Mumbai, Correspondent

On the occasion of the birthday of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and people’s leader Rahul Gandhi, the Mumbai Pradesh Youth Congress has announced a special social media reel competition titled ‘ReelSeRealTalk’.
Mumbai Youth Congress President Zeenat Shabreen has appealed to young people to participate in large numbers and express their views fearlessly on issues that directly impact the youth of the country.

The competition focuses on three important themes: Unemployment, Paper Leaks, and Inflation. Participants are required to create a reel expressing their views on any one of these topics.

The reel must be posted on the participant’s Instagram account by June 17. Participants must tag @mumbaiiyc and use the hashtag ReelSeRealTalk while posting their entries, said the release.

Organisers have clarified that the audio and video quality should be clear and that no offensive, obscene, or abusive language should be used.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries. The first prize is rupees 11,000, the second prize is 5,000, and the third prize is 3,000.

The competition aims to encourage young people to voice their opinions on critical issues such as unemployment, rising inflation, and paper leaks, while promoting active participation in social and democratic processes and amplifying the concerns of the people, said the release.

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Pune, City Correspondent

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter fraud. Responding to these allegations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that in recent times, Rahul Gandhi seems to have contacted scriptwriters Salim-Javed to write his speeches. “This script is highly entertaining and is being recited everywhere, but beyond the entertainment, there is nothing substantial in it,” Fadnavis commented. “All his claims are purely fictional,” he added.

Fadnavis was speaking at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune, where he was present as the chief guest for various programs. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also attended the event. During the interaction, CM Fadnavis was asked about Rahul Gandhi’s remarks.

The Chief Minister further said, “Rahul Gandhi is now claiming issues in the voter list, but we have been pointing this out for years. He doesn’t understand what a comprehensive revision of the voter list means. He is merely trying to find excuses for his electoral losses.”

Commenting on the recent INDIA alliance meeting, where Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut were seen seated in the last row, Fadnavis took a dig at the opposition. He said, “With us, they were always in the front row sometimes even ahead of us. This shows the kind of respect they enjoy now. They used to proudly proclaim that they would never bow before Delhi or lay down the red carpet for Delhi, but it is truly painful to see their current condition despite not even being in power.”

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By Bhaga Warkhade

The Cost of Pre-election Promises:
The promise of free electricity ahead of elections raises serious concerns about Bihar’s fiscal health. CM Nitish Kumar has declared that households will receive 125 units of free electricity per month. However, subsidies on power already consume nearly half the state’s budget. For FY 2024–25, the Bihar government has allocated ₹15,343 crore under the "Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana." In a state like Bihar with limited resources, such populist welfare schemes risk destabilizing the economy. Capital expenditure could be diverted toward debt repayment.

Alongside the free electricity pledge, Nitish Kumar also announced a plan to install rooftop solar panels on every home over the next three years. The timing—just before elections—clearly reflects the growing trend of offering free handouts to woo voters. While not a new strategy, the scale of these promises is expanding. In 2023–24, states like Maharashtra spent around ₹96,000 crore (2.2% of GSDP), Karnataka ₹53,700 crore (1.9%), and Bihar around ₹20,000 crore (2.1%) on such schemes. States like Punjab, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan are already under financial strain. Punjab, due to excessive borrowing, ranks lowest on the NITI Aayog’s fiscal health index. This is not merely a policy issue—it’s about state capacity. Bihar’s tax collection is weak, and its borrowing capacity is limited. With rising expenditure and stagnant revenue, can the state afford another guarantee?

Only 2–3% of India’s population—mainly the urban middle class—pays income tax. This class is now growing resentful under the burden of subsidies. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar remains firm, stating that 125 units of free electricity will be guaranteed. However, a recent RBI report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets 2024–25” warned that such spending could limit funds for other critical social and infrastructure projects.

The Growing Political Utility of Free Power:
Free electricity is once again at the center of Indian politics, this time with Bihar in focus. Nitish Kumar has announced that starting August 1, all domestic power consumers in Bihar will receive 125 units of electricity for free each month. An estimated 1.67 crore households will benefit directly from this scheme.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pioneered the free electricity promise in Delhi elections, later expanding the model to other states. Initially, free power was a benefit mostly reserved for farmers. Now, the promise of free units is being offered to the general public. AAP leader and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal successfully made free electricity a political highlight. In 2013, upon entering Delhi politics, Kejriwal focused on issues with direct public appeal, and free electricity topped the list. At first, other parties struggled to grasp the significance of the policy. BJP even mocked it as “freebies” or “rewri culture.” However, once Kejriwal's policy succeeded in Delhi, many leaders from other parties began to replicate it.

In recent elections, nearly every major party dangled the bait of free electricity. The scheme found success in Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. Now, all eyes are on Bihar to see if it follows suit.

State-wise Subsidy Landscape:

• Punjab: AAP-led government provides 300 units of free power to households, a key electoral promise now implemented.

• Rajasthan: Households receive 300 units of free electricity, benefiting around 5 lakh families.

• Delhi: Offers 200 units free; beyond that, consumers pay. Around 48 lakh out of 58 lakh domestic consumers benefit.

• Jharkhand: Recently increased its cap from 100 to 125 units of free electricity.

• Himachal Pradesh: Under Congress rule, offers 125 units of free power to the general public, offering substantial relief.

Clearly, electricity subsidies are in high demand and have become a “winning formula” in elections across states like Delhi, Punjab, UP, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Now, it has arrived in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar’s move to offer 125 units of free power from August 1 is seen as a political gamble. As the saying goes, “Victory justifies the means—whether through strength or strategy.” Bihar is not the only state where such promises are made before elections—this trend has become common nationwide. Political parties are busy illuminating their fortunes with the current of free power. New promises often bury old failures, in line with the adage “Old wounds are forgotten under new shadows.”

By announcing free electricity before the elections, Nitish Kumar has posed a significant challenge to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD. With a large share of the population falling under BPL, labor, and lower-middle-class categories, the move is likely to ease the electricity bill burden on millions. In essence, Nitish has released a pre-election manifesto targeting the poor and middle class. The policy will directly benefit 1.67 crore households and save each family approximately ₹900 per month.

In his campaign speeches, Nitish often criticizes Lalu’s “lantern era” and evokes memories of the days when people relied on lanterns after sunset. He’s clearly tapping into emotional chords to win votes.

After playing the “free electricity” card, the JD(U)-BJP alliance may have complicated things for the RJD. In the next three years, every household consumer will either have a rooftop solar project or benefit from a nearby community solar installation. Under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, the government will fully cover solar power setup costs for the extremely poor. Others will receive necessary assistance as well.

As a result, domestic consumers will not have to pay for up to 125 units of electricity, and estimates suggest Bihar could generate up to 10,000 MW of solar energy in the next three years.

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Sangli, Corerespondent

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent apology regarding the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Malvan, questioning its sincerity and clarity.

Addressing a gathering after unveiling a statue of late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam, Gandhi presented a list of reasons why the Prime Minister should apologize, including:

1. Incompetence in assigning the task of creating the statue
2. Corruption or theft in the erection process
3. Poor quality of work leading to the statue's collapse

Gandhi also criticized the government's decisions on demonetization and Goods and Services Tax, demanding an apology for these mistakes. He alleged that the government is run by only two people and favors select individuals, such as Ambani and Adani, for major contracts.

Gandhi expressed gratitude towards Maharashtra's great men, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who inspired the country. He emphasized that the ideology of Shiv Chhatrapati is the Congress's ideology and that there is a war between two ideologies - one of inclusivity and another of exclusivity.

Gandhi also criticized the BJP's politics of hatred, alleging that they create divisions between religions, castes, and regions. He cited the example of Manipur, which has been experiencing violence for over a year, and accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the issue.

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Sangli, Maharashtra

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar today expressed his admiration for the late Patangrao Kadam's contributions to education and assured his support to Vishwajit Kadam, who is carrying forward his father's legacy.

Addressing a gathering in Sangli, Pawar praised Patangrao Kadam's tireless efforts in making education accessible to grassroots students through Bharti Vidyapeeth. He commended Kadam's dedication to the ideals of Karmaveer and his role in shaping the history of Maharashtra.

Pawar also unveiled a full-length statue of Patangrao Kadam, alongside Congress state president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other party leaders.

The NCP leader emphasized the significance of Sangli and Satara districts in Maharashtra's history, acknowledging the contributions of leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan, Vasantdada Patil, and Kranti Singh Nana Patil.

Pawar assured Vishwajit Kadam of his strong support, saying, "Vishwajit is carrying forward Patangrao's tradition in a very good way. I stand firmly behind him."

Rahul Gandhi, also present at the event, criticized the ruling party for promoting the elite and fueling the caste system, emphasizing the need for social progress and unity.

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Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said that 'those who call themselves Hindus, keep talking about violence, hatred and lies 24 hours a day. These are not Hindus at all. It is clearly written in Hinduism that one should stand with the truth and never back down from the truth.'

Many comments from the address given by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Monday have been removed from the record. It is worth noting that Rahul Gandhi had commented on Hindus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS in his address. Rahul Gandhi had said in his speech that those who call themselves Hindus, keep talking about violence-violence, hatred-hate 24 hours a day. PM Modi had also objected to this statement of Rahul Gandhi and said that calling the entire Hindu society violent is a serious matter.

Controversy over Rahul Gandhi's comment
On Monday, Rahul Gandhi gave his first speech as Leader of Opposition. Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP and said that 'those who call themselves Hindus, they keep talking about violence, hatred and lies 24 hours a day. They are not Hindus at all. It is clearly written in Hinduism that one should stand with the truth and never back down from the truth. Non-violence should be spread.' When PM Modi objected to this statement of Rahul, Rahul Gandhi said that I have called BJP violent, Narendra Modi is not the whole Hindu society. BJP is not the whole Hindu society. RSS is not the whole Hindu society.

Amit Shah demanded an apology

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed displeasure over Rahul Gandhi's comment. He said that 'such a big act cannot be hidden by making noise. The opposition leader said that those who call themselves Hindus, commit violence. They probably do not know that crores of people proudly call themselves Hindus, do they all commit violence. It is wrong to associate the feeling of violence with any religion and Rahul Gandhi should apologize.'

Rahul Gandhi also spoke about the Prime Minister

Rahul Gandhi claimed that 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi had thought of contesting elections from Ayodhya, but the survey told him that the people of Ayodhya will defeat him, so PM Modi went to Varanasi and escaped from there.' He said that PM Modi scares the BJP people, leave alone the people of Ayodhya. On this, Speaker Om Birla said that you should speak on policies, it is not right to make personal allegations against anyone.

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Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra have become interesting due to the breakup of political parties, change of leaders and formation of new alliances. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan also left Congress at the last moment and joined BJP. Ashok Chavan, son of former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, is a Rajya Sabha member of the BJP. The Chavan family has dominated many districts of Marathwada including Nanded for decades. Amidst the election busyness, Chavan expressed his opinion on many issues during his conversation with Shrikant Tilak.

Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra have become interesting due to the breakup of political parties, change of leaders and formation of new alliances. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan also left Congress at the last moment and joined BJP. Ashok Chavan, son of former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, is a Rajya Sabha member of the BJP. The Chavan family has dominated many districts of Marathwada including Nanded for decades. Amidst the election busyness, Chavan expressed his opinion on many issues during his conversation with Shrikant Tilak.

Question: What would you like to say about Rahul Gandhi?
Answer: The person whom Rahul Gandhi has made (Nana Patole) the chief of Maharashtra Congress does not have leadership ability. He could not save Congress's traditional seats like Sangli and Bhiwandi. Out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, Congress has got only 17 seats. From this it can be estimated how weak the leadership of the state Congress is.

Question: There is anger against the government regarding Maratha reservation. How much impact will it have in the elections?
Answer: The effect of Maratha reservation is in 8 districts. If we can explain this issue properly to the people, then there will be no problem because this is a social issue and not a political one. Those whose records of being Kunbi Maratha have been found have been given OBC certificates, along with 10 percent reservation has been given to the socially and educationally backward Maratha community. As far as reservation for blood relatives is concerned. There have been objections to this. This matter will also be resolved after June 4.

Question: What is the atmosphere in Nanded? What is the impact of your joining BJP?
Answer: There is no problem in Nanded. The people here are going to love me. He has only one sentence, where you are there we are. All BJP workers are happy with my arrival. A large number of people are joining BJP. We are confident that Nanded seat will also be included in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's figure of crossing 400.

Question: Can Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar get public sympathy in the elections?
Answer: Look! Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP have split. Lok Sabha elections is the first test for both of them. Efforts are being made to get sympathy from both sides. Now only the election results will tell how much sympathy the public has for these two.

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BJP has hit back at Congress' allegations of seizing bank accounts. Said that Congress, sensing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, has tried to make excuses out of frustration.

BJP President JP Nadda on Thursday dismissed Congress's remarks as "ridiculous" and said the party can use the money earned from "all the scams" during its rule in the election campaign.

Attempt to make excuses
BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused former Congress President Rahul Gandhi of lying on the issue and also targeted Sonia Gandhi. He said that both of them have embarrassed Indian democracy at the global level with their irresponsible comments. Congress did not file income tax returns on time, due to which their accounts were frozen.

Prasad said, 'We wish Congress all the best and our advice to the party is that the more you let Rahul Gandhi speak, the more base you will lose. He said that if people do not want to vote for Congress then BJP cannot do anything. He said that Congress, sensing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, has tried to make excuses out of frustration.

Congress held meeting due to fear of historic defeat
JP Nadda said on social media platform The common people have completely ignored Congress. Fearing a historic defeat, their top leadership held a press conference and made strong statements against Indian democracy and institutions.

Instead of correcting its mistakes, Congress...
He said that instead of correcting its mistakes, Congress is blaming the officials for its problems. Be it ITAT or Delhi High Court, everyone asked Congress to follow the rules, pay the outstanding taxes, but the party never did so.

He said, 'It is ridiculous to talk about financial helplessness for a party which has looted every region, every state and every moment of history. Congress can use the money collected from all its scams for election campaign.

There was simply no democracy for a few months
The BJP president said, 'Congress leaders say that having democracy in India is a lie. May I politely remind him that India did not have democracy only for a few months between 1975 and 1977 and the Prime Minister of India at that time was none other than Indira Gandhi.

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Before the Lok Sabha elections, the round of election promises by political parties has started. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi underlined his party's resolve to conduct the caste census. In a post on Twitter, the former Congress president asked whether we have ever wondered who is poor. How many are there and in what condition? Isn't it necessary to count all this?

Reality revealed in Bihar's caste survey
Rahul Gandhi said that the caste survey in Bihar revealed that 88 percent of the poor population comes from Dalit, tribal, backward and minority communities. He said that the figures of Bihar are a small glimpse of the real picture of the country, we do not even have an idea in what condition the poor population of the country is living.

We will do X-ray of the country- Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi said that therefore we are going to take two historic steps in the coming times. Will understand caste census and economic situation. Through which we will remove the reservation limit of 50 percent. Rahul Gandhi said, this step will X-ray the country and give right reservation, rights and share to everyone.

Will help in making policies for the poor- Rahul Gandhi
Referring to the caste census and the survey to understand the economic condition, PM Modi said that these two steps will not only help in making right policies and schemes for the poor but will also help in taking them out of the struggle for education, earning, medicine and into the mainstream of development. It will also help in connecting. He said that therefore wake up and raise your voice, caste census is your right. It will take you out of the darkness of difficulties and lead you towards light.

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Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

All the parties have made vigorous preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. Allegations are being made in the background of this election. Criticism from BJP is responded to by Congress. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi addressed a public meeting at Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. During his speech, Kharge strongly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge said that the house where Modi's photo is there should be considered poor.

Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra is currently in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Kharge and Rahul Gandhi addressed a public meeting at Dhar. This time Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech. He said, as soon as you turn on the TV, you see Modi's picture on it. A house where Modi's photo is seen on TV goes into poverty. Prime Minister Modi does not want development, does not want the welfare of the poor. They don't want education for their poor children. Because if the children of the poor come forward with education, Modi thinks that we may have to face problems. That is why Modi raises his stick against the poor. And when the Congress party advances, they work to crush it, Kharge said.

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