From Rahul Gandhi to Vijay to Nadda: CJP invites leaders across party lines to back NEET protesters
NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party on Tuesday wrote to leaders across the political spectrum, inviting them to join its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to stand in solidarity with youth protesting against NEET UG leak. The protest, led by climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, has gained national attention. In its appeal, the CJP urged leaders, including former BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, to support students’ demands for accountability and justice over the alleged examination irregularities. One of the major demand of the protesting group is the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET fiasco. In a post on X on Tuesday, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said he and the outfit’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, wrote to political leaders on July 9 and 10, inviting them to join the group’s peaceful protest against the alleged NEET paper leak, which has now entered its 25th day. The letters were sent to BJP chief Nitin Nabin, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy. Among opposition leaders, the CJP reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, DMK leaders Kanimozhi and Tiruchi Siva, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav and Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and MP Misa Bharti. The outfit also sent letters to TVK president and Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay, Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. “Even before these letters, and in the days since, several political leaders from the list and their party members have extended their support to our youth movement. Many have visited Jantar Mantar, while others have invited our delegation for discussions. We sincerely thank each one of them for standing with India’s youth,” Das said. He said the organisation “continue to await responses from several others”. “We again sincerely appeal to the leaders to keep aside their politics and lend their voice to the voice of the young. This movement is about an entire generation demanding accountability for examination paper leaks, recruitment failures, and justice and compensation for the families of students who lost their lives at the hands of this corrupt, broken education system,” he said. “History will remember who stood with the youth when they called for justice. We only appeal that all of us stand on the right side of history,” Das added. In a separate post on X, Dipke said the organisation had taken its demands to leaders across the political spectrum. “The Cockroach Janta Party has reached out to all political parties regarding our demand of sacking the education minister and Rs. 1 cr compensation to the families of students who died by suicide,” Dipke said. The protest, which began on June 20, has drawn support from Opposition leaders, academicians, activists and public figures. Among those who have visited the protest site are former Delhi chief minister Atishi along with AAP leaders, Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj, TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Sagarika Ghose, CPM MP Amra Ram, veteran CPM leader Subhashini Ali, former Kerala ministers K K Shailaja, Thomas Isaac, K N Balagopal and P Rajeev, Tripura Leader of Opposition and CPM Polit Bureau member Jitendra Chaudhury, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant. The agitation has also received support from actor Prakash Raj, Punjabi singer Kaka (Ravinder Singh), delegations from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the Assam Jatiya Parishad Youth Wing, and several academics and members of civil society. In the latest development, Dipke said former Delhi CM AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray separately called him to enquire about Wangchuk’s health. According to Dipke, both leaders expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating condition and extended support to the proposed march to Parliament 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
Rahul Gandhi, Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt discuss strategy to strengthen party in state
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt on Tuesday met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and discussed the political situation in the state, with the party deciding to intensify efforts to strengthen its organisation and expand outreach to workers. Dutt said Gandhi reviewed the political scenario in Haryana and gave guidance on building a stronger, more active and people-centric organisation. The discussions also centred on maintaining regular engagement with party workers and effectively raising public issues. Referring to his recent visit to the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Chandigarh, Dutt said he held meetings with office-bearers, district presidents, representatives of frontal organisations and party workers over several days. He said the interactions focused on strengthening the organisation down to the booth level, increasing workers’ participation and preparing them to take up public issues more effectively. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Dutt said the Haryana Congress would emerge stronger and more responsive under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. He said the party would continue its organisational expansion drive across the state while maintaining close coordination with workers and office-bearers. The meeting comes as the Congress steps up organisational activities in Haryana ahead of its future political programmes and campaigns in the state. 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
Sonam Wangchuk Protest: Over 1,800 celebrities urge, “Sonam Wangchuk is a national treasure, please end your 17-day fast.”
