Rahul Gandhi to visit Pune on Aug 22
Pune: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Pune on Aug 22 to participate in ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative by the Congress. Announcing Rahul’s visit to Pune, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Friday said Gandhi will interact with students during his visit. “Before Pune, Rahul participated in ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj cities where he spoke to the students to understand their issues. In a similar manner, he will interact with girl students in Pune to understand the challenges being faced by them in regards with the education system,” Sapkal said. Rahul’s interaction with the younger generation in Pune will take place against the backdrop of the recent Cockroach Janata Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi where he and other opposition members raised the issue of violence against the protesters. During his visit to Pune, the Congress leader is expected to target the centre on the recent NEET paper leak 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
Mayawati expressed concern for Dalits and the most backward classes while extending greetings on August 15th, saying, “Higher institutions should be vigilant.”
Mayawati: BSP chief Mayawati extended Independence Day greetings to the nation. She urged those holding high constitutional and legal positions to be mindful of their responsibilities. Lucknow: The nation is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party National President Mayawati extended her best wishes to everyone on this occasion. She also raised the issue of the welfare of millions of Dalits, tribals, the most backward classes, and other religious minorities. On her X handle, Mayawati wrote, “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all Indian citizens and their families living across the country and the world on the 80th Independence Day today.” No matter how much joy and enthusiasm everyone celebrates Independence Day with, in harmony and brotherhood, it will be insufficient. It would be better if those in high constitutional and legal positions are more mindful of their responsibilities, as the public has come to expect more from them about their true and genuine responsibility towards the nation and public interest. “Higher Institutions Will Fulfill Their Responsibility Honestly” The BSP supremo further wrote, “On special occasions like Independence Day, people expect that the higher institutions here will fulfill the purpose and responsibility of the checks and balances of the Indian Constitution with complete honesty and integrity. Only then will the true benefits of India’s republic, especially the millions of Dalits, Adivasis, the most backward classes, Muslims and other religious minorities, as well as the poor, laborers, farmers, youth, women, and other working people, accrue in the form of a life free from unemployment and corruption, a life of happiness and prosperity, and that India’s democracy and sacred Constitution will prove meaningful as per everyone’s expectations. This is the message of today.” Vaibhav Pandey About the Author Vaibhav Pandey is a Senior Journalist/Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has 18 years of experience in the media industry. Vaibhav Pandey joined Navbharat Times Online in 2018. He currently covers news in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Courtesy: Hindi News
DSS condemns ‘purification’ ceremony at Haldwani Ramlila ground after Kharge’s rally
Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) State convener D.G. Sagar has condemned the reported purification ritual conducted at Haldwani’s Ramlila ground in Uttarakhand on August 10, two days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally there. Mr. Sagar, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Friday, said that the purification ritual performed at the Ramlila ground was not only an insult to Mr. Kharge but also to the Scheduled Caste community. He said the incident showed that caste discrimination and untouchability continued despite constitutional safeguards. Recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha of 1927, Mr. Sagar said that similar purification rituals were performed after Dr. Ambedkar and Dalits drank water from the Chavdar Tank. “Nearly 100 years later, if such practices are repeated, it shows that the fight against caste discrimination is not over,” he said. Mr. Sagar said that the reported ritual at the Ramlila ground raised concerns about the constitutional values of equality and dignity; he urged Uttarakhand authorities to register cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and laws relating to untouchability, and arrest those responsible. He warned that the Samiti would intensify its agitation across the State if action was not taken. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi to visit Amritsar this month in a likely effort to quell infighting, fissures in Punjab unit
During the party’s ‘Har Booth, Congress Mazboot’ campaign, the grand old party found itself firefighting internal power struggles and fissures as public clashes erupted between rival factions. CHANDIGARH: Amid efforts to end the factionalism in the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior party leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Amritsar by this month-end. The reason behind the visit is the internal power struggles and fissures between the state leadership and the recent clashes between supporters of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, besides AICC General Secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel’s visit to the State leaving behing no breakthrough. Party sources said that the schedule of Rahul Gandhi’s visit is being worked out as the State unit leaders are planning to hold a ‘unity bus yatra’ during his visit, as he is expected to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple and other religious places in Amritsar. The visit of Rahul coincides with final efforts by the party high command to end infighting in the state Congress. Sources added that it is expected that during his visit, Rahul will give a message of unity to the state leadership, as the high command has already said the dissenting leaders that it will not act under pressure and will take a decision that is in sync with the ground reality. Thus, a few important decisions to achieve unity are expected in the coming days. On August 12, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa met Rahul Gandhi outside Parliament House in Delhi in the presence of Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and discussed the situation in the state unit ahead of the assembly elections. A day before, a dinner meeting was held at the Delhi residence of Gurdaspur MP and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, which was attended by Jalandhar MP and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Ferozepur MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, Bajwa, and MLAs Rana Gurjit Singh and Pargat Singh. During the meeting, it was felt that MPs and senior leaders should approach the high command and brief the central leadership about the latest developments, as these leaders had asked Bajwa to get them time from Rahul for the meeting, as they have approached him but have not been given time so far. On August 7, 15 Punjab Congress MLAs wrote to the high command seeking appointments with KC Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi to discuss ‘pressing’ issues. Earlier, during the nine-day organisational tour of AICC General Secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel from July 31 to August 8, the party’s ‘Har booth, Congress Mazboot’ camping, which covered around 18 districts and an earlier five-day exercise by Baghel in July at Chandigarh, which had been intended to address much the same problem, had produced little breakthrough. During the party’s ‘Har Booth, Congress Mazboot’ campaign, the grand old party found itself firefighting internal power struggles and fissures as public clashes erupted between rival factions, with supporters of former Chief Minister Channi raising slogans in his favour and verbal clashes breaking out between supporters of Channi and Warring at several meetings. “Go back Baghel” posters also surfaced in Muktsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Bathinda and other places. The infighting came to the fore when the Congress leadership, on July 1, announced its decision to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as state unit chief and appointed former Chief Minister Channi as chairperson of its campaign committee. Channi’s supporters have been demanding that he be declared the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2027 Assembly elections. Harpreet Bajwa Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘China stopped our army from patrolling several places in Arunachal’: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that China had stopped Indian Army patrols at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and called the development a matter of concern. “China has stopped our army from patrolling in several places in Arunachal Pradesh – this is extremely alarming,” Rahul said in a post on X. He also questioned the silence of defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. “But even more alarming is the silence emanating from Rajnath Singh ji, Amit Shah ji, and Narendra Modi ji. Instead of stopping China, the Modi government is putting pressure on the media to suppress this news,” he added. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Rahul referred to the Prime Minister’s statement following the Galwan clash that China had not taken any Indian territory, alleging that the government continues to protect the PM’s image instead of addressing the issue of national security. “The country still remembers that statement by the Prime Minister after Galwan, in which he caused immense damage to India by saying that China has not taken even an inch of our land. Even today, the same operation to save his image continues – and a Prime Minister who prioritizes his fake image over the country’s security is extremely dangerous for the nation,” he added. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also questioned the Centre over reports of China expanding its presence in areas of Arunachal Pradesh and sought answers on Indian access to patrolling points and traditional grazing and hunting grounds. “After Galwan, now Arunachal Pradesh? Disturbing reports suggest that China is attempting to push further into areas in Arunachal Pradesh, an inalienable part of our nation. This demands immediate answers from the Modi Govt,” Kharge said in a post on X. — kharge (@kharge) This comes after the ministry of external affairs (MEA) reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “inalienable and integral part of India” in response to China’s recent “objection” to the renaming of places in the state. “Let me reiterate this once again that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable and integral part of India and this is a fact that is self-evident. At the same time, let me also underline that nothing can change this indisputable reality,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.India officially identified 27 locations in Arunachal by their standard names on the survey of India map, countering China’s repeated attempts to assign Chinese names to places in the state. Earlier, it was reported that there was no “slow encroachment” by China into Arunachal Pradesh. “There is no slow encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh by China as alleged,” a source was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. “Due to undemarcated border at times the patrols face off each other, this is resolved through existing mechanisms and protocols in vogue. The Army and ITBP are geared up to dominate the border, monitor and check Chinese activities. Sensational claims like this without going into specifics are attention-seeking ploys,” the report said citing sources. They said China has historically laid claim to Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “South Tibet”. During the 1960 border talks, Beijing had claimed around 69,000 sq km of territory in the state. ”China has claims on Arunachal as South Tibet, articulated in 1960 border talks, wherein they claimed approx 69,000 sq km of the state territory. In 1959 China attacked the Assam Rifles outpost at Longju and captured it. The area has since been in adverse possession and is frequently in news due to infra development done in this area by China,” they said. “During 1962 India-China War, major Chinese operations were launched in Kameng, Subansiri, Siyom, Siang and Lohit valleys. However, after ceasefire the PLA went back North of the LAC. Arunachal Pradesh shares a large border with Tibet along Great Himalayan range. Concerted infra push in recent years has enabled enhanced ptlg and surveillance of the area,” they 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
The Supreme Court dismissed the proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, citing lack of UP government approval.
In a major relief for Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court dismissed the entire proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case. The bench stated that there was no government approval required for prosecution under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, and therefore, “if there is no approval, the matter is over.” Major relief for Rahul Gandhi from the Supreme Court in the Savarkar defamation case New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed proceedings in a private criminal complaint pending in Uttar Pradesh against Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The case related to alleged objectionable remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and allegations of promoting communal disharmony in society. The state government stated that it lacked the sanction to prosecute the case. The apex court said, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, while passing the order, stated that the necessary sanction of the Uttar Pradesh government was not obtained before taking cognizance of the offense under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code. The bench clarified that such sanction is mandatory and in its absence, criminal proceedings cannot proceed. Rahul Gandhi had challenged the summons issued by the trial court to face trial under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 of the IPC in the Supreme Court. He approached the apex court after not receiving relief from the Allahabad High Court. “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here” During the hearing on Friday, Justice Datta asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, whether the state government had given sanction for the prosecution. Nataraj clarified that no such sanction had been obtained. It has not been granted. Under Section 196 of the CrPC, prior sanction of the State Government is required to take cognizance of an offence under Section 153A of the IPC. The lawyer representing the complainant submitted that if the required sanction is not available, the summons order can be cancelled and the matter can be sent back to the Magistrate for fresh consideration. He added that if sanction is required, he will take necessary steps for that. However, Justice Datta stated that sanction is mandatory before taking cognizance of an offence. He remarked, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends there.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The case involved remarks on Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi was summoned as an accused for a speech he made at a press conference in December 2024. The complainant, advocate Nripendra Pandey, alleged that Gandhi had described Savarkar as a servant of the British and claimed that he received a pension from the British. The complainant alleged that these remarks were intended to spread hatred and animosity in society. In December 2024, Lucknow Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division)/ACJM Alok Verma issued summons to Rahul Gandhi. The court stated that distributing pre-printed pamphlets and material at the press conference allegedly indicated an intent to spread hatred and animosity in society. The Allahabad High Court refused to grant relief to Rahul Gandhi on April 4, 2025. High Court Justice Subhash Vidyarthi orally stated that Gandhi had the option of approaching a sessions judge. Earlier, the Supreme Court had stayed the proceedings. Stay Last year, the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings in the case following Rahul Gandhi’s petition. However, at that time, Justice Datta expressed strong displeasure over the comments made against Savarkar. He questioned whether freedom fighters should be treated in this manner. Justice Datta also stated that if such comments were repeated in the future, the court could take suo motu cognizance and initiate contempt proceedings against Rahul Gandhi. On Friday, however, the bench dismissed the case entirely on legal grounds. Due to the Uttar Pradesh government’s lack of sanction for prosecution, the complaint against Rahul Gandhi and the magistrate’s summons were dismissed. Senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Rahul Gandhi. Reported by: Rajesh Chaudhary•Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay About the Author Rajesh Chaudhary has been associated with Navbharat Times since 2007. He covers the Supreme Court, High Courts, lower courts, and the CBI in Delhi and also brings you news on Speed News. Will remain. Courtesy: Hindi News
CM Shivakumar’s cabinet inducts 19 ministers as Congress high command clears portfolios
The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. BENGALURU: With hours to go before the joint legislature’s monsoon session, the Congress high command has reportedly cleared the allocation of portfolios to the 19 ministers inducted into Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, ending the prolonged uncertainty over department distribution. But the final list has not reached the Lok Bhavan for approval and notification. Shivakumar met his spiritual guru, Sri Karivrushabha Deshikendra Swamiji of Kadaaiddeshwara Mutt, who had arrived at a devotee’s residence in Bengaluru seeking his blessings. He is likely to make some changes in the portfolios, even as it’s being finalised by and large, before sending the final list to the Raj Bhavan. However, the issue of women’s representation in the cabinet remains unresolved, with the cabinet continuing without a woman minister. The decision to accommodate a woman legislator has reportedly been kept on hold, with sources indicating the issue could be taken up after the 10-day legislature session. The demand for the induction of Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa, who is unhappy over his exclusion, has also been kept in abeyance. The allocation of portfolios is an urgent issue ahead of the monsoon session, which begins on August 13. Initial reports suggest that the proposed distribution of portfolios covers 11 ministers who were inducted during the cabinet expansion and sworn in on August 3. Those who have reportedly not been allotted the portfolios include former chief minister Siddaramiah’s son MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Arasikere MLA K. M. Shivalinge Gowda, Challakere MLA T. Raghumurthy, Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra, Malavalli MLA P. M. Narendraswamy, Chamarajanagar MLA Puttarangashetty, Haveri MLA Rudrappa Lamani and Bagalkote MLA Vijayanand Kashyapanavar. By evening, they may be allocated the portfolios, according to sources. The delay in allocating portfolios to some of the newly inducted ministers had triggered speculation that the chief minister was considering a minor reshuffle by dropping one or two existing ministers to accommodate and placate disgruntled legislators, particularly Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa and Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar, who are believed to enjoy the backing of Siddaramaiah. The final list of portfolios is likely to be forwarded to Lok Bhavan for formal approval and notification. The decision follows several rounds of discussions between Shivakumar, senior Congress leaders in the state and the party high command. Shivakumar had discussed the issue with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, pressing for an early resolution before the legislature session. The high command is also understood to have obtained the approval of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi before giving a nod. According to the proposed allocation, N. Cheluvarayaswamy is likely to return to the Agriculture portfolio, which he held in the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet. H. Muniyappa, who earlier held the Food and Civil Supplies Department, is expected to be given Social Welfare, a portfolio he had reportedly sought. Mayakonda MLA K. Basavanthappa is likely to be entrusted with Fisheries and Ports, while Davanagere North MLA S. S. Mallikarjun is expected to get Mines and Geology, a department he had handled previously. Shivaraj Tangadagi is likely to be given Kannada and Culture, while Magadi MLC H. C. Balakrishna may get Minor Irrigation. Laxman Savadi is expected to be allotted Cooperation. Among the other proposed allocations, Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader is likely to be given the additional responsibility of Minority Welfare. Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh is expected to get Forests, while Madhu Bangarappa is likely to return to Primary Education and Santosh Lad to Labour Welfare—both portfolios they had held during the previous Siddaramaiah government. Rizwan Arshad is expected to be given Food and Civil Supplies. The portfolio exercise had triggered intense lobbying within the ruling Congress, with newly inducted ministers seeking departments of their choice while the leadership attempted to balance regional, caste and political considerations. The high command’s approval is expected to clear the way for the new ministers to assume charge of their respective departments ahead of the legislature session. The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. Devaraj B Hirehalli Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cong accuses BJP of politicising Jharkhand students’ stir, bringing outsiders to disrupt protests
Accusing the BJP of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.(Photo | PTI) The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of “politicising” the students’ agitation over alleged exam irregularities in Jharkhand and said that it was “bringing people from other states” to disrupt the protests. Accusing the saffron party of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. A probe by the CBI, “a tool of the Centre”, will yield the “desired results” for them even in Jharkhand, asserted four Congress ministers – Radha Krishna Kishore, Shilpy Neha Tirkey, Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari – at a press conference here. “The BJP brought people from other states to disrupt the students’ peaceful protest in Ranchi on August 10 over exam irregularities. We urge Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure that each such BJP worker is identified and strong action is taken against them,” Kishore said. He alleged that the BJP’s state leadership acted at the Centre’s behest to disrupt the students’ stir, as the recent assembly gherao in Ranchi was “not on the protesters’ agenda”. Claiming that the Jharkhand government initiated steps in exam “anomalies” much before the students started their protests, Singh said, “152 paper leaks took place in the country since 2015 under the BJP rule, but CBI probe was conducted in only 17 such cases with zero conviction”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand exam stir enters 19th day as students vow to intensify agitation Singh said the CBI probes included the NEET-UG 2024, UGC-NET 2024, SSC-CGL 2017, JEE Main 2021 and the West Bengal SSC 2016, “but the outcome was nothing”. Regarding the Haryana Judicial Services 2017 case, a conviction was secured not by the CBI, but by an SIT constituted by the state authorities, she claimed. Tirkey asserted that no force was used on the protesting students in Jharkhand, whereas during the earlier BJP regime in the state, “the voice of the youth was crushed”. She also said that it was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who worked to awaken the youth across the country through the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign. This awareness is now giving students the courage to step forward and participate in these movements, asserted Tirkey. “Even at Jantar Mantar during the NEET protests, Rahul Gandhi was present to boost the morale and courage of the students,” she said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Benny, Kuzhalnadan & Shafi frontrunners for Kerala Congress chief post
