KCR desperate for power as he wants to loot state: CM Revanth
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister vowed to work towards making Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi the prime minister. HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has alleged that BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao is desperate to return to power only to loot the state again, asserting that the opposition party has no future and has been confined to history. “The Congress will remain in power in Telangana till 2034. If the BRS returns to power, it will bring dark days to the state, as its leaders are preparing to loot Telangana once again,” he alleged. On Saturday, the chief minister addressed a thanksgiving meeting (Kruthagnatha Sabha) at Midjil in Mahbubnagar district to mark his political journey, which began 20 years ago when he was elected a ZPTC member in 2006. Apart from laying foundation stones for various development works worth Rs 47.08 crore, he interacted with local leaders who had worked with him during his early political days. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister vowed to work towards making Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi the prime minister. There is a historic need to make Rahul PM, says Revanth “The Congress should return to power at the Centre and Rahul should become the prime minister. His grandmother Indira Gandhi and his father Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the country. There is a historic need to make Rahul the prime minister. The people of Telangana should thank Sonia Gandhi for fulfilling their dream of a separate state by working together to ensure Rahul becomes the prime minister. The first step towards that goal should begin from Midjil,” the chief minister said. Describing BRS chief KCR as an arrogant leader, Revanth alleged that he had made revolutionary balladeer Gaddar sit outside Pragathi Bhavan in the scorching sun. Listing his government’s achievements, Revanth said it had issued ration cards to eligible poor families, sanctioned pensions and Indiramma houses, distributed superfine rice, provided jobs to youth and ensured free power supply. He said the government had spent `80,000 crore on paddy procurement, `36,000 crore under Rythu Bharosa and `30,000 crore on free power for agriculture. In the last 30 months, it had spent `1.75 lakh crore on farmers and agriculture, he added, while alleging that the previous BRS government had left behind a debt burden of about `8.21 lakh crore. Revanth alleged that KCR had failed to fulfil promises of double-bedroom houses, three acres of land for every Dalit family and jobs for unemployed youth. “KCR got those who opposed illegal sand mining in Nerella assaulted, looted hundreds of crores and treated the leakage of competitive examination question papers without proper seriousness. He failed to provide water, houses, pensions, funds and jobs. Then why should he return to power? Why should Praja Palana go and the BRS come back?” he asked. Alleging that BRS leaders wanted to return to power because “their looting and source of income had stopped”, Revanth claimed Anti-Corruption Bureau investigations had uncovered officials possessing assets worth `200 crore to `300 crore. Questioning the wealth of the BRS leadership, he asked how KCR acquired a 1,000-acre farmhouse at Erravalli, Rama Rao a 100-acre farmhouse at Janwada, Harish a 50-acre farmhouse at Moinabad and Kalvakuntla Kavitha a 25-acre farmhouse at Shankarpally. Calling for Midjil to become a model mandal, Revanth urged Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to adopt it and monitor its development, while also asking Congress leaders to provide a suitable government position to Rabbani, who lost 2006 ZPTC polls. Revanth asserted that he had never taken leave or misused any public office during the last 20 years as a ZPTC member, MLC, MLA, MP and Chief Minister. “When I was in the Opposition, I fought for the people. Now, as chief minister, I am ensuring the welfare and development of the state. I was born in a village. I understand the problems of the people and their root causes,” he said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Minister Shobha Karandlaje demands ECI probe into SIR ‘scam’
Karandlaje alleged that the ruling Congress is diluting SIR by conducting camp-based verification instead of visits to houses to include ineligible voters. BENGALURU: Union Minister and Bengaluru North MP Shobha Karandlaje has urged the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to investigate the alleged irregularities in the conduct of SIR in the state. In a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI), she demanded that the ECI enforce strict adherence to the prescribed SIR exercise and deploy independent observers to oversee it in the state. She said instead of the mandatory door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the exercise is being conducted by gathering people at community halls and other places, defeating the very purpose of SIR. A day after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy released videos of the alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise in Ramanagara, BJP leaders, including Karandlaje and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, released photographs and videos of the exercise done at Yeshwantpur, Chamarajpet, Malleswaram, Govindarajanagar and other assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. According to them, such irregularities are happening across the state. Karandlaje alleged that the ruling Congress is diluting SIR by conducting camp-based verification instead of visits to houses to include ineligible voters. Stating that the ECI is the sole constitutional authority to revise electoral rolls, she alleged that the Karnataka State Election Commission’s (KSEC) separate exercise will create confusion, duplication and inconsistencies in the voters’ list. Citing a recent Supreme Court judgment upholding the ECI’s authority over SIR, she sought immediate directions to halt the parallel exercise in the state and ensure that only the ECI finalised electoral rolls are used for local body elections. She also urged the ECI to immediately halt the parallel SIR being conducted by the KSEC in 27 wards of GBA. When a statewide SIR exercise is on, a parallel revision by the KSEC will create confusion among voters. The ruling Congress is conducting the exercise just to please party leader Rahul Gandhi, she alleged. Karandlaje claimed that the Congress government is attempting to enrol Bangladeshi immigrants and other ineligible people in the voters’ list. Birth and residence certificates are being issued illegally to help to include ineligible people in the voters’ list. HDK demands fresh SIR Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has urged the ECI to conduct a fresh SIR in the state in view of the alleged irregularities in the exercise. “I will meet the ECI officials in New Delhi soon and urge them to take action against officials, including Ramanagara (Bengaluru South) deputy commissioner,’’ he said. Forms being filled in mosques: Pralhad Joshi Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has alleged that enumeration forms are being filled in mosques at Shiggaon, Savanur, Hubli and Dharwad. In a press release issued on Friday, he said this is a matter of serious concern and sought a thorough probe into the alleged irregularities in the exercise. He alleged that such irregularities are happening with the support of the ruling Congress. Referring to the exercise at booth No 16 in Ward 63 of Hubballi-Dharwad East Assembly constituency, Joshi claimed that the local BLO, Mary Ramachandra Harapanahalli, filled enumeration forms sitting in one place instead of visiting houses. 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
Toe party line on Adani: High command to Kerala CM
Party leaders reportedly told V D Satheesan to align the state’s stand with the Congress’ national position on the Adani Group and protect Kerala’s interests. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a setback for Chief Minister V D Satheesan, the Congress high command has taken a dim view of the controversy over the proposed transfer of a stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) without the state government’s approval. According to Congress sources, a high command representative conveyed the party’s displeasure to the chief minister two days ago and reminded him that the state’s handling of the issue must be in line with the Congress’ national stand on the Adani Group. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the Adani Group of monopolising key sectors of the economy through the political patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. The high command is learnt to have told the chief minister that the concession agreement signed during the Oommen Chandy government’s tenure was designed to safeguard the state’s interests. Any dilution of those safeguards would be unacceptable, it reportedly said, urging the government not to yield to pressure from the Adani Group. The leadership also recalled allegations that corporate funding had been used to engineer defections of opposition legislators to the BJP, sources said. It was the high command’s intervention that prompted Satheesan to harden his stand on the proposed share transfer on Thursday evening, Congress leaders said. “His response to questions and a submission in the assembly a day earlier lacked bite. He described MSC as the world’s largest container shipping company and even remarked that the issue had not generated much public interest,” a Congress MLA said. However, leaders close to the chief minister dismissed the claim as a “witch hunt” aimed at undermining his credibility. Honeymoon Destination Manali Tourism Himachal Pradesh Travel GuideиTravel Nfx They pointed out that Satheesan had assured the assembly that the government would not compromise the state’s interests. Sources said the high command was also suprised by Satheesan’s claim that the government learnt of the proposed stake transfer only through recent newspaper reports, pointing out that details of the Adani Group-MSC deal had long been in the public domain. “A leading financial daily carried a detailed report on the proposed stake transfer on June 1,” a Congress leader said. The government’s claim of being unaware of the developments failed to convince the party leadership, which is learnt to have advised it to tread cautiously. AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal’s remarks on the controversy are being seen within the party as an indirect signal of the high command’s disapproval of the state government’s handling of the issue. Speaking to reporters, Venugopal asked whether Adani had become a “super government” and whether Kerala was being run by the BJP. “Things do not happen here simply because Adani wants them to,” he said. The controversy has also revived discussions within the Congress over Satheesan’s chartered flight to Mangaluru on the eve of the assembly election results, when the race for the chief minister’s post was at its peak. Satheesan has since declined to answer questions about his alleged meeting with an Adani Group official and NDA MLAs. Though several Congress leaders had flagged the controversial trip to the high command, it chose not to pursue the matter then as the party had just returned to power in the state after a decade in the opposition. Meanwhile, Satheesan said on Friday that the state government would seek legal opinion and an expert review of the Adani Group’s proposal to transfer shares in the port’s operating company. He said the government would not rush a decision on approving the deal. 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
Electoral democracy faces gravest threats from Modi-Shah regime: Congress
KC Venugopal raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the “partisan role” of the Election Commission of India (ECI), and other poll-related issues. The Congress on Friday alleged that electoral democracy in India is facing the “gravest of threats” under the present government and called on the Supreme Court to take urgent steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. In a post on X, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal shared a letter sent by 23 opposition parties and an Independent MP to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the “partisan role” of the Election Commission of India (ECI), and other poll-related issues. “Electoral democracy in our country faces the gravest of threats from the Modi-Shah regime,” Venugopal said in his post while releasing a copy of the letter. Electoral democracy in our country faces the gravest of threats from the Modi-Shah regime. On 28th June, 23 Opposition Parties along with an Independent MP wrote to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India on the flawed SIR process, the partisan role of the Election Commission of… pic.twitter.com/GGP4tW9Yxg He said the letter, submitted on June 28, flagged issues relating to the “flawed SIR process”, the “partisan role” of the Election Commission of India and other election-related concerns. “It is the role of our judiciary to guard our democracy from the excesses of the executive – especially one which is hell-bent on destroying the Constitutional framework that gives us our democracy. “In our democracy, the Supreme Court is entrusted with the onerous responsibility of ensuring injustice doesn’t prevail. Therefore, it has a vital role to play in protecting the free and fair nature of elections, and also to make sure that they seen to be free and fair. Without this, injustice against 1.4 billion voters persists every single day,” he said in his post. “We are releasing this letter, in the interest of transparency, and in the hope that the Hon’ble Supreme Court will take the firm steps urgently required to restore the integrity and accoutability of and faith in the election process of crores of our people,” Venugopal said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Quarry owners told to pay compensation: CM Shivakumar
Strict legal action, including filing of FIRs, will be initiated if rules and regulations are violated by those operating the quarry, the CM, who visited the injured in the hospital later in the day. BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that the state government will initiate action in the quarry boulder collapse case in which seven workers died, after receiving a report from its officials. Compensation will be given to the families of the victims based on the report, he told reporters here. Shivakumar said that an investigation is on to know if the quarry was being run legally and following safety norms. Police and officials from the Department of Mines and Geology have visited the quarry. Preliminary investigations revealed that the boulder collapse was not caused by a blast, he said. Shivakumar said the quarry operators have been directed to pay compensation to the families of the victims. Responding to Yeshwanthpur MLA ST Somashekar’s allegation that a leopard died in a blast in the quarry sometime ago and it was hushed up without a proper investigation, Shivakumar said the MLA had brought the matter to the government’s attention. “I will comment only after I receive the report,’’ he said, adding that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in future. Strict legal action, including filing of FIRs, will be initiated if rules and regulations are violated by those operating the quarry, the CM, who visited the injured in the hospital later in the day, said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka CM Shivakumar tells ministers to tour all districts, review drought
The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. BENGALURU: The State cabinet on Thursday discussed the impending drought situation in the state due to scanty rain. After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he has instructed his 13 ministers to visit all 31 districts and conduct review meetings. “I, too, will tour all four administrative divisions and review the situation on the ground,” he said, briefing the media.” The PM has already issued a strong warning. There is a possibility of a severe shortage of both water and electricity across the country due to the prevailing weather conditions. At present, reservoirs such as Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Almatti, Narayanpur and Vanivilas Sagar are recording zero inflow,” he remarked. “Even in the Cauvery basin, inflow has reduced drastically. Last year, Hemavathi had 88tmcft of water, but today it has come down to 40tmcft. KRS had 100tmcft last year, whereas today it is at 22tmcft; Kabini had 79tmcft but it is now at 26tmcft. Overall, reservoir inflows have fallen to just 20 per cent,” he elaborated. 15-day monsoon session in August after SIR “This is a matter of serious concern. I appeal to farmers not to sow crops relying solely on reservoir water. If there is no water, we will not be able to release water for irrigation,” Shivakumar warned. He suggested that farmers should decide on raising water-intensive crops based on the progress of the monsoon and until reservoirs are adequately filled. Terming it a major concern across the country, he hoped for good rainfall during the rest of the season so that water can be released for agriculture. The Centre has warned about the possibility of a severe drought in the country, Shivakumar said, adding that he has already directed departments to stock adequate coal and other essential resources to ensure there is no shortage. A gas-based power facility in Bengaluru will also be kept ready for use if required,” he said. The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The process will conclude with the announcement of the draft roll on August 5, and until then, MLAs and officials will be engaged in ensuring that eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls in their respective constituencies, he reasoned. “Leaders from all political parties are also occupied with this exercise, and we don’t want to disturb them. I will fix a date for the Assembly session, either in the first or second week of August,” he said. Shivakumar stressed BLOs are required to deliver the forms at doorsteps, and no MLA or political party worker is authorised to distribute them. BLOs must visit each household and make three attempts if the voter is unavailable, and political parties may assist through their Booth Level Agents, but actual distribution of forms must be done only by BLOs, he said. ‘Prajaseva’ to address woes The CM said ‘Prajaseva’, a new department set up to address public grievances, will have a designated minister. He instructed all ministers to hold grievance meetings twice a month in every assembly constituency on the first and third Saturdays along with the MLAs concerned. The department will serve as a platform for people to present their problems, including those raised through protests, and will resolve public issues and ensure the concerns are communicated to the appropriate departments and officials. “Wherever protests take place, ministers and officers will receive applications, and wherever legally permissible, process them and provide assistance. The grievances will then be forwarded to the department,” he elaborated. Harsh Gupta, Chairman, Karnataka Appellate Tribunal, Bengaluru, was posted as principal secretary, Prajaseva department. He will also hold concurrent charge of the post of KAT Chairman. 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
Manipur: Violence erupts again, 20 village houses burnt
The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. GUWAHATI: After a lull for a few days, violence in Manipur involving Naga and Kuki communities has resumed. The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. The organisation said the village volunteers had attempted to defend the village with “limited resources and licenced single-barrel firearms” but the attackers used sophisticated weapons, including mortar shells. “Unable to withstand the assault, the village volunteers were compelled to withdraw, following which Leikot Kuki Village was reportedly set ablaze and extensively damaged,” the organisation alleged in a statement. It appealed to state and Central governments to immediately institute a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the incident, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest. “Failure to address the grievances of the affected people and bring the perpetrators to justice may further aggravate the prevailing situation and lead to undesirable consequences,” it warned. Prasanta Mazumdar 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 calls on ‘Gen Z comrades’ to join mega rally in Kota, targets Centre over paper leaks and jobs
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of “shattering millions of dreams” through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office tried to derail the event. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla’s office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi’s event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress. “LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme,” Gehlot said. “It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people.” The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot’s allegations “extremely irresponsible and unfortunate.” Also read | Om Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok GehlotOm Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok Gehlot Congress: Youth face ‘two examinations’ Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face “two examinations” — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of “their patience, their courage, and their perseverance” for having to deal with dual struggles. “Our youth don’t face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance,” Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party “will not remain silent on this injustice,” calling it “a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India. Nationwide movement to expand According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, “Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees.” The site describes it as “a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India’s education system.” Rahul Gandhi’s message to students “My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government’s responsibility. But responsibility and honesty — both are beyond the Modi government’s way of thinking,” Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as “tools” the government is using to destroy students’ futures. “Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he said. “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That’s why I’m calling on all of you – June 17, Kota. Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you,” he added. NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21 The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers. 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
BJP vs Rahul on SIR: BJP Says DK Is Backing SIR, Questions Rahul’s ‘Vote Chori’ Charge
The Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka has sparked a fierce political war, exposing a sharp contradiction within the Congress party. Nationally, Rahul Gandhi aggressively opposes the drive, framing it as an unconstitutional tool for “voter theft” aimed at deleting minority and marginalized voters. However, the Congress-led Karnataka government, driven by CM D.K. Shivakumar, is actively executing the enumeration on the ground. The BJP has seized on this divergence, accusing Congress of blatant hypocrisy. BJP leaders argue that Shivakumar’s mobilization of 59,000 Booth Level Officers completely invalidates Gandhi’s national conspiracy narrative. Tension has intensified over Shivakumar’s heavy-handed execution, where he warned citizens that failing to verify their names could cost them vital state welfare rations. Ultimately, this friction highlights the widening gap between national opposition rhetoric and the practical realities of state governance. 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
‘We will fulfil resolve for social justice’: Rahul greets Akhilesh on 53rd birthday
AICC president Kharge also greeted Yadav and vowed to jointly continue advancing the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday greeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on his 53rd birthday, and said together they will fulfil the resolve for social justice. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted Yadav on his birthday, and vowed to jointly continue advancing the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, “Many happy returns of the day, @yadavakhilesh ji. Together, we will fulfil the resolve for social justice through the participation of the PDA (Pichra, Dalit, Alpasankhyak).” “Best wishes for good health and a happy life,” he said. Yadav, who was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017, turned 53 on Wednesday. In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge said, “Heartfelt birthday wishes to the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and national president of the Samajwadi Party, Shri Akhilesh Yadav. I wish you a bright future, excellent health, and a long life.” “Together, we will continue to advance the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution,” Kharge said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights