Kota man arrested for threatening to shoot Rahul, 25 Cong MPs in video posted online
Kota: A man was arrested Thursday in Rajasthan’s Kota for allegedly threatening to shoot leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and 25 other Congress MPs in a video he posted online, citing their alleged verbal abuse of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the budget session. Raja Singh Amera claims to be a spokesperson of Karni Sena. But both Karni Sena and BJP have distanced themselves, stating he has no formal ties to either organisation. Birla is Kota’s BJP MP. In the 0.55-second video clip, Amera said he and others would vandalise the MPs’ homes and shoot them “one by one.” He also said the administration would be responsible if such an act took place. Kota City SP Tejeshwani Goutam said Amera faced four previous cases. The fresh case has been registered under sections 351, 352 and 353 of BNS, pertaining to criminal intimidation, breach of public peace and mischief. 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 to kick off Cong campaign with Barnala rally
Bathinda: Aiming to kick-start the campaigning for the next assembly elections in Punjab, the Congress Party has decided to organise a massive rally to be addressed by leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at Barnala on Feb 28. The party on Thursday started preparations for the rally to be held in the grain market of Barnala. Former MLA Hardyal Singh Kamboj has been appointed as in charge of district Barnala for the rally and to coordinate with party leaders along with Barnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon. The party has been instructed not to leave anything to chance to make this rally a success so that the election campaigning is started in a big manner, said sources in the party. The three assembly segments in Barnala district, Barnala, Bhadaur and Megha; Kalan have been asked to gear up and organise elaborate meeting by February 21 and apprise about the outcome of the meeting to Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, the sane evening for more efforts to be made to ensure a big gathering for the rally. PPCC general secretary (organisation) Capt Sandeep Singh Sandhu (retd) said, “The party leaders have been assigned duties for the smooth conduct of the rally at Barnala on Feb 28.” The Congress is making all out efforts to put a narrative against the central as well as state government and to make people believe that the Congress is the viable alternative in Punjab, the party sources said, adding the biggest issue before the party high command is to ensure all the leaders are on the same page, leaving behind the vertical factionalism. The Aam Aadmi Party has already kick-started the campaign by holding a rally at Killi Chahlan in Moga on Feb 16 while BJP is planning to hold a rally to be addressed by Union home minister Amit Shah in early March. 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
Harish calls Telangana cabinet ‘review’ in Delhi humiliating
Hyderabad: Taking strong objection to the Congress leadership summoning the Telangana cabinet to Delhi for a ‘review’, which he said was against the democratic spirit and hurt the ‘self-respect of Telangana’, senior BRS leader Harish Rao said the state was formed after immense sacrifices for self-rule and political dignity, and today it is being made to bow before a “Delhi durbar”, which is deeply humiliating for the state. He questioned whether the people of Telangana voted for an independent govt or for a govt that functions under remote control from Delhi. In an open letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, Harish criticised the Congress leadership for what he termed a “collapse of governance and betrayal of promises” in Telangana. He reminded the Congress leadership of the promises made during the elections and pointed out that, despite assurances that the guarantees would be implemented within 100 days, more than two-and-a-half years have passed without fulfilment. He demanded that the Congress leadership direct chief minister A Revanth Reddy to honour these commitments at least in the remaining tenure. “Congress promised legal backing for the six guarantees in the very first assembly session, but the bill failed to move forward, eroding public trust. The Congress should begin its review by apologising to the people for betraying their faith,” the BRS leader said. Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s personal assurance through bond papers for the implementation of the guarantees, Harish said those guarantees now lost all credibility due to the CM’s failure to deliver, making the bond papers meaningless in the eyes of the people. Harish added that the Congress made over ‘420 promises’, most of which remain unfulfilled. He alleged that farmers are suffering even due to poor fertiliser supply, exposing the govt’s administrative failure. He accused the chief minister of prioritising frequent visits to Delhi while neglecting governance in the state, suppressing dissenting voices, and resorting to abusive and vulgar language in public discourse. He said such conduct brought disrepute to Telangana’s political culture. Harish Rao demanded clear directions to the chief minister for the immediate implementation of the six guarantees and action on alleged scams. 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
Cong eyes reclaiming ground in Manipur: Venogopal Rao in Churachandpur
