Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Dalit Gambit’ in Lucknow Today! Congress Unveils Major Strategy with 15,000 Workers at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Kanshi Ram’s Birth Anniversary
Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: With the rumblings of the upcoming assembly elections growing louder, the Congress party has initiated a concerted effort to woo the Dalit community. As part of this initiative, senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will address an event organized on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, in a bid to bring the Dalit vote bank into the Congress fold. While the BSP asserts that it holds the primary claim to Dalit votes, leaders from the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party are also actively engaged—each employing their own distinct strategies—to win over the Dalit electorate. Joining this fray, the Congress party has now also entered the arena. The birth anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram falls on March 15; however, in a strategic move to gain the upper hand, the Congress has announced that it will celebrate his birth anniversary on Friday, March 13. The party is observing this occasion as ‘Social Transformation Day’ (Samajik Parivartan Diwas). The event is scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, located in the state capital, Lucknow. Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi stated that Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive in Lucknow by air at 2:00 PM on Friday. Approximately 15,000 party workers from across the state are expected to attend the event. Prominent leaders—including State In-charge and National General Secretary Avinash Pandey, State President Ajay Rai, National Chairman of the Congress Scheduled Caste Department Dr. Rajendra Pal Gautam, and Chairman of the Backward Classes Department Dr. Anil Jaihind—are slated to address the gathering. Courtesy: Hindi News
Basic principles of law appears to have not been followed in Baramati plane crash probe: Rahul Gandhi
Pune: The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday alleged that basic principles of law had not been followed in the investigation into the Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and said no FIR had been registered despite the seriousness of the case. Rahul shared a photo of him with NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on his ‘X’ handle after their meeting in Delhi and demanded a transparent investigation into the crash. “The incident warrants a fair, transparent and impartial investigation,” Rahul posted on X. Rohit, Ajit Pawar’s nephew, appealed to Rahul during their meeting in the national capital to raise the issue of his uncle’s death in the plane crash in the ongoing session of Parliament. The NCP (SP) MLA thanked Rahul for his support while interacting with reporters later, and criticised the central and Maharashtragovts for not registering an FIR in connection with the Jan 28 plane crash in which Ajit Pawar was killed with four others. “It has been nearly one-and-a-half months since the plane crash, but still no FIR has been registered. The proposal of the state govt to the CBI should have been accepted and the central agency should have started the investigation of the case. The issue should have been discussed in the ongoing Parliament session. It is quite shocking that ‘some people’ are busy only in protecting VSR Venture and its owner,” Rohit said. Apart from Rahul, Rohit met some members of the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, DMK MP Kanimozhi and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the past few days in Delhi. He urged all of them to raise the issue of the Baramati plane crash in Parliament. 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 speech sparks row in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed a ruckus after Rahul Gandhi was interrupted during his speech on the energy crisis when he took a jibe at oil and gas minister Hardeep Puri for his name allegedly appearing in the files of an American sex-offender. He also attacked the govt over the US waiver to India to buy crude from Russia. “It has been a very puzzling fact why a nation the size of India would allow any other nation… the President of another nation to give us permission to buy Russian oil… I have figured the puzzle out. And the puzzle is about compromise,” he said and referred to Puri’s alleged link. This led to interruptions in the House, forcing Speaker Om Birla to intervene, saying the member cannot raise this issue, even as Gandhi insisted that he was speaking on energy and economic security. Later, opposition members entered the well of the House and Puri had to read out his statement amid sloganeering. 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 behind speaker’s decision on turncoat MLAs, alleges BRS working president KT Rama Rao
