Amid tussle for top post, Siddaramaiah’s camp lines up mega Mysuru rally
Bengaluru: Days after Siddaramaiah asserted that he would remain chief minister for a full five years, his camp is preparing a major show of strength at a massive rally in Mysuru on Saturday, deepening an ongoing behind-the-scenes tussle between his faction and that of deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. Titled Sadhana Samavesha, the rally will be held at Maharaja’s College Grounds in Siddaramaiah’s home district. His supporters aim to mobilise over one lakh attendees to mark Congress govt’s completion of two years in office. The first Sadhana Samavesha was held on May 20 in Hosapete and was attended by senior party functionaries including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. But this time, organisers have chosen to exclude Congress functionaries, sparking discontent. “If it is a Sadhana Samavesha, then it should be a party event since it is Congress that has achieved the milestone (two years in office),” said a KPCC office-bearer. “This was the reason why our senior functionaries participated in the Hosapete Sadhana Samavesha. We have not been told about the Mysuru event because they don’t want party functionaries there.” But organisers insist the Mysuru event is a govt programme, focused on developmental announcements worth Rs 2,600 crore for the district. HC Mahadevappa, minister in charge of Mysuru district, said: “We have not involved the party since it is a govt event, although it is titled Sadhana Samavesha. However, we have invited Mallikarjun Kharge in his capacity as leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha. Following protocol, we have also invited legislators from opposition parties who represent seats in the district.” Despite the official stance, efforts are underway to mobilise party workers and Siddaramaiah loyalists across Mysuru. Comparisons are being drawn with the Dec rally in Hassan, initially billed as ‘Siddaramaiah Swabhimani Janandolana Samavesha’. Following opposition from Shivakumar’s camp, Congress’ high command intervened, and the event was rebranded ‘Janakalyaan Samavesha’. “It is not true that the party is not involved in Saturday’s event,” said BJ Vijayakumar, president of Congress’ Mysuru city unit. “Party functionaries and workers are voluntarily taking part. They are all proud of the party’s achievements. No one can prevent them from taking part in the event.” Animal husbandry minister K Venkatesh, a Siddaramaiah loyalist, denied that the event is meant to flex political muscle. “Siddaramaiah does not need a show of strength,” he said. “He already showcased his strength in the party’s stupendous victory in 2023 assembly polls. Prior to the assembly elections, people witnessed his popularity at the Davanagere rally, where about 10 lakh people gathered. The issue over the chief minister’s post has been settled with Siddaramaiah himself clarifying on it. The Mysuru event has nothing to do with the issue.” Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Savarkar remarks: HC refuses to issue directions to Rahul
Mumbai: Bombay high court has declined to issue any direction to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on his utterances against late Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. “This court cannot issue any direction to respondent no 1 (Gandhi) to study the contents of this public interest litigation and to remove ignorance about the contribution of Shri Vinayak Savarkar,” said Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne. The PIL was by Pankaj Phadnis, president of Abhinav Bharat Congress, a policy think tank, saying his legal rights as well as that of a large number of citizens to fulfil their fundamental duty under Article 51A(b) was impeded by Gandhi’s statements about Savarkar. Article 51A(b) focuses on the duty ‘to cherish and follow noble ideals that inspired our national struggle for freedom.’ Phadnis referred to Gandhi’s May 28 statement that Savarkar considered Muslims traitors. He referred to a Feb 8, 1944, US consulate interview in which Savarkar said the aim of the Hindu Mahasabha is to preserve the integrity of India and its Hindu character with due regard to the rights of all minorities including the Muslims. “Such a man cannot be considered a traitor,” said Phadnis. He said the late PM Indira Gandhi praised Savarkar’s daring defiance of the British govt. Phadnis had urged HC to direct Gandhi “to personally go through the contents of this petition …to remove ignorance about the contribution of Savarkar to the…nation and to provide proof of his study by a reasoned reply.” The judges asked whether they could compel Gandhi to read his petition. Phadnis said, “Leader of the opposition in a democracy can potentially be tomorrow a prime minister. Such a person with this knowledge will create havoc. He cannot misrepresent and mislead citizens. He is creating confusion.” The judges noted that Phadnis’ petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 27. A defamation case against Gandhi is pending before a Pune magistrate. Phadnis can take “recourse to such remedy as may be available in law to ventilate his grievances,” the judges said. Phadnis had also urged the Centre to include Savarkar’s name in the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Use) Act. Declining to issue any direction, the judges said HC cannot issue a writ to the legislature either to amend the law to include Savarkar’s name in the schedule. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Cheap politics, says Dharmendra Pradhan as Rahul claims ‘murder by BJP system’
NEW DELHI: BJP on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the incident of the Odisha student committing self-immolation, after he termed the death a “murder by BJP system”. Rahul said the “brave student” raised her voice against sexual harassment, but instead of being given justice, she was harassed and threatened by “those who were supposed to protect her”. “As always, BJP’s system continued to shield the accused – & forced an innocent daughter to set herself on fire. This is not suicide, it is an organised murder by the system,” he said. Reacting to this, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the “cheap politics” played by Rahul Gandhi and Congress on the tragic incident involving Odisha’s daughter is extremely unfortunate. “Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects his petty mindset. The incident in Odisha has shaken the entire nation, but Congress has seized this opportunity to bake its political bread,” Pradhan said. Rahul also alleged PM Narendra Modi keeps silent on women’s deaths – “be it in Odisha or Manipur”. “The country doesn’t need your silence, it needs answers. India’s daughters need safety and justice,” he said. Pradhan said the PM and BJP have always taken concrete steps for women’s safety and justice, while Congress has consistently sought opportunities in every tragedy. “BJP government in Odisha stands with the victim’s family, and the strictest action will be taken against the culprits,” he added. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Odisha: Rahul Gandhi speaks to father of Balasore immolation victim, calls incident a wound to society
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday spoke with the father of the 20-year-old college student from Balasore, Odisha, who died two days after attempting self-immolation following alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint. In a post on X, RAhul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the grieving family. “Spoke to the father of the brave daughter who lost her life fighting for justice in Balasore, Odisha. In his voice, I could feel her pain, her dreams, and her struggle,” he wrote. “I assured him that the Congress party and I stand with him at every step. What happened is not just inhuman and shameful, but a wound to the entire society. We will ensure the victim’s family gets full justice.” The victim, a second-year student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, had accused her department’s head of sexual harassment. She had been protesting since early July but reportedly received no support from the college authorities. On July 12, she set herself on fire outside the college gate. She was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95 percent burns and died on July 14. The incident has triggered widespread outrage across the state and the country, with multiple political parties attacking the BJP-led Odisha government. Gandhi had earlier described the death as an “organized murder by the system.” He had said, “That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment — but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her. This is not suicide; it is an organized murder by the system.” Former Odisha chief minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik also criticised the state government. “It is disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone’s life. The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes,” he posted on X. Patnaik also urged the governor to take strict action against both the college authorities and the government. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit back at the Congress, calling Gandhi’s remarks an example of “petty politics.” “The cheap politics by Rahul Gandhi and Congress on the tragic incident involving Odisha’s daughter is extremely unfortunate. Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects Rahul Gandhi’s petty mindset. The Odisha government stands with the victim’s family with full sensitivity, and the strictest action will be taken against the culprits; no one will be spared,” he said. According to earlier reports, the student had submitted a written complaint to the college principal against the accused professor. She also uploaded the complaint on social media, tagging student leaders and government officials. Despite repeated efforts, no action was taken until her self-immolation attempt. The head of department and the college principal have since been suspended and arrested. The state government has promised a judicial inquiry and directed all colleges and universities to strengthen safety mechanisms, including CCTV monitoring and internal squads. However, opposition leaders continue to demand accountability from the higher education minister and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Protests across Odisha are ongoing, with students, women’s groups, and political activists demanding swift and visible justice for the victim. The incident has reignited debate over women’s safety on campuses and the failure of institutions to act in time, despite repeated warnings. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
President Murmu inspires me to work for poor, tribals and dalits of the state: CM Mohan Charan Manjhi
“I vividly remember the jubilant atmosphere that swept the country when her name was announced as the Presidential nominee,” the CM said. Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Odisha. As I greet her on behalf of 4.5 crore Odias, my heart overflows with joy and pride, not just as a citizen, but as a younger brother welcoming his beloved elder sister. President Droupadi Murmu’s identity is truly unique among her predecessors. I vividly remember the jubilant atmosphere that swept the country when her name was announced as the Presidential nominee. From the Himalayas to Kumarika, people from tribal and dalit communities, the poor and hardworking citizens poured into the streets to celebrate. It was a spontaneous outpouring of joy, a moment so unprecedented that no similar celebration has ever followed the announcement of a Presidential candidate in the past. And perhaps, such a moment may never come again. As the first tribal woman to occupy the highest Constitutional post in the country, her election marked not only a historic moment for Odisha, but a moment of celebration for the entire nation, especially for the tribal communities, women, the underprivileged, and the marginalized. Droupadi Murmu Ji’s family background and social life had fascinated the people across India. Marking an incredible journey from Rairangpur to Raisina Hills, she proves that a person, who is at the bottom of the social and economic system, can rise to occupy the highest constitutional office of the country. This is the strength of India’s democracy. Obliviously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a key role in the selection of Droupadi Murmu as the Presidential candidate. ‘Purvodaya’ is Modi Ji’s vision. His plan was to ensure that eastern part of the country, lagging behind in terms of development compared to the western and southern regions, prosper economically. He was clear that a developed India is not possible without the development of the poor and women of the country. It can be said without a doubt that by nominating Droupadi Murmu Ji from Odisha as the Presidential candidate, Modi Ji succeeded in creating a suitable atmosphere to successfully achieve his priorities of development and prosperity across the country. In 2000, when I was elected as an MLA, Droupadi Murmu Ji was serving as a minister in the Odisha government. She was able to accomplish her mission with diligence and hard work. During the aggressive stance of the Opposition in the Assembly, she always had the ability to silence them by giving calm, simple, polite yet firm and lo gical answers. As a young legislator, especially as a member of the government alliance, there was little opportunity to speak but Droupadi Murmu Ji used to guide us to raise the problems of the poor, women, tribals, dalits, farmers and youth of our region and state. The Santhali tribe, to which Her Excellency belongs, has a glorious tradition. Pandit Raghunath Murmu of Santhali community invented the Ol Chiki script. The memories of her distributing sweets out of happiness and joy when Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution during the Prime Ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003, is still fresh in my mind. However, this great daughter of Odisha, a role model for women and the poor, is often insulted and humiliated for political vendetta. Today, when she arrived in Odisha, I felt very happy as a tribal. I have experienced poverty and also managed to withstand it. Her Excellency is an inspiration for me to work more diligently and systematically for the tribals and the poor of the state. Jai Jagannath! Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Priyanka questions U.P. school merger decision, calls it directed against Dalits, backwards
If schools are located far from homes, how will small children, especially girls, walk several kilometers to reach school, she asked Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (July 14, 2025) alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh is set to close around 5,000 government schools in the name of merger and described the reported decision not only against the Right to Education, but also against the Dalits, backwards, tribals, minorities, poor, and deprived sections. “The Uttar Pradesh government is going to close about 5,000 government schools in the name of merger. According to teacher organizations, the government intends to close about 27,000 schools. The UPA government had introduced the Right to Education Act in the country, under which a school was arranged in every village so that education could be made accessible to children from poor families. If schools are located far from homes, how will small children, especially girls, walk several kilometers to reach school? Obviously, their studies will be disrupted. Why is this right being snatched away from children,” wrote the Congress leader on X. She added, “this order of the BJP government is not only against the right to education but is also against the Dalit, backward, tribal, minority, poor and deprived sections,”. Uttar Pradesh government initiated a plan to merge schools having enrolment of less than 50 students, with nearby educational facility to make the education system more functional and viable. As part of the consolidation plan, students from these schools will be accommodated in nearby facilities to ensure their continued education. The decision faced pushback from many teachers and opposition political parties who dubbed the decision as anti-poor. Mayank Kumar Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul voices concern over law & order, attacks govt
Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Bihar govt, claiming the state has turned into India’s “crime capital” under CM Nitish Kumar’s leadership. His remarks came amid growing concerns over a spike in violent crimes across the state. Posting on social media platform X, Gandhi cited media reports highlighting 31 murders in just 11 days and alleged the rise of a “contract killing industry” in Bihar. His post, written in Hindi, painted a grim picture of the state’s current situation: “Fear lurks in every alley, unease pervades every home while unemployed youth are being transformed into killers.” He did not hold back in his criticism of both the CM and the BJP. Gandhi alleged that Nitish was more focused on preserving his power than addressing the state’s law and order crisis. “The CM is busy protecting his chair and BJP ministers are busy collecting commission,” he claimed. The Congress MP argued that the upcoming assembly elections were not just about political change but about saving Bihar from a dangerous descent into lawlessness. “This election is not just about changing the government. It is about saving Bihar,” he wrote. His remarks gained traction following the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka, who was shot dead outside his Patna home on July 4. Khemka’s son had also been murdered seven years earlier in Hajipur. The incident has become emblematic of what opposition leaders describe as a breakdown in public safety. Gandhi’s comments reflect a rising chorus of concern over Bihar’s security situation. Opposition parties say the combination of soaring crime rates and “administrative inaction” has created a climate of fear with residents feeling vulnerable. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Defamation case: RaGa to appear in Lko court today
Lucknow: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will appear in Lucknow’s MP-MLA special magistrate court Tuesday in a case involving allegedly defamatory statements against the Indian Army made by him during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Lucknow. On Feb 1, the special court had summoned him as an accused, taking cognizance of a complaint filed in the defamation case. Rahul’s advocate Pranshu Agarwal said after his appearance, bail will be sought from the court. The case was filed by retired BRO director Udai Shanker Srivastava, who alleged that Rahul had made derogatory comments in Lucknow on Dec 16, 2022, days after a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Rahul had said, “People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra… but they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000sqkm of Indian land, killing 20 Indian soldiers, and thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh… Don’t pretend people don’t know.” Srivastava called the remarks “false and baseless”, made with an “evil intention of demoralising the Indian Army and damaging public faith”. He cited the Army’s official Dec 12 statement, which described the Dec 9 clash in Arunachal as involving “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides”. Rahul had earlier filed a petition before HC’s Lucknow bench against the summons, but was not granted relief. His lawyer had argued in HC that the case was politically driven and Srivastava lacked standing under section 199 CrPC, as the Army — not the petitioner — was the target. On May 29, Justice Subhash Vidyarthi rejected the claim, saying Srivastava was an “aggrieved person” under the law. HC had said Rahul must stand trial, observing a prima facie case exists against him. “Freedom of speech is subject to reasonable restrictions and does not include the freedom to make statements defamatory to any person or to the Indian Army,” HC had noted. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Put up Kharge & Rahul photo as profile pic: Cong to leaders
Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday issued a directive mandating that all party members across hierarchies must update their social media profile pictures with an official image featuring Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The directive follows instructions from its president Gaurav Gogoi. This change is being implemented ahead of Kharge and Rahul’s upcoming rally near Chaygaon, on the outskirts of Guwahati, scheduled for July 16. On July 16, All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi will visit Assam to participate in the Assam Pradesh Congress workers’ meeting and gathering. “To welcome the two beloved leaders to the sacred land of Assam, the Pradesh Congress’s social media and IT department has launched a special initiative. Accordingly, from July 15 at 12 PM until July 17 at 12 PM, all Congress leaders and workers at every level are requested to change their social media profile pictures on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to a specific image sent by the Pradesh Congress featuring the two beloved leaders,” Assam Congress said in a social media post. The presence of the two Congress leaders holds significant importance, as this marks the first large-scale rally to be attended by senior AICC leaders in Assam after Gaurav was appointed Assam PCC president. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Kharge & Rahul review Cong’s work in state, outreach efforts
Ranchi: Top brass of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday met its legislators, parliamentarians from the state along with senior leaders and office bearers from the party’s state unit in New Delhi on Monday to review developments in the party as well as in the JMM led coalition govt, of which it is a part. The meeting comes at a time when a few MLAs began to openly criticise some of the ministers, who are part of the cabinet of chief minister Hemant Soren, and accused them of sidelining and ignoring party workers and voice from the grassroot. Few days back, Khijri MLA and deputy leader of Congress legislative party, in the state assembly, Rajesh Kachchap openly criticised the functioning of state health minister Irfan Ansari, who is the party’s MLA from Jamtara. Monday’s meeting lasted for close to two hours from evening at the AICC headquarters in presence of national president Mallikarjun Kharge, and leader of opposition in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi. All 16 MLAs, two MPs and senior party officer bearers attended the meeting. State party president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, after the meeting said that the meeting remained positive and national leadership was apprised of host of works undertaken to strengthen the party at the grassroots. Mahto said, “Party’s Jharkhand affair’s in-charge gave a detailed presentation on the various works which we have initiated as part of Sangathan Srijan programme. It was appreciated by Kharge ji and Rahul ji.” He also added that stress was laid on fulfilling party’s manifesto (seven guarantees) which was promised during 2024 assembly polls. “Since we are also part of the govt, we must work in tandem with our alliance partners to ensure that the promises are fulfilled. For, Congress, issues such as implementation of PESA rules, Sarna code, working for upliftment of OBC community are a few key priorities. Leadership has instructed to work towards it,” he said. Ansari said the leadership was happy with the performance of the ministers. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.