Rahul Gandhi calls on ‘Gen Z comrades’ to join mega rally in Kota, targets Centre over paper leaks and jobs
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of “shattering millions of dreams” through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office tried to derail the event. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla’s office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi’s event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress. “LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme,” Gehlot said. “It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people.” The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot’s allegations “extremely irresponsible and unfortunate.” Also read | Om Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok GehlotOm Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok Gehlot Congress: Youth face ‘two examinations’ Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face “two examinations” — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of “their patience, their courage, and their perseverance” for having to deal with dual struggles. “Our youth don’t face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance,” Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party “will not remain silent on this injustice,” calling it “a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India. Nationwide movement to expand According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, “Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees.” The site describes it as “a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India’s education system.” Rahul Gandhi’s message to students “My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government’s responsibility. But responsibility and honesty — both are beyond the Modi government’s way of thinking,” Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as “tools” the government is using to destroy students’ futures. “Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he said. “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That’s why I’m calling on all of you – June 17, Kota. Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you,” he added. NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21 The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers. 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
“Following Ambedkar’s ideas is so…” 14-year-old Dalit content creator receives open rape threats! Why she became an online target, read the full story
A case has come to light in Delhi where a young man named ‘Gaurav Hindu’ publicly threatened and abused a minor. Nishu appealed to the Delhi Police for help in a video released on June 30. Delhi – Nishu Azad, a 14-year-old Dalit social media creator, is receiving open rape threats. Earlier, during the CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest, her father was attacked in an organized attack, his head was torn apart with a rod, and he received stitches in three places. Nishu is in trauma, and the family is pleading for justice and protection. Nishu Azad was active in the CJP movement. She and her father had declared themselves separate from Hinduism. They clearly stated that they do not consider themselves Hindus. This statement went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among conservative groups. This led to online trolling and then a physical attack. On June 23rd, Nishu’s father was recording a video at Jantar Mantar when a gang of about 15 people attacked him. One attacker smashed the camera, then took out a bracelet and repeatedly struck him on the head, causing deep injuries to three parts of his head. Following the attack, Nishu Azad released an emotional video, identifying the accused, who were roaming in the high-security zone. She stated that the attack was carried out because of her statements and her active participation in the CJP protests. Now, Nishu is receiving repeated rape threats from individuals, including Gaurav Hindu. In a video released on June 30th, Nishu herself appealed to the Delhi Police for help. In her video, Nishu says, “I’m in trauma. I’ve been tolerating this for three days… People are abusing me, saying I won’t live long… Gaurav Hindu is threatening me… I don’t want to speak for myself… He’s making such threats.” Crying, Nishu continues, “I’m not scared, but I’m in trauma… Can showing people the truth and telling them the truth… Can following Ambedkar’s ideals be so costly? The police aren’t taking any action on this.” Expressing her helplessness, Nishu asks what she should do, against whom should she file an FIR. Following Nishu’s video, several Bahujan handles have voiced their support. Social media users are demanding the arrest of the accused who made rape threats and casteist abuses against the minor. What the Law Says: Strict Provisions on Rape Threats Indian law is very strict on the abuse of minor children. Any accused who openly made rape threats to a 14-year-old Dalit content creator like Nishu Azad can be charged with several serious sections. Sexual threats or attempts to commit a crime against a minor (under 18 years of age) also fall under the POCSO Act. Threats of rape are punishable under Sections 11 (sexual harassment) and 12 (criminal intimidation). The punishment can be a minimum of 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine. If the threat clearly contains sexual intent, it is considered more serious. Since Nishu belongs to the Dalit community, if the threat involves caste-based insults or hatred, sections of the SC/ST Act can also be invoked. This Act provides additional protection and speedy trial for such crimes. Action can also be taken for rape threats made on social media. The victim or their guardian can file a written complaint at the police station. Delhi Police should immediately register an FIR. POCSO cases require timely investigation and trial in a child-friendly court. Screenshots, videos, messages, and witness statements are important as evidence. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A deadly attack on a couple in Kurara: Violent men dragged the husband and allegedly assaulted the woman; police investigating.
A Dalit family has been fatally attacked in Umraht village, under the Kurara police station area of Hamirpur. It is alleged that the violators entered the home, attacked the couple, and mistreated the woman. The woman’s husband was seriously injured in the incident. The victim has appealed to the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police for justice and protection. In a complaint letter to the Superintendent of Police, the victim, Keshkali, wife of Santram, stated that the incident occurred at around 12:15 a.m. on June 28, 2026. Keshkali was sleeping with her family in the veranda of their home when some villagers entered their home armed with sticks and illegal firearms. It is alleged that the attackers abused and attacked the couple. They brutally beat Keshkali’s husband, Santram, and dragged him about 100 feet from their home to Ramu’s house. Santram was also severely assaulted there, leaving him bleeding and seriously injured. The victim also accused the main accused of assault, snatching, and molestation. The complaint also states that the main accused is a criminal. A case against him under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code is already pending in court at the Kurara police station. The victims filed a written complaint at the Kurara police station on the night of the incident. Subsequently, the police arranged for their medical examinations at the Primary Health Center (PHC) Kurara. However, the victims allege that instead of taking strict action against the accused, the police charged both parties under sections of “disturbing the peace.” In a letter submitted to the Superintendent of Police, the victim stated that the police’s lax action has emboldened the perpetrators. The victim and her entire family face a serious threat to their lives and property. She has urged the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police to intervene in the matter and take strict legal action against all the accused. Dinesh Kumar | Patara, Hamirpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Madhya Pradesh: Dalits and tribals suffering from low compensation in the Ken-Betwa Link Project
Chura Ahirwar, former sarpanch of Palkonha village, explains, “The main problem with the project is low compensation. In the village, some are being given Rs. 30,000, some Rs. 50,000, and some Rs. 1 lakh for their houses. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” Read this report The Ken-Betwa Link Project in Madhya Pradesh is a river linking project. The project was approved for implementation under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project involves transferring water from the Ken River to the Betwa River. The project cost is estimated at Rs. 44,605 crore. The project is estimated to irrigate a total of 10.62 lakh hectares annually. Meanwhile, 2.3 million trees will be cut for the project. Approximately 1,913 families will be affected by the project, and approximately 9,000 hectares of land will be submerged. In such a situation, the people primarily affected by this project are Dalits and tribals. They also face the threat of displacement. The biggest challenge in the project is the need for adequate compensation. For years, affected people have been taking steps like submitting memorandums and protesting to secure adequate compensation. Last April, the demand for compensation for the affected people took the form of a widespread Panchtatva Satyagraha movement. This movement began on April 5, 2026, and lasted for approximately 12 days. The affected people participated in the Panchtatva Satyagraha by smearing mud on their bodies, lying on pyres, committing symbolic hangings, conducting Jal Satyagraha, fasting, and extinguishing their stoves. During this period, slogans such as “Our village – your arbitrariness will not be tolerated” were raised. Ultimately, the affected people threatened a massive movement and gave the administration time to reconsider the compensation issue. We visited the rural areas of Panna district to understand the pain of the people affected by this project. These areas include Palkonha, Kadwara, Naiguwan, etc. in the Bijawar tehsil of the district. First, we arrive in Palkonha. Near the main road in this village, we discuss compensation with some villagers. Madanlal Ahirwar (50), a Scheduled Caste member, tells us, “I have been paid 30,000 rupees in compensation for my two-story house. We filed an application complaining about the low compensation, but have received no response. Can 30,000 rupees even lay the foundation for a house today?” Nanni Bai Ahirwar (70) is left without adequate compensation. She says, “I have two rooms in my house, for which I have not received any compensation. Similarly, my elder son’s house has not received compensation. Everything we have is at stake in this project. How will we manage our lives if we don’t receive adequate compensation?” Further into the village, near a platform, we meet Rammu Ahirwar (65) and Chura Ahirwar (48). In conversation, Rammu says, “My house cost around 10 lakh rupees. But I only received 4.5 lakh rupees in compensation. With that, we can’t rebuild our house like before.” He further adds, “Due to the lack of compensation, villagers are unable to go to cities like Indore, Bhopal, Delhi, and Mumbai for livelihood. Those who received little or no compensation are unable to build their own houses or get their sons and daughters married.” Chura Ahirwar, the former village sarpanch, adds, “The main problem with the project is the low compensation. Some in the village are being given 30 thousand rupees for a house, some 50 thousand rupees, and some 1 lakh rupees for a house. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” After talking with the villagers of Palkonha, we head to Naiguwan village. We reach Naiguwan in about 30 minutes by bike. In this village, we meet some villagers near a banyan tree. Shakuntala Saur (40), a tribal woman, earns her living by working as a laborer. Sadly, she explains, “The government provides over 1 lakh rupees under the housing scheme. However, the compensation for our house is only 60,000 rupees. Just imagine, is this justice done to us? Who can build a house with this much? It can’t even build a proper toilet and bathroom.” As soon as Shakuntala finishes her sentence, Andu Saur (52) adds, “Our two-story house falls in the submergence zone of the project, and we haven’t received any compensation yet. When we complain to the officials about compensation, they say it will come…it will come. But we don’t know when it will come.” Then, we speak with Bihari Saur (55) about the project’s problems. He says, “The reason we haven’t received adequate compensation under this project is because of the lack of a proper survey. The officials didn’t conduct the compensation survey door-to-door, but instead gathered villagers together in one place. This has led to irregularities in the compensation.” After learning about the compensation issue in Palkonha village, we headed towards Kadwara village. We reached Kadwara by bike in about 40 minutes. In this village, we chatted with some villagers near a public water tap. Hakka Ahirwar (40 years old), a Scheduled Caste, says, “Our family, Bablu, Chandu, and I, three brothers, rely on 11 acres of agricultural land for our livelihood. This was acquired for the project. We received compensation of Rs. 5 lakh per acre for this land. However, when we go to buy land, we get Rs. 10-12 lakh per acre. Consequently, we are unable to purchase land. This is the problem faced by the farmers whose land is submerged in the project.” He further says, “We have only had the skill of farming for generations. The government hasn’t given us any other skills, nor has it provided any employment. Meanwhile, the government is paying 5 lakh rupees per acre as compensation for the land. At the same time, it’s deducting 5 lakh rupees from the residential plot being given to us. Is this fair?” Divya Ahirwar (60 years old) explains, “We received 2 lakh rupees in compensation for our two-story house. I spent 40 thousand rupees seven years ago to get a borewell installed in
Main accused arrested in Dalit youth’s death case: Died during treatment after assault, search for others intensified
Police have arrested Saurabh, the main accused, in the case of the death of Dalit youth Shyamveer Pratap Singh alias Sonu during treatment in Ujaramau village of Rajepur police station area in Farrukhabad. Following his arrest, the accused was produced in court and sent to jail in judicial custody. According to police, Shyamveer Pratap Singh was seriously injured in a fight on the night of June 18th due to an old rivalry. Family members allege that the accused assaulted him using casteist slurs. The injured youth was first referred to CHC Rajepur, then to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and later to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where he died during treatment. Section 105 added after death A case was registered under relevant sections at the Rajepur police station based on the complaint of the deceased’s brother. Following the young man’s death, Section 105 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was added to the case. Given the seriousness of the matter, a special police team was formed under the direction of Station House Officer Nagendra Singh. Based on continuous raids and technical evidence, police, led by Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Singh, arrested the main accused, Saurabh. Police stated that no culprit will be spared. Station House Officer Nagendra Singh stated that a thorough investigation into the case is ongoing. Based on the available evidence, strict legal action will be taken against all the accused, and no one will be spared. Sundram Singh | Amritpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP vs Rahul on SIR: BJP Says DK Is Backing SIR, Questions Rahul’s ‘Vote Chori’ Charge
The Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka has sparked a fierce political war, exposing a sharp contradiction within the Congress party. Nationally, Rahul Gandhi aggressively opposes the drive, framing it as an unconstitutional tool for “voter theft” aimed at deleting minority and marginalized voters. However, the Congress-led Karnataka government, driven by CM D.K. Shivakumar, is actively executing the enumeration on the ground. The BJP has seized on this divergence, accusing Congress of blatant hypocrisy. BJP leaders argue that Shivakumar’s mobilization of 59,000 Booth Level Officers completely invalidates Gandhi’s national conspiracy narrative. Tension has intensified over Shivakumar’s heavy-handed execution, where he warned citizens that failing to verify their names could cost them vital state welfare rations. Ultimately, this friction highlights the widening gap between national opposition rhetoric and the practical realities of state governance. 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
‘We will fulfil resolve for social justice’: Rahul greets Akhilesh on 53rd birthday
AICC president Kharge also greeted Yadav and vowed to jointly continue advancing the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday greeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on his 53rd birthday, and said together they will fulfil the resolve for social justice. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted Yadav on his birthday, and vowed to jointly continue advancing the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, “Many happy returns of the day, @yadavakhilesh ji. Together, we will fulfil the resolve for social justice through the participation of the PDA (Pichra, Dalit, Alpasankhyak).” “Best wishes for good health and a happy life,” he said. Yadav, who was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017, turned 53 on Wednesday. In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge said, “Heartfelt birthday wishes to the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and national president of the Samajwadi Party, Shri Akhilesh Yadav. I wish you a bright future, excellent health, and a long life.” “Together, we will continue to advance the cause of social justice, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democracy and the Constitution,” Kharge said. 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
Arun Yadav urges Rahul Gandhi to step in as Digvijaya Singh-Jitu Patwari row exposes MP Congress rift
Yadav’s post came a day after reports of infighting surfaced during the Madhya Pradesh Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at the party headquarters in Bhopal. BHOPAL: Former Madhya Pradesh Congress president and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav has urged Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the party’s central leadership to intervene to strengthen organisational unity in the state unit. “Honorable Shri Rahul Gandhi, the BJP and its government are grappling with internal conflicts, failures, and other problems in Madhya Pradesh. Even in this period, the truly loyal workers of the Congress party organization (in MP) are struggling ideologically. During such times, certain individuals are making futile attempts to break the morale of those workers under a contrived conspiracy; there is no doubt in this. “It is only by combining the enthusiasm of the youth and the wisdom of the party’s experienced leaders that we can confront the fascist ideology. In such a situation, if responsible people try to exploit their personal grievances and animosity at the expense of the party’s workers, it will not be timely. Kindly intervene through the central leadership to prevent the morale of the struggling workers from breaking and graciously strengthen the organizational unity,” Yadav posted on X on Wednesday. Yadav’s post came a day after reports of infighting surfaced during the Madhya Pradesh Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at the party headquarters in Bhopal. Former minister Sajjan Singh Verma, MLA Arif Masood and former MLA Pravin Pathak reportedly criticised senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh for contradicting state Congress president Jitu Patwari’s stand on allegations relating to the allotment of land worth Rs 500 crore to a trust in Ujjain by the Mohan Yadav government. In a related development, Madhya Pradesh Congress general secretary Nidhi Chaturvedi, daughter of former MP Satyavrat Chaturvedi, launched a sharp attack on Digvijaya Singh in a social media post. “When will Congress be freed from ‘Naagpash’ of Digvijaya Singh. His (Singh’s) restlessness, anger, and indecorous conduct are nothing but a highly inappropriate, distressing, and condemnable step taken out of ‘attachment to his son.’ In his ambition to seat his son, Jaivardhan Singh, in the position of state party president, he has forgotten what party discipline means,” she wrote. The controversy stems from a June 24 press conference in New Delhi, where Patwari and Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera cited a national daily’s investigation into land purchases by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, his relatives and associated real estate firms in Ujjain. Patwari had also alleged that government land worth Rs 500 crore in Ujjain had been allotted to the Veer Bharat Nyas for a token amount of Re 1. “Its trustee is Shriram Tiwari, who is the Chief Minister’s cultural advisor. On what basis was such expensive land given to this trust?” he had asked. Days later, Digvijaya Singh publicly disputed the allegation while speaking to reporters in Ujjain and later in Barwani. “It is being alleged that land worth Rs 500 crore has been rendered to a private trust for Rs 1 only. But I’ve all relevant papers with me, which establish that the concerned land hasn’t been given to any private trust, instead the concerned trust is a government trust. I don’t speak on any issue without proper research… There isn’t a dearth of dalals (brokers), who make false accusations and then earn money,” Singh had said. His remarks, seen as contradicting the state unit’s allegations, were repeatedly highlighted by the BJP to target Patwari while praising Singh’s stand. The reported differences triggered resentment among several Congress leaders during Tuesday’s PAC meeting, prompting Digvijaya Singh and Patwari to jointly address the media later in the day. “Entire Congress party in MP is united in the fight against corruption of Dr Mohan Yadav government. All complaints related to land deals by the state’s CM and his family are being probed at our level. We all will unitedly fight a definite battle on the issue,” the two leaders said. Seeking to end speculation over differences, Digvijaya Singh added: “Confusion is being spread about differences between me and state party chief Jitu Patwari. He (Patwari) is like my son. I’ve spent more than half a century in the Congress party. I can never use the word Dalal for any leader of the party, including the state party chief. I used the word Dalal for a journalist, whose name is Bhupendra Dalal.” With the reports of infighting dominating television coverage, the Madhya Pradesh Congress on Wednesday questioned why electronic media channels had not given similar prominence to the allegations over the chief minister’s land deals. “Instead of covering issues of burning public importance, efforts are being made to divert the public attention to other issues,” the party said. The state Congress has also announced a three-day Maun Satyagraha (silent protest). In an official statement, state Congress general secretary (organisation) Dr Sanjay Kamle said that, barring authorised press conferences and briefings, no Congress leader in the state would participate in television debates or give soundbites to TV channels during the next three days. 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 Governor clears Seshadrinathan’s posting as new state election commissioner
The appointment came despite stiff opposition from KPCC general secretary P M Niyas and a section of Congress leaders, as well as the Youth League, the IUML’s youth wing. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Arlekar has approved the cabinet’s proposal to appoint N Seshadrinathan as the new State Election Commissioner. The official notification was issued on Wednesday. Speaking to TNIE, Seshadrinathan expressed happiness over the appointment and said he would assume charge at the earliest. Seshadrinathan has served as Principal District and Sessions Judge in Kavaratti, as CBI Court judge in Ernakulam, and in several other judicial positions. Following his retirement, he has been serving as a judge at the Irinjalakkuda Family Court. The appointment came despite stiff opposition from KPCC general secretary P M Niyas and a section of Congress leaders, as well as the Youth League, the IUML’s youth wing. They had questioned Seshadrinathan’s alleged past links with the CPM and the Sangh Parivar. Niyas had sought the intervention of Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KPCC president Sunny Joseph and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, urging them to intervene. However, as he failed to garner enough support, the cabinet went ahead with the appointment. Seshadrinathan’s name was proposed by Local Self Government Minister K M Shaji, the Indian Union Muslim League’s representative in the cabinet. League sources said the decision had triggered differences of opinion within the party, with one section backing Shaji while another opposed the appointment. The decision has also led to discontent within the Youth League. However, those backing Shaji maintained that the allegations against Seshadrinathan remained unsubstantiated and had surfaced only after another aspirant for the post missed out. Meanwhile, the League’s stand has raised eyebrows among sections of the Muslim community. “We cannot dismiss suspicions of an understanding between a section of League leaders and the Sangh Parivar. Everyone knows how the Enforcement Directorate failed to pursue the AR Nagar Cooperative Bank scam after the Income Tax raid unearthed huge quantities of unaccounted money in 2021. Had there been a proper investigation, the League might have had different ministers in this government,” a leader of a Muslim community organisation told TNIE on condition of anonymity. 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