Hyderabad: Condemning assembly speaker G Prasad Kumar’s decision to dismiss disqualification petitions against defected MLAs, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has called it undemocratic and shocking. He alleged that the decision was taken under tremendous pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused the party leadership of orchestrating the entire episode. Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan after the speaker’s verdict on Wednesday, KTR said the speaker had virtually no independence in the matter. He said the decision represented a direct assault on democracy and the Constitution, and that the principal architect behind this unethical move was Rahul Gandhi. KTR also questioned how an MLA who won on a BRS B-Form could contest as a Congress candidate in the Lok Sabha elections without resigning from the assembly, yet still escape disqualification. “An MLA who won on one party’s B-Form contests as an MP candidate on another party’s B-Form without resigning. Despite such clear evidence, the speaker refused to disqualify him. This is nothing short of political manipulation,” he said. “All the evidence is already in the public domain. The Election Commission records clearly show which B-Form the MLA used to contest the assembly election and on which B-Form he contested for Parliament. What further inquiry is needed?” he asked. KTR questioned the moral authority of Rahul Gandhi and Congress to speak about defections. “Rahul Gandhi and Congress have absolutely no moral right to lecture anyone about political defections,” he said. “The main perpetrator and the criminal mind behind this decision is Rahul Gandhi. He is the real culprit. Without his permission and approval, the speaker would never have dared to take such a shocking decision,” KTR stated. Criticising what he described as hypocrisy in Rahul Gandhi’s political stance, KTR said that the Congress leader claimed to be the defender of the Constitution while simultaneously encouraging defections. “On one hand Rahul Gandhi carries the Constitution in his hand and claims to be its protector. On the other hand, his party is enabling defections and protecting defectors,” he added. KTR further criticised Rahul Gandhi for speaking about automatic disqualification in cases of defection during his speeches in Telangana and for promoting the ‘Nyay Patra’, while allowing the Congress govt to protect defectors. 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
Nashik court disposes of defamation case against Rahul Gandhi
Nashik: The court of additional chief judicial magistrate Rupali Narwadiya has disposed of the defamation case filed against leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The case was initiated by Devendra Bhutada, president of the Nashik-based Nirbhaya Foundation, who alleged that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about Hindutva ideologue and freedom fighter VD Savarkar during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ rallies held in Hingoli and Akole on June 15 and 16, 2022. Bhutada approached the court shortly after learning of the comments. Following the complaint, a case was registered under sections 499 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult) of IPC, and the court issued summons to Gandhi in Sept 2024. Last July, the additional chief judicial magistrate granted Gandhi bail, allowing him to attend hearings virtually, during which he pleaded not guilty. Defence lawyer Gajendra Sanap said the court had ordered an inquiry under Section 202 of the CrPC, and after police submitted their investigation report, the complainant sought to withdraw the case. Mohan Pingale, representing Bhutada, said the withdrawal application was filed because Bhutada’s daughter had recently moved abroad, making it difficult for him to attend frequent hearings. He said the four-year-old case had led to summons and warrants against Gandhi, requiring him to secure bail and participate in virtual proceedings. Pingale said the Supreme Court mandated priority handling of cases involving MPs and MLAs. “In view of the circumstances, we applied to withdraw the case, and the court accepted the request, thereby disposing of the matter,” 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
Om Birla’s behaviour partisan, LoP cut off 20 times: Gaurav Gogoi
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the opposition’s resolution on removal of Speaker Om Birla amid a heated debate over who should preside while the House discussed him. Opening the debate, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused Birla of partisan behaviour. He said the Speaker made “baseless” allegations against women opposition MPs and repeatedly blocked Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from raising “critical issues” in the House. As soon as Congress member Mohammad Jawed read out the notice seeking to move the resolution, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order, questioning the decision to allow BJP’s Jagdambika Pal to chair proceedings as he was appointed to the panel of chairpersons by Birla. Congress and TMC MPs also said Pal was not elected by the House, and highlighted that the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for last 7 years. Mics are being used to silence MPs: Gogoi Congress and TMC MPs also said Pal was not elected by the House, and highlighted that the post of deputy speaker had been vacant for seven years. While TMC MP Saugata Roy said parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju should move a motion to appoint a presiding officer specifically for the purpose, Rijiju said Owaisi’s claim was irrelevant as Pal was competent to preside over LS proceedings when the resolution was taken up. Pal then put to vote the notice to move the resolution and asked at least 50 MPs to stand up in its support. The notice was then accepted and Jawed read out the resolution, which was admitted for discussion. Gaurav Gogoi raised questions over the manner in which Birla presided over the House when Rahul had to speak on the motion of thanks to the President’s address. “There was an expectation that the Chair would be neutral. But research of uncorrected versions would show the number of times the LoP was interrupted. While the LoP was on his feet, another member was called upon,” Gogoi added. “Is this parliamentary tradition we want to show? Microphones are being used to silence MPs. It stands in direct contradiction with the rituals of this House,” Gogoi said, pointing out how Shas-hi Tharoor’s mic was allegedly switched off in the middle of his speech on Feb 9. “When the LoP wanted to speak on the motion of thanks, he was interrupted 20 times by the Speaker, me-mbers of the chairpersons’ panel and senior MPs of the treasury benches… in a premeditated manner,” 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
Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi ‘betrayed the country’ by signing US trade deal
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having “betrayed the country” by entering into a trade agreement with the United States, claiming the deal would adversely affect farmers and small businesses in India. Gandhi made the remarks while inaugurating the valedictory function of the state-wide “Puthuyuga Yatra” led by Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan. “PM has let the country down. He betrayed the country. I believe the Prime Minister betrayed the country by signing the US deal,” Gandhi said. He alleged that ordinary citizens, particularly farmers and small business owners, would ultimately bear the burden of the agreement. “No Prime Minister before him opened Indian agriculture to US agriculture,” he said. Rahul said the entry of large and mechanised American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would put small farmers under severe pressure and could lead to “devastation” in the agricultural sector. He further alleged that the country’s energy sector had been compromised and claimed that US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data through the agreement. The Congress leader also alleged that Modi was controlled by Trump, adding that the chief minister of Kerala was similarly controlled by Modi. During his address, Gandhi briefly referred to cricketer Sanju Samson, saying it was encouraging to know that the star wicketkeeper-batsman who featured in the T20 World Cup quarter-final comes from Thiruvananthapuram. The yatra, which began a month ago as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, travelled across all districts of Kerala. Several leaders attended the event, including KPCC and AICC members such as Sachin Pilot and Deepa Dasmunshi, along with other leaders from the UDF alliance. Addressing the gathering, Satheesan described the yatra as the most meaningful experience of his political life. He said the UDF had presented a “charge sheet” against the LDF government during the course of the march. “Wherever the LDF government failed, the UDF will elevate the state,” he said. Satheesan added that the yatra helped the alliance gather public feedback from across the state, which would be used in shaping policies for Kerala’s future development. He said the UDF intended to introduce a “neo-Kerala model” focused on good governance and solutions to the problems faced by ordinary citizens. “The Kerala government secretariat will be made the most efficient in the country,” he said. Satheesan also promised greater accountability in governance and reforms in key sectors including health, education and employment. He added that specific initiatives would be undertaken to address the challenges faced by poorer sections of society. Expressing confidence about the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheesan said the UDF would return to power. “UDF will come to power winning more than 100 seats,” 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
Govt wants to avoid talks on Gulf crisis, says Rahul
New Delhi: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Modi govt wants to avoid a discussion on West Asia crisis because it will lead to questions of how the “PM is being blackmailed”. His remark indicates that the Israel-US war against Iran is the fresh friction point between opposition and govt and will dog the Budget session.Opposition decided to demand a discussion on West Asia war, believing the global development is a subject that can be used to corner govt, given the growing perception that BJP has taken sides in the conflict. Rahul said the war is a “fight to change the paradigm” which, coupled with the US trade deal signed by Modi, will badly hurt Indian economy. “They don’t want to discuss this as it will lead to other issues. It will expose the PM’s position, the way he has compromised… the way he is being blackmailed,” he said, adding, “the PM ran away (from Parliament) and will not return. You watch.” Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav (SP), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sandosh Kumar (CPI), and those from TMC, DMK, IUML protested “govt’s silence” on the war. India bloc leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav (SP), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sandosh Kumar (CPI), and those from TMC, DMK, IUML held a large protest in the Parliament complex over the “govt’s silence” on the war. Congress has seized upon the war — the PM’s Israel visit took place just two days before the start of the bombardment of Iran and the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader — to attack the govt. The Opposition argues the ruling BJP will find it difficult to discuss the raging issue as it would force the govt to take a stand on its various dimensions, from trade to energy to strategic. That seems to make the issue particularly tempting for Opposition. The discussion could be a political trap too. While Congress MP KC Venugopal said it can be held under a parliamentary provision without voting, AICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh referred to the 2003 discussion on Iraq war held under BJP’s Vajpayee govt, when Parliament finally passed a resolution condemning the war. Akhilesh Yadav said, “The govt talks of ‘atmanirbhar’. But somebody is dictating to India from whom — and how much – it can buy oil. The way the govt has mortgaged the foreign policy should be discussed in Parliament.” MPs Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari said mere statements from ministers were not enough and questions needed to be answered. “Parliament is not a notice board,” Tewari quipped. 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
Left politicians raise Rahul’s ‘CJP’ comments at opposition meet
NEW DELHI: Days after Congress functionary and LoP Rahul Gandhi coined the term “CJP” to deride CPM as “Communist Janata Party”, two Left leaders from Kerala complained to the INDIA bloc that such attacks can hurt cohesion within the opposition camp. CPM MP John Brittas and CPI member Sandosh Kumar told a meeting of opposition parties that Rahul Gandhi should desist from such attacks. They are learnt to have argued that the connecting tissue between parties under the umbrella of INDIA is their anti-BJP stance and that the Left is a strong member of the alliance. Rahul was present in the meeting but did not speak on the issue. The discussion took place during the parliamentary strategy meeting of opposition parties in the office of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with the attendees including Rahul Gandhi, Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), KC Venugopal (Congress), Shatabdi Roy (TMC), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) and Ramgopal Yadav (SP). After the important discussions, the Left members sought permission to raise some political issues. But Kharge is learnt to have turned down the demand, saying that such matters could be discussed between individual parties, and the gathering of opposition parties had been convened to discuss the parliamentary agenda. While some members claimed that Brittas and Kumar were cut short, sources said they did put their point across. Though members of India bloc, the Left and Congress are direct rivals in Kerala, with the latter pushing to unseat the Pinarayi Vijayan govt in the state. During his weekend visit to Kerala, which was packed with campaign events for the upcoming state elections, Rahul alleged that BJP and CPI(M) had reached an agreement to jointly oppose Congress. He said it was no longer CPI(M) and BJP, but CJP (Communist Janata Party). The public meeting was attended by the brass of Kerala Congress. The barb was in line with Congress allegations that the ruling party in Kerala has a tacit understanding with BJP to stall Congress, and the allegations have got shriller since Congress’s UDF alliance swept the local body elections in Dec, which are said to be a bellwether for the assembly polls. 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’s citizenship plea: HC seeks papers from Centre
Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court Monday sought relevant records from the Union ministry of home affairs while hearing a petition alleging that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is a British citizen. The single-judge bench of Justice Rajeev Singh scheduled the next hearing in the matter for March 19. The petition was filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker in Karnataka, who has challenged the Jan 28, 2026, order of the special MP/MLA court in Lucknow, which had rejected his plea to order registration of an FIR against Gandhi. The MP/MLA court had said it was not competent to decide the citizenship issue. Hearing the matter on Monday at length, the bench also asked the union govt counsel, Raj Kumar Singh, about the action taken by the Centre on a complaint moved against Rahul’s alleged 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