Unemployment & graft up as they are tied to ‘vote chori’, says Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Claiming that the young generation will no longer accept “vote theft” and “job theft” which are interlinked, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi said unemployment and corruption will continue to mount as long as “elections are stolen”. He accused PM Modi of destroying the future of India’s youth. “The biggest problem for youth in India is unemployment – and it is directly linked to vote theft. When any govt comes to power by winning trust of people, its first duty is to provide employment and opportunities to youth. But BJP does not win polls honestly – they stay in power by stealing votes and holding institutions captive,” he said, adding, “That’s why unemployment has reached its highest level in 45 years. That’s why jobs are declining, recruitment processes have collapsed, and youth’s future is pushed into darkness. That’s why exam paper leak and every recruitment is tied to stories of corruption.” Rahul posted on X videos of Modi doing his morning exercise, planting saplings and feeding peacock, and of job-seekers being lathicharged in Patna. “The youth of the country works hard, dreams, and struggles for their future. But Modi is only busy with his PR, getting celebrities to sing his praises, and billionaires make profits. Breaking the hopes of the youth and making them desperate has become hallmark of this govt.” 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
₹1,600 crore relief package is an injustice to Punjab; a comprehensive package should be released: Rahul Gandhi
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the ₹1,600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-affected Punjab is an injustice to the people of the state. He said, “I once again urge the Prime Minister to immediately release a comprehensive relief package.” Rahul Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to immediately release a comprehensive relief package for flood-affected Punjab. New Delhi: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the initial ₹1,600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-affected Punjab is an injustice to the people of the state. He reiterated his demand for an immediate comprehensive relief package for Punjab. This is an injustice to the people of Punjab. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi on September 17, urging the release of a comprehensive relief package for Punjab. Rahul Gandhi posted on X on Monday that the floods have caused losses of approximately ₹20,000 crore. In such a situation, the initial relief package of ₹1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister is an injustice to the people of Punjab. Rahul Gandhi appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi He said that millions of homes were destroyed. More than 400,000 acres of crops were ruined. A large number of animals were also swept away. The Congress leader said that despite this, the people of Punjab have shown remarkable courage and spirit. He is confident that they will rebuild Punjab once again. They just need support and strength. He said that he once again urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately release a comprehensive relief package. Edited by: NBT Desk About the Author NBT Desk: Whether it’s national, international, sports news, or the inside story of politics, NBT News Desk brings you every news. Courtesy: Hindi News
Mahagathbandhan in Bihar: Will arithmetic of seat-sharing overshadow chemistry of vote yatra?
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” in Bihar was a picture-perfect show of unity – with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav joining hands to unleash a coordinated offensive against the Election Commission and the BJP, accusing them of stealing elections. It was a campaign that brought together all the Mahagathbandhan leaders. The chemistry between the allies was obvious and was aptly summed up by Rahul Gandhi when he asserted during the course of the yatra: “A very strong partnership had been forged. All the parties (in the bloc) are working in sync. There’s no tension, and there’s mutual respect for each other as we are ideologically and politically aligned. The result will be good.” Ironically though, Rahul made this statement to evade a direct reply to a pointed question – “Why Congress was not backing RJD’s Tejashwi as CM candidate?” Clearly, the bonhomie on display notwithstanding, the Congress leader was not willing to endorse the leadership role of the senior partner in the Bihar alliance. This despite the fact that Tejashwi had already openly proclaimed during the yatra that if the opposition is voted to power in the next Lok Sabha elections, Rahul will become the Prime Minister. Little wonder then, with the yatra over, realpolitik has taken over. The yatra bonhomie between the allies seems to have given way to pressure games as they finalise the seat-sharing deal. While claims and counterclaims by allies do point to fissures in the alliance, most of this could be posturing to extract the best deal. Why seat-sharing deal may be a tough nut to crack? In the 2020 assembly elections, RJD had contested 144 seats and won 75. The Congress had the worst strike rate as it contested 70 seats but won only 19. The Left parties had performed very well five years back with the CPI-ML winning 12 out of 19 it got under seat-sharing, while CPM won 2 out of 4 and CPI 2 out of 6. This time around, there are at least three more parties joining the opposition alliance: Vikasheel Insaan Party of Mukesh Sahani, JMM and the breakaway faction of LJP – headed by Chirag’s uncle. Interestingly, five years back, VIP was part of Mahagathbandhan till the seat-sharing deal was announced. While the announcement was being made, VIP’s Sahni walked out of the opposition alliance and crossed over to the NDA. This time around he has sought 60 seats and the post of deputy chief minister if the alliance wins. Sample some of the statements made by the allies for a better bargain this time around, and one understands why finalising a deal may not be easy. CPI’s D Raja “We will try to get more seats. If other parties are demanding, our party has a great history in Bihar and it has a widespread presence and organisational strength and our party can decide the political course in different district. So we should get reasonable number of seats.” VIP’s Mukesh Sahani “The Vikasheel Insaan Party will contest 60 seats in 2025, with candidates from our allied parties contesting all remaining seats.” “We have always believed that if new parties come into the alliance, then every party will have to contribute from their kitty. In every state there are good seats and bad seats (in terms of winnability) and we believe that one party should not get all the good seats and the other gets the bad ones. In the sharing of seats, there should be a balance between good and bad seats.” Congress’s Krishna Allavaru “Hopefully, Congress would adopt a “more realistic” approach in the ongoing seat-sharing talks for the upcoming assembly elections, drawing lessons from its performance in the 2020 polls when it had “bitten off more than it could possibly chew. Maybe contesting fewer seats than last time but winning more and performing better… would be in the interest of the Congress, and definitely that of the entire INDIA bloc.” RJD, Congress under pressure? The pressure is mostly on the RJD, which is the biggest party in the alliance and has maximum stakes. Little wonder, Tejashwi has already embarked on a solo yatra to perhaps assert his dominance in the coalition. For the Congress also, its 2020 performance is a hurdle notwithstanding the claimed gains from Rahul’s ‘Voter Adhikar’ yatra. It remains to be seen how much the two parties are willing to compromise to accommodate the other parties. Clearly, for the Mahagathbandhan, after a smooth yatra, the road ahead appears to be bumpy. 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 can’t win polls by spreading false narrative of vote theft: Min
Prayagraj: State cooperative minister JPS Rathore on Sunday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is making allegations of vote theft, should first talk about the theft of currency notes by his own party leaders. “Rahul had earlier spread propaganda in the name of Rafale and the Constitution, to which the people of the country have given a befitting reply by making the lotus bloom and will do so in the future as well,” he said. Rathore was in the city to attend “Namo Yuva Run”. He said Rahul cannot win the Bihar elections by spreading the false narrative of vote theft because the people of Bihar are intelligent and will give him a befitting reply. As part of the Seva Pakhwada (service fortnight) that was launched on Sept 17 ( Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday), “Namo Yuva Run” was organised on Sunday under the aegis of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Prayagraj, the Sports Directorate of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, and the Regional Sports Office, Prayagraj, carrying the message of a drug-free India. A large number of young people, wearing Namo Yuva Run T-shirts, ran for a drug-free India and social awareness. Chief guest JPS Rathore, and cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad flagged off the race at Chandrashekhar Azad Park gate. The race concluded at the Madan Mohan Malaviya Stadium, after passing through Hindu Hostel, Civil Line Hanuman Temple, Medical College, Balsan and Indian Press crossing. After the race, winners in both male and female categories were awarded prizes. On the occasion, Rathore said: “India has the largest number of young people in the world. They must strive to achieve the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, and to achieve this, they must harness the power of their youth. Only by staying free from drugs and addiction can youth build a developed India.” He said youths should take inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life and work for the nation and society. He added that “The PM interacts with youth and seeks their advice in the country’s development. This demonstrates his vision and the importance of youth in achieving a developed India. Nishad, meanwhile, said the talent of India’s youth is being recognized worldwide. If youth utilize their energy wisely, nothing is impossible. 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
Prashant Kishor on abuse row: BJP, Congress in ‘fixed match’; questions silence on Biharis insulted outside
NEW DELHI: Politics in Bihar has once again turned stormy after allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother Heeraben was abused at an RJD rally. But Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor on Sunday called the row nothing more than a “fixed match”, accusing both sides of distracting people from issues that matter. The row erupted after a video from Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra’ went viral on social media. BJP leaders, including Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, claimed that RJD workers shouted abuses targeting Modi’s late mother. Sharing the clip on X, Choudhary said, “Tejashwi Yadav has once again insulted Modi ji’s late mother. He has once again torn apart the culture of Bihar. In the rally, the RJD workers were hurling as many abuses as they could, and Tejashwi was encouraging them. The mothers and sisters of Bihar will surely hold him accountable for this thuggish mentality and abusive behaviour.” This row comes just weeks after a similar incident in Darbhanga, where abuses were allegedly hurled during Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’. While the BJP has sharpened its attack on the opposition, Prashant Kishor took a swipe at both parties. “This is a fixed match. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will abuse PM Modi, and PM Modi, along with the BJP, will abuse them, so that people remain distracted from the real issues,” Kishor said. He further questioned the selective outrage of national and state leaders, pointing out that both the ruling and opposition leaders do not bat an eye when Bihari people are abused in other states. According to him, the ongoing war of words is only meant to keep common people busy with political theatre. PTI reported that the authenticity of the viral video could not be independently verified. 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 7 years, ABVP sweeps Hyderabad Central University elections
NEW DELHI: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad sweeping the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) Students’ Union elections, after a gap of seven years, underlines the growing traction of the RSS-affiliated student organisation, which has steadily consolidated its position across campuses this year – from Delhi University and Guwahati University to Patna University and Punjab University. Amid Rahul Gandhi’s repeated claims that India’s ‘Gen Z’ generation was leaning towards Congress, the steady rise of ABVP is seen as part of a larger right-wing assertion, rooted in students’ aspirations for stability, opportunity and cultural pride. ABVP won all six posts – president, vice-president, general secretary, joint secretary, cultural secretary and sports secretary – in the university elections held on Sept 19. The HCU results are being seen as proof of ABVP’s growing clout in student politics, following its recent wins in several central and state universities, including Delhi University and Punjab University. Reacting to the victory, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said, “ABVP clean sweeps… Someone please send a box of tissues to Rahul Gandhi who keeps hallucinating about a ‘Gen Z revolution’ even as NSUI is getting wiped out across central universities… Sorry Rahul, flaunting a six-pack and hopping around on stage doesn’t impress Gen Z. Vision, clarity, and leadership do.” 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
‘Hydrogen bomb’ incoming? Rahul Gandhi to hold special presser on Sept 18; ‘vote chori’ row set to intensify
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold a “special press briefing” on Thursday, days after he hinted of dropping a “hydrogen bomb” on the alleged voter theft charges. In a social media post on X, Congress leader Pawan Khera sent out invitation saying, “Tomorrow, 18 September, Special Press Briefing by the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi at 10 am Indira Bhawan Auditorium. Media is requested to be seated by 9.30 am.” This comes after Rahul had warned Bharatiya Janata Party of a new expose on alleged “vote chori” claims, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to “show his face to people after we bring hydrogen bomb of ‘vote chori’.””I want to tell the BJP people. Have you heard of anything bigger than an atom bomb, it is a hydrogen bomb. BJP people, be ready, a hydrogen bomb is coming. People are soon going to find out the reality of vote chori,” he said. “In the coming time, I am guaranteeing you that after the hydrogen bomb (comes), Narendra Modi ji will not be able to show his face to the country,” he added. Earlier, Rahul had unveiled what he had described as an “atom bomb” of evidence against the Election Commission. On August 7, citing data from the Mahadevapura assembly segment, which falls under the Bengaluru Central parliamentary constituency in Congress-ruled Karnataka, he accused the poll body of “colluding” with the BJP. Rahul said the Congress had analysed the Mahadevapura electoral rolls over six months and found that out of 1,00,250 alleged bogus voters, 40,009 had “fake and invalid addresses” and 10,452 were “bulk voters” registered at common addresses. Examples included entries with “0” in the address field, non-existent locations, and addresses that could not be verified. Rahul also accused the EC of colluding with the BJP to “destroy Indian democracy and steal elections,” and argued that if the EC does not provide electronic voter data of 10–15 years and CCTV footage, then it is “partaking in crime,” since these are now “evidence of crime.” He urged the judiciary to intervene to save Indian democracy. Citing the study, Rahul claimed the BJP won Bangalore Central by 32,707 votes while 1,00,250 fake votes were polled in its favor. He said the fake votes fell into five categories: duplicate voters (11,965), fake/invalid addresses (40,009), bulk voters at a single address (10,452), invalid photos of voters (4,132), and “misuse of Form 6” for first-time voters (33,692). Showing files, he cited examples to argue that people had voted multiple times in different booths of the seat, while voter list addresses included “Street 0” and “House no. 0.” He said there were cases where as many as 80 voters were shown at one address, or 50 in a single one-bedroom house, and that attempts to cross-check resulted in either researchers being beaten up or confirmation that the voters did not live there. 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 US visa order, Rahul Gandhi calls Modi ‘weak PM’
NEW DELHI: With the US imposing one lakh dollar fee on H-1B visas, Congress neta Rahul Gandhi called Narendra Modi a “weak Prime Minister”, exhuming a 2017 tweet in which he had used the same epithet on the issue concerning the US visas for highly skilled workers. Taking potshots at Trump’s recent phone call to wish Modi on his birthday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call” – listing the gifts from “Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar” Govt as $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, 50% tariff, HIRE Act targeting Indian outsourcing, lifting of waiver for Chabahar port, and exhorting the EU to impose 100% tariff on Indian goods. Congress lamented Modi’s “strategic silences” and “loud optics” have become liability for the country, adding that bear hugs, hollow slogans, concerts, getting people to chant ‘Modi, Modi’, and superficial bravado is not foreign policy. Posting a news report that said India has 71% of H-IB visas and would be hit the hardest by the levying of steep US fees, Rahul posted on X, “I repeat, India has a weak PM.” In the same message, he reposted his 2017 tweet when he had reacted to Modi not raising the visa issue with President Donald Trump with the remark, “India has a weak PM”. In fact, Rahul’s 2017 tweet, highlighting the repetition of the H-1B issue with the US under the same India PM and US President, became the Congress handle to attack the Modi govt. AICC spokesman Pawan Khera said “8 years later, Rahul Gandhi is vindicated yet again. He called it out back in 2017 and nothing has changed. India is still stuck with a weak PM.” 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
Grand Alliance to contest polls after naming CM face: Tejashwi
Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday said the Grand Alliance would not contest the forthcoming state assembly polls without declaring a chief ministerial candidate. A section of leaders in ally Congress remains hesitant to endorse him as the CM face. “Are we the BJP that we do not have leaders for the post of the chief minister? We will contest the assembly elections only after projecting a leader as the chief ministerial face,” Tejashwi told reporters in response to questions about the Grand Alliance’s leadership in Bihar. On Saturday, Tejashwi returned to Patna after covering 11 districts during his ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra,’ launched from Jehanabad on Sept 16 to highlight unemployment, rising crime and other issues ahead of the assembly elections. The yatra concluded in Vaishali district. His solo campaign came soon after the high-profile ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ which featured all Mahagathbandhan leaders and was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Although Tejashwi participated, the spotlight largely fell on Rahul, who has been spearheading a national campaign against alleged vote theft and accusing the Election Commission of favouring the BJP. The RJD clarified that Tejashwi’s yatra was designed to cover only those districts not included in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra.’ Yet, its timing, amid ongoing debate over the opposition’s CM face and unresolved seat-sharing talks, has fuelled speculation about whether Tejashwi has additional political objectives in mind. Recently, at a rally in Muzaffarpur, he startled many by saying, “And this time, Tejashwi will contest all 243 seats, whether it is Muzaffarpur, Kanti or Bochahan.” Observers interpreted the remarks as an attempt to underline his authority as the opposition alliance’s undisputed leader. Later, he clarified there was “no confusion” regarding the CM face and that the name would be announced at the “right time.” Tejashwi’s insistence on an early declaration stems from the RJD’s strength within the alliance. In the last assembly polls, it secured 75 seats, the highest tally and one more than the BJP. However, the Congress has so far refused to formally back him as the CM candidate. During the ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra,’ Rahul Gandhi sidestepped direct questions on the matter, merely emphasising the “good understanding” among partners. This, despite Tejashwi previously declaring that Rahul would become PM once the opposition secured victory in the next Lok Sabha elections. 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 launches signature campaign against ‘vote stealing’
Udupi: Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ campaign launched by opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has evoked a huge response from the people. He told reporters that a signature campaign to support the initiative will be launched in Udupi district. He said 100 signatures will be collected from each of the 1,111 booths in Udupi district, with a target to achieve 1,11,100 signatures during the campaign. The campaign, which has already commenced, will continue for 15 days, he said, criticising the BJP. “The BJP came to power by stealing votes. The main aim of this campaign is to send a strong message to draw the attention of the Election Commission. People will be given an opportunity to express their anger,” he said. Despite Rahul Gandhi producing evidence to substantiate his claims, no measures were taken to check the election malpractice, he alleged. He alleged that the stealing of votes takes place continuously. People should participate in the campaign to ensure that the central govt and Election Commission respond and investigate the matter. “The govt not accepting criticisms and suggestions of the people is a threat to democracy. Those who were elected and secured power through election malpractices should be sent out of power,” he added. Udupi District Congress Committee president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, former minister K Jayaprakash Hegde, and former MLA Gopal Poojary were present. 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