All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to bolster their claims for the post. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has narrowed the choice for the new KPCC president to three names — former UDF convenor Benny Behanan MP, state working president Shafi Parambil MP and state vice president Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA. With two of his close associates — Shafi and Kuzhalnadan — among the frontrunners, influential AICC general secretary K C Venugopal is reportedly maintaining a neutral stand, leaving the choice to the Congress national leadership. However, Chief Minister V D Satheesan will have a crucial say in the selection of the new state party chief. Three other senior Congress MPs — Kodikkunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony — have apparently fallen out of the race despite backing from party stalwarts and a powerful religious organisation. Kodikkunnil, who is the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, had the support of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Satheesan, while Anto and UDF convenor Prakash had the backing of Priyanka Gandhi and Sivagiri Mutt, respectively. Anto had lost the post to Sunny Joseph last time. All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to bolster their claims for the post. With the Congress seeking closer coordination between the new government and the party ahead of an organisational reshuffle, the appointment is being viewed not merely as a change at the helm of the state unit but as part of a broader organisational overhaul. The final decision on the new KPCC president will be taken by Kharge and Rahul in consultation with Satheesan, sources said. Decision likely after Parl session, says senior leader “The announcement is likely after the ongoing Parliament session,” a senior party leader said. The need for a new party chief arose after incumbent Sunny conveyed his desire to step down after being inducted into the new cabinet. Among the shortlisted leaders, Benny brings considerable organisational experience, having served as UDF convenor and handled coordination among coalition partners. He is also seen as having the confidence of leaders across factions. Some senior leaders feel that an experienced organisational hand would be better placed to coordinate with a new government, in which most ministers, including the chief minister, are serving their first term. Shafi, who enjoys considerable popularity within the party and among the public, remains a strong contender. Kuzhalnadan’s proximity to Rahul is seen as an advantage. However, their relatively young age could work both in favour of and against the two contenders. Meanwhile, the powerful Catholic Church is closely watching the developments in the Congress. Sunny was made KPCC president after the Church took a strong position on the issue. K S Sreejith Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Monsoon Session: Rahul Gandhi rejects govt’s offer for discussion on NEET protest
NEW DELHI: Increased ruckus hit Lok Sabha Wednesday after govt told opposition home minister Amit Shah was ready to participate in, and reply to, a discussion on NEET protest — as BJP’s attempt to break the deadlock that has virtually washed out Parliament’s monsoon session came to a naught on the penultimate day. LoP Rahul Gandhi said the country’s younger generation is not interested in Shah’s lecture and imagination, and he should merely tell who ordered use of pellet guns and nail-studded lathis on students. After repeated adjournments, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju told LS that Shah has written a letter to the Speaker that a discussion on NEET protest can start immediately, and he would reply. Rijiju urged opposition to sit peacefully for the discussion, saying “the home minister is waiting”. He said just two days were left in the session while the opposition was running away. But opposition intensified sloganeering and jammed the well. Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal repeatedly said he was ready to start the discussion if the members returned to their seats. But opposition was in no mood to relent. Rahul told reporters there was no need for a discussion and Shah should simply tell the House “who gave the order to shoot the students, who shot the students, who gave the order to beat the students with nail-studded lathis”, which would establish if he is culpable or incompetent. Rahul said Shah has been missing from the House for 20 days, even as he came and left Parliament in “30 cars every day”. He claimed there are a thousand cops stationed outside Shah’s residence to ensure no student comes there. “Shah has no courage, his balloon has punctured,” he remarked. On rejecting Shah’s offer of discussion, Congress’s KC Venugopal said Shah did not come to LS during the day. Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi accused him of obfuscating the issue by offering a discussion on NEET protest. “The issue was discussed over two days under the debate on ‘unfair means bill’. Only Shah’s reply is pending.” Minutes before the proceedings, the Speaker called Venugopal to ask him about opposition’s response to Shah’s offer for a discussion, and was told opposition was sticking to its demand for a statement by Shah and discussion on Ram temple “Chanda Chori”. This story had continued from a page 33 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below. Not interested in HM’s lecture: Rahul Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi said the country’s younger generation is not interested in home minister Amit Shah’s lecture and imagination, and he should merely tell who ordered use of pellet guns and nail-studded lathis on student-protesters at Jantar Mantar. 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