Tamil Nadu: Congress vs Congress erupts as Stalin refuses to blink
NEW DELHI: The simmering debate over power sharing in Tamil Nadu has triggered not just friction between the Congress and its ally, the DMK, but also exposed sharp internal rift within the Congress itself, with the state leadership moving swiftly to rein in dissenting voices as CM MK Stalin drew a firm red line on power sharing. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai on Monday publicly rebuked party MP Manickam Tagore for raising the issue of power sharing with the ruling DMK at a district-level meeting in Madurai. Selvaperunthagai asked pointedly whether anyone in the party considered themselves “bigger than the AICC leadership”. The warning came amid renewed strain in the Congress–DMK relationship after Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin dismissed demands for a share in governance as a “conspiracy”, even while insisting that the alliance remained intact. Selvaperunthagai said the AICC had already issued clear instructions that alliance matters should not be discussed publicly, news agency PTI reported. “Our leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal have clearly asked us not to express views on alliances in public. I strictly follow those instructions,” he said, adding that airing such views ahead of the assembly elections only created confusion. He was responding to the February 15 meeting of the Madurai South District Congress Committee, held at Tirupparankundram under Tagore’s leadership, which reportedly passed resolutions seeking power sharing with the DMK. While Selvaperunthagai said he was unaware of the resolutions, he underlined that the party had already constituted a five-member committee under Girish Chodankar to hold talks with the DMK on seat sharing, and that any discussions must remain within that framework. Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also also clarified in an interview to ANI that the party remains committed to the INDIA bloc and its alliance in Tamil Nadu, led by the DMK. “We are in an INDIA alliance. We have to look at it from a national perspective. The DMK is a very important part of the INDIA alliance nationally because they contribute a significant number of MPs to our bloc. And we are part of the INDIA alliance in Tamil Nadu, which the DMK leads. The Chief Minister has categorically confirmed the alliance, and there’s no doubt about that,” he said. Chidambaram acknowledged that while long-standing alliances may have inherent tensions and expectations, it would not be pragmatic to exit a stable formation. “The DMK is a well-oiled political machine. To somehow get minor issues and ditch that, in my opinion, will not be pragmatic. There are voices within the Congress party which are giving other options. As an active political party, we will notice what’s happening around us,” he said. The internal rebuke follows Tagore’s sharp public pushback against Stalin’s remarks. After the CM termed the power-sharing demand a “problem created by some people” and alleged a conspiracy to create a rift in the alliance, Tagore responded with a pointed one-line post on X: “How is it that seeking, in a spirit of friendship, a role (a share) in work to serve the people could be termed as conspiracy?” The post signalled that at least a section of the Congress was unwilling to back down, despite the DMK leadership’s categorical stance. Stalin, however, left little room for ambiguity. While reiterating that the Congress–DMK alliance was “in harmony” and free of confusion, he firmly ruled out sharing power with allies. “It will not work in Tamil Nadu; they know it too. Rahul Gandhi is not worried either,” he said, asserting DMK dominance while avoiding a direct confrontation with the Congress high command. The DMK has since doubled down on that position. Senior party leader and state forests minister RS Rajakannappan said bluntly that the DMK did not run on the strength of alliances. Invoking history, he asked whether former CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi had ever shared power despite winning over 100 seats, adding that a future DMK government under Stalin would follow only the “Dravida model”. Within the Congress, the messaging remains mixed. While Tagore and a few others have argued that the question of whether Tamil Nadu should have a single-party or coalition government should be left to the people, the state leadership has opted for caution. Selvaperunthagai has maintained that there was “no opportunity” for a crack in the alliance and that all views would eventually be discussed by the AICC leadership and the chief minister. 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
‘I am not a Rahulian’: Congress rift blows up as Mani Shankar Aiyar goes on name-calling spree
NEW DELHI: Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday invoked BR Ambedkar after Congress distanced itself from the former Union minister’s praise of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala ahead of the assembly polls. Speaking to news agency ANI, Aiyar took a sharp jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying he is a Gandhian but not a “Rahulian.” Citing Ambedkar’s biography “A Part Apart”, Aiyar said, “There is a biography of Dr Ambedkar which says ‘a part but apart.’ So that’s the only thing I can say. Mr Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that I am a member of the party, and therefore I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.” “I am in the Congress party, I haven’t left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside after I have left,” he added. Aiyar also said that he has “no respect complete contempt for” Pawan Khera. “Do you think the people of Kerala don’t know what is happening in Congress leadership? At least in Pinarayi’s government there is discipline. They have no Mani Shankar Aiyars. I am Mani Shankar Aiyar because Nehru was a rebel against Gandhi, Subhash Bose was a rebel against Gandhi. Yet Gandhi made Jawaharlal Nehru the PM of India. If Subhas Bose had survived the aircrash on 17th August 1945, I am certain he would have been the President of India. So, that is how they dealt with dissidence. How does the present Congress deal with it? They put somebody like Pawan Khera as the official spokesman. I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera,” Mani Shankar Aiyar said. He also described Pawan Khera as a “puppet” who just repeats what party MP Jairam Ramesh tells him. He stated that Khera is not a spokesperson but a “parrot.” “I want you to send a message to Pawan Khera. He has allied with MA Baby in Delhi and he is getting upset about my being allied with Pinarayi Vijayan here. What kind of Congressi is he? Above all, how stupid can a party be than to make Pawan Khera the spokesman? There are a million people in Congress who would make a better spokesman. This chap is just a puppet, he is saying whatever Jairam Ramesh tells him. He repeats the same thing, he is not a spokesman, he is a parrot,” Aiyar said. Aiyar also slammed Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and said, “Can you imagine what is the condition of a party which raises a rowdy like KC Venugopal to the level of Sardar Patel, to Rahul Gandhi? That is all I need to say as an answer.” Earlier on Sunday, Aiyar stoked fresh controversy after lauding Vijayan and expressing hope for the return of the Left government in the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking at an international seminar titled “Vision 2031: Development and Democracy,” Aiyar asked Vijayan to “pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped.” “I do not know whether this is a compliment or an insult, but I deeply regret the absence of my party colleagues on this occasion, which is a state occasion and therefore a national occasion. While Kerala is the first state in panchayati raj in practice, it ranks only second in law,” Aiyar said. “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am confident will continue in office, I renew my plea — to reinforce Kerala as the best panchayati raj state in the country. Therefore, I must fall at your feet, Chief Minister Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you, and may Kerala prosper,” he added. Aiyar’s remarks did not sit well with the party. Congress national spokesperson Khera sought to distance the party from the comments, saying Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. In a post on X, Khera said Aiyar “speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.” “Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity,” Khera said. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also rubbished Aiyar’s remarks, saying the United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to return to power in Kerala. “Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance. They also know the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are covert partners,” 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
Cong disassociates, but Aiyar says unlike Rahul friends, he is with party
NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon. 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
Navjot Kaur Sidhu targets Rahul Gandhi; flags issues in Punjab Congress: ‘You don’t deserve that chair’
COIMBATORE: Former Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of being “disconnected from ground realities” and failing to act against alleged corruption within the Punjab Congress unit. Addressing the media in Coimbatore, Sidhu alleged that Gandhi’s inaction is damaging the party’s prospects in Punjab, according to news agency PTI. She claimed that members of his inner circle are engaged in selling election tickets while he remains unaware of developments on the ground. “Rahul Gandhi talks good. He talks sense. But what he does and what he says is very different. For the past eight months, I have been asking for a time to tell him that your people, your president or your person appointed in Punjab is not doing justice to Punjab. He’s killing Congress in Punjab. I’m just asking you for a seating to tell you that your party is being destroyed in Punjab. They have already sold the tickets,” said Sidhu. She further stated, “If you are not aware of what is happening beneath you, then I am sorry. You do not deserve that chair. You are responsible for what you are doing. We left everything for Punjab, and you promised us a deputy CM post with seven departments and me as an MP, but you gave us nothing. You gave us local bodies and tourism, and you wanted them to be run according to the CM. Why are you talking against corruption when your own people are corrupt? And you are liking those corrupt people around you. The people surrounding you are totally corrupt. You have no time for the honest people who want to come and tell you that this is going wrong, you are not going to win Punjab.” “Probably it is been gifted to him. He has not worked his way through the lower steps to actually be on the lower ground. I think it’s very important to be grounded. What’s happening at ground zero is very important for anyone. You have to be in touch with the ground reality to know. You can’t be living in a dream world,” said Sidhu. “We have been honest throughout our lives. We have just gained the confidence of the people of Punjab, of the people of India, by being honest and struggling financially because of that. You can point a finger at PM Modi. Try to touch him. Does he have a penny? Does he have a file against him? Try touching him personally. There is nothing against him,” Sidhu added. 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
PM Modi Defends Trade Deals, Budget 2026; Congress, Rahul Gandhi Flag Farmer Betrayal Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India negotiated recent trade pacts with the United States, EU and New Zealand from a position of strength, crediting manufacturing, growth and MSME, while criticising the UPA government for weak outcomes between 2004 and 2014. In an interview to PTI, he described Budget 2026 as reform driven and infrastructure focused. The Congress called the interview a scripted PR exercise to deflect criticism over the trade deal and farmers’ concerns. Jairam Ramesh said the budget showed intellectual exhaustion and that markets reacted negatively. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi termed the proposed US trade deal a betrayal of farmers, raising concerns over dried grains and GM soybean oil imports, possible impact on MSP procurement, non trade barriers and India’s stand on GM crops. He demanded transparency and said farmers deserve clear answers on the long term future of agriculture. Courtesy : Times Now Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesnow.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi demands PM Modi reply to 5 ‘simple queries’ on India-US trade deal
NEW DELHI: Resuming his aggression against the India-US trade deal, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked five “simple questions” that he said PM Narendra Modi must answer since “farmers deserve clarity” if “we are giving another country a long-term grip on India’s agricultural system”. Rahul asked if provisions in the interim trade deal, as mentioned in the joint statement, suggests that India will be importing pulses and grains that are not explicitly mentioned in the statement, and if India will be opening the hitherto shut door through which the US can in future put more and more items on the table for import by India. He asked what the fate will be of soya farmers in MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states of the country if India imports GM soya oil from the US, and if farmers will survive “another price shock”. He asked the PM to clarify what comprises “additional products” mentioned in the statement for reduction or elimination of tariffs. “Does it signal pressure to open up pulses and other sensitive crops to US imports over time?” the Congress MP asked. Referring to the proposed import of DDG, Rahul asked if feeding Indian cattle the distillers grain made of GM American corn will not “effectively integrate our dairy chain with the US agricultural system”. Rahul also urged the PM to clarify if removing “non tariff barriers” implies that India will be pushed to dilute its stand against GM crops, weaken procurement, or undermine MSP and bonuses in the 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
Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy; Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row; & more
BNP chief Tarique Rahman pledges Bangladesh first foreign policy after landslide win. Piyush Goyal hits back at Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal, says pact will boost textiles and farmers. Metro Line-4 parapet collapse in Mulund kills one, injures three; CM Fadnavis orders probe. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revives handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. US secretary Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent on Ukraine peace ahead of fresh Geneva talks. Here are the top news of the day: BNP’s Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy after landslide win Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman said Dhaka’s foreign policy would prioritise national interest and Bangladesh first principles, including in ties with India, after securing a sweeping electoral victory. The BNP-led alliance won over two-thirds of seats, marking a major political shift after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Read full story Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal intensified his attack on Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over criticism of the India–US trade deal, accusing him of “fearmongering” and spreading misinformation. Goyal said the pact and recent FTAs would boost textile exports and farmer incomes, dismissing claims that zero-duty imports would hurt domestic producers. Read full story One killed after Metro Line-4 parapet segment collapses in Mumbai’s Mulund A 6×4 ft concrete parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line-4 viaduct collapsed onto vehicles on LBS Road in Mumbai’s Mulund (West), killing one person and injuring three. The victims were rushed to hospital, where one was declared dead. Authorities launched rescue operations and cordoned off the area, disrupting traffic. Read full story T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain reignites handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan clash Ahead of the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reignited the handshake controversy, saying, “We’ll find that out tomorrow” when asked if India would shake hands. He hoped the game would be played in true sportsmanship. Read full story Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent as US pushes Ukraine peace talks US secretary of state Marco Rubio cast doubt on Moscow’s seriousness about ending the Ukraine war, ahead of fresh US-brokered talks in Geneva. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said there was no clarity on Russia’s willingness to negotiate, even as fighting continues in Odesa and Belgorod. Read full story 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
2 journalist bodies condemn Rahul Gandhi talk on media impartiality
NEW DELHI: Two journalist bodies on Saturday criticised Congress neta Rahul Gandhi for questioning the impartiality of mediapersons, saying political leaders must use respectful language while addressing the press, especially in public spaces like the Parliament. The reaction came after Gandhi, speaking to reporters outside the Parliament earlier in the week, asked journalists to be more objective in their coverage. Responding to queries on the treasury benches considering a privilege notice against him over his recent speech on the Budget, the LoP said media should not merely repeat what it is told. Condemning the remarks, National Union of Journalists and Delhi Journalists Association issued a joint statement calling Gandhi’s comments inappropriate. “The LoP targeting and insulting media personnel in such a manner is highly condemnable,” NUJ president Ras Bihar said. He added that such statements amount to an attack on press freedom and undermine the role of media in a democracy. DJA president Rakesh Thapliyal and general secretary Pramod Kumar Singh said journalism exists to question those in power and provide accurate information to the public. Associating the media with any particular political party, they said, harms the professional dignity and independence of journalists. Rahul Gandhi had told reporters, “You are not totally employed by BJP. At least try a little bit of objective stuff. It gets really shameful. It’s too much.” 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 cheating cotton farmers, textile exporters in US trade deal, says Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress minister Rahul Gandhi Saturday accused the govt of “cheating cotton farmers and textile exporters in the country through the India-US interim trade deal” and alleged that the agreement “is likely to inflict deep damage on both sectors”. “18% tariff vs 0% — let me explain how the PM and his cabinet are spreading confusion on this issue. And how they are cheating India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal,” he said on X. “Bangladesh is being given zero % tariff benefit on garment exports to US — the only condition is that they import American cotton,” he said. “After the announcement of 18% tariff on Indian garments, when I raised the question in Parliament about the special concession being given to Bangladesh, the reply from a minister of Modi govt was: ‘If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America’,” Gandhi said. “Why was this fact hidden from the country till now? And what kind of policy is this? Is this really any kind of choice, or is it a trap designed to push us into a ‘well in front, ditch behind’ situation?” he asked. “If we import American cotton, our own farmers will be ruined. If we don’t import it, our textile industry will lag behind and get destroyed,” Gandhi claimed. Highlighting the importance of textile industry and cotton farming, he said that “attacking these sectors means pushing millions of families into the pit of unemployment and economic crisis.” He further said, “A visionary govt that thinks in the national interest would have negotiated a deal that protects and ensures the prosperity of both cotton farmers and textile exporters. But exactly the opposite has happened…” 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 is compromised’: Congress seeks Hardeep Puri’s resignation over Epstein link
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday demanded the resignation of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri over his alleged links to the Jeffrey Epstein case, intensifying its attack after the minister acknowledged meeting the disgraced financier several times in a professional capacity. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the party believes Puri has no right to remain in office. Speaking to reporters, Khera said, “Clearly, the Congress party is demanding the resignation of Hardeep Singh Puri. This person has no right to remain in his position. In the last 48 hours, he has only lied. We will raise this issue before the people of the country that this government is compromised, and that too with a person like Jeffrey Epstein.” — ANI (@ANI) The demand comes after Puri, at a press conference on Wednesday, said that he had met convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein “three or four times” over eight years in what he described as a “professional capacity”. Responding to allegations raised by leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, Puri said that the interactions were limited and already in the public domain following the release of millions of emails by US authorities. At the press conference, he stated, “There are references to possibly three or four meetings in eight years… Any contact I had with him has no connection to the serious allegations of sexual abuse filed by victims.” He further clarified, “My interaction had nothing to do with that,” stressing that the meetings were linked to his tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations and later engagements with the International Peace Institute. Explaining the context, Puri said his former superior at the International Peace Institute, Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein and that he met him as part of official delegations. He maintained that the interactions were entirely professional and predated his entry into the Union Cabinet in 2017. However, the Congress rejected the minister’s explanation. Earlier, Khera raised a series of questions regarding an alleged 2014 email exchange that forms part of documents released by the US Department of Justice. He questioned why Puri referred to Epstein as a “friend” in an email and why he sought “advice” from him if their association was only incidental. In another post, Khera accused Puri of trivialising Epstein’s crimes, writing that reducing the conviction to “soliciting favours of a woman who was underage” downplayed the gravity of sexual exploitation of a minor. The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi claimed he had “verified information” and alleged that “there are Department of Justice files on Epstein naming Hardeep Puri.” Gandhi also alleged broader pressure on the government in the context of international developments, including the India-US trade deal. Puri dismissed Gandhi’s remarks as “baseless allegations” and described parts of his speech in Parliament as having “elements of buffoonery” and “entertainment value”. He insisted that his name appearing in released documents does not imply wrongdoing and that his meetings were unrelated to the criminal charges against Epstein. The exchange has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with the opposition demanding accountability and the minister defending his record. As the row escalates, the Congress has said it will continue to raise the matter publicly, while the government has maintained that there is no wrongdoing on the part of the minister. 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