Harish calls Telangana cabinet ‘review’ in Delhi humiliating
Hyderabad: Taking strong objection to the Congress leadership summoning the Telangana cabinet to Delhi for a ‘review’, which he said was against the democratic spirit and hurt the ‘self-respect of Telangana’, senior BRS leader Harish Rao said the state was formed after immense sacrifices for self-rule and political dignity, and today it is being made to bow before a “Delhi durbar”, which is deeply humiliating for the state. He questioned whether the people of Telangana voted for an independent govt or for a govt that functions under remote control from Delhi. In an open letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, Harish criticised the Congress leadership for what he termed a “collapse of governance and betrayal of promises” in Telangana. He reminded the Congress leadership of the promises made during the elections and pointed out that, despite assurances that the guarantees would be implemented within 100 days, more than two-and-a-half years have passed without fulfilment. He demanded that the Congress leadership direct chief minister A Revanth Reddy to honour these commitments at least in the remaining tenure. “Congress promised legal backing for the six guarantees in the very first assembly session, but the bill failed to move forward, eroding public trust. The Congress should begin its review by apologising to the people for betraying their faith,” the BRS leader said. Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s personal assurance through bond papers for the implementation of the guarantees, Harish said those guarantees now lost all credibility due to the CM’s failure to deliver, making the bond papers meaningless in the eyes of the people. Harish added that the Congress made over ‘420 promises’, most of which remain unfulfilled. He alleged that farmers are suffering even due to poor fertiliser supply, exposing the govt’s administrative failure. He accused the chief minister of prioritising frequent visits to Delhi while neglecting governance in the state, suppressing dissenting voices, and resorting to abusive and vulgar language in public discourse. He said such conduct brought disrepute to Telangana’s political culture. Harish Rao demanded clear directions to the chief minister for the immediate implementation of the six guarantees and action on alleged scams. 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
Cong eyes reclaiming ground in Manipur: Venogopal Rao in Churachandpur
Churachandpur: With plans to reclaim Manipur, Venogopal Rao, All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA), visited Churachandpur on Wednesday to spearhead organisational reforms. Rao said the initiative follows directives from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi, who have called for a renewed push to rebuild the party’s base across the northeast. Explaining the policy, Rao said: “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is a reformative initiative of the AICC to select district Congress presidents at district headquarters, involving all blocks, stakeholders, party leaders, and cadres, with individual consultation in a transparent way. Reorganisation will take place at the district level in an unbiased and fair manner as directed by the high command.” He stressed that Congress is regaining momentum nationwide. “Congress is gaining ground and has started reclaiming seats across India, as seen in Telangana,” he said. On Manipur, Rao said, “Congress has not lost followers or leaders here. Instead, their numbers are increasing. With their support, we will remove the misrule of the present government in Manipur.” He said, “Congress will not sink. It will bounce back and return to power across the country, state by state.” Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rao said, “From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the Yatra evoked tremendous response from the people.” Highlighting the party’s social commitment, he added, “Congress is dedicated to the welfare of the downtrodden, SCs, STs, minorities, and women.” Pointing to Telangana’s changing mood, he remarked: “In my state, people once mocked Congress, asking ‘kaha hai Congress?’ But now they know the reality.” Rao was accompanied by Christopher Tilak, secretary in charge of northeast, and two observers from the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). They were warmly received by the Churachandpur District Congress Committee (DCC). A meeting led by DCC president T Chawngbiak discussed reorganisation policies and strategies in detail. 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
‘Far too much younger’: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar explains why he is not a ‘Rahulian’
NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Wednesday doubled down on his recent remarks in which he described himself as a “Gandhian”, a “Nehruvian” and a “Rajivian”, but not a “Rahulian”. The sidelined leader said that he is not a “Rahulian” because Rahul Gandhi is “far too much younger” than him and “far too distant” in his political life. Speaking to PTI, Aiyar said, “I recently said that ‘I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian’.” Explaining why he described himself as a “Gandhian”, Aiyar said, “I was six-year-old and my brother was four when Mahatma Gandhi picked us up in his arms and said ‘ye mere aankhon ke suraj aur chand hain’.” “From there, I became a ‘Gandhivaadi’.” On his identification with India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, he said, “As for Nehru, I was six when he became the prime minister, and I was 23 when he ceased being one, so my entire growing-up years were steeped in the Nehruvian ethos; that is why I also regard myself as a Nehruvian.” Aiyar said he considers himself a “Rajivian” because of his association with former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. “I call myself a Rajivian because it was he, although two years younger than me, who astonished me by bringing me into the PMO and by doing the things he did… I could not believe it. That is how I became a Rajivian,” he said. He also clarified that he did not describe himself as an “Indiravian” as he “totally disapproved” of Indira Gandhi “converting our democracy into a tyranny by declaring an Emergency, albeit for only 18 months”. Referring to his comment on Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar said, “How can one expect me to be a ‘Rahulian’ when the boy is about 30 years younger than me, and I haven’t had an opportunity to work with him? That is why I cannot be a ‘Rahulian’ because he is far too much younger than me and far too distant from me in his political life.” The remarks come amid strained ties between Aiyar and the Congress leadership. The controversy began after he praised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala and expressed confidence that the chief minister would continue in office. Speaking at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar had said, “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am sure will be the next chief minister, I renew my plea that to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state laws should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaac’s insights, the five-volume report I chaired and the note on district planning by V Ramachandran circulated by the Planning Commission when it truly supported Panchayati Raj.” The Congress distanced itself from his remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said that Aiyar “has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years” and that he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the people of Kerala would bring the Congress-led United Democratic Front back to power 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
Relief for Rahul Gandhi as Karnataka HC quashes BJP’s defamation case over 2023 ‘graft’ advertisement
BENGALURU: In a big relief for Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka HC Tuesday quashed proceedings against the Congress MP in a defamation case filed by BJP on a ‘corruption rate card’ advertisement against then state BJP govt in 2023. Allowing a petition filed by the leader of the opposition in LS, Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav said continuation of proceedings would amount to abuse of process of law. The court said, “Imputation itself is by way of innuendo, and such imputation is sought to be stretched to the party. Sans the tweet, the advertisement makes no reference to the party; rather (it) makes an imputation to the functionaries mentioned in the advertisement.” CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar were arraigned as accused in the case. BJP’s complaint had alleged that, in the advertisement given on May 5, 2023 in all mainstream newspapers, the accused made “fanciful, baseless, foundationless, and irrational allegations” against the complainant party. Case reveals casual approach of complainant, says court The court pointed to procedural lapses, including that there was no inquiry under Section 202 of CrPC, which is mandated where the accused is outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction. This revealed “a very casual approach” of the complainant in not insisting on such an inquiry before summons was issued to the accused (Rahul), the judge said. In his petition, Rahul Gandhi said there was no prima facie material placed by the prosecution to prove the charges against him and that the complainant failed to produce any documentary evidence to show he circulated the alleged advertisement on his Twitter handle. 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
Revanth to brief Rahul, Kharge on govt performance, poll wins
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy is heading to Delhi on Feb 19 along with his entire cabinet and TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud to meet the Congress high command, in what is seen as a key political review ahead of upcoming electoral battles. A meeting with senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal is scheduled at AICC headquarters on Thursday. Sources said Revanth is expected to inform the leadership that voters across rural and urban Telangana backed the Congress in recent polls, dealing a major setback to the BRS and BJP. The chief minister is also likely to present a report on the govt’s two-year performance, detailing promises and guarantees already implemented and those planned for the remaining three years of the term. He is expected to convey that public response to welfare schemes has been positive and that the party’s winning streak continues in assembly by-elections as well as panchayat and urban local body polls. The AICC has been conducting similar review meetings with state units to assess the political situation, strengthen grassroots organisation and prepare for upcoming elections. According to sources, consultations have already been held with 14 state units under the ‘Sanghatan Srijan Abhiyan’, which includes the appointment of new district Congress committee presidents. Progress reports Ministers from Telangana are reportedly preparing detailed progress reports of their respective departments ahead of the meeting. “If inquired by the AICC, the ministers will present their progress report too,” a source said. Discussions may also touch upon other sensitive issues, including internal differences among senior leaders and ministers, allegations related to coal mining tenders, and campaign planning in states such as Kerala and others heading for assembly elections in the near future. 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
‘Chinese products showcased’: Rahul Gandhi calls AI Impact summit ‘disorganised PR spectacle’
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed AI Impact Summit, terming it a “disorganised PR spectacle.” In a social media post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha claimed that Indian data is up for sale in the event while Chinese products are being showcased. “Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle – Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased,” Rahul said. Rahul also quoted a post by Congress which said that Modi government has made a “laughing stock of India globally”, with regard to AI. “In the ongoing AI summit, Chinese robots are being displayed as our own. The Chinese media has mocked us. This is truly embarrassing for India. What is even more shameful is the fact that Modi’s minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is indulging in the same falsehood, promoting China’s robots at the Indian summit,” the party said. “The Modi Government has caused irreparable damage to the image of the country – they have reduced AI to a joke – a field in which we could be world leaders given our data power,” it added. This comes after Galgotia University showcased a robotic dog labled “Orion” at the AI Summit expo. However, the university faced backlash as critics claimed that the product was actually a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 and not an in-house innovation. Meanwhile, Galgotias University has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately, news agency PTI reported citing government sources. 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
Tamil Nadu: Congress vs Congress erupts as Stalin refuses to blink
NEW DELHI: The simmering debate over power sharing in Tamil Nadu has triggered not just friction between the Congress and its ally, the DMK, but also exposed sharp internal rift within the Congress itself, with the state leadership moving swiftly to rein in dissenting voices as CM MK Stalin drew a firm red line on power sharing. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai on Monday publicly rebuked party MP Manickam Tagore for raising the issue of power sharing with the ruling DMK at a district-level meeting in Madurai. Selvaperunthagai asked pointedly whether anyone in the party considered themselves “bigger than the AICC leadership”. The warning came amid renewed strain in the Congress–DMK relationship after Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin dismissed demands for a share in governance as a “conspiracy”, even while insisting that the alliance remained intact. Selvaperunthagai said the AICC had already issued clear instructions that alliance matters should not be discussed publicly, news agency PTI reported. “Our leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal have clearly asked us not to express views on alliances in public. I strictly follow those instructions,” he said, adding that airing such views ahead of the assembly elections only created confusion. He was responding to the February 15 meeting of the Madurai South District Congress Committee, held at Tirupparankundram under Tagore’s leadership, which reportedly passed resolutions seeking power sharing with the DMK. While Selvaperunthagai said he was unaware of the resolutions, he underlined that the party had already constituted a five-member committee under Girish Chodankar to hold talks with the DMK on seat sharing, and that any discussions must remain within that framework. Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also also clarified in an interview to ANI that the party remains committed to the INDIA bloc and its alliance in Tamil Nadu, led by the DMK. “We are in an INDIA alliance. We have to look at it from a national perspective. The DMK is a very important part of the INDIA alliance nationally because they contribute a significant number of MPs to our bloc. And we are part of the INDIA alliance in Tamil Nadu, which the DMK leads. The Chief Minister has categorically confirmed the alliance, and there’s no doubt about that,” he said. Chidambaram acknowledged that while long-standing alliances may have inherent tensions and expectations, it would not be pragmatic to exit a stable formation. “The DMK is a well-oiled political machine. To somehow get minor issues and ditch that, in my opinion, will not be pragmatic. There are voices within the Congress party which are giving other options. As an active political party, we will notice what’s happening around us,” he said. The internal rebuke follows Tagore’s sharp public pushback against Stalin’s remarks. After the CM termed the power-sharing demand a “problem created by some people” and alleged a conspiracy to create a rift in the alliance, Tagore responded with a pointed one-line post on X: “How is it that seeking, in a spirit of friendship, a role (a share) in work to serve the people could be termed as conspiracy?” The post signalled that at least a section of the Congress was unwilling to back down, despite the DMK leadership’s categorical stance. Stalin, however, left little room for ambiguity. While reiterating that the Congress–DMK alliance was “in harmony” and free of confusion, he firmly ruled out sharing power with allies. “It will not work in Tamil Nadu; they know it too. Rahul Gandhi is not worried either,” he said, asserting DMK dominance while avoiding a direct confrontation with the Congress high command. The DMK has since doubled down on that position. Senior party leader and state forests minister RS Rajakannappan said bluntly that the DMK did not run on the strength of alliances. Invoking history, he asked whether former CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi had ever shared power despite winning over 100 seats, adding that a future DMK government under Stalin would follow only the “Dravida model”. Within the Congress, the messaging remains mixed. While Tagore and a few others have argued that the question of whether Tamil Nadu should have a single-party or coalition government should be left to the people, the state leadership has opted for caution. Selvaperunthagai has maintained that there was “no opportunity” for a crack in the alliance and that all views would eventually be discussed by the AICC leadership and the chief minister. 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 am not a Rahulian’: Congress rift blows up as Mani Shankar Aiyar goes on name-calling spree
