Congress’ Mashaal Rally in Gadchiroli on June 12
Nagpur: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) will hold ‘Mashaal Rally’ in Gadchiroli on June 12, to create awareness about ‘social, political and agrarian’ issues. Party spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “We will focus on farmer issues apart from what our leader, Rahul Gandhi, wrote about the state assembly polls being rigged in Maharashtra last year.” The rally will be spearheaded by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal who is currently locked in a battle of words with his counterpart in BJP Chandrashekhar Bawankule over allegations of Maharashtra assembly polls being rigged. On Saturday, Congress neta Rahul Gandhi wrote an article alleging poll rigging by BJP in Maharashtra, and picked Kamptee constituency as a case study. Since Bawankule represents that constituency, a war-of-words between him and Sapkal ensued. With Sapkal arriving on Monday in Nagpur, this verbal duel is likely to escalate. Congress’ rally is being keenly watched by political observers as local body polls are due in a few months. It was Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra which created quite a stir and traction for the party ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Many leaders in the party believe that such long yatras or at least rallies which connect the party with public directly is a key element in poll strategy to regain lost ground. Bawankule downplays Rane’s ‘Baap’ comment BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule downplayed his party and cabinet colleague Nitesh Rane’s comment, in which he called CM Devendra Fadnavis ‘baap’ (big daddy) of everyone. Political analysts have interpreted Rane’s statement as a jibe at ally Shiv Sena (Shinde). Bawankule said, “I think Rane wanted to say that CM Devendra Fadnavis is there to solve everybody’s problem, someone who takes care of everyone. The word ‘baap’ got mixed up in the sentence and created the confusion.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Maharashtra polls were match-fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit out at the Election Commission after the poll watchdog rejected his allegations of rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly election. Reacting to the EC’s refutation attributed to the commission officials who spoke on anonymity, Gandhi said, “Evasion won’t protect your credibility. Telling the truth will”. Sharing his op-ed published in ‘The Indian Express’, headlined “Match-fixing Maharashtra”, on X, Rahul reiterated the allegations he has been making since the poll’s result was announced. The 2024 Maharashtra assembly election was a “blueprint for rigging democracy”, he said, alleging that this “match-fixing” would next happen in Bihar and “then anywhere BJP is losing”. On EC officials rejecting his claims, Rahul said, “Dear EC, you are a constitutional body. Releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions.” “If you have nothing to hide, answer the questions in my article and prove it by: Publishing consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states including Maharashtra and by releasing all post-5 pm CCTV footage from Maharashtra polling booths,” he demanded. Rahul further said, “My article shows how this happened, step by step: Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission. Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll. Step 3: Inflate voter turnout. Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win. Step 5: Hide the evidence.” He said, “It’s not hard to see why BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra. But rigging is like match-fixing – the side that cheats might win the game, but damages institutions and destroys public faith in the result.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Formally write to us on Maharashtra ‘rigging’, EC babus dare Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Election Commission officials on Sunday challenged Congress’ Rahul Gandhi to follow-up on his claims of “rigging” in 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections by formally writing to the poll panel, saying only then can it offer a formal, point-by-point rebuttal of his “baseless allegations”. “It is very strange that even after 24 hours have passed, Rahul has neither written any letter to EC nor sought time with it to air his grievances,” said a senior EC functionary. “It is public knowledge that a constitutional body like EC cannot respond formally to allegations unless they are raised or communicated to it directly,” the functionary added. Rahul, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, on Saturday hit out at EC after it rejected his allegations of “rigging” in Maharashtra elections in an Op-Ed. He had said the poll was a “blueprint for rigging democracy”and alleged that this “match-fixing” would next happen in Bihar and “then anywhere BJP is losing”. The EC functionary said the poll body is intrigued that Rahul, on one side, says that the issues raised by him with respect to Maharashtra elections are very serious, “but when it comes to putting them down in black and white to EC, he shies away”. It was suggested that Rahul was possibly taken aback by a “truthful and factual, point-by-point rebuttal given by EC once again on Saturday”. EC had earlier clarified the very same issues with full facts and figures in a note in its response to Congress dated Dec 24, 2024, and again through the media on April 22, 2025. “Rahul, through his Op-Ed article, ended up criticising booth level agents (BLAs), polling agents and counting agents appointed by his own party or its candidates, in Maharashtra. His baseless accusations have disrespected 10.5 lakh BLAs, 50 lakh polling officers and one lakh counting supervisors appointed by EC nationwide, by questioning their integrity and hard work,” said an officer. As per EC instructions, footage from CCTV cameras of polling stations can always be scrutinised by the competent high court in any election petition. However, the footage is not shared with the public or political parties by EC to protect the integrity of elections and the privacy of voters. “Does the LoP not trust even the high court now?” asked the officer. EC sources said the commission had, as part of its consultations with national and state parties on all election-related issues, invited Congress for a meeting on May 15, 2025. “But it developed cold feet and requested for some more time,” shared the officer. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
