Knives out at INDIA bloc meeting as allies turn heat on Congress over lack of coordination, DMK exit
Raising the issue of the DMK’s absence, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that as the largest party in the bloc, Congress should be “magnanimous” and display a “large heart” in dealing with allies. NEW DELHI: Knives were out at the crucial meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance on Monday, where the Congress, the largest constituent of the bloc, came under sharp criticism from several allies over poor coordination and the party’s approach towards the coalition partners. The Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), NCP (SP), National Conference (NC) and the Left parties raised strong objection to Congress’s handling of the alliance partners, especially the DMK. According to sources present at the meeting, the main bone of contention was the absence of the DMK, with several leaders questioning why one of the alliance’s most important constituents was not present. They also urged the Congress to take steps to bring the Dravidian party back into the fold. DMK boycotted the meeting, citing discontent of its cadres over the “betrayal” by the Congress after the grand old party chose to join the Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu. The sharpest criticism came from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Invited by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to speak first, Yadav did not mince words as he attacked Congress for its failure to coordinate effectively with allies at the state level. Raising the issue of the DMK’s absence, Yadav said that as the largest party in the bloc, Congress should be “magnanimous” and display a “large heart” in dealing with allies. He reminded the meeting that there had been an understanding among alliance constituents that, wherever regional parties were strong, Congress would support them rather than compete with them. In a veiled reference to Congress’s attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Left parties in various states, Yadav said the opposition alliance must maintain a uniform position on issues such as the alleged misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led government. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the Congress must adopt the same position,” he said, according to sources. The SP chief also stressed the need for more frequent bloc meetings and expressed concern that the alliance had failed to focus on several pressing issues facing the country. Yadav said minority voters were being removed in large numbers from the electoral rolls of Uttar Pradesh and called on the alliance to collectively raise such concerns. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was equally critical of the Congress. Taking aim at the party’s functioning in Bihar, he termed the Congress’s state unit as “compromised” and said that the opposition alliance had lost a Rajya Sabha seat because Congress MLAs had defected to the BJP. Tejashwi also blamed infighting within the alliance and the Congress for electoral setbacks, claiming that the opposition had lost at least 13 to 14 Assembly seats because of poor coordination and internal disputes. Backing Akhilesh Yadav’s statements, the RJD leader strongly pitched for the DMK’s return to the alliance. He also argued that the bloc would have been in a stronger position had it managed to retain Janata Dal (United). NCP leader Supriya Sule echoed the sentiment, arguing in favour of efforts to bring the DMK back into the opposition coalition. The Left parties also used the meeting to express their dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas objected to recent remarks by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge suggesting a “deal” between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Kerala. On Saturday, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby had written a strongly worded letter to Kharge, seeking clarification over statements made by senior Congress leaders regarding an alleged CPI(M)-BJP deal in Kerala. According to sources, Brittas told the meeting that allegations carried greater weight when they came from leaders such as Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who represented the face of the Congress party. Reminding Rahul Gandhi of the Left’s role in national politics, Brittas said that in 2004, the CPI(M) had defeated the Congress in several constituencies but nevertheless contributed to the formation of the UPA government by extending support with 64 seats in order to keep the BJP out of power. “We have never compromised in our fight against the BJP,” Brittas said. He also accused the Congress of missing the larger political picture and abandoning an important ally. “You wanted our leader, Pinarayi Vijayan, to be arrested. In the National Herald case, we supported you. You missed the larger picture and deserted your ally DMK for two ministerial berths,” he said. CPI general secretary D. Raja supported Brittas’s arguments and also took exception to Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement in Kerala that the “Left is not Left anymore.” According to sources, Rahul defended his remarks, saying he spoke on the basis of facts and citing the Left government’s decision to allow the Adani Group’s port project in Kerala as evidence. However, Brittas immediately confronted it, saying that it was the previous Congress-led government under Oommen Chandy that had originally brought the Adani project to Kerala. Rahul also said that “allegations and counter-allegations are part of local elections.” Sources said other allies, including National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, also stressed the need for better coordination among alliance partners and supported efforts to bring the DMK back into the opposition bloc. Despite the criticism, Rahul Gandhi struck a conciliatory note in his concluding remarks, said leaders who were present. Rahul said the Congress was willing to accept criticism from its partners and acknowledged the need for stronger coordination within the alliance. The priority for all opposition parties should be to remain united in the fight against the BJP and work together in the larger interest of the country, he said. Preetha Nair Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to Suraj Hegde in Bengaluru
