Cong pledges ST tag to 6 groups, Rahul unveils 100-day action plan
Guwahati: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday released the party’s manifesto for the 2026 Assam assembly election in Karbi Anglong, while AICC leader Pawan Khera released it almost simultaneously in Tezpur. The manifesto promises Scheduled Tribe status for tea tribes and five other communities. BJP, in its manifesto released earlier, said it will actively pursue the central govt to implement the recommendation of the Group of Ministers in respect of ST status to the six communities of Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Adivasis and Tea Tribes, Chutia, Moran and Matak. Titled “Raijor Istahar”, the document adds to the five guarantees earlier announced by Congress. The manifesto says the BTC, KAAC and Dima Hasao councils will be strengthened with greater financial and administrative powers, and displaced tribal communities will be rehabilitated. “Within the first 100 days, along with ensuring justice for Zubeen Garg, the party has committed to completing five key tasks to build public trust. This will be followed by institution-building within one year and structural transformation within five years,” the party said in a release. Congress said the Assam Accord would be fully implemented to ensure constitutional safeguards. “Tribal lands will be protected under the Sixth Schedule and Forest Rights Act, and encroachment will be prevented.” The manifesto also says that Assam will be developed as a major education hub, with AI-enabled govt schools. “The “Tuition Baideu” programme will reduce private tuition costs. Under the “Porhiba Card”, education loans up to Rs 5 lakh at 4% interest will be provided, repayable after employment.” The five tasks promised to be completed in the manifesto within the first 100 days are: publication of a White Paper on the state’s financial condition and creation of an anti-corruption commission; a transparent land records, revenue and taxation system; priority for local people in jobs and govt contracts; immediate flood relief and the start of erosion control measures; and fast-track recruitment to fill vacancies in hospitals and schools. Within one year, the party promises institution-building measures, including guaranteed annual grants and accountability dashboards for Panchayati Raj institutions, district-level single-window citizen service centres, police reforms and fast-track courts for corruption, land and women-related cases, MSME clusters and entrepreneurship missions, and upgraded district hospitals along with expanded digital classrooms. Its five-year transformation goals include fully decentralised and performance-linked governance with public reporting, an integrated and fully digital governance system for all services, universal healthcare and 100% school enrolment, major reduction in flood and erosion impact, and doubling income with sustained employment growth. The manifesto also announces the “Karmayogi Udyogi” initiative for men. Under it, a Rs 1,000 crore Assam Youth Entrepreneur Venture Fund will support first-time startups. Through the “Udyami Card”, first-generation entrepreneurs will get collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh at 4% interest. For widows, the manifesto promises priority in housing, ration and healthcare schemes. The party also said, “An Advocates’ Welfare Fund will be created for lawyers and legal workers. Travel and logistical expenses for lawyers affected by High Court relocation will be covered. More than 500 judicial clerks will be appointed in district and sessions courts to speed up judicial processes.” Congress further promised a Smart Parking Policy in Guwahati and other cities to ease congestion. It promised that a “Zubeen Garg Fellowship” will be introduced for youth in cultural fields. 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
Selling India to Trump: Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi of compromising India’s agriculture and data; Claims the Prime Minister has weakened the nation’s security
Guwahati: Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of selling India to Donald Trump and the United States, alleging at campaign rallies in Assam that the BJP-led govt had opened India’s agriculture sector to American farmers, weakened the country’s energy independence and compromised its data. Addressing rallies in Karbi Anglong and Jorhat in support of united opposition alliance candidates, the Leader of Opposition said the India-US deal signed by Modi had put pressure on Indian farmers and businesses. Campaigning in Karbi Anglong for opposition candidate and APHLC leader JI Kathar from the Diphu seat, Rahul said, “Narendra Modi initiated and signed the India-US deal. You will say why Rahul is talking about the US-India deal in Assam’s elections. But there is a reason for this, because you need to understand where the pressure on you is coming from. Narendra Modi signed the US deal. He gave four to five things to America. Hindustan’s agricultural system, the hard work of our farmers — Narendra Modi opened it up for American farmers.” He said no previous Prime Minister had taken such a step and added, “Soybean, dal, fruits, cotton — all of this, Narendra Modi opened up for American farmers. Indian farmers have small fields, they have less mechanisation, while America has farms spanning thousands of acres with extensive mechanisation. Indian farmers will be crushed, trampled, and wiped out.” At both rallies, Rahul also alleged that Modi had compromised India’s energy security by allowing the US to influence crude oil purchases. He said, “The oil we purchase — Narendra Modi handed it over to America. Today, if India wants to buy oil from other countries, permission is needed — whose permission? Donald Trump’s, America’s. Today, if we want to buy oil from Russia, Iran, or Iraq, we cannot buy it without asking Donald Trump.” He further alleged that India’s data had been handed over to the US. “They can do whatever they want with our data, store it wherever they want,” he said. Rahul also claimed Modi had committed India to buying goods worth Rs 9 lakh crore annually from American companies, which he said would hurt small businesses and medium industries. “Narendra Modi gave a lot to America, but America gave nothing to India — nothing at all. Their taxes were reduced, our taxes were increased, they took our data, took our oil, took away our agriculture. So the question arises — why this deal?” he said. In a fresh attack, Rahul referred to the Epstein files and alleged, “Narendra Modi’s entire character is contained within those files. Donald Trump abuses Modi, and Modi cannot say anything. Donald Trump publicly says that I will destroy Narendra Modi’s career — ‘I will destroy him whenever I want.” And then in a tweet he says Narendra Modi “calls me Sir” — India’s Prime Minister calls me Sir.” Rahul also accused Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah of working together to transfer land in Assam to big corporates. “And the job of the Prime Minister and chief minister is to loot you. It is straightforward — Prime Minister ji, Amit Shah, and Himanta ji have together set up an ATM here — an ATM of your land. Whatever land they need, they take it,” he said. He added, “Without asking you, he himself snatches your land. Adani’s solar project (18,000 bigha), Ambani (13,000) bigha, Adani thermal project (6,000 bigha), Adani power plant (1,400) bigha land, Ramdev — 7,000 bigha — they are directly snatching your land and giving it to them.” In Titabor, Rahul raised the issue of tea garden workers’ wages and accused BJP of failing to fulfil its promise of Rs 350 per day. “During the elections, they said you (tea garden workers) will be given Rs 350 rupees as wage per day. How much do you get, how much money do you get? They (BJP) now say they will give Rs 500 rupees. They didn’t fulfil the promise made 5 years ago, they lied to you, and then after that, 5 years later, they are lying again,” he 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
‘Hat-trick of defeat for Congress certain’: PM Modi takes ‘rajkumar’ dig at Rahul Gandhi in Assam
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress in Assam, taking a swipe at Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi by calling him a “Rajkumar” and predicting a string of defeats for the grand old party, even as he expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA would secure a “hattrick” in the state, mentioning the strong state leadership under Sarbanand Sonowal and now of Himanta Biswa Sarma. Addressing a public rally in Gogamukh, the Prime Minister struck an aggressive tone, targeting former Congress president Rahul Gandhi with an indirect jibe, referring to him as a “self-proclaimed prince”. PM Modi said, “This is my first public meeting after the announcement of the Assam elections. This ocean of people in front of me, the enthusiasm of the youth, the blessings of the sisters and daughters, this love is an open declaration that this time a hat-trick is certain.” Reiterating his confidence, PM highlighted both his own electoral record and the party’s performance in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “With the blessings of all of you, I received the opportunity to achieve a hat-trick as Prime Minister. With your blessings, I also received the opportunity to hit a hat-trick on this ground. I have come here for the third time. And with your blessings, the government in Assam is also going to achieve a hat-trick.” He credited the state’s governance over the past decade to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that Assam had entered a new phase of development and stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “First under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and then under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, the BJP-NDA government is set to complete a hat-trick. And the Congress is also set to face a hat-trick of defeats… The self-proclaimed prince of Congress is set to score a century of defeats.” The Prime Minister also referred to the BJP’s recently released manifesto, describing it as a blueprint for the state’s future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “…The Assam BJP released a splendid manifesto yesterday. It was Tuesday yesterday, and this manifesto released on Tuesday is set to bring more ‘Mangal’ (auspiciousness) to Assam… This is the ‘Mangal Patra’ that arrived on Tuesday.” Highlighting key promises, PM Modi spoke about governance reforms and social initiatives, including the proposed implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the state. PM Modi said, “To ensure that no deceit is done to our daughters, many major announcements have also been made to ensure the dignity, respect, and safety of our daughters’ lives. Implementing Uniform Civil Code in Assam and protecting the traditions of our tribal society, Sixth Schedule areas, or saving Assam’s identity are very big announcements. The BJP does what it says.” Drawing a contrast with past governments, the PM accused Congress of presiding over a period marked by instability and violence, while crediting the NDA for ushering in peace and development. Prime Minister Modi said, “In the past decade, Assam has traversed a long journey of development. These 20-25-year-old youngsters have only witnessed the good governance of BJP-NDA. They have not seen the dark era of Congress rule, when news from Assam was only about bombs, guns, riots, and curfews. The double-engine government has shown Assam a new path to lasting peace. Thousands of Assam’s sons and daughters have, in the past decade, put down the gun and connected to a new future.” He also outlined plans to position Assam as a hub for modern technology, including semiconductor manufacturing. PM Modi said, “There was a time when Assam was discussed in the world for its tea. Now, Assam will be recognised by the world not only for tea but also for chip. That day is not far when chip production will begin from Assam’s semiconductor plant. This will develop Assam as a major hub for modern technology. In the coming times, be it phones, cars, TVs, or fridges, all these products will run on chips from Assam. This is our roadmap for a developed Assam.” On infrastructure, PM Modi accused previous Congress governments of neglect, particularly in building connectivity over the Brahmaputra river. Prime Minister Modi said, “Assam has been gifted so much by nature; Assam has never lacked resources. But for the sake of power, Congress divided the society of Assam and never allowed the two banks of the Brahmaputra to connect. In 60-65 years, Congress built only 3 bridges over the Brahmaputra. Due to the lack of bridges, we lost so many people. The double-engine government understood this problem and completed 5 major bridges over the Brahmaputra in just 10-11 years.” The Prime Minister also took aim at Congress over the issue of illegal infiltration, asserting that the NDA government would continue strict action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congress wants to settle foreigners in Assam and make the native sons and daughters of this land a minority…The BJP-NDA government will not allow the land of our farmers, tribals, and our forests to be under the occupation of infiltrators. Against illegal occupation, the BJP-NDA government’s action will continue. Assamese pride and identity will continue. This is Modi’s guarantee.” The rally marked a high-voltage campaign event in Assam, which is set to vote in a single phase on April 9, with results to be declared on May 4. 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
Pushed out by Jyoti Basu, eclipsed by Mamata, crushed by BJP: Congress’ 50-year exile in West Bengal
NEW DELHI: Nearly 50 years have passed since the Congress party’s Indira Gandhi era, when stalwart Siddhartha Shankar Ray helmed West Bengal as chief minister. His tenure ended in 1977, giving way to a sweeping communist surge led by veteran marxist Jyoti Basu, who would become the state’s longest-serving chief minister. The decades of Left dominance systematically eroded the Congress’s influence. The party of the iconic Bidhan Chandra Roy was pushed so far to the margins that it now struggles to project itself even as a credible third force. The Left’s long hegemony was eventually shattered by Mamata Banerjee. Her political ascent relegated the communist brigade to the sidelines, but in the most recent elections, it was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that emerged as the primary challenger to her Trinamool Congress (TMC) in last elections that took place in 2021. Amidst these seismic shifts, the Congress’s footprint remains a shadow of its former self as the next assembly polls approach. The decline is stark when compared to 1972, when the Congress secured a landslide victory with over 200 seats and nearly half the total vote share. However, following the rise of the CPM-led Left Front under Jyoti Basu, the party began a long retreat from the center of power. In the 1977 elections, the grand old party suffered a crushing defeat, eclipsed by the CPM wave. This collapse was fuelled in part by the backlash against Indira Gandhi’s Emergency, which also led to the Congress’s first-ever defeat in Centre, losing general election that same year. By 1977, the party had lost more than half the vote share it held in 1972. It never returned to a commanding position. While Congress remained a relevant opposition force for years, the turn of the millennium saw its political space seized by Mamata Banerjee. Having broken away to form the Trinamool Congress in 1998 under the “Jora Ghas Phul” symbol, Banerjee achieved power within 15 years, filling the vacuum left by the declining Left and a stagnating Congress. In many ways, the TMC managed to ascend to the top while more than a century older Congress languished. Even as national leadership transitioned from Indira to Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal’s electorate showed little interest in returning to the Congress fold. The 2021 elections marked a final turning point. The BJP surged to 77 seats, becoming the principal opposition. While the BJP could not unseat Mamata Banerjee, its rise dealt a devastating blow to the Congress, which failed to win a single seat, cementing its position as a distant third. Now, facing an uphill battle for relevance, the Congress is preparing to fight back. As the state gears up for elections across 294 seats, the party hopes to transition from a faded memory to a renewed political force in a state where the results will define the next chapter of Bengal. 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
‘Double-ghulami govt’: Priyanka Gandhi calls PM ‘slave’ of US, Assam CM Himanta that of Modi
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Vadra on Wednesday took a swipe at the BJP-led central and state government, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a “government of double-slavery” in Assam. Addressing a rally in Nazira, Priyanka targeted the BJP’s central campaign pitch, saying it had failed to deliver on its promises. She further said that PM has become a slave to America and CM Hemanta is that of Modi. “They had spoken of a double-engine government. Didn’t they say so in the last election? Modi ji used to come and say that now they will run a double-engine government. But they have run a government of double-slavery. Modi ji has become a slave to America and because of his policies today the entire country is in crisis. And Hemanta ji is Modi ji’s slave. And on top of that, they want this government of double-slavery to make the people of this beautiful and self-respecting state of Assam slaves, keep them suppressed,” she said. “They only work for you when they see some benefit in it for themselves. This has not been the tradition of this country. Even today, we want a government in Assam which doesn’t scare you, doesn’t threaten you, doesn’t serve its own selfish interests, but serves you, works honestly for you, advances and strengthens your culture and your civilisation,” she added. She further alleged that the BJP government in Assam was functioning through intimidation and corruption, claiming that public resources were being misused. “It is not just that one leader is prospering. The biggest thing that happens due to corruption is that your money is snatched away. This money is meant to be used for you—schools, hospitals, roads, taps—but instead it is being used to build palaces and enrich families,” she said. Targeting the state leadership, Priyanka claimed that “only one family is looting everything in Assam,” while ordinary citizens continue to struggle. She also accused the BJP of failing to fulfil key promises, including raising wages for tea garden workers and granting Scheduled Tribe status to several communities. “Various tribal communities have been demanding ST status for years. The BJP had promised to accord ST status to them, but they failed to give it,” she said. Raising concerns about governance, the Congress MP alleged that people were being coerced into attending rallies. “PM Modi and CM Himanta are ruling the country and state with fear and threats. Our fight is against that fear, and for protecting Assam’s culture and civilisation,” she said. Highlighting Congress’ promises, Priyanka outlined welfare measures her party would implement if voted to power. “If you want such an Assam, then choose the Congress government. Our first guarantee is that for women, if you want to start some small work or business, you will be given Rs 50,000. Whatever scheme we bring for women, its cash will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of women,” she said. “You will get health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh. The government will provide free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh for whatever disease you have. Our government has already shown this in Rajasthan,” she added. Priyanka also raised the issue of justice for Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, asserting that it was a legitimate public concern. “The Congress government wants Zubeen Garg ji to get justice. Within 100 days, as soon as our government is formed, we will get him justice,” she said. Further rejecting accusations of politicising the issue, she said, “I honestly don’t believe that such things should be politicised. But I think that when there is a demand among the public that somebody who they revered and respected is not getting justice, then, as politicians, isn’t it our duty to say that yes, we are going to make every effort to give justice? How is that politicisation?” Calling for a political change, she urged voters to envision a “new Assam.” “Raise your heads, puff out your chests, and make up your mind that with the new government, a new Assam will come. Your Assam, that Assam which was Zubeen Garg ji’s dream, that Assam which is in your hearts, that Assam which is everyone’s dream, in which your children’s future becomes bright, in which this corruption stops,” she said. Congress is anti-development: PM Modi Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mounted a strong counterattack on Congress during his rallies in the state. Addressing a gathering in Biswanath, he accused the party of being “the root cause” of corruption in independent India. “The entire country knows that Congress is anti-development and has been the root of corruption in independent India. In Assam, Congress committed acts that the people are well aware of. Congress has played with Assam’s identity, pride, and security. Since independence, it compromised Assamese identity for the sake of power and repeatedly neglected Assam’s interests,” he said. He further alleged that Congress had encouraged illegal infiltration for political gains. “They (Congress) have compromised with Assam’s ‘aatma’ (soul), ‘shaan’ (pride), ‘pehchan’ (identity) and ‘suraksha’ (security),” Modi said, adding that the BJP government had taken steps to remove encroachments and protect local identity. The Prime Minister also reiterated the BJP’s governance record, stating that the party’s “double-engine government” had ushered in development and stability. “The BJP’s 10-year rule heralded a new dawn of ‘seva’ (service) and ‘sushasan’ (good governance) in Assam,” he said. Modi further promised key policy measures if the BJP returns to power, including implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule. He also expressed confidence in securing a third consecutive term in the state. The political exchange comes as Assam heads into a high-stakes assembly election, with polling for all 126 constituencies scheduled for April 9 and counting set for May 4. The contest is expected to be a direct fight between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Congress, with both sides intensifying their campaigns and sharpening their attacks in the final stretch. Courtesy :
Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala slam Centre over soaring prices, LPG shortage
BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Tuesday held a joint press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters, sharply criticising the Centre over soaring prices of essential commodities and alleged rollback of welfare benefits. Shivakumar said citizens are “suffering due to rising prices,” blaming government mistakes and international conflicts for straining households. He highlighted shortages in LPG supply, electricity unreliability, rising firewood dependence, and a Rs 60 hike in cylinder prices. Targeting the Centre’s Ujjwala LPG scheme, he said, “Ujjwala is gone, and they have started the firewood scheme. People now depend on firewood instead of gas. Power and railway fares have also increased.” The deputy CM accused the central government of waging a “price-rise war on ordinary people,” while presenting the Congress-led Karnataka government’s welfare measures as a counter. “Through our five guarantee schemes, we are directly supporting citizens. The Centre blames wars for inflation, but our programmes help people cope with rising costs,” he asserted. Shivakumar alleged the Modi government collected Rs 43 lakh crore in petroleum taxes over 11 years, terming it “brazen loot,” and claimed these funds contributed to high prices. In contrast, he said, Karnataka’s Congress model allocates Rs 1,18,000 crore for direct benefits to citizens. “Two models exist: Karnataka’s guarantees transfer Rs 1,18,000 crore directly to people to protect them from BJP-led inflation, while the Modi government continues to extract taxes and hike prices, looting citizens,” he said. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the rupee’s fall, stock market crash, job losses, and economic hardships, calling PM Modi “compromised” in a social media post. “Rupee: Rs 95 + 100 Stocks: Crashing Economy: Collapsed Jobs: Gone Income: Falling Savings: Wiped out Cylinders: Unavailable. Why? PM Compromised,” Rahul Gandhi wrote, adding that the Prime Minister is “desperate to protect himself and his financial structure, but 140 crore Indians know India’s future has been surrendered.” 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
‘So-called defender of Hinduism says nothing about Sabarimala’: Rahul Gandhi takes dig at PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of selectively raising religious issues and questioning his silence on the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case. Addressing an election rally in Kannur, Kerala, ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, Gandhi said, “When the so-called defender (the PM) of Hinduism comes to Keralam, he says nothing about Sabarimala,” he said. He further alleged inaction over the issue and accused leaders of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of wrongdoing. “How is the BJP supporting the CM (Pinarayi Vijayan)? First, wherever the PM goes, he talks about temples, religion and gods. But when the PM comes to Keralam, he doesn’t raise the issue of the Sabarimala temple. CPM leaders stole gold from the Sabarimala temple, but no action has been taken against them,” Gandhi said. — ANI (@ANI) Gandhi claimed that there was an underlying understanding between the BJP and the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF in Kerala. He alleged that the chief minister was being shielded by the Centre. “Narendra Modi controls the Chief Minister of Kerala. The CM of Kerala knows that Narendra Modi is not acting on his cases; the CM knows that Narendra Modi has the key to putting the CM in jail right now. You will hear Congress attacking Narendra Modi, but you will never hear Kerala CM attacking Modi or Modi attacking Kerala CM,” he said. In another remark, Gandhi jibed at PM Modi. “The way Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, the same way Narendra Modi controls the Chief Minister of Kerala,” he said while addressing the rally. The Congress leader also claimed that the BJP preferred the LDF to remain in power in the state. “Modi wants LDF to win the Assembly elections in Kerala,” he said. Sharpening his attack on the Left, Gandhi said the CPI(M) had deviated from its ideological roots. “CPI(M) no longer Left party but extreme Right wing party,” he said. He framed the upcoming election as a contest between contrasting ideologies while alleging an unusual alignment between political rivals. “This election is a fight between two ideologies. The ideology of the Left Front CPM, the ideology of the UDF and the Congress party. And for the first time, we are seeing that there is a partnership between the BJP and the Left Front. Normally, this would be quite surprising that a Left party is allying with an extreme right party,” he said. The remarks come amid an intensifying political battle in Kerala, where both the ruling LDF and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) have accused each other of acting as the BJP’s “B-team.” Earlier, Gandhi had alleged that the LDF was “completely supported by BJP” and described the Left government as a “corporate-funded government,” claiming it no longer functioned as a true Left formation. He also suggested that the BJP preferred the LDF in power as it would be easier to influence compared to the Congress-led UDF. On the other hand, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has countered by accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of acting as the BJP’s “B-team,” intensifying the war of words ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections 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
BJP can only win in Kerala with Congress support, says Govindan
Thrissur: CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Tuesday said if at all BJP wins any assembly seat in Kerala, it would be at the expense of Congress. Addressing a news conference in Thrissur, Govindan said BJP had earlier won Nemom assembly seat and Thrissur parliament seat by cutting into Congress vote base. Asked whether CPM foresaw the possibilities of Congress supporting BJP in any constituency, Govindan said this would be known only after the elections. Countering the charges levelled by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that CPM leaders were involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Govindan alleged that it was AICC general secretary K C Venugopal who first took the controversial figure Unnikrishnan Potti to Sabarimala, when he was the devaswom minister. He also alleged that UDF convenor Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony, MP, had taken Potti and Bellary-based gold dealer Govardhan to the house of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, several times. Rahul must explain the true purpose of those visits, the CPM state secretary said. Govindan claimed that LDF has no alliance with SDPI. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of accepting SDPI votes. “Let Congress first say they will not accept the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, then we will answer the question as to whether we will accept the votes of SDPI,” CPM secretary said. Meanwhile, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat said Rahul has shot a ‘self-goal’ by raking up Sabarimala issue during his election campaign. Rahul was asking who had stolen gold from Sabarimala, but he should have asked who had taken Potti to Sonia, Brinda told a news conference here. 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
PM controls CM, wants LDF to win elections, says Rahul
Kozhikode: Lok Sabha’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his allegation of a partnership between CPM and BJP during roadshows in Kannur and Kozhikode on Tuesday. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants LDF to win the elections in Kerala. Addressing a public meeting in Kannur and later campaigning in Kozhikode, Rahul said BJP wants CPM to stay in power because it believes it can control the party, unlike UDF and Congress. He alleged that just as US President Donald Trump ‘controls’ Modi, the PM controls chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “The CM knows that Modi has the key to put him in jail right now but is not doing anything. That is why you hear Rahul Gandhi and Congress attacking Modi, but you will not hear the CM attacking Modi and you will never see Modi attacking the CM. If Modi says jump, the CM will jump and if he says lie down, the CM will lie down,” he said. Rahul added that while everyone who attacks BJP and RSS is not spared, they took no action in cases against Vijayan. “I have 36 cases against me, my house and my LS membership was taken away and ED interrogated me for 55 hours. If the CM opposes BJP, tell me why no action is taken on the corruption cases against him, explain why his children are not interrogated,” he asked. Modi’s failure to mention Sabarimala gold heist in his campaign speech is further proof of alleged collusion between CPM and BJP, he said. “CPM leaders stole gold from Sabarimala temple and replaced it with brass. No action was taken against them. The so-called defender of the faith came to Kerala and said nothing about Sabarimala because he wants LDF to win elections,” he said. Rahul said Modi has signed away India’s energy security and future by signing a trade deal with the US. “You will be amazed to know India can’t buy oil from who it wants. It must get US nod before buying oil,” he said. Touching upon the war in the Middle East, he warned of a financial earthquake and said fuel prices and inflation would rise. “You will see a financial earthquake in a month or two and then asked what the Centre, state govt did to protect the people,” he said. Rahul added that CPM and BJP are partnering because they are corporate parties. “Two veteran CPM leaders are sitting with us on the stage. They are here because what is today called the Left front is not the real Left party,” he said. Rahul addressed corner meetings at Kallachi, Perambra and travelled in a special bus to highlight UDF’s poll guarantees. 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
Pinarayi targets Rahul Gandhi but silent on BJP: Sachin Pilot
