Govt wants to avoid talks on Gulf crisis, says Rahul
New Delhi: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Modi govt wants to avoid a discussion on West Asia crisis because it will lead to questions of how the “PM is being blackmailed”. His remark indicates that the Israel-US war against Iran is the fresh friction point between opposition and govt and will dog the Budget session.Opposition decided to demand a discussion on West Asia war, believing the global development is a subject that can be used to corner govt, given the growing perception that BJP has taken sides in the conflict. Rahul said the war is a “fight to change the paradigm” which, coupled with the US trade deal signed by Modi, will badly hurt Indian economy. “They don’t want to discuss this as it will lead to other issues. It will expose the PM’s position, the way he has compromised… the way he is being blackmailed,” he said, adding, “the PM ran away (from Parliament) and will not return. You watch.” Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav (SP), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sandosh Kumar (CPI), and those from TMC, DMK, IUML protested “govt’s silence” on the war. India bloc leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav (SP), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sandosh Kumar (CPI), and those from TMC, DMK, IUML held a large protest in the Parliament complex over the “govt’s silence” on the war. Congress has seized upon the war — the PM’s Israel visit took place just two days before the start of the bombardment of Iran and the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader — to attack the govt. The Opposition argues the ruling BJP will find it difficult to discuss the raging issue as it would force the govt to take a stand on its various dimensions, from trade to energy to strategic. That seems to make the issue particularly tempting for Opposition. The discussion could be a political trap too. While Congress MP KC Venugopal said it can be held under a parliamentary provision without voting, AICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh referred to the 2003 discussion on Iraq war held under BJP’s Vajpayee govt, when Parliament finally passed a resolution condemning the war. Akhilesh Yadav said, “The govt talks of ‘atmanirbhar’. But somebody is dictating to India from whom — and how much – it can buy oil. The way the govt has mortgaged the foreign policy should be discussed in Parliament.” MPs Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari said mere statements from ministers were not enough and questions needed to be answered. “Parliament is not a notice board,” Tewari quipped. 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
Left politicians raise Rahul’s ‘CJP’ comments at opposition meet
NEW DELHI: Days after Congress functionary and LoP Rahul Gandhi coined the term “CJP” to deride CPM as “Communist Janata Party”, two Left leaders from Kerala complained to the INDIA bloc that such attacks can hurt cohesion within the opposition camp. CPM MP John Brittas and CPI member Sandosh Kumar told a meeting of opposition parties that Rahul Gandhi should desist from such attacks. They are learnt to have argued that the connecting tissue between parties under the umbrella of INDIA is their anti-BJP stance and that the Left is a strong member of the alliance. Rahul was present in the meeting but did not speak on the issue. The discussion took place during the parliamentary strategy meeting of opposition parties in the office of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with the attendees including Rahul Gandhi, Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), KC Venugopal (Congress), Shatabdi Roy (TMC), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) and Ramgopal Yadav (SP). After the important discussions, the Left members sought permission to raise some political issues. But Kharge is learnt to have turned down the demand, saying that such matters could be discussed between individual parties, and the gathering of opposition parties had been convened to discuss the parliamentary agenda. While some members claimed that Brittas and Kumar were cut short, sources said they did put their point across. Though members of India bloc, the Left and Congress are direct rivals in Kerala, with the latter pushing to unseat the Pinarayi Vijayan govt in the state. During his weekend visit to Kerala, which was packed with campaign events for the upcoming state elections, Rahul alleged that BJP and CPI(M) had reached an agreement to jointly oppose Congress. He said it was no longer CPI(M) and BJP, but CJP (Communist Janata Party). The public meeting was attended by the brass of Kerala Congress. The barb was in line with Congress allegations that the ruling party in Kerala has a tacit understanding with BJP to stall Congress, and the allegations have got shriller since Congress’s UDF alliance swept the local body elections in Dec, which are said to be a bellwether for the assembly polls. 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’s citizenship plea: HC seeks papers from Centre
Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court Monday sought relevant records from the Union ministry of home affairs while hearing a petition alleging that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is a British citizen. The single-judge bench of Justice Rajeev Singh scheduled the next hearing in the matter for March 19. The petition was filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker in Karnataka, who has challenged the Jan 28, 2026, order of the special MP/MLA court in Lucknow, which had rejected his plea to order registration of an FIR against Gandhi. The MP/MLA court had said it was not competent to decide the citizenship issue. Hearing the matter on Monday at length, the bench also asked the union govt counsel, Raj Kumar Singh, about the action taken by the Centre on a complaint moved against Rahul’s alleged 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
Rahul silent when homes of minorities demolished, acting like BJP’s agent: Industries minister
Kochi: Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi often acts like BJP’s agent and was its pawn when AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was imprisoned, alleged industries minister P Rajeeve on Sunday. Rajeeve was responding to Congress leader Gandhi’s attack on CPM during the concluding ceremony of Puthu Yuga Yatra in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The minister criticised Gandhi for neglecting his political responsibilities to the people and country during crucial times by going abroad for celebrations. He said people wouldn’t take Gandhi’s declarations seriously. “Gandhi should act with an understanding of the current situation in India. However, govt led by his party in Telangana and Karnataka demolished homes of minorities with bulldozers, but he remained silent. The govts there are acting against minorities just as BJP does,” Rajeeve alleged. Earlier, Gandhi was upset about central agencies not imprisoning chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and now it is about not filing new cases, Rajeeve said. “Everything was scrutinised to file cases against the chief minister, with Congress providing the necessary support, essentially working for BJP. UDF’s announcement of five guarantees was made to counter state’s achievements, but no one will take it seriously based on their experience. The memories of the past will come to mind for those who hear it,” he said. “During LDF govt’s tenure, remarkable achievements were made such as realising the Wayanad township, which no other govt could accomplish, and inaugurating Wayanad tunnel road. As part of inclusivity, Perumbalam Bridge was realised and the first phase of Chellanam tetrapod sea wall project was completed, with the second phase on the way,” he added. 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
I grew up in a family where women were bosses: Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: “I grew up in a family where women were the bosses,” Congress’ Rahul Gandhi told students during an interaction over lunch in Kerala, and mentioned, “the boss of my family was my grandmother and I have always in my family, like on this table, been outnumbered by women”. He added, “Women are generally more intelligent than men. Men are in a hurry and get blinded by silly things. Women think long term, and don’t apply direct power, which is effective.” In a post, Rahul said, “I was deeply impressed by each student’s dreams, curiosity, and confidence. Such conversations remind us that when women recognise their potential and move forward with an open mind, they can bring about extraordinary change.” He said, “Every woman is unique. Their sensitivity, understanding, and emotional intelligence provide balance and direction to society. Women wield power in their own unique ways – with patience, long-term vision, and empathy.” Meanwhile, Congress MP from Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, posted on X, “On this Women’s Day, may every woman realise her strength…” TNN 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 promises free travel for all women
T’puram: Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched the UDF’s campaign for the assembly elections by announcing five guarantees if it comes to power. Addressing a rally in the state capital, Gandhi promised free bus travel for women in KSRTC buses, a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for college-going girl students and an increase in monthly welfare pensions to Rs 3,000. He also announced a new health insurance scheme named after former chief minister Oommen Chandy, offering coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for every household and the creation of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens. The UDF also promised interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. Rahul also cautioned UDF leaders to remain united in the runup to the elections. Saying that this message came from the people of Kerala, he urged leaders of the alliance to work together if they wanted to return to power. Using the analogy of a group dance performance, he called on leaders to “dance together” to defeat what he termed the “corrupt” LDF govt and ensure a better future for the people of Kerala. He also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support during politically challenging times. The Congress leader also accused the Centre of selectively targeting opposition leaders through central agencies while sparing leaders of the ruling front in Kerala. He questioned why agencies such as the ED took action against opposition leaders but not against chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan or his family. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and the CPM indirectly worked together in the state. He said a UDF govt would focus on generating employment by supporting small and medium enterprises and creating new opportunities in the state. Earlier, Puthu Yuga Yatra led by opposition leader V D Satheesan concluded in Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing a rally, Satheesan said the people embraced the march as their own and described it as a strong endorsement of the new Kerala model proposed by the UDF. Expressing confidence about the alliance’s prospects in the upcoming elections, he said the UDF would form the govt with more than 100 seats and pledged to rebuild the state. Attacks Modi over US deal Rahul launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “betraying the country” by signing a deal with the US that he claimed would harm India’s farmers, small traders and national interests. Rahul said India’s vast data resources, generated by its 1.4 billion people through medical records, communications and mobility patterns, were among the country’s most valuable assets. He alleged that the deal would allow such data to be accessed by the US, which could have implications for India’s future in artificial intelligence and digital technology. This data was sold to the US as per the deal, he said. Addressing a UDF rally in the state capital, Rahul alleged that the agreement would open India’s agricultural sector to large American mechanised firms, putting small farmers in the country at a disadvantage. He said such a move was not undertaken by previous prime ministers and warned that Indian crops and agricultural livelihoods could be affected. Rahul also raised concerns about India’s energy security, claiming that the deal would force India to buy oil only from countries approved by the US. He alleged that this would limit India’s ability to independently procure oil, including from Russia. Rahul further alleged that imports from the US worth around Rs 9 lakh crore could enter India under the agreement, adding that no previous prime minister signed such a deal. Rahul claimed that several documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case were yet to be made public and alleged that individuals close to Modi, including industrialist Anil Ambani and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were mentioned in them. Rahul further referred to legal issues in the US involving industrialist Gautam Adani and alleged that the prime minister feared financial links connected to the BJP could be exposed. Rahul claimed that due to such pressures, Modi hurriedly agreed to the deal with the US and alleged that the US President publicly threatened to damage Modi’s political career. Hence, Modi was compromised, he added. 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
AI might not eliminate jobs but change nature of work: Rahul Gandhi
T’puram: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with technology professionals at Technopark on Saturday during a discussion on the theme ‘Technology, Innovation and Opportunity’. Around 200 invited IT professionals, including software engineers, start-up founders and company CEOs, attended the interaction, which focused on the role of technology in shaping employment, innovation and economic growth. During the discussion, Rahul said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence might not eliminate jobs but were likely to transform the nature of work. He stressed the importance of developing new skills and capabilities to adapt to changing technological and economic conditions. Speaking about the growth of India’s IT sector, Rahul recalled that when former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi proposed promoting software development in the country, the idea was once dismissed by the CEO of General Electric as impractical. However, he said the vision eventually contributed to the rise of India’s IT industry on the global stage. He also emphasised the importance of curiosity and perseverance in innovation and said individuals should remain open to diverse ideas and approaches. Learning new things, he said, helps improve adaptability and performance in a rapidly changing environment. Referring to global economic trends, he noted that several critical components used in technologies such as drones are currently manufactured in China. Recalling his visit to Germany, he said India should move towards becoming a more production- and manufacturing-oriented economy rather than primarily a consumer-driven one. He also highlighted the need to democratise production systems so that technological advancements benefit not only large corporations but also small enterprises and start-ups. Rahul underscored the importance of data privacy, particularly in the context of sharing sensitive information such as medical and genetic data. As technology advances, he said society must remain vigilant about protecting individual privacy. He also suggested that reforms in the Goods and Services Tax system were necessary to provide greater support to small businesses and MSMEs. According to him, the govt should provide clear policy direction regarding the country’s economic future to help citizens and industries prepare accordingly. 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 to launch UDF’s campaign in Kerala
T’puram: Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate a public meeting in the capital on Saturday to mark the culmination of senior Congress leader V D Satheesan’s Puthu Yuga Yatra. UDF had started a statewide yatra from Kasaragod on Feb 6 ahead of the upcoming assembly election saying it would present solutions to the state’s problems before the people. UDF leaders claimed the public outrage against LDF govt was clearly mirrored throughout the yatra. Satheesan said that women and youth responded positively to his yatra and people, who did not represent political parties in UDF, also participated in the discussions held as part of the yatra. “A major portion of the yatra was set aside to discuss Kerala’s problems. It was the first time that a political yatra discussed in detail the magnitude of the damage LDF govt inflicted on key sectors, including health, education and agri. Vision documents were released on how UDF wants to rebuild health and higher education sectors,” he said. “Gandhi, who will kick-start UDF’s election campaign on Saturday, may announce some of the key promises and reforms to be included in the election manifesto,” 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
‘Nobody’s really watching The Kerala Story’: Rahul Gandhi criticises weaponisation of cinema and media
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticised the use of cinema and media for political propaganda, referring to the debate around the film The Kerala Story. He said movies and media should unite people rather than deepen divisions in society. Sharing a video of his interaction with students of Marian College in Idukki, Kerala, Gandhi said cinema and media were increasingly being “weaponised” to vilify communities and create social divisions, according to news agency ANI. Captioning the post on social media, Gandhi wrote, “The real Kerala story – compassion, unity, and always standing by one another. Cinema and media should bring people together, not be weaponised to divide society or vilify communities.” In the video, a student asked him whether cinema was increasingly being used as a political propaganda tool to shape public perception, referring to controversies around films such as “The Kerala Story”. Responding to the question, Gandhi said the public understands Kerala’s social and cultural fabric. “‘The Kerala Story’s’ hall seems to be empty, and nobody’s really watching it. And it shows you that there are people, the majority of this country, have an understanding of what Kerala is and Kerala’s traditions and cultures,” Gandhi said. He also reflected on his experience as the then Member of Parliament from Wayanad for five years and the lessons he learnt from the people of the state. “I spent five years being an MP from Wayanad. I learnt a lot from the people of Kerala, and also the people of Wayanad. When I first arrived there, there was a big landslide, and a lot of people had died. I was very surprised at the reaction of the people to that landslide. In fact, I was very impressed by it,” Gandhi said. Describing the response of residents during the tragedy, he highlighted the spirit of solidarity among the people. “It was quite amazing to see that somebody who’s lost his family, lost his house, he’s interested in helping somebody else. And it didn’t matter what community that person was from, what religion, none of that mattered. It was that there’s a problem, and all of us have to get together to solve the problem. I found that to be a very powerful thing,” he said. Gandhi said people from Kerala are widely respected across the country. “Of course, you people have made us very proud. The only thing one hears about the people of Kerala is praise,” he said. He also reiterated his concerns about the role of media and films in shaping narratives. “Movies, TV, media have been weaponised to vilify people, to alienate people, to create division in society so that certain people can benefit and other people are harmed,” Gandhi 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
‘Conflict has reached our backyard’: Rahul Gandhi targets Centre after Iranian warship sunk in Indian Ocean
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday targeted the Centre after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, warning that the conflict in West Asia poses serious risks for India’s energy security. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the world was entering a turbulent phase and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of saying “nothing”. “The world has entered a volatile phase. Stormy seas lie ahead. India’s oil supplies are under threat, with more than 40% of our imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is even worse for LPG and LNG,” Rahul Gandhi wrote. Rahul also referred to the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which had recently taken part in the Indian Navy’s Milan naval exercise before heading back through the Indian Ocean. “The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing,” he said. Calling for stronger leadership in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, Rahul said the country needed a firm and steady response. “At a moment like this, we need a steady hand at the wheel,” he wrote. “Instead, India has a compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy,” Rahul said. The remarks came after the US Navy sank the Iranian Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean earlier this week using a Mark-48 torpedo launched from a submarine, an attack that reportedly killed dozens of sailors. Iran has strongly condemned the strike, calling it an “atrocity at sea” and warning that the United States would “bitterly regret” the precedent set by attacking the vessel. Iranian officials also pointed out that the frigate had recently visited India as part of naval engagements linked to the Milan exercise. The incident comes amid a rapidly widening conflict in West Asia, with missiles, drones and rockets being exchanged across Iran, Israel and other parts of the region. 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