New Delhi, Aug 8 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi meets with the delegation of the Right to Food Campaign and fishermen from across India, at the Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI Photo)
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that Rahul Gandhi is going to meet the students because his resolve of ‘Bharat Jodo’ continues…reports Asian Lite News
Leader of Opposition of Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met the delegations from the Right to Food Campaign and fishermen from across India and said that it is their right to meet anyone.
“It is our right to meet anyone. But they are not allowing it. I had spoken about farmers. Speaker told the House that they are not being stopped. Now they have been stopped again. There is a Sri Lanka issue of farmers. There were also people from Child Welfare. I keep doing this (meeting delegations). My life becomes a bit more difficult as it is easier to meet them there (LoP Chamber in Parliament). Otherwise, now I have to keep coming here,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters on Thursday.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi headed to the reception area of the Parliament and was accompanied by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
“LoP Rahul Gandhi meets delegations from the Right to Food Campaign and fishermen from across India, listening to their concerns and standing up for their rights!” Congress posted on X.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that Rahul Gandhi is going to meet the students because his resolve of ‘Bharat Jodo’ continues.
“A student delegation has not been able to enter the Parliament yet and meet LoP. Rahul Gandhi is going to meet them because his resolve of ‘Bharat Jodo’ continues,” Gogoi said.
Earlier, members of Safai Karamchari Andolan and people involved in the practice of manual scavenging met Rahul Gandhi.
Members of the Safai Karamchari Andolan and people involved in the practice of manual scavenging met the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at his office in Parliament today. The Modi government claims that the practice of manual scavenging has been eradicated from the country, but the ground reality is different. Government data shows that in the last 5 years, 377 people lost their lives while cleaning and tanks. The government needs to pay attention towards their safety and better life and this is possible only when the government accepts the truth,” Congress posted on X.
Earlier today, Lok Sabha LoP, along with the other MPs of the party attended the meeting of Congress Lok Sabha MPs. The meeting was conducted in the Parliament House Annexe in Delhi today.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which amends the Waqf Act, 1995, was introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to “effectively address” issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments, was introduced in Lok Sabha. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 29 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi speaks in the house during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)
In response to Gandhi’s queries, the government said it was looking into all possible angles and it was an evolving situation…reports Asian Lite News
At the All-Party meeting held on Tuesday to address the unfolding situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed serious concerns about the recent developments in the country.
During the meeting, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar briefed the leaders on the current unrest in Bangladesh. After the briefing, Gandhi expressed his support for the measures taken by the Indian government, emphasising that these actions were in the national interest.
However, Gandhi also raised several apprehensions, particularly regarding potential foreign involvement in the situation. He questioned whether external forces, specifically China and Pakistan, might be playing a role in destabilizing Bangladesh, hinting at possible interference that could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
In response to Gandhi’s queries, the government said it was looking into all possible angles and it was an evolving situation.
The government also provided an update on the safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, assuring the leaders that the situation is under control.
“Around 12,000 Indians are safe, and embassy officials are secure in Bangladesh,” the government informed. Additionally, it was noted that around 8,000 Indians have already returned to the country, with further measures being taken to ensure the safety of those still in Bangladesh.
Gandhi also drew attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, citing reports of attacks on their properties. He stressed that the safety and status of minorities in the neighbouring country are of significant concern to India, given the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
RJD members also raised the issue of the safety of minorities, and Indians and increasing adequate security at the border to avoid any untoward incident.
YSRCP member Vijaysai Reddy has expressed full support for the government, emphasising that it is in the best interest of the nation.
During the meeting leaders from various political parties engaged in a robust discussion on how to navigate the delicate situation in Bangladesh while safeguarding India’s national interests.
Several party members in attendance inquired about the whereabouts of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government responded, stating, “Sheikh Hasina is in India, and the NSA (National Security Advisor) and his team are taking care of her,” according to sources.
Additionally, sources indicated that the government stressed the impact of the current political situation in Bangladesh on India-Bangladesh relations and trade, noting significant setbacks. In response to the ongoing unrest, the government has instructed all relevant authorities, including the Border Security Force (BSF) especially in West Bengal, to take necessary actions to address the situation.
Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation after Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, majorly led by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests.
In Dhaka, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, in a bid to address Bangladesh’s ongoing challenges.
Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation. It is not clear if Sheikh Hasina will continue to stay in Delhi or move to another location later. (ANI)
‘Estimated 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh’
Amid political unrest in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that there are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals in the country, including about 9,000 students. He assured the nation that the government is maintaining close contact with the Indian community in Dhaka.
Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha that the bulk of the students returned to India in July.
“We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July,” he said.
He also said that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested approval from India to come at very short notice and she arrived on the evening of Monday.
“On August 5, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” he said.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo/SansadTV)
The External Affairs Minister also mentioned that the government is monitoring the situation with regard to the minorities living in Bangladesh.
Jaishankar noted that ties between India and Bangladesh are exceptionally close.
“Since the election in January 2024, there has been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics and “this underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.”
“There was growing violence including attacks on public buildings and violence continued in July. We counselled restraint and urged the situation be resolved by dialogue, Jaishankar said in his statement in Rajya Sabha.
He said that the growing violence included attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions.
“Throughout this period, we repeatedly counselled restraint and urged that the situation be defused through dialogue. Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch,” Jaishankar said.
Despite the Supreme Court judgement on July 21, there was no letup in protests, the Union minister said.
“Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation. The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down,” Jaishankar said.
On August 4 the situation in the neighbouring country turned serious, Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha.
“Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear,” Jaishankar said.
The EAM informed the House that the situation in Bangladesh “is still evolving.”
“The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on 5th August. He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government,” the foreign minister said.
He said that in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh included the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.
“It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” Jaishankar said.”
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visi Wayanad and offered messages of support to people there struggling to recover from devastating landslides…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday visited Kerala’s Wayanad and offered messages of support to people there struggling to recover from devastating landslides that have killed nearly 300 so far with another 200 still missing.
To underline the emotional impact of their visit Rahul Gandhi told reporters “I feel how I felt when my father (ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, assassinated in May 1991) died”.
“I remember what I felt when my father died. But here people have not just lost a father… they have lost families… brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. I know what I felt (when his father was killed) and this is much worse than that. It is not one person suffering but thousands.”
Gandhi also responded firmly to political jabs over the landslides.
“I don’t think this is the time or place to discuss political issues. People here need help. I am not interested in politics at this moment. My focus is on the people of Wayanad.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra – who will make her electoral debut from Wayanad, after her brother surrenders that Lok Sabha seat in favour of Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh – highlighted more agony.
“We met a boy who was holding on for six hours… trying to save his whole family but could not. He could only save his grandmother. We spent the day meeting people who suffered,” she said.
“It is an immense tragedy,” Priyanka said, “We can only imagine the kind of pain the people here are suffering. We are only here to give as much comfort and support as we can.”
She also welcomed offers of aid from neighbouring states.
Karnataka, where the Congress is in power, has offered financial and material aid, and is allowing unrestricted passage of emergency supplies via the Bandisur border check post.
Tamil Nadu, where the Congress is allied with the ruling DMK, has offered Rs 5 crore aid and manpower in the form of firefighters, doctors, and disaster response personnel. “Tomorrow, we plan to sit down and chalk out how we can help… especially children who are left on their own now,” Priyanka said.
Earlier today they visited the Chooralmala area in Wayanad, which was hit by a massive landslide early Tuesday, causing extensive destruction and loss of lives.
The flood of horrific videos circulating online – of powerful torrents of debris-strewn mud and boulders flattening everything, roads, bridges, and villages, in its path – only hint at the scale of the tragedy. Even high-res satellite images present only an idea of the destruction in Kerala.
One set of before-and-after images, shared by the Indian Space Research Organisation, suggests 86,000 sq m of land slipped and the debris flowed for 8 km along a river.
The debris flow widened the course of the river – the Iruvaniphuza – causing it to flood.
The Kerala government has launched multiple rescue and relief operations, with support from the Army, state and national disaster response forces, and emergency and medical teams.
Ominously, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said rescuers have yet to reach the first settlement hit by the landslide, and that it would be weeks before all the dead are counted.
The tragedy has not stopped some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from political attacks. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya claimed Rahul Gandhi has never raised the issue of landslides in his constituency.
The centre, however, has said it will offer all assistance. Union Minister George Kurian, who visited Wayanad this week, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army during the rescue operations in Wayanad found four persons alive in the rumble that included two men and two women on Friday.
According to the officials, the rescued individuals were stranded in the Padavetti Kunnu in Wayanad. The operation was carried out with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
A casualty evacuation was coordinated, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched to facilitate the rescue. The swift response and seamless execution of the operation ensured the timely evacuation of the stranded individuals, they added.
