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Emotional Kharge urges Chair to expunge remarks against him

New Delhi, Jul 31 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge speaks during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI Photo/SansadTV)

Soon after the laying of the listed paper in the House, the Congress leader pointed out that BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari had referred to his political journey and said his (Kharge’s) entire family’ was in politics…reports Asian Lite News

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday became emotional over the ‘parivarvaad’ statement by BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari during a parliamentary session and urged Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to expunge those remarks in the House regarding his political journey.

In a sombre tone, while taking umbrage to the remarks by the BJP MP, Kharge said that he felt bad about it and did not “wish to live for long in this environment.”

Soon after the laying of the listed paper in the House, the Congress leader pointed out that BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari had referred to his political journey and said his (Kharge’s) entire family’ was in politics.

“He made a comment regarding ‘parivarvaad.’ I request that this be expunged from the records,” Kharge said.

The leader of the opposition further said he was a first-generation politician and provided details of his political journey, which began after he joined the Congress party. He mentioned that his father had died at the age of 85.

To this, Chairman Dhankhar wished him an even longer life than his father but Kharge quipped, “I felt bad. I don’t wish to live for long in this environment.”

Stating that he had been in the chair when BJP MP Tiwari had made his remarks, Dhankar said he did not think the BJP leader had meant to convey anything wrong to Kharge but assured the Congress leader that he would minutely examine the records.

“Every member of Parliament is respected and Kharge Ji’s life has been in public for almost 6 decades. I have said this many times and there are many respected members here too. Any word that hurts Kharge ji will not remain on record,” said Chairman Dhankhar.

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Thakur’s remarks part of parliamentary record

With Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi giving a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing the speech of Anurag Thakur made in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, sources said that that the BJP MP’s remarks are part of parliamentary record and the breach of privilege notice does not hold ground.

After the opposition members, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, objected to some of his remarks made during his speech on union budget, Anurag Thakur said he had not named any member.

Sources said Anurag Thakur’s remarks are part of parliamentary records and his remarks have not been expunged.

Slamming Congress over its protests, Union Ministers and BJP leaders said Anurag Thakur did not name anyone.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said Congress is resorting to excuses.

“He (Anurag Thakur) did not ask the caste. Those who don’t know caste are speaking about Caste Census. He did not name anyone, so why are you taking it upon yourself? Anurag Thakur clarified it on the floor of the House. They need an excuse. The intention is to divert the issue. From Pandit Nehru to Indira Gandhi, to Rajiv Gandhi – everybody has opposed reservation for OBC…,” he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of hatching a conspiracy to divide the country based on caste.

“I condemn what Congress has done, they keep talking about castes all the time…they ask the castes of media people and army personnel…Congress has hatched a conspiracy to divide the country based on castes…they keep asking about everyone’s castes, but Rahul Gandhi’s caste can’t be asked…are they above the country and Parliament?…they want to weaken democracy and country’s economy, they want to spread anarchy and violence,” he said.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke on Anurag Thakur’s remarks and said PM Modi should not have lauded the speech.

“Taunting in the House, this doesn’t happen in Parliament. Nobody’s caste is asked in the Parliament…He (Anurag Thakur) said this purposely to insult him (Rahul Gandhi). This is not right. Several of their (BJP) senior leaders have had intercaste marriages. They should look at themselves in the mirror and then speak…He (Anurag Thakur) is immature but was there a need for the Prime Minister to tweet?” Kharge asked. “Several of their leaders are in an intercaste or interfaith marriage. Will they ask about everyone’s caste? This is wrong, I condemn this. I also condemn the tweet of the Prime Minister. PM Modi should know where to speak and who to defend. Leaving that aside, he is talking about inflaming sentiments. This should not be allowed in Parliament, it should be expunged,” he said. (ANI)

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Kharge attacks Centre over China’s border incursion

Alongside his post, the Congress chief shared a media report that claimed the Chinese army digging in close to Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh…reports Asian Lite News

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday attacked the Central government on the issue of Chinese incursion into Indian Territory and accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government of “failure to maintain the status quo ante” at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) adding that “Modi Ki Chinese Guarantee continues as his government wears 56-inch big Chinese Blinkers on its Laal Aankh.”

“How can China build a military base near Pangong Tso, on a land which was under Indian occupation, until May 2020? Even as we enter the 5th year of the “CLEAN CHIT” given by PM Narendra Modi on Galwan, where our brave soldiers sacrificed their lives, China continues to impinge upon our territorial integrity!” Kharge posted on X.

Alongside his post, the Congress chief shared a media report that claimed the Chinese army digging in close to Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh.

Attacking PM Modi, Kharge said, “10th April 2024 – PM Modi in an interview to foreign press failed to put forth India’s case strongly at the global stage. 13th April 2024 – EAM’s statement that “China has not occupied any of our land” exposed Modi government’s Meek Policy towards China! 4th July 2024 – Even though EAM meets his Chinese counterpart and says “Respecting the LAC and ensuring peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential.”