Sonam Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar continues for the 17th day. The CJP has called several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and JP Nadda, to express their support. Over 1,800 celebrities and several opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast. Concerns over Wangchuk’s health, appeal to end fast New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is protesting at Jantar Mantar against the alleged rigging and paper leak in the NEET-UG exam, on Tuesday wrote to leaders of all political parties in the country, urging them to come forward in support of the students. The party has invited leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties to reach Jantar Mantar to stand with the youth in their struggle. BJP National President and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, have been specially invited in this letter. Several other senior leaders, including veteran South Indian cinema actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay, have also been invited. On the other hand, several prominent figures and opposition leaders have urged environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 17 days, to end her fast. More than 1,800 prominent figures in the country, including renowned artists, writers, academics, and social activists, have issued an open letter in support. Signatories to this letter include Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Arundhati Roy, economist Jean Dreze, Jayanti Ghosh, Nivedita Menon, and Anuradha Chinoy. Urge to End Fast Earlier, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and NCP leader Rohit Pawar expressed concern and urged him to end the fast. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj and Bharatiya Kisan Union Chaduni leaders reached Jantar Mantar, stating that Wangchuk’s condition was deteriorating due to his fast and that he was rapidly losing weight. They called for a march to Parliament on July 20, at the start of the monsoon session. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast. ‘Nothing should happen to him’ On Tuesday, Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in the film 3 Idiots, shared an emotional video on social media, urging Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. He said that the popular character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk in real life. He said that nothing should happen to Phunsukh Wangdu. Kejriwal to arrive at Jantar Mantar tomorrow In a press conference on Tuesday, Kejriwal expressed his support for the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Kejriwal stated that he would visit Jantar Mantar on Thursday (July 16) at 5 p.m. to express his support. Rahul and Nadda also invited Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties invited Several senior leaders, including Thalapathy Vijay, were also invited Kejriwal said Wangchuk is a national treasure Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to break the fast Hope for change, courage not waning even at night The streets of Delhi are currently buzzing with traffic, but inside Jantar Mantar, a different world exists. The clock is striking 10 p.m. Black tarpaulins are stretched overhead, sheets are spread below, and young people sitting among them are keeping the protest alive in their own ways. The crowd isn’t very large, but those present don’t seem in a hurry to leave. A guitar riff begins in a corner. A few boys and girls begin singing revolutionary songs in unison. As soon as the song ends, applause erupts, and then a new song begins. A circle has formed a short distance away. A young man sitting in the center expresses his views on the education system with hand gestures. Those around him listen without interruption. The protesters here are between 20 and 30 years old. The main stage of the protest is quiet. Large banners hang behind the stage, with messages related to ‘hunger strike’ and education visible from a distance. Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk lies on the same stage. The fast continues. People come around the stage, stand for a while, watch, and then quietly leave. Posters are plastered all over the protest site. Some demand changes to the education system, while others demand the resignation of the Education Minister. Students have handwritten messages on many posters: “Government, let us live,” “Change the education system,” “We want transparency in exams.” Slogans are also raised, but not continuously. Occasionally, a group raises its voice, and then the atmosphere returns to songs and discussions. The protest here isn’t just in its voices, but also in its stillness. Interestingly, most of the people present appear to be between 20 and 30 years old. Some are sending live updates on social media. Some join in the discussion. Many faces are tired, but their spirits remain undiminished. Small groups have formed at the protest site. Each group has its own topic. Some are debating education policy, others are discussing unemployment, and others are discussing the Constitution. The protest isn’t limited to slogans; it’s also evident in the conversations. The night is drawing in, but Jantar Mantar hasn’t slept yet. “People have come to register their presence.” The banners flashing in the light, the youth sitting on the ground, the resounding songs, and the occasional slogans testify that while the numbers may not be large, the people present here have come to make their presence felt. Perhaps the most striking image of this night at Jantar Mantar is that the protest here is not just in voice, but also in steadfastness. There is no haste, no hurry. The only hope is that their voices will be heard, the education system will change, and the questions they are sitting here with will be answered. Contributed by: Mohd. Asgar, Edited by: Tina About the Author Tina works as a consultant at Navbharat Times Online and is in the process of establishing her identity in the world of digital journalism. Currently, she actively works on national, crime, jungle news, good news, and local news. Courtesy: Hindi News
