Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questions Centre over environment clearances for Great Nicobar project
Ramesh alleged that the clearances were based on hurried assessments conducted over a few days and weeks in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive island regions. NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday intensified his attack on the Centre over the Rs 72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island Development Project, alleging that the environmental studies used to grant clearances for the mega infrastructure venture were “grossly inadequate” and reduced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to a “mockery”. In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ramesh questioned the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s claim that the ecological impacts of the project were being “effectively managed”. He alleged that the clearances were based on hurried assessments conducted over a few days and weeks in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive island regions. The Congress MP said the government’s own regulations require detailed and multi-season environmental studies for projects of this scale, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Citing a November 3, 2009 Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry, Ramesh said port projects in the islands must undergo “comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment including physical and mathematical modelling and ground verification”. He said a proper baseline assessment should cover at least three seasons to capture ecological variations and biodiversity patterns. Ramesh said he could not find the “comprehensive and robust EIA studies” referred to in the ministry’s Frequently Asked Questions issued on May 1, 2026. Instead, he pointed to the Final EIA report submitted in March 2022, which showed that baseline environmental studies were conducted only during the winter season between December 2020 and February 2021. Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh. Bulldozer ignores concerns of locals: Congress flays Great Nicobar project Calling the exercise a “Rapid EIA”, the Rajya Sabha MP said a three-month, single-season study was insufficient to assess the environmental consequences of a large-scale port and infrastructure project in a biodiversity-rich island ecosystem. He also alleged that biodiversity assessments linked to the project were conducted over short periods. According to the letter, a “Quick Primary Survey of Ecology and Biodiversity” was carried out between December 14 and 22, 2020, while the survey on leatherback turtles lasted from February 12 to 18, 2021. Ramesh cited passages from the EIA report, claiming the study acknowledged that biodiversity mapping remained incomplete because of the island’s dense forests. Quoting the report, he said: “Based on our site observations, it appears that what is uncovered so far is not complete and what is hidden may be even more valuable.” He also questioned studies conducted by institutions including the Zoological Survey of India and the Wildlife Institute of India. According to Ramesh, the Zoological Survey relied on baseline data collected between February and March 2021, while the Wildlife Institute’s report described itself as a “Rapid Assessment Study” conducted over five days in April 2021. Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh. Controversial Rs 80,000 crore Great Nicobar Project gets NGT green light Describing the environmental studies as “an insult to science”, the Congress leader alleged that the clearances were granted on the basis of incomplete ecological data. Ramesh also objected to the Centre’s refusal to publicly release the report of the High-Powered Committee constituted after proceedings before the National Green Tribunal examining clearances linked to the project. Questioning the “logic and legality” behind classifying the report as confidential, he said that when EIA reports, detailed project reports and airport DPRs related to the project were already in the public domain, there was no justification for withholding the committee’s findings. Warning that the island’s “globally unique” ecosystem faced irreversible damage, Ramesh said compensatory afforestation could not offset the environmental destruction likely to be caused by the project. He added that several security experts had argued India’s strategic interests could be safeguarded without causing “such ecological devastation”. Mukesh Ranjan 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
High command yet to decide on Kerala CM amid intense factional campaigns
Poster wars, public demonstrations and hectic consultations in Delhi intensify as Congress leadership moves closer to announcing Kerala’s next chief minister The suspense over Kerala’s next Chief Minister persisted on Saturday as Congress leaders held an extended round of discussions in New Delhi, but no final decision emerged from the meeting. Sources said senior leader Rahul Gandhi reprimanded the leaders over the public show of factionalism, warning that the unrest was tarnishing the party’s massive electoral mandate. The chief ministerial deadlock remained unresolved even after top leaders held nearly three hours of discussions with the frontrunners. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi was unhappy that the lobbying for the top post had begun almost immediately after the election results, saying the leaders could not wait even a few days for the high command’s decision. He also urged the leaders to rein in workers and end internal divisions. AICC general secretary and Congress state in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi told reporters that deliberations on the leadership issue were still ongoing. She confirmed that all Congress MLAs had signed a one-line resolution authorising the high command to take the final call on who will lead the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala. Deepa Dasmunshi said the ultimate decision will be made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. The crucial discussions in Delhi are reportedly nearing it’s end after intense lobbying, public campaigns and internal consultations within the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) following its sweeping Assembly election victory. The high-level meeting, which commenced at 4 pm at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, is being attended by senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC chief Sunny Joseph. AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, who submitted their report to Kharge on Friday after consulting MLAs and alliance partners, are also participating in the deliberations. The leadership question has triggered visible factional mobilisation across Kerala, with supporters of senior Congress leaders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala openly campaigning for their respective leaders through posters, flex boards, road shows and demonstrations. Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Saturday indicated that the decision-making process in New Delhi had entered its final phase. “The information from Delhi is that discussions on the chief ministerial candidate will be completed within 24 hours,” Muraleedharan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. However, he cautioned that public displays of support alone would not determine the leadership issue. “Flex boards and demonstrations cannot decide who becomes Chief Minister. I conveyed the sentiments of the people from my constituency to the party leadership,” he said, adding that seniority was not the only criterion and that the opinions of coalition partners and MLAs would also be taken into account. The Congress-led UDF registered a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, winning 102 of the 140 seats, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats and the BJP secured three constituencies. Following the victory, the Congress Legislature Party had passed a resolution authorising the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership to decide the next leader of the legislature party, effectively handing the final call to the party high command. The focus has now shifted entirely to New Delhi, where senior Kerala Congress leaders, including Satheesan, Chennithala and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, arrived on Friday night for consultations with the central leadership. Sunny Joseph said a key meeting involving the top contenders would be held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence and expressed hope that a consensus would emerge quickly. “We expect a quick decision. The matter has been completely left to the AICC leadership,” he said. At the same time, Joseph appealed to party workers to refrain from public demonstrations and poster campaigns over the Chief Ministerial issue. The political atmosphere within the Congress has become increasingly tense over the past few days, with supporters of different factions openly projecting their preferred candidates. Posters backing Chennithala appeared in Idukki, while flex boards supporting Venugopal surfaced in Thiruvananthapuram soon after the UDF’s landslide victory. Supporters of Satheesan also organised marches and demonstrations demanding that the Leader of Opposition be elevated as Chief Minister. The growing factional activity has drawn criticism from several senior Congress leaders. Veteran leader P J Kurien condemned incidents involving the destruction of flex boards and attempts to pressure the party leadership through public campaigns. “Everyone has the right to express opinions. But destroying flex boards and pouring black oil on them is wrong. A Chief Minister cannot be decided through pressure tactics,” he said. Congress MLA T Siddique also expressed concern over public attacks against senior leaders and urged workers to maintain party discipline. “Leaders who dedicated their lives to public activity should not be humiliated in public. This is not Congress culture,” Siddique said. He nevertheless expressed confidence that the Congress high command would resolve all differences through a unanimous decision. Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan further intensified the debate on Saturday after strongly criticising the destruction of a flex board featuring K C Venugopal and late Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy. Calling such actions “divisive tactics,” Unnithan said all three leaders — Satheesan, Venugopal and Chennithala — were legitimate contenders for the Chief Minister’s post and that supporters were free to campaign for them within the limits of party discipline. “People who destroyed the flexboard of Venugopal, which also carried Oommen Chandy’s image, cannot be seen as part of Congress,” he said. Unnithan also defended the Indian Union Muslim League’s right to comment on the leadership issue after remarks by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan suggesting that the IUML should not interfere in Congress internal affairs. The Kasaragod MP argued that all UDF constituents, including the IUML, Kerala Congress and Revolutionary Socialist Party, had a stake in the formation of the next government and were entitled to express their opinions. “In fact, all the minority and religious groups who helped the UDF win are eligible to express their views on the matter,” he said. He
Vijay to take oath as Tamil Nadu CM on Sunday 10 am as VCK, IUML extend support
