CM DK Shivkumar, Dy CM Dr G Parameshwara meet Kharge, cabinet expansion likely by Wednesday
The high command may announce the list of new ministers by Tuesday evening, sources informed TNSE. BENGALURU: With AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge returning to New Delhi, the much-awaited expansion of the DK Shivkumar cabinet has gained momentum. If all goes well, the new ministers could take the oath on Wednesday, highly placed sources told The New Sunday Express. There, however, is no clarity as yet whether all 20 vacancies will be filled or a couple of them will be kept vacant anticipating potential dissidence after the expansion. “The Congress high command can no longer defer the expansion exercise as there is a lot of pressure from the legislators, mainly to address the prevailing drought in the state,” informed sources added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called on Kharge in Bengaluru on Saturday and accompanied him to Kempegowda International Airport. When Shivakumar, his predecessor Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president BK Hariprasad held talks with the Congress top brass, including LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi, Kharge was in Bengaluru. According to party insiders, Kharge has been favouring new faces such as Raichur North MLA Basanagouda Daddal, Jewargi MLA Dr Ajay Singh, son of former CM late N Dharam Singh, Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima, AR Krishnamurthy, MLC Manjunath Bhandary from Dakshina Kannada, and MLC A Vasanthkumar from Raichur. Meanwhile, Shivakumar has been pushing the names of former Deputy CM and Athani MLA Laxman Savadi, Anekal MLA Shivanna, Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda, Gubbi MLA SR Srinivas, Arsikere MLA KM Shivalinge Gowda, Haliyal MLA RV Deshpande, Narasimharaja MLA Tanvir Sait, Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane, and MLC Dr Arathi Krishna. If Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad are not made ministers, they are likely to be appointed as the CM’s political secretaries, sources added. Meanwhile, former CM Siddaramaiah has been pushing the names of T Narasipur MLA Dr HC Mahadevappa, Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra, Kanakagiri MLA Shivaraj Tangadagi, Malavalli MLA PM Narendraswamy, Kalghatgi MLA Santosh Lad, Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao, Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy, Hosadurga MLA BG Govindappa, Ramdurga MLA Ashok M Pattan, Chamarajanagar MLA C Puttarangashetty, and Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. Also, MLAs SN Narayanaswamy (Bangarpet), Vijayanand Kashappanavar (Hungund), Appaji CS Nadagouda (Muddebihal), and Laxmi Hebbalkar (Belagavi Rural) are strong contenders. Former ministers Dr MC Sudhakar and TB Jayachandra are pinning their hopes on the high command to consider their track record and make them ministers. Meanwhile, KPCC president BK Hariprasad himself has emerged as a frontrunner for a cabinet berth besides proposing the names of some of his choices. But the high command has gathered information on its own from sources and also a survey conducted by the party’s election strategist, Sunil Kanugol. According to Congress insiders, the party may consider the winnability of legislators in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Kharge is likely to hold talks with Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries (organisation) KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to arrive at a decision. On Monday, Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, and Hariprasad are likely to be called to Delhi for a final round of talks. The high command may announce the list of new ministers by Tuesday evening, sources informed TNSE. Senior Congress leader and Aland MLA BR Patil may be made the Assembly speaker, sources added. Deputy CM meets Kharge Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara also paid a courtesy call to Kharge along with Shivakumar. “I had a cordial meeting with Kharge. During the meeting, we discussed various important matters, including the current political developments in the state, administrative issues, and matters relating to the strengthening of the party organization,” the minister posted on the social media platform ‘X’. 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
Ram Temple offering theft case: Rahul Gandhi and Kharge write to PM Modi, making three major demands
Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the issue of theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. They demanded immediate action and named the RSS and VHP. They said that devotees feel cheated and PM Modi should break his silence on this matter. PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party national president Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In this letter, they have made three major demands and have strongly criticized the Modi government. The letter also names the RSS and VHP. They have demanded immediate action in this matter and have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence. They said that millions of devotees across the country feel cheated by this theft. Read the full letter from Rahul and Kharge The two leaders made three demands, writing, “Prime Minister, you are aware of the theft of thousands of crores of rupees from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Millions of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion, and trust feel betrayed by this theft. You announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the instructions of the Supreme Court of India, but its members were appointed entirely by your government. It is well known that the Trust’s members are associated with the RSS, VHP, and their affiliated organizations. Its