Factionalism mars Punjab Congress campaign as clashes erupt across State
A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ‘Harr booth mazboot’ campaign by Bhupesh Baghel had failed to strengthen the party’s booth-level organisation. CHANDIGARH: Open factionalism, slogan shouting, clashes and poster wars marked the Punjab Congress’s 10-day Harr booth mazboot campaign, which ended on Saturday after party in-charge and AICC General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel toured 18 districts to assess preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections. The campaign ended in Ludhiana, the parliamentary constituency of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The incidents during the tour highlighted continuing differences within the state unit, with “go back” slogans and protests reported at several programmes. Ludhiana emerged as a major centre of discord as Baghel’s tour ended with a programme at Khanna. Supporters of former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu raised slogans, prompting Warring to accuse them of being backed by the RSS. The unrest was also reported in Malerkotla, where rival factions allegedly clashed on stage. The dispute turned physical, forcing police to intervene and use batons to separate the groups. At Khanna, a section of Congress workers raised slogans in support of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. When attempts were made to stop the slogan-shouting, the group reportedly walked out of the meeting. Similar protests and disagreements were reported during party programmes in Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa, highlighting the factionalism within the state unit. Harr booth mazboot campaign ended in Ludhiana, the parliamentary constituency of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Punjab Congress rift resurfaces as ex-CM Channi skips Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament speech A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the campaign had failed to strengthen the party’s booth-level organisation. “Repeated clashes during party meetings have sent a negative message to voters. It gives the impression that Congress leaders are more focused on internal power struggles than public issues,” he said, adding that leaders with personal differences should approach the high command and resolve them instead of creating scenes at party programmes. Throughout his 10-day tour, Baghel repeatedly warned that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline. He said those who disrupted party programmes would be identified and action would be taken against them. Baghel also said the party’s external enemies were visible and identified, while those working within the organisation as “sleeper cells” and “internal saboteurs” needed to be exposed and removed. The Punjab Congress has been facing factionalism despite repeated efforts by its leadership to strengthen organisational unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The differences came to the fore after the Congress leadership on July 1 retained Warring as Punjab Congress president and appointed former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of its campaign committee. A section of leaders led by Channi opposed Warring’s continuation as state unit chief and sought his removal. 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
‘You’ll have to answer for this crime’: Rahul slams PM Modi, HM Shah over police action on students
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday upped the ante against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing them of “doling out pardons” instead of apologising to the students for the alleged police brutality against them during the protest march in Delhi on July 20.A day after his “Chaatron Ki Goonj” event at Prayagraj, Rahul, in a social media post on X, said that students are the light of the nation and he stands with them with “full strength.” “‘I have no way out left now’ – This is what a student said to me yesterday in Prayagraj. Years of preparation, sold the family land, parents’ debts, and still nothing to show for it. This defeat is not his. This is the defeat of that system which refused to reward his hard work,” Rahul Gandhi said. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) “Thirteen days have passed – not a word has come from home minister Amit Shah’s mouth. Instead of apologizing, Modi ji is doling out pardons. Amit Shah ji, don’t think for a moment that we will stop demanding accountability. Lathis and pellets rained down on children on the streets of the capital – and you didn’t say a word. Whether today or tomorrow, you will have to answer for this crime. Students are the light of the nation, and I stand with them with my full strength,” he added. Earlier on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi said the country’s youth were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with youngsters spending lakhs and crores on educational certificates that offered no guarantee of employment. “Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you a job,” the Congress leader said. Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground, Rahul cautioned youngsters against getting trapped in the “intoxication” of making Instagram reels, saying social media was being used to keep them occupied as jobs and opportunities shrink. “You make reels and work on Blinkit-like platforms because there is no job for you in this country,” he said, describing the trend as a “dreaded intoxication” and warning that youngsters were being turned into “bandhua mazdoor” (bonded labourers). The Congress leader said that avenues in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, public and private sector jobs, corporate, IT and banking were shrinking, with AI increasingly being used by influential corporate houses. He also alleged that people associated with RSS ideology had been appointed to head various institutions, affecting the entire system. Despite his criticism, Rahul said the country’s youth had “lighted the path” towards a promising future. 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
If Rahul Gandhi is truly in favor of women’s reservation, why isn’t he supporting its implementation?: BJP
The political war of words between the BJP and Congress over the Women’s Reservation Bill has intensified. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday again targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning why he isn’t supporting it if he truly supports 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Accusations against Congress BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh accused the Congress of adopting a “double standard” on the issue of women’s reservation. He also targeted Congress allies, accusing them of obstructing its implementation. Congress is looking for excuses to block reservations BJP MP Tarun Chugh told PTI Video that the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi enacted a law providing 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. Now that steps are being taken to implement and enforce it quickly, Congress is looking for excuses. If Rahul is in favor, why is he opposing it? A Rajya Sabha member questioned that if Rahul Gandhi truly supports women’s reservation, why isn’t he supporting its implementation? He said that women need rights and representation, not just slogans. Congress should now abandon its double standards and stop obstructing women’s empowerment. It should support the Prime Minister’s efforts related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. Parliamentary Affairs Minister expressed hope A war of words broke out between the BJP and Congress on Saturday over the women’s reservation and delimitation bills. The accusations and counter-accusations began when Gandhi said that no country can succeed unless its women speak out openly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a “clear change of stance” and expressed hope that the opposition party would support the proposed laws. Congress MP posts on X Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in a post addressed to Rijiju on ‘X’, said that as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who knows better than him that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed unanimously in 2023 and that Congress fully supported it. He said, “The question is why it hasn’t been implemented even after three years, and why do you want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation now? Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Rahul to Amit Shah: Won’t stop demanding accountability
NEW DELHI: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi on Sunday questioned home minister Amit Shah’s silence over alleged police brutalities against protesting students, saying he would have to answer for what happened sooner or later. “I have no options left now’ — This is exactly what a student told me in Prayagraj yesterday. Years of preparation, selling the family land, parents burdened with debt and yet, nothing to show for it,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X, referring to his “Chhatron ki Goonj” event on Saturday. “This is not his failure, it is the failure of a system that refused to reward his hard work,” Rahul added. Several days have passed since the students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged paper leaks called off their agitation, yet there’s not a single word from Shah on the action taken by Delhi Police against them, he said. “Amit Shahji, do not think that we will stop demanding accountability…” he said. Meanwhile, with the monsoon session of Parliament entering its final week on Monday, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday cautioned the govt that “history should not repeat itself”, recalling that significant laws were passed during the winter session of Parliament in 2023 despite 146 MPs being under suspension. Referring to the security breach which saw two men jumping into Lok Sabha on Dec 13, 2023, Ramesh said in a post on X, “Opposition repeatedly demanded a statement from the Union Home Minister. None was forthcoming. He remained silent as he is doing now on the brutalities inflicted by the Delhi Police on protesting youth last month.” 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
Cabinet fiasco pushes Congress into a tailspin
Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Little over two months after the Congress central leaders patted themselves on their own backs for effecting a smooth leadership change in Karnataka, the party now faces intense internal turmoil after the cabinet expansion. Strategic miscalculations have left many of its lawmakers discontented, forcing the party to consider corrective measures. The party has landed itself in such a predicament that any quick-fix solution could be worse than the problem. The party’s top leadership deliberated on the ministry expansion for long, and held several rounds of consultations with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah. Perhaps, after sifting through several lists, it was decided to induct 20 legislators into the ministry. However, only 19 took oath. The plan to induct new faces appears to be in sync with party leader Rahul Gandhi’s broader roadmap of a transition within the party. The plan and its execution seemed wobbly from the start. The list was changed hours before the oath-taking ceremony. Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Many districts are without representation. Even North Karnataka legislators from the Kuruba and minority communities have been left out. Two ministers from the Kuruba community are from South Karnataka. Of the four ministers from the minority community — three Muslims and one Christian — three are from Bengaluru City and one from coastal Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s conspicuous absence at the ministers’ oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan exposed the fault lines in the party. It also gave a subtle yet clear indication of how the Congress’s internal politics is likely to play out in the days ahead. The Congress workers’ protests at several places in the state, including outside the party head office in Bengaluru, mass resignations by local leaders in districts, and an outpouring of anger by several legislators, have all put the party in hot water. The CM’s initial remarks that “resignations (of those threatening to quit) will be accepted within a few minutes” showed that the party had again failed to read the situation. It was only when things appeared to be getting out of hand – the growing number of disgruntled legislators, and them planning a future course of action – that the CM, State Congress president BK Hariprasad and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala plunged into damage-control mode. During their meetings with the disgruntled MLAs, the leaders are said to have admitted to mistakes being committed and that they would shortly take corrective measures, while the aspirants made it clear that they would settle for nothing less than a cabinet berth. As of now, only one cabinet berth is vacant. It is unclear what corrective measures the party would take at this stage. There is a buzz that a few ministers may be asked to resign to make way for some of those excluded. Some leaders may be accommodated in party positions and some in boards and corporations to assuage their feelings. By all means, the party has found itself in a catch-22 situation. No minister is happy to resign, and such a move will amount to the party admitting that it has erred. The impression that local leaders can compel the high command to change its decision will further vitiate the situation. Also, B Nagendra’s induction has caused a degree of unease within the party. As Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, he had resigned in June 2024 after multi-crore financial irregularities in the state-owned Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited surfaced. A case had been registered against him, and he was also arrested. While the CM defended the decision, a three-term Congress MLA questioned what the yardstick was for inducting leaders into the cabinet, as those who went to jail and those who allegedly worked against the party have been made ministers. Nagendra’s induction has also handed a potent issue to the opposition during the upcoming legislative session from August 13. The Congress, downplaying the developments, has taken to oft-repeated remarks that a party with nearly 140 legislators is bound to face such turbulence, as only a limited number of leaders can be accommodated in the cabinet. However, if the ruling party continues to be pulled into a whirlwind of internal politics, it will do no good for its plans for the 2028 assembly polls or for the state administration. The challenge is to overcome party politics and deliver good governance. Unlike Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, the current team at the helm of affairs lacks the luxury of time; their performance would be tested in corporation polls in the Greater Bengaluru Authority and local bodies polls, provided they are held, and in the 2028 assembly polls. For now, the CM faces another immediate challenge, that of allocating portfolios to the new ministers, and preparing his new team for the legislative session starting next week. Ramu Patil 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
‘Congress not realising own errors’: Rijiju draws parallel with Indira Gandhi post Emergency
NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday stepped up his attack on Congress, accusing the party of failing to acknowledge its “errors and shortcomings.” In a post on X, Rijiju contrasted the current Congress leadership with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying she had been “blunt” in admitting the actions she took during the Emergency. Sharing a video of Indira Gandhi, Rijiju wrote, “Although… we do not agree with the policies and the steps taken by the former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi ji, she was blunt in admitting the actions that she had taken.” — KirenRijiju (@KirenRijiju) “Now, Congress party is not even realising their own errors & shortcomings,” he added. In the video, Indira Gandhi is seen defending the arrest of former deputy prime minister Morarji Desai and other Opposition leaders, alleging that they were “destroying democracy.”Rijiju’s remarks came hours after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi hit back at his challenge to the party to extend “unconditional support” to the Women’s Reservation Bill. Gandhi questioned the Centre’s decision to link implementation of the legislation with the delimitation exercise. Reiterating the Congress’ position, Rahul called for the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, “without any conditions.” “Mr Rijiju, who would know better than you, as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs – that the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 has already been passed unanimously, with the full support of the Congress,” Rahul posted on X. The question is, why has it still not been implemented even after three years, and why do you now want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation? Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions,” he added. Earlier in the day, Rijiju had challenged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally after Gandhi called for greater freedom of expression for women. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from the delimitation exercise. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation has not moved forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting. The Bill provided for 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures, along with provisions linked to delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. 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
Youth country’s asset, but system trapping them in ‘chakravyuh’: Rahul
Prayagraj: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the country’s youth were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with youngsters spending lakhs and crores on educational certificates that offered no guarantee of employment. “Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you a job,” he said, adding that only around 12 out of every 1,000 aspirants get permanent employment. Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground, Rahul cautioned youngsters against getting trapped in the “intoxication” of making Instagram reels, saying social media was being used to keep them occupied as jobs and opportunities shrink. “You make reels and work on Blinkit-like platforms because there is no job for you in this country,” he said, describing the trend as a “dreaded intoxication” and warning that youngsters were being turned into “bandhua mazdoor” (bonded labourers). Referring to AI, Gandhi said the data consumed and generated by young people was helping AI systems develop. Gandhi structured his speech around “dard” (pain), data and “daulat” (wealth). He said the pain and data belonged to the youth, while the wealth generated from them was being concentrated in the hands of a few. He said the youth were the country’s strength and pride. A youth sharing the stage with Gandhi criticised paper leaks and the normalisation formula. Two Allahabad University students also interacted with him and detailed problems at the university and the ongoing agitation.Gandhi said avenues in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, public and private sector jobs, corporate, IT and banking were shrinking, with AI increasingly being used by influential corporate houses, including Adani and Ambani. He also alleged that people associated with RSS ideology had been appointed to head various institutions, affecting the entire system. Despite his criticism, Gandhi said the country’s youth had “lighted the path” towards a promising future. He appealed to them to reject hatred and violence and change the system through love. “You are India, spirit and future, and the most beautiful youngsters of the world. Do not allow hate and violence, but open the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan (shop of love),” Rahul said. He presented his formula for India’s 21st-century economy — “youth plus data”. He said India has around 40 crore young people, one of the country’s greatest strengths, while each youngster consumed around 1GB of data a day. “Youth + data = 21st-century economy,” he said, linking the potential of young Indians and the data they generate to economic growth and AI development. Breaking from his usual white t-shirt, Rahul arrived wearing a pink half-sleeved shirt. He began with “Namaskar. Hello, how are you?” and thanked the gathering for organising the event. “The city belongs to my family, and I’m always happy whenever I come here,” he said, recalling his association with Prayagraj and mentioning Allahabad University, which he described as the best university in the country. The programme drew a large gathering of students and competitive exam aspirants despite waterlogging and muddy patches at the venue. Students raised concerns over hostel facilities and competitive examinations. Dance performances by rappers from Mumbai were staged before his arrival. A day earlier, Congress had taken out a motorcycle rally led by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai. ABVP, BJP activists stage protest ABVP and BJP activists staged a brief protest near Rahul Gandhi’s cavalcade on Saturday, waving saffron flags as he travelled to the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground. Police personnel deployed along the route immediately intervened and cleared the way for the cavalcade. The protest lasted briefly, with security personnel preventing the demonstrators from obstructing the convoy’s movement. The incident occurred amid heightened political activity in the city over Gandhi’s visit and his programme focusing on issues concerning students and youth. 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
