‘Congress not just a party, but voice of India’s soul’: Rahul Gandhi on party’s foundation day; hails legacy
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday asserted that Congress is not just a political party but “the voice of India’s soul” that has always stood with the weak, the deprived and hardworking people. His remarks came on the 140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress. Rahul attended the celebrations at the party’s Indira Bhawan headquarters in New Delhi. Sharing a message on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “The Congress is not merely a political party; it is the voice of India’s soul – standing steadfast with every weak, every deprived, and every toiler.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) The Rae Bareli MP extended greetings to party members and paid tribute to the Congress’s legacy. “Heartiest greetings to every Congressman on the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress today. We pay homage to that historic legacy and those great sacrifices that won freedom for India, laid the foundation of the Constitution, and strengthened the values of democracy, secularism, social justice, and equality,” he said. “We resolve to fight even more resolutely for truth, courage, and the defence of the Constitution against hatred, injustice, and tyranny,” 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
Mallikarjun Kharge: Congress an ideology and ideologies never die
NEW DELHI: Party president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that “Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die”, as Indian National Congress marked its 140th foundation day on Sunday. The event at Indira Bhawan headquarters of Congress in New Delhi to mark the occasion was attended by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken and other party functionaries and members. On X, Rahul said that Congress is not just a political party, but the voice of India’s soul that has stood with every weak, deprived and hardworking person. “The resolve is to fight even more strongly the battle for truth, courage, and to protect the Constitution against hatred, injustice and dictatorship,” he said. Addressing the gathering, Kharge said that “to those who say ‘Congress is finished’, I want to tell them that our power may be less, but our spine is still straight”. “We have not compromised – not with the Constitution, not with secularism, and not with the rights of the poor. We may not be in office, but we will not bargain,” he said. He took the opportunity to urge Congress workers across country to unite and reach out to people at grassroots level to build a mass movement for restoration of MGNREGA, calling it a “vital lifeline for the poor and vulnerable”. Calling for a united fight to ‘save the democracy’, Kharge said the Constitution and democracy are under grave threat. “This fight is not merely electoral. It is a battle for the soul of India. If Congress does not fight, who will protect the Constitution and democracy?” he asked. Kharge alleged that in past 11 years, BJP-led govt has systematically weakened institutions built by Congress. 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
‘Service, commitment, ethics’: Revanth Reddy praises Sonia Gandhi amid Digvijaya Singh’s RSS post; lauds Congress
NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing controversy over Digvijaya Singh’s remarks praising the RSS’s organisational strength, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Revanth Reddy hailed Sonia Gandhi’s role in Congress leadership, citing examples of elevation of Manmohan Singh and P V Narasimha Rao to the post of Prime Minister. In a social media post on X, Reddy, on the 140th foundation day of the Congress, said that the party “has shaped every defining chapter of modern India.” “Congress: a force for the people of India was born 140 years ago on this day. The story of the Indian National Congress is the story of Indian democracy in motion. When one reflects on the leadership of Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji, we find service, commitment, ethics and values,” Reddy said. — revanth_anumula (@revanth_anumula) “Under Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji’s leadership, it became possible for Shri P V Narasimha Rao garu, who started his public career from a remote village in Telangana, to rise to become Prime Minister of the country. Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji also made an economist like Dr Manmohan Singh Ji the Prime Minister. From leading India’s freedom struggle to framing the Constitution, from building democratic institutions to uniting a diverse nation, the Indian National Congress has shaped every defining chapter of modern India,” he added. This comes after Digvijaya Singh stirred a controversy by sharing a black-and-white photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani in Gujarat. Singh commented on the ability of grassroots workers to ascend through the ranks to become chief minister and eventually Prime Minister, attributing it to the “power of organisation.” He tagged several senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Prime Minister Modi, and the official Congress handles. Reportedly, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister rued “over-centralisation” in the Congress and pushed for decentralisation in the presence of top leadership at the CWC meeting held on Saturday. He also complained that district and state chiefs were appointed by the AICC and questioned why decisions taken at the Udaipur Chintan Shivir, including setting up an election management department, had not been implemented. Last week, Singh had also praised Rahul Gandhi for his stance on socio-economic issues, giving him “full marks,” while calling for internal reforms within the Congress. Drawing a parallel with Rahul Gandhi’s push for Election Commission reforms, Singh argued that the party itself needed similar changes. In another post on X, he wrote, “Rahul ji, you are absolutely ‘bang on’ in matters of socio-economic issues. Full marks. But now please look at Congress also. Like the Election Commission needs reforms, so does the Indian National Congress. You have started with ‘Sangathan Srijan’, but we need more pragmatic, decentralised functioning.” He added, “I am sure you would do it because I know you can do it. The only problem is that it is not easy to ‘convince’ you!!” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Hate for Dalit’: BJP attacks Gandhi-Vadra family over Kharge’s treatment in presser; shares Jairam clip
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday targeted the Gandhi–Vadra family, alleging that “their hate for Dalit is so open.” The charge from the saffron party came shortly after the Congress held a press conference in which party president Mallikarjun Kharge initially said he would not read the full note aloud and would instead circulate it to the media, before being interrupted moments later by the party’s general secretary, who urged him to read it out. Sharing a clip of the exchange, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting Kharge. He wrote on X, “Be it Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi or Jairam Ramesh, their hate for a ‘DALIT’ is so open! Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge clearly stated that he would not read the full note and would circulate it to the press instead. Within seconds, Jairam Ramesh cut in and directed him to read it out. And Kharge ji complied. This is how Gandhi – Vadra family treats their own President!” At the press conference, the Congress announced a nationwide protest against the Centre’s decision to replace the rural employment scheme MGNREGA with what it called the VB G Ram G Act. Following the Congress Working Committee meeting, Kharge said replacing a scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi amounted to an insult to the Father of the Nation. Meanwhile, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to scrap MGNREGA without consulting relevant ministers or even the Union Cabinet. The LoP also pledged to oppose the move, saying, “As Kharge ji has said, we are going to resist it. We are going to fight it. And I’m confident that the entire opposition is going to be aligned against this action.” 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 hates India’: BJP cites Shashi Tharoor’s remarks on India’s foreign policy; what opposition MP said
NEW DELHI: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Saturday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of putting “family interests above national interest” while defending Operation Sindoor. He cited Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s remarks to counter Opposition criticism of the military operation. In a post on X, the BJP leader wrote: “Once again a fact check for Rahul Gandhi & his ilk like Prithviraj Chavan from Shashi Tharoor. Shows them a mirror on their fake narratives about Op Sindoor & ‘surrender’ narrative.” Shehzad Poonawalla's X post Referring to comments made earlier by Tharoor, Poonawalla said even leaders from the Opposition had acknowledged that national security issues should rise above partisan politics. “Foreign policy is not of the BJP or Congress, but of India. If someone in politics rejoices at the defeat of a Prime Minister, they are celebrating the defeat of India.” Using the remark to attack the Congress leadership, Poonawalla added: “Sadly Rahul Gandhi puts parivarik interest above India’s interest. In his hatred for BJP — he hates India.” This is not the first time the BJP spokesperson has cited Shashi Tharoor to target the Opposition. Earlier, Poonawalla had referred to Tharoor’s article criticising dynastic politics to take aim at the Gandhi family and the Congress leadership. Describing the piece as “insightful”, Poonawalla had hailed the Congress MP as a “Khatron ke Khiladi” for openly questioning political succession within his own party. ‘Completely defeated’: Prithviraj Chavan after Operation Sindoor The BJP’s sharp response comes amid a political storm triggered by remarks from senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who earlier this month claimed that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of Operation Sindoor. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Chavan had said: “On the first day (of Operation Sindoor) we were completely defeated. In the half-hour aerial engagement that took place on the 7th, we were fully defeated, whether people accept it or not. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was completely grounded, and not a single aircraft flew.” — ANI (@ANI) He further questioned the nature of modern warfare and the size of India’s armed forces. “Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military… Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?” The comments drew strong criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of repeatedly undermining the armed forces. Responding on X earlier, Poonawalla had said the statements were “shocking” and alleged that the Congress had a history of questioning military actions, adding: “Sena ka apman is Congress ki pehchaan.” Chavan, however, refused to apologise for his remarks, insisting that he had a constitutional right to question government actions. “Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions,” he said. — ANI (@ANI) Rahul Gandhi cites Donald Trump on Operation Sindoor The BJP has also linked the controversy to Rahul Gandhi’s earlier remarks on Operation Sindoor, in which the Congress leader cited US President Donald Trump’s claims and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi halted military action under external pressure. Gandhi had said: “Trump dialled PM Modi and said: Sunn… yeh jo tu kar raha hai isko 24 ghante ke andar band kar… aur Narendra Modi ne paanch ghante ke andar saara ka saara rok diya.” (Listen… whatever you’re doing, stop it within 24 hours, and Narendra Modi stopped everything within five hours.) The government has repeatedly rejected this claim. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that Prime Minister Modi and Trump had no calls during the period in question, while PM Modi himself said in the Lok Sabha: “No world leader asked for suspension of Operation Sindoor.” Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. 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