disgraced former General Secretary was also a close associate of yours. Your silence in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to establish accountability and ensure reparations. Please address this issue as soon as possible.” Rahul and Kharge’s Three Demands We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs, including the management of all offerings, including cash, gold, and silver. The investigation results and the trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings were used. Those found responsible should be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence. Curated by: Sanjeev Kumar About the Author Sanjeev Kumar (Senior Digital Content Producer) Sanjeev Kumar currently serves as Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in May 2025. He has six years of experience working on the online news desk in journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
Khera says Indira, Manmohan engaged protesters, accuses Centre of ‘indifference’ to Wangchuk
Khera’s visit came a day after former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and other protesters at the protest site. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026.Photo |PTI Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday met climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and urged him to end his indefinite hunger strike, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, while accusing the Centre of refusing to engage with demands for education reforms. Wangchuk has been on a fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy. After meeting Wangchuk and the protesters, Khera said peaceful protest was a constitutional right and that it was the responsibility of any democratic government to engage with citizens who resort to fasting to make their voices heard. “In a democracy, peaceful protest is a constitutional right. When citizens undertake a fast to be heard, the duty of the government is to listen — not look away. That is Raj Dharma,” Khera said in a post on X. The Congress leader contrasted the Centre’s response with that of previous governments, saying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 had engaged with protesters despite differences. “That is what Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji did in 1984. That is what Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government did in 2011. They understood that a government’s first responsibility is engagement, even in disagreement,” he said. Khera alleged that the present government had chosen “indifference” towards demands for education reforms raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the protesters at Jantar Mantar. “This government, however, has chosen indifference. It has refused to engage with the demand for education reforms — whether raised by Shri Rahul Gandhi and the NSUI and IYC workers across the country or the protesters at Jantar Mantar. Such indifference is not merely arrogant; it is callous and wholly unworthy of a democracy,” he said. Appealing to Wangchuk to call off the fast, Khera said preserving the movement’s leadership was more important than continuing the hunger strike. “Today, on behalf of the Congress Party, I met Shri Sonam Wangchuk and the protesters at Jantar Mantar, and urged them to end their fast in light of their deteriorating health. A movement is not strengthened by losing its people. We live to fight another day,” he said. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, one of the protest organisers, thanked Khera for extending solidarity. “I thank Congress MP @Pawankhera ji for visiting Jantar Mantar, expressing his solidarity, and checking on Sonam sir’s health. Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign,” he said in a post on X. Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said his health continued to be under close observation on the 20th day of his hunger strike. According to medical parameters recorded at 9.30 am on Friday, Wangchuk weighed 56.55 kg, having lost 350 grams in the previous 24 hours. His blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate 72 beats per minute. Doctors noted mild dehydration. Dr Satish Lamba said Wangchuk had progressed to a stage where organ involvement was possible because of prolonged fasting. “…It is the 20th day of the hunger strike… The person’s weight is 56.55 kg, a reduction of 350 grams over the last 24 hours… Hydration is fair, with mild dehydration observed… The initial stage involved fat loss, followed by muscle loss and the formation of ketone bodies in urine. Now, at this third stage, organ involvement is possible. The medical team is maintaining 24-hour vigilance and continuous monitoring,” he told reporters. Khera’s visit comes a day after former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and expressed solidarity with the protesters. Kejriwal backed the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, proposed Wangchuk’s name as the next Union Education Minister, and urged the Centre to address the protesters’ demands. He also warned that the NDA government could face the same electoral consequences as the UPA II government in 2014 if it ignored public concerns. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to clinically monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and ensure that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors is provided. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the directions while disposing of a PIL filed by Rakesh Kumar Sahni, who sought the court’s intervention over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. The Bench observed that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi government, informed the court that government doctors were already conducting regular examinations and monitoring Wangchuk’s medical parameters daily. Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over nationwide examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. 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 netas’ comments keep speculation about alliance with SP alive
Lucknow: Even as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav appear aligned on fighting the BJP together in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, repeated comments by a section of Congress leaders have kept speculation alive about the future of the alliance. Over the past three months, at least three episodes involving Congress functionaries have reignited debate over the SP-Congress relationship, prompting political observers to question whether the state Congress is deliberately keeping the issue alive as part of a negotiating strategy or for other political considerations. The developments come despite Akhilesh reportedly directing SP functionaries not to make loose statements on the alliance. Political analysts say such public sparring risks projecting an image of a divided opposition. “This may not sit well with voters who backed the INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the alliance won 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh and restricted the BJP-led NDA to 36,” said a political commentator. “At the same time, it is difficult to believe state-level Congress leaders would repeatedly make such statements without approval from the party’s central leadership.” Senior SP functionaries see a pattern in the recent remarks. According to them, some Congress functionaries appear keen on generating headlines, even if it contradicts Rahul Gandhi’s publicly articulated position on opposition unity. They argue that recurring media reports suggesting friction between the two parties only benefit their political rival, the BJP. Rahul’s July 1 birthday greeting to Akhilesh on social media had briefly quelled speculation. “With the participation of PDA, we will together fulfil the resolve for social justice,” he wrote. However, the debate resurfaced on July 13 when Congress MP from Saharanpur Imran Masood suggested that any future alliance in UP should be based on a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement. He also argued that the SP stood to gain more from the alliance than the Congress, citing the SP’s tally of 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. The latest controversy is not the first sign of divergence between Congress’s central and state-level functionaries. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav finalised a seat-sharing arrangement under which Congress contested 17 seats. Subsequently, Congress sought the inclusion of Shravasti as an 18th seat, a demand the SP rejected. The matter was settled only after senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik announced that the 17-seat formula was final. The SP went on to field Ram Shiromani Verma from Shravasti, who defeated BJP candidate Saket Misra. Another flashpoint emerged on May 20 this year when Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia and Congress Scheduled Caste wing chief Rajendra Pal Gautam tried to pay visit BSP chief Mayawati at her Lucknow residence. It came while Rahul Gandhi was in Amethi and reportedly prompted the Congress leadership to seek an explanation from the two leaders. Weeks later, Gautam was appointed the party’s Uttar Pradesh in charge. Tensions escalated further in June after Masood questioned the SP’s leadership structure, Muslim representation and future seat-sharing plans. The SP responded by urging the Congress high command to rein in the MP. While SP functionaries declined to comment officially on Masood’s latest remarks, they rejected his assertion that the SP was more dependent on the alliance. One party functionary pointed out that the idea of the INDIA bloc was floated by Rahul Gandhi and that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was sent to persuade Akhilesh to join the grouping. Responding to Masood’s allegation that the SP remains silent on Muslim concerns, the SP camp noted that the party had four Muslim MPs among its 37 Lok Sabha members and 32 Muslim MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh assembly. “They could not have been elected from Muslim-dominated constituencies if voters believed the party did not represent their concerns,” a functionary said. SP functionaries also disputed Masood’s contention that the alliance benefits the SP more because Congress is a national party. They pointed to Congress’s defeats in Punjab (2022) and Haryana (2024), where it contested without significant alliance support, and argued that electoral data from other states does not support such claims. For now, despite periodic flashes of discord, the Congress and SP leaderships continue to signal commitment to opposition unity. Whether the public messaging from sections of the Congress reflects negotiation tactics or deeper unease within the alliance remains an open question as both parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 battle in UP. 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
No role in IPS postings, dalit representation in cabinet: Thiruma
Madurai: A false narrative was being built that VCK influenced IPS postings and dalit representations in cabinet, with the aim of portraying the govt as acting at his behest, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said at a news meet in Madurai on Friday. Terming it “100% false,” he said TVK appointed only six scheduled caste ministers, while two others were selected separately by the Congress and VCK as coalition partners. Thirumavalavan said even these appointments were being used to ask whether TVK was “a party serving a particular caste” or giving importance to one community. He denied having any role in appointments, including that of a police officer, and asked why the officer was later removed if the claim was true. He said an OBC-versus-dalit narrative was being circulated to turn other communities against the govt. He asked why DMK and AIADMK had not been questioned for failing to provide scheduled caste communities cabinet representation based on their population, while traditionally limiting posts to representatives from three communities. Thirumavalavan said VCK had sustained itself in electoral politics for 25 years while several movements that began during the same period had lost momentum. He said the Aug 17 Tamil National Awakening Conference would focus on state autonomy and abolition of caste. Asked by reporters about TVK being cordial with PMK, Thirumavalavan said there was nothing wrong with maintaining cordial personal relations. “There is a good understanding between TVK and VCK. There is no gap between us,” he said. On an Ambedkar statue kept unopened for years at Pudaiyur near Gangavalli in Salem district, he asked the govt to simplify permission procedures, empower collectors to grant approvals, remove iron cages around Ambedkar statues and quash cases filed against those who protested demanding the statue. He also condemned the late-night questioning of journalist Vijayan, saying authorities must not intimidate journalists, and urged the chief minister to consider a CBI investigation sought by the family in the Sabari custodial death case in Kanyakumari. 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
Congress says they are in touch with DMK, AAP and other Opposition parties; BJP won’t secure two-thirds majority
Senior Congress leader says party is coordinating with all Opposition parties that voted against the delimitation Bill in April ahead of the Monsoon Session. The Congress is in touch with all Opposition parties that voted against the proposed Constitution amendment bill on delimitation earlier this year and is confident the government will not secure the two-thirds majority required to pass it if it is reintroduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday. Ramesh’s remarks come amid speculation that the Centre may bring back a revised Constitution amendment bill to operationalise the women’s reservation law through a fresh delimitation exercise. Speaking after a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group at Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s residence, Ramesh said the party was coordinating with allies and other Opposition parties that had united to defeat the legislation in April. “We are in touch with all parties including the DMK who voted with us on the 17th April. We are in touch with all parties, which voted together collectively on the 17th. We are in touch with the DMK; we are in touch with the Aam Aadmi Party.” He said the Samajwadi Party had played a crucial role in defeating the government’s proposal. “We are in touch with the Samajwadi Party, and I can tell you that the top leadership of the Congress Party, which means the Congress president and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha are in touch.” Ramesh said the Congress would continue to coordinate with these parties as they shared concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise and its potential implications. He alleged that the BJP’s approach to delimitation in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir had raised serious concerns and cautioned against believing speculative media reports about the government’s numbers in Parliament. “The reality is that they have a long way to go to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, and there is no scope for achieving it. Nevertheless, let me reiterate — such a two-thirds majority would be a tainted one.” Referring to the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Ramesh said the party had sought an overwhelming mandate but failed to achieve it. “They desired a two-thirds majority and raised the slogan of ‘crossing 400’ in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections; the public rejected them — they secured 240 seats — and now they are in pursuit of a two-thirds majority.” He described any attempt to secure such a majority after the elections as “an insult to the public mandate” and “an insult to the Constitution”. The Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group meeting, attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders, finalised the party’s strategy for the Monsoon Session beginning July 20. Among those present were AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, P Chidambaram, K Suresh, Naseer Hussain, Manickam Tagore, Kumari Selja, Tariq Anwar, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Ramesh. The Opposition INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet on July 20 to formulate a joint strategy for the session, while the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19. The government is expected to introduce key legislation during the session, including the proposed Constitution amendment bill on delimitation and increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats, as well as another Constitution amendment bill seeking the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and other ministers if they remain in custody for 30 consecutive days in serious criminal cases. Besides opposing the government’s legislative agenda, the Opposition plans to raise issues including the alleged NEET paper leak, the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, rising fuel prices and the proposed India-US trade deal during the session, which is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 13. 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 gets strategy in place for opposition
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the BJP will not secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday said that it would oppose the constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation, dismissal of ministers and chief ministers, and other bills on FCRA and Higher Education, during the Monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 20. The decision was taken at the key strategic meeting, attended by senior Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and others. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the BJP will not secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. “We have learnt that the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) is making efforts to bring back the Delimitation Bill. The government failed to secure a two-thirds majority on 17th April, suffering a significant setback. It now wants to reintroduce the Bill.” This was discussed along with the Constitution amendment bill, which seeks to remove ministers from office for 30 days over serious offenses, he said. The home minister has “split parties” and is looking to manage a two-thirds majority by “cunningness,” which would be an insult to the Constitution, he said, adding that such a majority would be a “blot on democracy”. “LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun are in touch with all parties that had supported us on April 16 and 17 in defeating the government’s delimitation bill,” he said. “The Congress Party has consistently maintained that it will strongly oppose the Delimitation Bill and will continue to do so. We will also make every effort to maintain the unity and solidarity of all Opposition parties,” he said. There was also some discussion on the ‘One Nation, One Election,’ on which a JPC has been constituted, Ramesh said. “We will also oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill in its entirety. The Bill may be introduced during this session. There is also a possibility that the FCRA Amendment Bill will be introduced. We will oppose it as well. We had opposed it earlier, following which the government withdrew the Bill. However, we are now hearing that it may be brought back,” Ramesh said. The party will also corner the government on the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir. Preetha Nair 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
‘Cabinet expansion very soon’: Congress hints at Karnataka reshuffle after Rahul-DKS meeting
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said the Karnataka cabinet expansion is expected to take place ‘very soon’, indicating that the exercise could be completed before the upcoming assembly session as consultations with the party leadership continue in Delhi. His remarks came after Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah, state Congress president BK Hariprasad and other senior leaders met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal to discuss the long-pending cabinet expansion. Speaking to reporters, Surjewala said the discussions had only begun and it was too early to announce a timeline. “Today, CM DK Shivakumar, former CM and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah, our PCC President BK Hariprasad, and many of our ministers and senior Congress leaders arrived in Delhi. DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have met Rahul ji, and they have met with the General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal. The discussions have just begun. I cannot give you a specific date right now; all I can say is that these are preliminary discussions. The Karnataka cabinet expansion will take place very soon,” he said. Surjewala said there are 20 vacancies in the cabinet and the post of Speaker is also lying vacant. “There are 20 vacancies in the cabinet, and the post of Speaker is also vacant. Let the consultations take place; anything can be said only after the discussions. The endeavour will be to fill as many vacancies as possible, or indeed all of them. Yes, I fully expect the cabinet formation to be completed before the Assembly session begins,” he added. Earlier in the day, Shivakumar shared details of the meeting on X. “Called on Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi today, along with AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Shri Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, and KPCC President Shri BK Hariprasad. We remain committed to the welfare of our people and the continued development and progress of the state,” he posted. The Congress has been holding consultations on the cabinet expansion for several weeks. The exercise is expected to balance regional representation, caste equations and organisational priorities while filling 20 vacant ministerial berths. The expansion has gained significance ahead of the Karnataka assembly session beginning in August, with the party aiming to strengthen governance and prepare for upcoming local body elections. Nearly 50 aspirants are reportedly in the race for the available cabinet positions, making the final selection a politically sensitive exercise. 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
‘500 farmers join CJP protest’: Sonam Wangchuk gets support from Rakesh Tikait, Kejriwal at ‘packed’ Jantar Mantar
NEW DELHI: Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk’s protest gathered fresh momentum on Thursday as farmer leader Rakesh Tikait reached New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar with around 500 farmers, strengthening the ongoing agitation against the Centre and adding to the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal over the NEET fiasco. The development came as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, with doctors warning that his health has become increasingly fragile after he lost more than 9 kg. Welcoming Tikait’s support, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) posted on X, “jhukti hai sarkaar, jhukane wala chahiye!” The protest also received backing from several opposition leaders and parties on Thursday. After remaining silent for weeks, the Congress made its first official intervention, reaching out to Wangchuk and urging him to end his indefinite fast while assuring him that the party would continue to demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal. The appeal came on the 19th day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “we share the anguish and outrange the Wangchuk feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt – for the collapse of the examination system in particular.” Congress leader Sachin Pilot also expressed solidarity with the activist and appealed to him to end his fast. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s stand, Pilot wrote on X, “The ordeal faced by students and their families due to the paper leak and various irregularities has shaken everyone. Rahul Gandhi ji and our party believe — the youth are the future of the country. No injustice of any kind will be tolerated against them. Students must get justice.” Earlier in the day, former Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also joined the protest at Jantar Mantar and shared the stage with Wangchuk before a large gathering. Kejriwal demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and went a step further by backing Wangchuk as his replacement. He said, “Exam papers are being leaked constantly, day after day. There are irregularities in the papers and flaws in the evaluation process… When the NEET paper leaked, 20 students committed suicide, yet the government took no measures to assure anyone that leaks wouldn’t recur. Further leaks followed the NEET incident, and the CBSE evaluation system was compromised, yet no action was taken against the company involved.” He added, “It appears the government is consumed by arrogance. I want to tell the government: either listen to the voice of the youth, or these very young people will throw you out of power in 2029… I urge the Prime Minister and the country’s 1.4 billion citizens to desire that Sonam Wangchuk be appointed as the education minister in his place.” Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also extended support to Wangchuk’s protest and visited Jantar Mantar. Moreover, apart from several senior opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, the CJP-led protest has also drawn support from prominent public figures. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and actors Swara Bhaskar and Prakash Raj visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. Meanwhile, doctors treating Wangchuk warned that his condition continues to worsen as the hunger strike entered its 19th consecutive day. His attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, cautioned that the activist could face multi-organ complications if the fast continues. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). During a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg and now weighs 56.9 kg. His condition is being monitored round the clock by a team of doctors. “Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting,” Dr Lamba reported. Doctors said Wangchuk remains hydrated and mentally alert, but medical tests show that his body has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, significantly increasing the risk of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues. 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
‘This isn’t a paper leak—it’s theft’: Rahul Gandhi ahead of Dehradun leg of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ on July 17
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the Dehradun leg of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign on July 17, said Uttarakhand has become the “epicentre of paper leaks” and accused the BJP government of failing to curb examination irregularities despite introducing anti-cheating laws. In a post on X on Thursday, Gandhi said he was taking the campaign to Uttarakhand because repeated exam paper leaks had shattered the hopes of thousands of job aspirants. Referring to the alleged irregularities in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) recruitment exams, Gandhi alleged that government jobs such as patwari and lekhpal were no longer being awarded on merit. “Because the land of the gods has been turned into the epicentre of paper leaks. In the UKSSSC exam here, a ‘system’ has taken root, where positions like patwari, lekhpal, or any other aren’t given based on merit, but on rates fixed by criminals,” he said. Gandhi also claimed that while the government introduced strict anti-cheating laws, paper leaks continued unabated. ‘This isn’t a leak, it’s theft’ The Congress leader said exam leaks amounted to stealing the future of young people who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. “Just think about it: a child prepared for years, filled out the form, paid the fee, travelled to a far-off centre. And their position was bought by someone else,” Gandhi said. “This isn’t a leak—it’s theft. Of that young person’s right, their livelihood, their future,” he added. Calling on students and job aspirants to join him in Dehradun, Gandhi said, “This is your fight, and I’m with you. Come, let’s turn the ‘Echo of Students’ into a battle cry. We won’t let the future be auctioned off. We won’t let dreams be leaked.” “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Students’ Echo), a nationwide campaign, was launched in June 2026 by the Indian National Congress. Initiated by party leader Rahul Gandhi in Kota, Rajasthan, the movement aims to amplify student grievances regarding exam paper leaks, high coaching fees, mental stress, and unemployment. 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