INTERVIEW | Congress can’t claim credit for caste census: BJP spokesperson Dr Guru Prakash Paswan
Speaking to Rajesh Kumar Thakur, Dr Paswan stated, “The caste census is a natural extension of the empowerment agenda pursued by the NDA government under Prime Minister Modi.” Dr Guru Prakash Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader from Bihar, national spokesperson of the BJP, and one of the party’s most articulate young voices, strongly criticised the Congress for attempting to take undue credit for caste enumerations. “The Congress has neither the moral nor political right to claim credit for the caste census. Neither the Congress nor its allies in Bihar, such as the RJD, have ever genuinely prioritised proportional representation for Dalits, OBCs, or other marginalised communities in their political frameworks. These are parties that engage in politics purely for the sake of politics,” he remarked. Speaking to Rajesh Kumar Thakur, Dr Paswan stated, “The caste census is a natural extension of the empowerment agenda pursued by the NDA government under Prime Minister Modi. It is disingenuous of the Congress to now attempt to claim credit for this initiative, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Bharat’s real champion of Dalits, poor people, and OBCs.” How do you view the Opposition’s claims regarding the caste census, particularly as they now appear to be taking full credit for it following the Centre’s announcement? The Congress party’s history of disrespecting Dalits is etched in bold letters in Indian political history. Their mistreatment of iconic figures like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram is well documented. Their duplicity is plain for all to see. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who himself hails from a backwards community, has consistently championed the cause of the marginalised. Under his leadership, India has seen the rise of the first woman tribal President, increased representation of Dalits, tribals, and OBCs in the cabinet, and numerous policies for their upliftment. The caste census is a natural extension of the empowerment agenda pursued by the NDA government under Prime Minister Modi. It is disingenuous of the Congress to now attempt to claim credit for this initiative, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Bharat’s real champion of Dalits, poor people, and OBCs. The Congress party has mobilised all its wings nationwide to inform the public of its efforts in pursuing the caste census, claiming it compelled the Modi government to act. How do you respond to this narrative? The public knows how to distinguish between the real and the fake. Congress thrives on propaganda, while the BJP under PM Modi focuses on real empowerment of backward communities. Our track record speaks for itself—every resolution made by the Modi government is followed through. Congress, on the other hand, has a history of saying one thing and doing another. We will take PM Modi’s message directly to the people and let them see the truth. Do you believe the Opposition will gain electoral mileage from the caste enumeration decision in the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar and other states? The NDA government, led by PM Modi at the Centre and CM Nitish Kumar in Bihar, stands on strong ground. We are confident of a comprehensive victory in Bihar with the support and blessings of all communities. Our governance model in the state has delivered development, peace, and empowerment for everyone. The people of Bihar clearly see that the Opposition’s stance on caste enumeration is purely politically motivated. Parties like Congress and RJD, which have failed to provide proportional representation to Dalits even within their own organisations, are in no position to talk about justice or empowerment. Their agenda is political, not developmental. Why did your government delay the decision on caste enumeration? Was it driven by concerns over losing support from OBC and Dalit communities, or were there other considerations? There was no delay, at least none that I can recall. We fully back and support the policy decision made by the NDA government. It reflects our commitment to inclusive governance and data-driven policymaking. Is the decision to include caste enumeration in the national decadal census linked to preparations for a future delimitation exercise? This is a subject best left to the wisdom and discretion of the NDA government led by PM Modi. Any such linkage, if there is one, would be guided by constitutional principles and national interest. Do you believe the findings of the caste enumeration will lead to positive and transformative impacts on policy formulation for development? Absolutely. The data will be a valuable tool in designing and implementing targeted developmental policies. It will help reduce caste-based disparities, promote social cohesion, and ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach every segment of society more effectively. The BJP had previously opposed caste enumeration, citing concerns about exacerbating social divisions. However, the decision was made shortly after a meeting between the RSS Chief and Prime Minister Modi. Do you think the RSS played any role in this change of stance? I am not privy to internal deliberations or private meetings, so I cannot comment on that. However, I can say with full confidence that both the RSS and BJP are firmly committed to the ideals of social harmony and national unity. Every step we take is aligned with these values. Courtesy : Rajesh Kumar Thakur, 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.