‘Why Prayagraj, not Jharkhand?’ Posters target Rahul ahead of visit
Prayagraj: A poster war erupted in Prayagraj on Saturday ahead of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, with posters targeting him over issues concerning students in Jharkhand and his stand on NEET appearing at several locations across the city. The identity of those behind the posters remained unclear, but their appearance pushed up the political temperature ahead of Gandhi’s scheduled ‘Chattron Ki Goonj’ programme. However, the posters were later removed from several locations by his supporters. Among the posters displayed were slogans such as “Kab aaoge mere Rahul, tumhein Jharkhand bulata hai” (When will you come, Rahul? Jharkhand is calling you), “Jo bhaag kar Prayagraj aaye, woh Jharkhand jaane se kyun ghabraye?” (Why is one who ran to Prayagraj afraid of going to Jharkhand?) and “Jab Jharkhand ke chhatra nyay maang rahe hain, Rahul Prayagraj drama karne kyun aaye?” (When students in Jharkhand are demanding justice, why has Rahul come to Prayagraj for a drama?). Another poster targeted Gandhi over the NEET issue, carrying the slogan: “NEET par hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai, Prayagraj wow… Jharkhand chhee.” The posters questioned Gandhi’s political position on student-related issues, NEET and his decision to visit Prayagraj. None of the posters carried the name of any political party, organisation or individual. As a result, it could not be immediately established who had put them up. No person or organisation had claimed responsibility for the posters till Saturday afternoon. The posters surfaced as Congress workers put up their own hoardings and banners across prominent city routes to welcome Gandhi and promote his ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground. The programme is scheduled to focus on issues including NEET, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks, unemployment, and concerns of students and youth. Meanwhile, Congress workers have made extensive preparations for Gandhi’s visit, during which he is scheduled to interact with students and young people. With the rival posters appearing just hours before the event, the political contest surrounding the visit has acquired an added edge. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi steps in to pacify disgruntled Karnataka Congress MLA M Krishnappa
Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. BENGALURU: The Congress state leadership, led by state unit chief BK Hariprasad and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, appears to have, to some extent, pacified the disgruntled legislators who were denied cabinet berths. But it looks like the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is being forced to deal with Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa, who has made it clear that he is unwilling to accept anything less than a ministerial post. Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. According to Congress sources, Priya Krishna was in New Delhi to meet Rahul and, in all probability, his father is likely to be inducted into the cabinet. “Politics is a game of possibilities. Nobody knows what will happen,” remarked KPCC president BK Hariprasad, who met Krishnappa in Bengaluru on Friday. Hariprasad confirmed that Krishnappa’s “pain” has been conveyed to Rahul and the latter will speak to the former soon. Shivakumar had earlier sent ministers HC Balakrishna and N Cheluvarayaswamy, both Vokkaligas, to pacify Krishnappa. AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, while reaching out to the upset MLAs, also met Krishnappa on Wednesday. Shivakumar, too, was present at the meeting. “Krishnappa, a five-time MLA, is an influential leader in Bengaluru and the Congress leadership does not want to ignore him ahead of the crucial polls to the Greater Bengaluru Authority,” said a political analyst. Krishnappa hails from the influential Vokkaliga community. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge echoed Hariprasad. “We need Krishnappa sir’s experience as well as Priya Krishna’s youthful energy. Not only them… but we need hundreds of them to join hands together… only then can we build the party,” Priyank told reporters. Meanwhile, Shivakumar is also likely to visit Delhi on Saturday to discuss political developments in the party after the cabinet expansion and to conduct a “minor surgery” by dropping ministers to placate unhappy legislators, sources said. Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna, also a Vokkaliga, may have to sacrifice his ministerial post to help the Congress douse the fire for the smooth sailing of the State Government, sources said. Meanwhile, the allotment of portfolios to the newly appointed ministers is likely to be completed before the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislature on August 13. “When the Chief Minister is our man, why should I ask for a portfolio?… What should I do with it? What is paramount for me is the work I do in my constituency and my district. Even with sleepy eyes, I will go and get the necessary work done (by the CM),” Balakrishna said, hinting that he is ready for any consequence. It remains to be seen whether the Congress high command will drop some ministers to make room for disgruntled legislators, ensuring adequate representation for different castes, communities and regions. The leadership will also have to address the lack of women’s representation, as the cabinet currently has no woman minister and one berth is still vacant. Ready to resign if top brass asks me to: Priyank Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he is ready to resign as a minister if the Congress high command asks him to and will work for the party. “There are close to 140 Congress MLAs in Karnataka and 33 ministerial posts. Satisfying everyone is a difficult job. Even though there are challenges in ensuring social justice and regional representation, party leadership has made an honest effort,” Priyank Kharge told reporters, adding that he will always abide by the decision of the high command. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, minister BZ Zameer Ahmed also said he is ready to quit the cabinet and work for the party. Later, in Chitradurga, he said the recent cabinet expansion was based on the findings of an internal survey, which suggested that giving cabinet berths to leaders with a strong influence in their respective communities would benefit the party. CM answers political questions with sarcasm CM DK Shivakumar on Friday responded with a pinch of sarcasm to a series of questions on the issues related to the recent cabinet expansion and political developments, brushing aside concerns over internal discontent and portfolio allocation delays. When asked about Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa seeking a ministerial berth, Shivakumar said, “There is nothing wrong, everyone asks.” On reports that he had called Chintamani MLA MC Sudhakar and other leaders to his office to pacify them, he denied any unrest, stating, “No one is upset. There are some senior leaders. They will have to be given responsibility. We will sort everything out.” Responding to a question on when the possibility of the cabinet having women ministers, he said, “They will be sworn in after informing you (media).” When asked about speculation of a “minor surgery” in the cabinet, Shivakumar retorted, “We thought the media should have a surgery”. On delays in portfolio allocation, he drew comparisons with previous governments, saying, “How long did Yediyurappa run the government alone? How long did the government run in Delhi?” To a question on whether bringing the party back to power in 2028 was the agenda, he countered, “Everyone has agreed, have you (the media) agreed?” Not resigning, want portfolio changed: Muniyappa Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister KH Muniyappa on Friday has dismissed reports claiming that he will resign from the cabinet and pave the way for his daughter, KGF MLA, Roopakala Shashidhar, to become a minister. In a statement, Muniyappa’s office said the senior Congress leader remains committed to the party and has served it loyally for over five decades. It highlighted his political career, including seven consecutive terms as MP from the Kolar Lok Sabha constituency and three terms as a Union Minister. The statement clarified that Muniyappa has only sought a change of portfolio
‘Govt stealing money, destroying lives’: Rahul Gandhi vows campaign against E20
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Congress will soon take up the issue of the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended fuel programme. In a social media post on X, Rahul shared a video and accused the government of “stealing directly out of people’s pockets”. “This E20 issue is a very serious matter. Usually, we say, ‘Daal mein kuch kaala hai.’ But here, the whole daal is black,” the Congress leader said. “Brothers and sisters, this is a matter of priorities. In any campaign, we have to decide the order in which issues are taken up. The problem right now is that there is so much corruption that there is a long list of issues we have to prioritise. But don’t worry. We will take up the E20 issue in a big way because it is damaging people’s cars and scooters and their lives and is, quite literally, stealing money directly out of their pockets,” he added. The remarks came days after Congress alleged that the Centre’s push for E20 petrol had increased fuel costs for consumers while primarily benefiting ethanol producers, claiming motorists were paying more despite assurances of cheaper fuel. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that since March 2025, regular fuel stations across the country had been supplying “practically only E20 petrol”. Referring to earlier statements by Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, he said the government had claimed ethanol blending would bring the price of diesel down to Rs 50 per litre and provide a petrol alternative at Rs 55 per litre, but no such reduction had materialised. “On the contrary, according to an independent analysis, between April 2023 and March 2026, consumers collectively spent an additional approximately Rs 88,234 crore to compensate for the lower mileage from ethanol-blended fuel,” he wrote in a post on X. He further claimed that the Centre could have reduced the retail price of E20 petrol to offset the lower fuel efficiency and noted that NITI Aayog’s Ethanol Roadmap had recommended financial and tax incentives for E10 and E20 fuels to compensate consumers. “E20 has stripped the average middle-class Indian of options, imposed higher fuel costs on them, and placed an extra burden on the very vehicle they saved for years to buy. If any segment has benefited the most from E20, it is the ethanol producers,” Ramesh said. However, the Centre has maintained that ethanol blending helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil and supports farmers by creating demand. 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