Congress asks PM Modi to end silence on NEET-UG leak, CBSE OSM row, act against Pradhan
Kanhaiya Kumar asked why PM Modi, who hosts ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, stayed silent on paper leaks and questioned the appointment of an unqualified person as education minister. The Congress on Wednesday intensified its attack on the government over examination paper leaks, asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end his silence, act against what it called “incompetent” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and bring in strict laws with zero tolerance for paper leaks. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar criticised the government over the NEET-UG paper leak and subsequent cancellation, as well as the controversy surrounding the CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, alleging that it was unable to conduct even a single examination properly. “The responsibility to conduct all important exams has been handed over to the NTA, on which questions are raised repeatedly,” Kumar said at a press conference in Delhi. A probe into the background of NTA Director Abhishek Singh would reveal how close he is to those in power and what political connections he has with people in the government, Kumar alleged. Kumar asked why such officials were appointed to key positions for political gains and why no action was taken against them after failure. “Narendra Modi, by shattering the dreams of the country’s youth, is selling them the spectacle of a developed India. What is happening in the country may be comedy for the government, but for children, it is a matter of life and death,” he said. How tragic it is that the Modi government can’t even conduct a single exam properly, Kumar said. The situation is such that when a 17-year-old student raised a plea about issues related to the CBSE, some journalists who have no spine labelled him a traitor, the Congress’ NSUI in-charge said. “The same prime minister who holds ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ before exams doesn’t utter a single word when there is a paper leak. First, reports of the NEET paper leak started surfacing, and then the CBSE issue came to light. What compulsion does Narendra Modi have that he appointed an unqualified person as the education minister?” Kumar said. He said the NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress have been continuously questioning the paper leaks, while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is also consistently raising this issue. “Our demands are that the prime minister should break his silence and take action against the incompetent education minister. Strict laws should be enacted to stop paper leaks with zero tolerance,” he said. “When will the failed education minister be removed from his post. NTA is unable to conduct exams properly; this responsibility should be taken away from them. We want to tell the students that we stand with them, we will continue to fight their battle,” Kumar said. Kumar said the party was assisting NEET aspirants and would continue supporting students in the future as well, asserting that they should not have to risk their lives because of someone else’s failure. “CBSE affected students, who are facing difficulty in getting their answer sheets, or if there is any discrepancy in them, we have issued a number for them, 9268030030. Students can register their complaints and we will provide them full assistance,” the Congress leader 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
Supreme Court backs 28 per cent GST levy on online gaming
According to the apex court, the GST demands raised by the tax department from these gaming companies under the law cannot be struck down solely by challenging the rules framed under the legislation In a major blow to the online gaming industry, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective levy of 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these firms, thereby validating tax demands running into nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore. With this verdict, the tax liability on the gaming platforms is likely to go up significantly, as the firms batted for GST to be applicable only on gross gaming revenue (GGR)—the commission retained by the platform — at 18%, instead of the entire pooled stake amount at 28%. As per the verdict of the court, online gaming platforms involving monetary stakes cannot be treated merely as intermediaries or facilitators, as they qualify as betting and gambling under the GST framework and thus cannot escape taxation. The court also gave the verdict in favour of the tax department validating Rule 31A of the Central GST Rules, which permits taxation on the full face value of bets placed, rather than just the platform fee or commission earned by gaming companies. “This decision is retroactive, meaning it could have an impact for the period even before 2023, when the law was amended. As a result, the gaming industry now faces substantial challenges, including significant past tax liabilities along with interest and penalty and the prospect of paying GST at 40% from September 2025. One will also need to consider the impact on other laws, which govern betting and gambling activities, which are prohibited in many states,” said Nitin Vijaivergia, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP. Industry executives and tax experts warned that the ruling could reshape India’s online gaming ecosystem, triggering consolidation and forcing firms to overhaul business models. Sivakumar Ramjee, executive director-indirect tax at Nangia Global said: “With reported tax exposure across the sector estimated at over Rs 1 lakh crore, this is no longer merely a litigation issue, it is a balance-sheet event.” Major gaming firms such as Gameskraft, Dream11, Mobile Premier League, Games24x7 and Delta Corp are likely face immediate pressure from ongoing tax disputes, higher compliance costs and investor scrutiny. For instance, the GST Intelligence Wing has served a show cause notice (SCN) of Rs 21,000 crore on Bengaluru-based online gaming company Gameskraft Technology last year. The court also made broader constitutional observations affirming the powers of states to regulate or prohibit online gaming activities in public interest, a signal that could encourage tighter state-level restrictions on real-money gaming platforms. Sudipta Bhattacharjee, partner at Khaitan & Co, said the GST ruling flowed from the court’s parallel judgment upholding state laws restricting online money gaming in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. However, Bhattacharjee cautioned that recovery of such massive tax dues may prove difficult because many gaming firms have already shut operations or pivoted to other businesses after regulatory tightening. He said: “It would be ideal if the government invokes its powers under Section 11A of the CGST Act to grant exemption and regularize the generally prevalent GST position adopted by everyone in this sector till September 2023.” Pushpita Dey 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
TN CM Vijay unlikely to meet Sonia, Rahul in Delhi; set to return to Chennai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is unlikely to meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi during his Delhi visit on Thursday, with party sources indicating that no appointment has been scheduled. The Chief Minister is expected to conclude his maiden official visit to the national capital after assuming office earlier this month and return to Chennai by a special flight. Airport sources said Vijay is likely to arrive in Chennai at approximately 12.40 pm. Vijay’s Delhi trip gained significance after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, during which he raised a range of Tamil Nadu-specific concerns, including the contentious Mekedatu dam project, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, and the row surrounding Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the state invocation song. According to an official release, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project across the Cauvery river, arguing that it runs counter to the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings. He also sought immediate intervention to secure the release of detained fishermen and their boats. Vijay reportedly requested the Prime Minister to issue clear directions permitting Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu to be sung at the beginning of government functions, amid an ongoing political debate over the issue. 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
Siddaramaiah informs cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister
Amid growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down during the breakfast meeting hosted at his official residence on Thursday. His current deputy and possible successor, D K Shivakumar and other cabinet colleagues attended the breakfast meeting. “Congress high command proposed DKS as the next chief minister.I have agreed to this,” he said. Siddaramaiah is likely to formally tender his resignation at 2: 30 Pm. Photos shared by the Chief Minister’s Office showed Siddaramaiah embracing Shivakumar. In another image, Shivakumar was seen seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings by touching his feet. Ministers including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil also attended the meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence under heightened security arrangements. According to CMO sources, the CM sought the Governor’s appointment after the party high command apparently asked him to make way for a leadership change in the state. However, Lok Bhavan sources said Siddaramaiah has not yet sought time to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who he has left for his native, Indore, for personal reasons. Discussions over a possible transition have periodically surfaced since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its tenure in Karnataka. The Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, had held several hours of discussions with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, both jointly and separately in Delhi recently. While some reports claim the Congress high command may be leaning towards a change and has conveyed its position to Siddaramaiah, the party has publicly rejected such suggestions. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities warned the Congress and its high command that the party will face consequences if Siddaramaiah is replaced. Asserting that Congress came to power because of the support of backward class and AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) communities, federation leaders said there is no other leader of Siddaramaiah’s stature in the Congress party, and warned of agitation if he is made to step down. Shivakumar camp was jubilant, and his supporters broke into celebrations on Wednesday in many parts of the state, including Bengaluru and Ramanagara, amid reports that their leader was all set to become the next CM. Supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside his official residence, protesting amid intense speculation that he might step down. 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
Vijayan calls ED raids ‘targeted crackdown’ on Opposition, says Rahul may get ‘mental satisfaction’
Former Kerala CM alleged that the BJP has been using central agencies against opposition leaders since it came to power and claimed the action against him was also part of that strategy. Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday alleged that Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at his residence were part of a “targeted crackdown” on opposition leaders across the country. He also claimed the searches may provide “mental satisfaction” to leaders like Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader had repeatedly questioned why his residence had not been searched and why he had not been arrested. Speaking to reporters after ED officials concluded hours-long searches at his rented house in Bakery Junction in connection with the alleged CMRL monthly payment case, Vijayan said the action would not weaken him or the CPI(M). “This is only a beginning. Nobody should harbour the illusion that such actions can intimidate or weaken us,” he said. The veteran CPI(M) leader alleged that the BJP-led Centre has been using central agencies against opposition leaders since it came to power, and claimed the action against him was also part of that strategy. Claiming that opposition leaders across the country were facing similar action from central agencies, Vijayan alleged that the Congress was maintaining silence over ED proceedings against leaders of other parties. The ED action is linked to allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan’s daughter T Veena, between 2018 and 2019, without receiving any services in return. Officials said searches were being conducted at around 10 premises across Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The searches came a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed a plea by CMRL seeking to quash the ED proceedings in the case. 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
Centre fears ‘divergence of views’ among High Courts on new transgender law; asks SC to transfer cases to itself
“We will see,” Chief Justice Kant said in response The Centre urged the Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) to transfer petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 from about four different High Courts to the apex court. Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Solicitor General Tishar Mehta said the High Court are returning to work from summer recess in the first week of June. SC flags ‘risk’ of misuse in transgender self-identification debate The Supreme Court is already seized of several petitions challenging the 2026 Act, but it is is only partially working during June. Mr. Mehta, appearing for the Union government, said the High Courts may pre-empt the apex court by separately taking up the petitions before them and pass order. Mr. Mehta said the apex court should shift the cases pending in these High Courts to itself in order to avoid “divergent views” on the same Act. The top law officer urged the Chief Justice to list the Union government’s plea for transferring these petitions to itself on May 29. “We will see,” Chief Justice Kant said in response. The petitions in the apex court have criticised the controversial 2026 law of removing the right to self-identity. The 2026 Act requires a government-appointed medical board’s favourable recommendation for a District Magistrate to certify someone as a transgender person. NHRC asks Centre to review changes to trans law, ‘revisit’ community concerns on self-identification The petitioners, including activists like Laxminarayan Tripathi and others, said the Act disregarded transgender identity as an “authentic human identity, freely chosen”. They have argued that the requirement for a medical certification for gender recognition violated the rights of transgender persons and amounts to “medical gatekeeping” by the State. The government had countered that the intention of the Act was to ensure that deserving people from the community get benefits. He said forcible sex change was criminalised. The Transgender Persons Amendment Bill and the question of identity The petitioners highlighted that the Act had abruptly stopped ongoing sex-change therapies and treatment, leaving many in the community in dire straits. The petitions have argued that the 2026 amendments pull the carpet from under the 2014 NALSA judgment that declared that the right to self-identity was a fundamental right. It had held that identity was determined by the person, and not by biology, birth assignment or through State verification. Section 3 of the 2026 Act has omitted the right to self-perceived gender identity. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Centre moves Supreme Court seeking transfer of all pleas against transgender law from high courts
SG Mehta contended that several High Courts were already hearing challenges to the law, raising the likelihood of “divergent views” on the constitutional validity of a parliamentary enactment. The Centre on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of all petitions against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) (Amendment) Act, 2026, pending before various High Courts to the apex court, arguing that parallel proceedings could result in conflicting verdicts. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, pressing for an urgent hearing of the transfer pleas on Friday. “We have filed transfer petitions to bring the challenges against the Transgender Amendment Act to this Court,” the Solicitor General submitted. “If the petitions are listed on Friday and notice is issued, we can request the high courts to defer their proceedings,” he added. Mehta contended that several High Courts were already hearing challenges to the law, raising the likelihood of “divergent views” on the constitutional validity of a parliamentary enactment. The Bench, however, appeared unconvinced about the immediacy of the request. The Chief Justice observed that opinions rendered by constitutional courts often aid the Supreme Court’s own adjudication. “Sometimes we can have the advantage of a high court view as well,” the CJI said. When the law officer reiterated the Centre’s apprehension, the Chief Justice responded briefly, saying he “will see”. The amendment law has triggered sharp criticism from rights advocates and sections of the LGBTQ+ community over provisions said to dilute the principle of gender self-identification recognised by the Supreme Court in its landmark NALSA ruling. Petitioners challenging the law have argued that any requirement of medical or bureaucratic intervention for gender recognition strikes at the heart of constitutional protections guaranteeing dignity, privacy and bodily autonomy. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union government on separate petitions instituted directly before it assailing the constitutional validity of the amended legislation. 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
2007 history will be repeated in 2027: Mayawati blows the election bugle, hints at a Dalit-Brahmin alliance
Mayawati’s new strategy to win the 2027 UP Assembly elections, vigorously preparing to return to power using the 2007 ‘social engineering’ formula (Dalit-Brahmin alliance). Uttar Pradesh: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has sounded the election bugle for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, hinting at a strong comeback. Recalling the party’s historic 2007 victory on Sunday, she declared that if BSP workers strengthen their grassroots mobilization and reconnect with the “Sarva Samaj,” the same political model can easily be replicated in 2027. In a clear political message specifically focused on Brahmins and Dalits, the BSP supremo asked her party leaders to remind the public of the 2007 experiment with social alliances. She said that people should be told that during the BSP’s rule, every section of society that felt neglected, insecure, and humiliated, including Brahmins, Dalits, the poor, and backward communities, received power and full respect. Addressing an important meeting of BSP state officials in Lucknow, Mayawati comprehensively reviewed booth-level preparations, candidate selection, and organizational expansion. During the meeting, she sharply attacked opposition parties on issues of inflation, unemployment, law and order, and misleading and divisive politics. In her statement, Mayawati emphasized that the people of Uttar Pradesh must once again fully trust the BSP, just as they did in 2007. She recalled that during that period, the Brahmin community, the weaker sections, and people from all sections of society were rescued from an environment of neglect and insecurity and given full respect and dignity, both in the party and the government, through proper participation. She instructed BSP leaders to reassure the public that, like in 2007, people from all communities can once again unite. Particularly, Brahmins, the marginalized, and the weaker sections can unite to form a government that guarantees respect, better law and order, and a firm guarantee of constitutional rights. The former Chief Minister made serious allegations against her rival parties of resorting to caste and communal polarization before the elections. She clarified that these parties have completely failed to provide good governance to the public after coming to power. She claimed that inflation, unemployment, and increasing oppression and neglect of the weak and marginalized sections of society have caused widespread public disillusionment. Without directly naming the BJP, Mayawati said that current governments are more focused on rhetoric, image management, and divisive politics than on public welfare. She also strongly instructed her workers to be vigilant against attempts to influence voters through emotional and caste-based narratives during the elections. BSP insiders also believe that Mayawati’s strong focus on Brahmins is a significant signal. It’s worth noting that in 2007, the party’s “social engineering” formula helped it reach the pinnacle of power by mobilizing Dalit and Brahmin support. At that time, the BSP won 206 seats and formed a government in Uttar Pradesh with an absolute majority. The Bahujan Samaj Party has struggled significantly on the electoral front in recent years. This new strategy clearly indicates a serious effort to rebuild that broad social alliance before the 2027 elections. Mayawati also emphasized early selection of candidates, strengthening booth management, and expanding the party organization at every level. She stated that the upcoming elections will prove to be both challenging and decisive for the future of Uttar Pradesh politics. Senior BSP officials, district coordinators, and key assembly constituency-level leaders from across the state attended this important party meeting. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress workers protest in Hapur: Express outrage over gang rape of Dalit girl in Mahoba, submit memorandum to SDM
Congress party workers staged a protest in Hapur on Monday to protest the alleged gang rape of a Dalit girl in Mahoba district. The workers reached the District Magistrate’s office and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor to SDM Sakshi Sharma. Congress District President Rakesh Tyagi stated in the memorandum that a Dalit girl returning from NEET coaching in Mahoba was abducted by miscreants. It is alleged that she was held in Prayagraj for 15 days, drugged, and gang-raped. He also alleged that when State Congress President Ajay Rai visited the victim’s family, the administration did not allow him in. Targeting the BJP government, he said that rape cases against women and girls are continuously increasing in the state. He accused the government of inaction on this issue. City President Irfan Ahmed demanded that the victim’s family be given a compensation of ₹50 lakh and that punitive action be taken against the culprits as soon as possible. He also stated that visiting the victim’s family is not a crime. Present during the meeting were former MLA Gajraj Singh, PCC member and former Dhaulana Assembly candidate Pandit Arvind Sharma, senior Congress leader Dr. VC Sharma, former councilor Aijaz Ahmed, former SC-ST District President Naresh Bhati, City President Pilkhua Rajneesh Tyagi, District Vice President Ravindra Gurjar, District Vice President Mursaleen Chaudhary, District Vice President Lal Bahadur, District President of the Ideology Department Seema Sharma, District President of the Law and Human Rights Department Advocate Raghuveer Singh, State Vice President of the Outreach Committee Kuldeep Atreya, SC-ST State Secretary Vinod Jatav, SC-ST State Secretary Rashmi Chaudhary, District General Secretary Gaurav Garg, District General Secretary Yashpal Dhilor, District General Secretary Kapil Sharma, City President of the OBC Cell Afzal Aadhati, Garh Block President Bijendra Tyagi, Simbhaoli Block President Nafees Khan, Sachin Goyal, Ramlal Arya, and many other activists. Danish, Hapur Courtesy: Hindi News
Punjab Commission Investigates Alleged Anti-Dalit Audio Clip
Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission investigates an alleged anti-Dalit audio by Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who claims the clip is fake. Warring has requested the police to file an FIR, alleging a smear campaign amid local elections. The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission is investigating an audio clip allegedly featuring anti-Dalit remarks by Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Warring has denied the authenticity of the clip, claiming it is fabricated and part of a smear campaign against him during local elections. He has called for the Punjab police chief and the State Election Commission to file an FIR against those spreading the alleged false audio. The commission has requested a report from Muktsar police and a forensic analysis of Warring’s voice amid concerns over the timing of the audio’s release. The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, led by Jasvir Singh Garhi, has initiated a probe into a controversial audio clip purportedly featuring anti-Dalit comments by Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the state Congress president. The audio has led to significant political turmoil, with Warring denying its authenticity and claiming it was fabricated. Warring has urged the Punjab police chief and the State Election Commission to file a First Information Report (FIR) against those circulating the alleged false clip. He asserted that similar attempts to malign his image occurred seven years ago and are resurfacing during ongoing local elections. Garhi has requested a detailed report from the Muktsar police and has called for a forensic analysis of Warring’s voice. Warring expressed his disbelief at the commission’s quick decision to act on the clip without verifying it. He implied that releasing the audio at this crucial election time suggests a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation. Warring stated his commitment to identifying those responsible for what he calls a targeted smear campaign. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights