Victory and defeat depend on your thinking…Congress leaders paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in this way.
On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, several prominent leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, paid tribute. New Delhi: Top Congress leaders remembered Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji on his 350th martyrdom day. The leaders shared their messages, remembering the sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru, known as the “Chadar of India,” and his supreme sacrifice in protecting human values. Victory and defeat depend on your thinking: Kharge Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote in a post on the social media platform X, “Victory and defeat depend on your thinking. If you accept it, you lose; if you resolve it, you win. My heartfelt tributes to the ninth Guru of Sikhism, ‘Hind ki Chadar’, Dhan-Dhan Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, on his 350th martyrdom day, who sacrificed everything to protect human values, equality, and principles.” Rahul Gandhi also posted Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote, “My heartfelt tributes to the ninth Guru of Sikhism, ‘Hind ki Chadar’, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, on his martyrdom day. His ideals, values, sacrifice, and dedication will always be a source of inspiration for humanity.” His lessons will always guide us: Priyanka Gandhi Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi wrote, “Respectful tributes to the ninth Guru of Sikhism, Shri Teg Bahadur Ji, on his martyrdom day. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji showed the world the path by spreading the light of righteousness, humanity, service, sacrifice, love, and unity. His lessons will always guide us all.” Guru Sahib’s teachings show the way: Congress The Congress wrote on its official Twitter handle, “We pay our humble tribute to Guru Teg Bahadur Ji on his martyrdom day. His supreme sacrifice for freedom and humanity and his everlasting teachings show a path for millions of our Sikh brothers and sisters and many more.” Kamal Nath also paid tribute Let us follow in his footsteps to stand against injustice and uphold the values of unity and humanity. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath wrote in an Instagram post, “Humble tributes to the ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, on his martyrdom day. His sacrifice will always inspire us to sacrifice everything to protect the truth.” My heartfelt regards.” Edited by: NBT Desk Courtesy: Hindi News
‘No plans to meet Rahul Gandhi’: In Karnataka power tussle, CM Siddaramaiah appeals to party to ‘end transition confusion’
BENAGLURU: Chief minister Siddaramaiah, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday appealed to the party to “end the transition confusion” and clarified that the final word must come from the central brass. He further added that he has no plans to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi in the near term. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, meanwhile, fueled political speculation by confirming that “a confidential understanding on leadership transition among five-six leaders” exists, shortly after Congress’ landslide victory in 2023. Speaking in his home constituency of Kanakapura, Shivakumar referred directly to the alleged power pact but declined to share details. “This is confidential. I don’t want to speak publicly on this,” he said. Amid the political buzz, Sadhus from Varanasi visited Bengaluru on Monday and extended their blessings to Shivakumar, conveying prayers for the welfare of the people of Karnataka. “We have come from Kashi. We gave him our blessings,” one of the sadhus said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing reporters outside his residence, reiterated that the high command will decide on the CM face. “I have nothing to say. You have been standing here for three days straight. There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it,” he said. Meanwhile, home minister G Parameshwara hinted that he also remains in the CM race. Speaking about a recent dinner hosted by Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi for Dalit community leaders, Parameshwara said the gathering included discussions on political and departmental issues. “We are all like-minded. The fight over internal reservation is over. Should we not discuss our problems?” he asked. He added that he has consistently been in the CM race and recalled his tenure as KPCC president in 2013. Earlier, Siddaramaiah downplayed speculation about a leadership change, calling it an “unnecessary debate” linked to discussions on a cabinet reshuffle. The CM said senior party leadership would make final decisions, with two of the 34 ministerial posts still vacant. 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
Dalit voices rally behind Kharge for Karnataka CM, write to Sonia
Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. BENGALURU: IN a political drama unfolding within the Karnataka Congress, the DK Shivakumar camp is lobbying hard in New Delhi for their leader to occupy the CM’s chair, while he is receiving endorsements from Naga Sadhus. Yet, in the middle of all this, another interesting development has surprised many. A group of Congress leaders is rallying behind AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, considered by many as a beacon of Dalit empowerment, to occupy the top chair. The high command now has to manage a delicate balancing act — one that could either consolidate the party’s diverse base or fracture it further, handing BJP and JDS an opportunity in the 2028 Assembly elections in the state. In an open letter to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, influential voices, including KPCC office-bearers, former legislators, journalists, intelligentsia, social activists, and citizens, have made an appeal for Kharge’s appointment as CM. Dated November 22 and circulated widely in Delhi and Bengaluru, the letter states that this leadership vacuum is a historic moment to rectify decades of under-representation of Dalits. The letter laments the absence of a Dalit CM since Karnataka’s formation in 1956, despite “the community’s unwavering loyalty to Congress”. “Kharge stands out as a capable leader for this role. His long experience, integrity, and deep connection with the people of Karnataka make him uniquely suited to guide the state at this moment,” the signatories assert. Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Saturday, a group of Naga Sadhus visited Shivakumar at his residence, blessing him and urging him to ascend the CM seat. At the heart of this frenzy lies a pivotal question: Has Shivakumar’s surge positioned Kharge as the ultimate winner? As the first Dalit president of Congress in its 139-year history, Kharge has remained above the fray, issuing measured statements on the cabinet reshuffle or change in CM’s post. His recent remark urging party unity amid turmoil was interpreted by some as a subtle rebuke to Shivakumar’s overtures, but it also amplified calls for him to return to state politics as CM. Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s supporters, including a handful of MLAs like HC Balakrishna (Magadi), Nayana Motamma (Mudigere) and other MLAs, flew to Delhi. Sources close to the Shivakumar camp described the meetings as “consultations”. Meanwhile, BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya lambasted Kharge’s recent comments on the reshuffle, alleging that Congress is suffering from dynastic rot. “Kharge ji is the party president, but who is this high command? This shows there is dynastic politics. He must be considering Rahul Gandhi as the high command,” Siroya remarked. “I hope they find a solution soon, as it is not good for both Congress and the state. Given the current conduct of Congress, it is clear that it will be in a much worse state in the coming elections. I don’t know what is happening in that party, but it is certainly affecting Karnataka,” he said. Former Congress MLC Mohan Kondajji said, “I am not a signatory to the letter, but I am aware of it. My only concern is that Congress should come out as the winner. With Kharge’s tremendous experience, he will be able to take everyone along.” Bansy Kalappa Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MPs from T’gana must raise BC quota issue in Parl: KTR
Hyderabad: Alleging that the Congress govt had betrayed the BCs by not providing 42% reservations in local bodies, BRS working president KT Rama Rao said the BRS would expose the Congress party’s U-turn on enhanced BC reservations. He said that they would confront the Congress party everywhere for trampling on the promises made under the ‘Kamareddy BC Declaration’ before the 2023 assembly elections and for deceiving BCs at every step. “The party will go to the people and expose the injustice done to Telangana BCs by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Rahul is touring the nation claiming that 42% reservation has been given to BCs in Telangana, even though no such increase has actually been implemented in the state,” the BRS leader said at a meeting of BC leaders on Monday. A meeting with BC public representatives, former MLAs, MLCs, and senior party leaders was held at Telangana Bhavan on Monday. During the meeting, MLC Dr Dasoju Sravan gave a PowerPoint presentation on what he described as the fraud being committed by the Congress party in the name of 42% reservations. Speaking at the meeting, KTR demanded that if Rahul Gandhi were truly sincere, he should use his position as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha to ensure an immediate discussion on this issue in Parliament. He questioned why, if the BJP govt at the Centre was not cooperating with the Congress govt in Telangana on BC reservations, Rahul was not raising the issue in Parliament. He added that if Rahul were genuinely committed to the 42% BC quota, he could introduce a Private Member’s Bill. He demanded that BJP and Congress MPs elected from Telangana raise this issue in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Parliamentary sessions. KTR criticised the BJP, saying that while they repeatedly speak about BCs, they are betraying them in all aspects — from reservations to fund implementation and the creation of an OBC welfare ministry. He remarked that people are observing the BJP’s deception as well. 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
‘Don’t respect Ambedkar, Samvidhan’: BJP slams Rahul for skipping CJI’s oath taking; calls it ‘boycott’
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Monday criticised Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for not attending the oath-taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, alleging his absence reflected “disrespect” towards B R Ambedkar and the Constitution. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress leader of “skipping and boycotting” a key constitutional event attended by the country’s top leadership. Poonawalla, addressing reporters, said, “Today, when the entire country was in a sense celebrating, particularly Haryana, the Chief Justice of India’s oath ceremony and the entire government led by Modiji was present at the event, he skipped it, boycotted it.” He further remarked, “Instead of attending this solemn programme, Rahul Gandhi may be on some foreign trip or jungle safari.” Justice Surya Kant, known for being part of landmark benches including the rulings on the abrogation of Article 370 and the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls, was administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior dignitaries were present. Justice Kant, who succeeds Justice B R Gavai, will serve until February 9, 2027. The BJP leader alleged that Gandhi and his party places “parivaar tantra” above democratic and constitutional norms, adding, “It shows that his family, particularly him, talk about ‘samvidhan’, but they don’t respect Ambedkar and ‘samvidhan’.” Justice Kant took the oath in Hindi in the name of God and will now head the Supreme Court for nearly 15 months. 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
Shivakumar camp ramps up pressure as Rahul Gandhi returns to Delhi
Bengaluru/New Delhi: The tussle at the top in Karnataka again played out in Delhi Monday, as deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar and his supporters stepped up efforts to push for a change of chief minister. Shivakumar and his supporters, who reportedly sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi to press for his elevation as CM for the remaining two-and-a-half-years of this govt, have made multiple trips to the capital in recent days. Two separate groups of his supporters are currently in Delhi seeking meetings with senior party functionaries. But Rahul refused to meet any of them, prompting the deputy CM to return to Bengaluru, party sources said. Meanwhile, the Siddaramaiah camp is said to be running its own low-key manoeuvres — by seeking permission for cabinet rejig — to counter demands that he step down. Amid the churn, MLC and former AICC general secretary BK Hariprasad — regarded as close to the Gandhis — met Rahul privately in Delhi around noon. His meeting took place even as Shivakumar was denied time. Sources say Hariprasad briefed Rahul on the political situation and urged early intervention to prevent further escalation. He is believed to have told Rahul that repeated visits by Shivakumar’s supporters to the capital could trigger counter-pressure from Siddaramaiah’s camp, deepening internal rifts. Hariprasad declined to reveal details, saying only that “everything is fine”. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who Siddaramaiah privately met on Saturday at his residence in Bengaluru, has expressed frustration over the persistent factional divide but suggested that he can’t resolve the impasse immediately. Kharge, who has remained in Bengaluru since Saturday, is expected to travel to Delhi on Tuesday to discuss developments with Rahul and review implications of either retaining or altering the present arrangement. Sources say a final decision from the central brass may be imminent. On Monday, a second batch of MLAs backing Shivakumar including HC Balakrishna (Magadi), KM Uday (Maddur), Nayana Motamma (Mudigere), Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara), Sharath Bachegowda (Hoskote) and Shivaganga Basavaraj (Channagiri) flew to Delhi to meet senior party functionaries. Last week, some 10 legislators led by agriculture minister N Cheluvaraswamy met Kharge in Delhi and reportedly pressed for Shivakumar’s elevation in line with what they claim is an understanding that the chief minister post would change hands at the halfway mark. Simultaneously, the Siddaramaiah camp has continued to push for a cabinet rejig. Sources say that if the high command approves a reshuffle, it will signal that Siddaramaiah will continue for the full five-year term, narrowing the scope for Shivakumar to take over. Siddaramaiah, who earlier asserted that he would complete a full term as CM and present two more budgets, struck a more moderate tone Monday. “We will abide by the high command’s decision. If they decide I should continue (as CM), I will continue. Ultimately, whatever the high command decides, I should accept it. Shivakumar should also accept it,” he said in Chikkaballapur. Sharing the stage with him, Shivakumar responded that Siddaramaiah’s statement was ‘Veda Vakya’ (sacrosanct) for him. 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
‘Country in chaos’: Rahul slams SIR after BLOs death; calls roll revision ‘imposed tyranny’
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that “chaos” has gripped the country in the name of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died due to work-related stress.The SIR exercise is currently under way in nine States and three Union Territories. Its first phase was conducted in Bihar ahead of the State’s Assembly elections. “Under the guise of SIR, chaos has been unleashed across the country – the result? In three weeks, 16 BLOs have lost their lives. Heart attacks, stress, suicides – SIR is no reform, it’s an imposed tyranny,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X in Hindi. “SIR is a calculated ploy – where citizens are being harassed and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as ‘collateral damage.’ This is not a failure, it’s a conspiracy – a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power,” the Congress MP alleged. A media report shared by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that 16 BLOs have died across six States — four each in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, three in West Bengal, two in Rajasthan, and one each in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Following the death of a BLO in West Bengal that triggered a political dispute, governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said that the passing of Shanti Muni Ekka, who allegedly died by suicide due to “unbearable pressure” from SIR-related duties, would be examined thoroughly. “In such a situation, it is better to avoid a knee-jerk reaction. What the Chief Minister said has to be examined in detail. I am sure we have an Election Commission which is strong enough and has a balanced outlook. All these issues can be examined properly and appropriate solutions found, but what is required is free and fair elections in this country,” the governor said. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on February 7, 2026. The States and Union Territories currently undergoing SIR include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Rahul on SIR Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress will hold an internal review meeting on November 24, chaired by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The meeting will focus on SIR-related assessments, improvements across districts, and ensuring that no voter names are omitted. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to meet members of the Matua community in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, on November 25. 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
‘Dalits, Adivasis, Working Class Face Risk Of Disenfranchisement’ : Thol Thirumavalavan Moves Supreme Court Against Tamil Nadu SIR
Member of Parliament and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of India’s decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. He has sought the quashing of the Election Commission’s 27 October 2025 notification initiating the exercise in the State In the petition filed under Article 32, the petitioner contends that the SIR is arbitrary, non-transparent, and unconstitutional, and violates multiple fundamental rights, including equality, dignity, and universal adult franchise. He argues that the rushed exercise, announced less than a year before the State goes to polls, poses a serious threat of large-scale voter deletions, particularly among marginalised communities. According to the petition, the design and timing of the SIR disproportionately burden Dalits, Adivasis, migrant workers, women who relocate after marriage, the working class, disabled persons, and those lacking stable documentation or digital access. Structural barriers such as seasonal migration, informal housing, linguistic challenges and digital illiteracy could make compliance nearly impossible, resulting in wrongful deletions from the rolls. Citing the doctrine on indirect discrimination, the petitioner argues that even a facially neutral measure becomes unconstitutional if it disproportionately excludes disadvantaged groups. The petition points out that Dalits, Adivasis, women, and working-class citizens face disproportionate risks of being removed from the electoral rolls, effectively undermining the universal adult franchise that the Constitution makers envisioned for our democracy. According to the petitioner, there were large-scale voter deletions during similar revision exercises in Tamil Nadu, notably in 2002 and 2005, which later drew official acknowledgement of procedural lapses. Reports of over 50 lakh deletions ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and complaints from tribal communities in 2016 are cited to underscore the risks posed by intensive revisions. The petitioner points out that Tamil Nadu already underwent a Special Summary Revision between October 2024 and January 2025, with the updated roll published on 6 January 2025 and continuously maintained thereafter. The Election Commission, he argues, has offered no justification for a fresh statewide intensive revision, despite the proximity of the upcoming elections. The plea contends that the SIR process deviates from the statutory framework under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which envisages home-based verification by Booth Level Officers. Instead, the EC has introduced additional form-based procedures through executive directions, allegedly lacking due safeguards such as notice and opportunity of hearing before deletions. Arguing that the right to vote is a constitutional right under Article 326, the petitioner submits that the SIR effectively creates a restricted franchise by imposing procedural burdens that vulnerable citizens cannot meet, amounting to “soft disenfranchisement” and undermining democratic legitimacy. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK, has approached the Supreme Court against the SIR. On the other hand, the AIADMK has filed an application supporting the SIR. Actor Vijay’s newly launched party TVK also filed a petition questioning the ECI’s move. The Supreme Court will consider the DMK petition on November 26. The petitiion was drafted by Advocate Disha Wadekar and filed through Aditi Gupta, AOR. Courtesy : Live Law Note: This news is originally published on https:/livelaw.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
3-Time MLA And Dalit Face Vinay Kumar Is New Himachal Congress Chief
Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Shimla: Ending the uncertainty that prevailed since the previous committee was dissolved on November 6 last year, Congress on Saturday appointed three-time MLA and senior party leader Vinay Kumar as the new President of its Himachal Pradesh unit. A statement in this regard was issued by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal. The statement issued on Saturday mentioned that the party President, Mallikarjun Kharge, has appointed Vinay Kumar as the “President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect”. A prominent Dalit face of the party, Kumar was the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and tendered his resignation from the post, which was accepted by Speaker Kuldeep Pathania. The resignation was seen as a step towards his formal announcement as the state Congress party president. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had already advocated for a Dalit-affiliated party president. Party National President Mallikarjun Kharge also agreed with Vinay Kumar’s name. Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Vinay Kumar was elected Deputy Speaker of the Assembly after the 2022 elections. With his position now becoming vacant, the names of Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail, and Kasauli MLA KD Sultanpuri are being considered for the post. In an effort to rejuvenate the Congress organisation in Himachal Pradesh and strengthen its grassroots presence, the party dissolved its state, district, and block executive committees on November 6 of last year. The party’s top leadership initiated this organisational restructuring to address upcoming political challenges and to create a new structure that includes dedicated and influential party workers. This move was based on a proposal by then State President Pratibha Singh, which received approval from Kharge. Following this, KC Venugopal issued a letter on November 6, 2024, officially dissolving all executive committees except for the Congress President. Pratibha was asked to continue till further orders. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi to lay foundation for Jeans Park soon: Minister MB Patil
Ballari: In a dramatic turn of events, the state govt has promised to expedite the development of the proposed Jeans Park in Ballari, following the shutdown of 36 jeans washing units for pollution violations. The units, closed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) following a suo motu case brought forth by the Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa, are expected to reopen soon, with chief minister Siddaramaiah approving the restart of operations for units with their own effluent treatment plants. Minister for large and medium industries, MB Patil, announced on social media that the first phase of the Jeans Park project has acquired 158 acres of land, with plans to acquire an additional 400 acres in the next phase. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and diversify Ballari’s economy, currently reliant on minerals. The project’s foundation stone will be laid by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he added The formation of the Jeans Park would include jeans manufacturing units, washing and finishing units, export zones, training and skill development centres, and entrepreneurship support systems. The govt has allocated Rs 11 crore each from KKRDB and KIADB to build a common effluent treatment plant (CETP) to treat polluted water. The CETP, proposed in 2010, faced delays due to funding issues. Officials estimate the plant will take 6-12 months to complete. Earlier, the Jeans Entrepreneurs Association prepared a DPR for a Rs 24 crore plant and submitted it to the district administration, but the project was shelved due to various reasons, including lack of funds. Ballari City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy confirmed the govt’s commitment to supporting the industry, with the CM announcing funds for the CETP. However, officials said the establishment of the CETP might take at least six months to one year to complete. This quick response from the govt reflects the altered scenario, which is perceived as a positive development. The industry is projected to recover following the formal inauguration of the Jeans Park. 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