Kharge further said that China continues to be “belligerent on occupying our territory and constructing a military base at Sirijap”, reportedly a land that was under Indian control.

“Modi Government is responsible for not maintaining the status quo ante at the LAC. We have lost possession of 26 Patrolling Points (PP) out of 65 including points in Depsang Plains, Demchok and Gogra Hot Springs area. ‘Modi Ki Chinese Guarantee’ continues as his government wears 56-inch big Chinese Blinkers on its Laal Aankh!” he said.

He further said that Congress once again reiterated its demand to take the nation into confidence on the border situation at LAC.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our valiant soldiers,” he said.

Earlier on Saturday, Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the increase of Indian imports from China and said that it is time for a proper strategy to wean India off dependence on China ensuring that taxpayer funds do not benefit Chinese companies.

“The non-biological Prime Minister infamously told the nation on 19 June 2020, after the Galwan clashes, that “Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai”. However he shows no hesitation in liberally issuing visas to Chinese workers to help one of his tempowallah buddies,” the Congress leader posted on X. (ANI)

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Kharge targets Modi in RS, raises paper leak

The Congress chief said that thousands of NEET aspirants were affected by the paper leak. He said that the government initially denied any paper leak then later they clarified and accepted that irregularities happened. The LoP also urged to scrap the Agnipath scheme…reports Asian Lite News

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP on Monday over various issues including the ongoing row over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and arrests of Opposition leaders.

During his speech in Rajya Sabha on the debate on President Droupadi Murmu’s address, Kharge said, “PM Modi embarrassed India. They used to call the Gamandiya alliance, they used to say if there is Modi, anything is possible. But the arrogance of BJP was broken after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Kharge also hit out at PM Modi over his remarks during election rallies against Congress over redistribution of wealth, Mangalsutra, reservation and ‘Mujra’ among others.

He also took a dig at PM Modi’s “ek akela sab pe bhari” remark and said “Ek akela par aaj kitne log bhaari hei, election ne dikha diya ki desh ka samvidhan aur janata sab par bhaari hei.” (Elections proved that Constitution and public weigh over everything)

The Congress chief said that thousands of NEET aspirants were affected by the paper leak. He said that the government initially denied any paper leak then later they clarified and accepted that irregularities happened. The LoP also urged to scrap the Agnipath scheme

“President has said we will work together. But the words have been confined to just speech and not in action,” he said.

He also criticised the government over arrests of opposition leaders and alleged misuse of central agencies including the Directorate of Enforcement and the Central Bureau of Investigation in an attempt to “silence the opposition.”

“This election witnessed that a major issue was protecting the Constitution. BJP said it will amend the Constitution. But the elections proved that issues keep coming and going but Constitution will thrive, democracy will survive, elections will keep happening and we will also be here,” Kharge said.

“The common people supported the opposition in this fight. They took a major step towards protecting the Constitution,” he added.

The LoP also questioned the relocation of statues of national leaders in the Parliament House complex.

“There was no meeting or prior consultation. It was done as though in authoritarian rule,” he said. He urged for discussion with the committee that includes LoP, members, and the House Chairman.

However, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said that it has been done properly and methodically and there should not be criticism for the sake of criticism. He also urged members to visit the new location.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister also objected to Kharge’s criticism and clarified that statues were not kept at just any location but shifted with proper respect and given appropriate space. (ANI)

LS Speaker clears the air after Rahul’s jibe

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had a verbal exchange inside the House on Monday when the latter questioned him as to why he bowed down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he shook hands with the PM on the day he was elected as Speaker of Lok Sabha on June 26.

Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President for her address to a joint sitting of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that whatever the Speaker says fundamentally defines Indian Democracy.

“There are two structures; one is he (Rahul Gandhi) as an individual and one is the Leader of the Opposition. As individuals, I might have likes and dislikes but I as Leader of Opposition have to suppress them, reduce them and say my the voice of opposition. That is the idea of the democratic system. The people have given me responsibility and that responsibility should overcome my personal likes, dislikes and aspirations. Now Speaker sir why I am saying this and forgive me for saying this but when you were being put on that chair I walked there to help you to walk to the chair and I shook hands with the Prime Minister and you (Om Birla) and them I walked to your chair. You are the final arbiter of the Lok Sabha. You are the final word here. What you say fundamentally defines Indian Democracy. You don’t allow us to speak, you allow us to speak, you allow them to speak, you don’t allow us to speak, all these things define Indian Democracy,” Rahul said.

He further told Lok Sabha Speaker that two people were sitting on the chair.

“There is the Speaker of Lok Sabha and there is Mr Om Birla, when Modi ji went and shook your hand and I went to shook your hand, I noticed something, when I shook your hand, you stand straight and shake hand with me and when Modiji shook the hands you bowed down and shook his hands,” the Congress leader claimed.

This remark prompted an immediate response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the chair.

