ED appeal ‘abuse of process’ in National Herald case: Gandhis
dapibus leo. NEW DELHI: Congress netas Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have said it is “abuse of the process of law” that ED has challenged in Delhi high court a trial court order refusing to take cognisance of its chargesheet against them in the National Herald-linked money laundering case. In a response filed in the high court, the Gandhis opposed ED’s revision plea saying it is “not maintainable” as trial court’s order is “perfectly legal and sound in law and does not suffer from any jurisdictional error, perversity, irregularity or illegality”. On Tuesday, Justice Sachin Datta was informed by the Gandhis’ counsel that they had filed their replies on Sept 18. HC has listed the matter for Oct 12. “Petitioner (ED) has miserably failed to demonstrate that the complaint filed by ED was maintainable under statutory provisions applicable to case. It is writ large that the words ‘private complaint’ or ‘a complaint by a public person/citizen’ do not find place in the statutory framework,” they contended. On Dec 16, 2025, trial court had held that cognisance of the agency’s complaint in the case was “impermissible in law” as it was not founded on an FIR. In its order, trial court had said ED’s probe stemmed from a private complaint, and not an FIR. Despite receiving the complaint made by BJP neta Subramanian Swamy and the consequent summoning order in 2014, CBI refrained from registering an FIR in relation to the alleged scheduled offence. ED claimed that trial court order has, in effect, given a hall pass to a category of money launderers only on ground that scheduled offence is reported by a private individual by way of a complaint to a magistrate. Opposing ED’s plea, Gandhis said this case provides the only instance where a non-statutory complaint by a private person has been made the foundation for initiating proceedings under the PMLA. 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
‘This is treason’: Rahul Gandhi revives ‘vote chori’ charge after report of rift within EC
dapibus leo. NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday revived his “vote chori” charge against the Election Commission and accused election officials of committing “treason”. In a post on X, Rahul said, “I am telling the EC and election officials clearly: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason, this is against the country. Do not forget that. The time will come when we will catch you. You will not be able to escape.” His remarks came after an Indian Express report claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to the poll panel’s actions at least 14 times over the past 10 months during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The report said the commissioners had flagged issues relating to the addition and deletion of voters as well as the handling of voter data. Senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and P Chidambaram also stepped up their attack on the poll panel following the report. Chidambaram said the opposition had already contended that several decisions concerning the SIR were wrong and questioned how Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s view could become the decision of the Commission if the two Election Commissioners had taken a contrary position. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that if the decision-making process is flawed or wrong, the decision will also be flawed or wrong. The opposition has contended that many decisions concerning SIR were wrong. Now, it is revealed that the decision-making process was also wrong,” Chidambaram said. “If two ECs have taken a contrary view, how could the CEC make his view the ‘decision’ of the ECI? All decisions of the ECI in recent years should be reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee. Meanwhile, the SIR process should be suspended immediately all over the country,” he added. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also targeted CEC Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his removal. “There is no doubt remaining. Mr Gyanesh Kumar has no right to remain in office. How the hell can one man, acting on His Master’s orders, strike off names at whim? How can he sideline fellow Constitutional officers to only take blatantly illegal steps that put our democracy in danger?” Venugopal said. “The right to vote is an essential Constitutional power given to every citizen, the fundamental bedrock of our democracy. If it is to be taken away, due process must be followed with utmost probity,” he added. EC rejects reports of differences The Election Commission, however, rejected reports of differences within the poll panel over the SIR and said all decisions related to the exercise were taken unanimously. Officials told news agency PTI that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi did raise concerns over some aspects of voter roll deletion and database handling, but these did not amount to disagreement with the final decisions taken by the Commission. EC sources said all decisions of the Commission, including those relating to the SIR, had the approval of Sandhu, Joshi and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Officials also pointed out that the law governing the Election Commission, as well as a Supreme Court judgment, provides that decisions should, as far as possible, be taken unanimously. Where unanimity is not possible, the majority view prevails. 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
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
Father of dalit IIT-Bombay student who died by suicide in 2023 detained at stir
MUMBAI: The father of a dalit IIT-B student who died by suicide in 2023, Darshan Solanki, was detained by Powai police along with others protesting caste discrimination on the campus on Monday. According to a letter signed by the father, Rameshbhai Solanki, which was shared online, he sought a meeting with IIT-B director Shireesh Kedare to discuss steps taken after the three deaths by suicide at the institute this year. The protesters were denied entry into campus. Tejaswin Anoopkumar, one of the protesters, alleged that he was “brutally manhandled” by police and that his clothes were torn. 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 Youth Dies by Suicide Inside Pratapgarh Police Station, SHO and SI Suspended
A 22 year old Dalit youth allegedly died by suicide after hanging himself inside a restroom at Patti police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district on Monday. SendMoney Overseas Taking serious note of the incident, Pratapgarh Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhuker suspended station house officer Anand Pal Singh and sub inspector Omkar Singh for alleged dereliction of duty. The youth, identified as Arjun alias Shailesh, had been arrested in connection with a minor girl’s alleged abduction and was brought to the police station on Sunday. He was scheduled to be produced before a court on Monday. Youth Found Hanging Inside Police Station According to Additional SP Pratapgarh East Alok Kumar, Arjun went to the toilet on the police station premises and allegedly hanged himself. “The accused went to the toilet on the police station premises on the pretext of relieving himself and hanged himself,” Kumar said. Senior police officials, forensic experts and additional police personnel reached the station after being alerted and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Youth Had Faced Two Abduction Complaints Police said the first FIR against Arjun was registered on July 11 after the brother of a 17 year old girl accused him of abducting her. The case was registered under Sections 137(2) and 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police later recovered the girl from Hyderabad. She reportedly told a court that she had left home after being scolded by family members. Police said no criminal case was established against Arjun following her statement. However, the girl’s father filed another complaint on August 17, alleging that Arjun had abducted his daughter on August 16. A case was registered under Section 137(2) of the BNS. Acting on the complaint, a Patti police team traced Arjun and the girl to Ghaziabad and brought them to the police station on Sunday. The girl was subsequently sent to a one stop centre, while Arjun was kept in the investigation room. Police said the investigation into the circumstances of his death is underway. 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
Now, the issue of caste discrimination in Prayagraj has heated up, with the High Court taking a serious view of the allegations made by a National Law University student.
A Dalit student at Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj has accused the warden of caste discrimination. The Allahabad High Court, considering it serious, has formed an independent inquiry committee. Dalit student alleges caste discrimination at Prayagraj NLU; High Court orders investigation New Delhi: Caste discrimination is a serious issue in universities, where the foundation for students’ futures is laid. Considering the alleged caste discrimination and harassment of Dalit students at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj as serious, the Allahabad High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry. The case relates to a petition filed by a BA LLB (Hons.) student and a PhD scholar. The students allege that the Head of the Law Department and the Warden of the Boys’ Hostel made comments regarding their caste and reservations and influenced their academic evaluations. The veracity and authenticity of the matter is yet to be established, and therefore, no allegations have been proven at this time. Dalit students allege discrimination; what’s the whole matter? This case arose following a petition filed by two students at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj. One petitioner is a PhD scholar at the university, while the other is a fifth-semester LLB (Hons.) student. Both students reside in the university hostel. They allege that the Dean of the Law Department and the hostel warden abused their authority and subjected them to caste-based insults. They also suspect that their answer sheets in their examinations were evaluated more strictly based on caste. Hearing in the High Court, then an inquiry committee formed A single bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar in the Allahabad High Court heard the students’ petition. The petition stated that the students had previously filed a complaint with the Vice Chancellor, but despite repeated reminders, no action was taken against Dr. Sharma. The petition alleges that the warden made comments on several occasions about the students’ caste and the reservation benefits they received. During the hearing, the Court stated that the allegations are serious and require an impartial investigation, after providing the accused academic, who is also the warden, a full opportunity to present his or her side and be heard. The Court appointed Judge Archana Singh of the Small Causes Court in Prayagraj and Chief Judicial Magistrate Arun Kumar Yadav to investigate the allegations. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 24. The High Court has ordered the person concerned to be relieved of all administrative responsibilities until the investigation is completed. They are also directed not to be involved in the evaluation of the petitioner student’s answer sheets. The investigation will require the Committee to determine whether Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe students have been subjected to caste-based humiliation or discrimination by Respondent No. 6 or any other person employed or profitably employed by the University, and whether the University has taken action in accordance with applicable regulations to address the complaints. Focus and Scope of the Inquiry Committee The Inquiry Committee, appointed by the court, is to investigate whether alleged caste-based humiliation or discrimination occurred against SC/ST students and whether the university responded to complaints in accordance with applicable regulations. The Inquiry Committee will also hear the warden’s side of the case and attempt to gather evidence. The Committee has been directed to take necessary steps to protect the identities of the students testifying. A deadline has been set for the Committee. It has been directed to submit its investigation report to the Court in a sealed envelope before the next hearing on September 24. What are the legal aspects under the Constitution and the SC/ST Act? Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the State from discriminating on the basis of caste and allows for special provisions for backward classes, including SC/STs. Article 14 of the Constitution provides constitutional protections related to the principle of equality, and Article 17 provides constitutional protections related to the abolition of untouchability. Depending on the circumstances and specific facts of the allegations in the case, the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 may also be relevant, but the court order has not definitively confirmed the applicability of any specific criminal section in this case. The Legal Path Forward First, a committee constituted by the Allahabad High Court must investigate the allegations and the actions taken by the university and submit its report, after which the High Court’s stance will be decided. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 24, 2026. Only then can we hope that the truth will emerge. Authored by: Manish Raj About the Author Manish Raj is currently serving as Consultant Legal Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He began his journalism career 24 years ago with a leading national news broadcast media channel like Rashtriya Sahara. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Repeated threats’: Comedian Pulkit Mani cancels Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur shows amid Rahul Gandhi event mimicry row
NEW DELHI: Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani on Sunday announced the cancellation of his shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur amid a political controversy over his mimicry of PM Narendra Modi at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore. Mani first announced the cancellation of his Noida show in an Instagram story, citing “unforeseen circumstances” and apologising to his audience for the inconvenience. In next story, he said his shows in Lucknow and Kanpur had also been cancelled, alleging that he had received repeated threats from “goon activists”. The cancellations came a day after Mani performed at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme organised by Gandhi in Indore. During the event, the comedian mimicked Modi, triggering criticism from BJP leaders, who alleged that the performance contained references to and was disrespectful towards Modi’s late mother. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticised the performance and questioned the intent behind the remarks. BJP leaders including Satish Poonia, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Devendra Fadnavis, Sanjay Saraogi, Ramchander Rao and Shazia Ilmi also attacked Gandhi over the controversy and demanded an apology. Congress leaders, however, rejected the allegations. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said Modi’s late mother was not mocked, while Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel, Sajjan Singh Verma and Raashid Alvi defended the performance as humour and mimicry. Alvi said Gandhi was merely laughing along with the audience. The ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme was centred on issues concerning students and young people, with Congress leaders saying education, employment and other youth-related concerns were the focus of Gandhi’s address. 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
Such is the history of Congress’s ‘strong spine’
Rahul Gandhi, the ringleader of the “intellectual Naxal” brigade, has once again taken to the arena, brandishing a cardboard sword over the issue of levying a nominal charge on merchants, rather than ordinary consumers, for UPI transactions. He has indulged in rhetorical theatrics, demanding the withdrawal of the tax and urging the government not to bow before America but to stand tall. In politics, opposition to the ruling party by the opposition party is expected; indeed, it is the very soul of parliamentary democracy. However, Rahul Gandhi serves as a prime example of how a leader lacking prudence and political acumen can become shrill and end up making a laughingstock of himself while playing the role of the opposition. He consistently attempts to hog the limelight by opposing every decision made by the Modi government. Reacting to the decision to impose MDR charges on UPI transactions, Rahul Gandhi, true to form, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi has stated that Prime Minister Modi should stand firm, not bow down to the US, and have these tariffs revoked. Rahul Gandhi, in his attempt to project himself as an aggressive opposition leader, has developed a habit of making baseless statements. Such rhetoric has previously forced him to apologize before the Supreme Court, yet he has not shed the habit of making reckless remarks. While alleging irregularities in the purchase of Rafale fighter jets, Rahul Gandhi had used highly derogatory language regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was compelled to offer an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for making allegations against the Prime Minister without any evidence. Taking the UPI charges as an excuse, Rahul Gandhi has, as usual, begun spreading false and fabricated information and attempting to create confusion in the minds of the public. While engaging in idle chatter about the government needing to show a “strong spine,” Rahul Gandhi will have to be confronted with historical evidence showing how often, or rather, how they failed to display such resolve between 2004 and 2014, and how his father and grandmother, while claiming to have a spine and stand tall, actually capitulated to America and Pakistan. There is no doubt that Rahul Gandhi will, as is his habit, ignore this evidence and resume his “song of lies.” During the tenure of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government from 2004 to 2014, the “remote control” of the government lay with Rahul Gandhi and his mother, Smt. Sonia Gandhi. During those ten years, Pakistani terrorists wreaked havoc across the country, carrying out bomb blasts in India at will. The Manmohan government did nothing beyond merely condemning the terrorists. Consequently, Pakistan launched an attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008, by sending in terrorists; a handful of extremists held the entire nation hostage at the time. Despite such a brazen act of aggression by Pakistan, the Congress-led Manmohan government did nothing other than dispatching formal letters of protest. At that time, Rahul Gandhi lacked the courage to tell his mother or Manmohan Singh to stand firm and teach Pakistan a lesson. Similarly, in September 2013, when Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the United Nations General Assembly session, Rahul Gandhi failed to show the courage to condemn Sharif. During this General Assembly, after meeting the then President of the United States, Barack Obama, Manmohan Singh had raised the issue of Pakistan providing assistance to terrorists. Nawaz Sharif had said at the time that Manmohan Singh’s behavior was like that of an unsophisticated village woman. At that time, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had remained conspicuously silent. Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had strongly criticized Sharif’s statement. The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred in December 1984, during the tenure of Rahul Gandhi’s father, Rajiv Gandhi, as Prime Minister. Thousands of ordinary citizens lost their lives in this tragedy. Thousands were permanently disabled, and many lost their eyesight. Local citizens had filed a formal police complaint against Union Carbide, the American company responsible for the gas leak. Acting on this complaint, when police officers went to arrest Anderson, the CEO of Union Carbide, they received orders from Delhi. Instead of being arrested, Anderson was flown to Delhi on a special aircraft. Anderson returned to his home country from Delhi. The head of the company responsible for the loss of thousands of innocent lives walked away scot-free. This is the Congress party’s idea of a ‘strong spine.’ After the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the US had pressured India to release the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, representing the Jan Sangh, had demanded that India first secure the return of its own prisoners and reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir before releasing the Pakistani prisoners. However, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi released the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. Rahul Gandhi should not forget this history. 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
‘Bihar govt must answer why girl is not safe on road’: Rahul Gandhi on Jamui molestation video
PATNA: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned a viral video from Bihar’s Jamui district showing a group of men allegedly confronting, harassing and molesting two Class 10 students on a public road. In a post on X, Gandhi expressed outrage over the incident and questioned the state administration over the safety of women and children and the delay in arrests. He asked how ordinary citizens could feel secure when minors were allegedly targeted in public. “The video from Jamui, Bihar, is deeply disturbing. Two Class 10 students were stopped on a road. Harassed. Humiliated. Molested. A young girl, hands folded, begged to be let go while goons groped her and dragged her away. Who gave these men the right to behave like this? This is not “culture.” It is patriarchy: the belief that any man can police a girl’s body, her movement, her choices,” Rahul Gandhi wrote. The Congress leader also criticised what he described as the normalisation of mob vigilantism and harassment, demanding immediate legal action under stringent child protection laws. “When control is mistaken for culture, and such attitudes are normalised by Andhbhakts, mobs start believing they are the law. Every individual in that video must be identified and prosecuted under POCSO, and justice must be swift.” Gandhi also raised questions over accountability and asked why the alleged perpetrators had not been arrested days after the incident. “And if the incident happened on September 19th, why are the culprits not behind bars yet? And the Bihar government must answer why a girl is not safe on a public road at 7 pm?” Meanwhile, Bihar Police launched a manhunt after the video showing the alleged molestation of the students surfaced online, prompting condemnation from political leaders and an official investigation. Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajit Dayal said police acted after receiving the viral video and traced the victim to record her statement. “A video went viral this morning, and we received it as well. Based on that video, we identified the victim and recorded her statement. It was revealed that the incident took place around 7 PM on the 19th, showing some youths from the village engaging in molestation… Six or seven individuals are visible in the video. We have identified some of them,” SP Vishwajit Dayal said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Owaisi opens alliance door in UP; Congress warns AIMIM could end up helping BJP
NEW DELHI: With Uttar Pradesh gearing up for the 2027 assembly elections, Congress MP Imran Masood on Monday took a swipe at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s alliance pitch, warning that the party’s presence in the polls “would end up benefitting BJP.” His remarks came a day after Owaisi said AIMIM was open to an alliance with “like-minded” parties seeking to prevent the BJP from returning to power in Uttar Pradesh for a third consecutive term. Speaking to ANI, Masood said, “If an alliance is to be formed, it should be finalised; otherwise, we must proceed with our own preparations. The political climate, not just here, but across the entire country, is such that one cannot move forward without the Congress; the Congress is essential. A fight against the BJP can only be waged with the Congress; only the Congress can take them on.” “Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is capable of overcoming them. Finalise it (alliance) immediately. I am not aware of who is in touch; I have no information regarding that so far. If it isn’t finalised, the damage happens on the ground,” he added. Responding to Owaisi’s proposal, Masood said defeating the BJP was the primary objective but argued that strategic voting would be important. “Defeating the BJP is the primary objective, and Muslims alone cannot defeat the BJP. If the BJP wins and forms the government, it is the Muslims who suffer the consequences. The political atmosphere in Hyderabad is different from that in Uttar Pradesh. Owaisi Ji might win 4-5 seats, but he ends up facilitating a BJP government. What will you do with those five MLAs? If a BJP government is formed, who suffers the loss? Since the BJP would form the government, people need to act sensibly. People must make decisions wisely and astutely,” he said. Owaisi’s alliance pitch Owaisi had earlier on Sunday said that AIMIM was ready to work with parties that share its objective of keeping the BJP out of power in Uttar Pradesh. “We do not want the BJP government to be formed for a third time in Uttar Pradesh. If anyone does not want the BJP to form the government, they can talk to us. We are ready to work with you to stop the BJP from coming to power. But it is important to understand that you cannot stop the BJP alone,” Owaisi said. Owaisi also cited AIMIM’s experience in Bihar, saying the party had sought an alliance with opposition parties and asked for six seats, but the proposal was not accepted. He said AIMIM would continue building its organisation in Uttar Pradesh irrespective of alliance talks. Earlier in the day, Owaisi, meanwhile, said AIMIM was already preparing for the Uttar Pradesh elections and was hopeful of sending its candidates to the state Assembly. “We are visiting specifically in connection with election preparations. Our party is fully prepared and actively gearing up; we are hopeful that this time our candidates will be elected as MLAs and enter the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly,” he said. On the possibility of an alliance, Owaisi said, “Wait until October 2nd; we will let you know by then.” Akhilesh sets 27,000-vote target The Congress’s push for an early alliance decision also comes as the Samajwadi Party steps up its preparations for the 2027 polls. At the party’s state executive meeting on Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav said the SP would work to increase its vote share by 27,000 votes in every assembly constituency. “Today was our state executive meeting. In this, we have decided that in the 2027 assembly elections, we will work to increase 27,000 votes in every assembly seat. That means we will reduce 27,000 votes of the BJP,” Yadav said. Masood also criticised the Election Commission over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notices, questioning the difficulties they could create for ordinary citizens. “What could be more farcical in this country than a situation where Members of Parliament, former Chief Ministers, and even the External Affairs Minister receive such notices? If they are getting notices, the Election Commission’s situation couldn’t be more absurd. Imagine the plight of the common man or those who are unemployed and struggling just to find a single meal a day. Are they expected to run around with documents? Look at the state the country has been reduced to, constantly standing in queues. The system has failed. The system has completely collapsed,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights