Kanshi Ram Succeeded Because of Congress’s Shortcomings… Rahul Gandhi Speaks in Lucknow; Find Out What Else He Said
During the Congress Constitution Conference, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the party’s shortcomings. He took aim at the government and the RSS over the lack of representation for Dalits, Backward Classes, and Adivasis (tribals). He advocated for the principle of “representation proportional to population.” Rahul reiterated Congress’s commitment to a caste census. He also raised questions regarding the Centre’s energy security policy. Speaking at the Congress Constitution Conference in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi spoke candidly about the party’s flaws. He stated that Kanshi Ram was able to succeed precisely because of the shortcomings within the Congress party. Had Congress performed its duties effectively, Kanshi Ram would not have been able to achieve such success. He further remarked that if Jawaharlal Nehru were alive today, Kanshi Ram would have been a Congress Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi leveled a major allegation against the Central Government. He asserted that today, one would not find a single Dalit, Backward Class, or Adivasi doctor in any major hospital—despite the Constitution advocating for “representation proportional to population.” He urged people to look at the list of beneficiaries under MGNREGA; in it, one would find that 85% belong to Backward Classes, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities. **No OBCs, Dalits, or Adivasis in Senior Positions within the RSS** He challenged people to examine the organizational hierarchy of the RSS; among the list of senior functionaries, one would not find a single OBC, Dalit, or Adivasi member. On one hand, this 85% demographic sits on the sidelines, effectively being told that this country does not belong to them. “We may pay lip service by calling you ‘Hindustanis’ (Indians), but when it comes to the distribution of wealth, the governance of the nation, or the exercise of power, you are deemed *not* to be Hindustanis. You are treated as something else entirely. This stands in absolute contradiction to the spirit of the Constitution.” **Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Kanshi Ram Never Compromised** Rahul Gandhi drew a distinction between Ambedkar, Gandhi, Kanshi Ram, and Savarkar. He noted that Ambedkar, Gandhi, and Kanshi Ram never compromised on their principles—indeed, they were incapable of doing so. “Just look at Modi ji’s face,” he remarked; “this tendency toward compromise is an old habit of his organization. Our nation’s energy security has been compromised. The very choice of the individual appointed as the Oil Minister serves as the first instance of such a compromise.” Narendra Modi Compromised Energy Security He stated, “You elevated him from the bureaucracy and appointed him a minister.” Narendra Modi has compromised the country’s energy security, as it is now the United States that dictates where we source our oil. The Congress party has now resolved to conduct a caste census, ensuring that the Backward Classes and Dalits secure a place within the centers of power. Abhijit Thakur Courtesy: Hindi News
Senior ranks of RSS lack representation of all sections: Rahul
Lucknow: Congress Rae Bareli MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday sharpened his criticism of the RSS and the BJP, while framing the political battle around social justice and the Constitution, and said senior ranks of the Sangh lack representation from OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis. “A review of the organisation’s top structure and senior functionaries would show the absence of these communities and argued that this reflected a wider imbalance in the country’s power structure. The contest in Indian politics is now clearly between those seeking broader inclusion and those preserving concentration of power,” he said. He was addressing party workers at the Samvidhan Sammelan in Lucknow, where he remembered the contribution of Dalit leader Kanshi Ram on his birth anniversary.Rahul said the late leader’s struggle, vision and impact on Indian politics continued to hold relevance. “Kanshi Ram’s politics was rooted in the idea that progress should benefit not just a small section of society but the overwhelming majority, including the most marginalised. India’s major institutions still do not reflect the country’s social composition,” he said. He referred to the judiciary, bureaucracy, cabinet, education system and corporate sector, claiming that large sections of the population, especially Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, extremely backward groups and minorities, remain underrepresented in positions of power and decision-making. Rahul presented the Congress as an ideological party that drew strength from the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule. He said, “Such a party cannot be defeated if it stays committed to its path and values.” The Rae Bareli MP told party workers that slogans alone could not bring change and urged workers to focus on ideological commitment and sustained political struggle. Referring to Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, he said both the leaders remained committed to their principles and did not compromise on their core beliefs. Gandhi also described the Constitution as more than a legal text drafted after Independence. “It embodied the voices and values of reformers and thinkers such as Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Narayana Guru, Basavanna and Gautam Buddha. The document reflects their values and not those of ideologues like VD Savarkar or Nathuram Godse,” he said. “The Congress party had decided to push for caste enumeration and for greater inclusion of Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, extremely backward classes and minorities in India’s power structure. The issue would remain central to the Congress campaign,” he said. Gandhi also launched broader political attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the PM had compromised on several national issues, including energy security, economic policy and the concentration of financial influence. The event concluded with a proposal from participants seeking Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram posthumously. The proposal received support in the gathering, with workers saying the late Dalit leader deserved the honour when Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister of India. 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
US deal harming India’s energy & economic interests, claims Rahul
Lucknow: Congress MP and leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “compromising India’s economic, digital and energy security in trade deal with the United States”. Gandhi also raised concerns over India’s energy policy, alleging that the govt had ceded decision-making authority to Washington. “India had agreed to follow US instructions on whether to buy oil and gas from countries like Russia, Iran or Iraq. The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened India’s energy stability, because of these policy changes,” he added. The LoP made the remarks while addressing Congress workers at the Samvidhan Sammelan in Lucknow, where he continued his criticism of what he called “unfair terms” in India-US trade and data arrangements. Gandhi alleged that India had surrendered strategic leverage by allowing the US access to Indian data. “The PM handed over all the data of the people of India to the American govt and companies, permitting them to store it anywhere and granting a 20-year tax holiday. This change left India unable to monitor or regulate how the data of its citizens is used,” claimed Gandhi. “The govt has agreed to purchase goods worth Rs 9 lakh crore annually from the US, a move that will severely harm Indian businesses,” Gandhi said. Listing agricultural products such as cotton, soybeans, pulses, fruits and nuts, he said imports from large, mechanized American farms would undercut small Indian farmers operating on two to five acres of land. According to Gandhi, India received nothing in return from these decisions, asserting that taxes had increased and domestic producers were left vulnerable. He alleged that the prime minister was “compromised and has surrendered”, referencing financial and international controversies by name while claiming they weakened India’s negotiating position. 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
Basic principles of law appears to have not been followed in Baramati plane crash probe: Rahul Gandhi
Pune: The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday alleged that basic principles of law had not been followed in the investigation into the Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and said no FIR had been registered despite the seriousness of the case. Rahul shared a photo of him with NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on his ‘X’ handle after their meeting in Delhi and demanded a transparent investigation into the crash. “The incident warrants a fair, transparent and impartial investigation,” Rahul posted on X. Rohit, Ajit Pawar’s nephew, appealed to Rahul during their meeting in the national capital to raise the issue of his uncle’s death in the plane crash in the ongoing session of Parliament. The NCP (SP) MLA thanked Rahul for his support while interacting with reporters later, and criticised the central and Maharashtragovts for not registering an FIR in connection with the Jan 28 plane crash in which Ajit Pawar was killed with four others. “It has been nearly one-and-a-half months since the plane crash, but still no FIR has been registered. The proposal of the state govt to the CBI should have been accepted and the central agency should have started the investigation of the case. The issue should have been discussed in the ongoing Parliament session. It is quite shocking that ‘some people’ are busy only in protecting VSR Venture and its owner,” Rohit said. Apart from Rahul, Rohit met some members of the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, DMK MP Kanimozhi and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the past few days in Delhi. He urged all of them to raise the issue of the Baramati plane crash in Parliament. 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’s speech sparks row in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed a ruckus after Rahul Gandhi was interrupted during his speech on the energy crisis when he took a jibe at oil and gas minister Hardeep Puri for his name allegedly appearing in the files of an American sex-offender. He also attacked the govt over the US waiver to India to buy crude from Russia. “It has been a very puzzling fact why a nation the size of India would allow any other nation… the President of another nation to give us permission to buy Russian oil… I have figured the puzzle out. And the puzzle is about compromise,” he said and referred to Puri’s alleged link. This led to interruptions in the House, forcing Speaker Om Birla to intervene, saying the member cannot raise this issue, even as Gandhi insisted that he was speaking on energy and economic security. Later, opposition members entered the well of the House and Puri had to read out his statement amid sloganeering. 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 behind speaker’s decision on turncoat MLAs, alleges BRS working president KT Rama Rao
Hyderabad: Condemning assembly speaker G Prasad Kumar’s decision to dismiss disqualification petitions against defected MLAs, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has called it undemocratic and shocking. He alleged that the decision was taken under tremendous pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused the party leadership of orchestrating the entire episode. Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan after the speaker’s verdict on Wednesday, KTR said the speaker had virtually no independence in the matter. He said the decision represented a direct assault on democracy and the Constitution, and that the principal architect behind this unethical move was Rahul Gandhi. KTR also questioned how an MLA who won on a BRS B-Form could contest as a Congress candidate in the Lok Sabha elections without resigning from the assembly, yet still escape disqualification. “An MLA who won on one party’s B-Form contests as an MP candidate on another party’s B-Form without resigning. Despite such clear evidence, the speaker refused to disqualify him. This is nothing short of political manipulation,” he said. “All the evidence is already in the public domain. The Election Commission records clearly show which B-Form the MLA used to contest the assembly election and on which B-Form he contested for Parliament. What further inquiry is needed?” he asked. KTR questioned the moral authority of Rahul Gandhi and Congress to speak about defections. “Rahul Gandhi and Congress have absolutely no moral right to lecture anyone about political defections,” he said. “The main perpetrator and the criminal mind behind this decision is Rahul Gandhi. He is the real culprit. Without his permission and approval, the speaker would never have dared to take such a shocking decision,” KTR stated. Criticising what he described as hypocrisy in Rahul Gandhi’s political stance, KTR said that the Congress leader claimed to be the defender of the Constitution while simultaneously encouraging defections. “On one hand Rahul Gandhi carries the Constitution in his hand and claims to be its protector. On the other hand, his party is enabling defections and protecting defectors,” he added. KTR further criticised Rahul Gandhi for speaking about automatic disqualification in cases of defection during his speeches in Telangana and for promoting the ‘Nyay Patra’, while allowing the Congress govt to protect defectors. 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
Nashik court disposes of defamation case against Rahul Gandhi
Nashik: The court of additional chief judicial magistrate Rupali Narwadiya has disposed of the defamation case filed against leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The case was initiated by Devendra Bhutada, president of the Nashik-based Nirbhaya Foundation, who alleged that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about Hindutva ideologue and freedom fighter VD Savarkar during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ rallies held in Hingoli and Akole on June 15 and 16, 2022. Bhutada approached the court shortly after learning of the comments. Following the complaint, a case was registered under sections 499 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult) of IPC, and the court issued summons to Gandhi in Sept 2024. Last July, the additional chief judicial magistrate granted Gandhi bail, allowing him to attend hearings virtually, during which he pleaded not guilty. Defence lawyer Gajendra Sanap said the court had ordered an inquiry under Section 202 of the CrPC, and after police submitted their investigation report, the complainant sought to withdraw the case. Mohan Pingale, representing Bhutada, said the withdrawal application was filed because Bhutada’s daughter had recently moved abroad, making it difficult for him to attend frequent hearings. He said the four-year-old case had led to summons and warrants against Gandhi, requiring him to secure bail and participate in virtual proceedings. Pingale said the Supreme Court mandated priority handling of cases involving MPs and MLAs. “In view of the circumstances, we applied to withdraw the case, and the court accepted the request, thereby disposing of the matter,” 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
Om Birla’s behaviour partisan, LoP cut off 20 times: Gaurav Gogoi
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the opposition’s resolution on removal of Speaker Om Birla amid a heated debate over who should preside while the House discussed him. Opening the debate, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused Birla of partisan behaviour. He said the Speaker made “baseless” allegations against women opposition MPs and repeatedly blocked Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from raising “critical issues” in the House. As soon as Congress member Mohammad Jawed read out the notice seeking to move the resolution, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order, questioning the decision to allow BJP’s Jagdambika Pal to chair proceedings as he was appointed to the panel of chairpersons by Birla. Congress and TMC MPs also said Pal was not elected by the House, and highlighted that the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for last 7 years. Mics are being used to silence MPs: Gogoi Congress and TMC MPs also said Pal was not elected by the House, and highlighted that the post of deputy speaker had been vacant for seven years. While TMC MP Saugata Roy said parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju should move a motion to appoint a presiding officer specifically for the purpose, Rijiju said Owaisi’s claim was irrelevant as Pal was competent to preside over LS proceedings when the resolution was taken up. Pal then put to vote the notice to move the resolution and asked at least 50 MPs to stand up in its support. The notice was then accepted and Jawed read out the resolution, which was admitted for discussion. Gaurav Gogoi raised questions over the manner in which Birla presided over the House when Rahul had to speak on the motion of thanks to the President’s address. “There was an expectation that the Chair would be neutral. But research of uncorrected versions would show the number of times the LoP was interrupted. While the LoP was on his feet, another member was called upon,” Gogoi added. “Is this parliamentary tradition we want to show? Microphones are being used to silence MPs. It stands in direct contradiction with the rituals of this House,” Gogoi said, pointing out how Shas-hi Tharoor’s mic was allegedly switched off in the middle of his speech on Feb 9. “When the LoP wanted to speak on the motion of thanks, he was interrupted 20 times by the Speaker, me-mbers of the chairpersons’ panel and senior MPs of the treasury benches… in a premeditated manner,” 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
Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi ‘betrayed the country’ by signing US trade deal
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having “betrayed the country” by entering into a trade agreement with the United States, claiming the deal would adversely affect farmers and small businesses in India. Gandhi made the remarks while inaugurating the valedictory function of the state-wide “Puthuyuga Yatra” led by Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan. “PM has let the country down. He betrayed the country. I believe the Prime Minister betrayed the country by signing the US deal,” Gandhi said. He alleged that ordinary citizens, particularly farmers and small business owners, would ultimately bear the burden of the agreement. “No Prime Minister before him opened Indian agriculture to US agriculture,” he said. Rahul said the entry of large and mechanised American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would put small farmers under severe pressure and could lead to “devastation” in the agricultural sector. He further alleged that the country’s energy sector had been compromised and claimed that US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data through the agreement. The Congress leader also alleged that Modi was controlled by Trump, adding that the chief minister of Kerala was similarly controlled by Modi. During his address, Gandhi briefly referred to cricketer Sanju Samson, saying it was encouraging to know that the star wicketkeeper-batsman who featured in the T20 World Cup quarter-final comes from Thiruvananthapuram. The yatra, which began a month ago as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, travelled across all districts of Kerala. Several leaders attended the event, including KPCC and AICC members such as Sachin Pilot and Deepa Dasmunshi, along with other leaders from the UDF alliance. Addressing the gathering, Satheesan described the yatra as the most meaningful experience of his political life. He said the UDF had presented a “charge sheet” against the LDF government during the course of the march. “Wherever the LDF government failed, the UDF will elevate the state,” he said. Satheesan added that the yatra helped the alliance gather public feedback from across the state, which would be used in shaping policies for Kerala’s future development. He said the UDF intended to introduce a “neo-Kerala model” focused on good governance and solutions to the problems faced by ordinary citizens. “The Kerala government secretariat will be made the most efficient in the country,” he said. Satheesan also promised greater accountability in governance and reforms in key sectors including health, education and employment. He added that specific initiatives would be undertaken to address the challenges faced by poorer sections of society. Expressing confidence about the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheesan said the UDF would return to power. “UDF will come to power winning more than 100 seats,” 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
Rahul attends wedding of farmer’s daughter in a Sonipat village
Sonipat: Lok Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attended the wedding of a farmer’s daughter in Medina village of Sonipat district, fulfilling a promise he made to the family during an earlier visit. The village falls under Baroda assembly segment in Gohana. Gandhi reached the village at 10.10am and spent nearly an hour at the ceremony hosted by farmer Sanjay Malik, whose daughter Tanu was getting married. He was accompanied by party MP Deepender Hooda and MLA Indu Raj Narwal. Villagers welcomed Gandhi by presenting him with a turban. When he walked towards the house where the rituals were underway, locals greeted him with “Ram-Ram, Rahul Bhai”, to which he responded with folded hands and a smile. During the ceremony, Gandhi met members of the bride’s family and blessed the couple. He interacted with villagers and spent some time seated among family members, enquiring about local customs and wedding traditions. Women in the household were singing traditional wedding songs as he joined them briefly and asked about the rituals associated with the ceremony. Gandhi also sampled traditional dishes served during the celebrations. He had churma with milk, tasted missi roti prepared by the bride, and also tried sweets including balushahi, laddoos and freshly prepared jalebis. At one point, he was seen offering jalebi to Deepender and the bride’s father, Sanjay Malik. Family members said they were surprised by Gandhi’s presence. Kirti Jakhar, a relative of the bride, said the family had invited him, but did not expect him to actually attend the ceremony. According to her, women in the house were singing ritual songs when the news of his arrival spread, creating excitement among the guests. The family also said a day before the wedding, Gandhi had sent a 55-inch LED television as a gift. During the ceremony, he presented the bride with a traditional ‘shagun’ envelope. The bride’s mother Sunita Devi said his presence at their home was itself the biggest blessing for the family. Gandhi’s association with the family dates to 2023, when he had visited Medina and joined Sanjay Malik in his fields. During that visit, he drove a tractor and participated in paddy transplantation, an interaction that drew considerable public attention. Later, he had invited Malik and several other farmers to his residence at 10 Janpath in New Delhi. 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