Uddhav announces support for CJP protest, appeals to Wangchuk to end hunger strike
Insisting that his life was precious, Uddhav appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while attacking the Centre for being unconcerned and insensitive about his protest. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended support to the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest in Delhi demanding the residnation of the Union Education Minister over examination irregularities including the NEET-UG paper leak. He also urged Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to support the movement. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Uddhav appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike in solidarity with the students entered its 16th day on Monday, to end his protest while insisting his life was precious. The senior politician attacked the Centre, claiming it appeared unconcerned and insensitive about Wangchuk’s protest. “Today, I announce my complete support to the protest of (CJP founder) Abhijit Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk,” the former Maharashtra CM said. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over alleged examination irregularities has been underway for 24 days now. Educator and climate activist Wangchuk (59) joined the protest on June 28 and began an indefinite hunger at the site in support of the CJP stir. The CJP has been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide since the NEET paper leak in May. The medical entrance examination was re-conducted last month. The CJP, whose protest began on June 20, on Monday said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since his indefinite hunger strike, and his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL. The fledgling outfit, founded by political communication strategist Abhijeet Dipke, has announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Thackeray said parties should back the CJP protest “without any political flag” and suggested even Congress MP Rahul Gandhi should support it. He urged political parties to hold protest in their respective states on this issue. “All political parties should do something in their respective states and awaken the country because till that time these people will not know their place,” Thackeray maintained. He pointed out that the government was yet to send a high-level delegation to talk to Wangchuk to end the deadlock. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said Dipke has claimed there is a conspiracy to scuttle the protest and added all youths and their parents should join the protest as it is not a political issue, but concerns the country. There was nothing lowly in asking Union Education Minister Pradhan to resign and appointing someone more capable than him, the Sena (UBT) leader argued. On July 20, when the CJP undertakes a march to Parliament, the Sena (UBT) will stage a protest in Maharashtra to extend support to their cause, he declared. Sena (UBT) MPs will raise the issue of the CJP protest during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Thackeray said. He appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his hunger strike, saying his life is precious as the government is insensitive and unconcerned and doesn’t seem to care about the protest. Thackeray said the country should have used the Ladakh-based activist’s talent, but instead he was dubbed a “traitor” and jailed. The educator-climate activist was detained last year after violent protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh in September. He was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, 2026, after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revoked his detention under the National Security Act. Thackeray informed that he will go to Nagpur on July 18 to take part in the ‘Ram Raksha’ protest, which he launched earlier this month against the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Talking to reporters earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged the government does not want Wangchuk to be alive. 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 likely to summon CM Shivakumar, state netas to Delhi
Back home, aspirants such as Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan, Sringeri MLA T D Raje Gowda, and Arsikere MLA K M Shivalinge Gowda called on Kharge. BENGALURU: With LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi having returned to India from his foreign trip and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge back to New Delhi from Bengaluru, the countdown has begun for the expansion of the Shivakumar cabinet.“It will happen as soon as possible, as we will discuss the matter with Rahul after he returns (from abroad),” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru before leaving for the national capital. According to sources, AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, who was in his home state, Kerala, is also bound for Delhi. Also, former CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Dr G Parameshwara and KPCC president BK Hariprasad are likely to be summoned by the party top brass before a final decision is taken. Meanwhile, Rahul is likely to travel to Dehradun on Thursday, where his family members, including his mother Sonia Gandhi, are vacationing. Hence, the decision on the cabinet expansion is likely to be taken before Thursday, a legislator, who is camping in Delhi, told TNIE. Back home, aspirants such as Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan, Sringeri MLA T D Raje Gowda, and Arsikere MLA K M Shivalinge Gowda called on Kharge. “Let us see how things pan out in the next two to three days. The CM may go to Delhi tomorrow. The session will be held from August 6, and by then, the cabinet expansion will be done. What is the connection between the month of Aashada and cabinet expansion?” Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said. 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
BJP asks Rahul Gandhi to explain his whereabouts: ‘Where did he go, who did he meet?’
