Defiance or sabotage? What AAP’s move in Kerala signals for Congress in assembly polls
NEW DELHI: Does Aam Aadmi Party not want Congress to win in Kerala assembly polls? INDIA bloc’s inability to form a unified front ahead of the Kerala assembly polls was exposed spectacularly after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released successive lists of candidates, signalling its intent to fight a full-scale battle across all 140 seats in Kerala. The southern state, recently rechristened Keralam in a nod to its cultural and linguistic heritage, now stands as the latest battleground where AAP’s ambitions clash head-on with Congress. Kerala’s electoral rhythm has long resisted continuity, with voters mostly denying incumbents a second straight term. That pattern places Congress, the principal opposition, in a seemingly favourable position in the race for power in Thiruvananthapuram. Yet, AAP’s assertive entry adds a twist. Is Kejriwal’s party merely expanding its footprint, or subtly complicating Congress’s path to power? With limited organisational depth in the Malayalam-speaking state, AAP may not hold significant relevance, but with Arvind Kejriwal and his team emerging from the shadow of the Delhi liquor case, their presence could still, if only marginally, alter the political equation in Kerala. WWRpQ-party-wise-seat-share-across-years-in-kerala-assembly- The ruling Left, also part of the broader opposition fold, remains Congress’s primary rival, while the BJP trails as a distant third. In this triangular contest, AAP may not significantly dent the Left or the BJP, but it could influence the margins where elections are often decided, by chipping away at Congress’s vote share just enough to alter the final verdict. Is Delhi’s revenge being served in Kerala? 2025 began with the startling defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Earlier, the reluctant allies, AAP and Congress had decided to contest separately, with Congress, having little to lose, launching a belligerent campaign against the ruling Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation. The grand old party also found an opening as the Kejriwal cabinet came under the scanner in the Delhi liquor policy case, with agencies like the CBI and ED probing the matter. Several senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, faced legal trouble, leading to a phase where the government functioned under the chief ministership of party colleague and loyalist Atishi. rBatq-ldf-retained-power-in-the-2021-kerala-state-poll- While AAP’s defeat ultimately came at the hands of the BJP, Congress also played a significant, if indirect, role in preventing its INDIA bloc ally from securing a fourth consecutive term. The “vote-cutting” factor proved crucial in several constituencies, including New Delhi, where Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, was fielded against Kejriwal. Though he finished a distant third, the votes he secured contributed to Kejriwal’s defeat and helped the BJP’s Parvesh Verma emerge as a “giant killer.” Hypothetically, had those votes gone to Kejriwal, the outcome might have been different. The AAP’s tally fell sharply from 62 to 22 seats, while Congress once again failed to open its account. The herculean efforts that brought AAP and Congress into an arranged marriage to counter the strong force of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite years of political bitterness, unravelled once again in the 2025 assembly polls, reflecting a familiar pattern of rivalry. ASSEMBLY POLLS4 (3) AAP, which rose from the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, had directly challenged the government led by Sheila Dikshit and went on to establish a dominant hold over Delhi, reducing Congress from a ruling force to total insignificance. The Congress, once under Sheila Dikshit’s strong leadership for 15 years, has failed to win a single seat in the last two assembly elections (2020 and 2025), and has also drawn blanks in three consecutive Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, and 2024). Just as Congress dented AAP’s prospects in the Delhi assembly, AAP may now impact Congress’s chances in states like Kerala, as it seeks to maintain its relevance within the national opposition space. Coalition to confrontation Lok Sabha allies turned Assembly rivals, the battle between the estranged partners was anything but graceful. At one rally, Arvind Kejriwal did not hold back: “The problem with Congress is its sense of entitlement. They think they have a divine right to lead the opposition just because of their past, even when they have zero presence on the ground. They are not fighting the BJP; they are fighting regional parties that actually defeat the BJP. In Delhi, Congress is nothing but a ‘vote-cutter’ meant to help the BJP.” Congress, in turn, capitalised on the troubles surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, hitting AAP where it hurt the most. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led rallies across Delhi, branding Kejriwal and other AAP leaders as “corrupt.” In one such rally, Rahul Gandhi remarked: “Kejriwal ji keeps lying. The way Narendra Modi lies, Kejriwal lies too. There isn’t much difference between them. But I will tell you one thing—Kejriwal is probably more cunning and sophisticated than even the Prime Minister in how he misleads people.” VSGWw-kerala-assembly-elections- Weeks later, when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and his colleagues in the liquor policy case, Congress alleged it was part of a larger BJP strategy of “Congress-mukt Bharat.” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera attacked the BJP, calling it an “Icchadhari naag” (shape-shifting serpent), and accused it of using central agencies as political tools. Kejriwal retaliated sharply, questioning Congress’s claims and targeting its leadership: “Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Sanjay Singh went to jail. Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi go to jail? What is Congress saying? Does it have no shame?” To diminish Congress’s footprint? Congress, the grand old party with roots in the independence movement, has been grappling with vulnerability for over a decade. Beyond Delhi, it has steadily lost ground across multiple states, allowing the BJP to expand its dominance in national politics. This decline has also opened space for other players to challenge its position within the opposition. Among states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala which are going to polls, Kerala appears to be the one where Congress still has a
Rahul’s citizenship issue: HC sets hearing on Apr 15
Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court on Monday heard at length the case related to alleged dual citizenship controversy pertaining to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The hearing took place in the chamber of the court as it was pointed out by the Central govt that the issue was sensitive. The bench has now fixed April 15 as the next date of hearing in the matter. A bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi passed the order on the petition filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker of Karnataka. The petitioner has challenged the Jan 28 order of the special MP/MLA court, Lucknow whereby it had rejected his plea to order registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi. The MP/MLA court had said that it was not competent to decide the citizenship issue. The petitioner seeks registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi and detailed probe against him in the matter . He has levelled several allegations against Rahul Gandhi under BNS, Official Secrets Act, Foreigners Act and Passport Act. Hearing the matter earlier, the bench had asked the Central govt as to what action was taken by it on a complaint moved against Rahul’s British citizenship. 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
‘Who Else’ campaign reflects Pinarayi’s arrogance: Rahul
Thrissur/Koz: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday lashed out at the advertisement campaign of the LDF with the huge portrait of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the tagline ‘Who Else’ and alleged that both Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share the arrogant self-perception that only they can rule the state and the country. Addressing public meetings at Kunnamkulam and Mala in Thrissur, Rahul alleged that both Pinarayi and Modi believe that no one else has the capacity to rule the state and the country, and are intolerant to criticisms and strive to smash those who question them. “How can a chief minister go to the people with the question, ‘Who Else’ to rule. It is the height of arrogance. In fact, I would advise the CM to remove those billboards from the streets of Kerala. Every time a Keralite looks at those boards, he or she is made to feel insulted because he or she is being told that he or she cannot rule the state,” Rahul said. “Precisely it is this arrogant mindset that we are fighting. It is the same mindset that Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam chief minister) have. Leaders must understand that wisdom lies with the people, in the farmers, workers, people who run businesses, and the like. And the job of the leader is to understand this wisdom and work with the people,” he said. Reiterating the allegation of BJP-CPM deal, Rahul said Modi and Pinarayi avoid mutual criticism and support each other. “Pinarayi had tortured those who waved black flags at him. Modi lets the investigating agencies lose against all those who criticise him. Over 30 cases have been slapped against me and I was interrogated for over 55 hours at a stretch by the central agencies. In fact, Modi takes pain not to talk about the Sabarimala gold heist in order to protect Pinarayi,” Rahul said. Signing of the India-US deal indicates that US President Donald Trump controls Modi. No Prime Minister would have signed such an agreement with the US, which has sacrificed all interest of India. Similarly, the Kerala CM is controlled by Modi and Shah, Rahul said. LDF compromised its ideology: Priyanka Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi alleged that LDF has entered into a secret deal with BJP compromising its ideology, accountability and sense of responsibility to retain power. Campaigning for KPCC president Sunny Joseph in Iritty, Priyanka said the people of Kerala have been victims of a corrupt govt. “We have seen massive thefts in Sabarimala but there has been no word from the Prime Minister. All of us who oppose PM and raise our voice against him have ED cases, income tax cases and CBI cases on us but not a single one on the chief minister of Kerala,” she said. 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
‘Hate-spreading CM’: Rahul Gandhi slams Himanta Biswa at Assam poll rally
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading CM’. He alleged that his party’s ‘Babbar Shers’ would put him in jail. Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath, Rahul Gandhi said: “Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading chief minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail.” He also outlined key promises made by Congress for the state, focusing on welfare measures and community recognition. Rahul Gandhi said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve wages for tea workers. “We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers,” he said. Highlighting economic and social support initiatives, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress government would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame if voted to power. “As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case and action will be taken.” Targeting the central leadership, Rahul Gandhi also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. “Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.” He further intensified his attack on Sarma, alleging corruption involving his family and warning of strict action. “He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) also made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused.” The Congress leader also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, drawing a contrast between the party’s ideology and what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics. He said the party stands for unity and harmony. “Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” he said. He added that legal action against the chief minister would proceed even if an apology is offered. “Let him speak for some more days. After that, the Congress will form government in Assam and legal action will follow even if he asks for forgiveness,” the Congress leader said. The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May. 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
The missing contest: Why 2026 elections are not about PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi
As nearly 17.4 crore voters prepare to cast their ballots across Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry in the coming weeks, the familiar contours of electioneering are visible — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-decibel rallies and Rahul Gandhi’s ideological messaging in the poll-bound states. Yet, the election discussion remains far from the two national leaders. The 2026 assembly election battles are decisively centred on regional leadership, local welfare models and state-specific political equations, rather than on a PM Modi vs Rahul Gandhi binary. The power test of regional satraps In the upcoming elections, the spotlight is firmly on Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu. At the same time, contests in Kerala and Assam, featuring Pinarayi Vijayan and Himanta Biswa Sarma, are expected to be equally intense. Though these battles are unfolding in different political arenas with distinct players, they are tied together by a common theme: it’s do-or-die for regional leaders. For the BJP, these elections represent an opportunity to expand its footprint in states that have traditionally resisted it. However, for regional parties the stakes are significantly higher. This time, the elections are not just about retaining power, but will also decide their influence within the INDIA bloc at the national level. Mamata Banerjee In West Bengal, the contest is once again centred on Mamata Banerjee’s entrenched political base, including strong support from Muslim voters, who make up roughly a third of the electorate, alongside backing from other sections. For Mamata Banerjee, Bengal is not just a state – it is her core political identity and power base. The TMC has little presence outside Bengal. Losing here would mean losing national relevance overnight. After years of resisting the BJP’s rise, another strong challenge tests whether her grip remains intact or is beginning to loosen. A reduced mandate, even if not a loss, weakens Mamata’s stature within the opposition space as well. The BJP, while firmly established as the principal challenger, continues to grapple with converting its earlier gains into a decisive advantage. MK Stalin For MK Stalin and his Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the 2026 Tamil Nadu election is not a routine electoral test — it’s a decisive moment that will define both political longevity and legacy. Having come to power in 2021 with a strong mandate, Stalin now faces the weight of governance. This election is less about promises and more about performance. Welfare delivery, administrative control, and economic management will be closely scrutinised. Even a reduced majority could signal early signs of voter fatigue, altering the perception of DMK’s dominance. The stakes are amplified by Tamil Nadu’s political history of alternating regimes. A second consecutive victory would allow DMK to break its own jinx of now coming to power consecutively. For DMK, it’s not just about winning election this time, but to also perform with high strike rate to keep an upper hand over Congress in the alliance. Edappadi K Palaniswami Complicating matters further for Stalin is Edappadi K Palaniswami. and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) that remain a key challenger. But for EPS, the election is about being relevant. Since the death of J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK has struggled to retain its earlier dominance. EPS has gradually consolidated control within the party, but this election is his first full-scale test as the undisputed face of the organisation, especially when his arch-rival O Panneerselvam has joined hands with MK Stalin. A strong performance would validate his leadership and re-establish AIADMK as a credible alternative to the ruling DMK. A weak showing, however, could reopen internal fault lines and leadership questions. regional leaders2 Seeman For Seeman and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), this election is not about immediate power but about breaking the ceiling of relevance. Over the past few elections, NTK has carved out a distinct political identity rooted in Tamil nationalism. However, this support has largely remained a vote share without seats. In the 2021 elections, the NTK got 6.6% vote share, more than the BJP and the Congress. The central question this time is whether that support can finally translate into seats. For Seeman, the stakes are deeply personal and political. His appeal as a mobiliser, especially among sections of youth and first-time voters, has kept NTK visible. But repeated failure to win seats risks creating a perception of the party as a permanent outsider, strong on rhetoric but weak on electoral conversion. Pinarayi Vijayan For Pinarayi Vijayan and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front, the 2026 Kerala election is a defining test of durability rather than emergence. Vijayan made history in 2021 by breaking Kerala’s long-standing pattern of alternating governments, securing a rare consecutive term for the Left. That victory raised the stakes for 2026. A third straight win would not only cement his leadership but also mark an unprecedented political shift in a state known for its cyclical mandates. This election is also a referendum on governance. Vijayan’s tenure has been marked by an emphasis on welfare delivery, infrastructure, and crisis management, but it has also faced criticism over issues ranging from financial stress to allegations of administrative overreach. With anti-incumbency likely to accumulate over two consecutive terms, the margin for error is significantly narrower. Beyond Kerala, the outcome carries symbolic weight. Vijayan is one of the most prominent Left leaders in the country and a victory would reinforce the relevance of Left politics in India’s current political scenario. A defeat, on the other hand, means the end of the Left governance in India, ironically on the eve of Karl Marx’s birthday. N Rangasamy For N Rangasamy and the All India NR Congress (AINRC), the 2026 Puducherry election is about political survival and relevance in a tightly contested Union Territory. Rangasamy, often seen as Puducherry’s most recognisable regional face, has built his appeal on a governance-first image and personal credibility. However, leading a relatively smaller regional outfit, his political space is inherently fragile. A strong mandate would reaffirm his
Kerala govt led by an invisible force, its policies not Leftist: Rahul
Alappuzha/Idukki: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharply hit out at LDF stating that Left didn’t remain in the front’s name and nothing would remain after the elections. In his speech in Alappuzha, the opposition leader in Lok Sabha criticised chief minister for describing the brutal assault on Alappuzha candidate A D Thomas by his security personnel, as a ‘rescue operation’. Thomas had earlier shown a black flag at CM. With G Sudhakaran, an independent supported by UDF in Ambalappuzha, being present on stage, Gandhi said, “A senior leader, who was part of LDF is sitting with us today. His change of mind was not sudden; it was due to fundamental changes in LDF. It is not opportunism. When one travels with a party for a long time, one absorbs many things from it. He quit because he saw things happening contrary to its principles.” “We have been fighting LDF for years. Earlier, they had some ideologies, which is why they were called Left. The current govt’s policies are not leftist and it is led by an invisible force. It is communal and doesn’t accept the Constitution. It spreads hatred among people,” Gandhi alleged. “The connection between CPM and RSS-BJP is now visible to people. Most Left leaders are aware of it. There are two types of Left leaders: the opportunistic and power-hungry and they aren’t troubled by RSS-BJP connection. The second group consists of those who believed in and worked for Left ideologies for years. They feel betrayed and are uneasy,” he said. “When someone is in power for a long time, there is deep confusion. It happens to small leaders too. In a democracy, people provide leaders the opportunity to use power. However, at some point, some leaders feel that all power belongs to them. Those who recognise that power belongs to people will respect and acknowledge them. Such leaders will see all sections of people as their partners and speak to them,” said Gandhi. “Those who believe power comes from themselves will become intolerant and disconnected from people. This has happened to both Prime Minister and Chief minister here. People will recognise all these. Elections are just a formality for that,” he added. “When five or six women MPs stood up in Parliament, Prime Minister thought it was an attack on him. The brutal assault on those who showed a black flag to CM was due to the same mindset. CM didn’t think it was just their dissent. These incidents reveal two people intoxicated by power,” he said. “Why do those in power become disconnected from people? Kerala ranks first in drug issues. Farmers are in debt. In the coir sector, 1.3 lakh people are unemployed. Minorities are being attacked. Two nuns were attacked in Chhattisgarh. Churches were attacked in Manipur. The CM here stands with the attackers,” said Gandhi. He said UDF govt would implement the seawall promise unfulfilled by LDF govt, provide a support price of Rs 35 for rice and implement special projects in the coir and cashew sectors. Gandhi introduced UDF-supported candidates in Alappuzha district: Sudhakaran, M Liju, Thomas, Reji Cherian and K R Rajendraprasad to the audience. DCC president B Babu Prasad presided over the meeting. KPCC vice-president A A Shukoor, Muslim League district president A M Naseer and UDF Alappuzha assembly constituency committee chairman R Unnikrishnan also spoke. Gandhi and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal greeted the crowd. Before leaving the stage, Neerkunnam-native Amanil Kumar presented Gandhi a Neymeen (fish). As he was leaving, the crowd surrounded Gandhi, eager to shake hands and present him kanikonna flowers. Slams Modi for calling Trump ‘sir’ Speaking at an election campaign meeting in Kattappana, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing US President Donald Trump as ‘sir’. He alleged that the PM was under Trump’s control. “If Trump asks Modi to jump, he would jump and if asked to lie down, he would comply,” said Gandhi. Even if instructed to act in Israel’s favour, Modi would follow it without question, he said. He said addressing Trump as ‘sir’ was highly inappropriate and reflected a colonial mindset, as if India was still under British rule. “India is an independent nation and a Prime Minister should never address anyone as ‘sir’, nor act on instructions from a foreign leader,” he said. Gandhi alleged that whenever Trump called, Modi responded what he should do. “When Modi calls, Kerala CM responds in a similar manner,” he said. He accused PM of weakening India’s energy security and harming small businesses and the agricultural sector through trade agreements with the US. He also made corruption allegations against Kerala CM and his family. 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
Puducherry will be granted statehood when Rahul Gandhi becomes PM, Mallikarjun Kharge says
PUDUCHERRY: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday promised that if the INDIA block forms the govt, it will provide free groceries worth ₹2,500 every month and secure full statehood for the Union territory. Addressing a public meeting organised by the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Saturday in Puducherry, Kharge promised that the long-standing demand of statehood would be granted once the leader of the opposition of the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, becomes the prime minister. This will end the interference of the lieutenant governor in elected government, he said. The party promised free and complete education from primary school to research levels. Furthermore, the party promised a monthly scholarship of Rs 2,000 to students in both govt and private colleges. The party would provide a subsidy for gold for the thali (mangalsutra) to support families amidst rising costs of gold, he said. He labelled the NDA regime a “30% commission govt,” alleging that corruption had stalled all meaningful development in the state. He accused NDA of looting temple land and public assets worth several crores of rupees. He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero tolerance” for corruption was a facade, while major infrastructure like ports and airports were being handed over to private players. Kharge slammed the govt for opening more than 450 restaurants and bars in five years while failing to provide clean drinking water. He questioned whether NDA intended to turn Puducherry into a liquor-driven economy, citing plans for six new liquor factories despite a drinking water crisis. He said the double-engine govt was responsible for the rampant drug menace and the collapse of law and order. Kharge reminded the people that the infrastructure Puducherry enjoys today, including major hospitals like Jipmer and Indira Gandhi govt medical college, was established under the Congress regime. He accused the BJP of simply “pasting stickers” on existing Congress schemes and claiming them as new. “This election is a fight between neglect and responsibility, between a puppet govt and a strong Congress administration,” Kharge concluded, urging voters to oust the “corrupt” regime. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi enjoys ‘appam and omelette’ with UDF leaders ahead of Kerala Assembly polls
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday shared a video on social media showing him having snacks with United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders in Kerala ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. In the video, Gandhi is seen enjoying local delicacies like Appam, Puttu and omelette while engaging with UDF leaders on the ground realities of the upcoming polls. In a post on X, he wrote: “In between bites of Appam, Puttu and omelette the UDF leaders and I had a very interesting conversation on the ground realities of the Keralam election. It’s evident that Keralam deserves change – an overhaul of the education system, real opportunities for youth and a government that supports its people in sickness and old age. UDF is renewed hope for the people of Keralam – our team is strong, united and ready to lead.” The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to face a stiff challenge from the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Indian National Congress. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also trying to expand its footprint in the state, aiming to turn the contest into a three-way fight. The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, as announced by the Election Commission of India on March 15. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, while the tenure of the current assembly is set to end on May 23. 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
85% candidates finalised, 15% pending: Congress to seal Tamil Nadu list at CEC meet today
NEW DELHI: The Indian National Congress is set to finalise its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections at a Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in Delhi, with 85 per cent of names already decided, according to state unit chief K Selvaperunthagai. Selvaperunthagai said discussions involving senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have largely concluded, with only a small portion of seats left to be finalised. “All India Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders discussed the candidates. 85% have been decided, 15% are pending. Today we are going to decide,” he said. The Congress will contest 28 constituencies as part of the alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which heads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). The DMK has retained the lion’s share, deciding to contest 164 of the 234 seats, while allocating the remaining 70 seats to its partners. Apart from Congress, key allies include the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) with five seats each, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) with eight seats, and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) with four seats. Other alliance partners include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) with 10 seats and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) with two seats, along with smaller regional players. Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president M K Stalin has already unveiled candidates for several key constituencies. Stalin will contest from Kolathur, while Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been fielded from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. Other prominent candidates include Mahesh from Kanyakumari, Appavu from Radhapuram, Vahab from Palayamkottai, Kalaikathiravan from Tenkasi, and KKSSR Ramachandran from Aruppukottai. Additional names include Velu from Mylapore and Ma Subramanian from Saidapet. The main contest in the state is expected between the DMK-led SPA and the NDA led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which includes the BJP and PMK. A recent survey by polling agency Lok Poll projected a strong performance for the DMK alliance, estimating 181 to 189 seats with a vote share of 40.1 per cent. The AIADMK-led alliance was projected to secure 38 to 42 seats. Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The last date for filing nominations is April 6, scrutiny will take place on April 7, and candidates can withdraw nominations until April 9. With candidate lists nearing completion and alliances finalised, political parties are entering the final phase of preparations for what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest in the state. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Assam polls: Rahul Gandhi unveils Congress manifesto, focus on governance, identity
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday unveiled the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, outlining commitments across 11 key sectors including governance, identity and healthcare. The manifesto was released at an election rally in the presence of Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and other senior party leaders, reported PTI According to the party, the document lays out 11 resolutions covering governance, identity, healthcare, infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, rural and urban development, climate change, and a “secured Assam.” The release comes days after the Congress announced its “five guarantees” during the March 29 visit of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes to take place on May 4. The manifesto release marks a key step in the party’s campaign as it seeks to consolidate support ahead of the single-phase election in the state it has been out of power for a decade. 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