Churachandpur: With plans to reclaim Manipur, Venogopal Rao, All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA), visited Churachandpur on Wednesday to spearhead organisational reforms. Rao said the initiative follows directives from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi, who have called for a renewed push to rebuild the party’s base across the northeast. Explaining the policy, Rao said: “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is a reformative initiative of the AICC to select district Congress presidents at district headquarters, involving all blocks, stakeholders, party leaders, and cadres, with individual consultation in a transparent way. Reorganisation will take place at the district level in an unbiased and fair manner as directed by the high command.” He stressed that Congress is regaining momentum nationwide. “Congress is gaining ground and has started reclaiming seats across India, as seen in Telangana,” he said. On Manipur, Rao said, “Congress has not lost followers or leaders here. Instead, their numbers are increasing. With their support, we will remove the misrule of the present government in Manipur.” He said, “Congress will not sink. It will bounce back and return to power across the country, state by state.” Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rao said, “From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the Yatra evoked tremendous response from the people.” Highlighting the party’s social commitment, he added, “Congress is dedicated to the welfare of the downtrodden, SCs, STs, minorities, and women.” Pointing to Telangana’s changing mood, he remarked: “In my state, people once mocked Congress, asking ‘kaha hai Congress?’ But now they know the reality.” Rao was accompanied by Christopher Tilak, secretary in charge of northeast, and two observers from the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). They were warmly received by the Churachandpur District Congress Committee (DCC). A meeting led by DCC president T Chawngbiak discussed reorganisation policies and strategies in detail. 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
‘Far too much younger’: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar explains why he is not a ‘Rahulian’
NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Wednesday doubled down on his recent remarks in which he described himself as a “Gandhian”, a “Nehruvian” and a “Rajivian”, but not a “Rahulian”. The sidelined leader said that he is not a “Rahulian” because Rahul Gandhi is “far too much younger” than him and “far too distant” in his political life. Speaking to PTI, Aiyar said, “I recently said that ‘I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian’.” Explaining why he described himself as a “Gandhian”, Aiyar said, “I was six-year-old and my brother was four when Mahatma Gandhi picked us up in his arms and said ‘ye mere aankhon ke suraj aur chand hain’.” “From there, I became a ‘Gandhivaadi’.” On his identification with India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, he said, “As for Nehru, I was six when he became the prime minister, and I was 23 when he ceased being one, so my entire growing-up years were steeped in the Nehruvian ethos; that is why I also regard myself as a Nehruvian.” Aiyar said he considers himself a “Rajivian” because of his association with former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. “I call myself a Rajivian because it was he, although two years younger than me, who astonished me by bringing me into the PMO and by doing the things he did… I could not believe it. That is how I became a Rajivian,” he said. He also clarified that he did not describe himself as an “Indiravian” as he “totally disapproved” of Indira Gandhi “converting our democracy into a tyranny by declaring an Emergency, albeit for only 18 months”. Referring to his comment on Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar said, “How can one expect me to be a ‘Rahulian’ when the boy is about 30 years younger than me, and I haven’t had an opportunity to work with him? That is why I cannot be a ‘Rahulian’ because he is far too much younger than me and far too distant from me in his political life.” The remarks come amid strained ties between Aiyar and the Congress leadership. The controversy began after he praised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala and expressed confidence that the chief minister would continue in office. Speaking at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar had said, “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am sure will be the next chief minister, I renew my plea that to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state laws should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaac’s insights, the five-volume report I chaired and the note on district planning by V Ramachandran circulated by the Planning Commission when it truly supported Panchayati Raj.” The Congress distanced itself from his remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said that Aiyar “has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years” and that he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the people of Kerala would bring the Congress-led United Democratic Front back to power in the state. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
No discussion at present on appointing Dalit CM: HM
Mangaluru: Home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said there is no discussion at present on appointing a Dalit chief minister. He told reporters on Tuesday, that the govt is currently concentrating on governance and preparing the state budget. Responding to minister HC Mahadevappa’s remarks advocating for a Dalit chief minister, Parameshwara said that Mahadevappa expressed his personal opinion on the issue. “Mahadevappa is a capable leader and can handle any responsibility given to him. That is why he made the statement. In a democratic society, individuals express their views and choose their leaders. There is nothing wrong in that. However, the Congress has a high command, and it will take the final decision on such matters. It is not enough if a few people raise slogans in my favour. The high command will consider all aspects before arriving at a decision. At present, there is no such discussion on a Dalit chief minister,” he added. Reacting to the stone-pelting incident in Chikkamagaluru, Parameshwara said that action was already initiated. “Police will proceed in accordance with the law. It was reported that the woman in the house belongs to the Dalit community, and the police will register the case under the relevant legal provisions,” he said. On IT minister Priyank Kharge’s remarks against the RSS, Parameshwara said he was expressing his personal views. “He has his own opinion, and I have mine. Priyank Kharge expressed his views about the RSS. My opinion is not required in this 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
SP MLA flags policy on nod for Dalit events
Lucknow: A heated exchange took place in the UP Assembly after Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Jasrana, Sachin Yadav, questioned the state govt’s policy regarding permissions for religious events, jayantis, and processions primarily related to Dalit ideologues. Raising the issue during Question Hour, Yadav asked whether the govt would consider formulating a “simple and safe policy” to address alleged administrative irregularities in religious programmes and shobha yatras carried out by Dalit communities. He sought to know if govt would remove condition of “presence in conventional police register” and allow “every section” of society to observe jayantis and carry out processions of their leaders without discrimination. Yadav asked govt if process for obtaining permission would be simplified and whether approvals for village-level processions could be granted locally. Responding to the query, state parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna squarely rejected allegations of discrimination levelled by the SP legislator. Courtesy : TOI
Relief for Rahul Gandhi as Karnataka HC quashes BJP’s defamation case over 2023 ‘graft’ advertisement
BENGALURU: In a big relief for Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka HC Tuesday quashed proceedings against the Congress MP in a defamation case filed by BJP on a ‘corruption rate card’ advertisement against then state BJP govt in 2023. Allowing a petition filed by the leader of the opposition in LS, Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav said continuation of proceedings would amount to abuse of process of law. The court said, “Imputation itself is by way of innuendo, and such imputation is sought to be stretched to the party. Sans the tweet, the advertisement makes no reference to the party; rather (it) makes an imputation to the functionaries mentioned in the advertisement.” CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar were arraigned as accused in the case. BJP’s complaint had alleged that, in the advertisement given on May 5, 2023 in all mainstream newspapers, the accused made “fanciful, baseless, foundationless, and irrational allegations” against the complainant party. Case reveals casual approach of complainant, says court The court pointed to procedural lapses, including that there was no inquiry under Section 202 of CrPC, which is mandated where the accused is outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction. This revealed “a very casual approach” of the complainant in not insisting on such an inquiry before summons was issued to the accused (Rahul), the judge said. In his petition, Rahul Gandhi said there was no prima facie material placed by the prosecution to prove the charges against him and that the complainant failed to produce any documentary evidence to show he circulated the alleged advertisement on his Twitter handle. 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
Revanth to brief Rahul, Kharge on govt performance, poll wins
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy is heading to Delhi on Feb 19 along with his entire cabinet and TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud to meet the Congress high command, in what is seen as a key political review ahead of upcoming electoral battles. A meeting with senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal is scheduled at AICC headquarters on Thursday. Sources said Revanth is expected to inform the leadership that voters across rural and urban Telangana backed the Congress in recent polls, dealing a major setback to the BRS and BJP. The chief minister is also likely to present a report on the govt’s two-year performance, detailing promises and guarantees already implemented and those planned for the remaining three years of the term. He is expected to convey that public response to welfare schemes has been positive and that the party’s winning streak continues in assembly by-elections as well as panchayat and urban local body polls. The AICC has been conducting similar review meetings with state units to assess the political situation, strengthen grassroots organisation and prepare for upcoming elections. According to sources, consultations have already been held with 14 state units under the ‘Sanghatan Srijan Abhiyan’, which includes the appointment of new district Congress committee presidents. Progress reports Ministers from Telangana are reportedly preparing detailed progress reports of their respective departments ahead of the meeting. “If inquired by the AICC, the ministers will present their progress report too,” a source said. Discussions may also touch upon other sensitive issues, including internal differences among senior leaders and ministers, allegations related to coal mining tenders, and campaign planning in states such as Kerala and others heading for assembly elections in the near future. 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
‘Chinese products showcased’: Rahul Gandhi calls AI Impact summit ‘disorganised PR spectacle’
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed AI Impact Summit, terming it a “disorganised PR spectacle.” In a social media post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha claimed that Indian data is up for sale in the event while Chinese products are being showcased. “Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle – Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased,” Rahul said. Rahul also quoted a post by Congress which said that Modi government has made a “laughing stock of India globally”, with regard to AI. “In the ongoing AI summit, Chinese robots are being displayed as our own. The Chinese media has mocked us. This is truly embarrassing for India. What is even more shameful is the fact that Modi’s minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is indulging in the same falsehood, promoting China’s robots at the Indian summit,” the party said. “The Modi Government has caused irreparable damage to the image of the country – they have reduced AI to a joke – a field in which we could be world leaders given our data power,” it added. This comes after Galgotia University showcased a robotic dog labled “Orion” at the AI Summit expo. However, the university faced backlash as critics claimed that the product was actually a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 and not an in-house innovation. Meanwhile, Galgotias University has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately, news agency PTI reported citing government sources. 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