Congress: Like demonetisation, decimation of MGNREGA decision of PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Calling “decimation of MGNREGA” a one-man decision of PM Modi like demonetisation, Congress brass of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi announced a nationwide campaign from January 5 to force the government to restore the job guarantee scheme.They argued the disbanding of the job scheme will devastate the rural economy, seriously hurt the SC/ST/OBC/women/minorities/poor, burden the states, and divert the money to billionaires like Adani. The announcement came after a marathon meeting of Congress Working Committee that discussed the Modi government’s contentious replacement of MGNREGA with VB-GRAMG. After discussing the issue over three hours, the CWC members read out a five-point pledge that Congress “vows to lead a MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan from January 5, 2026… to oppose by all democratic means possible the attempt to convert the rights of the workers to a government dole”. Following up on the elaborate brainstorming, Congress fielded its top duo of Kharge and Rahul to brief the press in a bid to send out a message of intent that would resonate beyond the party circles. Rahul expressed confidence that entire opposition will be united in the future course of action to seek restoration of MGNREGA. “Those dependent on MGNREGA are angry. That anger will cost this govt heavily. Remember, the government had to take back the three farm laws after the way the farmers and the opposition fought against them,” Kharge warned. Rahul said MGNREGA was “destroyed singlehandedly by the PM” without studying the matter. “I am told the PMO took this decision, even the minister and the Cabinet were not asked,” he alleged, calling the move as reflective of “one man show” of present times in which “Modi does whatever he wants to do”. “It will benefit Adani in full measure. That is the purpose of this – to take money from the poor and hand it to people like Adani,” he said. CWC also discussed SIR, and Kharge spoke about the nexus between the BJP and the EC. It was said that party units and BLAs should take care that the votes of marginalised communities are not deleted. Kharge mocked the Modi government’s claims to have made India the fourth largest economy, in which Adani, Ambani can take unlimited money as bank loans, but govt could not bear 30% of the MGNREGA budget that has now been shifted to the states under the new law. He said the extra financial burden will stall development work in states. 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
‘Nothing to learn’: How Congress reacted to Digvijaya Singh’s RSS praise; senior leader clarifies stance
NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday stopped short of agreeing with its senior leader Digvijay Singh after he gave example of Rashtriya Swayamseva Sangh (RSS) to call for organisational reforms within Congress. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, reacting to former Madhya Pradesh chief minister’s remarks said that an organisation known for Godse can not teach anything to a organisation founded by Gandhi. “There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” Khera said. ‘Power of the organisation’ Earlier on Saturday Digvijay praised the organisational strength of RSS and shared a black-and-white photograph from a social media platform that showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated back on the ground while BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani sat on a chair in the background, acknowledging how the RSS shapes leadership within the organisation. “I found this image on the Quora site. It’s very impressive. How an RSS grassroots swayamsevak and Jan Sangh BJP worker sat on the floor at the feet of leaders and became the state’s Chief Minister and the country’s Prime Minister. This is the power of the organisation.” However, he issued a clarification, saying, “I’ve been saying this from the beginning: I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS. They neither respect the Constitution nor the country’s laws, and it’s an unregistered organisation.” “But I admire their organisational capacity because an organisation that isn’t even registered has become so powerful that the Prime Minister says from the Red Fort that it is the world’s largest NGO. If it’s an NGO, then where have your rules and regulations gone? But I admire their organisational capacity,” he added. Earlier this week, Singh had also praised Rahul Gandhi for his stance on socio-economic issues, giving him “full marks” while calling for internal reforms within the Congress. Drawing a parallel with Rahul Gandhi’s push for Election Commission reforms, Singh argued that the party itself needed similar changes. In another post on X, he wrote, “Rahul ji you are absolutely ‘Bang On’ in matters of Socio-Economic Issues. Full Marks. But now please look at Congress also. Like Election Commission needs Reforms, So Does Indian National Congress. You have started with ‘संघटन सृजन’ But we need more Pragmatic Decentralised Functioning.” He added, “I am sure you would do it because I know you can do it. Only problem is that it is not easy to ‘Convince’ you!!” BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi Meanwhile, BJP alleged that Digvijay’s praise for the organisational power of the BJP and the RSS was an “open dissent” against Rahul Gandhi’s leadership in the party. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that Rahul was bringing his party “upside down” because he had been sidelined in the party. “It’s because our Narendra Modi is ‘guddri ke lal’ (diamond in the rough) and their leader is ‘Jawahar ke lal’ (great-grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru). Since our Narendra Modi has risen to top from bottom, he is taking the party (BJP) also to the top from bottom,” Trivedi told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. In a swipe to Rahul, he said, “Since their leader is ‘Jawahar ke lal’ who is now ‘side down from up’, he is bringing his party upside down.” This comes after the Congress held the CWC meet in Delhi on Saturday under the chaimanship of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge — first after the party suffered a huge loss in Bihar assembly elections. After the CWC meet, Kharge announced that the grand-old-party launch a nation-wide protest against the Centre for replacing rural employment scheme – MGNREGA – with VB G-RAM-G law from January 5. “In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the Save MNREGA Campaign from January 5th,” Kharge 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
‘Erudite and deeply decent’: Congress, leaders across party lines pay tribute to Manmohan Singh on first death anniversary; Tharoor shares heartfelt video
NEW DELHI: First death anniversary of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was marked on Friday with leaders paying tributes across the country. Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away last year at the age of 92. Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi paid tribute, saying Singh’s decisions helped the poor and underprivileged, and his humility and hard work remained an inspiration. Rahul also paid floral tributes at Manmohan Singh’s residence at 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi. Party leaders and workers remembered Singh at events held in different states. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Singh as a transformative leader who changed the direction of India’s economy. He said Singh’s reforms expanded opportunities and helped millions move out of poverty. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Shashi Tharoor’s video tribute Shashi Tharoor shared a video message, describing Singh as an “erudite and deeply decent leader”. He said Singh’s quiet nature often spoke louder than political noise. “Today the nation pauses to mark a solemn milestone, the first death anniversary of a man whose silence often spoke louder than the clamour of our current political discourse, our former Prime Minister, the erudite and deeply decent Dr Manmohan Singh. It has been a year since we lost him, yet the void he left in the intellectual and moral landscape of Indian public life remains palpable Dr Singh was in many ways, in the famous phrase, an accidental politician, but he was a very conscious patriot,” Tharoor said in his video message. He said Singh would be remembered as a transformative Prime Minister who combined a quiet manner with firm conviction, pointing to his decision to stake his government on the civil nuclear deal that strengthened India’s position globally. Tharoor added that Singh’s years as Prime Minister were not only about economic growth. They were also about building a framework of rights, including the Right to Information, the Right to Education, MGNREGA, the right to work and the Right to Food Security. — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) Leaders across parties remember Singh “On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister, ‘Padma Vibhushan’ Dr Manmohan Singh ji, humble tribute to him. As finance minister and Prime Minister, he made invaluable contributions to the nation’s development,” UP CM Adityanath wrote on X. West Bengal’s CM Mamta Banerjee wrote, “Remembering former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, on his death anniversary.” Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule, and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar were among the many leaders who remembered Singh. Born in 1932, Manmohan Singh was an economist who served as RBI Governor and finance minister before becoming Prime 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
Foxconn expansion: Karnataka chief minister accuses Centre of credit chori
Bengaluru/New Delhi: A war of words has broken out between the state govt and the Centre over credit for Foxconn’s rapid expansion, with chief minister Siddaramaiah Friday accusing union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw of “stealing Karnataka’s success”. The CM questioned why BJP’s “double-engine govts” had failed to match Karnataka’s industrial performance after Vaishnaw linked Foxconn’s expansion in the state to the Centre’s Make in India programme. Vaishnaw’s remarks followed a Facebook post by Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who shared a news report titled “Foxconn hires 30k staff at new, women-led unit” and praised Karnataka for creating a manufacturing ecosystem capable of scaling quickly. In his post, Rahul Gandhi said, “30,000 staff hired in just eight–nine months – the fastest factory ramp-up seen in India so far…” He described the expansion as “transformative job creation”, noting that around 80% of the workforce were women aged 19–24. “Karnataka is setting an example by creating an ecosystem where manufacturing can grow at this scale and speed,” he said, adding, “This is the India we must build: jobs with dignity, and opportunities for all.” In his response, Vaishnaw said, “Thanks, Rahul Gandhi, for acknowledging the success of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ programme. As you have noted, we are becoming a producer economy as we implement our PM’s vision.” Responding on X, Siddaramaiah said, “If Make in India is truly a success, why can’t BJP’s ‘double-engine’ states match what Karnataka has delivered?” “When you have no achievements to show, you steal others’ success and take the credit,” he added. Foxconn, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of Apple devices, has its second-largest facility outside China at Devanahalli near Bengaluru. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 20 million iPhones a year. Over the past 12 months, iPhones worth $22 billion have been assembled in India, accounting for nearly 20% of Apple’s global iPhone output. Quotes Thanks, Rahul Gandhi, for acknowledging the success of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ programme (reflected in Foxconn’s expansion). As you have noted, we are becoming a producer economy as we implement our PM’s vision -Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister If Make in India is truly a success, why can’t BJP’s ‘double-engine’ states match what Karnataka has delivered? When you have no achievements to show, you steal others’ success and take the credit -Siddaramaiah, 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