The Army statement said that one of the rescued females was experiencing difficulties with her leg and was provided with necessary medical attention.
Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that the revenue department is still trying to collect the data and find out how many people are here and how many people are missing.
“In the last four days, we have been doing operations here. A joint team of the Indian army, the NDRF, the local police, special operations groups, the fire force, the Coast Guard and the Navy have been operating in all these areas,” the ADGP said.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala urged collective efforts to provide relief to the victims and their families and said that rescue operations should be undertaken on war-footing manner…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to visit Kerala’s Wayanad. Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said, “This is the hour of togetherness, we have to work together so that maximum people’s lives are safe. We are planning to go (to Wayanad). Yes, both (Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) are planning to go.”
Venugopal said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured full cooperation and that efforts to involve maximum-level rehabilitation measures are underway.
“It is very unfortunate and saddest day for us. One after another tragedies are happening in Wayanad. Today morning we heard this saddest news. Then onwards, we are trying to involve maximum-level rehabilitation measures, rescue measures to be taken by the government and other agencies. I informed Rahul Gandhi, he immediately called the District Collector and then called the Chief Minister. He offered full support to the Chief Minister if anything is needed from his side. He also spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh also assured full cooperation,” Venugopal said.
KC Venugopal and Congress MP Hibi Eden gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on the backdrop of the tragedy and urged the central government to ensure that rescue operations must be fastened and all possible help must be given to the affected.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala urged collective efforts to provide relief to the victims and their families and said that rescue operations should be undertaken on war-footing manner.
“It is a very tragic incident that happened in Wayanad at 3 am. I was told that more casualties were there. The rescue operations are going on. I talked to the MLA and other important leaders there, as well as the district administration. They are trying their level best to rescue the people from that area,” Chennithala said.
“There is no connectivity in this area. So the police, district administration, everybody is trying to get in touch with the people who are stranded… Everybody should stand together to give relief to these bereaved families and rescue operations should be on the war footing,” he added.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh said, “The Wayanad landslide is a very shocking incident because a number . of people have died. A bridge is collapsed and the water is still flowing. The situation has deteriorated. An unimaginable situation is at the place of a landslide. One village is totally isolated and washed out. The government of Kerala has started the relief measures… Govt of India, Air Force, NDRF everyone has reached there. The rescue operation has begun on a war footing level.”
Kerala minister Veena George said on Tuesday that 24 bodies have been retrieved following a series of massive landslides that struck the hilly areas in Meppadi in the state’s Wayanad in the early hours of July 30.
She said that teams of the NDRF and Civil Defence are present in Wayanad and a team of Navy will also be reaching there soon.
The landslide has affected Meppadi, Mundakkal Town and Chooralmala areas and the state health minister said that the government has rushed rescue personnel, medical equipment and health workers to Vythiri, Mananthawadi, Kalpetta and Meppadi government hospitals.
Kerala Chief Minister’s office said that a control room has been established to provide immediate relief and rescue assistance following the landslide at Chooralmala in Wayanad.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has given directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly following the devastating landslide. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.
A delegation of five ministers- Revenue Minister K Rajan, Public Works Minister Muhammad Riyaz, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Minister O R Kelu, Forest Minister K Saseendran and Ports Minister Kadannapally Ramachandran are being sent to the disaster-hit area, according to the Kerala CMO. (ANI)
CM directs all Kerala govt events to be postponed
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered postponement of all state government public events scheduled for Tuesday following landslides that hit Wayanad.
As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk of Wayanad district, at around 3.49 am on July 30.
According to officials, around 70 people have sustained injuries in the massive landslides.
Health Minister Veena George said that the state government is doing everything possible to rescue people.
“We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured. Teams of NDRF and Civil Defence are present there; a team of Navy will also be reaching there soon. A bridge in the area has also washed away,” George said.
Officials said that an Army Engineering Group will be urgently deployed to Wayanad for rescue operations and related activities in the landslide-affected area.
The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) from Bangalore will arrive to implement alternative arrangements after the bridge collapse. The decision follows discussions between the Revenue Secretary and Major General VT Mathews, as directed by the Chief Minister, they added.
The Chief Minister has also directed that police drones and the dog Squad be deployed for search and rescue efforts.
A special control room has been setup by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room. The control room functions under the direct control of the state police chief. Phone numbers – 9497900402, 0471 2721566.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the landslides.
PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector. (ANI)
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha assured them that a legal guarantee for MSP was their right…reports Asian Lite News
A delegation of twelve farm leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday and shared their concerns over the need for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for crops.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha assured them that a legal guarantee for MSP was their right.
Later, speaking to the press, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress and the INDIA bloc allies will raise the issue of MSP in the Parliament, and also put pressure on the government on the same.
“We have mentioned in our manifesto about a legal guarantee for MSP, which can be implemented without any hassles,” he told mediapersons.
“During the meeting, we decided that we will discuss the matter with the INDIA bloc partners and then start putting pressure on the government to frame a law on MSP,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with the farm leaders was also attended by senior Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal, former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, Raja Brar, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jai Prakash.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the farmer leaders were not allowed entry to the Parliament complex. It was only after he walked out of the House that the farmers were let in.
The farmer leaders said that Rahul Gandhi has also expressed solidarity with them against the ‘atrocities’ of the Haryana government.
Notably, farm bodies Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha recently announced to launch a fresh stir to push for a legalisation on MSP guarantee.
As part of the protest, they will take out a ‘long march’ to support the Opposition’s private Bills. They will also take out a tractor rally on August 15.
At a recent press conference, the leaders of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) said that the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march will complete 200 days on August 31, as they appealed to the people to reach Khanauri, Shambhu, etc., on the Punjab and Haryana border on that day.
SC may set up panel to resolve farmers’ grievances
The Supreme Court on Wednesday mulled the formation of an expert panel to find a solution to the grievances of protesting farmers.
During the hearing of a plea moved by the Haryana government against the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordering the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border, a bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, told the government to take some steps to reach out to the farmers and suggested sending a neutral umpire.
Observing that there exists a trust deficit between the stakeholders and adjourning the hearing for next week, the top court asked the Centre and state governments of Haryana and Punjab to suggest individuals who can be included in the expert panel. In the meantime, it ordered the state governments to maintain a status quo at the site of protests.
On July 10, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed to “at least” open the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana within a week. In its order, a division bench of Justices G.S. Sandhawalia and Vikas Bahl asked the Punjab as well as Haryana government to ensure that the highway is restored to its original glory and open to one and all for the convenience of the public.
“The State of Punjab shall also ensure that the demonstrators gathered in their territory are also duly controlled as and when the situation so requires,” ordered the high court, asking all the Kisan Unions to maintain law and order. It noted that the diversion which has been made to avoid the blockage was causing great inconvenience to the general public.
The decision came on a public interest litigation (PIL) against the barricading amid increasing concerns over the disruption of traffic and its impact on daily commuters and the transportation of goods. The interstate border was sealed to prevent protesting farmers from entering Haryana.
New Delhi, July 01 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi speaks in the House during the ongoing Parliament session, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)
The portions expunged include his comments on Hindus, and PM Narendra Modi-BJP-RSS among others…reports Asian Lite News
Several portions of the maiden speech of Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha targeting the central government over various issues, including minorities, NEET row and Agnipath scheme among others, have been expunged from the records of the Parliament on the orders of the Speaker.
The portions expunged include his comments on Hindus, and PM Narendra Modi-BJP-RSS among others.
Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Lok Sabha on Monday afternoon, during the debate on the motion of thanks on President Draupadi Murmu’s address accused the BJP and RSS of preaching and spreading violence and hatred. His remarks drew protests from the Treasury benches.
The Bharatiya Janata Party – led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh among others stood up to express their protest and rebut the Congress MP’s remarks.
The BJP leaders accused the Congress MP “of speaking lies, misleading the House and terming the entire Hindu community violent”. The Congress hit back with counter-allegations against the Modi government.
Rahul Gandhi invoked Lord Shiva, Prophet Mohammad, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Lord Budha and Lord Mahavir, saying that he had taken the idea of fearlessness from their teachings.
PM Modi slammed Rahul Gandhi during his speech. “Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter,” the Prime Minister said. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
While the BJP held a press conference later to denounce Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, Congress also held an evening press conference to slam the ruling party at the Centre.
Among the portions of Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech that got expunged were his accusations against the BJP, stating that the party was treating minorities unfairly and perpetrating violence.
Portions of the Congress MP’s remarks on industrialists Adani and Ambani and on the Agniveer Scheme were also expunged.
Dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s claims on violence against minorities, Dilip Mandal a prominent Dalit voice, claimed that the last decade was the “most peaceful time for India since independence” as he compared the governance under the Congress party.
“During his address, Rahul Gandhi made an objectionable statement that a lot of atrocities are happening against Muslims and Christians in India. I believe that the numbers don’t suggest this. The last 10 years have been the most peaceful time for India after independence if you see the numbers,” Dilip Mandal told ANI.
“During the Congress regime, so many riots used to happen, if you compare that in the last 10 years, only two major communal riot incidents have happened, Delhi and Manipur. So the scale has reduced…riots don’t last long now,” he said.
Mandal alleged Gandhi’s remarks as an attempt “to scare investors” and added that the Congress party is “again trying to appease” Muslims.
“This is an attempt to scare the investors and it will affect India. Congress is again trying to appease Muslims. He is thinking of getting the Muslim votes, especially the Muslim votes of Bihar and UP, from SP and RJD,” Mandal said. (ANI)
In Modi ji’s world, truth can be expunged, says Rahul
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after several portions of his speech in Lok Sabha on Monday were expunged on the orders of the Speaker.
“In Modi ji’s world, truth can be expunged. But in reality, the truth cannot be expunged. I said what I had to say, that is the truth,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters on Tuesday.
“They can expunge as much as they want. Truth is truth,” the Congress MP said.
Several portions of Gandhi’s maiden speech in Lok Sabha as Leader of Opposition on Monday were expunged on the orders of the Speaker after his remarks against the central government drew criticism from Treasury benches.
Rahul Gandhi in his speech in the lower house, during the debate on the motion of thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address accused the BJP and RSS of preaching and spreading violence and hatred. He also targeted the government over the NEET row, the Agnipath scheme, Manipur violence and minorities among others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh among others stood up to express their protest and rebut the Congress MP’s remarks.
The BJP leaders accused the Congress MP “of speaking lies, misleading the House and terming the entire Hindu community violent.” The Congress hit back with counter-allegations against the Modi government.
PM Modi slammed Rahul Gandhi during his speech. “Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter,” the Prime Minister said. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
Among the portions of Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech that got expunged were his accusations against the BJP, stating that the party was treating minorities unfairly and perpetrating violence. Portions of the Congress MP’s remarks on industrialists Adani and Ambani and on the Agniveer Scheme were also expunged. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 01 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi shows a poster of Lord Shiva in the House during the ongoing Parliament session, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)
Congress leader launched a multi-pronged attack on the BJP targeting it over remarks during Lok Sabha campaign, NEET-UG controversy, Agniveer scheme…reports Asian Lite News
Rahul Gandhi’s maiden speech as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha generated political heat on Monday with BJP leaders accusing him “of speaking lies, misleading the House and terming the entire Hindu community violent” and the Congress hitting back with counter allegations against the Modi government.
While the BJP held a press conference later to denounce Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, Congress also held an evening presser to slam the ruling party at the Centre.
Rahul Gandhi launched a multi-pronged attack on the BJP targeting it over its leaders’ remarks during Lok Sabha campaign, NEET-UG controversy, Agniveer scheme.
As Rahul Gandhi made remarks pertaining to BJP and Hindu community, there was a huge uproar from the treasury benches.
“There has been a systematic and a full-scale assault on the idea of India, the Constitution and on the people who resisted the attack on Constitution. Many of us were personally attacked. Some of the leaders are still in jail. Anyone who resisted the idea of concentration of power and wealth, aggression on poor and Dalits and minorities was crushed. I was attacked by the order of Govt of India, by the order of the Prime Minister of India…The most enjoyable part of it was the 55 hours of interrogation by ED,” Rahul Gandhi said.
“Abhayamudra is the symbol of Congress…The Abhayamudra is the gesture of fearlessness, is the gesture of reassurance and safety, which dispels fear and accords divine protection and bliss in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and other Indian religions….All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear…But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi carried an image depicting Lord Shiva to emphasise his point about ending fear. Speaker Om Birla said that displaying images is not allowed in the House and said the manner in which the Congress leader was displaying and then keeping down the image depicting a revered deity is not right.
Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Rahul Gandhi and said connecting violence with any religion is wrong.
“The Leader of Opposition has categorically said that those who call themselves Hindu talk of violence and do violence. He doesn’t know that crores of people proudly call themselves Hindu. Connecting violence with any religion is wrong. He should apologise,” Amit Shah said.
Pincer attack on Modi
Rahul Gandhi also said the BJP is not the entire Hindu society.
“Narendra Modi is not entire Hindu society. BJP is not entire Hindu society, RSS is not entire society, this is not BJP’s contract,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Rahul Gandhi also alleged that ministers were scared of greeting him in the presence of PM Modi.
The Prime Minister took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and said democracy has taught him to take the democracy seriously.
“Democracy and the Constitution have taught me that I need to take the Leader of Opposition seriously,” Modi said.
On Agniveer Scheme
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks pertaining to the Agniveer Scheme were countered by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Congress leader said the opposition was not an enemy of the government and offered full cooperation and support to take the country forward.
Gandhi said he was the leader of the entire opposition and when the opposition leaders like Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal were in jail, it should disturb him.
Apart from Lord Shiva, Rahul Gandhi invoked Prophet Mohammad, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Lord Budha and Lord Mahavir, saying that he had taken the idea of fearlessness from their teachings.
The Congress leader accused the BJP and RSS of preaching and spreading violence and hatred.
Dig on Ayodhya defeat
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said that the people of Ayodhya had conveyed the message to BJP by defeating its candidate. He said there was anger and resentment among people in Ayodhya as their houses had been demolished and they had not been provided any compensation. The government countered his allegations and said he was not speaking facts.
Gandhi claimed that Modi had wanted to contest from Ayodhya but decided against it based on surveys and that his victory margin from Varanasi had dropped.
He alleged that leaders of various opposition parties were targeted, citing his own example that he was slapped with cases, sentenced to two years imprisonment and his house taken away.
“But we are not scared of you…rather you are scared of the Congress,” he said.
He accused the BJP of targeting minorities and said they are patriots and have represented the country in different spheres of life and made it feel proud.
‘Modi’s reign of terror’
Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “reign of fear” for 10 years and said that scaring others and spreading fear is against the “spirit of India.”
“Narendra Modi has been running the ‘reign of fear’ for 10 years! By taking control of all the agencies, institutions and media, BJP has only worked to spread fear in every section of the society. Farmers fear black laws, Students are afraid of paper leak, Youth fear unemployment, Small traders fear wrong GST, demonetisation and raids, Patriots fear schemes like Agniveer, People of Manipur fear civil war,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP spokesperson Sudhanshi Trivedi held a joint press conference to denounce Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. (ANI)
New Delhi, June 28 (ANI): LoP in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi speaks inside the House during the fifth day of the 18th Lok Sabha session, at the Parliament in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)
In the message, Rahul Gandhi was seen talking to youths who said reconducting the NEET examination is their demand. It then shows another clip of the Leader of Opposition raising the issue in the Lok Sabha on June 28…reports Asian Lite News
The Leader of Opposition is the strongest democratic tool for every Indian, Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday and asserted that he will raise the voice of the people of India in Parliament.
In a post on Instagram, Gandhi who recently became the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, a post filled after a gap of 10 years, also shared a video message.
“LoP is the strongest democratic tool every Indian has. I assure you, I will raise your voice by raising your problems and issues with full force in the Parliament,” he said.
In the message, Rahul Gandhi was seen talking to youths who said reconducting the NEET examination is their demand. It then shows another clip of the Leader of Opposition raising the issue in the Lok Sabha on June 28.
It also shows clips of Rahul Gandhi’s meetings with the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh (23), who was killed in a landmine explosion in the Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir in January, and the victims of violence in Manipur, among others.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in a “constructive debate” on the NEET exam issue and give the students the respect they deserve.
“The INDIA Opposition bloc wants to have a constructive debate with the Government on the NEET exam and the prevailing paper leak issue. It is unfortunate that we weren’t allowed to do so in Parliament today. This is a serious concern that is causing anxiety to lakhs of families across India. We urge the Prime Minister to debate on this issue and give the students the respect they deserve,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on ‘X’.
The opposition continued its strident pitch on the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination with the Congress and other parties demanding a discussion on the floor of the house.
With the government insisting on first completing the motion of thanks to the presidential address both houses were adjourned with the Lok Sabha adjourned till Monday, July 1, 11 AM.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge created a new stir on Friday as he walked into the well of the House in order to attract the “attention” of Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, demanding a discussion on the NEET exam issue.
“Under Rule 267 we are demanding a special discussion on it in the House, and after that, we will state our demands,” Kharge said, speaking to reporters.
On entering the Well of Rajya Sabha, Kharge said, “It is his (Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s) mistake…I went inside to draw his attention. But even then he was not looking… I was drawing attention. He was only looking at the ruling party. When I draw his attention as per the rules, he should look at me, but instead, he deliberately ignored me to insult me. So what was left for me? So to draw attention I would have to either go inside or shout very loudly. So I will say that it is Chairman Sahab’s mistake. I say that he should not do this and should maintain the dignity of this Rajya Sabha…There have been such big scams, the NEET exam, the paper has been leaked, and lakhs of children are worried. So to draw attention to the problem of people, we asked for a specific discussion. We did not want to disturb anyone, we only wanted to raise the issues of the students…But he did not give it a chance, did not even pay attention to it and that is why we had to do this.”
INDIA bloc will drive out BJP, says Soren
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren who was released on bail earlier said that the opposition INDIA bloc will “drive out” the Bharatiya Janata Party from the country.
The JMM leader who was addressing a rally here on the occasion of ‘Hul Diwas’, also claimed that the BJP had turned “jittery” after his release from jail and its leaders are “conspiring” against him again.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Jharkhand CM Champai Soren attended the program on Hul Diwas on Sunday.
After being released on bail, Hemant Soren on Saturday said that the state is a land of courageous people and there is no need to be scared of anyone.
Speaking with the reporters, Soren said, “After coming out of jail after five months, I have bowed down to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The hurdles he had to face, more or less, Adivasi, farmers, and minorities are facing a similar fate, even today.”
The former Chief Minister also said, “Jharkhand is a land of courageous people. Many will try to scare us, but that is momentary, and we don’t need to be scared”.
Hemant Soren was released from the Birsa Munda Jail following a bail order from the Jharkhand High Court.
Ranchi, Jun 29 (ANI): Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren meets Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supporters after being released on bail, in Ranchi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)
Soren was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in January on charges related to an alleged land scam and money laundering. The investigation concerns the purported generation of substantial proceeds through the forgery of official records, involving fake sellers and buyers to acquire large parcels of land worth crores.
In related events, on March 22, a Special PMLA court extended Soren’s judicial custody until April 4. Soren was presented via video conferencing. The Ranchi police had also issued a notice to ED officials to join the investigation following an FIR filed by Soren under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The Jharkhand High Court had previously ordered no coercive action against ED officials after the agency filed a petition challenging Soren’s FIR. Soren had alleged that the ED’s searches at his residences were aimed at tarnishing his image and harassing him for being a tribal.
The ED had claimed to have recovered Rs 36 lakh in cash and documents related to the investigation, alleging that Soren had acquired 8.5 acres of land through fraudulent means.
The investigation revealed that a syndicate, including Revenue Sub-Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad, was involved in corrupt property acquisitions. (ANI)
The Congress MP from Rae Bareli further said that people have now realised that they are “sitting on a disaster” and they are no longer quiet like before…reports Asian Lite News
In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged irregularities in NEET and cancellation of UGC-NET, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that he is silent on the entire issue because he is “crippled” and he has “psychologically collapsed” post-elections and will struggle to run a government like this.
Rahul Gandhi further said that it seems PM Modi is more concerned regarding the election of the Speaker and not bothered about NEET.
“The silence (of government) is because the Prime Minister is crippled. Right now, the PM’s main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is not bothered about NEET or all these things. He is bothered about his government and Speaker. That is where his mind is,” Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference on Thursday.
“We have a government now, and a Prime Minister now, who will find it very difficult to function. The Prime Minister, if I might say so, is psychologically broken. He has collapsed, psychologically collapsed. and knowing his personality, he will struggle to run a government like this,” he added.
Continuing his attack on the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi said that PM Modi’s idea of running the government by frightening people is not working at present.
“Mr Modi’s idea of running government is to generate fear in people, to frighten people, to make people not speak. But now people are not scared of him,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi further said that people ridicule Modi at present and this may lead to “psychological tensions” in the Prime Minister.
“…Now nobody in the country is afraid of him (Modi). They ridicule him now. Earlier the chest was 56 inches, but now I cannot give the number, but it has become 30-32. The balloon which was so big has now become small. This will lead to psychological tensions in him and lead to many problems,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi further said that Narendra Modi’s way of working is not similar to former Prime Ministers like Atal Vihai Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh who have led coalition governments in the past.
“If there had been a leader like Vajpayee or Manmohan Singh who had humility, respected people, listened to them, he could have worked in such a situation. But this is not Narendra Modi’s style. Narendra Modi cannot listen to anyone, cannot work without force,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi also hinted that there are internal problems in the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as well.
“There are internal problems too, there are problems in their party, there are issues in their parent organization,” he said.
The Congress MP from Rae Bareli further said that people have now realised that they are “sitting on a disaster” and they are no longer quiet like before.
“Before the elections, it was clear that there was massive control of the media, other institutions, so people were quiet. Now people are clear that we are sitting on a disaster and we have got a government that is crippled and cannot do the job. It is literally walking around on one leg,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Acknowledging that the ‘paper leak’ issue is a crisis, Rahul Gandhi said, “Yes, it is a crisis, a profound national crisis, it’s an economic crisis, it’s an educational crisis, institutional crisis. But I don’t see any response. I don’t even see the capability of a response.”
Speaking about the people who have been arrested from Bihar in the “paper leak” case, he said, “Regarding Bihar, we have said that there should be an inquiry and action should be taken against those who have leaked the paper.”
When asked if he will raise the NEET issue and the UGC-NET exam cancellation in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, “Yes, we will raise the issue in Parliament.”
Rahul Gandhi also pointed out that the opposition is strong at present and the political situation is “interesting”.
“Moreover, there is a very strong opposition, so it is a very interesting time,” he said.
Highlighting the pressures faced by the students appearing for these competitive examinations, Rahul Gandhi said, “There is a huge pressure on our students and the pressure comes from a number of directions. The first direction is the large-scale unemployment that is there in the country. Everybody understands it, everybody knows it and one of the reasons the government suffered in the elections was that all youngsters believe that Modi is incapable of solving the employment problem. There is huge pressure because of this and there is very few avenues for students in all areas.”
Attacking the BJP government over the cancellation of exams, Rahul Gandhi said, “You have cut off the job avenue, now you are cutting off the exam avenue. You are saying that you can take an exam, you can study and work as hard as you can, on the last day we are going to tell you that the exam is cancelled…The youth of India has nowhere to go. It does not matter whether you are an IIT graduate or you are trying to join the Army. The youngsters of India simply have no way through. It is not just the education crisis, it is a crisis in pretty much every sphere that we are facing.”
On the role of the Congress in pressuring the government on these issues, Rahul Gandhi said. “The education system has been captured by one organisation. They put their people on every post. It will have to be reversed. Secondly, in the manifesto, we clearly said that taking action after the paper leak is one thing but we also said that the systems that were there before the paper leak, the rules of the university exams, they will have to be assessed again, studied and redesigned. We have clearly written these two things in our manifesto and the opposition will try to get these two things done by putting pressure on the government.”
The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720.
The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.
The Ministry of Education on Wednesday cancelled the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 18.
A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately.On June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised.(ANI)
The Congress leader stated that the ruling coalition “will struggle because what worked for Narendra Modi in 2014 and 2019 is not working”…reports Asian Lite News
Stating that the numbers in the Lok Sabha were “very fragile” post the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the “smallest disturbance can drop the government”.
Speaking to Financial Times, Rahul added, “Basically, one ally has to turn the other way”. Without specifying any names, Rahul claimed that people from the NDA are “in touch with us”, and that there was “great discontent” within the Modi camp.
The Congress leader stated that the ruling coalition “will struggle because what worked for Narendra Modi in 2014 and 2019 is not working”.
Reflecting on INDIA bloc’s gains in the Lok Sabha election, Gandhi said a “tectonic shift has taken place in Indian politics”. “The idea of Modi and the image of Modi has been destroyed,” he said.
In these Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA bloc gave a power fight to the ruling NDA coalition, securing 233 seats, with Congress massively improving its tally to 99. The NDA, meanwhile, came back to power with a reduced majority, winning 293 seats. The BJP failed to secure a majority on its own with 240 seats.
“The idea that you can spread hatred, you can spread anger and you can reap benefits of that – the Indian people have rejected it in this election,” he said.
“The party that spent the last 10 years talking about Ayodhya has been wiped out in Ayodhya… Essentially what has happened is that the basic architecture of BJP — the idea of creating religious hatred — that has collapsed,” Rahul said.
The BJP’s Lallu Singh was defeated in Faizabad — the seat of the Ram Temple — by the Samajwadi Party’s Dalit candidate Awadhesh Prasad by 54,567 votes.
Rahul also alluded the alliance’s gains in the polls to the two Bharat Jodo Yatras held across the length and breadth of the country. “The judicial system, the media, the institutional framework – all were shut (for the opposition), and so we decided we have to literally, physically go do it.” He added, “A lot of the ideas that succeeded in this election came from that walk – and they came not from us but from the people of India.”
“We fought with our hands tied behind our back…and Indian people, poor people, knew exactly what they had to do,” he said.
