Great Nicobar Project isn’t about defence: Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Releasing a video of his visit to Nicobar that shows him diving into the sea, travelling through thick forests and talking to tribals and locals, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Modi govt’s argument that the Great Nicobar Project is about defence and a transshipment port is a “lie” – raising the tempo against the programme that has triggered concerns about environmental destruction and tribal displacement. In a 16-minute video of his April trip, Rahul said the project is about benefiting a big businessman to build hotels and casinos on India’s most irreplaceable ecosystem. He named “Adani” as the beneficiary. Rahul also initiated an online petition against the project, urging Indians to sign “we choose green over greed”. He asked the young Indians to ponder if they wanted to inherit an India where rainforests have been bulldozed for casinos, where coral reefs have been erased from maps, tribal communities pushed off their land, and the air turned into poison, or where India’s natural heritage is protected, tribal communities are safe, and progress works with nature. “More than 1.5 crore trees, ancient coral reefs, irreplaceable rainforests are being destroyed to profit one businessman.” Rahul said if govt is concerned about defence on the island, then it should abandon the project and “expand INS Baaz”, arguing that the Navy has been asking for its expansion for five years. 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
Karnataka has never had a Dalit Chief Minister, says Congress leader SR Patil
Senior Congress leader SR Patil stated on Sunday that it is natural for people from downtrodden and marginalised communities to aspire to have a Chief Minister from their fold, highlighting that Karnataka has never had a Dalit Chief Minister so far. Addressing reporters, Patil said, “The downtrodden people are protesting. It is quite natural for anyone to aspire to become the Chief Minister. Karnataka has never had a Dalit Chief Minister so far. Therefore, it is natural for people from the downtrodden and marginalised communities to hope that someone from their community becomes the Chief Minister and to express that aspiration through protests.” C Vijayabaskar denies AIADMK exit rumours amid ambiguous press encounter He further added, “I do not agree with the view that G Parameshwara has not been given importance. He is a senior leader of the Congress party and has been given due respect and an appropriate position both in the party and in the government. I am very proud of the government. The government is functioning well, and I am proud of its achievements.” Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar is scheduled to meet the party high command in New Delhi on Monday to discuss cabinet appointments and other political developments, according to Congress sources. Earlier on Sunday, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru that he did not know how many leaders would be inducted into his cabinet or who would take oath with him on June 3. He said, “I don’t know. Whatever the party high command decides will happen.” After serving three years as Deputy Chief Minister, Shivakumar is set to assume office as Karnataka Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony is planned for June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. On Saturday, Shivakumar formally submitted a letter to Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot informing him about his unanimous election as Congress Legislative Party leader. This followed the voluntary resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 28. The Governor dissolved the previous Council of Ministers immediately but asked Siddaramaiah to continue until the new government is sworn in. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsmill.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BRS leader KT Rama Rao urges people to prepare for another movement
Recalling that the BRS always contested and won polls on its own and without any alliances, he said that the party’s defeat in the 2023 polls was due to the vicious campaign carried out by the Congress. HYDERABAD: BRS working president KT Rama Rao and other party leaders on Tuesday called upon the people to prepare for another movement to protect Telangana. Addressing the Telangana Formation Day celebrations held at Telangana Bhavan, Rama Rao said that the BRS was not fighting for the sake of power but for the development and separate identity of Telangana, which was achieved after a prolonged struggle. He alleged that the Congress came to power by giving false assurances and launching a vicious campaign against BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and the then BRS government. The former minister alleged that the Congress “polluted” the state politics. “Though the entire country rejected the Congress, it came to power in the state,” he lamented. Recalling that the BRS always contested and won polls on its own and without any alliances, he said that the party’s defeat in the 2023 polls was due to the vicious campaign carried out by the Congress. Alleging that the Congress government “pushed the state backwards by 25 years”, he said: “Though half of its term is over, this government did nothing for the state.” “Farmers, youth and all other sections are unhappy under the Congress rule,” he said and wondered what Rahul Gandhi was doing when the government failed to keep its assurance of providing a large number of government jobs to unemployed youth. He dared Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi to visit the Chikkadapally library and answer the questions of the unemployed youth. 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
Will continue to work with sincerity, commitment: DK Shivakumar
Shivakumar stated that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. BENGALURU: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader DK Shivakumar, who will take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, said he will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive, and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values they collectively stand for. Taking to social media platform X, the CM-designate stated that under the leadership of the Gandhi family and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, he will continue to work with sincerity and commitment. He said the Gandhi family has played a defining role in his political journey, not merely through leadership, but through the faith they placed in him at different stages of his life. Earlier, speaking to a news agency in New Delhi, Shivakumar said, “The faith and confidence the people of this country have shown me, I am very much obliged, and I have to do a lot of hard work and deliver. I know the roads will not be so easy. It will be difficult, but still I have to manage things. I hope the people of Karnataka have confidence in me. I have to do my job. I’ll do it very sincerely and with a lot of dedication.” “I often reflect on Shri Rajiv Gandhi avaru, who saw potential in a young worker even before I could see it in myself. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who identify possibilities in others and inspire them to rise beyond their own expectations. Rajiv Gandhi did exactly that for me,” he posted on X. He said he was aware of the challenges ahead as “the world is seeing India through Bengaluru and Karnataka… I will have to take every section of the society together: from the farmer to the woman, to the youth…and a new ‘Yuva Yuga’ will start.” Shivakumar said senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi taught him another important lesson in leadership: true leaders do not stand by you only during moments of success; they stand beside you during your most difficult times, offering strength, encouragement, and unwavering support. Shivakumar stated that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. “His willingness to listen, his conviction in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to motivate leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life,” he stated. He said Priyanka Gandhi’s guidance and encouragement have always been valued. “For me, the Gandhi family represents different dimensions of leadership, recognising potential, standing by people in difficult times, listening with empathy, and inspiring others through conviction and service. As someone who began as a grassroots worker and has been entrusted today with the responsibility of leading Karnataka, I remain profoundly grateful for their trust and encouragement,” he stated. 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
‘Hard work, not sycophancy, will help Congress reconnect with people at grassroots level’: Rahul Gandhi tells party leaders
NEW DELHI: In a bid to revive Congress organisational strength, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday told district presidents that hard work and direct public engagement, rather than sycophancy, will help the party grow, as he urged party leaders to reconnect with people at the grassroots level, party sources said. While addressing the concluding session of a 10-day training camp for Congress district presidents from Rajasthan and Delhi in Pushkar, Gandhi praised coordination among Rajasthan Congress leaders and described the working relationship between the Pradesh Congress Committee leadership and the Leader of Opposition as a positive example for the party, according to Congress leaders, PTI reported. He described Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Dotasra and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Tikaram Jully as a “Jai-Veeru ki jodi”.The Congress had witnessed internal infighting in Rajasthan involving the camps of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot before its defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said party workers must remain connected to public issues and stand with the poor and marginalised in cases of injustice. He spent more than five hours at the camp and held interactive sessions on organisational strengthening, teamwork, ideology and public outreach, the sources said. Gandhi urged district presidents not to limit themselves to organisational roles but to build direct contact with citizens. He said rebuilding public trust was essential for strengthening the Congress and expanding its support base. He added that growth within the party should be based on commitment and service rather than personal loyalty to senior leaders. Gandhi also called for focus on issue-based politics and stronger engagement with people to counter what he described as the BJP’s narrative. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Dotasra gave a presentation on organisational work and efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Leader of opposition Tikaram Jully said the 10-day camp under the “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan” would infuse new energy into the organisation in Rajasthan. The training camp was attended by district presidents and senior Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Delhi. 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 leader Shanimol Usman elected as Kerala Deputy Speaker
Shanimol, who contested for the ruling UDF, defeated CPI’s Pattambi MLA Mohammed Muhsin, who was opposition LDF’s pick for deputy speaker. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Shanimol Usman has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Kerala Assembly. It’s after close to three-a-half-decades after that the assembly is getting a woman deputy speaker. The Aroor MLA was elected at the election held in the assembly on Tuesday (June 2,2026). Shanimol, who contested for the ruling UDF, defeated CPI’s Pattambi MLA Mohammed Muhsin, who was opposition LDF’s pick for deputy speaker. While Shanimol polled 99 votes, Muhsin got 34 votes. While the three BJP legislators abstained from voting, three MLAs – two from UDF and one from LDF – were absent from the House on Tuesday. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan chose not to cast his vote. 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
TMC panchayat chief found dead at home in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas
The deceased, identified as Jahidul Haque Baidya, was the chief of Jadurhati Uttar Gram Panchayat in the Baduria area. KOLKATA: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat chief was found dead at his residence in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, police said. The deceased, identified as Jahidul Haque Baidya, was the chief of Jadurhati Uttar Gram Panchayat in the Baduria area. According to police, Baidya’s body was discovered hanging from the ceiling of a room in his house on Tuesday morning. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. An officer from Baduria police station said an investigation is under way to determine whether the death was a case of suicide or if any other circumstances were involved. The incident has caused concern in the locality, where Baidya had recently faced allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds. On 31 May, local residents staged a protest outside his residence, alleging that a battery-operated waste collection vehicle procured under the Swachh Bharat Mission had been sold and the proceeds misused. The protesters had demanded his arrest and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Police said all possible angles are being examined and further inquiries are continuing. 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
‘Saw potential in a young worker’: DK Shivakumar thanks Gandhi family ahead of Karnataka CM swearing-in
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Gandhi family for playing a defining role in his political journey and vowed to continue working with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive and prosperous state. In a post on X, Shivakumar wrote,”The Gandhi family has played a defining role in my political journey, not merely through leadership, but through the faith they placed in me at different stages of my life.” His remarks come as he is set to take oath as Karnataka’s next chief minister tomorrow after the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28. Reflecting on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s role in his early political career, Shivakumar said he often thinks about how Rajiv Gandhi recognised his potential when he was still a young party worker. “I often reflect on Shri Rajiv Gandhi avaru, who saw potential in a young worker even before I could see it in myself. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who identify possibilities in others and inspire them to rise beyond their own expectations. Rajiv Gandhi did exactly that for me,” he wrote. The Karnataka Congress leader also credited former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for standing by him during difficult phases of his political journey and said she taught him an important lesson about leadership. “Smt. Sonia Gandhi avaru taught me another important lesson in leadership. True leaders do not stand by you only during moments of success; they stand beside you during your most difficult times, offering strength, encouragement and unwavering support. Her faith in me during challenging phases of my journey is something I will always cherish,” Shivakumar said. Praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar described him as a constant source of inspiration and guidance who has motivated leaders through his commitment to democratic values and inclusive politics. “Shri Rahul Gandhi avaru has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. His willingness to listen, his conviction in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to motivate leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life,” he wrote. Shivakumar also acknowledged Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying her approachable nature and encouragement had always been deeply valued. “Smt. Priyanka Gandhi avaru has always been approachable, warm and encouraging. She has treated every worker with respect and dignity, reminding us that politics is ultimately about connecting with people and understanding their aspirations. Her guidance and encouragement have always been deeply valued,” he said. “As someone who began as a grassroots worker and has been entrusted today with the responsibility of leading Karnataka, I remain profoundly grateful for their trust and encouragement. Under their leadership and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, I will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values we collectively stand for,” he added. Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as Karnataka chief minister on Wednesday at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan. Karnataka Congress working president G C Chandrashekhar recently confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would be held in a simple manner. 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
Now, Congress may focus on Telangana Cabinet rejig
According to party sources, three to four MLAs are expected to be considered for induction into the Cabinet. HYDERABAD: After successfully overseeing the formation of its government in Kerala and managing a leadership transition in Karnataka, the Congress high command is now likely to focus on the long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle in Telangana. According to party sources, three to four MLAs are expected to be considered for induction into the Cabinet. The names being widely discussed include Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, Vemulawada MLA Aadi Srinivas, Deverakonda MLA Balu Naik, and Dornakal MLA Ram Chander Naik. Political discussions intensified after the Speaker reportedly met senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Party leaders believe these interactions have further strengthened speculation regarding his possible inclusion in the Cabinet. Similarly, Rajagopal Reddy is optimistic that the party leadership may honour commitments made to him during his return to Congress from the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. Sources also suggest that two to three ministers may be dropped from the Cabinet and assigned organisational responsibilities either at the state or national level. Currently, there are two vacant Cabinet positions, and the leadership is reportedly considering a broader reshuffle involving both vacant and outgoing roles. There is also discussion within Telangana Congress circles over who could become the next Assembly Speaker if Gaddam Prasad Kumar is inducted into the Cabinet. Sources indicate that the party leadership may prefer an MLA or a Cabinet minister from the SC community for the post as part of its social representation strategy. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is also believed to favour retaining the position within the same community. Adluri likely choice for Speaker post Among the names being discussed, minister Adluri Laxman Kumar is said to be emerging as a strong choice of the party for the Speaker’s post. Sources suggest that his candidature is also being viewed in the context of concerns raised by a section of party leaders over the concentration of Cabinet representation from the Peddapalli parliamentary constituency, from which three ministers currently hail. While Dornakal MLA Ram Chander Naik was previously considered for the Deputy Speaker role, sources indicate that he may be more interested in a Cabinet berth. If that happens, the party might consider appointing a woman legislator, with Kodad MLA N Padmavathi Reddy among the candidates being discussed. In addition to Cabinet appointments, several senior MLAs are believed to be under consideration for chairperson positions in key government corporations. Party leaders are reportedly weighing options to accommodate aspirants who may not secure ministerial roles. The Chief Whip position, which carries Cabinet rank, has also emerged as a significant role garnering considerable interest. According to sources, second-term MLAs from either forward or backward communities could be considered for this position. Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding a possible reshuffle of portfolios, including Home, Education, Finance, Revenue, Power, Civil Supplies, Forest, Endowments, Transport, and Excise. Sources suggest that any decision on Cabinet restructuring is likely to be taken after consultations between the Telangana leadership and the Congress high command. Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, AICC leaders, and other key ministers, are expected to hold discussions in Delhi before any final announcement is made. Reshuffle of portfolios also likely Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding a possible reshuffle of portfolios, including Home, Education, Finance, Revenue, Power, Civil Supplies, Forest, Endowments, Transport, and Excise. The chief whip position, which carries Cabinet rank, has also emerged as a significant role garnering considerable interest. Ireddy Srinivas Reddy 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
DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah to meet Congress high command in Delhi, bat for cabinet berths for loyalists
Though it is not confirmed yet, some 15-20 are likely to be sworn in and veterans who were part of the Siddaramaiah cabinet are keeping their fingers crossed. BENGALURU: Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and caretaker CM Siddaramaiah will be in Delhi on Monday to finalise the list of council of ministers with the Congress high command, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Though the power transition went off smoothly, the two leaders are likely to butt heads over the induction of their loyalists into the cabinet and prove their sway over the high command. They are expected to present their own list of legislators to take oath along with Shivakumar at Lok Bhavan’s glass house at 4.05 pm on Wednesday. Though it is not confirmed yet, some 15-20 are likely to be sworn in and veterans who were part of the Siddaramaiah cabinet are keeping their fingers crossed. They include Dr G Parameshwara, HK Patil, KH Muniyappa, MB Patil, Eshwar Khandre, Ramalinga Reddy, Priyank Kharge, Krishna Byre Gowda, Santhosh Lad, Zameer Ahmed Khan, K Venkatesh, Shivaraj Tangadagi and Dr HC Mahadevappa. The names of a few new faces, including AS Ponnanna, Saleem Ahmed, Speaker UT Khader, NA Haris, BK Hariprasad, TB Jayachandra, Basavaraj Rayareddy and Puttaranga are doing the rounds. “I met CM-designate Shivakumar. I interacted with him on a few issues. It was cordial … I came here to congratulate him and wish him all the best. The cabinet formation will be done after the chief minister goes, discusses with the high command and key leaders,” former law minister HK Patil told reporters after meeting Shivakumar. MB Patil, Bangarpet MLA SN Narayanaswamy, Malavalli MLA PM Narendra Swamy and former chief whip in the Assembly Ashok Pattan also met Shivakumar. After the swearing-in, a partial cabinet will be in place and the remaining vacancies are likely to be filled after the June 18 polls to four Rajya Sabha and seven MLC seats, sources said. On Sunday, scores of ministerial berth aspirants, including former ministers identified with the Siddaramaiah camp, like Santhosh Lad and Mahadevappa, met Shivakumar. First-time MLAs Basavaraj Shivaganga from Channagiri and Darshan Dhruvanarayana from Nanjangud also met their mentor. Asked who would take oath as ministers along with him on Wednesday, Shivakumar said, “I don’t know that. The party high command will decide. I will not comment on it.” Yathindra meets Shivakumar Siddaramaiah’s MLC-son Dr Yathindra, who is most likely to be sworn in as minister in the Shivakumar cabinet, called on Shivakumar at the Kumara Krupa Guest House on Sunday evening. “I am a ministerial aspirant. The high command has also assured me that I will be made a minister. I am waiting in anticipation. First, let the high command decide on inducting me as minister. I am ready to handle whichever portfolio assigned to me,” he told reporters. “I had only met Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha and somewhere on the way. I wasn’t able to come to his office or home to congratulate him. So, I came to convey my wishes. No (major) discussions happened. Just a little talk about SIR and our Mysuru district politics,” he added. 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