Annamalai sees rift between DMK and Congress
Coimbatore: Former BJP state president K Annamalai on Wednesday alleged that there was a growing rift between DMK and Congress in the Secular Progressive Alliance, which came evident during the final phase of campaigning in Puducherry. “Both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and DMK president and chief minister M K Stalin didn’t mention each other’s name during their separate campaigning in Puducherry, though both are allies in the Union Territory,” Annamalai said while addressing media at the Coimbatore Airport. Annamalai said, “Rahul Gandhi remains an uninterested and disinterested politician when it comes to Tamil Nadu. Rahul Gandhi, who flew to Coimbatore Airport from Palakkad recently, did not even consider campaigning for his party’s candidate in one of the constituencies, which is Singanallur, just next to the airport.” Annamalai urged the Election Commission (EC) to deploy additional security force to manage the massive crowds gathering for TVK leader Vijay’s rally, questioning whether state officials are operating independently or under the DMK influence. “The ECI must act with integrity and grant necessary permissions for his campaign without bias,” he stated. Turning to his own record, Annamalai challenged sceptics to investigate his past candidacy in Aravakurichi. “I challenge anyone to find a single instance where I distributed money to voters. I will personally bear the bus fare for anyone willing to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Why are Bahujan entrepreneurs excluded?’ Rahul Gandhi targets Centre over contract data gap
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi has asked the Modi government why no data is maintained on the share of public works contracts worth over Rs 16,500 crore awarded to Dalit, Adivasi and OBC-owned businesses, accusing the Centre of fostering a “deliberately constructed system of exclusion” after Parliament told him that no such records exist. In an unstarred question in Lok Sabha, Gandhi sought details on public works and infrastructure contracts awarded by the central public works department (CPWD) and under the ministry of housing and urban affairs over the past five years, specifically asking how many were secured by SC, ST and OBC-owned enterprises. Government’s response In a written reply, minister of state for housing and urban affairs Tokhan Sahu stated that while the government could provide the total number and value of contracts awarded year-wise, “there is no existing mechanism to track contracts awarded to enterprises owned by persons belonging to scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST) and other backward classes (OBC).” The government also clarified that all such contracts fall under construction contracts, and maintaining caste-based data is “not mandatory” for them. On the question of increasing procurement mandates for SC/ST-owned enterprises, the minister replied: “In view of the above, the question does not arise.” ‘Deliberate exclusion’: Rahul Gandhi Responding to the government’s reply on social media, the leader of the opposition said the response was “deeply concerning.” “The government does not maintain any data in this regard,” Gandhi said. “The policy mandates that 25% of public procurement must be sourced from MSMEs, of which 4% is earmarked for dalit and adivasi entrepreneurs. However, when it comes to the largest and most lucrative contracts, public works, the government asserts that this requirement is not ‘mandatory.’” He argued that this is “not merely an administrative lapse; it is a deliberately constructed system of exclusion, fostered through the policies of the Modi government, that undermines social and economic justice.” “The question is straightforward: Why are Bahujan entrepreneurs being excluded from the country’s largest public contracts?” he added. Rahul Gandhi further points in his post that the government’s Public Procurement Policy for MSMEs mandates that 25 per cent of purchases by central ministries and public sector undertakings be sourced from micro, small and medium enterprises, with four per cent specifically earmarked for SC/ST-owned enterprises. However, the government has now clarified in Parliament that this provision is not mandatory for public works contracts, which are typically among the largest and most profitable government tenders. These contracts are awarded through open tendering processes, and no centralised database is maintained on the social category of contractors. The exchange comes ahead of assembly elections in several states. Gandhi’s office said the absence of such data raises broader concerns about equitable access and transparency in government spending. “The Modi government will have to answer for this,” Gandhi said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi’s absence fuels alliance friction buzz
CHENNAI: In the last two months, PM Narendra Modi has visited Tamil Nadu thrice, campaigning for BJP and its allies, and is scheduled to visit the state again on April 15 and seek votes for the NDA candidates at Nagercoil. In sharp contrast, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi has not campaigned even once in the state so far. His absence has sparked a strong buzz that all is not well in the Congress-DMK alliance. Poll watchers contrast this with the previous assembly election, when he kickstarted his campaign with a three-day Tamil Nadu visit in Jan 2021. Congress functionaries in state said Rahul’s campaign schedules are yet to be firmed up, but as per the tentative plan, he will visit after the first phase of polls in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. Rahul visited Puducherry only on Monday, the penultimate day of campaigning. And, even as he sought support for “Congress candidates and alliance candidates”, he studiously avoided mentioning alliance partner DMK and its functionary M K Stalin. Stalin, too, was in Puducherry the same day, but their campaign schedules were planned in a way that they didn’t cross paths. While Rahul campaigned in the morning, Stalin visited in the evening. “Rahul did not even mention Stalin’s name in his speech,” said a DMK functionary. Nor did Stalin mention him. Political observers said this could be a fallout of the friction between the two parties during the seat-sharing talks. A DMK functionary said there was no attempt from DMK’s side for a meeting between Rahul and Stalin. DMK organisational secretary, R S Bharathi, said the two allies had planned their public meeting well in advance and couldn’t alter it at the last minute to hold a joint meeting. However, the two would campaign together shortly, he said. A senior Congress functionary said Rahul has planned to visit TN after April 10. 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
Rs 16,500 crore contracts, zero data: Rahul Gandhi questions Centre on Dalit, Adivasi share
Government says public works contracts are awarded through open tendering processes and no centralised data on Dalit, Adivasi share is kept on the social category of contractors The Centre has told Parliament that it does not maintain data on the share of public works contracts, worth around Rs 16,500 crore, awarded to Dalit, Adivasi and OBC entrepreneurs in the past year, prompting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday to question the transparency and inclusiveness of government spending. Raising the issue on social media, Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said he had sought a clear break-up of beneficiaries from marginalised communities in large public works tenders. “The answer was extremely concerning, the government does not keep any such data,” he said. The response assumes significance in light of the Centre’s public procurement policy, which mandates that 25 per cent of purchases be sourced from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with 4 per cent earmarked for enterprises owned by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, the government clarified that this provision is not mandatory for public works contracts, which are typically among the largest and most profitable government tenders. This creates a gap between policy intent and implementation, particularly in infrastructure and construction projects where contract values run high and participation is limited to fewer players. Gandhi argued that the absence of such data is not merely an administrative issue but raises broader concerns about equitable access. He questioned why Bahujan entrepreneurs remain largely invisible in the country’s biggest public contracts. In its written reply, the government said public works contracts are awarded through open tendering processes and that no centralised database is kept on the social category of contractors. Article_Author Shekhar Singh Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Defiance or sabotage? What AAP’s move in Kerala signals for Congress in assembly polls
NEW DELHI: Does Aam Aadmi Party not want Congress to win in Kerala assembly polls? INDIA bloc’s inability to form a unified front ahead of the Kerala assembly polls was exposed spectacularly after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released successive lists of candidates, signalling its intent to fight a full-scale battle across all 140 seats in Kerala. The southern state, recently rechristened Keralam in a nod to its cultural and linguistic heritage, now stands as the latest battleground where AAP’s ambitions clash head-on with Congress. Kerala’s electoral rhythm has long resisted continuity, with voters mostly denying incumbents a second straight term. That pattern places Congress, the principal opposition, in a seemingly favourable position in the race for power in Thiruvananthapuram. Yet, AAP’s assertive entry adds a twist. Is Kejriwal’s party merely expanding its footprint, or subtly complicating Congress’s path to power? With limited organisational depth in the Malayalam-speaking state, AAP may not hold significant relevance, but with Arvind Kejriwal and his team emerging from the shadow of the Delhi liquor case, their presence could still, if only marginally, alter the political equation in Kerala. WWRpQ-party-wise-seat-share-across-years-in-kerala-assembly- The ruling Left, also part of the broader opposition fold, remains Congress’s primary rival, while the BJP trails as a distant third. In this triangular contest, AAP may not significantly dent the Left or the BJP, but it could influence the margins where elections are often decided, by chipping away at Congress’s vote share just enough to alter the final verdict. Is Delhi’s revenge being served in Kerala? 2025 began with the startling defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Earlier, the reluctant allies, AAP and Congress had decided to contest separately, with Congress, having little to lose, launching a belligerent campaign against the ruling Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation. The grand old party also found an opening as the Kejriwal cabinet came under the scanner in the Delhi liquor policy case, with agencies like the CBI and ED probing the matter. Several senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, faced legal trouble, leading to a phase where the government functioned under the chief ministership of party colleague and loyalist Atishi. rBatq-ldf-retained-power-in-the-2021-kerala-state-poll- While AAP’s defeat ultimately came at the hands of the BJP, Congress also played a significant, if indirect, role in preventing its INDIA bloc ally from securing a fourth consecutive term. The “vote-cutting” factor proved crucial in several constituencies, including New Delhi, where Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, was fielded against Kejriwal. Though he finished a distant third, the votes he secured contributed to Kejriwal’s defeat and helped the BJP’s Parvesh Verma emerge as a “giant killer.” Hypothetically, had those votes gone to Kejriwal, the outcome might have been different. The AAP’s tally fell sharply from 62 to 22 seats, while Congress once again failed to open its account. The herculean efforts that brought AAP and Congress into an arranged marriage to counter the strong force of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite years of political bitterness, unravelled once again in the 2025 assembly polls, reflecting a familiar pattern of rivalry. ASSEMBLY POLLS4 (3) AAP, which rose from the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, had directly challenged the government led by Sheila Dikshit and went on to establish a dominant hold over Delhi, reducing Congress from a ruling force to total insignificance. The Congress, once under Sheila Dikshit’s strong leadership for 15 years, has failed to win a single seat in the last two assembly elections (2020 and 2025), and has also drawn blanks in three consecutive Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, and 2024). Just as Congress dented AAP’s prospects in the Delhi assembly, AAP may now impact Congress’s chances in states like Kerala, as it seeks to maintain its relevance within the national opposition space. Coalition to confrontation Lok Sabha allies turned Assembly rivals, the battle between the estranged partners was anything but graceful. At one rally, Arvind Kejriwal did not hold back: “The problem with Congress is its sense of entitlement. They think they have a divine right to lead the opposition just because of their past, even when they have zero presence on the ground. They are not fighting the BJP; they are fighting regional parties that actually defeat the BJP. In Delhi, Congress is nothing but a ‘vote-cutter’ meant to help the BJP.” Congress, in turn, capitalised on the troubles surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, hitting AAP where it hurt the most. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led rallies across Delhi, branding Kejriwal and other AAP leaders as “corrupt.” In one such rally, Rahul Gandhi remarked: “Kejriwal ji keeps lying. The way Narendra Modi lies, Kejriwal lies too. There isn’t much difference between them. But I will tell you one thing—Kejriwal is probably more cunning and sophisticated than even the Prime Minister in how he misleads people.” VSGWw-kerala-assembly-elections- Weeks later, when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and his colleagues in the liquor policy case, Congress alleged it was part of a larger BJP strategy of “Congress-mukt Bharat.” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera attacked the BJP, calling it an “Icchadhari naag” (shape-shifting serpent), and accused it of using central agencies as political tools. Kejriwal retaliated sharply, questioning Congress’s claims and targeting its leadership: “Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Sanjay Singh went to jail. Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi go to jail? What is Congress saying? Does it have no shame?” To diminish Congress’s footprint? Congress, the grand old party with roots in the independence movement, has been grappling with vulnerability for over a decade. Beyond Delhi, it has steadily lost ground across multiple states, allowing the BJP to expand its dominance in national politics. This decline has also opened space for other players to challenge its position within the opposition. Among states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala which are going to polls, Kerala appears to be the one where Congress still has a
Rahul’s citizenship issue: HC sets hearing on Apr 15
Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court on Monday heard at length the case related to alleged dual citizenship controversy pertaining to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The hearing took place in the chamber of the court as it was pointed out by the Central govt that the issue was sensitive. The bench has now fixed April 15 as the next date of hearing in the matter. A bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi passed the order on the petition filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker of Karnataka. The petitioner has challenged the Jan 28 order of the special MP/MLA court, Lucknow whereby it had rejected his plea to order registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi. The MP/MLA court had said that it was not competent to decide the citizenship issue. The petitioner seeks registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi and detailed probe against him in the matter . He has levelled several allegations against Rahul Gandhi under BNS, Official Secrets Act, Foreigners Act and Passport Act. Hearing the matter earlier, the bench had asked the Central govt as to what action was taken by it on a complaint moved against Rahul’s British citizenship. 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
‘Who Else’ campaign reflects Pinarayi’s arrogance: Rahul
Thrissur/Koz: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday lashed out at the advertisement campaign of the LDF with the huge portrait of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the tagline ‘Who Else’ and alleged that both Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share the arrogant self-perception that only they can rule the state and the country. Addressing public meetings at Kunnamkulam and Mala in Thrissur, Rahul alleged that both Pinarayi and Modi believe that no one else has the capacity to rule the state and the country, and are intolerant to criticisms and strive to smash those who question them. “How can a chief minister go to the people with the question, ‘Who Else’ to rule. It is the height of arrogance. In fact, I would advise the CM to remove those billboards from the streets of Kerala. Every time a Keralite looks at those boards, he or she is made to feel insulted because he or she is being told that he or she cannot rule the state,” Rahul said. “Precisely it is this arrogant mindset that we are fighting. It is the same mindset that Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam chief minister) have. Leaders must understand that wisdom lies with the people, in the farmers, workers, people who run businesses, and the like. And the job of the leader is to understand this wisdom and work with the people,” he said. Reiterating the allegation of BJP-CPM deal, Rahul said Modi and Pinarayi avoid mutual criticism and support each other. “Pinarayi had tortured those who waved black flags at him. Modi lets the investigating agencies lose against all those who criticise him. Over 30 cases have been slapped against me and I was interrogated for over 55 hours at a stretch by the central agencies. In fact, Modi takes pain not to talk about the Sabarimala gold heist in order to protect Pinarayi,” Rahul said. Signing of the India-US deal indicates that US President Donald Trump controls Modi. No Prime Minister would have signed such an agreement with the US, which has sacrificed all interest of India. Similarly, the Kerala CM is controlled by Modi and Shah, Rahul said. LDF compromised its ideology: Priyanka Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi alleged that LDF has entered into a secret deal with BJP compromising its ideology, accountability and sense of responsibility to retain power. Campaigning for KPCC president Sunny Joseph in Iritty, Priyanka said the people of Kerala have been victims of a corrupt govt. “We have seen massive thefts in Sabarimala but there has been no word from the Prime Minister. All of us who oppose PM and raise our voice against him have ED cases, income tax cases and CBI cases on us but not a single one on the chief minister of Kerala,” she said. 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
Tamil Nadu assembly polls 2026: ‘Dalits will not forgive DMK for Vengaivayal,’ says Anbumani Ramadoss
Chennai: Citing reports that dalits of Vengaivayal village in Pudukottai will boycott the elections unless the perpetrators of 2022 issue were arrested, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss said on Sunday that dalits will not forgive DMK. He alleged that DMK govt failed to act decisively and ignored dalit grievances, warning that the community would “teach a fitting lesson” to the ruling party in the election. “Even after three years, justice has not been delivered. Instead, those affected have been treated as accused,” Anbumani posted on X. The issue dates back to Dec 2022, when human faeces was found mixed in a drinking water tank in Vengaivayal.tnn 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
Babu Jagjivan Ram’s life is an inspiration to all: Bharath
Kurnool: Paying rich tributes on the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, State Minister for Industries, Commerce and Food Processing TG Bharath Gupta described the veteran leader as a towering personality who dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalized communities. The minister garlanded the statue of Jagjivan Ram at RS Road in Kurnool city on Sunday and participated in the commemorative events organized to mark the occasion, drawing the presence of local leaders and supporters. Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted that Babu Jagjivan Ram played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political landscape and stood firmly for the rights of the underprivileged. He said Jagjivan Ram’s lifelong struggle for social justice and equality significantly contributed to empowering Dalits and other weaker sections, ensuring their rightful place in society. His leadership and vision, the minister added, continue to serve as a guiding force in India’s democratic journey. The minister further noted that Jagjivan Ram’s dedication to public service, administrative excellence, and commitment to inclusive growth made him one of the most respected leaders in Indian history. He emphasized that the values upheld by such great personalities remain relevant even today, especially at a time when society continues to strive for equality and justice across all sections. Urging the younger generation to take inspiration from such stalwarts, Bharath called upon youth to study the lives and contributions of eminent leaders like Babu Jagjivan Ram. He stated that understanding their struggles and ideals would not only instill a sense of responsibility but also help in building a more equitable, progressive, and united society. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Hate-spreading CM’: Rahul Gandhi slams Himanta Biswa at Assam poll rally
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading CM’. He alleged that his party’s ‘Babbar Shers’ would put him in jail. Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath, Rahul Gandhi said: “Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading chief minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail.” He also outlined key promises made by Congress for the state, focusing on welfare measures and community recognition. Rahul Gandhi said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve wages for tea workers. “We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers,” he said. Highlighting economic and social support initiatives, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress government would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame if voted to power. “As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case and action will be taken.” Targeting the central leadership, Rahul Gandhi also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. “Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.” He further intensified his attack on Sarma, alleging corruption involving his family and warning of strict action. “He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) also made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused.” The Congress leader also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, drawing a contrast between the party’s ideology and what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics. He said the party stands for unity and harmony. “Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” he said. He added that legal action against the chief minister would proceed even if an apology is offered. “Let him speak for some more days. After that, the Congress will form government in Assam and legal action will follow even if he asks for forgiveness,” the Congress leader said. The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May. 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