‘China stopped our army from patrolling several places in Arunachal’: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that China had stopped Indian Army patrols at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and called the development a matter of concern. “China has stopped our army from patrolling in several places in Arunachal Pradesh – this is extremely alarming,” Rahul said in a post on X. He also questioned the silence of defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. “But even more alarming is the silence emanating from Rajnath Singh ji, Amit Shah ji, and Narendra Modi ji. Instead of stopping China, the Modi government is putting pressure on the media to suppress this news,” he added. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Rahul referred to the Prime Minister’s statement following the Galwan clash that China had not taken any Indian territory, alleging that the government continues to protect the PM’s image instead of addressing the issue of national security. “The country still remembers that statement by the Prime Minister after Galwan, in which he caused immense damage to India by saying that China has not taken even an inch of our land. Even today, the same operation to save his image continues – and a Prime Minister who prioritizes his fake image over the country’s security is extremely dangerous for the nation,” he added. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also questioned the Centre over reports of China expanding its presence in areas of Arunachal Pradesh and sought answers on Indian access to patrolling points and traditional grazing and hunting grounds. “After Galwan, now Arunachal Pradesh? Disturbing reports suggest that China is attempting to push further into areas in Arunachal Pradesh, an inalienable part of our nation. This demands immediate answers from the Modi Govt,” Kharge said in a post on X. — kharge (@kharge) This comes after the ministry of external affairs (MEA) reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “inalienable and integral part of India” in response to China’s recent “objection” to the renaming of places in the state. “Let me reiterate this once again that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable and integral part of India and this is a fact that is self-evident. At the same time, let me also underline that nothing can change this indisputable reality,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.India officially identified 27 locations in Arunachal by their standard names on the survey of India map, countering China’s repeated attempts to assign Chinese names to places in the state. Earlier, it was reported that there was no “slow encroachment” by China into Arunachal Pradesh. “There is no slow encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh by China as alleged,” a source was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. “Due to undemarcated border at times the patrols face off each other, this is resolved through existing mechanisms and protocols in vogue. The Army and ITBP are geared up to dominate the border, monitor and check Chinese activities. Sensational claims like this without going into specifics are attention-seeking ploys,” the report said citing sources. They said China has historically laid claim to Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “South Tibet”. During the 1960 border talks, Beijing had claimed around 69,000 sq km of territory in the state. ”China has claims on Arunachal as South Tibet, articulated in 1960 border talks, wherein they claimed approx 69,000 sq km of the state territory. In 1959 China attacked the Assam Rifles outpost at Longju and captured it. The area has since been in adverse possession and is frequently in news due to infra development done in this area by China,” they said. “During 1962 India-China War, major Chinese operations were launched in Kameng, Subansiri, Siyom, Siang and Lohit valleys. However, after ceasefire the PLA went back North of the LAC. Arunachal Pradesh shares a large border with Tibet along Great Himalayan range. Concerted infra push in recent years has enabled enhanced ptlg and surveillance of the area,” they added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
The Supreme Court dismissed the proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, citing lack of UP government approval.
In a major relief for Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court dismissed the entire proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case. The bench stated that there was no government approval required for prosecution under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, and therefore, “if there is no approval, the matter is over.” Major relief for Rahul Gandhi from the Supreme Court in the Savarkar defamation case New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed proceedings in a private criminal complaint pending in Uttar Pradesh against Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The case related to alleged objectionable remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and allegations of promoting communal disharmony in society. The state government stated that it lacked the sanction to prosecute the case. The apex court said, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, while passing the order, stated that the necessary sanction of the Uttar Pradesh government was not obtained before taking cognizance of the offense under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code. The bench clarified that such sanction is mandatory and in its absence, criminal proceedings cannot proceed. Rahul Gandhi had challenged the summons issued by the trial court to face trial under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 of the IPC in the Supreme Court. He approached the apex court after not receiving relief from the Allahabad High Court. “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here” During the hearing on Friday, Justice Datta asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, whether the state government had given sanction for the prosecution. Nataraj clarified that no such sanction had been obtained. It has not been granted. Under Section 196 of the CrPC, prior sanction of the State Government is required to take cognizance of an offence under Section 153A of the IPC. The lawyer representing the complainant submitted that if the required sanction is not available, the summons order can be cancelled and the matter can be sent back to the Magistrate for fresh consideration. He added that if sanction is required, he will take necessary steps for that. However, Justice Datta stated that sanction is mandatory before taking cognizance of an offence. He remarked, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends there.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The case involved remarks on Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi was summoned as an accused for a speech he made at a press conference in December 2024. The complainant, advocate Nripendra Pandey, alleged that Gandhi had described Savarkar as a servant of the British and claimed that he received a pension from the British. The complainant alleged that these remarks were intended to spread hatred and animosity in society. In December 2024, Lucknow Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division)/ACJM Alok Verma issued summons to Rahul Gandhi. The court stated that distributing pre-printed pamphlets and material at the press conference allegedly indicated an intent to spread hatred and animosity in society. The Allahabad High Court refused to grant relief to Rahul Gandhi on April 4, 2025. High Court Justice Subhash Vidyarthi orally stated that Gandhi had the option of approaching a sessions judge. Earlier, the Supreme Court had stayed the proceedings. Stay Last year, the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings in the case following Rahul Gandhi’s petition. However, at that time, Justice Datta expressed strong displeasure over the comments made against Savarkar. He questioned whether freedom fighters should be treated in this manner. Justice Datta also stated that if such comments were repeated in the future, the court could take suo motu cognizance and initiate contempt proceedings against Rahul Gandhi. On Friday, however, the bench dismissed the case entirely on legal grounds. Due to the Uttar Pradesh government’s lack of sanction for prosecution, the complaint against Rahul Gandhi and the magistrate’s summons were dismissed. Senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Rahul Gandhi. Reported by: Rajesh Chaudhary•Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay About the Author Rajesh Chaudhary has been associated with Navbharat Times since 2007. He covers the Supreme Court, High Courts, lower courts, and the CBI in Delhi and also brings you news on Speed News. Will remain. Courtesy: Hindi News
Odisha among top states in trans rehabilitation, lags in beggar rehabilitation
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the better-performing states in the Centre’s rehabilitation programme for transgender persons, with 81 beneficiaries rehabilitated through Garima Grehs, even as its rehabilitation of people engaged in begging remains relatively modest compared with several other states. According to a Lok Sabha reply by Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, B L Verma, as many as 1,041 transgender persons have been rehabilitated through Garima Grehs across 17 states/UTs under the Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons component of the Centre’s Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme over the last three years. Odisha’s 81 beneficiaries account for nearly 8% of the national total. Garima Greh provides shelter to transgender persons with amenities like food, medical care, yoga, meditation and recreational facilities. Besides, it provides support for the capacity-building/skill development and counselling to transgender persons. At the state level, Odisha has the fourth-highest number of transgender persons rehabilitated under the programme. Maharashtra tops the list with 211 beneficiaries, followed by Chhattisgarh with 100 and West Bengal with 82. The Centre has established 23 Garima Grehs in 17 states/UTs, including one in Odisha, to provide shelter and rehabilitation support to transgender persons. The parliamentary reply also said Transgender Welfare Boards and Transgender Protection Cells have been established in Odisha, placing the state among those with institutional mechanisms for extending welfare support and protecting the rights of transgender persons. The picture, however, is different when it comes to rehabilitation of people engaged in begging. Since the beggary component of the SMILE scheme was launched on Oct 23, 2023, 10,446 persons have been rescued and rehabilitated across the country. In Odisha, Puri recorded the highest number of rehabilitated persons at 111, followed by Bhubaneswar with 103 and Cuttack with 74. The Centre has also released funds for implementing the rehabilitation programme at six locations in Odisha. Cuttack received Rs 36.75 lakh, while Puri and Bhubaneswar received Rs 33.35 lakh each. Berhampur, Koraput and Angul were allocated Rs 14.61 lakh each, taking the total to around Rs 1.47 crore. The scheme seeks to address begging through a rehabilitation-oriented approach rather than merely removing people from public spaces, with a focus on skill development, livelihood support and social reintegration. For transgender rehabilitation, Odisha received Rs 31.41 lakh in 2025-26, compared with Rs 26.59 lakh in 2024-25. Officials in the state govt said that under the SMILE sub-scheme for people engaged in begging, while drives are on to identify more persons, existing beneficiaries are being provided skill development and livelihood opportunities through a convergence approach with various central and state govt programmes. Eligible beneficiaries have been provided skill training based on local demand and aptitude in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, cooking, gardening, security services, sanitation work and e-rickshaw driving, besides other vocational activities, the officials said. According to state-level data, 784 persons engaged in begging have been identified since Octo 2023, of whom, 288 have been rescued and rehabilitated. Of these, 78 have been provided wage-based employment opportunities, while self-employment support has been extended to another 100, officials 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
“The attackers should be brought back,” Minister in-charge Krishna Paswan expressed his anger over the attack on a Dalit in Kaushambi.
In Kaushambi, a bullock disappeared after being taken after being requisitioned. A Dalit who went to complain was beaten and threatened with death. As the matter escalated, the Minister-in-Charge criticized the police administration and ordered strict action. Ashok Vishwakarma, Kaushambi: Minister-in-Charge Krishna Paswan’s anger reached its peak upon learning of the lack of police action against a Dalit family in Gaderian Ka Pura village, under the Saini police station in Kaushambi, four days ago. The Minister-in-Charge, who arrived at the victim’s home late Tuesday night with his entourage, strongly criticized the police officers. While reprimanding the Superintendent of Police for failing to reach the scene, he also instructed the Chief Superintendent of Police (CO) to bring back all the attackers. The disappearance of the bullock that was requisitioned and taken back is said to be the reason behind the incident. Learn more about the incident According to village resident Kesai Saroj, on the afternoon of August 6th, he was grazing his bull in the fields when Shankar Lal of Paras village borrowed it for some work. On August 8th, when the bull didn’t return, he went to retrieve it with his younger son, Chhavilal, nephews Aman and Ashok. Ehsan Usmani and Gufran, both villagers present, abused him and told him to turn back. Upon his protest, the men used casteist slurs and beat him severely with sticks. They threatened to crush him to death with a Scorpio if he complained. Someone recorded a video of the incident and made it viral. The victim, a Dalit family, who went to complain about the incident were ignored and chased away. The accused were charged with disturbing the peace and were released. Meanwhile, Minister of State in Charge Krishna Paswan, enraged by the viral video, went to the victim’s family’s home with her entourage at 9 pm on Tuesday. She contacted the SP via mobile phone, sharply criticizing him for failing to reach the scene, and demanded the immediate suspension of the outpost in-charge. Instructions given to the CO When asked about the action taken against the bullies, CO Satendra Tiwari stated that he was dissatisfied with their actions. Was something serious being awaited? He said that Shankar Lal, who had demanded the oxen and taken away, along with the bullies Ehsan Usmani and Gufran, should be dragged out and strict action should be taken. Authored by: Vishal Choubey About the author Vishal Choubey works for Navbharat Times Online. Vishal writes on politics, crime, governance, and law and order in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, among other issues. He has four years of experience in journalism. He joined Navbharat Times Online in April 2025. Courtesy: Hindi News
Purification at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan after Kharge’s rally, Congress says it’s an insult to Dalits
After the Congress’s Vijay Shankhnaad rally in Haldwani, the Ramlila Maidan was purified, which the Congress called an insult to Dalits. Jagran correspondent, Haldwani. Following the Congress’s Vijay Shankhnaad rally, the Shri Ram Sena Charitable Trust has sparked a new controversy by purifying the city’s Ramlila Maidan. The Congress, which has been on the back foot since the SSP was abused on the day of the rally, is now cornering the BJP on this issue. The party says that the rally included Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, State in-charge Kumari Selja, and Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya, all Dalits. The purification havan ceremony clearly demonstrates the BJP’s anti-Dalit mindset. The organization that organized the havan argues that slogans in support of the Muslim religion were raised from the stage during the rally. On August 8th, Congress National President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, attended the Vijay Shankhnaad rally held at Ramlila Maidan. Controversy erupted even before the event began. A large number of activists, led by State President Ganesh Godiyal and Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya, stormed the SSP’s office after the police stopped the vehicles of the rally workers under the guise of checking. SSP Manjunath TC was not in the office at the time. Video went viral During this period, a video of abusive language being used against the SSP also circulated. Meanwhile, after the rally, the BJP, citing a video, alleged that slogans in support of the Muslim religion were raised during Kharge’s rally. Based on the video, on August 10th, an organization called Shri Ram Sena Charitable Service Trust reached Ramlila Maidan and performed a havan (fire ritual) and sprinkled Ganga water. The organization alleged that Ramlila Maidan, a venue for events related to Sanatan Dharma, had been violated. Its sanctity had been violated. On the other hand, Congress, calling the video fake (AI-created), staged a protest at the police multi-purpose building on Tuesday, demanding an FIR against the accused. Congress leaders, meanwhile, said that those with a BJP mindset do not want social harmony to prevail in the country. The BJP, which claims to be pro-Dalit, has been exposed. Congress workers burn BJP effigy On Wednesday, under the leadership of Indra Pal Arya, District President of the Congress Scheduled Caste Department, workers staged a protest at Buddha Park. Congress workers stated that after Kharge’s rally, a purification ritual was performed at Ramlila Maidan, along with the sprinkling of Ganga water. This act by the BJP is against social equality and brotherhood. It is an insult not only to Kharge but to the entire Scheduled Caste community. Radha Arya, coordinator of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Cell, said that the BJP has always promoted an anti-Dalit mentality. Along with the effigy burning, a memorandum was sent to the President through the Tehsildar, demanding an impartial investigation into the matter and action against the culprits. BY GOVIND SINGHE EDITED BY: SHIV GOVIND MISHRAA Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit community enraged after all accused in Nagaur’s Dangawas massacre were acquitted, protest in Jaipur
Dalit organizations have launched a protest after the court acquitted all 40 accused in the highly controversial Dangawas massacre in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district. The issue of the 11-year-old Dalit massacre in Dangawas, Nagaur district, has once again heated up. The court’s acquittal of all 40 accused in the case has sparked anger among Dalit organizations on the streets. On Wednesday (August 12), a large number of Dalit organizations, social activists, and family members of the victims staged a protest at the Martyrs’ Memorial in the capital, Jaipur, demanding justice. Speakers at the protest expressed deep disappointment and surprise at the court’s decision. The protesters’ primary concern was the brutal killing of six people, including five Dalits, in a land dispute in 2015. The investigation into the case lasted 11 years, and the CBI filed a charge sheet naming 40 people as accused. Despite this, how were all the accused acquitted? They said that if the murders occurred, someone must be responsible; then why is he not being punished? Questions Raised on the Justice System Dalit thinkers present at the protest said that this verdict is not just the end of a case, but it also raises a serious question mark on the right of Dalits to access justice. Such decisions shatter the trust of the vulnerable and deprived sections of society in the country’s judicial system. Warning to the Government: Appeal to the High Court The protesting Dalit organizations have clearly warned the state government that if a strong appeal is not filed in the High Court, the movement will be intensified. They clearly stated that they will not let this issue rest here and will continue their struggle until the victims get justice. What is the entire Dangavas incident? It is noteworthy that on May 14, 2015, a bloody conflict broke out between two parties in Dangavas village of Nagaur over a dispute regarding approximately 23 bighas of land. Six people, including five Dalits, were killed in this horrific violence. Given the gravity of the incident, the investigation was handed over to the CBI. The CBI filed a charge sheet against 40 people, but recently, on August 5, 2026, the Special SC-ST Court in Merta acquitted all the accused due to lack of evidence. Politics Also Intensifies Following this decision, rhetoric has intensified in Rajasthan politics. In addition to Dalit organizations, the Congress is also vocal on this issue. Several senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, have questioned the decision and demanded justice. Written By: Mohammad Moin About the author Mohammed Moin has nearly three decades of experience in journalism. He has worked across print, electronic, and digital media. He has been associated with ABP Network for the past 18 years, since his time at Star News. Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit man was tied upside down to a pole and beaten; he continued to plead for help in Balrampur, resulting in his death. A case has been filed under the SC/ST Act.
A case has been filed under murder and the SC/ST Act in the death of 38-year-old artisan Ram Sanehi in the Gasdi area of Balrampur. Efforts are now underway to uncover the truth based on video footage and other evidence. Balrampur: The case of the death of a Dalit youth in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh, is gaining momentum. A video of the alleged beating of 38-year-old artisan Ram Sanehi in Thakurpur village, located in the Gasdi police station area, has created a sensation in the area. In the viral video, a young man is seen tying him to a pole and beating him with a stick, while the victim is heard pleading for mercy. The family alleges that he was brutally beaten to death by goons. The accused party claims that Ram Sanehi had arrived with the intention of stealing. Police have registered a case of murder and under the SC/ST Act and have begun investigation. Viral Video Revealed The case is from Thakurapur village in the Gasdi police station area of Balrampur. The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Ram Sanehi, a craftsman from Vishunpur Kalan. According to family members, Ram Sanehi earned his living as a laborer. His wife had left him, and he lived with his brothers. On Wednesday, a 33-second video went viral on social media. In the video, Ram Sanehi can be seen being tied to a pole and beaten. It is reported that the entire case took a new turn after this video surfaced. Brother Made the Video as Evidence The deceased’s brother, Phool Kumar, stated that someone had posted the video on Facebook. When the family learned of it, they downloaded the video and submitted it to the police as evidence. Phool Kumar alleges that Guddu, a resident of Thakurpur, his father Akbar Ali, Magghe Nau, and their associates beat Ram Sanehi, resulting in his death. The family has demanded strict action against the accused. What is the accused party’s claim? The accused party claims that Ram Sanehi arrived with the intention of stealing. He was then caught and beaten by the people. However, this claim is under investigation, and the police are investigating all the facts. Case filed based on video Based on the viral video and the family’s complaint, the police have filed a case against three named and one other accused. Sections of murder and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been imposed in the case. According to sources, the police have detained some suspects and begun questioning them. Police said they will take further action based on the facts. Gasdi Kotwali in-charge Inspector Rajkumar Pandey said, “Some suspects are being questioned in connection with the young man’s murder. Initial investigations have revealed that the young man went there with the intention of stealing. People caught him and beat him. Further action will be taken based on the post-mortem report and the facts revealed in the investigation.” Reported by: Ranveer Singh Written by: Ajay Kumar Patel Courtesy: Hindi News
CM Shivakumar’s cabinet inducts 19 ministers as Congress high command clears portfolios
The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. BENGALURU: With hours to go before the joint legislature’s monsoon session, the Congress high command has reportedly cleared the allocation of portfolios to the 19 ministers inducted into Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, ending the prolonged uncertainty over department distribution. But the final list has not reached the Lok Bhavan for approval and notification. Shivakumar met his spiritual guru, Sri Karivrushabha Deshikendra Swamiji of Kadaaiddeshwara Mutt, who had arrived at a devotee’s residence in Bengaluru seeking his blessings. He is likely to make some changes in the portfolios, even as it’s being finalised by and large, before sending the final list to the Raj Bhavan. However, the issue of women’s representation in the cabinet remains unresolved, with the cabinet continuing without a woman minister. The decision to accommodate a woman legislator has reportedly been kept on hold, with sources indicating the issue could be taken up after the 10-day legislature session. The demand for the induction of Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa, who is unhappy over his exclusion, has also been kept in abeyance. The allocation of portfolios is an urgent issue ahead of the monsoon session, which begins on August 13. Initial reports suggest that the proposed distribution of portfolios covers 11 ministers who were inducted during the cabinet expansion and sworn in on August 3. Those who have reportedly not been allotted the portfolios include former chief minister Siddaramiah’s son MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Arasikere MLA K. M. Shivalinge Gowda, Challakere MLA T. Raghumurthy, Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra, Malavalli MLA P. M. Narendraswamy, Chamarajanagar MLA Puttarangashetty, Haveri MLA Rudrappa Lamani and Bagalkote MLA Vijayanand Kashyapanavar. By evening, they may be allocated the portfolios, according to sources. The delay in allocating portfolios to some of the newly inducted ministers had triggered speculation that the chief minister was considering a minor reshuffle by dropping one or two existing ministers to accommodate and placate disgruntled legislators, particularly Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa and Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar, who are believed to enjoy the backing of Siddaramaiah. The final list of portfolios is likely to be forwarded to Lok Bhavan for formal approval and notification. The decision follows several rounds of discussions between Shivakumar, senior Congress leaders in the state and the party high command. Shivakumar had discussed the issue with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, pressing for an early resolution before the legislature session. The high command is also understood to have obtained the approval of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi before giving a nod. According to the proposed allocation, N. Cheluvarayaswamy is likely to return to the Agriculture portfolio, which he held in the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet. H. Muniyappa, who earlier held the Food and Civil Supplies Department, is expected to be given Social Welfare, a portfolio he had reportedly sought. Mayakonda MLA K. Basavanthappa is likely to be entrusted with Fisheries and Ports, while Davanagere North MLA S. S. Mallikarjun is expected to get Mines and Geology, a department he had handled previously. Shivaraj Tangadagi is likely to be given Kannada and Culture, while Magadi MLC H. C. Balakrishna may get Minor Irrigation. Laxman Savadi is expected to be allotted Cooperation. Among the other proposed allocations, Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader is likely to be given the additional responsibility of Minority Welfare. Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh is expected to get Forests, while Madhu Bangarappa is likely to return to Primary Education and Santosh Lad to Labour Welfare—both portfolios they had held during the previous Siddaramaiah government. Rizwan Arshad is expected to be given Food and Civil Supplies. The portfolio exercise had triggered intense lobbying within the ruling Congress, with newly inducted ministers seeking departments of their choice while the leadership attempted to balance regional, caste and political considerations. The high command’s approval is expected to clear the way for the new ministers to assume charge of their respective departments ahead of the legislature session. The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Cong accuses BJP of politicising Jharkhand students’ stir, bringing outsiders to disrupt protests
Accusing the BJP of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.(Photo | PTI) The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of “politicising” the students’ agitation over alleged exam irregularities in Jharkhand and said that it was “bringing people from other states” to disrupt the protests. Accusing the saffron party of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. A probe by the CBI, “a tool of the Centre”, will yield the “desired results” for them even in Jharkhand, asserted four Congress ministers – Radha Krishna Kishore, Shilpy Neha Tirkey, Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari – at a press conference here. “The BJP brought people from other states to disrupt the students’ peaceful protest in Ranchi on August 10 over exam irregularities. We urge Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure that each such BJP worker is identified and strong action is taken against them,” Kishore said. He alleged that the BJP’s state leadership acted at the Centre’s behest to disrupt the students’ stir, as the recent assembly gherao in Ranchi was “not on the protesters’ agenda”. Claiming that the Jharkhand government initiated steps in exam “anomalies” much before the students started their protests, Singh said, “152 paper leaks took place in the country since 2015 under the BJP rule, but CBI probe was conducted in only 17 such cases with zero conviction”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand exam stir enters 19th day as students vow to intensify agitation Singh said the CBI probes included the NEET-UG 2024, UGC-NET 2024, SSC-CGL 2017, JEE Main 2021 and the West Bengal SSC 2016, “but the outcome was nothing”. Regarding the Haryana Judicial Services 2017 case, a conviction was secured not by the CBI, but by an SIT constituted by the state authorities, she claimed. Tirkey asserted that no force was used on the protesting students in Jharkhand, whereas during the earlier BJP regime in the state, “the voice of the youth was crushed”. She also said that it was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who worked to awaken the youth across the country through the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign. This awareness is now giving students the courage to step forward and participate in these movements, asserted Tirkey. “Even at Jantar Mantar during the NEET protests, Rahul Gandhi was present to boost the morale and courage of the students,” she 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
Benny, Kuzhalnadan & Shafi frontrunners for Kerala Congress chief post
All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to bolster their claims for the post. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has narrowed the choice for the new KPCC president to three names — former UDF convenor Benny Behanan MP, state working president Shafi Parambil MP and state vice president Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA. With two of his close associates — Shafi and Kuzhalnadan — among the frontrunners, influential AICC general secretary K C Venugopal is reportedly maintaining a neutral stand, leaving the choice to the Congress national leadership. However, Chief Minister V D Satheesan will have a crucial say in the selection of the new state party chief. Three other senior Congress MPs — Kodikkunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony — have apparently fallen out of the race despite backing from party stalwarts and a powerful religious organisation. Kodikkunnil, who is the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, had the support of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Satheesan, while Anto and UDF convenor Prakash had the backing of Priyanka Gandhi and Sivagiri Mutt, respectively. Anto had lost the post to Sunny Joseph last time. All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to bolster their claims for the post. With the Congress seeking closer coordination between the new government and the party ahead of an organisational reshuffle, the appointment is being viewed not merely as a change at the helm of the state unit but as part of a broader organisational overhaul. The final decision on the new KPCC president will be taken by Kharge and Rahul in consultation with Satheesan, sources said. Decision likely after Parl session, says senior leader “The announcement is likely after the ongoing Parliament session,” a senior party leader said. The need for a new party chief arose after incumbent Sunny conveyed his desire to step down after being inducted into the new cabinet. Among the shortlisted leaders, Benny brings considerable organisational experience, having served as UDF convenor and handled coordination among coalition partners. He is also seen as having the confidence of leaders across factions. Some senior leaders feel that an experienced organisational hand would be better placed to coordinate with a new government, in which most ministers, including the chief minister, are serving their first term. Shafi, who enjoys considerable popularity within the party and among the public, remains a strong contender. Kuzhalnadan’s proximity to Rahul is seen as an advantage. However, their relatively young age could work both in favour of and against the two contenders. Meanwhile, the powerful Catholic Church is closely watching the developments in the Congress. Sunny was made KPCC president after the Church took a strong position on the issue. K S Sreejith 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