Kharge’s missed chance sparks Dalit chief minister debate
Bengaluru: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s admission that he was denied the chief minister’s post in 1999 has rekindled debate over Dalit representation in Karnataka politics, triggering sharp reactions from BJP and measured responses from Congress. At a public event in Vijayapura, Kharge revealed that despite leading Congress’ Legislature Party (CLP) during the 1999 assembly elections, the party chose SM Krishna as CM. His remark drew a swift and stinging response from opposition leader R Ashoka, who accused Congress brass — especially the Gandhi family — of sidelining Dalit functionaries. “Kharge spoke about not being made CM and has now demanded to be appointed to the post to clear a debt owed to him,” Ashoka said. “Minister (KN) Rajanna has already spoken about a revolution, and Kharge’s has nicely times his demand, like hitting a ripe mango with a stone.” He also pointed out that Siddaramaiah, who came from JD(S), was made CM while Kharge, a long-serving Congress loyalist, was overlooked. “I will not predict the future, but MLAs have confirmed that a deal has already been made in Congress,” Ashoka said. “Discussions about a CM change are ongoing across all districts in Congress.” BJP state president BY Vijayendra also weighed in, claiming Kharge had openly shared his “pain and disappointment” with people of the state. “Despite working for 40-50 years in the party and contributing to its organisation, Kharge revealed that he was denied the CM’s post. Kharge’s comments indirectly exposed how the Gandhi family, Congress party, and Siddaramaiah have been unjust to Scheduled Castes and Tribes,” he said. Meanwhile, Congress functionaries offered mixed reactions. NS Boseraju, science and technology minister, defended Kharge’s remarks, saying they were intended to inspire party workers. “Kharge had an opportunity, but Krishna became CM. We should understand the message. Kharge spoke with the intention that many such opportunities will come,” Boseraju said. Home minister G Parameshwara refused to comment. On Jagalur legislator B Devendrappa recently suggesting his name for the CM post, Parameshwara said it was “not the right time to discuss the issue”. 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.
Yes, I went to China but you… External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reminded Rahul Gandhi of old things
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament and said that he did not go to China for any secret meeting. He expressed surprise at an opposition leader meeting the Chinese ambassador secretly during the 2017 Doklam crisis, while the Indian Army was facing the Chinese Army. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without naming him during a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor in Parliament. S Jaishankar said that yes, I went to China but I did not go for any secret meeting. At the same time, an opposition leader used to hold secret meetings with the Chinese ambassador. Referring to the 2017 Doklam crisis, Jaishankar said that an opposition leader did not consider it appropriate to seek information from the government or the Ministry of External Affairs on this issue, instead he met the Chinese ambassador and got the information. Jaishankar said that it is surprising that they do not want to listen to the elected foreign minister of the country, but want to listen to the people of other countries. He said that this happened when our army was strongly confronting the Chinese army in Doklam. At that time there was a need for national unity, not behind-the-scenes meetings. Some people were enjoying the Olympics sitting in China Jaishankar further said that when China was issuing staple visas to the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir, some leaders were watching the Olympics sitting in China. I neither went to China to watch the Olympics nor for any secret agreement. Amit Shah stood up in the middle of the debate and defended the foreign minister At the same time, when the opposition repeatedly started interrupting the foreign minister’s statement, Amit Shah got furious and stood up in the middle of the debate and reprimanded the opposition leaders. Amit Shah said that I object that they do not trust the foreign minister of their country but trust the leaders of another country. All except 3 countries including Pakistan supported Operation Sindoor Rejecting the opposition’s claims that India did not get support from abroad after the Pahalgam attack, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha on Monday that out of the 193 members of the United Nations, all except Pakistan and three other countries supported Operation Sindoor. Participating in the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the subject of Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar rejected the opposition’s allegations on China’s support to Pakistan and said that the partnership of the two countries has been going on for 60 years since the time of Congress. The Foreign Minister said in the House that it was necessary to give a clear message to Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. If our limits were crossed, then it was necessary to send a message that the results would not be good. Curated by: Sanjeev Kumar About the author Sanjeev Kumar is a Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He has more than 6 years of experience working on national, politics, current affairs and Bihar-Jharkhand news. He is currently covering national news, politics and Delhi news for Navbharat Times Online. Courtesy : Hindi News
Congress’s big rally in Patna before Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi will be involved, plan to show strength
Before the Bihar assembly elections, Congress is going to hold a big rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Many big leaders including Rahul Gandhi will attend this rally. Congress wants to show its strength by holding an election rally before the code of conduct is imposed, so that they can get enough time for election campaign. Patna: Before the Bihar assembly elections, the Congress party is going to hold a big rally in Patna. This rally will be held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Rahul Gandhi and many big leaders of the party will attend the rally. Congress has planned to hold an election rally before the code of conduct is imposed. The rally can be held in the last week of August or in September. The date of the rally will be decided after getting Rahul Gandhi’s approval. This decision was taken by Congress leaders in a meeting today. Plan to show its strength by holding a big rally Congress is fully prepared for the assembly elections to be held in Bihar. The party wants to show its strength by holding a big rally in Patna. The rally will be held at Gandhi Maidan, so that more and more people can be reached. Rahul Gandhi will also attend the rally, which will increase enthusiasm among the workers. More time will be available for election campaign Congress wants to hold a rally before the code of conduct is imposed. This will give them more time for election campaign. The date of the rally has not been decided yet. But, it can be held in the last week of August or in September. The date will be announced after Rahul Gandhi’s approval. In the meeting held today, Congress leaders discussed the preparations for the rally. They made many plans to make the rally a success. Ajay Maken’s screening committee will recommend the names of the candidates Earlier, a screening committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Ajay Maken for Bihar elections by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The committee will recommend the names of the candidates. Meanwhile, an attempt will be made to instill enthusiasm and zeal among the Congress workers through the rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Edited by: Ravi Sinha About the author Ravi Prakash Sinha is a Senior Journalist (Principal Digital Content Producer) at Navbharat Times Online. He has 25 years of experience in current affairs, Jharkhand-Bihar politics and ground reporting. Ravi Sinha has been working with NBT (Digital) for the last 3 years. Courtesy : Hindi News
Operation Sindoor debate: ‘From LoP to LoB – Leader Opposing Bharat’ – Anurag Thakur slams Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI: BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Monday launched a scathing attack on leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi during a discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha, accusing him of consistently opposing India and aligning with Pakistan’s propaganda. “He has become LoB from LoP. LoB stands for Leader Opposing Bharat. Opposing India and the Prime Minister is his agenda,” Thakur said, adding, “I don’t know whether he becomes the poster boy of Congress or not, but he has become the poster boy of Pakistan’s propaganda.” The remarks came during a debate in the Monsoon session, where the BJP leader criticised Gandhi for his alleged silence on the brutal details of the Pahalgam terror attack and the opposition’s overall stance. “Of all the opposition MPs who have spoken here till now, not even one MP has stood up and said that in this terrorist attack, people were asked about his religion and asked to recite Kalma, their pants were removed and then they were killed. Tell me what pain did the opposition MPs have in saying this?” Thakur questioned. He further said, “When the defence minister was discussing the achievements of the Indian Army, there was no applause, no one was thumping the table,” pointing towards the lack of support from the opposition benches even during moments meant to honour India’s armed forces. Anurag Thakur also accused the Congress of attacking the military through cartoons and derogatory remarks. “India fought on two and a half fronts, everyone knows about the two fronts, but in this half front, there is also a Rahul Occupied Congress. Look at the social media, in the last two months, Rahul Occupied Congress has made disgusting and insulting cartoons against the Prime Minister and the Indian Army. Rahul Occupied Congress called the Army chief a roadside goon. Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the entire country and the Indian Army.” The BJP MP’s fiery comments reflect the ruling party’s sharp pushback against the opposition’s questioning of government actions in Jammu and Kashmir and underline the increasingly polarised political narrative in Parliament. 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.
From Bihar to Kerala, from women to Dalit-OBC… who will replace Dhankhar?
Preparations have started for the election of the post of Vice President in the country. Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from this post on the first day of the monsoon session i.e. on July 21. Now all eyes are on the candidate for the post of Vice President, who will he be, what will be his background and from which state? After the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, the chair of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is lying vacant. The monsoon session of Parliament is going on. In such a situation, now the Rajya Sabha is running without a Chairman. There is no doubt that after Dhankhar’s resignation, the government must have also started searching for the next candidate for this post. So far, separate meetings of many big leaders have also been held in Delhi. However, no name has been revealed yet as to who will sit on this chair, but discussions have started in the political corridors about different states. These states include West Bengal to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. Dhankhar’s resignation from the post of Vice President is being considered a big setback for the government. The way Dhankhar had embarrassed the government with his statements for the last few weeks is not hidden from anyone. As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, his confrontation with the opposition parties was also often in the headlines. Even his comments on the Supreme Court were in the news. While reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Governor of Tamil Nadu, he even said that the courts cannot order the President. There were many other issues on which Dhankhar not only openly expressed his views but sometimes he also put the government in an uncomfortable position. What if there is a problem regarding Bihar? The Vice President’s chair has fallen vacant at a time when assembly elections are going to be held in Bihar. At present, there is an NDA government in Bihar and Nitish Kumar is leading it. Apart from this, there is also discussion about the states of South India. Assembly elections are going to be held in many states of the South next year. BJP is considered to be an expert in setting the equation just before the election. It is being speculated that to set its electoral equation in Bihar, BJP can play the Vice President’s card, but a problem is getting stuck in it that Harivansh Narayan Singh is already the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who comes from Bihar and is an MP from JDU quota. Nobody knows what will happen in Bihar elections, questions on Nitish too There is a lot of discussion going on in the political corridors that BJP will not touch Harivansh Narayan. This is because no one knows what will happen in Bihar elections. The biggest crisis in this is about Nitish Kumar. Perhaps BJP knows very well that no one knows when Nitish Kumar will turn back. Therefore, BJP’s full effort will be to select one of its leaders or someone associated with the organization for the post of Vice President, who at least does not try to make the government uncomfortable in future. If a leader of the allied parties sits on this post, then BJP may have to face pressure in future. To a large extent, BJP was looking similar in recent times regarding Dhankhar. Took oath as Vice President in 2022 On August 11, 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar took oath as the 14th Vice President of India. Before being elected Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar was the Governor of West Bengal. He was appointed Governor in July 2019. During his tenure, he was in the news many times for his confrontation with the Mamata Banerjee government. Dhankhar, who hails from Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, was a lawyer by profession. He became an MP for the first time in 1989 and later also served as a minister in the Central Government. BJP is not only an expert in giving surprises, but also tries to capitalize on every small and big issue in the elections. In Lutyens Delhi, there is a buzz that this time BJP’s focus may be on the South. Even before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s focus has been more on the states of the South. BJP’s hold in the South is weak. The party wants to further strengthen its presence in the states of the South. This includes states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman comes from Tamil Nadu and has been handling the Finance Ministry since 2019. Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu as well as Sangh background Apart from Bihar, if any state is getting the most votes, it is Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Venkaiah Naidu has also been the Vice President from Andhra Pradesh. Assembly elections are going to be held in Kerala next year. There is a possibility that BJP may appoint a leader associated with the organization in Kerala to this post. Apart from this, Andhra Pradesh is being discussed because there is a TDP government here and N Chandrababu Naidu is the Chief Minister. TDP is currently a part of NDA and is playing an important role at the center. Similarly, there are assembly elections in Tamil Nadu next year. With the intention of strengthening its hold in Tamil Nadu, BJP can declare someone from here as a candidate for the post of Vice President, but it is also believed that whoever BJP nominates for this post, the Sangh will play an important role in it and background will also be given importance. Woman or Dalit-OBC formula There is a growing discussion in the political corridors that BJP can adopt the Dalit-OBC formula along with the women formula to give a befitting reply to the opposition. Just like in the 2022 presidential election, BJP surprised everyone by making Draupadi Murmu its candidate. Draupadi Murmu comes from the tribal community. In the same way, BJP can adopt the Dalit-OBC formula
‘We will do it together’: Rahul Gandhi greets INDIA bloc ally Uddhav Thackeray; vows to ‘protect’ Maharashtra’s rights
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday extended birthday greetings to Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray, who turned 65. In a post on X, He wished the Maharashtra ex-chief minister a “long and healthy life” and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the “interests and rights” of the state and its people. Both leaders are key allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — an alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) in Maharashtra. At the national level, these parties are also members of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties. “Warm wishes and congratulations to Shiv Sena President and INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray ji on his birthday,” the Lok Sabha leader of opposition said in a post in Hindi on X. Rahul Gandhi X post “May you stay healthy, live long, and we will fight together for the interests and rights of the people of Maharashtra,” he added. Gandhi’s message comes at a time when Thackeray is seen moving closer to the latter’s estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. The Congress MP has also repeatedly alleged that the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s big win in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections was due to ‘electoral fraud’ — a claim firmly denied by the Election Commission. 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.
‘Insensitivity towards poor’: Rahul targets BJP over demolitions in city
New Delhi: Congress functionary Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that hundreds of slum dwellers in Delhi were going through the pain of being rendered homeless with their houses being destroyed by BJP govt, claiming that this “atrocity” exposed the party’s “insensitivity” towards the poor and its “arrogance of power”. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha shared a video of his recent visit to Ashok Vihar, where many houses were demolished. “Imagine, how you would feel if the roof over the head of your parents, children or siblings is suddenly taken away — if your entire family is rendered homeless in a single moment? Hundreds of poor families living in the jhuggis are going through this pain today,” Gandhi said in his post in Hindi, along with the video, on X. The small houses in which they had settled their entire life were “ruthlessly destroyed” by BJP govt, he alleged. These were not just houses — these were their dreams, their dignity and their means of living, he added. “This atrocity being committed in the name of administration exposes BJP’s insensitivity towards the poor and its arrogance of power,” Gandhi said. “We stand firmly with these displaced families. This fight is no longer just for homes, it is for justice and humanity — and we will fight on every front,” the former Congress chief said. Last week, Gandhi had met some families in Ashok Vihar’s Jailorwala Bagh and Wazirpur, whose houses were “bulldozed by BJP govt”. In the video, Gandhi is seen interacting with the families who were rendered homeless. He assures them of taking up their cause and providing legal assistance. PTI 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.
Minister slams Rahul-Ambedkar comparison
Patna: BJP functionary and minister Janak Ram on Sunday lashed out at Congress’s Udit Raj for likening Rahul Gandhi to Dr B R Ambedkar, describing the comparison as “an insult” and demanding an apology. “Rahul has been a failed leader in the true sense,” Janak Ram said. “In Indian politics, he is remembered as a failed leader. Congress never respected Babasaheb and comparing him with anyone is an insult to Ambedkar.” The controversy erupted after Udit Raj posted on X on Saturday, “OBCs will have to think that history does not give opportunities for progress again and again. They should follow and support what Rahul Gandhi said at the Talkatora Stadium conference. If they do so, then Rahul Gandhi will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them.” Responding strongly, Janak Ram accused the Congress of exploiting marginalised communities. “Despite being in power for over six decades, Congress treated the Dalit and OBC communities merely as a vote bank. It never worked honestly for their welfare,” he said. “In fact, Congress betrayed these communities, and the public will never forgive them. This is the same Congress which delayed conferring the Bharat Ratna on Ambedkar but wasted no time in securing the country’s highest civilian award for its own family,” the BJP minister 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.
Tharoor unlikely to speak on debate on Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor issues in LS
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is unlikely to speak on the debate on Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor that gets underway in LS on Monday. “He has not asked the party to be fielded in the debate. The party too has not approached him either till now,” sources said. It is to be seen who opens the debate for opposition or initiates the debate in case the chair asks anti-BJP benches to take the lead. The discussion is not being done under any specific rule of LS procedures and is also not based on any notice, sources said, quoting consultations between opposition, government and Speaker. While the belief is that Rahul Gandhi may start, there have been times like during opposition’s no-confidence motion against Modi government on Manipur ethnic conflict in Aug 2023 when he let his now deputy Gaurav Gogoi to initiate, and himself spoke later. But Tharoor skipping the debate would set the tongues wagging, as the Thiruvananthapuram MP has had run-ins with the party since he defied Congress to lead a delegation constituted by Modi government for the global outreach on the India-Pakistan conflict. As Tharoor threw his weight behind the government on the issue of conflict and also on the pause of hostilities, there was a frequent to and fro between him and Congress members who were critical of the government. 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 will never believe BRS: AICC secretary Sampath Kumar
AICC secretary Sampath Kumar hit out at BRS MLA T. Harish Rao alleging that his statements on Kaleshwaram and water release by the government were incoherent indicating his frustration more than anything else. Speaking to reporters at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday, Mr. Sampath Kumar said the government releases water based on need, in stages. It’s a continuous, planned process. He asked Mr. Harish Rao not to play to the gallery by warning that he would go and release water from the projects if the government doesn’t do so. “When water is released based on the needs, Mr. Rao will claim credit, saying it happened because of him. This is political opportunism and nothing to do with reality,” he said. Targeting BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, Mr. Sampath Kumar wondered whether Dalits would believe the BRS party. “Don’t use Dalits as political tools. After 10 years in power, you have nothing to show except dismissing Dalit Deputy Chief Minister T Rajaiah overnight and using third-degree methods on Dalits protesting illegal sand mining,” he said. Unlike the BRS government, the Revanth Reddy government has four Dalit ministers, he said while accusing the BRS of diverting SC sub-plan funds. “We have allocated ₹30,000 crore for Dalit welfare. That is the real difference.” The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https://thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially humanrights.