Yogi Adityanath Accuses Opposition of ‘Selective Activism’, Questions Silence on Killing of Dalit Hindu in Bangladesh
Yogi Adityanath has sparked a fierce debate by accusing Opposition leaders and activists of ignoring attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh while vocally protesting violence in Gaza. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused Opposition parties and sections of civil society of “selective activism”, alleging they hold candle marches for Gaza but remain silent when Hindus, including a Dalit youth, are killed in Bangladesh. Speaking during the winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow, Adityanath launched a sharp attack on his political opponents, accusing them of double standards on human rights and minority safety. He said many leaders and activists “shed tears for everything that happens in the Gaza Strip” but fail to raise their voices with equal force when Hindus are targeted in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Chief Minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of reports about a young Dalit Hindu man allegedly killed in Bangladesh amid continuing concerns over the safety of minorities there. Without naming specific parties, Adityanath alleged that Opposition leaders see Dalits “only as a vote bank”, claiming their outrage is calibrated according to political convenience and religious identity. “Is humanity so selective that you will take out candle marches for Gaza, but not utter a single word when a Hindu, a Dalit, is murdered in Bangladesh?” he reportedly asked, urging lawmakers to adopt a more consistent moral stance. According to him, genuine commitment to human rights cannot be confined to one geography, faith or ideology. Call For Assembly Resolution, Pushback From Opposition Adityanath urged the House to pass a formal resolution condemning the alleged killing of Hindus in Bangladesh and to “warn” the Sheikh Hasina government over recurring attacks on religious minorities. Though foreign policy is primarily the Union government’s domain, the Chief Minister argued that state legislatures also have a duty to speak up on issues of basic human rights. Reports from the Assembly said his comments triggered sharp responses from Opposition benches, with leaders accusing the government of selectively spotlighting cross‑border crimes while ignoring hate speech, communal tensions and caste violence within India. Some legislators argued that the ruling party often internationalises atrocities on Hindus, but downplays attacks on Muslims, Christians, Adivasis and other vulnerable groups at home. Opposition voices also questioned whether such statements could strain India’s diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh, a key partner in trade, security cooperation and border management. They maintained that while any attack on minorities is condemnable, these concerns must be addressed through established diplomatic channels and without inflaming communal passions domestically. Civil society reactions have been more varied. Some commentators backed the Chief Minister’s demand for consistent outrage, pointing to repeated reports of temple vandalism, land grabs and targeted assaults on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Others cautioned that genuine solidarity must not be reduced to competitive victimhood, where one suffering is invoked primarily to dismiss or relativise another. Background: Minority Safety, Global Conflicts And Protest Culture The debate comes at a time when conflicts in West Asia, especially the ongoing war in Gaza, have drawn large‑scale protests, online campaigns and solidarity events across Indian cities and campuses. Candle marches, teach‑ins and social media campaigns demanding a ceasefire and protection of civilians have been widely reported. Critics of Adityanath’s remarks say such protests are part of a broader global peace movement and not evidence of indifference towards other victims. At the same time, minority rights groups have repeatedly flagged attacks on Hindus, Buddhists and other communities in Bangladesh, especially during times of political instability or communal tension. International watchdogs have documented instances of mob violence, forced displacement and destruction of places of worship. Activists argue that these patterns warrant more sustained international pressure, including from India, to safeguard basic rights. Within India, the conversation around “selective outrage” has become a recurring political talking point. Different sides routinely accuse each other of speaking up only when victims belong to their perceived support base. Whether it is lynchings, custodial deaths, caste‑based atrocities or cross‑border violence, public responses are often filtered through partisan and identity lenses, deepening polarisation rather than fostering a shared human‑rights framework. Adityanath’s intervention in the Assembly taps into this larger narrative. By juxtaposing Gaza protests with attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, he sought to highlight what he views as an imbalance in empathy and advocacy. However, critics warn that framing suffering in competitive terms risks trivialising all victims, instead of building a broader coalition that opposes violence in every context. Syed Muskan Shafiq Courtesy : TLI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thelogicalindian.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights