating Wangchuk warned that his condition continues to worsen as the hunger strike entered its 19th consecutive day. His attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, cautioned that the activist could face multi-organ complications if the fast continues. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). During a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg and now weighs 56.9 kg. His condition is being monitored round the clock by a team of doctors. “Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting,” Dr Lamba reported. Doctors said Wangchuk remains hydrated and mentally alert, but medical tests show that his body has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, significantly increasing the risk of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues. 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
‘This isn’t a paper leak—it’s theft’: Rahul Gandhi ahead of Dehradun leg of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ on July 17
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the Dehradun leg of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign on July 17, said Uttarakhand has become the “epicentre of paper leaks” and accused the BJP government of failing to curb examination irregularities despite introducing anti-cheating laws. In a post on X on Thursday, Gandhi said he was taking the campaign to Uttarakhand because repeated exam paper leaks had shattered the hopes of thousands of job aspirants. Referring to the alleged irregularities in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) recruitment exams, Gandhi alleged that government jobs such as patwari and lekhpal were no longer being awarded on merit. “Because the land of the gods has been turned into the epicentre of paper leaks. In the UKSSSC exam here, a ‘system’ has taken root, where positions like patwari, lekhpal, or any other aren’t given based on merit, but on rates fixed by criminals,” he said. Gandhi also claimed that while the government introduced strict anti-cheating laws, paper leaks continued unabated. ‘This isn’t a leak, it’s theft’ The Congress leader said exam leaks amounted to stealing the future of young people who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. “Just think about it: a child prepared for years, filled out the form, paid the fee, travelled to a far-off centre. And their position was bought by someone else,” Gandhi said. “This isn’t a leak—it’s theft. Of that young person’s right, their livelihood, their future,” he added. Calling on students and job aspirants to join him in Dehradun, Gandhi said, “This is your fight, and I’m with you. Come, let’s turn the ‘Echo of Students’ into a battle cry. We won’t let the future be auctioned off. We won’t let dreams be leaked.” “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Students’ Echo), a nationwide campaign, was launched in June 2026 by the Indian National Congress. Initiated by party leader Rahul Gandhi in Kota, Rajasthan, the movement aims to amplify student grievances regarding exam paper leaks, high coaching fees, mental stress, and unemployment. 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
‘Don’t let BJP change narrative’: Mahua Moitra’s message to Wangchuk over LoP Rahul Gandhi ‘s absence from protest
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, while accusing the BJP of attempting to divert attention from the issues raised by his hunger strike. In a post on X, Moitra wrote, “Sir @Wangchuk66 we are with you. But it is about BJP govt’s shamelessness & pettiness. Let’s not let BJP ecosystem make this about LoP who frankly was first to say education minister must be sacked & has always walked the talk on this issue.” Sir @Wangchuk66 we are with you. But it is about BJP govt’s shamelessness & pettiness. Let’s not let BJP ecosystem make this about LoP who frankly was first to say Education Minister must be sacked & has always walked the talk on this issue. Moitra’s remarks came in support as questions mounted over LoP Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. ‘Rahul Gandhi’s absence isn’t the real issue’ CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday dismissed the growing focus on Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the Sonam Wangchuk protest, saying it was distracting from the movement’s core demands. In a post on X, Dipke urged people to focus on holding the government accountable instead of questioning why Opposition leaders or even CJP members were not fasting alongside Wangchuk. “Instead of asking why opposition leader hasn’t supported CJP, or why every CJP team member isn’t on a hunger strike alongside Sonam sir, ask the questions that actually matter. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to engage in a dialogue? Why is the Education Minister still not being held accountable? These are the questions that deserve answers, not distractions that only help shield those in power from accountability,” he wrote. Instead of asking why opposition leader hasn’t supported CJP, or why every CJP team member isn’t on a hunger strike alongside Sonam sir, ask the questions that actually matter. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to engage in a dialogue? Why is the Education Minister still not… Wangchuk’s health has become a growing concern as his hunger strike entered its 19th day. According to organisers, he has lost 8.5 kg since beginning the fast on June 28. Several Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while assuring him of their continued support for the movement. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of the Union education minister over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, with a march to Parliament planned on July 20. 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
Pawar vs power: NCP (SP) leaders push for BJP alliance as Sharad Pawar resists
As Supriya Sule categorically rejected reports of an NDA switch, sources say six of the NCP (SP)’s 10 Lok Sabha MPs and nine of its 10 MLAs favour joining hands with the BJP. MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) appears to be facing internal divisions over the prospect of joining hands with the BJP, with party sources indicating that while Pawar wants to keep his distance, several Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs favour exploring an alliance with the ruling party. According to party sources, the 86-year-old Pawar has categorically conveyed to senior party leaders that he is not comfortable joining hands with the BJP at the fag end of his political career. However, those in favour of the move believe they should initiate talks with the BJP and assess what it is willing to offer. The buzz in the Opposition camp comes weeks after six MPs of Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) switched to ruling Shiv Sena. The NCP (SP)’s stand on the BJP’s proposed Delimitation Bill is likely to emerge as a litmus test for Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, signalling where the party intends to position itself in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape. The issue gained prominence on Wednesday after Sule, the party’s working president, said there would be “little reason to oppose” the Bill if it proposed a uniform 50% increase in seats across all states. Sule, however, said any decision on supporting the legislation would be taken only after discussions within the INDIA bloc. Rejecting speculation about the NCP (SP) joining the ruling alliance, Sule said the media had been predicting her swearing-in and ministerial portfolio for the past 12 years. Notably, the NCP (SP) has 10 Lok Sabha MPs. Of them, six are reportedly keen to join the BJP-led government at the Centre, while two — Sule and Amol Kolhe — are opposed to the move. Similarly, nine of the party’s 10 MLAs are said to favour joining hands with the BJP, with Rohit Pawar the lone dissenter. Interestingly, Rohit has conveyed to the party leadership that he is prepared to make sacrifices and continue fighting the BJP. He has also said that he is less concerned about three years in power than the next 30 years of his political future and that of Maharashtra. Rohit, the grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, has also opened a channel with the Congress and is in direct touch with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should he decide to join the party. Rahul is also reportedly keen to induct Pawar into the Congress because of his willingness to take on the BJP. Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Jayant Patil has reportedly opened channels of communication with the BJP through two senior leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde. “Patil has the support of six Lok Sabha MPs and nine NCP SP MLAs to initiate the talks with the BJP. In this talk, there are two thoughts, one given by the BJP that the NCP SP should merge with the NCP, not to be a separate entity of the NDA, but others are not keen to be with the NCP. They want to keep their separate identity,” a source told TNIE. Patil, meanwhile, said he met Fadnavis only to discuss an issue in his constituency, and asserted that there was no discussion in the Sharad Pawar-led party about joining the NDA. “There are no discussions going on in our party about joining the NDA. I met the chief minister only to raise the issue of the Islampur municipal council president, whose election has been declared invalid. (Deputy Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde was in Delhi, so I sought the chief minister’s appointment. The meeting lasted barely five to ten minutes, and there was no political discussion,” he told reporters. Patil’s meeting with NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare in the presence of CM Fadnavis is understood to be part of the first proposal for a merger, sources said. However, Patil denied reports that he met Patel or Tatkare during his visit to the CM’s residence. Interestingly, Patel and Tatkare are also said to favour bringing Patil and the NCP (SP) into the NCP to curb the growing influence of Parth Pawar and make the party’s existing power structure more democratic. According to sources, the letter challenging Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar’s election as NCP national president is intended to convey that she can be replaced if required. Sudhir Suryawanshi 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
Midnight stand-off at Parade Ground as admin withdraws nod for Rahul’s event
Dehradun: A late-night political stand-off unfolded at Dehradun’s Parade Ground after district authorities withdrew permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address a student gathering, titled “Chhatron ki Goonj,” scheduled for July 17. The administration cited an ongoing event at the ground as the reason for the withdrawal. However, Congress members claimed they had sought and initially received conditional approval from municipal authorities to host their event at the venue from July 15 to July 17. The sudden revocation prompted senior Congress leaders, including state chief Ganesh Godiyal, Harak Singh Rawat, and Pritam Singh, to rush to the Parade Ground late Tuesday night, where they staged a protest. “The BJP government is scared of Rahul Gandhi, therefore we have been denied the Parade Ground,” Godiyal alleged. Following the protest, the event was officially relocated to the Bannu School ground in the Race Course area. Congress leaders arrived at the new venue early Wednesday morning to begin preparations for the Friday evening gathering. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya condemned the administration’s decision, calling it a planned move to disrupt preparations and distract the public. “We all know that BJP is behind the development as the party does not want our programme to be held in Dehradun,” Arya said, asserting that “such acts will not deter the Congress from holding the event.” Dismissing the allegations, state BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt said, “It was a political event, and the Congress was trying to create a controversy over the issue simply to gain media coverage.” 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
Maharashtra TET paper leak: Rahul Gandhi’s 3 demands to CM Fadnavis
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Centre over recurring examination paper leaks, citing the cancellation of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and accusing the system of failing lakhs of candidates. In a post on X, Rahul made three demands to the Maharashtra government, urging an immediate announcement of a fresh examination date, strict action against those responsible for the leak, and relief measures for affected aspirants. “Maharashtra TET paper leaked, exam cancelled. 6 lakh candidates left in limbo. Two weeks have passed, no trace of a new date. The leakers roam free, the system remains spotless, and the one paying the price is the one who toiled with honesty,” Rahul wrote. He said the affected candidates were future teachers who had spent years preparing for the examination, paid application fees, and travelled to distant examination centres, only to be left waiting “without a date, without answers.” “These are the country’s working and future teachers, the ones who hold India’s future in their hands – these are the very people who prepared year after year, filled out forms, paid fees, traveled to far-flung centers. And now they’re just waiting, without a date, without answers,” he wrote. Further addressing Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rahul Gandhi issued a three-point demand, making an immediate announcement of a fresh Maharashtra TET schedule the centrepiece of his appeal. He urged the state government to announce the new examination date without further delay, take strict action against those responsible for the paper leak instead of penalising candidates, and grant age limit relaxations to aspirants whose eligibility may have been affected by the postponement. He wrote, “Chief Minister ji, three things, today itself: Timeline: Announce the new TET date right now; Accountability: Action against those responsible for the leak, not against the candidates; Protecting the future: Those whose year was ruined by this leak should get age limit relaxations.” Rahul said the government must act swiftly to restore confidence among lakhs of candidates left in uncertainty following the cancellation of the examination, arguing that the burden of administrative failures should not fall on those who had prepared honestly for years. He further said, “The mistake is the institution’s, the punishment the candidate’s, this is not justice.” He also announced that he would hold a public interaction on July 17 in Dehradun, where he would address the broader issue of paper leaks. “On July 17 in Dehradun, I will discuss the growing crisis of paper leaks with you in detail. The time has come for an education revolution, to build a system where the youth reap the rewards of their hard work, not the failures of the system.” Paper leaks have emerged as a recurring political issue in recent years, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing governments of failing to ensure the integrity of competitive examinations and recruitment tests, while demanding stronger safeguards and accountability. 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