Bhubaneswar, June 8

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das today intensified the party's demand for the resignation of union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for repeated examination-related irregularities and alleging a failure to address systemic shortcomings in the education sector.

Addressing a press conference in Sambalpur, Das charged that the union Ministry of Education, particularly during Pradhan's tenure, had repeatedly failed to effectively tackle issues such as examination paper leaks and other irregularities. He argued that accepting responsibility and stepping down would have helped the union Minister to preserve his political credibility.

"The Congress will continue its peaceful agitation until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," Das declared, saying that the party would sustain its campaign against what it described as persistent failures in the education system.

He warned that if the government does not formulate a permanent mechanism to prevent recurring incidents such as examination paper leaks, the Students' Congress would launch a stronger statewide agitation.

Referring to the student-youth convention scheduled to be held in Sambalpur on June 10, Das said the event would be historic, given the region's long tradition of student movements and public struggles. He said the convention would provide a platform for nurturing future political leaders and mobilising students around issues affecting education and employment.

Das expressed confidence that the participation of Kanhaiya Kumar would help energise and reorganise the student community, encouraging young people to engage in principled and issue-based movements.

Launching a broader attack on the BJP-led government, Das alleged that the country's education system had deteriorated significantly and claimed that even the appointment of university vice-chancellors was being influenced by the RSS.

Former MLA Santosh Singh Saluja reiterated the Congress demand for Pradhan's resignation and said the party would continue to oppose changes in the National Education Policy that it believes are detrimental to students.
Rajgangpur MLA C. S. Rajan Ekka said the Congress was fighting to safeguard the future of students and youth and was discharging its responsibility as a constructive opposition. He also appealed to the media to support efforts aimed at highlighting issues affecting the younger generation.

NSUI leader and OPCC spokesperson Bibhuti Mahapatra called upon people across western Odisha to join the campaign, oppose the government's education policies, and support the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation in the interest of students and the nation's future.

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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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In a surprising outcome of the Uttarakhand three-tier Panchayat elections, independent candidates have outperformed both the BJP and Congress in the district council (Zila Panchayat) results. Of the total 358 seats, independents secured a leading 145 seats, leaving BJP with 121 seats and Congress with 92 seats.

Final Result – District Panchayat Seats:

• Total Seats: 358

• Independent Candidates: 145 won

• BJP-backed Candidates: 121 won

• Congress-backed Candidates: 92 won

Independents Take the Lead Across 12 Districts

Results from all 12 districts of Uttarakhand have been declared, and the performance of independent candidates has emerged as the defining feature of this election. This shift indicates a growing preference among rural voters for non-party affiliated candidates.

CM Dhami’s Statement: Collective Effort for Development

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked the people of Uttarakhand for peaceful elections, especially during the monsoon season, with approximately 70% voter turnout. He congratulated BJP-backed winners as well as candidates of other ideologies and emphasized unity for development.

"Everyone must contribute to PM Modi’s vision of a developed India. Developed village councils will lead to a developed India. Soon, training sessions will be organized for elected representatives. Together, we will ensure cleanliness, self-reliance, and the effective delivery of Central and State government schemes to the grassroots level," said Dhami.

Congress Reaction: "Public Has Rejected BJP Policies"

Karan Mahara, Uttarakhand Congress President, hailed the results as a rejection of BJP’s anti-people policies in rural areas.

“The Panchayat results are in Congress’s favor. If BJP refrains from deceitful tactics and inducements, many district council chairpersons will be Congress-backed,” he said, further predicting that the outcome signals Congress’s return to power in 2027.

This election result reflects a significant grassroots shift, with independents emerging as a dominant force, highlighting local leadership over party lines in rural Uttarakhand.

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The Congress on Friday, 18 April, expressed concern over the American Immigration Lawyers Association's claim that out of the 327 visa revocation cases of international students collected by it so far, 50 per cent are Indians, and asked whether external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will take up the issue with his US counterpart. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared on X a press statement issued on Thursday by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and said it is "cause for concern to us in India".

"Out of the 327 visa revocation cases of international students collected by the organisation so far, 50 per cent are Indians. The reasons for revocation are random and unclear. There is growing fear and apprehension," Ramesh said.

A press statement issued yesterday by the American Immigration Lawyers Association is cause for concern to us in India.

Out of the 327 visa revocation cases of international students collected by the organisation so far, 50% are Indians. The reasons for revocation are random… pic.twitter.com/dZfKJdiirR — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 18, 2025

"Will the external affairs minister take note and raise the concern with his US counterpart?" Ramesh said and tagged Jaishankar.

"The Department of State (DOS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are aggressively targeting international students, including those without a history of protest, for visa revocation, termination of their status, and removal," the American Immigration Lawyers Association statement said.

AILA collected 327 reports of visa revocations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) terminations from attorneys, students, and university employees, it said.

"Of these reports - 50 per cent of these students were from India, followed by 14 per cent from China. Other significant countries represented in this data include South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh," the statement said.

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Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections slated for later this year, the Congress on Friday launched the 'Samvidhan Leadership Programme', with party MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urging people to unite and participate in it to ensure social justice and equal participation of deprived sections of society.

Gandhi said justice would remain incomplete unless the real share and participation of the deprived classes is ensured.

"If you are a woman, Dalit, Mahadalit, OBC, EWS, Pasmanda, Minority community, or lead any of these communities, join our 'Samvidhan Leadership Programme'," he said in a post on X.

"Come together to strengthen your fight to protect your rights, social justice through caste census, and your participation. It is time to unite and raise our voice strongly," Gandhi added, using the hashtag "#WhiteTshirtMovement".

According to the programme's website, individuals will work as community organisers and mobilisers in their respective areas and districts of Bihar.

"They will proudly wear white T-shirts and be at the forefront — organising, educating and leading the movement. They will ensure that the dignity, rights and voices of the oppressed communities are not just heard — they are voiced loud and clear," the programme says.

जब तक वंचित वर्गों की असल हिस्सेदारी और भागीदारी सुनिश्चित नहीं होगी – न्याय अधूरा रहेगा। अगर आप महिला, दलित, महादलित, पिछड़े, अति पिछड़े, पसमांदा, EWS या अल्पसंख्यक वर्ग से हैं, या इन वर्गों का नेतृत्व करते हैं– तो हमारे ‘संविधान लीडरशिप प्रोग्राम’ से जुड़ें। अपने अधिकारों की… pic.twitter.com/IaWrpIPSV8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 18, 2025

This programme is a platform to organize and develop leadership capacity of people committed to social justice and constitutional values, according to the party.

"Our aim is to bring forth a new generation of leadership from women, Mahadalit, OBC, Pasmanda, Dalit, OBC, minority and EWS communities. We want to connect youth, grassroots leaders, social activists and strong voices of social media who are in favor of the politics of change with Congress and the White T-Shirt Movement," the Congress said on the programme website.

Gandhi, who routinely appeared in a white T-shirt during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', earlier said it signified the party's fight against injustice.

"If you are playing or want to play a leading role in the fight for rights, respect and equality -— then this platform is yours.

"This initiative is to ensure workers' rights, equitable share in resources, and decisive participation of deprived communities in politics," the Congress said.

"Our goal is clear: to raise a strong political voice of the deprived society against the attacks on the Constitution and democracy by the BJP-RSS. Are you ready for leadership?" the party asked.

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Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met some employees of a private bank. After the meeting, he accused the BJP of putting the banking sector in crisis. He said that the BJP government's nepotism and regulatory mismanagement have put India's banking sector in crisis, due to which junior employees are facing stress and stressful working conditions.

Rahul Gandhi made serious allegations against BJP
Along with this, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of waiving off loans of 16 lakh crore rupees for its billionaire friends. He said that thousands of honest working professionals are paying the price of this financial mismanagement. He also shared a video of his meeting with a delegation of ex-employees of ICICI Bank, in which the employees were saying that they had suffered losses due to mismanagement at the bank.

Rahul called to fight for the employees
Rahul Gandhi further said that the Congress Party will fight for the rights of these working professionals and will try to end the extra tension at their workplace. Along with this, Rahul Gandhi also urged those who have faced such injustice. Rahul Gandhi said that people sent me messages.

Meeting with delegation of employees
Along with this, he also informed that a delegation of 782 ex-employees of ICICI Bank met him in Parliament. He revealed employees' stories of workplace harassment, forced transfers, retaliation after disclosing unethical lending to NPA violators and dismissal without due process. Rahul Gandhi also told that in two such cases he even committed suicide due to these incidents.

Also, Rahul Gandhi said that the employees reported that such unfair practices are not limited to ICICI Bank, but have become a widespread trend in private sector banks as well, which are motivated by the pressure to earn more and more profit. However, in this case, there is no response from the private bank on this issue.

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Pune, Correspondent :  The Congress party held a review meeting in Pune, criticizing the BJP coalition government for its neglect of law and order, focus on money recovery through scams, and anti-people policies.

Ramesh Chennithala attacked the government for its failure to maintain peace in the state, citing the recent murders in Pune. He alleged that the government is more focused on recovering money through scams than addressing the deteriorating law and order situation.

State President Nana Patole highlighted the serious law and order problem in Pune, where people are being killed in broad daylight. He accused the government and police administration of being silent and corrupt, with police postings being made based on money.

Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the government for selling Mumbai's identity to Gujarat, bringing industries from Maharashtra to Gujarat, and allowing drugs from Gujarat to enter the state. He also questioned the government's handling of the ST strike and the merger of the corporation.

Other leaders present at the meeting included Former Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Prithviraj Chavan, Group Leader in Legislative Council Satej Patil, and CWC Member Naseem Khan.

The meeting was held to prepare for the upcoming assembly elections and to strengthen the organization. The Congress party expressed confidence that the people will support them in the elections due to their failure to address the anti-people policies of the Central and State Governments.

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During the hearing in the Supreme Court on disclosure of all details related to electoral bonds, Chief Justice Chandrachud said that SBI should not be selective in disclosing the details. We want that all the information related to electoral bonds, which is with SBI, should be made public. During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that we had asked SBI to disclose all the details and this also included the electoral bond numbers. SBI should give complete information related to electoral bonds. The Supreme Court said in a strict tone that whatever information is available should be disclosed. SBI should follow our order.

'We will give every information, will not keep any hidden'
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for SBI, told the Supreme Court that we will give all the information including the number of the electoral bond. The Bank will not keep any information in its possession hidden. During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that SBI will also file an affidavit stating that it has not hidden any information. The court said that SBI should provide all the information by 5 pm on March 21.

Request to consider some instructions on the matter- Tushar Mehta
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the Supreme Court that the ultimate objective was to curb black money and the apex court should know how this judgment is being played outside the court. During this, Tushar Mehta has asked the Supreme Court to consider issuing some instructions in this regard. A series of social media posts have started in this matter.

We work according to the Constitution- Chandrachud
Supreme Court Chief Justice Chandrachud said that we work according to the rule of law and the Constitution. We are also discussed as judges. We are only implementing our instructions of the judgement.

Supreme Court had given instructions
In fact, State Bank of India has issued electoral bonds worth Rs 16,518 crore in 30 installments since the launch of the scheme in 2018. Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed SBI to hand over the information about electoral bonds purchased from April 12, 2019 to the Election Commission. SBI is the authorized financial institution to issue electoral bonds.

SBI had handed over the data
SBI on Tuesday evening submitted to the Election Commission the details of the entities that had purchased electoral bonds and the political parties that had encashed them. According to the apex court order, the Election Commission had to publish the information shared by the bank on its official website by 5 pm on March 15.

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There may be a political alliance between BSP, Congress and SP once again. However, the three parties have not yet opened any cards regarding this. But it is being said that within the next eight days there can be a major political upheaval regarding the alliance in Uttar Pradesh. There is also talk in the political circles that Priyanka Gandhi and Mayawati have had a telephonic conversation about contesting the Lok Sabha elections together. This conversation has been started on the initiative of Sonia Gandhi. There is also a discussion going on that Congress may also try to project Mayawati as the face of the Prime Minister. However, it is being said that if everything goes as planned, then soon SP, BSP and Congress will once again enter the fray together in Uttar Pradesh.

Not only in Uttar Pradesh but in the political circles of the country, there is discussion whether Mayawati will join the INDIA alliance in Uttar Pradesh or not. If sources are to be believed, Congress is still trying to ensure that Mayawati remains with them in this alliance. However, neither Mayawati nor Congress has shared any official information on this. But according to sources, three rounds of important talks have taken place between the leaders of Congress and BSP to include I.N.D.I in the alliance. Political experts say that there is mutual harmony between Priyanka Gandhi and Mayawati. For this reason, there was a discussion between Priyanka Gandhi and Mayawati in September last year regarding the politics of Uttar Pradesh. If sources are to be believed, Priyanka and Mayawati had a telephonic conversation during this Lok Sabha election also.

It is being told that during this conversation, Mayawati is being persuaded to contest the elections with the alliance. Sources say that to a large extent the talks are going on in a positive manner. Seat sharing was also discussed in the talks with important leaders of Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party. According to sources, Sonia Gandhi is most in favor of an alliance with Mayawati. It was on his initiative that Priyanka Gandhi took this conversation forward. Experts say that Congress wants to put forward a Dalit face as the Prime Minister. In this, one name of Mallikarjun Kharge and the other name of Mayawati is being put forward. However, efforts are still underway to take the other constituent parties of the alliance into confidence in this matter. Sources associated with Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party say that Mayawati can contest elections on 25 seats under the alliance.

According to sources associated with the alliance, if everything goes as per plan, then within the next eight days a big update regarding the I.N.D.I alliance may come out in Uttar Pradesh. It is being said that Bahujan Samaj Party can join the alliance as soon as the election notification is issued. However, a senior leader associated with Bahujan Samaj Party says that until any decision is officially taken by Mayawati, it is difficult to say anything in this regard.

According to political experts, due to the talks of making Bahujan Samaj Party a part of the I.N.D.I alliance, the remaining seats of the Samajwadi Party are also not being declared. Samajwadi Party has not declared any seat after February 20. In such a situation, speculations are being made that Mayawati is going to enter the alliance. Political analyst Narendra Kushwaha says that from the political point of view, the alliance of SP, BSP and Congress can be important in Uttar Pradesh. He believes that if it happens that BSP comes in alliance and contests elections, then the political fight in Uttar Pradesh can be interesting. Kushwaha says that Congress also knows very well that if Bahujan Samaj Party comes with them, then the vote share of Muslims and Dalits can go to the alliance.

BSP supremo Mayawati had initially made her political debut by saying that she would not have an alliance with anyone in this Lok Sabha election. But the way the alliance has been made with BRS in Haryana and then in Telangana, it is being speculated that it is possible that Mayawati may enter into an alliance with Congress in Uttar Pradesh to enter the electoral fray. Political expert Narendra Kushwaha says that Bahujan Samaj Party has an idea of how and under what circumstances the party had shown its performance in the 2014 and 2019 elections. This is the reason why Mayawati is keeping the way for alliance open to win seats in the elections. Kushwaha says that the alliance with BRS in Haryana and Telangana is a testimony to the fact that the possibilities of BSP's alliance with other parties still remain.

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MUMBAI - NCP leader, current leader of the opposition, leader Ajit Pawar, who has been consistently on the post of deputy chief minister, is likely to fulfill his ambition of becoming the chief minister soon. Ajit Pawar going with BJP is currently being discussed in the political circle. Sanjay Raut has also said that efforts are being made to break the NCP like the Shinde group with the help of ED and central investigation agencies. Sharad Pawar also mentioned this possibility in his meeting with Uddhav Thackeray. In such a situation, even Sharad Pawar gave silent approval to all this, saying that if anyone goes with BJP, it will be a personal decision of that leader. If Ajit Pawar goes with BJP, he can get the post of Chief Minister. But for that they need to have 40 MLAs. Given the strength of the NCP, there is a possibility that many of its MLAs will go with Ajit Dada. But for all this they need the permission and blessings of elder Pawar. Sharad Pawar, however, has taken a stand that NCP will not go with BJP.

How will Ajit Pawar become Chief Minister? If the outcome of the power struggle in the Supreme Court goes against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's group, 16 MLAs are likely to be disqualified. MLAs other than these 16 may also be disqualified under the Prohibition of Defection Act. In such a situation, it is said that Ajit Pawar will take 40 MLAs from NCP and form a separate group and claim to form the government with BJP. If action is not taken against the remaining MLAs of the Shinde faction, there is a possibility that they too will be taken along with Ajit Pawar. In such a situation, there is a discussion that the government can remain in the state for a year with Ajit Pawar as the Chief Minister, Shinde group as the Deputy Chief Minister and BJP's support in the government or outside.

Sharad Pawar reluctant? Sharad Pawar, who experimented with Mavia and opposes Modi's empire at the national level, is said to be reluctant to go with the Hindutva party. There is also talk that other leaders of NCP are thinking differently. It is said that Pawar, who built his political career on the Congress ideology, feels it inappropriate to join the BJP at this stage of his age. Pawar has recently faced criticism from across the country due to his stand with the Congress and the opposition. That is why Pawar is reluctant to go with BJP as a nationalist party. He has already made it clear that if this decision is taken, it will be personal to the leaders, NCP will not go anywhere.

NCP MLAs in ponds and farms? Ajit Pawar had earlier taken oath with Devendra Fadnavis in 2019. But both of them had to resign in just 78 hours. NCP MLAs feel that the same situation should not occur again. Even though Fadnavis has revealed that the swearing-in ceremony took place only with the consent of Sharad Pawar, Pawar has refrained from commenting on it directly. MLAs are of the opinion that if such a situation arises again this year, Sharad Pawar's blessings are needed. He also fears that if the message goes out that he goes against Sharad Pawar, his political career may be ruined. That is why it is said that everyone is paying attention to Sharad Pawar's green light.

Discussion of Ajit Pawar and Amit Shah? Ajit Pawar was unreachable, it is said that on that day Ajit Pawar met Amit Shaha in Delhi. It is also discussed that Praful Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare were with him. It is said that in this meeting, there was a discussion about the cabinet and account sharing. Looking at the current situation in the state, BJP also needs Ajit Pawar's support.

What is the need of BJP? The popularity of Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray has increased after the rebellion in the state. An internal survey conducted by the BJP has predicted the possibility of Maviya getting more seats. That is why it is being said that no elections have been held in the state at present. If the Maviyas fight together in the Lok Sabha, they are likely to get 33 seats. Since BJP wants to come back to power at the center, they will not take this risk. In such a situation, it is said that BJP is trying to achieve good success in 2019 Lok Sabha by taking a Maratha leader like Ajit Pawar.

Praful Patel mastermind behind the scenes? It is also being discussed that NCP leader Praful Patel is making all this behind the scenes. His absence was noticeable during Pawar-Rahul Gandhi's meeting. It is said that Sunil Tatkare is also helping in this. In such a situation, the state is now paying attention to the roles of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.

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