Suraj, the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs, had worked closely with Rahul as the AICC secretary in charge of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning and paid his last respects to AICC secretary Suraj Hegde, 55, who died of cardiac arrest late on Sunday night. Accompanied by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah, Rahul visited Suraj’s residence on BEL Road near M S Ramaiah Hospital, where the mortal remains were kept. He consoled the grieving family members, including Suraj’s wife Shilpa and their two sons. AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala were also present. The cremation will be held on Tuesday afternoon at the Hebbal Crematorium. Suraj, the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs, had worked closely with Rahul as the AICC secretary in charge of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. He was also the vice chairman of the Karnataka State Guarantees Implementation Committee. 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
‘Modi’s loot model’: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over LPG price hike, Ujjwala subsidy cuts
NEW DELHI: Congress leader and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday criticised the Centre over rising LPG prices and reductions in subsidies under the Ujjwala scheme, alleging that government policies were placing an increasing financial burden on poor and middle-class families. Rahul alleged that 12 years of what he termed “anti-poor economic policies” had pushed millions of households back towards using firewood as a cooking fuel. He further added that the number of subsidised LPG cylinders available under the Ujjwala scheme had been reduced from nine to four, while domestic LPG cylinder prices had increased by Rs 89 over the past three months. “12 years of anti-poor economic policies and a compromised foreign policy have today pushed the country into such a state where millions of poor families and women have been forced towards the poisonous smoke of firewood. The number of subsidized cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme has been reduced from 9 to 4. On top of that, the price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased by Rs 89 in the last 3 months – meaning, first raise the prices, then cut the subsidy, and extinguish the poor’s hearth,” Rahul said through a post on X. The Congress leader also highlighted the rise in the price of 5-kg LPG cylinders, which are widely used by migrant workers, claiming that their cost had increased by Rs 323. He questioned how workers and low-income families would cope with the higher expenses. Rahul further accused the government of favouring large corporate borrowers while shifting the economic burden onto ordinary citizens. He questioned whether workers, farmers, women and the middle class would continue to bear the cost of what he described as a weakening economy. “Waiving off loans worth millions of crores for billionaire friends and making the poor foot the bill for your failures – this is the Modi model of loot. Mr. Modi, will the poor alone bear the burden of your failures? Will only workers, farmers, women, and the middle class pay the price for this crumbling economy that you’ve built?” Rahul added. His remarks come amid continued volatility in global energy markets driven by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The military escalation has disrupted crude oil supplies, putting upward pressure on global energy prices. Benchmark crude prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel after the conflict began on February 28. Although prices have since moderated, they remain around 30 per cent higher than pre-conflict levels, while natural gas prices have risen by 75 per cent. Meanwhile, despite disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which 54 per cent of India’s LPG imports passed before the conflict, the Centre has said there was no shortage of petroleum products in the country. To mitigate the impact of constrained imports, domestic refiners increased LPG production by more than 60 per cent, raising output from 32,000 tonnes per day to 52,000 tonnes per day, according to the Centre. 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
Bengaluru development portfolio pared, it’s Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s turn to sulk