The Governor has directed the newly appointed Chief Minister to prove his majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by seeking a confidence vote on or before May 13 Ending the five-day-long suspense over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the VCK on Saturday declared unconditional support to the Vijay-led TVK, enabling the actor-politician to stake claim to form the government with a clear majority in the Assembly. Following the announcement, TVK founder-chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai and formally staked claim to form the new government. The swearing-in ceremony for the Council of Ministers, to be led by Vijay, is scheduled to take place in Chennai at 10 AM on Sunday. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is likely to attend the swearing-in The Governor has directed the newly appointed Chief Minister to prove his majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by seeking a confidence vote on or before May 13, according to Lok Bhavan sources. This was the fourth time Vijay met the Governor since the election results, but unlike the previous occasions, he now enjoys majority support in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Soon after the VCK extended support to TVK, another DMK ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), also announced its backing for Vijay. The IUML has two MLAs. With the support of the VCK and IUML, the numbers in favour of TVK rose to 120 — two above the simple majority mark of 118 in the Assembly. Earlier in the evening, TVK leader Adhav Arujuna confirmed the development and announced that the VCK had formally decided to support the party. VCK legislature party leader Vanni Arasu also submitted a letter to the Governor declaring the party’s support to TVK. “Victory,” Arujuna said, while thanking the Congress, Left parties and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan for backing TVK, and expressed confidence that Vijay would soon become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Sources in the VCK said the party would, for now, extend outside support to the TVK-led government. Before finalising its decision, the VCK had reportedly considered placing several conditions before extending support, including the continuation of welfare schemes introduced during the previous DMK regime. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar hands over the letter of appointment to TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as the new state Chief Minister, at the Lok Bhavan, in Chennai, Saturday, May 9, 2026. The party had also prioritised the continuation of two commissions — one constituted to recommend legislation against honour killings and another examining reservation in promotions for government employees. Sources further indicated that internal discussions within the VCK also explored the possibility of seeking a share in power, including ministerial positions and even a proposal projecting Thirumavalavan for the Chief Minister’s post with the backing of both the DMK and AIADMK, sources privy to the meeting told TNIE. It is this proposal that prompted Thirumavalavan to visit DMK president MK Stalin at his Cenotaph Road residence for a consultation. Stalin was reportedly receptive to the idea, but raised questions about future electoral politics, including in which alliance VCK plans to contest the next elections if both Dravidian majors backed Thirumavalavan for the top post. The same proposal was also taken to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Sources close to EPS, however, said he outrightly rejected it, noting it would damage his core vote bank. On Saturday morning, EPS posted in a social media platform X, extending his greetings to the party set to form a new government. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in a stunning electoral debut, was denied permission to form the government by the Governor, who was insisting that proof of majority should be provided before a floor test in the Assembly. The party earlier obtained support from the Congress, which won five seats in the Assembly elections as part of the DMK-led alliance. On Thursday, Left parties extended support to Vijay, upping the prospects for the TVK to form the government. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a long-time ally of the Left parties, also followed suit but did not send any letter of support, thereby prompting the Governor to call off the swearing-in ceremony scheduled on Saturday. Thirumavalavan had already announced that his party’s decision would align with the decision of the Left parties. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar hands over the letter of appointment to TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as the new state Chief Minister, at the Lok Bhavan, in Chennai, Saturday, May 9, 2026. Horse-trading allegations against TVK Meanwhile, the AMMK, a constituent of the NDA alliance, on Saturday loged a complaint with the Guindy police alleging TVK chief Vijay used a “forged” support letter by its MLA to stake claim for government formation. According to Guindy police, the petition was filed by AMMK General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran. However, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the matter as of Saturday morning. Speaking to reporters, Dhinakaran accused the TVK of submitting a forged photocopy of a letter to the Governor, falsely claiming the support of AMMK’s lone MLA-elect from Mannargudi, S Kamaraj. “The TVK, which claims to be a ‘pure force,’ has indulged in forgery and horse-trading,” Dhinakaran stated. Meanwhile, the TVK has dismissed the allegations as “false news,” releasing a counter-video purportedly showing MLA Kamaraj signing the support letter voluntarily. 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 slams Bihar police action on teacher aspirants, targets BJP over unemployment
He said the incident reflected the government’s indifference towards the concerns of unemployed youth. Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the BJP-led government of failing to address rising unemployment among young people and condemned the police action against protesting teacher aspirants in Bihar. The Congress leader alleged that the Bihar Police used force against candidates who were peacefully demonstrating over employment-related demands in Patna. He said the incident reflected the government’s indifference towards the concerns of unemployed youth. In a post on X, the Congress leader wrote, “Yesterday in Patna, teacher aspirants who were peacefully protesting for their right to employment were brutally beaten by the Bihar Police–again. BJP’s response to unemployed youth: Lathis. Unemployment is the biggest disease in India today, and its most devastating impact is falling on the youth of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.” Gandhi added that the Congress party stands with the unemployed youth. “Millions of youth, armed with degrees and skills in hand, are wandering from door to door. But the BJP government neither cares for them nor for you. When youth take to the streets to demand their rights, they are not given jobs in their hands–instead, lathis are rained down on their backs. India’s youth are fed up with the BJP’s lies–they will no longer stay silent. And the Congress stands with them at every turn,” the post read. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Bihar government witnessed a major cabinet expansion as 32 ministers, including senior leaders and first-time entrants, were inducted into the Council of Ministers at a grand ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The expansion comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government in Bihar, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary strengthening the administrative structure following a decisive electoral mandate. As part of the expansion, leaders from the BJP (15), Janata Dal (United) (13), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (2), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (1) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (1) were inducted into the Council of Ministers. 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
Protests, flex wars and online battles mark Kerala Congress CM race
Supporters also marched from Martyrs’ Column to the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram carrying Satheesan’s placards. KOCHI: The delay by Congress in naming the next chief minister even four days after the UDF swept the Kerala assembly election has triggered an unprecedented show of strength by supporters of senior leaders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala across the state. From Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam to Ernakulam, Congress workers have taken out rallies, erected giant boards and flooded social media demanding that their preferred leader be elevated to the top post. Large demonstrations backing Satheesan were organised at Muthalakulam, Koyilandy, Kuttiady and Vadakara in Kozhikode, where supporters installed towering cut-outs portraying him as ‘kingmaker’ and ‘Bahubali’. Similar marches were organised in Malappuram under the banner “Mathethara Keralam VD-ku Oppam”, while a rally titled “Secular Keralam with Satheesan” was held at Pampady. Supporters also marched from Martyrs’ Column to the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram carrying Satheesan’s placards. In some places, posters of Venugopal were reportedly torn down and replaced with Satheesan’s banners. Congress workers in Ernakulam and Kalamassery also witnessed flex-board rivalry. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership in Idukki cracked down on pro-Satheesan demonstrations. The DCC removed four office-bearers who led a march demanding Satheesan be made the CM. . Interestingly, while grassroots leaders, including booth and mandalam committee presidents, have openly joined rallies, most senior leaders have refrained from participation. Several seniors across factions are understood to be backing Venugopal internally, arguing that the CM should be selected through organisational consensus rather than public pressure. The battle has shifted online, too. Under a social media post by senior leader Rahul Gandhi thanking Kerala voters, Satheesan’s supporters urged the high command not to appoint Venugopal, arguing that choosing a sitting MP would trigger unnecessary by-elections. However, another Congress supporter countered online: “Any leader, no matter how big, who imagines that they can blackmail the party by sending fans and supporters to the streets, is mistaken. The party must take decisions within its own organisational framework and discipline.” Another widely shared post defending Venugopal questioned why so many MLAs continued to support him despite Satheesan’s strong media backing, arguing that party workers value leaders who quietly strengthen the organisation rather than build personality cults. Though relatively subdued, supporters of Chennithala too entered the online contest, circulating posters calling him the “People’s Chief Minister”, adding another layer to the Congress succession battle now spilling from party corridors onto Kerala’s streets and social media feeds. 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 has built system to steal elections, but time will come when it will face public anger,’ says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi alleged voter manipulation, institutional control and corruption by the BJP, claiming rising public anger will eventually challenge the ruling party. Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that it has built a system to “steal” elections, while asserting that people have understood the situation and will respond with public anger. Addressing a gathering in Gurugram after participating in the ‘Sadbhav Yatra’ led by Haryana Congress leader Brijendra Singh, Gandhi accused the BJP of manipulating elections in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, and also recently in West Bengal and Assam. “They delete lakhs of names and add lakhs of names. The ECI and bureaucracy are under their control,” he alleged, adding, “They think that their rule will not stop.” “But their time is going to come. People have understood that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are selling the country. Airport, ports, infrastructure. Nicobar Island is being sold to Adani,” he said. Gandhi also raised concerns over the Indo-US trade deal, claiming it would hurt Indian farmers and small industries. “Our agri sector has been opened for US farmers who can now sell their produce in Indian markets,” he said. He further alleged that India would have to purchase goods from the US every year under the agreement, which he said would impact domestic industry. “And all your data, what you speak, messages you send, medical data, hospital data, all of that Modi has handed over to America. What did India get in this deal, nothing. Zero, we got nothing,” he said. Gandhi also brought up the Epstein files issue while accusing the government of compromising India’s interests under the trade deal. He intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Narendra Modi and (industrialist) Adani are one and the same.” “Though the company’s name is Adani, it should be renamed as ‘Modani’,” he said, adding, “The entire nation knows that the BJP’s financial system is Adani. US President Donald Trump also knows it…” He further alleged that Modi cannot act without approval from the US President and also claimed he was prevented from speaking in Parliament for four hours. “What was I attempting to speak about? I was about to speak about Epstein, Adani. But Narendra Modi simply got up and went out of Parliament,” he said. Before his speech, Gandhi walked about a kilometre with Brijendra Singh, Haryana Congress chief Rao Narender Singh and other leaders as part of the yatra. Leader of Opposition in Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda, senior leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and B K Hariprasad were also present. “Take it in writing, Narendra Modi tick nahi payenga kyon ki janta mein itna gussa hai,” Gandhi said, adding, “No matter how many elections you have to steal you may do, but you will have to face the anger which is there in the people.” He said unemployment remains the biggest issue in Haryana and across the country, and claimed the Congress would defeat the BJP. “And then you would see what action we would take against Modi as they (BJP) have launched a direct assault on the country, democratic system and the Constitution drafted by B R Ambedkar,” he said, holding up a copy of the Constitution. “We will not forget it, come what may. This is an ideological battle. There are only two ideologies: one is of RSS’s hatred and division, and the other represented by the Congress party – of love and unity,” he added. Gandhi also said that no other party would be able to challenge the BJP and claimed that ultimately only the Congress would remain and defeat it. He referred to the Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying, “A few years ago, we undertook a journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir’ a distance of 4,000 km. We walked from Kanyakumari all the way to Kashmir; millions of people walked alongside us, and we raised a slogan: ‘To open a shop of love in the marketplace of hate.’” “This slogan was not merely our slogan; it emerged from the crowd itself,” he said, adding that the country still needs this message today. He also praised Brijendra Singh for undertaking the Sadbhav Yatra, which began on October 5, 2025 from Danoda village in Narwana, Jind. The foot march has so far covered 85 of 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana and over 2,700 km, according to organisers. The yatra aims to highlight issues including “vote chori”, unemployment, law and order concerns, agrarian distress, and issues faced by government employees, labourers and traders. It has been described as a continuation of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, with the slogan “Congress ka haath Bhaichara kay Saath.” Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Gandhi has a special affection for Haryana and praised him for raising issues of farmers, labourers and women, adding that he had helped stop the BJP’s farm laws. 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, Congress top brass to attend Vijay’s swearing-in as Tamil Nadu CM
The development comes as Vijay appears set to assume office after securing crucial support from several political parties, including the Congress and its five MLAs, enabling TVK to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly Senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, according to Congress sources. The development comes as actor-turned-politician Vijay appears set to assume office after securing crucial support from several political parties, including the Congress and its five MLAs, enabling TVK to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly, party leaders and sources said on Friday. The move follows Vijay’s meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, where he formally staked claim to form the government after consolidating support from multiple parties in the wake of the fractured mandate delivered in the recently concluded Assembly elections. TVK leader and Tamil Nadu CM designate Joseph Vijay Vijay moves closer to forming Tamil Nadu government as Left parties extend support; VCK decision awaited TVK had emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, but remained short of the majority mark of 118 required to form the government on its own. The Congress later formally announced its support to TVK and Vijay in forming the next government in the state, effectively ending its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in favour of backing the new political formation. Congress had contested the elections as part of the DMK-led alliance before extending support to TVK. With the backing of the Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Vijay’s party has crossed the majority threshold in the Assembly. The CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, which won two seats each, extended support to TVK, taking the alliance tally beyond the halfway mark along with the Congress’ five MLAs. In an official letter, the CPI(M) conveyed its support to TVK for the formation of the government in the state, while the CPI extended “conditional support” to the Vijay-led party in favour of “stable, secular and democratic governance for the people of Tamil Nadu.” 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 has no ideology, says Karnataka LoP Ashoka as party dumps DMK for Vijay’s TVK in TN
The Congress wasted no time in joining hands with TVK. TUMAKURU: Leader of Opposition R Ashoka has said that the true colour of the Congress has been revealed after it joined hands with Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu, ditching its long-time ally, the DMK. “Now any party that wants to have an alliance with the Congress needs to rethink,” Ashoka said. The Congress has entered into an alliance with TVK, breaking its pre-poll alliance with the DMK. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ashoka said, “The DMK lost the election. The Congress wasted no time in joining hands with TVK. The Congress has no ideology. Congress has broken the trust of DMK… that is why people do not trust the Congress.” Those in INDIA bloc and others who wish to join hands with the Congress now need to rethink, he said. “The Congress has backstabbed the DMK. After the betrayal, the DMK is now left alone,” the BJP leader said, adding that the Congress has now grabbed the “winning horse’s tail”. 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 seeks Utkal University’s response on Ombudsman appointment PIL
The petitioner highlighted the university’s alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has sought response from the registrar of Utkal University on a PIL seeking appointment of an Ombudsman at the institution, as mandated under the UGC regulations on student grievance redressal. The petition was filed by advocate and Bhubaneswar-based human rights activist Prabir Kumar Das. The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday. Appearing in person, Das presented his submissions, highlighting the university’s alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements. The two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman issued notice to the registrar of Utkal University, seeking a response within two weeks in this connection. As per the petition, the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2021, mandates the constitution of a Students Grievances Redressal Committee (SGRC) under Regulation 5 to address student complaints, and appointment of Ombudsman under Regulation 6 to hear appeals against SGRC decisions. The petition pointed out that though the UGC in a letter dated April 12, 2021 had directed universities to appoint an Ombudsman within 30 days of notification, Utkal University had allegedly failed to comply. 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
Allahabad HC defers hearing on plea seeking probe into Rahul Gandhi’s alleged disproportionate assets
Division bench of Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Zafeer Ahmad passed the order on a BJP worker’s plea, directing documents be sealed. LUCKNOW: In order to avoid an open court hearing while exercising utmost caution with documents attached to the case file, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday deferred the hearing on a plea seeking a probe into the alleged disproportionate assets (DA) of Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, till May 12. The division bench, comprising Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Zafeer Ahmad, passed the order on a writ petition filed by Karnataka BJP worker S. Vignesh Shishir, while directing that the documents related to the case be kept in a sealed envelope. The petitioner moved the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on April 25, 2026, and the bench took up the case for its first hearing on May 6, 2026. Interestingly, both judges heard the matter in their chamber. After Wednesday’s hearing, they issued directions to seal the entire copy of the writ petition before them, and it was ordered to be kept in the custody of the Senior Registrar of the High Court. The judges further directed the Senior Registrar to place the case file before the bench on May 12 at 2:15 pm for a further hearing in chambers. “The seal shall be opened by the Bench Secretary of this Court on the next date of listing,” the judges ordered. Significantly, prior to the commencement of the hearing, the petitioner moved an application urging the bench to direct the authorities concerned to preserve the records of the present writ petition in safe custody. The petitioner has levelled serious allegations against the Congress leader, claiming that he has allegedly amassed substantial wealth from unknown sources. The petitioner has made the Government of India, CBI, ED, CBDT, Uttar Pradesh Police and the Director of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, New Delhi, parties to the petition, and has sought directions from the court for an inquiry into the matter. The hearing was deferred after counsel for the central and state agencies sought time to obtain written instructions. After the first hearing, the bench recorded in its order that the petitioner had argued at length, following which counsel for the opposite parties requested a short adjournment to obtain written instructions from their respective governments and agencies. Agreeing to this request, the bench posted the matter for the next hearing on May 12. 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