Congress dismisses Karnataka leadership change buzz after high-level Delhi meeting
Senior leaders insist Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls were the only issues discussed during the high level Delhi meeting attended by Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar. NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday dismissed speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, asserting that discussions between the party’s central leadership and state leaders were focused solely on the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. The issue gained attention amid the continuing leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, both of whom were summoned to Delhi along with supporting MLAs, triggering speculation over a possible power sharing arrangement in the state. Though Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had convened a meeting to decide party candidates for the two elections, the point of interest remained the protracted leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, who were summoned to Delhi, and whether there would be any resolution. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had arrived in the national capital accompanied by the MLAs supporting them. At the core of the leadership tangle in the southern state is Shivakumar’s demand that he be elevated to the chief minister’s post in accordance with a “promise” which his supporters claim was made to him during state assembly elections in 2023. The Congress’s central leadership held deliberations for several hours with its Karnataka state leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who is also the state party chief, at the Indira Bhawan headquarters. The party leaders, however, insisted that the issue of any leadership change was not discussed at the meeting attended by Congress president Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary, Organisation, K C Venugopal and AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala, among others. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, left, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Indira Bhavan ahead of consultations with the Congress leadership. “Today, the entire discussion was only concentrated on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and (Legislative) Council elections of Karnataka. Whatever speculation you people are doing, that is only speculation, no reality at all. Today we discussed about the Rajya Sabha seats and the Council seats of Karnataka,” Venugopal told the media after the meeting. He was flanked by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. He said the candidates of the Rajya Sabha and Council seats of Karnataka will be announced along with the other seats like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. “This is what we have decided today, and nothing else was discussed,” he asserted. Asked about any leadership change, Siddaramaiah also said, “It is only a speculation”. Asked if there was any discussion on leadership change, he replied emphatically with “No”. On a possible cabinet reshuffle, the chief minister said, “It did not come up for discussion. Of the four Rajya Sabha seats getting vacant in Karnataka, the Congress can win three seats and the BJP one. Kharge’s Rajya Sabha seat is getting vacant in June and he is likely to be re-elected from Karnataka.” The party may also field Shivakumar’s brother D K Suresh as one of the Rajya Sabha candidates, as well as a woman or an OBC nominee. Suresh has been a former Rajya Sabha member from the state. Besides, the Congress leaders are also learnt to have discussed the party candidates for the legislative council seats. The Congress is likely to get four seats in the legislative council out of the seven vacancies, going by its present strength in the state assembly. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress submits memorandum on Mahoba student case: Demands arrest of culprits, fast-track trial, and stringent punishment
Congress leaders in Kushinagar expressed deep outrage over the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of a Dalit student in Mahoba. Led by District Congress Committee Kushinagar Vice President Md. Zaheeruddin, the workers submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor through the District Magistrate, demanding strict action against the culprits. The memorandum states that a Dalit student returning from NEET coaching in Mahoba was abducted and gang-raped. The incident has been described as extremely shameful and inhuman, shocking the entire state. The Congress party has raised serious questions about the safety of women, especially Dalit daughters. Congress District President Md. Zaheeruddin said that crimes against women are continuously increasing in the state, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the general public. He appealed to the government to take immediate and strict action against such incidents to prevent recurrence in the future. In the memorandum, Congress leaders demanded that the victim student be given speedy justice. All accused involved in the incident be immediately arrested and tried in a fast-track court. They also demanded the harshest punishment for the culprits, ensuring the safety of the victim and her family, and providing adequate financial assistance and government support. In addition, Congress workers demanded effective and concrete steps for the safety of women and Dalit daughters in the state. They stressed that strengthening law and order is the need of the hour. Numbers of Congress workers, including NSUI Kushinagar District President Anuj Mishra, Parvez Alam, Ramzan Ali, and Keshav Gupta, were present on the occasion. Sajid Ansari | Padrauna (Kushinagar), Kushinagar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth brutally assaulted in Jhunjhunu