Gowda’s portfolio is devoid of BDA, BMRDA, which are with CM DK Shivakumar. BENGALURU: Just as the Congress high command resolved the issue of senior leader and Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy by convincing him to withdraw his resignation, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reportedly went into a sulk as his portfolio is devoid of the prominent Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA). Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has retained his hold on BDA and BMRDA. Sources said Gowda spoke to LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over phone, apprising him that without BDA and BMRDA, the portfolio lacks significance. There is no scope or potential to deliver the goods, and he doesn’t want to be the manager of five city corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), including Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, Bengaluru West and Bengaluru Central city corporations. BWSSB and BMRCL are also part of his portfolio. This is the reason he has not taken charge of Bengaluru Development as yet and is anticipating a call from the high command, sources said. As the CM is unlikely to give up BDA and BMRDA, Gowda will seek a change in portfolio. The issue has also been brought to the notice of AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, sources said. The Bengaluru Development portfolio has caused much heartburn. Ramalinga Reddy had resigned, insisting that it had been promised to him by CM Shivakumar. But after several rounds of talks, the high command humbled Reddy who eventually took charge but with the condition that during cabinet expansion, he should be allotted an additional portfolio or a separate one. Sources within the Congress government told The New Indian Express that Krishna Byre Gowda’s name was not on the first list of 13 ministers sworn in last Wednesday, as there was a lobby against him. As Revenue Minister in the Siddaramaiah regime, Gowda had executed the clearance of illegal encroachments on government lands, about 50 acres worth hundreds of crores of rupees in and around Bengaluru. It did not go down well with some legislators, including Congress leaders, sources informed. Which is why Gowda paid the price and lost the Revenue portfolio in the new regime, despite revolutionising the department, they added. The counselling system in transfer of sub-registrars and assistant commissioners left many leaders red-faced as there was no scope for influence, sources elaborated. Byre Gowda met Shivakumar at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) office at Vidhana Soudha and held talks. Later, he refused to react to the media, saying his meeting was to do with the party and government, and the media has the liberty to interpret his meeting. But sources said his meeting revolved around the Bengaluru development portfolio and he insisted that BDA and BMRDA should be incorporated in it. 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
Opposition to write to CJI on SIR, ‘poll theft’, makes unity pitch
The DMK, a key INDIA bloc constituent, was conspicuous by its absence, while the AAP had distanced itself from the grouping. NEW DELHI: Calling for greater unity against the BJP, the Opposition INDIA bloc members on Monday unanimously decided to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s immediate resignation over the NEET-CBSE paper leak row and write to the Chief Justice of India on alleged anomalies in the SIR exercise and allegations of ‘vote theft’. Leaders of 22 Opposition parties and Independent MP Kapil Sibal were part of the deliberations that lasted for more than 150 minutes at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The DMK, a key INDIA bloc constituent, was conspicuous by its absence, while the AAP had distanced itself from the grouping. The deliberations began with a call to forge unity and rework the Opposition strategy to take on the BJP, while ironing out the differences within after the drubbing of the Trinamool Congress and DMK in the recent Assembly polls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “A letter will be sent to the CJI soon on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, ‘vote loot’, and ‘stealing of elections’.” It was also agreed to demand the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan,” he said. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi stressed unity and said one must bring everyone together with love and affection. Akhilesh Yadav, who spoke about “vote chori” and said the Bengal polls were “robbed”, appealed to the Congress to show a big heart and back strong regional parties. The meeting was attended by Shiv Sena-UBT’s Uddhav Thackeray, and JMM’s Hemant Soren joined virtually. Others include Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav from SP, Tejashwi Yadav from RJD, Omar Abdullah from NC, and Mehbooba Mufti from PDP, along with Left leaders. 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
LPG price hike adds to household burden in Karnataka
This is the second hike in the past three months. BENGALURU: The recent increase in the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 29 has pushed the cost in Bengaluru to Rs 944 from Rs 915, adding to the burden on consumers already grappling with a series of price hikes in recent months. This is the second hike in the past three months. In March, LPG prices were increased by Rs 60 per cylinder following disruptions in global energy markets linked to tensions in West Asia. The price of a 5-kg LPG cylinder has also risen by around Rs 10, from Rs 340 to Rs 351. Speaking to TNIE about the impact of the hike, Ravi Richard, a retired professor, said, “The LPG price hike affects lower-middle-class and economically weaker sections in a serious way. “The Union government should ensure that low-income groups are protected from such increases through a differential pricing system. Those who can afford higher prices may be charged more, while poorer sections should be shielded from the burden.” “The repeated increase in LPG prices is putting significant pressure on household budgets, particularly those of middle-class and poor families. For families like ours, every rupee matters. The rising cost of essentials such as milk, cooking oil and now cooking gas is making daily life increasingly expensive,” said Shrikant, a resident of Horamavu. He added that the impact is being felt across the economy, with hotels and restaurants already raising prices. “Coupled with higher electricity tariffs, garbage collection charges and the implementation of the new labour code, food prices are likely to rise further,” he said. Suresh Kumar, an employee of a private company, said, “Given the trend of frequent LPG price hikes, it will not be surprising if the price crosses Rs 1,000 per cylinder. We are already bearing the burden of rising fuel costs and the increase in prices of essential commodities driven by higher diesel prices.” 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
INDIA bloc holds key meeting: Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav among top leaders present; DMK stays away
The meeting is being held against the backdrop of recent assembly polls in four states and the Union territory of Puducherry. While non-BJP parties secured victories in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the results were seen as a setback for the opposition, with the BJP winning West Bengal and Assam and retaining power in Puducherry alongside its ally, the All India NR Congress. The meeting has been convened at the request of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was defeated in West Bengal after 15 years in power and is now facing internal dissent. The TMC has had an on-off relationship with the INDIA bloc and contested the Lok Sabha polls in the state on its own. The leaders will address a joint press conference at 2:30 pm. Here are some key takeaways: Opening remarks and agenda Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the leaders and outlined the agenda in his opening remarks. The discussion includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleged misuse of investigative agencies by the BJP-led Centre, perceived discrimination against non-BJP state governments, inflation, privatisation, unemployment, paper leaks, and what the opposition described as the Centre’s “weak” foreign policy, among other issues. Who are attending A total of 23 parties are participating in the INDIA bloc huddle. Opposition leaders present include Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge; TMC chief Mamata Banerjee; Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav; RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav; National Conference leader Omar Abdullah; and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, along with leaders from Left parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is in attendance virtually. Who are missing The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had already announced that it will boycott the meeting, citing the Congress’ “betrayal.” The decision comes after the Tamil Nadu elections, in which the DMK lost power after a single term, following which the Congress aligned with newcomer Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in the state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also absent. Anti-Rahul posters Posters targeting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appeared at multiple roundabouts in New Delhi ahead of the meeting. The posters highlighted past remarks made by opposition leaders against the Congress MP. They featured statements attributed to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal criticising Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. Tension between Congress and Left CPM’s John Brittas expressed serious concerns over the approach and conduct of the Congress, alleging that top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi, had accused the Left party of having an “understanding” with the BJP during the Kerala assembly elections. “We have serious reservations concerning the approach, attitude and conduct of the Congress party. Now it’s been three years since the inception of the INDIA bloc. We all came together to fight the BJP. But there is a murky situation that has happened in Kerala wherein people like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi accused us of having some sort of an alliance with the BJP,” Brittas told ANI. He questioned, “If that is the charge and approach of the Congress, then what is the whole purpose of us sitting together?” Brittas added that the CPI(M) does not seek validation from Congress regarding its commitment to opposing the BJP.” There were also tensions between the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over seat-sharing for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The dispute has since been resolved. 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
Gehlot says September 2022 incident was indication of disagreement against Sachin Pilot, not Congress leadership
Ashok Gehlot alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday criticised Congress leader Sachin Pilot and stated that the incidents that unfolded in September 2022 were not a revolt against the party high command but an indication of strong disagreement among the MLAs against Pilot’s elevation as the CM. The senior Congress leader alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Gehlot was speaking about the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that was called in Jaipur on September 25, 2022, to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the party. Several MLAs close to Gehlot did not attend the meeting and opposed any move to make Pilot the chief minister. Gehlot on Sunday said that he was in line to become the Congress President, but such a situation unfolded that appeared to be a conspiracy, and he ended up with a bad reputation. However, he felt sorry in front of Sonia Gandhi for not being able to get a resolution passed in the CLP meeting. “It is repeatedly asked what happened on September 25. There can never be a revolt against the high command,” he said, adding that the incident was against “Sachin Pilot, whose name was being circulated” that he could take oath as the chief minister. He said the MLAs’ stance was that they had demonstrated loyalty to the high command. They stayed confined in hotels and saved the government. “They wanted any of them to be appointed as the chief minister and they would accept it, but Pilot was unacceptable to them because he was the one who took his MLAs to Manesar,” he said. Pilot, who was serving as the deputy chief minister in the Gehlot government, had rebelled against his leadership in 2020. It is alleged that he and some MLAs stayed in Haryana’s Manesar. The rebellion led to a political crisis in the state, which the party leadership resolved through intervention. Gehlot had alleged that it was a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to topple his government, using Pilot and other MLAs as pawns. In September 2022, a CLP meeting was called in Jaipur to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the Congress party. Sachin Pilot was considered the top runner to replace him. But MLAs loyal to Gehlot did not attend the meeting. Instead, they held a parallel meeting and went to Assembly Speaker C P Joshi’s residence to submit their mass resignations. Gehlot said there was no question of rebellion against the Congress high command. “Sonia Gandhi had offered me the chief minister’s post three times without me even asking for it. I was in line to become the Congress President, and I am not uneducated. I am well-educated. If Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party were making me Congress President, would I have refused?” he asked. “The situation that unfolded…I feel it was a conspiracy. AICC observers arrived suddenly, a spectacle ensued, and I ended up with a bad reputation,” he said. “People believe that Ashok Gehlot wanted to remain the chief minister rather than become Congress president, and that is why the revolt happened. How do I explain it to them?” he said. “The media spread this narrative, and I remained silent,” Gehlot said. Gehlot said he stayed silent because he needed to convey to Sonia Gandhi that he was the leader of the Legislature Party, and AICC observers had arrived. He added that he was unable to get the resolution passed and “expressing his regret to her”, he “apologised” for the situation that had arisen. Asserting that truth has no alternative, Gehlot said, “I have placed the truth before everyone and will continue to do so.” He said that historically the Congress high command had maintained strong trust in the Rajasthan unit. He alleged that the perception of revolt against the party high command was created by Pilot’s associates, which was incorrect. He said that when the party high command decides to change a chief minister, a majority of MLAs tend to align with the one who is going to become the new chief minister. “Whenever the high command decides that the chief minister should be replaced, 90 per cent of the MLAs who were previously with the incumbent chief minister switch their allegiance to the new one. What was the reason that when the new chief minister’s name began circulating — whether floated by Pilot’s associates — MLAs did not go to him,” he said. “Sachin Pilot needs to understand this. He has been in politics for about 15-20 years now. He has gained considerable experience. We are not his enemies. I used to visit his family since his childhood,” he said. Pilot made a mistake, and he should acknowledge it. He has not learned to accept the truth, which is why this issue persists, he said, adding that he does not want this issue to persist. Gehlot said, today, the Congress is in crisis, the country is in crisis. Only Congress can save the country and all leaders of the party should be united for this. The former chief minister said that he had helped Pilot become a union minister in the UPA government, but he never acknowledged this help. He is no longer chasing any post, Gehlot said, adding that “it would be a different matter if a position were to come my way unsolicited. I am not vying for any post.” Serving as chief minister three times is no small feat, he said, adding that his message is “Do not erase my line. Instead, draw a line longer than mine.” As for who becomes the chief minister and who
‘PM wants youth to keep making reels, fry pakodas’: Rahul slams Modi on CBSE OSM row
The Congress leader highlighted the students’ efforts to investigate the issue and raise concerns about the examination evaluation process. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday praised student whistleblower Sarthak Sidhant and his associate Nisarga Adhikary for exposing what he described as the “collusion” between the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and COEMPT, while stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the OSM controversy. Sharing a video of his meeting with the two on X, Gandhi said PM Modi wants young people to keep “making reels and fry ‘pakodas’”, but added that the students chose to question the system and seek answers. Gandhi met Sidhant, an 18-year-old student affected by the CBSE’s onscreen marking system (OSM), last week. Sidhant has alleged irregularities in the tendering process used to select a vendor for the OSM exercise for Class 12 board examinations. The Congress leader highlighted the students’ efforts to investigate the issue and raise concerns about the examination evaluation process. In his post in Hindi accompanying the video, Gandhi said, “Sarthak is 18 years old, yet, in terms of mindset, courage, and principles, he is second to none. He and his associate, Nisarg, accomplished what the country’s major media houses and investigative journalists could not: they exposed the collusion between CBSE and COEMPT to the nation.” An 18-year-old from the country proved faster and sharper than the CBI; this victory for the youth is, in the true sense, a defeat for the government, Gandhi said. “Modi ji wants our youth to keep making reels and frying pakodas, without asking questions or opening their eyes. But these young men did ask questions, and they found the answers, too,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. “This is India’s true youth power — inquisitive, aware and informed. And remember, the country’s future will not be led astray,” he said. While the government has shunted out two top CBSE officials following the on-screen marking system row, the opposition Congress has dismissed it as an eyewash and a cover-up, with Rahul Gandhi demanding that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan be sacked and an independent judicial inquiry be ordered immediately. In the video, Gandhi asks Sidhant how he was able to find out information about alleged irregularities in the OSM tendering process. Gandhi also hails him for doing the job of investigative journalists. After meeting Sidhant and his family last Tuesday, Gandhi had posted pictures from the meeting and said, “Sarthak, stay firm on your principles.” Sidhant also made a presentation before a parliamentary panel on Tuesday on the alleged irregularities in the OSM tendering process. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) replaced the traditional method of checking papers with digital evaluation for Class 12 through the on-screen marking system. However, a controversy erupted after some Class 12 students alleged that the scanned copies of their answer sheets uploaded by the board did not match their handwriting, raising concerns over possible answer-sheet mismatch in the OSM system. 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
23 parties set to attend INDIA bloc’s ‘janbandhan’ meeting as Congress says alliance remains united
INDIA bloc is set to deliberate on the future course of action with an eye on 2029 Lok Sabha polls and will look to devise a joint strategy to corner the Modi govt on national issues. Twenty-three political parties have confirmed their participation in the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on Monday, the Congress said, asserting that the opposition alliance remains united through its diversity. The meeting, branded as the ‘INDIA janbandhan’ gathering, will be held at the Constitution Club and is expected to discuss the alliance’s future strategy, including preparations for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “23 political parties have confirmed participation in the INDIA janbandhan meeting at Constitution Club, New Delhi, on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 12 noon.” Tagging Ramesh’s post, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien said, “Meeting with a common purpose and clear intent. INDIA united. Many parties look forward to meeting in the spirit of camaraderie.” Ramesh said some parties would not be attending the meeting. “There are some parties who have expressed their inability to attend this particular meeting for their own reasons, even though they have conveyed their strong opposition to the Modi government’s policies and actions that are snatching away the right to vote for millions of Indians, assaulting the Constitution daily, attacking Opposition leaders through investigative agencies, seriously damaging the livelihoods of crores of Indians, breaking household budgets through relentless price rise, betraying the hopes and aspirations of lakhs of youth, dampening investment climate, and compromising the national interest by its foreign policy,” he said. In this photo from March 9, 2026, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and INDIA bloc leaders meet in Parliament to discuss the strategy. INDIA bloc must stay united, not contemplate third front: CPI leader D Raja In this photo from March 9, 2026, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun “Like India, the ‘INDIA janbandhan’ continues to stand united through its diversity,” Ramesh added. The meeting comes amid strains within the opposition alliance. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has decided to skip the gathering, citing what it described as the Congress’ “betrayal” in Tamil Nadu, while the CPI(M) has expressed dissatisfaction over remarks by senior Congress leaders alleging that the Left had colluded with the BJP in Kerala. According to sources, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby recently wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking clarification over statements by senior Congress leaders that suggested a political understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Kerala. The gathering also follows recent assembly elections in which the TMC and the DMK were voted out of power in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu respectively. Political observers view the meeting as an attempt to strengthen coordination among opposition parties amid shifting political equations in several states and ahead of future electoral contests. The Aam Aadmi Party has publicly distanced itself from the alliance, while the DMK formally announced this week that it would boycott the meeting. In the past, INDIA bloc leaders have also met ahead of Parliament sessions to discuss floor coordination and jointly raise issues against the central government. 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