New Delhi, July 01 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the House during the ongoing Parliament session, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)

“Yeh chair ke samane aroop hai,” the Home Minister said.

Speaker Om Birla responded to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, saying his “Sanskriti, sanskar” tell him that he should bow to elders and treat those younger to him inappropriate way.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Leader of the House. Mera sanskar kehta hai ki jo hamse bade hain unse jhuk ke namaskar karo and barabar walo se seedhe khade hoke (My culture teaches me to bow down in front of elders and shake hands with equals by standing straight),” Birla said, referring to a cultural norm of showing respect to elders.

The Congress leader reiterated his respect for the Speaker’s words but maintained his stance on the importance of the Speaker’s role.

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INDIA bloc to meet on June 1, TMC to stay away

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who is one of the senior-most leaders of the opposition bloc, has convened the meeting…reports Asian Lite News

The top leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) are likely to meet in the national capital on June 1 to assess their performance in the Lok Sabha elections and chalk out their strategy ahead of the results.

The sources said the proposed meeting will be convened in the afternoon of June 1 when the last phase of polling will be underway.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who is one of the senior-most leaders of the opposition bloc, has convened the meeting, they said.

The sources in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said party supremo Mamata Banerjee, general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and other top leaders will be voting on the day and hence, will be unable to attend the meeting and pointed out that the party has so far attended all meetings of the opposition bloc.

The TMC has conveyed this to the organisers, the sources added. Voting will take place on nine seats in West Bengal on June 1, including two seats in Kolkata — Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar.

The other constituencies that go to polls in the state include Jadavpur, Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jayanagar, Mathurapur and Diamond Harbour.

During the meeting, the opposition leaders will discuss their strategy ahead of the June 4 results and assess their performance in the seven-phase elections, they said.

The opposition alliance has been claiming that it will be able to stop the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from returning to power at the Centre and cobble together a government of its own.

The first meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc was held in Patna on June 23 last year, followed by a meeting in Bengaluru on July 17-18, 2023, and then in Mumbai between August 31 and September 1, where the opposition parties adopted resolutions to unitedly contest the Lok Sabha elections.

The fourth meeting of the opposition bloc was held in Delhi on December 19. The next time the opposition leaders came together was in Delhi on March 31, when top leaders shared the stage at the ‘Save Democracy’ rally held against the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren.

While the TMC, which is in power in West Bengal, does not have any seat-sharing deal with the Congress or any other INDIA bloc party in their home state, its candidate Laliteshpati Tripathi in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi has been supported by ally Samajwadi Party.

Meanwhile, the ruling alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also claimed that it will form the government at the Centre for the third successive time after these elections.

Twenty-eight opposition parties came together to form the INDIA bloc. However, some parties such as Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal-United and the Rashtriya Lok Dal later switched over to the NDA.

Mamata’s statement comes as top opposition leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, decided to meet in Delhi to assess their performance in the Lok Sabha elections and chalk out their strategy ahead of the results.

The Bengal chief minister, while addressing an election rally, clarified that her schedule wouldn’t let her attend the meeting in Delhi. “The INDIA bloc meeting has been fixed on June 1. But I have already said I can’t go on June 1 as there is an election in our state on that day. So far I know there are elections in Punjab, UP and Bihar. Voting will continue till 6 pm, and at times it extends beyond that (6 pm),” she said.

She added that the relief work too is keeping her occupied. “How can I leave everything behind and go? My priority is relief work. Even if I am holding a meeting here, my heart goes out to those people (affected by the cyclone),” she said at the Kolkata rally.

Mamata had refused to be part of the coalition in the West Bengal elections, opting to go solo while stressing that she remained committed to the opposition alliance at the national level.

On June 1, voting will be conducted on nine seats, including two seats in Kolkata, which are crucial for the party. Apart from the Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar, other constituencies in the state that will go to polls on that day include Jadavpur, Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jayanagar, Mathurapur and Diamond Harbour.

Besides, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and other top leaders will exercise their franchise on the day.

The TMC has so far attended all meetings of the opposition bloc.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc meeting will focus on the strategy ahead of the June 4 results and assess their performance in the seven-phase elections, said reports.

This is also the fifth meeting of the INDIA bloc, the first held in Patna on June 23 last year. This was followed by a meeting in Bengaluru on July 17-18, 2023, and then in Mumbai between August 31 and September 1. It was during the third meeting that the opposition parties adopted resolutions to unitedly contest the Lok Sabha elections.

The fourth meeting of the opposition bloc was held in Delhi on December 19.

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Kharge urges voters in third phase polling

Voting is underway for 93 Lok Sabha seats across 12 states and union territories in the third phase of the general election on Tuesday…reports Asian Lite News

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday urged countrymen to come in large numbers and vote in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha election and said that when you press that button on the EVM, keep in mind that you are deciding not just your future but the collective future of 140 crore fellow Indians.

In a post on X, Kharge said that a correct decision now can create an India where “Justice” is supreme.

“Vote to save Constitution; Vote to protect Democracy! 11 Crore people in 93 Constituencies shall exercise their democratic right, not just to elect their representatives, but to decide whether they want to secure their Constitutional Rights or witness our great nation veer towards Dictatorship. I sincerely urge you to choose democracy so that our Institutions can return to their independent form and are not pressed under the thumb of brute power. We are right in the middle of the battle. A correct decision now can create an India where NYAY i.e. JUSTICE is supreme,” he said.

He also mentioned “Yuva Nyay, Naari Nyay, Kisaan Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari Nyay” in his post, which Rahul Gandhi had mentioned during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

“When you press that button on the EVM, keep in mind that you are deciding not just your future but the collective future of 140 crore fellow Indians. My warm welcome to the first-time voters, who are the flagbearers of change. Remember, the sound of the voting button will strengthen the Constitution. Come out in large numbers and vote. Choose Wisely,” Kharge added.

Meanwhile, voting is underway for 93 Lok Sabha seats across 12 states and union territories in the third phase of the general election on Tuesday.

The states and union territories where the elections are being held in this phase are Assam (4), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (7), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2), Goa (2), Gujarat (25), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (11), Madhya Pradesh (8), Uttar Pradesh (10) and West Bengal (4). The BJP has bagged the Surat seat unopposed. (ANI)

Jyotiraditya eyes to regain his family’s bastion as BJP candidate

The high-profile Guna Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh will vote in the third phase on Tuesday. The parliamentary constituency consists of eight Assembly seats spread across three districts — Guna, Ashok Nagar, and Shivpuri. Its eight Vidhan Sabha constituencies are Shivpuri, Pichhore, Kolaras, Bamori, Guna, Ashok Nagar, Chanderi, and Mungaoli.

In this election, Jyotiraditya Scindia is contesting his first Lok Sabha polls with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and hopes to reclaim his family’s lost bastion of Guna after more than four years since he made the switch from the Congress.

Guna is historically a stronghold of the Scindia family, as Vijaya Raje Scindia, Madhavrao Scindia, and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all seen electoral success here. BJP which won the Guna Lok Sabha seat in 2019, decided to drop its sitting MP and fielded Jyotiraditya Scindia as their Lok Sabha candidate, who previously won four times from this seat on Congress’s ticket. Notably, Scindia lost the Guna Lok Sabha seat in 2019 against BJP’s Krishna Pal Singh Yadav as a Congress candidate.

Scindia joined the party in March 2020 as he led a rebel group of Congress 22 MLAs to bring down the Kamal Nath-led MP government.

The Scindia family borough has retained the Guna seat on 14 occasions out of 18 elections held for this LS seat, regardless of party affiliations.

This time, for Scindia, his wife Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and son Mahanaryaman are also on the campaign trail.

On the other hand, Congress has fielded Rao Yadavendra Singh Yadav, who joined Congress after leaving BJP in 2023. This will be Yadvendra Singh’s first attempt at the mainstream politics.

Yadav, whose father was a BJP MLA, had moved to the Opposition party just ahead of the 2023 Assembly election. Yadav’s father, Rao Deshraj Singh Yadav, has also unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls from Guna, once losing to Madhavrao Scindia in 1999 and then again losing to the younger Scindia in 2002.

Madhya Pradesh is set to go to the polls for nine parliamentary seats in the third phase of the Lok Sabha election from 7 am onwards tomorrow and a total of 127 candidates, including nine women candidates are in the fray in this phase, an official said.

Nine parliamentary seats in the state – Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- will go to the polls in the third phase of LS polls on May 7 from 7 am to 6 pm. A total of 72 assembly constituencies and 19 districts are included in these nine Lok Sabha seats which will undergo polling.

Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are being conducted in four phases. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 and the second phase was concluded on April 26.

The third phase of polling is scheduled for tomorrow May 7 and the fourth which is the last phase of LS polls in the state will be held on May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved. (ANI)

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Kharge to decide Amethi, Raebareli candidates

Rahul Gandhi contested the Lok Sabha elections from Kerala’s Wayanad, where polling took place on Friday in the second phase of the polls. He had said earlier that he will follow “whatever order” he gets from his party…reports Asian Lite News

Amid speculation over whether Gandhi family members would contest the Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh and Raebareli, the Congress on Monday said its Central Election Committee (CEC) has authorised party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to decide the candidates for the two constituencies.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress has urged the top party leadership to field Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the two seats.

Asked when the candidates for the two seats would be announced and whether Gandhi family members would be fielded from there, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “The president has been authorised to decide the candidates. Elections are not run in a hidden manner, they are run with all paraphernalia before everyone. You will get to know when the candidates are announced.”

“In our party, such decisions are not taken by two people in (behind) closed doors, the CEC has put forward its views and with its and the president’s nod, the candidates will be decided,” she said.

Rahul Gandhi contested the Lok Sabha elections from Kerala’s Wayanad, where polling took place on Friday in the second phase of the polls. He had said earlier that he will follow “whatever order” he gets from his party.

Speculation has been rife that Rahul Gandhi might contest the Lok Sabha polls from Amethi, a seat he represented for three straight terms earlier, and Priyanka Gandhi from Raebareli, a seat that was previously held by her mother Sonia Gandhi.

Both seats are considered bastions of the Gandhi family and the local units of the Congress have demanded that the two scions of the family contest from there. Mr Gandhi won the Amethi seat in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from 2004. BJP leader Smriti Irani wrested the seat in 2019.

Gandhi, who contested from both Amethi and Wayanad in 2019, had won the elections from Wayanad. Polling in Amethi and Raebareli will be held on May 20, in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Congress has forged an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and is contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state.  The counting of votes for all seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls will be taken up on June 4.

Smriti Irani files nomination

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani filed her nomination papers for Amethi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh on Monday and expressed confidence that people will bless the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the elections.

Smriti Irani, who is re-contesting from Amethi, was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav as she filed her nomination papers.

“For the service of Amethi, I have filed my nomination today. In the last 5 years in Amethi, 1,14,000 houses have been built under PM Awas Yojana, 1.5 lakh families received electricity connections and over 4 lakh farmers received PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi…I am hopeful that people will bless PM Modi, BJP,” she told reporters after filing her nomination papers.

Amethi will vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. Smriti Irani held a roadshow before filing her nomination papers. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister was also present.

People showered flower petals as the roadshow made its way through Amethi roads. Earlier, Smriti Irani held puja at her residence. A day before filing her nomination papers, Irani rode a scooter to reach out to people in different localities of Amethi.

ALSO READ-Campaigning ends for second phase of LS polls

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Kharge takes a jibe at Modi’s mangalsutra comment

Referring to reports about Congress’s intention to redistribute wealth if elected to power, the Prime Minister said the party would conduct a survey and they would not even let Mangalsutra remain with women and “will go to this extent.”…reports Asian Lite News

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘mangalsutra jibe’, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had donated her jewellery in the 1962 India-China war while he also questioned the whether any such sacrifices have been made by Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

“What sacrifice has any leader of the BJP-RSS ever made for the nation? They did not even participate in the National Movement. For elections, Modi ji is lying to the people that their Mangalsutra shall not be safe. Congress governed this country for 55 years. Has that even happened once? Indira Gandhi donated her jewellery in the 1962 War. Pandit Motilal Nehru and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru donated their home to the freedom movement as Anand Bhawan in Allahabad. Our leaders have lived and sacrificed their life and blood for the nation,” Kharge posted on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi last week alleged Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among “those having more children”.

He said that those who left Congress these days have pointed towards the party’s manifesto and said that the party has gone into “grasp of urban Naxals.”

Referring to reports about Congress’s intention to redistribute wealth if elected to power, the Prime Minister said the party would conduct a survey and they would not even let Mangalsutra remain with women and “will go to this extent.”

“When they (Congress) were in government, they said that Muslims have the first right over India’s resources. So, they will distribute this wealth (property and gold) among those having more children, among illegal immigrants…this Urban Naxal thinking won’t even spare your Mangalsutra,” the PM said.

PM Modi in another rally said that his speech had created panic in the entire Congress and INDIA bloc.

“When I came to Rajasthan the day before yesterday, I had presented some truths before the country in my 90-second speech. This has created panic in the entire Congress and INDI alliance. I had put the truth before the country that Congress is hatching a deep conspiracy to snatch your property and distribute it to its special people. I exposed their vote bank and appeasement politics. After all, why is Congress so afraid of the truth?” the Prime Minister said. (ANI)

Cong shares clip of BJP MP calling for estate tax

Refuting Bharatiya Janata Party’s claim that Congress aims to impose inheritance tax in the country, party leader Jairam Ramesh said that it was former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who abolished the Estate Duty in 1985.

He also demanded an answer from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

Taking to social media platform X, Jairam Ramesh said, “The Congress has no plan whatsoever to introduce an inheritance tax. In fact, Rajiv Gandhi abolished Estate Duty in 1985.”

The Rajya Sabha MP also shared a video of BJP MP Jayant Sinha, in which the former Minister of State is advocating for estate taxes in the country.

“Please listen to BJP MP Jayant Sinha, once MoS Finance in the Modi Sarkar, and later Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance. He has spent 15 long minutes vehemently arguing in favour of an Inheritance Tax of 55%, like in the US,” Ramesh added.

“The PM must answer: where does he stand on this issue?” he asked.

In the 19-second video clip shared by Jairam Ramesh, Jayant Sinha can be seen talking about 50 to 55 per cent estate tax to level the field and create opportunities.

“Which is why we need estate taxes so that we take away at least 50 to 55 per cent of the advantage that dynastic business people already have right now. So it’s about levelling the playing field and creating opportunity. By the way, taxes in US and elsewhere…I can tell you estate taxes are 55 per cent there,” Sinha says in the video.

A controversy erupted after the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda while emphasising the need for policy toward wealth redistribution spoke about the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America and said that these are issues that will need to be discussed.

However, the Congress party has distanced itself from the remarks and said that inheritance tax laws do not reflect the stand of the party.

But, the BJP came guns blazing at the Congress party over Pitroda’s remarks.

Taking a jibe at the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that after the comments of the Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda advocating an inheritance tax-like law, the party has been completely “exposed.”

“After Sam Pitroda’s remark, the Congress party is completely exposed. First of all, mention of ‘survey’ in their manifesto, Manmohan Singh’s old statement which is Congress’ legacy – that minorities have the first right over resources of the country, and now Sam Pitroda’s remark citing the United States that there should be deliberations on the distribution of wealth… 55 per cent of wealth goes to the government’s property,” Shah said.

Prime Minister Modi also hit out at Pitroda’s remarks saying that the Congress does not want the countrymen to pass on their property to their children.

“The advisor to the royal family’s prince has said that more taxes should be imposed on the middle class. Now these people have gone one step further than this, Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax, and it will also impose tax on the inheritance received from parents. The property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children,” PM Modi said at an election rally in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja. (ANI)

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We have the numbers to stop BJP, says Kharge  

The grand rally was being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls in the absence of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the AAP’s Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody…reports Asian Lite News

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that the Congress is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who landed in Ranchi to address the INDIA bloc rally, said he has not taken responsibility to answer every question of PM, declaring that the numbers needed to stop the Bharatiya Janata Party from coming to power are with them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress which had once won 400 seats is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in this Lok Sabha election.

“Let him (PM Modi) speak whatever he wants to. I am not here to answer his questions. The number needed to stop them (BJP) are there with us,” Kharge told.

He further thanked former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress workers for organising a rally.

“There were lakhs of people (in the rally). I was late as I was in a programme in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. I was happy that Mrs Soren, the Chief Minister and Congress organised such a huge rally. INDIA bloc has got an asset because of this rally,” he added.

The grand rally was being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls in the absence of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the AAP’s Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody.

Earlier today, taking a jibe at the deteriorating condition of the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress which had once won 400 seats is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in this Lok Sabha election adding that the party is the “symbol of instability.”

He further said that the Congress party, which is a symbol of instability, and its alliance can never run the country properly.

“Congress was in power for 60 years; once they used to win 400 seats, but today they can’t even find candidates for 300 seats. They are paying the price of their wrongdoing. Now they have made an opportunistic alliance in the name of the INDIA bloc which got its wings clipped before it could take flight. The so-called allies are contesting against each other in the States and at least in 25 per cent of seats,” PM Modi said.

Addressing a public rally in Rajasthan’s Jalore, PM Modi said that the people of the country is punishing the Congress for its “sins”.

“You have given your blessings to BJP every time, this time too, the people of Jalore-Sirohi are saying ‘Phir ek baar Modi sarkar’. In the first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections, half of Rajasthan has taught a good lesson to the Congress party. The patriotic people of Rajasthan know that Congress couldn’t provide a strong government in the Centre. Their government used to run on remote control. The country does not want the conditions that existed before 2014 to return again,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further without naming Sonia Gandhi, slammed the former Congress president for choosing the Rajya Sabha route to reach Parliament.

“The Congress party itself is responsible for the condition it has reached today. Earlier, Rajasthan sent former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Rajya Sabha, and now you have another leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha (Sonia Gandhi). People who knew that they could not win, ran away from the race and reached Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. Congress hollowed the country by spreading the termites of ‘parivaarwad’ and corruption. The youth of the country is so angry with Congress that it doesn’t want to see their face again,” the PM said.

The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. The estimated voter turnout was recorded at 63.89 per cent till 9:00 pm in the first phase of polling. (ANI)

Rahul to skip INDIA bloc’s rally

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was scheduled to campaign in Satna and Ranchi where the INDIA Bloc’s ‘Ulgulan Rally’ is being held on Sunday has fallen ill suddenly and ubnable to leave New Delhi at present, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted today on X.

“Rahul Gandhi was all set to campaign in Satna and Ranchi today, where the INDIA rally is being held. But he has suddenly fallen ill and cannot leave New Delhi at the moment. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji will join the Ranchi rally after addressing the public meeting in Satna,” Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.

Meanwhile, general secretary of the Wayanad District Congress Committee, PM Sudhakaran, resigned from the party and joined the BJP today.

Sudhakaran, who joined the BJP at the election Committee office in Kalpetta in Kerala said that Rahul Gandhi who is the MP from Wayanad is not even accessible for him and asked as how can such a politician be accessible for the common man.

Addressing a function at the committee office, Sudhakaran said, “I am joining the BJP as iam an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his politics of development. BJP is a party that has more relevance in today’s society. For the development projects of PM Modi to be implemented, K Surendran should be elected as the MP from Wayanad and I will strive towards that. If the people of Wayanad elect state president of BJP, K Surendran, the people of Wayanad are going to benefit out of it”.

The grand Oppostion rally in Ranchi today is being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls is themed around the arrest of the ex-Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and AAP’s Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody.

Earlier, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said today that it’s the beginning of the fight against the fascist forces.

“It will be the fourth rally (of alliance) after Mumbai, Patna, and Delhi. It’s not just about the trumpeting but the beginning of the fight against the fascist forces. Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, and other leaders will join the rally. PM Modi has been the PM since 2014, he has made many promises to the people of the country, and this is the time for him to present the report card and vision for the coming days,” Hussain said.

Posters of INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party MP Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren were seen put up in Ranchi ahead of the mega rally scheduled at Prabhat Tara Ground.

Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav will also participate in the rally.

Apart from SP chief, other INDIA bloc leaders will also participate in today’s rally. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Sanjay Singh will join the “Nyay Ulgulan Rally.” (ANI)

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Kharge launches nationwide awareness campaign

Party president says Congress party is committed to providing “paanch nyay” with 25 guarantees, five guarantees for each “nyay”…reports Asian Lite News

In a key initiative to boost the party’s prospects in the Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched the party’s nationwide door-to-door campaign to distribute the ‘Guarantee Cards’ which list 25 guarantees of the party.

The campaign was launched from the North-East Delhi parliamentary constituency.

Addressing a press conference after launching the campaign, Kharge said the Congress party was committed to providing “paanch nyay” with 25 guarantees, five guarantees for each “nyay”.

The Congress president said that under this campaign, party workers will go door-to-door among all sections of people and distribute cards containing 25 guarantees.

He said these guarantees will be implemented if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) forms the government at the Centre. “Unlike the BJP and Modi’s guarantees, Congress implements everything it promises,” he said.

He said the Congress-led UPA government introduced welfare schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Food Security Act, Right to Information Act.

Kharge said the Modi government had “not fulfilled promises he had made” like generating two crore jobs every year, doubling the income of farmers or depositing Rs 15 lakh in every Indian’s bank account after getting back the black money stashed in foreign banks.

Kharge said Congress has given “25 guarantees” under ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Nari Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’, ‘Kisan Nyay’ and ‘Bhagidari Nyay’.

Elaborating on the guarantees of the Congress, he said that 30 lakh government vacancies pending in various central government departments will be filled under ‘Yuva Nyay’.

Besides, graduates will be provided an apprenticeship with a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh in the first year.

He said a government of INDIA bloc members will also make stringent laws to prevent paper leaks and promised better working rules for gig workers.

Kharge said a corpus fund of Rs 5,000 crore will be created for youth entrepreneurship.

Under ‘Nari Nyay’, one woman from every poor family will be given assistance of Rs 1 lakh annually. Besides, women will get 50 per cent reservation in government jobs.

The salary of Asha and mid-day meal workers will be increased, the Congress chief said.

Under Savitribai Phule Hostel Scheme, the Government of India will build at least one hostel for working women in all the district headquarters and the number of these hostels will be doubled across the country.

To improve the plight of daily wagers, the minimum daily wage will be fixed at Rs 400. Under the Right to Health for All, the poor will be given a health cover of Rs 25 lakh for free treatment, medicine, tests and surgery.

Under Kisan Nyay, a legal guarantee will be provided for the Minimum Support Price, which will be fixed according to Swaminathan Commission Recommendations.

There will be a direct transfer of money within 30 days in case of crop damage. A new import-export policy will be formulated which will watch the farmers’ interests, he said.

The Congress chief said that as part of Bhagidhari Nyay, the 50 per cent cap on reservations will be removed through constitutional amendment.

“Besides, caste census will be carried out for effectively implementing social justice,” he added.

Congress is fighting Lok Sabha polls in Delhi in alliance with Aam Aadmi Party. The party has also reached agreements in other parts of the country with some parties of the INDIA bloc.

Congress mega rally

Kharge, and senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will address a election rally in Jaipur on April 6. Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi said the party will organise the mega election rally at Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur.

For the preparations for the rally, state Congress has appointed assembly-wise in-charges in Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa and Ajmer.

Congress’ top brass is expected to shed light on party’s poll promises in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections during the rally.

Earlier in the day, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the party will release its vision document on April 5 after “vast deliberations with people from across the country”.

Big push in Arunachal

Meanwhile, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are likely to visit Arunachal Pradesh to campaign for the party candidates. Elections to the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and two Lok Sabha constituencies in the state will be held simultaneously on April 19.

The Congress party has prepared a list of the campaigners in Arunachal Pradesh, however, the dates and places have not been fixed yet, party sources said quoting a list issued by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal.

Several other Congress leaders including former union ministers Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, Gaurav Gogoi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, Actor Raj Babbar, Cricketer Mohd Azharuddin and others will campaign for the party in the state Former chief minister and APCC president Nabam Tuki will lock horns against Union Earth Sciences minister Kiren Rijiju in the Arunachal West Parliamentary seat while former state minister Bosiram Siram will be up against BJP s Tapir Gao for the Arunachal East Parliamentary seat.

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Kharge slams Hegde’s remark on Constitution

The Congress President earlier too criticised the BJP MP for his statement…reports Asian Lite News

Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Karnataka, Anantkumar Hegde, has stirred controversy by calling for voters to give a two-thirds majority to his party in the Lok Sabha to enable amendments to the Constitution, with the Congress criticising it widely, asking the ruling party to take action against its MP.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a press conference here at party headquarters, hit out at the BJP and said that the ‘ruling party at the center has not fully accepted the Constitution’ which he termed ‘unfortunate’.

“It is unfortunate that the BJP has not fully accepted the Constitution. On one hand, the PM says that the Constitution will never be changed, on the other hand, he asks his people to say that a two-third majority is required to amend the Constitution. This is not said by a normal person or a fringe element, they are leaders and MPs of the BJP. They have been saying this and today again, they again repeated this in Karnataka that the Constitution must be amended,” Kharge said.

He further asked the BJP to expel Hegde if it did not endorse his views.

“If BJP believes in BR Ambedkar it should remove such people from party, not give them poll tickets. If PM Modi has courage, then throw out the leader who has talked about changing the Constitution from the party. On one hand, PM Modi himself remains silent on such things, on the other hand he talks about protecting the Constitution,” Kharge added.

Anantkumar Hegde on Saturday stirred a controversy by calling for voters to give a two-thirds majority to his party in the Lok Sabha to enable amendments to the Constitution and undo the “unnecessary laws introduced to subjugate the Hindu community”.

The Congress President earlier too criticised the BJP MP for his statement.

“BJP MP’s statement that they need 400 seats to rewrite the Constitution, yet again exposes Modi-RSS’ devious agenda to impose dictatorship! Modi Govt, BJP and RSS secretly desire impose Dictatorship, whereby — They will impose their Manuvaadi Mindset on the people of India and snatch away the rights of SCs, STs and OBC’s. — There will be NO Elections, or at the most, just sham elections. — Independence of institutions shall be curtailed. — Freedom of expression shall be bulldozed. — RSS & BJP will destroy our Secular fabric and unity in diversity” the Congress President said in his post on X on Sunday.He further said that such statements by the BJP leaders are ‘a direct assault on the unquestionable ethos of sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic espoused by our Constitution makers’.

“Indian National Congress will not allow these ulterior motives of the Sangh Parivar to succeed. Such repeated calls by the BJP-RSS, from time to time are a direct assault on the unquestionable ethos of Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic espoused by our Constitution makers. Justice, Equality, and Liberty are the strong pillars of the Constitution and any change in these principles would be an insult to the India envisioned by Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar and our revered founders. It is the solemn responsibility of every Indian to protect our Democracy and Constitution” he added.

The BJP, however distanced itself from Hegde’s statement saying that his views on the Constitution are his personal and that the party have sought a response from the Karnataka MP.”MP Ananth Kumar Hegde’s remarks on the Constitution are his personal views and do not reflect the party’s stance. @BJP4India reaffirms our unwavering commitment to uphold the nation’s Constitution and will ask for an explanation from Hegde regarding his comments,” the BJP posted on X just hours after its MP made the comments. (ANI)

Govt neglecting farmers, says ex-BJP MP

After resigning from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Churu Lok Sabha MP Rahul Kaswan on Monday said that the voice of farmers is being neglected in the country and this prompted him to join Congress.

Rahul Kaswan on Monday joined the Congress in Delhi in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the mediapersons, Rahul Kaswan said, “I am grateful to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi along with Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Party’s state incharge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. I am thankful to PM Narendra Modi as I got the chance to work for the people for 10 years. The voice of farmers is being neglected. There are many such issues on which I decided to join the Congress Party.”

Welcoming Rahul Kaswan into the Congress, party President Mallikarjun Kharge urged him to strongly fight for the principles he believes in.

“We welcome him. His inclusion in the party will strengthen us. He also said that for the issues of farmers, he will fight. I believe that he will strongly fight for the principles he and the Congress party believe in,” Kharge said.

The crossover of the Kaswan to the Congress came days after the BJP announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.Kaswan had expressed “displeasure” after being denied a ticket for the general elections in 2024.

He said in a post on X, “After all, What was my crime? Was I not honest? Was I not hard-working? Was I not loyal? Was I tainted? Did I leave any stone unturned in getting the work done in Churu Lok Sabha?”

His post added, “I was at the forefront in the implementation of all the schemes of the Prime Minister. What else was needed? Whenever I asked this question, Everyone remained speechless and speechless. No one is able to answer this”. (ANI)

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