NEW DELHI: BJP on Monday stepped up its attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding that he explain his recent foreign trip while also accusing him and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of neglecting the Wayanad constituency after a landslide in the area claimed eight lives. The landslide occurred on July 7 at the site of the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi twin-tube tunnel project, which is being built to connect Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Launching a fresh attack, BJP IT department chief Amit Malviya questioned Rahul Gandhi’s overseas visit. “Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip between 22 June and 13 July remains shrouded in mystery. Where did he go? Who did he meet? Who sponsored his travel and stay?” Malviya wrote on X. “These are legitimate questions that the Leader of the Opposition should come clean about. The public is entitled to know whether his overseas engagements involved meetings that could have a bearing on India’s political or strategic interests,” he added. “Does anyone know where Rahul Gandhi is? Which country is he holidaying in? Who is he with? Whom does he travel to meet so often? He has been away from India for an extended period, and no one knows his whereabouts,” Malviya had asked in another post on X. The BJP also questioned why neither Rahul , who earlier represented Wayanad in Parliament, nor Priyanka, the constituency’s current MP, had visited the affected area after the landslide. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash said the visuals from Wayanad were “horrifying and deeply disturbing.” “It is a Congress government there, and the MPs are from the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi come to India only during holidays; otherwise, they mostly stay in Europe, the United States, or England…” he said. BJP spokesperson C R Kesavan further alleged that Priyanka, “the current MP from Wayanad, has totally neglected and abandoned Wayanad…” “It has been six days since the devastating landslide in Wayanad. Until now, it has claimed about eight lives, but Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has not even bothered to visit the constituency and meet the grieving families of the victims and console them. Instead, she has just done a token tweet… This was the same pattern when Rahul Gandhi represented Wayanad before…” he added. BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also targeted the Congress leader, saying, “Rahul Gandhi is on vacation. He seems to be troubled by India’s heat, rain, and monsoon, and is busy travelling abroad…” Earlier on Sunday, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha had accused both Rahul and Priyanka Vadra of failing to stand with the affected families. “They are merely political tourists. Apart from a single condolence post on social media, neither of them has shown any interest in reaching out to the affected families. This is shameful and reflects that both of them are part-time politicians,” Sinha said. Sinha also claimed Rahul had been missing from public engagements for nearly two weeks and said three of his scheduled student outreach programmes had to be postponed due to his continued absence. The BJP also linked Rahul Gandhi’s absence to the postponement of the Congress’ proposed student outreach programme, “Chhatron Ki Goonj”. As per the campaign schedule released by the Congress, the rallies initiative were scheduled in Prayagraj on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14, before the next major event in Dehradun. However, the BJP alleged that the programmes were deferred because Rahul extended his foreign visit and is expected to return only around July 17. The Congress has not officially disclosed the purpose of Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip. Sinha said Rahul’s prolonged absence had raised questions, particularly with the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to begin on July 20. Earlier, Amit Malviya had also questioned the leader of opposition’s absence in a post on X on June 23. “Rahul Gandhi has gone abroad. Again. At a time when Parliament, party organisation, and public life demand constant engagement, his repeated departures raise an obvious question: what is so compelling that it keeps taking precedence over his responsibilities in India? One wonders,” Malviya wrote on X. The party further alleged that Rahul has remained missing from public events even as Congress faces internal challenges in states such as Punjab and with Parliament set to convene later this month. 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
Where are the Gandhi siblings? Why Wayanad landslide has put Rahul, Priyanka in the line of BJP fire
Where are the Gandhi siblings? This is the question the BJP is asking after leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra did not visit the constituency following the July 7 landslide that claimed eight lives. Priyanka is the sitting MP, while Rahul was elected from Wayanad twice in 2019 and 2024. The BJP has reminded the Gandhis of Rahul’s promise that Wayanad would have “two MPs”, one official and one unofficial, when he was passing over the baton to Priyanka. A week after the tragedy, the BJP’s charge is that Wayanad effectively has neither. The ‘part-time politicians’ charge The BJP has accused the Gandhi siblings of being “part-time politicians” and treating Wayanad as a constituency of political convenience. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi cited Rahul’s defeat in the family bastion of Amethi in 2019 to argue that Wayanad had provided him political ground at a difficult moment. “When Rahul Gandhi was unsuccessful in saving his political ground on his family seat, Wayanad provided him with political ground,” Trivedi said. “When he left that seat and gave it to his sister Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi said Wayanad would have not one, but two MPs. And today, both the so-called MPs are absent from the scene.” BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha sharpened the attack, calling Rahul and Priyanka “political tourists”. He alleged that Rahul had used Wayanad for his political survival after losing Amethi and abandoned it once he won Rae Bareli. He also claimed that Priyanka could leave if a more convenient seat became available. Why Wayanad matters Wayanad has a special connection with the Gandhi siblings. Priyanka Gandhi represents Wayanad in the present Lok Sabha while Rahul Gandhi won from here twice. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Wayanad elected Rahul Gandhi for Lok Sabha with an impressive margin of over 12 lakh votes. This victory was significant and important for Rahul’s political career as the people of Amethi, from where the Gandhi scion was winning since 2014, had rejected him. Rahul had lost the election to BJP’s Smriti Irani. Wayanad victory ensured Rahul’s continued presence in Lok Sabha. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi again won from Wayanad though with a reduced margin. However, since Rahul also won from Rae Bareli, the traditional Congress stronghold in Uttar Pradesh, he vacated his Wayanad seat. And that paved the way for the electoral debut of his sister Priyanka Gandhi in the ensuing bypoll. She won the November 2024 by-election by a landslide, securing 65% of the vote share and outperforming Rahul’s previous victory margin. So, their no-show in Wayanad has given the BJP enough ammunition for political attack. Beyond Wayanad: Where is Rahul? The Wayanad attack is part of a larger question the BJP has raised over the past few days: Where is Rahul Gandhi? Rahul has remained out of public view for nearly three weeks. His last major public appearance was at the launch of the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ student outreach initiative in Kota on June 17 amid the controversy over alleged irregularities in NEET. The next planned event is on July 17. BJP claims that Rahul travelled abroad on June 22. The Congress has not responded to these claims. BJP IT department head Amit Malviya questioned the secrecy surrounding Rahul’s programme. “Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip between 22 June and 13 July remains shrouded in mystery. Where did he go? Who did he meet? Who sponsored his travel and stay?” he said in a post on X. The timing has made the absence politically significant. The Congress is grappling with factionalism in Punjab ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, while preparations are also due for the Monsoon Session beginning July 20. As leader of the opposition, Rahul will be central to the party’s floor strategy. Wayanad has now added another issue to that list. Congress pushes back The BJP’s attacks prompted a strong rebuttal from the Congress. Pawan Khera, chairman of the party’s media and publicity department, rejected the charge of insensitivity and defended the decision not to visit Wayanad while rescue operations were under way. “If there is a natural disaster, why should there be a VIP visit? There should be a VIP visit only to flag the gaps before the government, if it is insensitive in addressing the concerns of victims and their woes. Right now, the government in Kerala is active, relief measures are under way, and there is no need to disrupt those measures,” Khera said. “Those questioning the absence of Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi must understand that VIP visits are meant to flag gaps and missing links. There is no such need,” he added. Both Rahul and Priyanka had responded to the tragedy through posts on X. Rahul described the news as “deeply distressing”, offered condolences and appealed to Congress and UDF workers to extend all possible assistance. Priyanka said rescue efforts were under way and chief minister V D Satheesan was monitoring the operation. She said she was coordinating with the district administration, ministers, local party functionaries and relief agencies, and urged UDF workers to help without hampering rescue work. The Congress’s argument is that the absence of a physical visit should not be equated with a lack of involvement. What commentators say Political commentators, however, said the presence of an elected representative becomes especially important when tragedy strikes their constituency. “People expect their MLA and MP to be with them when a tragedy hits them, particularly when it is because of natural causes. It is unfortunate that Waynad MP did not visit the place even after a week has passed. Is it only that you want vote of people and there is reciprocal commitment?” Kerala-based political commentator Damodar Prasad told TOI. “People’s representatives are bound to be there to oversee the relief work. The absence alienates the people’s representative from them. The great lessons one should learn from Nehru, Indira and Rajiv is in their sensitivity to be amidst the people in their crisis,” he
Cabinet expansion: Rahul Gandhi likely to summon CM DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah & BK Hariprasad to Delhi
Shivakumar was sworn in as CM along with 13 ministers on June 3. There are 20 vacancies in the cabinet. BENGALURU: With the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expected to return to India from his foreign tour on Sunday evening, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, his predecessor Siddaramaiah and KPCC president BK Hariprasad are likely to be summoned anytime soon to New Delhi by the Congress high command to discuss the much-delayed cabinet expansion. Shivakumar was sworn in as CM along with 13 ministers on June 3. There are 20 vacancies in the cabinet. Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and Hariprasad are prepared with a list of their loyalists to be pushed into the cabinet, sources told The New Sunday Express. Besides the high command, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, will have their own nominees to ensure that the party returns to power in the 2028 Assembly polls, sources added. “Cabinet aspirants are curious to know if the expansion will happen before the month of Ashada, which many believe is inauspicious. Aashada starts on Tuesday (July 14),” sources added. Meanwhile, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said that the cabinet expansion will happen soon. “The CM and AICC chief have said this very clearly. In circumstances where an emergency-like situation arises—whether it is a drought or a flood—having a full-fledged cabinet ensures that responsibilities can be assigned to everyone so that relief can be provided to people without any delay,” Priyank added. Sahebganj Tourism Jharkhand Travel Guide & Tourist Places in _ Travel Nfx When asked if the