Mevani attacks BJP over atrocities on Dalits, weaker sections in Gujarat
Add Your Heading Text HereCiting the low conviction rate in cases of atrocities on Dalits, Mevani said at the national level, this figure is 30-35%, but in Gujarat it is only 3-5% DalitsThe Congress leader told reporters that several incidents of Dalit atrocities have been reported from Gujarat such as the murder of a 19-year-old Dalit youth in Amreli (File) Congress’s Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s silence on alleged incidents of atrocities against Dalits, adivasis and other weaker sections in Gujarat, and announced that the party will hit the streets to raise the issue. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in the Capital, Mevani accused the PM, the Home Minister and the RSS of “putting the values of Manusmriti above the Constitution”. Citing the low conviction rate in cases of atrocities on Dalits, Mevani said at the national level, this figure is 30-35%, but in Gujarat it is only 3-5%, which means 95% of the culprits in the state go scot-free. Story continues below this ad The Congress leader told reporters that several incidents of Dalit atrocities have been reported from Gujarat such as the murder of a 19-year-old Dalit youth in Amreli, the alleged setting ablaze of a Dalit senior citizen in Patan and the alleged gangrape of a Dalit girl in which BJP members are alleged to have been involved. “The Congress is preparing to launch a massive demonstration in August-September against atrocities being afflicted on Dalits, adivasis and those from the weakened sections in Gujarat,” he announced. Courtesy : TIE Note: This news is originally published on https://theindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Maharashtra polls were match-fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit out at the Election Commission after the poll watchdog rejected his allegations of rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly election. Reacting to the EC’s refutation attributed to the commission officials who spoke on anonymity, Gandhi said, “Evasion won’t protect your credibility. Telling the truth will”. Sharing his op-ed published in ‘The Indian Express’, headlined “Match-fixing Maharashtra”, on X, Rahul reiterated the allegations he has been making since the poll’s result was announced. The 2024 Maharashtra assembly election was a “blueprint for rigging democracy”, he said, alleging that this “match-fixing” would next happen in Bihar and “then anywhere BJP is losing”. If you have nothing to hide, answer questions in my article and prove it by: publishing consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to LS and Vidhan Sabhas of all states Rahul told EC On EC officials rejecting his claims, Rahul said, “Dear EC, you are a constitutional body. Releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions.” “If you have nothing to hide, answer the questions in my article and prove it by: Publishing consolidated, digital, machine-readable voter rolls for the most recent elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas of all states including Maharashtra and by releasing all post-5 pm CCTV footage from Maharashtra polling booths,” he demanded. Rahul further said, “My article shows how this happened, step by step: Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission. Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll. Step 3: Inflate voter turnout. Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win. Step 5: Hide the evidence.” He said, “It’s not hard to see why BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra. But rigging is like match-fixing – the side that cheats might win the game, but damages institutions and destroys public faith in the result.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul’s claims absurd, bring into disrepute Cong’s own polling reps, say EC officials
Add Your Heading Text HereNEW DELHI: Election Commission officials on Saturday slammed Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for accusing it of “fixing” Maharashtra polls, saying that the “absurd” allegations – already dismissed in a letter to the Congress dated Dec 24, 2024 – not only demotivate lakhs of govt staff who work untiringly to deliver transparent elections but also “bring into disrepute” party’s own representatives from the polling station to the constituency level. “Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is a sign of disrespect towards the law, under which polls are held. After an unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd,” an EC functionary told TOI.EC also found it strange that the LoP, instead of directly writing to the EC, has thus far chosen to air his grievances at various other forums – party meetings, Lok Sabha, even interactions on foreign soil and, now, an Op-Ed article. “If he is aggrieved, why is he shying from write to EC directly or seeking a meeting?” asked the functionary mentioned above. On Rahul faulting the appointment process of CEC and election commissioners, officials underlined that it was only under Modi govt that the law was amended to allow LoP a say in the appointments. “All CECs and election commissioners under previous Cong govts were appointed at the sole will of the Executive,” said an officer. Stating that Rahul, in his Op-ED article, has only harped on the allegations denied by the poll panel in December 2024, with additional clarifications published in TOI on April 22, EC officials rejected his charge of extraordinary surge in last two hours. It emphasised that over 6.4 crore electors in Maharashtra, who reached the polling station from 7 am to 6 pm on November 20, 2024, had voted. Thus, about 58 lakh votes were polled per hour on an average. “Going by these average trends, nearly 116 lakh voters could have voted in the last two hours. Therefore, casting of 65 lakh votes by electors in two hours is much below the average hourly voting trends,” an EC functionary pointed out. As regards the anomalies alleged by Rahul in roll revision, the functionary underlined that over 27,000 booth level agents (BLAs) appointed by the Congress were actively involved at every step of the summary revision of Maharashtra rolls ahead of the state polls, including raising claims and objections against the draft roll. Interestingly, while electors increased by 8.1% in Maharashtra since the last assembly poll, the corresponding rise was 13.4% for Jharkhand and 16.2% for Telangana. Congress won both Jharkhand (in alliance with JMM) and Telangana polls. Even after the final roll was published with a total 9.7 crore electors and its copies shared with all political parties including the Congress – allowing them to file two-point appeals, if dissatisfied – only 89 appeals were filed before the first appellate authority (district magistrate) and one before the second (chief electoral officer). “It is thus amply clear that there was no grievance of Congress or any other political party before the conduct of Maharashtra polls,” said the EC functionary. As regards allegations of irregularities in polling, EC officials shared that polling agents of all candidates and parties, including Congress, were present at the polling stations. “Congress’s nominated candidates or their authorized agents did not raise any substantiated allegations with regard to any kind of abnormal voting at the time of scrutiny before the returning officer and the election observers,” said an officer. “It appears that all these facts brought to the Congress notice by EC in its letter dated December 24, 2024, have completely been ignored,” said an EC functionary. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
LoP Gandhi Slams CM Nitish; Calls Bihar Crime Capital of India
PATNA — In a fiery address at the Constitution Security Conference held at the International Convention Centre in Rajgir, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on both the Central and Bihar governments, accusing them of allowing lawlessness to prevail and undermining the Constitution. Speaking from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s home turf of Nalanda, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said on Friday, “Bihar, the land of truth, justice and non-violence, is today becoming the ‘Crime Capital’ of India.” The Congress MP lamented the breakdown in law and order, alleging that the public in Bihar now feels unsafe and stated that “Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are responsible for this situation.” “The law and order here is in shambles. Basic facilities like education, employment, and healthcare remain out of reach of the common people,” Rahul Gandhi said. Targeting PM Modi, LoP Gandhi said, “Attempts are being made to spread hatred and fear in the country. But the Congress will not let this conspiracy succeed. We began ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ for this reason, and we are not backing down.” He also ridiculed CM Nitish Kumar’s frequent political flip-flops. “The Chief Minister keeps changing sides — sometimes here, sometimes there. The people of Bihar have now understood that real issues are being sidelined,” he said. Positioning himself as a defender of constitutional values, LoP Gandhi warned against attacks on social justice and democracy. “We will not let the Constitution be destroyed. This country will run on the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, not on the instructions of two or three capitalists,” Rahul Gandhi said. He urged the youth of Bihar to unite in defence of democracy and constitutional values, calling the present struggle a fight against hatred and violence. “Together we will move the country forward on the path of justice and brotherhood,” he said. This was LoP Gandhi’s first public event in Nalanda, making it politically symbolic given CM Nitish Kumar’s stronghold in the region. The event saw significant participation from Congress workers and local residents. –IANS Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https://clarion.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘Match-fixing will come to Bihar next’: Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP over Maharashtra polls; alleges ‘rigging’
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday again accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of engaging in “poll rigging”. Citing last year’s Maharashtra polls, he cautioned against similar “match-fixing” activities by the saffron party in the upcoming Bihar polls. “How to steal an election? Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy,” he said as he went on to list out the alleged sequence. He noted that the alleged tampering begins by “rigging the panel for appointing the Election Commission”. Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll Step 3: Inflate voter turnout Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win Step 5: Hide the evidence “It’s not hard to see why the BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra. But rigging is like match-fixing – the side that cheats might win the game, but damages institutions and destroy public faith in the result. All concerned Indians must see the evidence. Judge for themselves. Demand answers. Because the match-fixing of Maharashtra will come to Bihar next, and then anywhere the BJP is losing. Match-fixed elections are a poison for any democracy,” he added. The opposition parties have consistently raised the allegations of poll rigging in Maharashtra polls, with leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge even calling for a going back to ballot paper system terming electronic voting machines (EVMs) as “fraud” and something that put the opposition at “disadvantage”. — kharge (@kharge) The Election Commission, has however, rejected Rahul’s charge of unexpected voter’s spike in the Maharashtra polls calling it “nothing unusual”. “During the assembly elections in Maharashtra 6,40,87,588 electors, who reached the polling station from 7 am to 6 pm, voted. About 58 lakh votes were polled per hour, on an average. Going by these average trends, nearly 116 lakh voters could have voted in the last two hours. Therefore, casting of 65 lakh votes by electors in two hours is much below the average hourly voting trends,” a senior EC functionary had said earlier this year. They also pointed out that Congress’s own polling agents were present at every booth during the elections and did not raise any credible complaints about irregular voting — neither during the scrutiny by returning officers nor before election observers the following day. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
BJP sought caste census during UPA rule: OBC Morcha chief
Bhopal: The BJP on Friday mounted its attack on the Congress for taking credit for the Centre’s decision to carry out a caste census, saying the main opposition party intends to “mislead people for vote politics”. “The decision taken for the caste census is a historic step. The Congress is today spreading the propaganda that the Modi govt took the decision of caste census under the pressure of Rahul Gandhi,” BJP OBC Morcha national president K Laxman said here on Friday. “I want to ask Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders that for decades they were in power in the country and three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family were prime ministers. Why did Rahul Gandhi not demand a caste census at that time? Today, when he is in the opposition, he is talking about caste census to mislead people for vote bank politics,” he said at a massive workshop of the party’s OBC Morcha. Laxman said during the Manmohan Singh govt, BJP demanded a caste census. The workshop was also addressed by BJP state president VD Sharma, state BJP organisational general secretary Hitanand Sharma, state BJP backward classes front chief Narayan Singh Kushwaha, and cabinet minister Krishna Gaur. Laxman said caste census has been taking place in the country since the British era, but after the independence of the country, the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stopped the practice of caste census through the Central Census Act. “Pt Nehru shelved the report of the Kaka Kalelkar Committee. OBC Commission was not formed. Later, the govt of Morarji Desai constituted the Mandal Commission. The govt of Indira Gandhi also maintained silence on it, and the govt of VP Singh implemented it,” Laxman recalled. He said in 1961, Pt Nehru wrote a letter to the chief ministers of the states and said that reservation should be done on an economic basis. Laxman claimed that the BJP never backed down from the matter of caste census. “When the Modi govt was formed in 2014, the then Union home minister Rajnath Singh said that we will do the census by adding castes, but due to the Covid crisis, it could not be possible,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.