Rajasthan Crime: A case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth has come to light in Gudhagaurji, Jhunjhunu district. The victim alleges that a young man he met on the road first made him drink alcohol, then stripped him and severely beat him. Rajasthan Crime: A case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth has come to light in the Gudhagaurji police station area of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. The incident occurred with Pawan Meghwal, a resident of Jhajhariyon Ki Dhani, who suffered severe injuries. The victim alleges that a young man he met on the road first made him drink alcohol, then stripped him and severely beat him. Victim Pawan Meghwal said that he was returning home from work on Sunday night when he met a young man named Rakesh Kumar. Rakesh offered him a ride to Chhau and took him on his tractor. It is alleged that he was taken some distance away, made to drink alcohol, and then brutally assaulted. According to Pawan Meghwal, the accused stripped him and beat him severely. He somehow managed to escape the scene. On the way, he met an acquaintance, Jagdish Prasad, who, seeing his condition, immediately rushed him to Gudhagaudji CHC. Upon receiving the information, the police also arrived at the hospital and investigated the matter. After receiving treatment today, Pawan Meghwal met with former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha. Rajendra Singh Gudha strongly condemned the incident and said that influential people have made life difficult for Dalit families. He spoke with the Jhunjhunu SP regarding the matter and demanded strict action. The victim’s family also reached the SP’s office and reported the entire incident. The SP has assured effective action in the case. The family says that Pawan Meghwal has severe injuries on his back and body. The assault was so brutal that his back has turned completely blue. The police are currently investigating the case. Edited by Aman Singh, Reported by Sandeep Kedia Aman Singh has nearly three years of experience in digital media and is currently with Zee Rajasthan. He keeps a close eye on every news story in Rajasthan, big and small, and is adept at presenting it effectively on digital platforms. With nearly three years of digital media experience, Aman has established a strong reputation in news production, content creation, and storytelling. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit farmer’s crop harvested in Nagla Tara Singh village: Threatened for protesting, 8 people charged
A case has come to light in Nagla Tara Singh village, in the Sikandrarao tehsil area, where a Dalit farmer’s standing sorghum crop was harvested. The victim, Mahesh, son of Mehtab Singh, resident of Jirauli Khurd, has filed a complaint and demanded action from the administration. In his application, Mahesh stated that he had purchased land in Nagla Tara Singh, plot number 81, an area of 0.100 m, on which a sorghum crop was standing. It is alleged that at around 7 a.m. the previous morning, some villagers, using force, harvested the standing crop. When Mahesh arrived at the scene and protested, the accused abused him, assaulted him, and threatened to kill him. The victim has accused six named individuals and two unidentified individuals of being involved in the incident. Mahesh stated that the incident was reported to Dial 112 police, but before the police could arrive, the accused left the scene after issuing threats. In a complaint letter to the administration, the victim stated that he and his family are in danger from the accused. He alleged that he filed a complaint with the Sub-District Magistrate, CO, and Kotwali in-charge, but despite repeated complaints, the administration and police are not taking any action. Frustrated and hoping for justice, the victim has also filed a complaint on the Chief Minister’s Public Hearing Portal, demanding strict legal action against the culprits and protection for his family. Meanwhile, the Sikandrarao Kotwali in-charge stated that the complaint has been received and the matter is being investigated. Based on the investigation, necessary legal action will be taken. Jayendra Varshney | Sikandrarao, Hathras Courtesy: Hindi News
15-yr-old Dalit girl abducted, raped in Etah; two held
Agra: A 15-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly abducted by three men from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district and raped by one of them before she was thrown on the roadside. Two of the accused have since been arrested. The alleged crime happened on Saturday night when the girl, a Class 10 student, went outside to fetch water. In her statement to the police, the survivor said, “Around 11 pm, my brother came back home from work, and I served him food. Then I went outside to fetch water. One of the accused gagged my mouth, dragged me and forced me into a loader vehicle.” Although family members rushed out to help, they could not stop the abductors. The family and their neighbours searched for the girl throughout the night. She was found lying on a road outside the village several hours later on Sunday morning. The girl told her family that one of the accused had raped her, police said, adding that the survivor knew one of the suspects, who is a resident of the same village. On Sunday morning, the girl’s father, accompanied by local residents and members of the Dalit community, reached the police station to lodge a complaint. An FIR was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 138 (abduction), 65(1) (rape), 74 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 61 (criminal conspiracy), alongside relevant sections of the POCSO Act. DSP Sankaldeep Kushwah said, “Two of the accused have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the third suspect. Further legal proceedings are being initiated, and the medical examination of the survivor has been completed.” 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
Dalit girl gang-raped in Etah: Three village boys dragged her into a car while she was fetching water at night, then brutally released.
A minor girl was abducted and gang-raped in the Marhara police station area of Etah district while she was fetching water. Based on a complaint from the victim’s family, police have registered a case against two named accused and an unidentified person. Police have arrested two of the accused and sent them to jail, while the search for the third is ongoing. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Saturday night. The 15-year-old girl had gone to fetch water from a tap to give it to her brother. It is alleged that Lavekesh alias Labba, son of Bhajanlal, and Niranjan, son of Amar Singh, from the same village, arrived with an unidentified accomplice. The accused gagged the girl, dragged her into a Maxx vehicle, took her to a secluded area, and gang-raped her. When the girl resisted, the accused threatened to kill her. After the incident, the accused abandoned the girl and fled. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the Marhara police station took immediate action. CO Sadar Sankalpdeep Kushwaha is investigating the case. Police have arrested Lavekesh and Niranjan and sent them to jail. Raids are underway to search for the unidentified third accused. The victim’s mother stated that her daughter had gone to fetch water when some men came, gagged, and took her away in a car. They were returning after feeding their son and when their daughter did not return, they began searching for her. After about two and a half hours, the daughter returned home in a distraught state. CO Sadar Sankalpdeep Kushwaha stated, “An FIR was immediately registered based on the victim’s father’s complaint. Within five hours, the police arrested the named accused and sent them to jail.” Nand Kumar | Etah Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to seek Congress top brass nod for cabinet rejig during Delhi visit
The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on May 26 for high-level deliberations with the Congress high command— Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal— a visit that is being viewed as significant for the state’s political future. Sources indicate that the CM will primarily seek the party leadership’s nod for a much-anticipated reshuffle of his cabinet and this will the first big reshuffle. The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. Apart from the ministerial reshuffle, names of three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections and nominations for the Legislative Council are also likely to be discussed. After the MLC election, the Congress will be the biggest party in the Upper House and the next chairman is expected to be from the party. These appointments are seen as critical for strengthening the party’s presence in the Council and rewarding loyalists ahead of key electoral battles. While there has been speculation in some quarters that the broader question of leadership in Karnataka Congress could come up during the visit, a senior party leader dismissed such talk as “wishful thinking”. The leadership issue, according to the leader, is not on the agenda and remains settled in favour of the current arrangement. The Delhi trip is also expected to cover the Congress’ strategy for the upcoming GBA and other local and assembly-level elections. With the party aiming to consolidate its position in urban and rural pockets of Karnataka, fine-tuning campaign strategies and candidate selection processes will be key focus areas. Political observers note that the outcome of this visit could have a bearing on the stability and direction of the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as the party looks to maintain momentum after its victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the itinerary or the specific agenda, but party insiders confirm that Siddaramaiah will hold meetings with top Congress leadership, and other central observers. Bansy Kalappa Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala budget on June 19, to focus on economy, infrastructure: Satheesan
Satheesan said the budget will include major announcements in health, education and infrastructure, stressing development is more than just buildings. KOCHI: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said the state budget will be presented on June 19, with economic revival as the government’s primary focus. He was addressing a reception organised by Ernakulam Pouravali. “Handling the finance portfolio was a major responsibility as the treasury and the wealth belong to the people. The wealth generated through development will be distributed equitably among all sections of society. Several dream projects, including plans to transform Kerala into a ‘port and aviation hub,’ will become a reality in the state,” the chief minister said. Additionally, he said the budget would carry major announcements in the health, education and infrastructure sectors. Emphasising the government’s development vision, Satheesan said development was not limited to constructing large buildings and infrastructure projects. “Real development is reflected in progressive changes that improve the living standards of ordinary people. Despite the challenges, the government has a clear vision to overcome them and transform Kerala,” he added. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kelkar takes charge as Kerala CM’s secretary, opposition cries foul
CPM alleges the appointment mirrors a West Bengal controversy and hints at a Congress–Election Commission “deal”, calling for a probe. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid a political storm, Rathan U Kelkar assumed office as the secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday. Though it was a holiday, he took charge on the day reportedly on the instructions of the chief minister. The appointment of Kelkar, who had been serving as Kerala’s chief electoral officer, as the chief minister’s secretary has triggered sharp criticism from the opposition. The CPM alleged that the appointment was similar to a controversial move in West Bengal and hinted at a possible “deal” between the Election Commission and the Congress, demanding a probe into it. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the appointment had put the Congress national leadership in a difficult position. He pointed out that the Congress had strongly opposed the appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the-then chief electoral officer in West Bengal, as chief secretary by the BJP government in the state. Govindan noted that Rahul Gandhi himself had criticised the Bengal appointment, but the Congress was now unable to take a similar stand in Kerala. Calling it a decision taken solely with the knowledge of the chief minister, Govindan said the Congress was in no position either to justify or oppose the move. He also alleged that details regarding any “deal” behind the appointment would emerge soon. When Agarwal was appointed the chief secretary, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had said in an X post: “In the BJP-EC’s ‘chor bazaar’, the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward.” Referring to the comment, the CPM and the BJP asked Rahul to clarify if his views were the same following Kelkar’s appointment. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan described the appointment as “highly mysterious”. Meanwhile, BJP legislator and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan accused the Congress of “double standards”. Muraleedharan, the new Kazhakkoottam MLA, termed the move “suspicious” and asked whether the administrative appointment was a “favour returned” for assisting the UDF in winning 100 seats in the state assembly. “When the BJP wins, Congress alleges vote theft and EVM manipulation. But when Congress wins, the chief electoral officer becomes an efficient official. People of Kerala should recognise this double standard,” he told reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Describing the appointment as another example of Congress’ “opportunistic politics”, he claimed that people in Thiruvananthapuram view recent postings as rewards based on personal interests. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya questioned Rahul’s silence on the issue. Referring to the West Bengal controversy, Malviya said Rahul had earlier termed such appointments as part of “vote theft”, but was now remaining silent. Malviya also alleged that Kelkar continues to hold the post of chief electoral officer, a position that is expected to function impartially. He questioned whether Rahul’s “moral outrage” depended only on which party was in power. “If Rahul did not view Kelkar’s appointment similar to Agarwal’s, the Congress leader should apologise to the people and the chief minister of West Bengal,” Muraleedharan said. He also referred to Satheesan’s remarks before the elections that he would go into political exile if the UDF failed to win more than 100 seats. “Does that mean he had assurances of support from those conducting the elections, including regarding the number of seats,” he asked. ‘Double standards’ Opposition calls out Congress’ criticism of similar appointment in West Bengal Leaders, including M V Govindan, T P Ramakrishnan, and V Muraleedharan expressed dissent Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Orissa HC dismisses BJP leader’s petition challenging Jaleswar MLA’s election
The court ruled that appointing a panchayat samiti chairman as an election agent did not violate any statutory provision or materially affect the poll outcome. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has dismissed the election petition filed by BJP leader Brajamohan Pradhan challenging the election of BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra from the Jaleswar Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. Pradhan had lost the election by a narrow margin of 319 votes. In his petition, Pradhan alleged that Patra had illegally appointed Manas Jena, chairman of Jaleswar panchayat samiti, as his election and counting agent during the polls. He stated that Election Commission guidelines prohibit persons holding such public offices from functioning as election, polling or counting agents. He contended that despite the alleged restriction, the returning officer accepted Jena’s appointment, thereby vitiating the election process. Rejecting the contention, the High Court observed that neither the Constitution nor the Representation of the People Act, 1951 imposed any statutory disqualification on Manas Jena from acting as an election or counting agent. Justice Sashikanta Mishra held that the objection raised by the petitioner was based only on executive instructions contained in the Handbook for Candidates, which do not possess statutory force. He observed that no such evidence or material particulars had been placed on record by the petitioner. “In absence of any statutory prohibition and further in absence of any pleading or proof of material effect on the election result, the contention advanced cannot be accepted,” Justice Mishra ruled and dismissed the petition as devoid of merit. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights