Congress to put Dalits at centre of party politics, says Rahul Gandhi
In what appeared to be a significant political signal ahead of key state elections, he asserted that Dalits would now occupy a central role within the Congress organisation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday acknowledged that the party’s failure to adequately address Dalit concerns in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to the rise of regional parties built around Dalit politics and support bases. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Scheduled Castes Department at the party headquarters, Rahul Gandhi said that had the Congress acted decisively for Dalit communities during that period, caste-based regional formations may not have emerged, nor would Dalit voters have shifted away from the party. In what appeared to be a significant political signal ahead of key state elections, he asserted that Dalits would now occupy a central role within the Congress organisation. According to sources present at the meeting, Rahul Gandhi also praised Kanshi Ram for uniting Dalits politically and instilling self-confidence within the community. He further alleged that the BJP was simultaneously attempting to weaken regional parties while undermining the rights of Dalits, claiming that atrocities against the community were increasing. In response, he said, the Congress would position itself as a defender of Dalit rights and work toward fulfilling the vision of B R Ambedkar. The remarks mirror Rahul Gandhi’s earlier outreach to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Last year, he publicly admitted that the Congress had failed to adequately represent OBC interests and even expressed regret over the party’s past approach. More recently, he has intensified demands for a nationwide caste census as part of the Congress party’s broader social justice plank. Political observers believe the Congress benefited electorally from this strategy during the Lok Sabha elections, particularly among Dalit and backward-class voters. Rahul Gandhi repeatedly campaigned with a copy of the Constitution in hand, accusing the Modi government of threatening constitutional values — a message that appeared to resonate with sections of marginalised communities. With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Rahul Gandhi has stepped up his outreach efforts in the state. Last week, during a visit to his parliamentary constituency of Raebareli, he unveiled a statue of Dalit freedom fighter Veera Pasi and addressed a Bahujan community gathering. Meanwhile, a recent attempt by Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Chairman of the Congress party’s Scheduled Castes Department, to meet Mayawati at her residence in Lucknow did not materialise. Whether Rahul Gandhi’s renewed emphasis on Dalit and backward-class politics — coupled with an acknowledgment of the Congress party’s past shortcomings — translates into electoral gains will become clear only in the coming elections. 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
Why did petrol, diesel become costlier despite fall in crude oil prices in last 12 years, asks Kharge
While crude oil has become cheaper, petrol has become approximately 42.8% more expensive, and diesel about 67.9% more expensive, Kharge said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday slammed the central government over the increase in fuel prices and asked why relief was not provided to people when crude oil prices fell during the last 12 years. Kharge cited an official statement by the PIB to state that exactly 12 years ago today — on May 26, 2014 — when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the price of crude oil in the Indian basket stood at USD 108.05 per barrel, and the Dollar-Rupee exchange rate was Rs 58.59. At that time, petrol was available at Rs 71.51 per litre, and diesel at Rs 56.71 per liter, he said in his post in Hindi on X. Today, the price of crude oil is below USD 99 per barrel; yet, the prices of petrol and diesel have surged to Rs 102.12 and Rs 95.20 per litre, respectively, Kharge said. In other words, while crude oil has become cheaper, petrol has become approximately 42.8% more expensive, and diesel about 67.9% more expensive, he said. “Every economist knows that the rising cost of petrol and diesel impacts every sector. From transportation to food commodities, the burden of inflation on the common man continues to intensify. Despite this, the government’s profiteering continues unabated,” Kharge said. “The question is straightforward: When crude oil prices have fallen, why have petrol and diesel become more expensive?” he said. Why is there no relief for the public, Kharge asked. The Congress on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest fuel hike, with Rahul Gandhi alleging that the “mehangai manav” has struck again and he has just one job of making promises during elections and attacking people’s pockets at other times. Kharge also lashed out at the Modi government over the issue and asked who is benefitting from this “daily robbery”. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 2.61-2.71 per litre on Monday, marking the fourth increase in less than two weeks as state-owned fuel retailers continued to pass on rising international oil prices to consumers. 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 Siddaramaiah to seek Congress top brass nod for cabinet rejig during Delhi visit