NEW DELHI: Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday invoked BR Ambedkar after Congress distanced itself from the former Union minister’s praise of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala ahead of the assembly polls. Speaking to news agency ANI, Aiyar took a sharp jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying he is a Gandhian but not a “Rahulian.” Citing Ambedkar’s biography “A Part Apart”, Aiyar said, “There is a biography of Dr Ambedkar which says ‘a part but apart.’ So that’s the only thing I can say. Mr Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that I am a member of the party, and therefore I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.” “I am in the Congress party, I haven’t left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside after I have left,” he added. Aiyar also said that he has “no respect complete contempt for” Pawan Khera. “Do you think the people of Kerala don’t know what is happening in Congress leadership? At least in Pinarayi’s government there is discipline. They have no Mani Shankar Aiyars. I am Mani Shankar Aiyar because Nehru was a rebel against Gandhi, Subhash Bose was a rebel against Gandhi. Yet Gandhi made Jawaharlal Nehru the PM of India. If Subhas Bose had survived the aircrash on 17th August 1945, I am certain he would have been the President of India. So, that is how they dealt with dissidence. How does the present Congress deal with it? They put somebody like Pawan Khera as the official spokesman. I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera,” Mani Shankar Aiyar said. He also described Pawan Khera as a “puppet” who just repeats what party MP Jairam Ramesh tells him. He stated that Khera is not a spokesperson but a “parrot.” “I want you to send a message to Pawan Khera. He has allied with MA Baby in Delhi and he is getting upset about my being allied with Pinarayi Vijayan here. What kind of Congressi is he? Above all, how stupid can a party be than to make Pawan Khera the spokesman? There are a million people in Congress who would make a better spokesman. This chap is just a puppet, he is saying whatever Jairam Ramesh tells him. He repeats the same thing, he is not a spokesman, he is a parrot,” Aiyar said. Aiyar also slammed Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and said, “Can you imagine what is the condition of a party which raises a rowdy like KC Venugopal to the level of Sardar Patel, to Rahul Gandhi? That is all I need to say as an answer.” Earlier on Sunday, Aiyar stoked fresh controversy after lauding Vijayan and expressing hope for the return of the Left government in the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking at an international seminar titled “Vision 2031: Development and Democracy,” Aiyar asked Vijayan to “pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped.” “I do not know whether this is a compliment or an insult, but I deeply regret the absence of my party colleagues on this occasion, which is a state occasion and therefore a national occasion. While Kerala is the first state in panchayati raj in practice, it ranks only second in law,” Aiyar said. “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am confident will continue in office, I renew my plea — to reinforce Kerala as the best panchayati raj state in the country. Therefore, I must fall at your feet, Chief Minister Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you, and may Kerala prosper,” he added. Aiyar’s remarks did not sit well with the party. Congress national spokesperson Khera sought to distance the party from the comments, saying Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. In a post on X, Khera said Aiyar “speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.” “Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity,” Khera said. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also rubbished Aiyar’s remarks, saying the United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to return to power in Kerala. “Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance. They also know the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are covert partners,” 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
Cong disassociates, but Aiyar says unlike Rahul friends, he is with party
NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon. 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
Navjot Kaur Sidhu targets Rahul Gandhi; flags issues in Punjab Congress: ‘You don’t deserve that chair’
COIMBATORE: Former Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of being “disconnected from ground realities” and failing to act against alleged corruption within the Punjab Congress unit. Addressing the media in Coimbatore, Sidhu alleged that Gandhi’s inaction is damaging the party’s prospects in Punjab, according to news agency PTI. She claimed that members of his inner circle are engaged in selling election tickets while he remains unaware of developments on the ground. “Rahul Gandhi talks good. He talks sense. But what he does and what he says is very different. For the past eight months, I have been asking for a time to tell him that your people, your president or your person appointed in Punjab is not doing justice to Punjab. He’s killing Congress in Punjab. I’m just asking you for a seating to tell you that your party is being destroyed in Punjab. They have already sold the tickets,” said Sidhu. She further stated, “If you are not aware of what is happening beneath you, then I am sorry. You do not deserve that chair. You are responsible for what you are doing. We left everything for Punjab, and you promised us a deputy CM post with seven departments and me as an MP, but you gave us nothing. You gave us local bodies and tourism, and you wanted them to be run according to the CM. Why are you talking against corruption when your own people are corrupt? And you are liking those corrupt people around you. The people surrounding you are totally corrupt. You have no time for the honest people who want to come and tell you that this is going wrong, you are not going to win Punjab.” “Probably it is been gifted to him. He has not worked his way through the lower steps to actually be on the lower ground. I think it’s very important to be grounded. What’s happening at ground zero is very important for anyone. You have to be in touch with the ground reality to know. You can’t be living in a dream world,” said Sidhu. “We have been honest throughout our lives. We have just gained the confidence of the people of Punjab, of the people of India, by being honest and struggling financially because of that. You can point a finger at PM Modi. Try to touch him. Does he have a penny? Does he have a file against him? Try touching him personally. There is nothing against him,” Sidhu 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