Mumbai, Correspondent

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra Chief Spokesperson Navnath Ban on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, alleging that Raut has weakened Aaditya Thackeray's political standing by welcoming former MLA Sachin Ahir's return to the original Shiv Sena.

Ban claimed that Raut's public expression of satisfaction over Ahir's departure from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction suggested a deliberate weakening of Aaditya Thackeray's camp. He further alleged that Raut was aware Aaditya Thackeray could face a tough contest in retaining the Worli Assembly seat in the next Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The BJP leader also accused Raut of repeatedly undermining Uddhav Thackeray's leadership by claiming that the party had failed to identify loyal workers. According to Ban, such statements project Uddhav Thackeray's leadership as weak and are aimed at laying the groundwork for a possible merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) with the Congress.

Responding to Raut's criticism of the BJP, Ban said Raut should refrain from lecturing others on political history, alleging that "betrayal" has become synonymous with the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut.

Praising Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Ban said the Mahayuti government remains focused on accelerating Maharashtra's development and transforming the state into the country's top-performing economy.

On Raut's allegations regarding financial irregularities, Ban asserted that anyone found guilty in the Ram Temple donation controversy would face action in accordance with the law. He also accused the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of financial mismanagement and demanded accountability from its leaders.

The remarks come amid escalating political exchanges between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Shiv Sena (UBT) over recent political developments in Maharashtra.

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Bengaluru, June 30 (UNI)

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, alleging that it had become a "puppet in the hands of the government" and claiming the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used as a political exercise to help the ruling dispensation retain power.

Addressing reporters here, Kharge questioned the independence of the constitutional body, accusing it of ignoring serious legal and constitutional objections raised by the Karnataka government while proceeding with the voter roll revision.

"The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission are puppets in the hands of the government. It is very clear that the government has no popular vote among the people. That is why they are resorting to these kinds of exercises to ensure they remain in power," he alleged.

Kharge said the Congress had submitted 12 objections to the manner in which the Special Intensive Revision was being carried out and had expected the Election Commission to respond to the concerns formally conveyed by the Karnataka Chief Secretary.

"We had raised 12 clear objections and were expecting the Election Commission to reply to what our Chief Secretary had written. Unfortunately, they have not done so," he said.

According to Kharge, the objections involved legal, constitutional and procedural issues, including the need for greater transparency in the electoral roll revision process.

"We have asked legal questions and constitutional questions. We have asked them to revise the entire process, make it transparent, ensure software audits are conducted transparently and ensure the entire exercise is carried out transparently. Unfortunately, they have chosen not to reply. We will evaluate the situation and decide our next course of action in the coming days," he said.

Kharge also questioned the basis on which voters were being identified for verification, criticising the use of the term "logical discrepancy", which he said lacked a clear definition.

"What is the definition of logical discrepancy? Does anybody know? In the name of logical discrepancy, anybody can be left out," he said, warning that vague criteria could result in the exclusion of genuine voters.

Maintaining that the Congress was not opposed to cleansing the electoral rolls, Kharge said the Election Commission's primary responsibility was to ensure that every eligible citizen remained on the voter list.

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to maintain a hygienic voter list. We are not asking them to include non-citizens. We are only saying that no citizen should be left behind," he said.

Replying to a separate question on notices issued over his remarks on the RSS, Kharge alleged that such actions were intended to intimidate critics.

"There is nothing new about these notices. Every time we question the RSS logically or raise issues concerning it, they use such means to counter us, keep us quiet and intimidate us," he said.

He asserted that legal notices would not deter him from questioning the organisation's activities. "When they cannot answer you legally or logically, this is how they go. They want to silence us. They are mistaken if they think they are going to stop us from asking questions about the RSS and its operations. I have nothing to fear as long as the Constitution is by my side," he added.

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New Delhi, Agency

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the implementation of the Centre's proposed rural employment programme, alleging that the government has effectively dismantled the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and deprived rural India of its "right to work."

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge questioned the Centre over pending MGNREGA payments, the funding pattern of the proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), and what he described as measures that would adversely affect farmers and rural labourers.

"Mr. @narendramodi, You have effectively ended MGNREGA, taking away the 'right to work' from rural India," Kharge said, before raising a series of questions directed at the Prime Minister.

Citing a reply presented in the Lok Sabha, Kharge alleged that dues amounting to Rs 17,144.13 crore remained pending for 34 states and union Territories as of March 2026, including Rs 7,846.25 crore in wage liabilities. "Workers have still not received the wages they are entitled to. Why?" he asked.

The Congress chief further alleged that while the Centre was rolling out the new VB-G RAM G scheme from July 1, it had yet to clear pending MGNREGA payments to states. He claimed Karnataka was awaiting Rs 700 crore, Jharkhand Rs 900 crore, while Telangana, Tamil Nadu and several other states were also yet to receive their dues.

Kharge also criticised the proposed funding structure of the new scheme, claiming that unlike MGNREGA, under which the Centre bore the full wage cost, the proposed framework shifts 40 per cent of the total expenditure to states. Referring to information obtained through the Right to Information Act, he said even BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, along with Jharkhand, had expressed concerns over the financial burden and sought a review of the funding pattern.

He also objected to the proposed provision for a 60-day "blackout" period during the peak agricultural season, claiming that several states had opposed the move. "Why is the Central government imposing this anti-worker arrangement on farmers and rural labourers?" he asked.

The Congress president further claimed that implementing the promise of providing 125 days of employment would impose an additional burden of Rs 20,037 crore on Madhya Pradesh and Rs 15,939 crore on Bihar, questioning whether the Centre intended to push states into financial distress to implement its new scheme.

Kharge also reiterated the Congress party's demand for a minimum daily wage of Rs 400 under the rural employment programme. He noted that at least five states had sought higher wage rates, alleging that Bihar wanted wages raised from Rs 255 to Rs 413, while Jammu and Kashmir had sought an increase from Rs 272 to Rs 311.

Referring to the prevailing monsoon situation, Kharge claimed that rainfall in June had been 42 per cent below normal, Kharif sowing had declined by 22.7 per cent and more than 300 districts could face drought conditions. He alleged that ending MGNREGA amid a worsening rural livelihood crisis amounted to an attack on workers, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and the poor.

"Mr. Modi, please answer," Kharge said.

The Centre has maintained that the proposed VB-G RAM G framework is intended to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve implementation mechanisms. The Congress, however, has consistently opposed the proposed legislation, alleging that it weakens the rights-based framework of MGNREGA and shifts financial and administrative burdens onto the states.

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Panchkula, June 29

In a statement issued on Monday, Senior Congress leader, Member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Sirsa MP and former union Minister Kumari Selja said that if the new system weakens the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), increases the financial burden on states, or adversely affects the rights and livelihood of rural workers, the government must immediately reconsider its decision.

Sejla has expressed serious concern over the Centre's proposed new rural employment framework, scheduled to come into effect from July 1.

She said that any new rural employment mechanism should strengthen, rather than dilute, the rights and social security of rural workers. "The objective of any reform should be to enhance the welfare of the poor, not weaken the protections available to them."

In the statement, Selja said MGNREGA has served as a vital economic lifeline for millions of rural households across the country. Beyond providing guaranteed employment, the scheme has played a significant role in strengthening the rural economy, reducing distress migration and ensuring livelihood security for economically weaker families.
She said that any new rural employment mechanism should strengthen, rather than dilute, the rights and social security of rural workers. "The objective of any reform should be to enhance the welfare of the poor, not weaken the protections available to them," she said.

The Congress MP noted that several states have raised concerns regarding issues such as increased financial contribution by states, wage rates, the number of guaranteed employment days and other operational provisions under the proposed framework. These objections, she said, indicate that a broad consensus on the new scheme has not yet been achieved.

"If state governments themselves are highlighting additional financial liabilities and practical implementation challenges, the Centre must take those concerns seriously before proceeding further," Selja said.

She cautioned that increasing the financial responsibility of states for implementing the rural employment programme could directly affect rural development works as well as employment opportunities available to labourers.

She also called for a revision of wage rates under the employment guarantee programme in line with prevailing inflation so that workers can earn a dignified livelihood.

Selja further said that provisions relating to employment during the agricultural season should be made flexible enough to accommodate local conditions and the needs of different regions.

Urging the Centre to avoid a hurried rollout, the Sirsa MP demanded extensive consultations with state governments, panchayat representatives, labour organisations and subject experts before implementing the new framework.

Necessary amendments, she said, should be incorporated to ensure that there is no compromise on employment opportunities, income security and social protection for the rural poor.

Reiterating the Congress party's stand, Selja said the party remains committed to protecting the rights of rural poor, farmers, agricultural labourers and other disadvantaged sections of society, and will continue to raise their concerns forcefully.

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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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