‘This is not North Korea, it is India’: Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi amid row over ‘shirtless’ protest
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the row over the arrest of Youth Congress members following the controversial ‘shirtless’ protest at the India AI Impact Summit, accusing the Centre of suppressing peaceful dissent. “The world’s largest democracy is being slowly pushed in a direction where dissent is branded as treason and asking questions is called a conspiracy. Think about it – no matter the issue, if you raise your voice against those in power through constitutional means, then batons, lawsuits, and jail are almost a certainty,” Rahul said in a post. “”Peaceful protest is not a crime – it is the soul of democracy. Asking questions is not democracy’s weakness, it is its strength,” he added. Referring to the arrest of Youth Congress workers, Gandhi said those protesting against the government were being branded anti-national and jailed. “When the Youth Congress peacefully protested against a US Trade deal harmful to the country, they were branded ‘anti-national’ and arrested,” he said. The remarks came after Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Uday Bhanu Chib and several party workers were arrested in connection with the “shirtless” protest held at Bharat Mandapam during the AI summit in New Delhi. During the protest, a group of Youth Congress workers entered the venue wearing T-shirts concealed under winter clothing and later removed their shirts while raising slogans against the Prime Minister. Police described Chib as the alleged “mastermind” behind the demonstration and took him into custody, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to eight. Backing the arrested workers earlier, Gandhi had described them as “Babbar Sher comrades” and expressed solidarity with the youth wing. “I am proud of my Babbar Sher colleagues in the Youth Congress, who have fearlessly raised their voices in the interest of the country against the ‘COMPROMISED PM’,” he had said. He added that peaceful protest was a democratic right and that raising questions against the government should not be treated as a crime. The arrests triggered a political controversy, with the Congress calling the police action politically motivated while the BJP accused the party of attempting to embarrass the country during an international event. 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
DMK MP Kanimozhi may meet Rahul Gandhi again to iron out differences over seat-sharing
Chennai: Seat-sharing talks between DMK and Congress have hit a roadblock, with Congress refusing to settle for the numbers offered by the principal ally. DMK MP Kanimozhi is likely to meet Congress leaders in Delhi on Friday as leaders of the two parties kept talking in different voices over the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat, too. “Kanimozhi has sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi after her parliamentary committee meeting on Friday morning. She will explain the reasons for DMK’s inability to fulfil the demands of Congress,” said a source. DMK has been citing the inclusion of more partners in the alliance as a reason for its inability to give more seats to allies. During her talks with AICC member Girish Chodankar on Feb 23, Kanimozhi had requested Congress to settle for 27 seats. Chodankar conveyed the message to the Congress leadership, and the Congress high command was not happy with the numbers, sources said. “We started with the offer of 25 seats and raised it by two, but they don’t seem to be happy with it,” said a DMK source. The stalemate triggered rumours that Congress has reopened channels of communication with TVK. Seeking to end speculations, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said the Congress-DMK alliance remains strong. “A Congress candidate will file a nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat in a couple of days under the DMK alliance,” he said. However, DMK sources said Kanimozhi had communicated to Chodankar that Congress can be given a Rajya Sabha seat only in 2028. 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
Wayanad: Cong launches 100 homes for survivors
Kozhikode: Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi laid the foundation stone for homes Congress will build for the survivors of Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide. The project at Kunnambetta in Meppadi panchayat will see construction of 100 houses, each measuring 1,100 sq ft on eight cents. Addressing the gathering, Rahul said the people of Wayanad showed unmatched courage in the face of disaster. “You lost and lost, but you never lost your spirit. You never lost your courage and more importantly, you never lost the compassion for others,” he said. He added that launching the housing project sends a message to survivors that the party will stand with them throughout recovery and healing. “For us, it is not a one-day event that happened. Because you are our family, we are going to stand with you whenever you need us,” he said. Speaking at the event, Priyanka said she will stay with the disaster-affected people until they rebuild their lives fully. She said the tragedy’s scenes can never be forgotten. “What I saw that day will never leave me. You lost everything – your homes, your families, sops, businesses, everything. But what struck me most was your courage, your pride, the way every single person here did whatever they could to help you. And the way you stood together, helping each other irrespective of religion and different sections you belonged to. You gave each other courage and love when you needed it most,” she said. On the delay in starting project work, Priyanka said she was pained the process took so long. She added that the delay was due to required clearances and land issues. The party purchased 3.25 acres and is now in the process of buying another 2.18 acres. Negotiations are ongoing to acquire an additional five acres, she said. Priyanka handed over Rs 5 lakh to 40 traders, who had lost their shops in the disaster. KPCC chief Sunny Joseph presided over the event. AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Dasmushi, IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, and several other party leaders also spoke at the function. 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 ‘sacrificing farmers’ in trade pact: Rahul
Kozhikode: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of sacrificing India’s farmers through the proposed India–US trade deal, terming it a ‘criminal act’ to open the domestic agricultural market to American producers. Speaking at an interaction with farmers in Peravoor in Kannur, Rahul alleged that the Prime Minister was under pressure to agree to the deal due to two issues—the unreleased Epstein files and a case involving the Adani Group in the United States. “I can tell you with confidence that no Indian PM would do this. Allowing American farmers to sell soyabean, corn and fruits in India is going to destroy the foundation we have built so carefully. The whole Green Revolution and White Revolution happened because we believed that we needed a foundation built in agriculture,” Rahul said. He further alleged that US President Donald Trump was exerting pressure on the Prime Minister. Rahul also claimed that ruling party members in the Lok Sabha prevented him from speaking in Parliament as he intended to raise these matters. “The first concerns the 3.5 million Epstein files that have not been released. Please understand they are held secret by the US govt. These files have information about the PM of India,” Rahul alleged, adding that the second threat was the case involving the Adani Group in the US. “The threat to the PM is very clear- If you do not do what we want, we will release to everybody the entire financial architecture of you and BJP,” Rahul said, adding that those were the two reasons that made Modi agree to the Indo-US trade deal, which he said, amounts to destroying the agricultural foundation of India using a JCB. “Indian farmers are being sacrificed so that the PM can protect himself and can protect the financial foundation of BJP,” Rahul 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
Ayodhya News: Raja Man Singh accused of grabbing Dalit land
Ayodhya. The troubles of Raja Man Singh, imprisoned in Sariawan, are steadily increasing. He has now been accused of grabbing a Dalit’s land in Sariawan and giving it to another Dalit. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have filed a report against three people, including Man Singh. In the FIR, Dharampal, a resident of Pure Balla Mouza Sariawan in the Purakalandar area, stated that on August 30, 2014, the tehsil administration granted him a lease for agricultural purposes. At that time, he was cultivating his land. In May 2025, Pawan Kumar, a resident of Pure Mehrban, Raja Man Singh, and Govind Singh, a resident of Sidhir, began seizing his land with a JCB. When he protested, the accused threatened him and drove him away. When he went to the police, under Man Singh’s influence, the police issued a challan against him. Subsequently, both parties were summoned before the SDM, Sohawal. The accountant claimed to separate the land but refused to grant possession. Later, he surrounded his field with pillars and poles, but his opponents broke the poles. Later, Gunjan Yadav, a resident of Civil Lines, Arya Deepak, Arya Nivedan, and Arya Shakti, residents of Sariyawan Square, were given possession. Since then, he has been running around trying to free his land from occupation. He has filed a report against the accused and demanded security for him and his family. CO Ayodhya Ashutosh Tiwari said that a report has been filed against the accused and the matter is being investigated. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit family attacked for playing loud music after namaz in UP; 12 held
MEERUT: Twelve people were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attacking a Dalit family during a child’s naming ceremony in Ganora Sheikh village of Bulandshahr district over loud music, police said. Complainant Akash Kumar, 25, said the gathering, which featured DJ music and dance, had paused for local Muslim residents to perform prayers on Monday. After prayers, the music resumed, but around 15 to 20 men allegedly barged in with sticks, assaulting attendees, including women. He added that the assailants used casteist slurs and vandalised the property. SHO Neeraj Malik said the 12 accused have been sent to jail and further arrests are expected in the matter. “Those involved in the clash didn’t sustain any major injury,” he said. Police registered an FIR on Tuesday under BNS sections for rioting and voluntarily causing hurt, and SC/ST Act against village head Moyeen Khan, Matlub Ali, Mohd Adil, Akram Khan, and others. 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
Father, son booked for assaulting Dalit minor in moral policing incident in Mangaluru
The complainant has further alleged that caste-based insults were hurled at the boy and that he was publicly threatened with dire consequences if he returned to the area. MANGALURU: In an alleged case of moral policing, a 14-year-old Dalit boy was assaulted by a father and son near a railway track at Babugudde in Mangaluru city. According to the complaint filed by the boy’s father, his son was sitting and conversing with his female friend near the railway track on February 23 at around 4 pm. At that time, the accused, Stevan Montheiro, approached them while recording a video on his mobile phone, questioned their presence, accused them of inappropriate behaviour, and threatened to upload the footage on social media. When the boy attempted to leave the spot, he was stopped and taken to a nearby road, where he was verbally abused and assaulted by Stevan and his son, Avil. The complainant has further alleged that caste-based insults were hurled at the boy and that he was publicly threatened with dire consequences if he returned to the area. The accused are also alleged to have circulated the video on WhatsApp. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case under Section 176 of the BNSS. Further inquiry is underway. Vincent D’ Souza 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
Dalit Wedding Procession Attacked in Aligarh After Dispute Over Song, FIR Filed
A Dalit wedding procession was allegedly attacked in Sunana village, Aligarh, after a dispute over a DJ song led to stone pelting and vandalism. A Dalit wedding procession was allegedly attacked in Sunana village of Aligarh on Tuesday night after a dispute broke out over a song played during the baraat. The incident led to stone pelting, vandalism and tension in the area under Jawan police station limits. According to police, the clash took place around 9.15 pm when the procession was passing through a locality of another community. Officials said a song perceived as caste-based and objectionable was played on the DJ system, which triggered objections from locals. The situation soon escalated into violence, with members of both sides allegedly attacking each other with sticks and stones. Videos of the clash later went viral on social media. Police Say Song Triggered Dispute Superintendent of Police City Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said a preliminary inquiry suggested that the conflict began after a participant in the procession played a provocative song through a mobile phone connected to the DJ system. “When a member of the baraat played a song intended to stir up caste-based feelings, it was objected to by members present there. Police reached the spot, pacified both sides and provided security to the procession,” Pathak said. He added that the baraat was safely escorted to the wedding venue and no injuries were officially reported. “Peace has been restored in the village. A case has been registered, and those involved are being identified for strict action,” he said. Sub Inspector Ghanshyam Singh, in his complaint, stated that when the procession entered the locality, an unknown baraati played an objectionable song. “People objected, and some unknown persons attacked each other, abused each other and used sticks. Nearby houses were also vandalised. The incident created panic and disturbed law and order,” he said. Police have seized video footage and the audio track for investigation. An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, criminal force and mischief, along with provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Family Alleges Targeted Attack However, family members of the bride have alleged that the procession was attacked without provocation. Anees Kumar, the bride’s brother, claimed that miscreants armed with sharp-edged weapons targeted the baraat. He said the wedding party could move forward only after police intervention. In another viral video, a participant in the procession accused members of the Thakur community of pelting stones at the Dalit wedding procession. He alleged that the attack reflected growing caste tensions. Political Reactions Chandra Shekhar Azad, chief of the Bhim Army, condemned the incident and termed it serious. He alleged that the procession was attacked with sticks and other weapons, and that casteist slurs were used. Police have deployed additional forces in the village to maintain law and order. Officials said the situation is currently peaceful, and efforts are ongoing to identify those involved in the clash. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana on March 2, to address new DCC chiefs
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Hyderabad on March 2 as part of the party’s organisational push in the two Telugu states. As per the tentative schedule, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha will arrive at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on Monday and proceed to Vikarabad to attend a training camp for the newly appointed District Congress Committee presidents. The DCC presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are undergoing a 10-day training programme. Rahul Gandhi will address them at the valedictory session of the programme and is expected to give a roadmap to the new DCC chiefs to further strengthen the party at the grassroots levels. During the visit, chief minister A Revanth Reddy is expected to discuss with him the upcoming election to the two Rajya Sabha seats in Telangana, the finalisation of candidates, and the development works being taken up by the govt in the run-up to Telangana Formation Day on June 2. Other political and organisational matters are also likely to be discussed. Meanwhile, sources have not ruled out the possibility of Rahul Gandhi visiting the state again in the second or third week of March to address a public meeting in Mulugu district. The Telangana Congress is planning to organise a public meeting as part of the AICC’s call for a nationwide protest against the G Ram G Act. Panchayat raj minister D Anasuya alias Seethakka represents the Mulugu Assembly constituency. The AICC has appointed her as a core member of its MNREGA Bachao Sangram committee. Also, the Mulugu district has a large number of people who are enrolled under MNREGA. Though Rahul Gandhi’s visit on March 2 was confirmed by his office, TPCC leaders said they have received only a tentative green signal about his participation in the proposed public rally in Mulugu. 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, Kharge to attend farmers’ conference in Sriganganagar proposed on March 9
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Congress would launch an agitation against the Centre’s trade deal with the United States with a farmers’ conference in Sriganganagar on March 9, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra announced Wednesday. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to address the conference, which the party says will mark the beginning of a statewide campaign against the agreement. Dotasra alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted the trade deal “under pressure from the US” and claimed it would harm the interests of farmers, traders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and handicraft artisans in Rajasthan. “The PM made a trade deal with the US, compromising the interests of the country’s farmers, which the party will oppose,” Dotasra said. “Congress workers are committed to taking every possible step and struggle to protect the interests of the country’s farmers and traders.” Dotasra said Congress workers would reach out to farmers and traders “affected by the American trade deal” and “expose the decision taken by the Centre against national interest”. 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