The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on May 26 for high-level deliberations with the Congress high command— Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal— a visit that is being viewed as significant for the state’s political future. Sources indicate that the CM will primarily seek the party leadership’s nod for a much-anticipated reshuffle of his cabinet and this will the first big reshuffle. The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. Apart from the ministerial reshuffle, names of three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections and nominations for the Legislative Council are also likely to be discussed. After the MLC election, the Congress will be the biggest party in the Upper House and the next chairman is expected to be from the party. These appointments are seen as critical for strengthening the party’s presence in the Council and rewarding loyalists ahead of key electoral battles. While there has been speculation in some quarters that the broader question of leadership in Karnataka Congress could come up during the visit, a senior party leader dismissed such talk as “wishful thinking”. The leadership issue, according to the leader, is not on the agenda and remains settled in favour of the current arrangement. The Delhi trip is also expected to cover the Congress’ strategy for the upcoming GBA and other local and assembly-level elections. With the party aiming to consolidate its position in urban and rural pockets of Karnataka, fine-tuning campaign strategies and candidate selection processes will be key focus areas. Political observers note that the outcome of this visit could have a bearing on the stability and direction of the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as the party looks to maintain momentum after its victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the itinerary or the specific agenda, but party insiders confirm that Siddaramaiah will hold meetings with top Congress leadership, and other central observers. Bansy Kalappa 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
Kerala budget on June 19, to focus on economy, infrastructure: Satheesan
Satheesan said the budget will include major announcements in health, education and infrastructure, stressing development is more than just buildings. KOCHI: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said the state budget will be presented on June 19, with economic revival as the government’s primary focus. He was addressing a reception organised by Ernakulam Pouravali. “Handling the finance portfolio was a major responsibility as the treasury and the wealth belong to the people. The wealth generated through development will be distributed equitably among all sections of society. Several dream projects, including plans to transform Kerala into a ‘port and aviation hub,’ will become a reality in the state,” the chief minister said. Additionally, he said the budget would carry major announcements in the health, education and infrastructure sectors. Emphasising the government’s development vision, Satheesan said development was not limited to constructing large buildings and infrastructure projects. “Real development is reflected in progressive changes that improve the living standards of ordinary people. Despite the challenges, the government has a clear vision to overcome them and transform Kerala,” he added. 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
Kelkar takes charge as Kerala CM’s secretary, opposition cries foul
CPM alleges the appointment mirrors a West Bengal controversy and hints at a Congress–Election Commission “deal”, calling for a probe. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid a political storm, Rathan U Kelkar assumed office as the secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday. Though it was a holiday, he took charge on the day reportedly on the instructions of the chief minister. The appointment of Kelkar, who had been serving as Kerala’s chief electoral officer, as the chief minister’s secretary has triggered sharp criticism from the opposition. The CPM alleged that the appointment was similar to a controversial move in West Bengal and hinted at a possible “deal” between the Election Commission and the Congress, demanding a probe into it. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the appointment had put the Congress national leadership in a difficult position. He pointed out that the Congress had strongly opposed the appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the-then chief electoral officer in West Bengal, as chief secretary by the BJP government in the state. Govindan noted that Rahul Gandhi himself had criticised the Bengal appointment, but the Congress was now unable to take a similar stand in Kerala. Calling it a decision taken solely with the knowledge of the chief minister, Govindan said the Congress was in no position either to justify or oppose the move. He also alleged that details regarding any “deal” behind the appointment would emerge soon. When Agarwal was appointed the chief secretary, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had said in an X post: “In the BJP-EC’s ‘chor bazaar’, the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward.” Referring to the comment, the CPM and the BJP asked Rahul to clarify if his views were the same following Kelkar’s appointment. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan described the appointment as “highly mysterious”. Meanwhile, BJP legislator and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan accused the Congress of “double standards”. Muraleedharan, the new Kazhakkoottam MLA, termed the move “suspicious” and asked whether the administrative appointment was a “favour returned” for assisting the UDF in winning 100 seats in the state assembly. “When the BJP wins, Congress alleges vote theft and EVM manipulation. But when Congress wins, the chief electoral officer becomes an efficient official. People of Kerala should recognise this double standard,” he told reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Describing the appointment as another example of Congress’ “opportunistic politics”, he claimed that people in Thiruvananthapuram view recent postings as rewards based on personal interests. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya questioned Rahul’s silence on the issue. Referring to the West Bengal controversy, Malviya said Rahul had earlier termed such appointments as part of “vote theft”, but was now remaining silent. Malviya also alleged that Kelkar continues to hold the post of chief electoral officer, a position that is expected to function impartially. He questioned whether Rahul’s “moral outrage” depended only on which party was in power. “If Rahul did not view Kelkar’s appointment similar to Agarwal’s, the Congress leader should apologise to the people and the chief minister of West Bengal,” Muraleedharan said. He also referred to Satheesan’s remarks before the elections that he would go into political exile if the UDF failed to win more than 100 seats. “Does that mean he had assurances of support from those conducting the elections, including regarding the number of seats,” he asked. ‘Double standards’ Opposition calls out Congress’ criticism of similar appointment in West Bengal Leaders, including M V Govindan, T P Ramakrishnan, and V Muraleedharan expressed dissent 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
Orissa HC dismisses BJP leader’s petition challenging Jaleswar MLA’s election
The court ruled that appointing a panchayat samiti chairman as an election agent did not violate any statutory provision or materially affect the poll outcome. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has dismissed the election petition filed by BJP leader Brajamohan Pradhan challenging the election of BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra from the Jaleswar Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. Pradhan had lost the election by a narrow margin of 319 votes. In his petition, Pradhan alleged that Patra had illegally appointed Manas Jena, chairman of Jaleswar panchayat samiti, as his election and counting agent during the polls. He stated that Election Commission guidelines prohibit persons holding such public offices from functioning as election, polling or counting agents. He contended that despite the alleged restriction, the returning officer accepted Jena’s appointment, thereby vitiating the election process. Rejecting the contention, the High Court observed that neither the Constitution nor the Representation of the People Act, 1951 imposed any statutory disqualification on Manas Jena from acting as an election or counting agent. Justice Sashikanta Mishra held that the objection raised by the petitioner was based only on executive instructions contained in the Handbook for Candidates, which do not possess statutory force. He observed that no such evidence or material particulars had been placed on record by the petitioner. “In absence of any statutory prohibition and further in absence of any pleading or proof of material effect on the election result, the contention advanced cannot be accepted,” Justice Mishra ruled and dismissed the petition as devoid of merit. 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
Major reshuffle of IAS officers in Kerala
Govt has initiated a shake-up in bureaucratic strata, transferring 15 IAS officers, 6 collectors THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In its first major reshuffle after assuming office, the UDF government has initiated a major shake-up in bureaucratic strata transferring 15 IAS officers, including six district collectors. GST commissioner Patil Ajit Bhagwatrao has been appointed as secretary, Finance (Resources) Department, while Transport special secretary PB Nooh has been posted as GST commissioner. Six districts got new collectors. Alappuzha collector Inbasekar K has been posted as Kerala Water Authority managing director, with additional charge of joint project director, KERA (Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project). Cochin Smart Mission CEO Shaji V Nair will be the new Alappuzha collector. In a mutual transfer industries director Vishnuraj P will take over as Kannur collector, while incumbent Arun K Vijayan has been posted as industries director, with additional charge of MD, KSIDC. Kollam collector Devidas N was appointed Director, KILA. He will have additional charge of MD, Impact Kerala Ltd. Incumbent KILA director Nizamudeen A would be the new Pathanamthitta collector in place of Prem Krishnan S who was appointed as joint secretary and OSD, health department. Industries joint secretary and OSD Anie Jula Thomas will be the new Kollam collector. Palakkad collector Madhavikutty M S has been posted as collector, Kozhikode while incumbent Snehil Kumar Singh was appointed as collegiate education director, with additional charge of entrance commissioner. Collegiate education director Sudhir K will be the new Palakkad collector. Incumbent entrance commissioner Arun S Nair has been appointed as director, social justice department. He will have additional charge of executive director, Kerala Social Security Mission Limited; CEO Cochin Smart Mission and CEO Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority. New collectors have been instructed to take charge on Monday. Alappuzha sub-collector Sameer Kishan has also been posted as Industries department deputy secretary, with additional charge of coir department director. 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
UP Congress chief booked in Mahoba for derogatory remarks against PM Modi
The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. LUCKNOW: An FIR was lodged against Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai in Mahoba district on Saturday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FIR was based on the police complaint by the BJP’s district executive member Neeraj Rawat. Rai and 30 of his unidentified accomplices have been named in the FIR. The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. Significantly, Rai’s remarks escalated a war of words between the BJP and the Congress. The alleged abusive words used by Rai against Modi drew strong reaction from the BJP camp, including UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the entire BJP leadership after a purported video of Rai went viral on social media platforms. While the UPCC chief called it a fake video, accusing the BJP camp of fabricating it and claiming that he would lodge a police complaint in that connection, CM Yogi attributed the abusive language to Rai’s mental bankruptcy, reflecting his party’s frustration after facing back-to-back electoral defeats. In a post on X, Yogi said the comments made against the PM reflected the “political misconduct and poor culture” of the Congress. Rai’s indecent, unparliamentary and inexcusable remarks against PM expose the political values of Congress,” wrote the UP CM. Targeting the Congress leadership further, he said that even the party’s “Yuvraj” (read: Rahul Gandhi) had previously displayed similar political behaviour. “Congress has now reached the highest level of despair, frustration, and mental bankruptcy. They are no longer even in a position to apologise to the people of the country,” he added. The remarks came amid escalating political confrontation between the BJP and Congress after Rai’s recent comment on the Prime Minister. Namita Bajpai 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
Ratan Kelkar appointed as Kerala chief minister’s secretary
The 2003 batch Kerala cadre official, a native of Maharashtra, has earlier held different key positions in the state government. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major development, senior IAS officer Ratan U Kelkar has been appointed as the chief minister’s secretary. Notably, he’s being appointed to the crucial post while serving as the chief electoral officer, Kerala. The 2003 batch Kerala cadre official, a native of Maharashtra, has earlier held different key positions in the state government. The government order appointing him as secretary to CM V D Satheean will be issued on Saturday. Sreekumar T, a retired additional secretary, has been appointed special private secretary of the CM. The team also includes Siji G S as press secretary and Roy Mathews as media secretary. Thilakan K P K and Mohanachandran M S have been named additional private secretaries, while Padmakumar M, Abimon P A, Manojkumar P N, Jafarkhan S, Jayachandran A and Prakash O T will serve as assistant secretaries. 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 Congress MLAs set 15-day deadline for party top brass on Cabinet reshuffle decision
Sagar MLA Gopalakrishna Belur said that if no decision is taken in 15 days, the MLAs will take “aggressive steps”. SHIVAMOGGA: Congress MLA Gopalakrishna Belur on Friday said a group of 30-35 legislators is planning to visit Delhi by May 28 or 29 to press for decisions related to Cabinet expansion and reshuffle in Karnataka. He also said that if no decision is taken in 15 days, the MLAs will take “aggressive steps”. Gopalakrishna represents Sagar in the Assembly. Speaking to reporters, Gopalakrishna said the visit was initially scheduled after the selection of the Kerala Chief Minister and that the legislators would hold a meeting within the next few days before heading to the national capital. “We have taken a firm stand this time. Nearly three years have passed, but no concrete action has been taken on the issue,” he said. Referring to discussions around cabinet expansion, Gopalakrishna said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently indicated that around 15 legislators could be accommodated, but the group was demanding opportunities for more than 20 MLAs. “Many leaders have already enjoyed positions of power for three years. Opportunities should now be given to others if the Congress has to become stronger in Karnataka,” the MLA said. Gopalakrishna said around 25 legislators had travelled to Delhi earlier and that the number was now expected to rise to over 35. When asked about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, he said party legislators were strongly seeking one. “We are not asking only for newcomers to be inducted. We are asking for changes in the existing structure as well,” he said. On speculation over a possible change in the CM, Gopalakrishna said such decisions rest with the party’s national leadership. “The chief minister issue is not in our hands. We are demanding what we believe is our right,” he said. He also indicated that legislators seeking Cabinet positions expected clarity within the next 15 days and hinted at further steps if their demands were not addressed. “If we are not given an opportunity, we will discuss our future course of action and take a decision,” he said. Krishna Byre Gowda, 4 other MLAs in Delhi Amid speculation over a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and four other MLAs visited New Delhi on Friday. They are expected to meet the Congress high command leaders, including AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal. Speculation is rife as to whether Gowda will meet Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi before the latter embarks on a 10-day foreign trip from May 24. Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Shiggaon MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Hangal MLA Srinivas Mane, and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima have accompanied Gowda. After May 26, Chief Whip in the Assembly Ashok Pattan is likely to coordinate a group of MLAs for a Delhi visit to insist on the cabinet reshuffle. In a similar exercise in the recent past, Pattan had led 25 MLAs to the top brass. 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