expansion will happen before Aashada, he said, “I don’t believe in that… When giving or taking power, who looks at all that? There is no connection between the two. Our responsibility is to look after our people. As you said, whether it is Aashada or Rahu Kala, everyone has their own faith and beliefs, but it should not affect governance.” Meanwhile, Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh, son of former CM N Dharam Singh, is a strong contender for a berth in the Shivakumar cabinet. Ajay said that the high command may call the state leaders to Delhi any moment for talks. Chamarajnagara MLA C Puttarangashetty, another contender, said that the expansion may happen in a day or two or after a month when Aashada ends. Srirangapatna MLA A B Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda asserted that he deserved to be a minister. “I will also organise the party in Mandya. If I am proven wrong, they can remove me anytime”, he said. Several other MLAs, including those elected for 3-4 times, such as Ashok M Pattan, have openly staked claim. “Rahul Gandhi will come tomorrow (Sunday). He will call the CM, former CM, and the KPCC President on Monday or Tuesday. I will tell our leaders not to just look at caste, but consider seniority too. I am a senior legislator in Belagavi district and the state. I was a Congress student leader… been in the party since the days of former CM D Devaraj Urs,” he said. Trouble for Zameer? Ahead of the formation of the Shivakumar cabinet in the first phase, an audio clip leaked allegedly involving former minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan allegedly conspiring to defeat the Congress candidate in Davanagere bypolls. This ruined his chances of becoming a minister in the Shivakumar cabinet. This time around, the Lokayukta approached the Governor seeking permission to prosecute him in a disproportionate assets case. One has to wait and watch to see whether Zameer will this time make it to the cabinet or not. 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
Congress MLAs from Northern Karnataka step up pressure to enter cabinet
The growing demand has also brought the Congress’ internal power equations into sharp focus. BELAGAVI: With speculation over the long-awaited state Cabinet expansion and reshuffle intensifying, Congress MLAs from across Northern Karnataka have stepped up pressure on the party leadership, demanding greater representation in the ministry. Legislators from Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Dharwad and several districts in Kalyana Karnataka are lobbying for Cabinet berths, with party leaders saying at least two to three MLAs from each district are in the race. Belagavi has emerged as the focal point of the demand. Congress leaders from the district argue that the previous BJP government had four ministers from Belagavi and insist that the district, given its political importance and electoral strength, deserves at least three Cabinet positions. The growing demand has also brought the Congress’ internal power equations into sharp focus. Party sources said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is keen on inducting Athani MLA Laxman Savadi, who joined the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections and played a key role in strengthening the party in the region. If political or caste considerations prevent Savadi’s induction, former Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar is seen as another strong contender. The demand for three berths has also fuelled the hopes of other Congress MLAs from Belagavi, mainly Ashok Pattan, Mahantesh Koujalagi and Asif Sait, who are believed to enjoy the backing of former CM Siddaramaiah’s camp. Naushad Bijapur 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
“Where is Rahul Gandhi?” BJP asks four sharp questions about the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha’s foreign trip
The BJP has once again opened a front regarding Rahul Gandhi’s foreign travel. Amit Malviya raised questions, asking, “Does anyone know where Rahul Gandhi is? In which country is he vacationing? Who is he with? Who does he visit most often?” New Delhi: The BJP is attacking the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi over his foreign trip in the wake of the recent landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of failing to visit the affected area or meet the victims even several days after the accident. He also raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip. Amit Malviya posted on the social media platform X on Sunday, claiming, “Rahul Gandhi has been out of India for a long time and no one knows his whereabouts.” He asked, “Does anyone know where Rahul Gandhi is? Which country is he vacationing in? Who is he with? Who does he visit often?” Raised questions about Rahul and Priyanka In another post, the BJP leader wrote, “The recent landslide in Wayanad claimed lives and caused widespread devastation, yet neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the affected area to meet the victims.” He added, “The sensitivity of any public representative is measured by standing with the people in their most difficult times, not just reaching out during elections.” “Congress ecosystem silent” The BJP IT cell chief also noted in the post that the Congress “ecosystem,” which is otherwise quite vocal, appears to be completely silent on this issue. Landslide in Wayanad on July 7 On July 7, a massive landslide occurred in the Kalladi area near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The accident occurred at the site of the under-construction Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Tunnel Project. Continuous heavy rains triggered a landslide, resulting in loss of life and property. Earlier, on July 30, 2024, Wayanad experienced a massive and historic landslide, completely devastated the villages of Punchirimattam, Choralmala, and Mundakkai. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is currently the Member of Parliament from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. She was sworn in as a Lok Sabha member after winning the by-election for this seat. Curated by: Abhishek Pandey About the Author Abhishek Pandey is a digital journalist at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in July 2025. He currently covers news for the National and Delhi desks. Courtesy: Hindi News