PM Balen Shah Backtracks on Decision to Apologize to Nepal’s Dalits for the First Time! Breaks Promise, Quietly Withdraws Decision
Nepal Dalit Apology: The government’s decision to backtrack on its plan to apologize to Dalits has sparked dissent within Ravi Lamichhane’s party. Santosh Pariyar, a prominent Dalit leader within the RSP, has emotionally distanced himself from both the party and his official roles. He stated, “An apology consisting merely of words—without concrete policies or legal documentation—holds no meaning.” Nepal Government Backtracks on Proposal to Apologize to Dalits! Kathmandu: Nepal’s Balen Shah administration has quietly backtracked on its proposal to issue an apology to the Dalit community. The government has surreptitiously all but abandoned the initiative to apologize to Dalits. Just last month, the Balen Shah government had announced that it intended to introduce a proposal wherein “an apology would be tendered to the Dalits, who have been persecuted for centuries.” According to *The Kathmandu Post*, any further discussion regarding the government’s proposed apology is now rendered futile, as the initiative has been quietly shelved. The newspaper wrote, “The government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has shamelessly broken its promise and has effectively sidestepped the issue through an emotional speech delivered by Ravi Lamichhane.” Raising pertinent questions, the newspaper asked: How—and why—did the Balen administration withdraw its own decision to issue a formal apology to the Dalits? The publication noted that while some argue that Ravi Lamichhane did indeed apologize to the Dalits in Parliament on April 2—promising the nation that, unlike in times past, no individual or caste group would henceforth face discrimination—there remains a significant distinction between an apology offered by an individual and one issued officially by the government. What exactly had the Balen Shah government promised? In fact, when a new government led by Balen Shah was formed in Nepal in March 2026, he announced in his 100-point common minimum program that the government would issue a formal state apology to the Dalit community for historical discrimination within 15 days. This was hailed as a revolutionary step. True to this promise, on April 2, Home Minister and RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane delivered an emotional speech in Parliament, apologizing for the injustices inflicted upon Dalits. However, Nepali experts and newspapers argue that this was merely a “political speech,” not an official “state apology.” This is because a formal state apology requires a Cabinet decision, followed by the President’s seal of approval, and finally, it must be published in the Government Gazette. The government failed to complete any of these legal procedures. An apology was merely tendered in Parliament—a gesture deemed incomplete. No legal motion was passed to formalize this. According to *The Kathmandu Post*, even after the 15-day deadline had elapsed, the government failed to present any written documentation. It is alleged that the government backtracked on this initiative under pressure from conservative factions within the ruling coalition and from established political parties. **Dissent Within the National Independent Party** The government’s decision to renege on its promise to apologize to Dalits has sparked dissent within Rabi Lamichhane’s party. Santosh Pariyar, a prominent Dalit leader within the RSP, has emotionally distanced himself from both the party and his official roles. He stated, “An apology consisting merely of words—without a concrete policy or legal documentation—is utterly meaningless.” The party, however, maintains that it *did* issue an apology. Speaking in Parliament, Rabi Lamichhane declared, “I apologize—not in my capacity as Home Minister, but as a citizen of this country—to all those Dalits who have been subjected to humiliation.” Yet, Dalit activists have denounced this as an act of betrayal and deception. According to reports, the government had been advised by various quarters that issuing an apology to Dalits at the official state level would imply an admission of guilt regarding past atrocities—a move that could potentially trigger demands for financial compensation. Furthermore, the government feared that once ‘historical injustice’ was officially acknowledged, the Dalit community could put forward significant legal claims for job reservations and land rights. Curated by: Abhijat Shekhar Azad About the Author Abhijat Shekhar Azad is an International Affairs and Defense Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He possesses approximately 17 years of experience across various news channels and digital journalism platforms. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Himanta most corrupt in country’: Rahul Gandhi backs Pawan Khera as passport row escalates
NEW DELHI: Even as the dust of Assam’s poll campaign has settled, the ugly faceoff witnessed during the high-octane showdown between chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress escalated on Monday, with Rahul Gandhi calling the Assam CM “the most corrupt in the country” who is “abusing state power to harass his political opponents”. Backing his party colleague Pawan Khera, whose Delhi house Assam police raided after an explosive claim against Himanta’s wife, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said the “Congress stands with Pawan Khera” and that the “party will not be intimidated”. “The present CM of Assam is the most corrupt in the country. He will not escape the law. His abuse of state power to harass his political opponents and critics is against the Constitution. The questions that are being raised have to be probed. Transparency, accountability of power and rule of law are the basis of our Constitutional values. The Congress Party stands with Pawan Khera. We will not be intimidated,” Rahul Gandhi wrote against Himanta, who switched from Congress to the BJP in 2016. Khera struck Himanta’s nerve after he alleged, in a press conference, the Assam CM’s wife held multiple foreign passports, prompting a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader. “We have documents showing that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds three passports. The first is a UAE Golden Card, the second an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and the third an Egyptian passport. Two of these belong to Islamic countries, yet they continue to claim religious adherence publicly,” Khera said. Later, Sarma dismissed the claims as politically motivated and said that both he and his wife will file a defamation case against Khera within 48 hours. “Today’s press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground,” he wrote on X. As the faceoff began to worsen, Telangana High Court granted anticipatory bail to Khera in connection with a case registered against him over his alleged defamatory remarks against CM Sarma and his wife. 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
‘Deeply flawed’: Sonia Gandhi slams women’s quota bill, calls it ‘assault on Constitution’
NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday warned that the Centre’s reported push on delimitation—not women’s reservation—is the “real issue” behind the special Parliament session, calling it “extremely dangerous” and an “assault” on the Constitution. In an article published in The Hindu, Congress Rajya Sabha MP argued that any exercise to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha must be “politically and not just arithmetically equitable”, stressing that states which have performed better on population control must not be disadvantaged. She also accused the government of rushing legislation during an ongoing election cycle in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to “derive political advantage and place the Opposition on the defensive”. “There can be only one reason for the extraordinary hurry,” she said, alleging it was to gain political advantage. She further accused the prime minister of being “economical with the truth.” Women’s reservation ‘not the issue’, says Congress Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, Sonia noted that Parliament had already unanimously passed the law in September 2023, linking women’s reservation to a future Census and delimitation exercise under Article 334-A. “The Opposition had not asked for this condition,” she said, adding that Congress had pushed for implementation from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections itself. She questioned the reported move to amend the provision to enable implementation from 2029, asking why the government was making a “U-turn” after 30 months. She also pointed out that Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded immediate implementation, which the government declined. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed her concerns, stating that the risks of a “rushed delimitation” were central to the debate. Sonia also highlighted that the law provides for “reservation within reservation” for SCs and STs, and noted that a similar demand for OBC women’s reservation had been raised during the 2023 debate. Census delay, caste count under fire Fomer Lok Sabha MP also linked the issue to delays in the Census, noting that the 2021 exercise had been postponed and that enumeration has only recently begun after a five-year delay. She added that the delay had deprived over 10 crore people of their legal entitlements under the National Food Security Act, 2013. She argued that claims that a caste census would slow down the process were unfounded, citing quicker surveys conducted by states like Bihar and Telangana. She also referenced statements by officials that most Census 2027 data would be available the same year due to its digital format, calling the government’s urgency “hollow.” Alleging inconsistency, she said the government had earlier rejected a caste census before later announcing it as part of Census 2027. “The Prime Minister’s real intention now is to further delay and derail the caste census,” she claimed. Govt pushes ahead with special session The remarks come ahead of a special Parliament sitting from April 16 to 18, where amendments linked to women’s reservation are expected. The government is also considering a separate delimitation bill, with projections suggesting Lok Sabha seats could increase from 543 to 816. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ in New Delhi, aimed at building support for enhancing women’s representation in legislatures. Former Congress President said Opposition leaders had written thrice seeking an all-party meeting after April 29 to discuss the proposals, but the request was rejected. She criticised the government for instead resorting to op-eds and public outreach, calling it an “underhand tactic” reflecting a “my way or the highway” approach. She also argued that there is no urgency, noting that the Monsoon session begins in mid-July and that proposals could have been discussed then, after wider consultation and public debate. Sonia, however, maintained that the process being followed is “deeply flawed and anti-democratic,” asserting that “reservation for women is not the issue here… the real issue is delimitation.” “Reservation for women is not the issue here. That has already been settled. The real issue is delimitation which, based on the information unofficially available, is extremely dangerous and an assault on the Constitution itself,” Sonia wrote. 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 wants to remove Rahul Gandhi from leadership team: Fadnavis
Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday claimed there is a growing movement within the Congress party to remove Rahul Gandhi from the leadership team. Replying to a query from reporters about Gandhi’s recent statements that his fight is against the BJP-RSS ideology, Fadnavis said these were mere attempts to change the narrative. Fadnavis was speaking on the sidelines of a public event in Nagpur. “Rahul Gandhi’s fight is merely a superficial one. His struggle is only about how to shield himself from the continuous electoral defeats he has been facing. Within the Congress party, there is a growing sentiment that Gandhi is unable to lead them to victory, so he should be removed. Gandhi’s recent statements are being made to divert attention from that atmosphere,” Fadnavis said. Former state cabinet minister and senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar refuted the allegations saying it’s a figment of Fadnavis’ imagination. Wadettiwar said, “BJP can say anything they want to, but even they know there is no truth in it. If Rahul ji started giving hate speeches, dividing people on basis of religion and caste, then Congress would have a 100% electoral strike rate. If Congress started stealing votes, deleting names through Special Intensive Review (SIR) then we would have won every election. But Rahul ji is fighting as per rules set by the Constitution and that is why BJP is afraid of him.” Regarding Gandhi’s leadership and Fadnavis’ allegation, Wadettiwar said, “From the rank and file to top echelons in the party, everybody stands behind Rahul ji. He is steering the party by staying true to the core ideology of Congress which is to take everyone along and not discriminate among one’s own citizens.” Fadnavis on Sunday denied rumours of a home department meeting discussing withdrawal of cases registered during the Maratha agitation. “No such meeting has taken place. Cases involving loss of govt property cannot be withdrawn — these are explicit directions of the Supreme Court. All other cases, we are withdrawing,” Fadnavis said. He added that he had already provided case withdrawal figures to the legislature. 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
Watch: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi engage in candid conversation during Jyotiba Phuletribute ceremony
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday were seen engaging in a brief and candid conversation during the tribute ceremony held on the occasion of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s 200th birth anniversary at the Parliament premises. The interaction came at a public event attended by top constitutional leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other senior leaders, who gathered at Prerna Sthal to pay floral tribute to the social reformer. The brief exchange between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi drew attention, especially given the history of sharp political confrontation between the two leaders. This comes after both leaders have frequently targeted each other in public speeches and political rallies. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has in the past accused Prime Minister Modi of being a ‘compromised’ leader and alleged that India’s foreign policy was being influenced externally. “Our foreign policy is PM Modi’s personal foreign policy… Everyone considers this a universal joke… Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised,” Rahul Gandhi had said earlier. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also responded strongly to opposition criticism in the past, often taking indirect jibes at Rahul Gandhi during public rallies. In one such instance, addressing a rally in Gogamukh in Assam ahead of polls, PM Modi referred to the Congress leader as a ‘self-proclaimed prince’. “Rajkumar” (self-proclaimed prince), PM Modi had said while targeting Rahul Gandhi in an earlier public address. Earlier in the day, both leaders had separately paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, one of India’s most prominent social reformers known for his work on women’s education, caste equality and empowerment of marginalised communities. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi were among those who offered floral tributes at Prerna Sthal in Parliament. In his message on X, PM Modi praised Phule’s contribution to social justice and education, calling him a pioneer who empowered the marginalised through knowledge and reform. Rahul Gandhi, in his post on X, also highlighted Phule’s lifelong struggle against discrimination and inequality, saying his ideals continue to inspire the path towards social justice. “On the birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, I offer my humble salutations to him. He dedicated his entire life to protecting the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice,” Rahul Gandhi said. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, is widely regarded as a pioneer of India’s social reform movement. He, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, played a key role in advancing women’s education and challenging caste-based discrimination through the Satyashodhak Samaj. 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
Rare Modi-Rahul interaction breaks the internet
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday exchanged pleasantries and talked briefly at an event, a rarity in the otherwise cold and indifferent equation between them. It is not often that Rahul joins ministers and high functionaries like Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to greet the PM at commemorative events often held in Parliament complex but he did so on Saturday at a programme to pay tributes to reformer Jyotirao Phule. As he acknowledged greetings from everyone, Modi appeared to ask Rahul something and both then chatted for a while as they waited for Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and President Droupadi Murmu. The exchange went viral on social media and piqued interest in political circles. There were suggestions that Modi inquired about the health of Rahul’s mother Sonia Gandhi who was recently admitted to a hospital. However, there was no official word on what transpired between them. Rahul has often in the past skipped such events and has often been accused by BJP of not giving due regard to state events and high dignitaries. Congress, too, in turn has often alleged govt does not accord protocol that is due to the LoP. Unsurprisingly, the pleasantries exchanged between Modi and Rahul created a buzz. Govt has announced a two year-long programme in the run-up to Phule’s 200th birth anniversary next year. To oversee the nationwide commemoration starting from 11 April 2026 to 11 April 2028, govt has set up a high-level committee under the PM’s chairmanship. 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
Puducherry elections 2026: Personality politics dominates as NDA and INDIA bloc battle for power
PUDUCHERRY: Though the demand for statehood featured in the campaign rhetoric of almost all parties, the battle for Puducherry unfolded less along strict party lines and more as a contest shaped by the personal clout of candidates with influence over specific constituencies. The main fight is between chief minister N Rangasamy’s All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc. Seeking a second straight term, the AINRC-BJP alliance is banking on Rangasamy’s personal appeal. But the presence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhag am (TVK) and Senthamizhan Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has added an element of uncertainty, with both seen as potential vote-splitters. Spread across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, the UT’s 30 elected assembly seats will shape the 33-member House, which also includes three members nominated by the Centre. Seat-sharing reflects the bipolar nature of the contest: AINRC is contesting 16 seats, BJP 10, and allies ADMK and LJK two each. In the opposition camp, Congress is in the fray in 16 seats and DMK in 14, with one of DMK’s seats allotted to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, and Union minister J P Nadda campaigned for the NDA in the final stretch. For the INDIA bloc, MP Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, and minister Udhayanidhi Stalin headlined rallies. The alliance targeted the incumbent govt by alleging that the UT was being run at Delhi’s behest rather than by a govt that reflected the people’s mandate. Both camps have also had to manage internal strains. Congress faces rebellion in at least five constituencies, where dissidents are contesting against DMK nominees. On the NDA side, friction surfaced over accommodating Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin. Rangasamy was reportedly reluctant to concede seats to the ally and agreed only after pressure from BJP. Political observers say Puducherry’s electoral politics have been steadily changing. “For the last two decades, Puducherry has seen a departure from strict party ideologies. The focus has shifted towards strong personalities who hold significant sway over specific constituencies,” said political analyst D Santhosh. “In this landscape, Rangasamy has emerged as the central figure. In the absence of a strong, unifying opposition leader, the electoral narrative has consistently circled back to his personal popularity and leadership style,” he added. The real test may lie in whether Rangasamy’s personal standing can once again carry the alliance through, whether BJP can deepen its footprint in the UT, or whether the opposition can overcome its own challenges. The answer will come on May 4, when the suspense over Puducherry’s next govt ends. 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
‘Grave consequences’: Mallikarjun Kharge at CWC meet says government’s women quota move violates poll code
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said. He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said. Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.” Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said. The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections. In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.” The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women. 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
‘Vulgar and insulting’: Priyanka Gandhi flags Assam CM Sarma’s remarks on Kharge, seeks PM Modi’s clarification
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday rebuked Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for using “rude” and “derogatory” language against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, calling it “utterly shameful and unacceptable.” She also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify whether he supports what she called an “insult to crores of Indians.” Sarma’s remarks came a day earlier, targeting senior Congress leader Kharge. He said, “Kharge is ageing and is speaking like a ‘pagal’ (madman). You insult the people first and then say you will ask the external affairs minister for verification?” The comments followed Kharge’s call for central agencies to probe allegations against the Assam chief minister. ‘Insult to crores of people’: Priyanka Gandhi Posting on X, Priyanka Gandhi described Sarma’s statements as “derogatory,” “indecent,” and “unacceptable.” She wrote, “Kharge ji is one of the seniormost leaders of the country. He is not only a representative of the Congress party but also an enlightened voice for the Dalits and marginalized sections of the nation. By insulting him, the BJP’s Chief Minister has insulted crores of people across the country.” She added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji must clarify before the nation: Does he agree with this insult to crores of Indians?” Rahul Gandhi’s demand Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke out on X on Tuesday. He said Sarma’s “derogatory language” against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was an insult to the entire SC/ST community. He added that Prime Minister Modi’s silence “is not helplessness, it is consent.” Rahul wrote, “If the Prime Minister sees an attack on the dignity of crores of Dalits in the country and does not speak up – he is not only shirking his responsibility, but is also a party to that insult.” He further accused the BJP-RSS of having an “old and premeditated mindset” against Dalits. He added, “Whenever a Dalit leader speaks the truth, they stoop to humiliating him. This is the party’s true character and face.” 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
‘Sincere regret’: After BJP backlash, Mallikarjun Kharge apologises for ‘people illiterate in Gujarat’ remark
NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday apologised for his recent remarks targeting people of Gujarat, saying his comments were ‘deliberately misinterpreted’ and that he never intended to hurt sentiments. In a post on X, the Congress president said, “Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Keralam are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect.” The apology comes amid a political row triggered by his remarks during an election rally in Kerala’s Idukki district. Addressing a rally ahead of the assembly elections, Kharge had said that people in Kerala were ‘educated and clever’ and could not be misled, unlike those who were ‘illiterate’ in Gujarat and some other places. The statement sparked sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed the remarks insulting and unacceptable. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised Kharge’s statement, calling it “shameless, demeaning and utterly despicable.” He also asked Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to clarify whether they agreed with the remarks. Prasad questioned whether Kharge deserved to remain Congress president, saying the post had historically been held by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and demanded that the Congress leadership distance itself from the comment. He further highlighted Gujarat’s literacy rate and contribution to the country, arguing that such remarks insult the people of the state. The BJP also demanded an apology to the people of Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Reacting to the controversy, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that political discourse should not deteriorate and emphasised the need to maintain standards in public debate. He highlighted that political leaders should focus on constructive arguments rather than using language that lowers the quality of discourse. Meanwhile, Gujarat deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi strongly criticised Kharge’s remarks, calling them an insult to the people of the state and its legacy. He said Gujarat, which has produced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, would not accept such comments. 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