After Rahul meeting, ex-BJP min Anil Joshi may join Cong today
Amritsar: Former Punjab minister Anil Joshi, once a senior BJP leader expelled over his opposition to the now-repealed farm laws, is expected to join the Congress on Wednesday. On Tuesday, he met with Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal. Talk was rife of his shifting as Joshi met Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal in Delhi on Tuesday. After being removed from the BJP in 2021, Joshi had joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) that year. He had, however, resigned from the SAD in Nov 2024. If he joins the Congress, Joshi, who is among the most notable Hindu politicians from Punjab’s Majha region, could be fielded by the party for the Tarn Taran bypoll. While all parties have announced candidates for the bypoll, Congress is yet to name anyone. Joshi is expected to join the Congress in Chandigarh on Wednesday in the presence of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who is the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and in-charge of the party’s Punjab affairs. A native of Sangha village in Tarn Taran, Joshi joined BJP in 1998 and remained the party’s mandal president before being appointed district president. Known as an outspoken Hindu leader of the Majha region, Joshi was elected MLA for the first time in 2007 and then in 2012 from Amritsar North assembly constituency on a BJP ticket. He served as the minister for local government in the then SAD-BJP govt. He was expelled from BJP on July 10, 2021, for six years for alleged anti-party activities, especially his objections to the party’s decision on three farm bills. He later joined SAD. In Nov 2024, Joshi resigned from SAD, stating that the party lacked meaningful discussion on the core issues facing Punjab and had deviated from the spirit of communal harmony that had originally inspired him to join. Though Joshi has maintained a strong political presence in Amritsar, he has also demonstrated his influence in his native city of Tarn Taran by securing a victory for his younger brother, Rajesh Kumar Raja Joshi, in the municipal councillor elections. During the farmers’ protest in Delhi, Joshi openly rebelled against BJP over agrarian issues, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the party. In 2024, he unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election on a SAD ticket from Amritsar constituency, which was won by Congress’s Gurjeet Singh Aujla. Despite a long list of contenders for the Tarn Taran assembly byelection, the Congress high command had been delaying the announcement of its official candidate. However, Joshi’s unexpected meeting with Rahul and Venugopal has stirred a significant political buzz in the Majha region, especially among Congress ticket hopefuls. “He has a strong presence in Amritsar North assembly constituency. if he joins Congress, only the senior leadership will decide from where to use his services,” said a Congress functionary, who did not wish to be named. Joshi couldn’t be contacted for comment, but his close associates maintained that he was not joining the Congress on the condition of contesting the Tarn Taran byelection or any other election. “Instead, he has been drawn by the Congress party’s secular ideology and Rahul Gandhi’s progressive vision,” said one of his associates. 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
After speaking to Stalin, Rahul calls Vijay
Chennai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had a telephonic conversation with TVK chief and actor Vijay on Sunday evening to extend his condolences in the wake of Karur stampede, in which 41 people, including women and children, died. Vijay and Rahul last met in 2009, amidst speculation that Vijay had expressed keenness to join Congress. “Rahul spoke to Vijay on Sunday. During his brief conversation, the Congress leader conveyed his condolences following the tragic deaths of his supporters,” said a senior Congress leader. Rahul spoke to Vijay after he spoke to chief minister M K Stalin. Congress sources indicated Rahul informed CM Stalin of his intention to speak to Vijay, considering the gravity of the incident. Acknowledging the call from Rahul Gandhi, Stalin posted on X, “Thank you, my dear brother Thiru. @RahulGandhi, for reaching out to me over phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in #Karur, and sincerely inquiring about measures taken to save precious lives of those under treatment.” AICC TN in-charge Girish Chodankar on Monday visited Karur at behest of Rahul. Chodankar said Rahul’s calls should not be interpreted as political. “He spoke to both (Stalin and Vijay). He wanted to speak to people of TN in the wake of the tragedy that claimed many lives. His intention was to inquire, and there was nothing beyond that,” Chodankar told TOI. He said Rahul’s actions were entirely based on humanitarian concerns. TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai accompanied Chodankar on his visit. AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal will visit Karur on Tuesday to provide financial aid of 1 crore to bereaved families. Selvaperunthagai came down hard on opponents for politicizing the tragedy. “Govt has constituted a one-person inquiry commission headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who also headed the inquiry commission constituted by the previous AIADMK regime to probe Tuticorin police firing. Let us wait for interim report of the commission,” he told reporters in Karur. 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 on South America tour: Congress leader reaches Columbia; set to interact with students, political leaders
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reached Bogota, Colombia, on Monday, as a part of his South America tour. He is set to interact with political leaders, university students, and members of the business community. Congress shared a video of his arrival, in which, he could be seen interacting with several people. “Today, LoP Shri @RahulGandhi reached Bogota, Colombia. He is on a tour of South America, where he is scheduled to engage with political leaders, university students, and members of the business community across four countries,” the post said. — INCIndia (@INCIndia) Bharatiya Janata Party has slammed the tour saying that he is “building a global alliance” to “fight the Indian state and Indian democracy!” “Rahul Gandhi goes on yet another foreign visit! Rahul Gandhi departs to South America! Wonder who will be the next anti-India element that Rahul will meet behind closed doors! Rahul wants to fight the Indian state and Indian democracy! He is building a global alliance for it. George Soros, his mentor, might be directing him! In the past, he has asked for foreign interference in Indian democracy, met anti-India elements like Ilhan Omar, and even got the endorsement of Khalistani terrorist Pannu,” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said. “Note the timing: Just after his ideological anarchist Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested under the NSA, Rahul Gandhi has departed!” he added. — pradip103 (@pradip103) 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
PM Modi’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ post: Congress takes ‘3rd umpire’ jibe, says battlefield comparison not appropriate
NEW DELHI: A day after the Indian cricket team won the Asia Cup Championship, political row erupted over PM Modi’s congratulatory remarks, with Congress terming the Operation Sindoor mention “inappropriate”.Soon after the win, PM Modi posted on X last night saying, “#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.” The post drew flak from Congress, with Pawan Khera writing a direct post to PM Modi saying, “Prime Minister, firstly, comparing a cricket match to a battlefield is not appropriate.” Further taking a jibe at the PM and indirectly hinting at Trump’s repeated ceasefire claims, Khera added, “Secondly, if you must make such a comparison, you need to learn from the Indian team that when you’re close to victory, good captains don’t call for a ceasefire just because a third umpire says so.” — Pawankhera (@Pawankhera) This was the latest in series of back and forth among politicians. Earlier in the day, other Congress leaders had also taken jabs at the Prime minister. “”Sometimes I doubt if PM Modi has any knowledge of foreign policy and diplomacy. If we played, we should have played with sportsman spirit,” Atul Londhe Patil told news agency PTI. “”If Operation Sindoor is ongoing, then we shouldn’t have played. And if discussions are ongoing to normalise the situation, then sports can be a medium to improve it, but linking everything with Operation Sindoor is not right,” Patil added. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sakpal also reacted to the Prime Minister’s post. He said: “It is clear from his tweet that, be it air, water, or sports, he brings politics into everything to polarise. We take pride in India’s victory, but we haven’t won the Asia Cup for the first time. There is a certain dignity of a country which he doesn’t maintain, and I regret this.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for linking India’s Asia Cup victory over Pakistan with Operation Sindoor, warning that tournament proceeds could be diverted to fund terror activities across the border. Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi had said that the Asia Cup games between India and Pakistan “should not have happened” in the first place, questioning why India chose to play Pakistan despite its stated “zero tolerance for terror” policy. “In the first place, this match should not have happened. The cricket match that BCCI played for the benefit of PCB… the match that took place for the revenue of the broadcasters. The 140 crore people of the country did not want this match to happen,” she added. On the other hand, BJP had also taken jabs at Congress for not making a statement on India’s win. “It seems India’s stunning win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final has left Rahul Gandhi and the entire Congress in a comatose state. Just like after #OperationSindoor, when they couldn’t bring themselves to congratulate the Indian Army for its stupendous strikes, they now appear to be waiting for permission from Mohsin Naqvi and their other handlers in Pakistan before joining the nation in celebrating the Indian cricket team’s success,” said Amit Malviya. “Put that aside — not even a single social media post from Congress congratulating our national team for thrashing Pakistan thrice in the tournament and bringing the Asia Cup home. Once again, Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress find themselves on the same side of the divide,” he further added. India won the Asia Cup with the final against Pakistan on Sunday by 5 wickets. 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 writes to home minister over ‘death threat’ to Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary K C Venugopal Sunday wrote to home minister Amit Shah drawing his attention to what he referred to as a “chilling and heinous” death threat issued to leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi by Printu Mahadev – “a spokesperson of BJP” – during a televised debate. Venugopal demanded immediate, exemplary action by the state police, “so that justice is swift, visible and severe”. Venugopal said “as such, any failure by you to act swiftly, decisively and publicly will be judged as complicity – a de facto licence for the legitimisation of complicity and normalisation of violence against the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and a grave breach of your oath as the Union home minister.” Venugopal claimed Mahadev is a spokesman for BJP and made the remarks against Gandhi during a televised debate on a Malayalam channel. “In a brazen act of incitement of violence, Mahadev openly declared ‘Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest’,” Venugopal said. “That such poisonous words are uttered by an official spokesperson of the governing party not only places the life of Rahul Gandhi in immediate danger, but also undermines the Constitution, rule of law and the basic security assurances owed to every citizen – let alone the leader of opposition,” the Congress general secretary in-charge organisation said. Venugopal said CRPF, entrusted with the security of Gandhi, has written multiple letters regarding threats to his safety. “Shockingly, one such letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was leaked to the media under mysterious circumstances, raising serious questions about the intention behind doing so,” 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
Karur stampede: Rahul Gandhi dials Vijay; offers condolences after 41 declared dead
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi dialed TVK chief actor-politician Vijay, to convey his condolences over the death of supporters in the Karur stampede, reported news agency ANI citing sources. On Sunday, the Congress leader also called Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin to express his condolences and inquire about the incident. The stampede took place during a political event in Karur organized by TVK. The death toll from Saturday night’s rally, led by actor-politician Vijay, rose to 41 by Monday. More than 60 people were hospitalized, including a two-year-old boy, the youngest among the victims. The Tamil Nadu government has formed a one man commission (Instituting a former judge) to investigate the matter. The tragic incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has raised questions regarding the government’s preparedness and preventive measures. EPS sought clarity on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and questioned whether adequate safety arrangements were in place to manage the crowd at the event. The former chief minister’s remarks add to the growing discourse on accountability and the need for stringent crowd control mechanisms to avoid such incidents in the 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
“RSS policy of Nitish-BJP”: Tejashwi Yadav accuses NDA of “anti-Dalit” approach in Bihar
Patna (Bihar) [India], September 28 (ANI): Bihar’s Leader of Opposition and RJD leader, Tejashwii Yadav, accused the JDU-BJP government of anti-Dalit policies on Sunday, claiming that the Scheduled Caste population has a lower participation rate in the government and professional sectors. Sharing the glimpses from the ‘Pataliputra Dalit Conference’ by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), Tejashwi launched a sharp attack against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP, accusing them of an RSS-like policy. The RJD leader wrote on X, “Participated in the ‘Pataliputra Dalit Conference’ organised by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR). For 20 years, the RSS policy of the Nitish-BJP double-engine government has led to anti-Dalit policies, due to which, despite the population of Scheduled Castes in Bihar being more than 21.3 per cent, the participation of Dalits in government and professional sectors has been limited to just 1.13 per cent.” Further, Tejashwi Yadav claimed that there are caste inequalities in education, land rights, and employment. “Due to the continuous exploitation of Dalits, their condition is pitiable. In the current social structure, significant inequalities persist in areas such as education, land rights, and employment. Only 0.015 per cent of the total Scheduled Caste population are doctors and only 0.1 per cent are engineers,” he wrote. He accused the government of not allocating appropriate funds for the students from the Scheduled Tribes and the Scheduled Castes. He wrote, “The Bihar government is using the funds allocated under the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste sub-plan for other purposes, as a result of which these sections receive no direct benefit. When it comes to schemes for scholarships, progress, advancement, and improvement for Dalit students, this anti-Dalit government starts making excuses of a shortage of funds.” He also slammed Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi for their alleged silence over the exploitation of the Dalit community. “Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, who call themselves Dalit leaders, have maintained complete silence on the exploitation of Dalits after getting a share in power,” the X post read. Tejashwi’s remarks come ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections later this year, as Mahagathbandhan, led by Congress and RJD, is gearing up to challenge the ruling NDA, which comprises BJP and JD(U). (ANI) The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher. Written By: TSG Syndication Courtesy : The Sunday guardian Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesundayguardian.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi are committing crimes like Jinnah… What did Acharya Pramod Krishnam say about the Bareilly controversy?
I Love Muhammad Controversy: Following the Bareilly riots, police arrested local Maulana Tauqeer Raja. Acharya responded, “The law is equal for everyone. Whether a Hindu religious leader or a Muslim cleric, we are Indians first and foremost. If anyone breaks the law, action will be taken. No one’s status matters.” Sambhal: Politics has heated up over the recent riots and sloganeering in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Acharya Pramod Krishnam, the head of the Shri Kalki Dham in Anchora Kamboh village in Sambhal district, has reacted sharply to this issue. He also strongly objected to Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi’s stance on the current situation. He stated that he too has a deep love for Prophet Muhammad, but this should not be used as a means of street protests or violence. He clearly stated, “Love comes from the heart, not through street protests. This is India, not the Taliban.” The controversy that began with “I Love Mohammad” posters and slogans in Bareilly escalated into violence and vandalism. Acharya responded by saying that anyone who creates a disturbance will be punished. Praising him, he said, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is disciplined. Law and order will not be compromised under his leadership. The police will not sit idly by. Anyone who creates a disturbance will have to pay the price.” He said that there is no need for violence or disruption of peace to show religious love. We also love Prophet Mohammad, but there is no need for a movement for this. Keep love in your heart, not on the streets. After the police lathicharge in Bareilly, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the Yogi government. Acharya retorted, “Akhilesh and Rahul are conspiring to divide the country. They want to divide Hindus and Muslims and, by inciting Muslims, send the message that this country is not theirs. Jinnah committed this crime; they are repeating the same mistake. They must stop.” He warned that this political rhetoric is dangerous to the unity of the country. Indian Muslims are also our citizens. Misguiding them is a serious crime. The law will not tolerate such actions. Acharya also questioned previous governments. He claimed, “In previous governments, recommendations were made to release terrorists. Relatives of terrorists were even given MLA and MP tickets. This is on record. Today, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the rule of law prevails, as the world is witnessing.” Acharya said that India is a democratic country, where justice is guaranteed. “We don’t operate like the Taliban here. We have a judiciary and law and order. If there is a problem, the doors of the Supreme Court and High Court are open.” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had warned the rioters that they would be taught a lesson that their seven generations would remember. Acharya expressed support for this, saying, “Yogi’s stance is correct. There should be fear of the law, only then will there be peace.” Acharya said that India is a country of all religions and every citizen has equal rights. We all are citizens of this country. It is our responsibility to keep it peaceful and united. Those who seek to disturb the country, regardless of their religion or party affiliation, must be prosecuted. Edited by: Abhishek Shukla About the Author Abhishek Shukla is a senior journalist at Navbharat Times. He serves as the Senior Digital Content Creator. He has nine years of experience in journalism and has been with Navbharat Times for the last six years. Courtesy: Hindi News
Tejashwi Yadav eyes Nitish Kumar’s special ‘thing’, Rahul Gandhi is also ‘batting’ for the same.
Bihar Vidhansabha Chunav 2025: Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Tejashwi Yadav has expanded his scope of operations, joining forces with Rahul Gandhi. Both are now focusing on the EBC vote bank, along with MY and Dalit voters. Patna: While the NDA government in the poll-bound state of Bihar is making announcements targeting women and other sections of society, the opposition party India Block is focusing its efforts on the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) to achieve a majority in the upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav eye EBC voters EBCs constitute approximately 36% of Bihar’s electorate, and Scheduled Castes 20%—together, they constitute more than half the electorate. On September 24, the India Block released the Extremely Backward Classes Resolution Resolution, a special manifesto for EBCs, promising to expand reservations to all classes. Rahul Gandhi made a bet during the Adhikar Yatra Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also targeted this class during his recent visit to Bihar, vowing to exceed the 50% reservation limit set by the Supreme Court. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expanded his outreach by addressing two dialogue meetings with Scheduled Caste and Extremely Backward Class (EBC) communities. Tejashwi also made his political move On Friday, he met with social activists from both groups and highlighted the opposition’s specific agenda. Addressing the Karpoori Extremely Backward Class Dialogue in Patna on Saturday, he alleged that the Extremely Backward Class had been victims of misgovernance and neglect for two decades under Nitish Kumar’s BJP-supported government. Tejashwi Yadav said, “The Extremely Backward Class will no longer be a vote bank, but a power bank. The Extremely Backward Class will no longer just form the government—they will form their own government.” Edited by: Rishikesh Narayan Singh•Reported by: Kumar Anshuman About the Author Rishikesh Narayan Singh, in-charge of Bihar-Jharkhand for Navbharat Times Digital. A 20-year journey in journalism, from Janmat TV, IBN7, ETV Bihar-Jharkhand, News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, to Times Internet. After starting in the national capital, Delhi, he now works in Bihar. He has a keen interest in national, international, crime, and political news. He is passionate about learning every aspect of digital journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
AAP slams Rahul Gandhi’s silence on activist’s arrest, Congress hits back
NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party and Congress crossed swords on Saturday, with AAP questioning the silence of Rahul Gandhi over the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the stringent NSA and Congress hitting back by saying AAP was on the verge of collapse. In a post on X, AAP said, “India’s renowned social worker and scientist Sonam Wangchuk has been imprisoned by Modi’s dictatorial govt on a false charge of sedition, and the country’s so-called opposition leader has maintained silence on the issue.” The Arvind Kejriwal-headed party further said, “Rahul Gandhi, who asks how many of our aircraft were lost in Operation Sindoor, why is he silent on Sonam Wangchuk now? Is Rahul Gandhi a BJP agent.” Hitting back, Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate said in a post on X, “Arvind Kejriwal ji, your party is on the verge of collapse. Do you know why? Because the foundation of your party was laid by the RSS from behind the scenes. You managed to seize power by levelling fabricated accusations against the Congress, but the very entity that created you has now swallowed you up.” Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday condemned Centre’s “pathetic handling” of the situation and arrest of Wangchuk. He demanded immediate restoration of institutions and democracy in Ladakh, and a judicial inquiry into police firing killing four youths earlier this week. 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