Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the immediate registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in a shuddhikaran or purification ritual in Uttarakhand after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's visit.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Gandhi said the incident reflected the BJP and RSS mindset towards Dalits. He alleged that the two organisations did not want Dalits to progress, live with dignity or achieve success.&nbsp;"We are demanding justice for the Congress president. Give the Congress president justice in Uttarakhand. It is the duty of the central and state governments to ensure that Kharge gets justice," he said.&nbsp;Gandhi accused those involved in the ritual of practising untouchability and said the act suggested that Dalits were being treated as impure.&nbsp;"The BJP people practice untouchability. When they do shuddhikaran, they say that Dalits cannot touch as they are impure," Gandhi said.&nbsp;He also accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of defending the purification ritual. Gandhi said around 20 days had passed since the alleged incident, but no action had been taken.&nbsp;"We demand that an FIR be lodged against those who have done this. PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the prime minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends shuddhikaran," Gandhi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-admit-that-us-sanctions-affecting-tehran-s-economy-here-s-what-he-said-1788003944885">Did Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian admit that US sanctions affecting Tehran's economy? Here's what he said</a>&nbsp;Gandhi reiterated that the ritual violated the SC/ST Act and demanded immediate action against those allegedly responsible.&nbsp;"This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a 'purification' ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand," Gandhi said.&nbsp;The Congress leader also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of representing people from every caste, pointing to the Uttarakhand BJP leadership's defence of the purification ritual."The Prime Minister claims to belong to every caste and to be the Prime Minister of all of India. Yet, the state chief of his party states that the purification was justified," Gandhi said.&nbsp;He called on the Prime Minister to direct authorities to register an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in the incident.&nbsp;"We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the State Government and the Central Government to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand," he said.&nbsp;Earlier, Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha this month. He demanded that cases be registered under the law against untouchability against those allegedly involved and called for their arrest.&nbsp;Leader of the House and Union minister J P Nadda had said the BJP did not support such activities and that the incident would be investigated.

Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and urged PM Modi to ensure justice.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the immediate registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in a shuddhikaran or purification ritual in Uttarakhand after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's visit. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Gandhi said the incident reflected the BJP and RSS mindset towards Dalits. He alleged that the two organisations did not want Dalits to progress, live with dignity or achieve success. "We are demanding justice for the Congress president. Give the Congress president justice in Uttarakhand. It is the duty of the central and state governments to ensure that Kharge gets justice," he said. Gandhi accused those involved in the ritual of practising untouchability and said the act suggested that Dalits were being treated as impure. "The BJP people practice untouchability. When they do shuddhikaran, they say that Dalits cannot touch as they are impure," Gandhi said. He also accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of defending the purification ritual. Gandhi said around 20 days had passed since the alleged incident, but no action had been taken. "We demand that an FIR be lodged against those who have done this. PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the prime minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends shuddhikaran," Gandhi said. Also Read: Did Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian admit that US sanctions affecting Tehran's economy? Here's what he said Gandhi reiterated that the ritual violated the SC/ST Act and demanded immediate action against those allegedly responsible. "This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a 'purification' ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand," Gandhi said. The Congress leader also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of representing people from every caste, pointing to the Uttarakhand BJP leadership's defence of the purification ritual. "The Prime Minister claims to belong to every caste and to be the Prime Minister of all of India. Yet, the state chief of his party states that the purification was justified," Gandhi said. He called on the Prime Minister to direct authorities to register an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in the incident. "We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the State Government and the Central Government to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand," he said. Earlier, Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha this month. He demanded that cases be registered under the law against untouchability against those allegedly involved and called for their arrest. Leader of the House and Union minister J P Nadda had said the BJP did not support such activities and that the incident would be investigated.

Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and urged PM Modi to ensure justice.

‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row

The political crisis in Karnataka has escalated sharply as the opposition BJP mounts intense pressure on Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's administration over the multi-crore Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.


BJP: Nagendra diverted funds from Dalit Valmiki Corporation

Delays in monthly financial assistance under West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana have triggered protests and a political clash between the ruling BJP and opposition TMC. The dispute has intensified over the delay in payments and the impact on beneficiaries awaiting financial support.

Annapurna Yojana Payment row triggers political clash 

The political row over Vande Mataram has intensified as the BJP passes a resolution targeting the Congress over its position on the national song.

The BJP says it will launch a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting the history and significance of Vande Mataram, with a special focus on young people. The party has also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s views as part of its campaign.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended the party’s existing practice regarding the national song and national anthem at Congress functions.

Vande Mataram row: BJP slams Congress for reaffirming its 1937 resolution

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public office, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said on Saturday (August 22).&nbsp;The announcement came after BJP national president Nitin Nabin chaired a high-level meeting with the party's newly appointed national office bearers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting focused on grassroots strategies and plans to connect with young people.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the meeting and a workshop involving state presidents and organisational general secretaries, Tawde said the new campaign would build on the BJP's annual 'Seva Pakhwada' held around Modi's birthday on September 17.&nbsp;"Every year, the Bharatiya Janata Party observes Seva Pakhwada across the country around the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17. Modi ji's personality is such that he is engaged in service every moment. Naturally, for the past few years, the BJP has been observing Seva Pakhwada around September 17," Tawde said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-nia-court-to-send-summons-to-hafiz-saeed-through-mea-1787403360406">Pahalgam terror attack: NIA court to send summons to Hafiz Saeed through MEA</a><h2>BJP plans nationwide service campaign</h2>The campaign will be held under the banner of 'Seva Sankalp Mahotsav' and will run for a month across the country. It will include public service and welfare activities such as sanitation drives, blood donation camps, tree plantation programmes and health camps.&nbsp;Tawde said this year's campaign has added significance as October 7 will mark 25 years since Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001.&nbsp;"This year, there is a coincidence that on October 7, 2001, Narendra Modi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This October 7 will mark 25 years of that occasion. Therefore, the BJP has decided that while we observe Seva Pakhwada around his birthday, keeping this 25-year milestone in mind, we will conduct a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan across the country," he said.&nbsp;He said the programme would include several activities focused on the spirit of service, along with initiatives that the BJP traditionally organises during Seva Pakhwada.&nbsp;"Modi ji's personality has the spirit of service as an important element. Keeping that in mind, there will be several activities throughout this campaign. The programmes that the party conducts during Seva Pakhwada will also be undertaken," he said.<h2>Seva Setu to help beneficiaries</h2>Tawde also outlined the 'Seva Setu Abhiyan', which will focus on people who may have missed out on government welfare schemes because of documentation or other difficulties.&nbsp;"If someone has been left out of any scheme started during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, there should be an opportunity for that person to access the benefit. Under the Seva Setu Abhiyan, for 15 days, at the block level, people from the departments concerned with various schemes will remain present along with the necessary documents," Tawde said.&nbsp;The initiative will provide an opportunity for eligible people to seek access to benefits under various government schemes with officials and required documents available at the block level.

The BJP will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office, with service activities and initiatives to help people access government welfare schemes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public office, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said on Saturday (August 22). The announcement came after BJP national president Nitin Nabin chaired a high-level meeting with the party's newly appointed national office bearers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting focused on grassroots strategies and plans to connect with young people. Speaking to reporters after the meeting and a workshop involving state presidents and organisational general secretaries, Tawde said the new campaign would build on the BJP's annual 'Seva Pakhwada' held around Modi's birthday on September 17. "Every year, the Bharatiya Janata Party observes Seva Pakhwada across the country around the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17. Modi ji's personality is such that he is engaged in service every moment. Naturally, for the past few years, the BJP has been observing Seva Pakhwada around September 17," Tawde said. Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack: NIA court to send summons to Hafiz Saeed through MEA BJP plans nationwide service campaign The campaign will be held under the banner of 'Seva Sankalp Mahotsav' and will run for a month across the country. It will include public service and welfare activities such as sanitation drives, blood donation camps, tree plantation programmes and health camps. Tawde said this year's campaign has added significance as October 7 will mark 25 years since Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001. "This year, there is a coincidence that on October 7, 2001, Narendra Modi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This October 7 will mark 25 years of that occasion. Therefore, the BJP has decided that while we observe Seva Pakhwada around his birthday, keeping this 25-year milestone in mind, we will conduct a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan across the country," he said. He said the programme would include several activities focused on the spirit of service, along with initiatives that the BJP traditionally organises during Seva Pakhwada. "Modi ji's personality has the spirit of service as an important element. Keeping that in mind, there will be several activities throughout this campaign. The programmes that the party conducts during Seva Pakhwada will also be undertaken," he said. Seva Setu to help beneficiaries Tawde also outlined the 'Seva Setu Abhiyan', which will focus on people who may have missed out on government welfare schemes because of documentation or other difficulties. "If someone has been left out of any scheme started during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, there should be an opportunity for that person to access the benefit. Under the Seva Setu Abhiyan, for 15 days, at the block level, people from the departments concerned with various schemes will remain present along with the necessary documents," Tawde said. The initiative will provide an opportunity for eligible people to seek access to benefits under various government schemes with officials and required documents available at the block level.

The BJP will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office, with service activities and initiatives to help people access government welfare schemes.

BJP announces nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark PM Modi's 25 year in public office

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."

Political row erupts as Congress adopts 1937 Vande Mataram version 

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."


Vande Mataram row: Amit Shah slams Congress over two-stanza national song stand 

The BJP has announced a major reshuffle of its national organisation, naming 13 national vice presidents and 16 national secretaries. The revamped core team brings fresh faces into key organisational roles as the party prepares for its next phase of political mobilisation. 


BJP unveils major reshuffle, names 13 vice presidents and 16 secretaries 

The BJP government in West Bengal has completed its first 100 days in office, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's administration highlighting what it calls an unprecedented pace of governance and delivery. The government says it has focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure, law and order, and administrative reforms during its opening months. Supporters hail the progress, while critics continue to scrutinize the government's performance.


BJP government completes 100 days in West Bengal

BJP names 13 national vice presidents & 16 national secretaries in a major reshuffle

The vast majority of the core leaders appointed by the ruling BJP in its latest organisational reshuffle have deep and foundational ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Out of the total 65 names of office-bearers announced on Monday, 51 are new. Eleven of the 14 vice presidents and seven of the eight general secretaries have been associated with the RSS in the past. This is significantly higher than the previous national executive setup under JP Nadda, which had a fair share of technocrats and turncoats. An attempt which is being seen by many as cultivating ideological discipline ahead of the upcoming assembly election.The right-wing Hindu organisation is the foundational, ideological parent of the ruling BJP. The party acts as the mainstream political vehicle that translates its core Hindutva ideology into state policy, electoral manifestos and governance. Ties between the two saw turmoil as the BJP government pushed for free-market reform. RSS advocates "swadeshi" or economic self-reliance and expressed dissatisfaction to those reforms.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-organisational-reshuffle-smriti-irani-ram-madhav-amit-malviya-1786961277946">BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell</a>Key inclusions are Ram Madhav as National Vice President, retaining BL Santhosh as National General Secretary (Organisation), Sunil Bansal as National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde as National General Secretary, Satish Poonia as National General Secretary, and Deepak Mhaskey as Social Media Head.&nbsp;Ram Madhav is a hardcore RSS ideologue who served as a full-time RSS pracharak and later became a spokesperson for the RSS. Now he is deputised in the BJP. Though faces like Piyush Goyal and Smriti Irani represent the pure political and governance wing of the party, the inclusion of &nbsp;Ram Madhav as a National Vice President directly scales the hardline ideological core of RSS in decision-making.&nbsp;BL Santhosh, a veteran RSS pracharak, is in a powerful structural post; he is the formal link between the political party and the ideological wing. Similarly, the exclusion of Amit Malviya has been another major story. Nitin Nabin is stamping his authority over the party image. The new appointee, Mhaske, himself transitioned into politics from an academic background, but his family had deeply rooted Sangh ties. His brother, Tej Pratap Mhaske, is a known RSS functionary.&nbsp;This is significant because, along with media, public rallies, and the political arithmetic of ticket distribution, there is something in the BJP that Congress or other political parties do not possess. It is the Sangh Parivar network, the invisible, highly disciplined army of the BJP's election machinery. They create micro-level cells, where local daily Shakhas transform into "Panna Pramukh" or “page-in-charge” during elections. Each volunteer micro-manages just one page of the voter list, addressing local scepticism and convincing families to vote. It gives granular accountability for silent voter mobilisation in the form of a relentless door-to-door campaign. So inducting more RSS ideologues is a structural replacement, ensuring not just control, but more cohesive communication in executing key policies, schemes and programmes of the party, facilitating that invisible network.&nbsp;

The BJP’s latest reshuffle brings in several leaders with deep RSS ties, signalling a stronger ideological core and tighter organisational coordination under Nitin Nabin.

The vast majority of the core leaders appointed by the ruling BJP in its latest organisational reshuffle have deep and foundational ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Out of the total 65 names of office-bearers announced on Monday, 51 are new. Eleven of the 14 vice presidents and seven of the eight general secretaries have been associated with the RSS in the past. This is significantly higher than the previous national executive setup under JP Nadda, which had a fair share of technocrats and turncoats. An attempt which is being seen by many as cultivating ideological discipline ahead of the upcoming assembly election. The right-wing Hindu organisation is the foundational, ideological parent of the ruling BJP. The party acts as the mainstream political vehicle that translates its core Hindutva ideology into state policy, electoral manifestos and governance. Ties between the two saw turmoil as the BJP government pushed for free-market reform. RSS advocates "swadeshi" or economic self-reliance and expressed dissatisfaction to those reforms. Also Read: BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell Key inclusions are Ram Madhav as National Vice President, retaining BL Santhosh as National General Secretary (Organisation), Sunil Bansal as National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde as National General Secretary, Satish Poonia as National General Secretary, and Deepak Mhaskey as Social Media Head. Ram Madhav is a hardcore RSS ideologue who served as a full-time RSS pracharak and later became a spokesperson for the RSS. Now he is deputised in the BJP. Though faces like Piyush Goyal and Smriti Irani represent the pure political and governance wing of the party, the inclusion of Ram Madhav as a National Vice President directly scales the hardline ideological core of RSS in decision-making. BL Santhosh, a veteran RSS pracharak, is in a powerful structural post; he is the formal link between the political party and the ideological wing. Similarly, the exclusion of Amit Malviya has been another major story. Nitin Nabin is stamping his authority over the party image. The new appointee, Mhaske, himself transitioned into politics from an academic background, but his family had deeply rooted Sangh ties. His brother, Tej Pratap Mhaske, is a known RSS functionary. This is significant because, along with media, public rallies, and the political arithmetic of ticket distribution, there is something in the BJP that Congress or other political parties do not possess. It is the Sangh Parivar network, the invisible, highly disciplined army of the BJP's election machinery. They create micro-level cells, where local daily Shakhas transform into "Panna Pramukh" or “page-in-charge” during elections. Each volunteer micro-manages just one page of the voter list, addressing local scepticism and convincing families to vote. It gives granular accountability for silent voter mobilisation in the form of a relentless door-to-door campaign. So inducting more RSS ideologues is a structural replacement, ensuring not just control, but more cohesive communication in executing key policies, schemes and programmes of the party, facilitating that invisible network.

The BJP’s latest reshuffle brings in several leaders with deep RSS ties, signalling a stronger ideological core and tighter organisational coordination under Nitin Nabin.

BJP reshuffle sees stronger RSS presence in key organisational positions

The BJP has announced a major party reshuffle nine months after Nitin Nabin took over as the party President. BL Santhosh retained his critical position as the National General Secretary (Organisation). The new team has 12 women, with Smriti Irani and Vasundhara Raje among them. Smriti Irani made a high-profile comeback as National General Secretary, and Ram Madhav as National Vice President. Amit Malviya has been dropped as the IT Cell chief and replaced by Chhattisgarh leader Deepak Mhaskey."With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri&nbsp; @narendramodi Ji," said BJP President Nitin Nabin.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ugc-net-june-2026-re-exam-english-commerce-sociology-1786901941880">UGC-NET June 2026: NTA orders re-exam for English, Commerce and Sociology on September 9-10</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the newly appointed office bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s National Team. With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri… <a href="https://t.co/JaNKozwo4H">pic.twitter.com/JaNKozwo4H</a>&mdash; Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) <a href="https://x.com/NitinNabin/status/2089291401507025280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who are the key office bearers?</h2>The BJP has included 13 Vice Presidents, including Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Tirath Singh Rawat, Ram Madhav, Baijyant Jay Panda, D Purandeshwari, Rekha Verma, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi, Bharti Pravin Pawar, Manpreet Singh Badal, Lal Singh Arya, M. Nagaraja, Tariq Mansoor and Madhuchandra Kar.&nbsp;The party has announced eight National General Secretaries, retaining Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal. The list includes Smriti Irani, Biplab Kumar Deb, Satish Poonia, Gajendra Patil, Sanjay Bhatia and Harish Diwedi to be among the National General Secretaries.The party also appointed 16 National Secretaries, with former AAP leader Sandeep Pathak and former Congress leader Rohan Gupta among the list. The complete list includes Kavita Patidar K. Surendran, Kerala, Dr Bhola Singh, Dr Pradip Varma, Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel, Phangnon Konyak, Sangeeta Yadav, Anil Antony, Dr M Venkateshan, Manoj Tigga, Siddharth Shambhu, Dr Swadesh Singh, Mriganka Deo Barman, Jai Prakash.Piyush Goyal to be the National Treasurer and Rajesh Mangal to be the Joint Treasurer. Tarun Chugh has been named Central Office In-charge, and Mahendra Pandey as Central Office Secretary.The party has also appointed heads of various morchas. Dr Hemang Joshi will head the Yuva Morcha, Roop Kumari Choudhary the Mahila Morcha, Amarpal Maurya the OBC Morcha, Bansilal Gurjar the Kisan Morcha, Shivesh Kumar Ram the SC Morcha, Mannalal Rawat the ST Morcha and Kunwar Basit Ali the Minority Morcha. These appointments will come into effect immediately.&nbsp;

BJP announces major organisational reshuffle under Nitin Nabin. Smriti Irani returns as National General Secretary, while Ram Madhav is named National Vice President.

The BJP has announced a major party reshuffle nine months after Nitin Nabin took over as the party President. BL Santhosh retained his critical position as the National General Secretary (Organisation). The new team has 12 women, with Smriti Irani and Vasundhara Raje among them. Smriti Irani made a high-profile comeback as National General Secretary, and Ram Madhav as National Vice President. Amit Malviya has been dropped as the IT Cell chief and replaced by Chhattisgarh leader Deepak Mhaskey. "With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji," said BJP President Nitin Nabin. Also Read: UGC-NET June 2026: NTA orders re-exam for English, Commerce and Sociology on September 9-10

BJP announces major organisational reshuffle under Nitin Nabin. Smriti Irani returns as National General Secretary, while Ram Madhav is named National Vice President.

BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell

Student protests in Jharkhand are intensifying over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, with student leaders escalating their demands against the state government.

Protest leaders have announced plans to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 district headquarters. They have also warned of a major mobilisation at the Chief Minister’s residence if their demands are not addressed.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), along with a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.

The protest has also drawn political confrontation, with Congress defending the government’s handling of the situation while accusing the BJP of politicising the issue. Meanwhile, the state government says it remains committed to transparency in recruitment examinations and has launched initiatives seeking students’ suggestions on improving education.


Jharkhand protests: Student-govt talks set for August 17

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday morning.

He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Asish Banerjee found dead

A political row has broken out after a video from Congress headquarters showed Sonia Gandhi making hand gestures during the full rendition of "Vande Mataram" on Independence Day. BJP alleges she and Rahul Gandhi tried to halt the complete six-stanza version, calling it disrespectful to the national song, especially as 2026 marks its 150th anniversary.


Political storm erupts over Vande Mataram: BJP questions Sonia's gestures at Congress HQ 

A fresh political showdown is brewing in Karnataka over a proposed bill regulating the use of public property. While the Congress government says the legislation is not aimed at any particular organisation, BJP leaders have alleged that it is a backdoor attempt to target the RSS. Home Minister Priyank Kharge has rejected the charge, setting the stage for another heated political battle.


Karnataka public property bill sparks fresh Congress-BJP faceoff 

BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused the Opposition of deliberately disrupting Parliament and blocking discussions on key issues, saying the public was now watching who was "running away from discussions".&nbsp;In a social media post, Nabin said the repeated disruptions reflected what he called an "anarchist mindset" within the Opposition. He alleged that the Narendra Modi government had repeatedly tried to take up important issues, but Opposition parties continued to disrupt proceedings.&nbsp;"The continuous disruption by the opposition in Parliament exposes their anarchist mindset," Nabin said.&nbsp;He further claimed that the government was ready to discuss every key issue, while the Opposition was preventing Parliament from functioning.&nbsp;"The public is watching and now knows who is actually running away from discussions," he said.<h3>Opposition protests continue in Parliament</h3>Nabin's remarks came as Parliament witnessed repeated uproar through almost the entire session. The Opposition has demanded a response from Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police atrocities during the July 20 students' protest and the Ram Mandir donation theft row.&nbsp;The Monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude on August 13.&nbsp;Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju also criticised the Opposition and expressed frustration over the continuing impasse. He accused Opposition parties of "running away" from a discussion that the government was ready to hold.&nbsp;Rijiju described the situation as "unprecedented" in a parliamentary democracy. He said the government was prepared to provide answers, but the Opposition was refusing to participate.&nbsp;"I am totally frustrated. For the first time in my life, I am witnessing a scenario where the government wants a discussion in Parliament, yet the opposition is running away from it. It is hard to imagine this, because in a parliamentary democracy," Rijiju told reporters.<h3>Rijiju says government ready for discussion</h3>Rijiju said the situation had reversed the traditional roles in Parliament, with the government seeking a debate while the Opposition was refusing to participate.&nbsp;"Here, however, the government itself is saying, 'we will hold a discussion and provide answers,' but the opposition refuses to listen. Can you imagine such a situation? It is not good for democracy. We have repeatedly stated our willingness to discuss the matter, yet they refuse to agree."&nbsp;Rijiju also highlighted the government's efforts to end the deadlock. He said Home Minister Amit Shah had approached the Lok Sabha Speaker to intervene.&nbsp;"Consequently, the Home Minister was compelled to write another letter. The Home Minister wrote to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, reiterating that we are ready for an open, extensive, and detailed discussion and asking him to persuade the opposition leaders to agree to it," Rijiju informed.

Parliament has witnessed disruptions through almost the entire Monsoon Session, with the Opposition raising issues including the July 20 student protest, alleged Ram Mandir donation theft and the NEET paper leak.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused the Opposition of deliberately disrupting Parliament and blocking discussions on key issues, saying the public was now watching who was "running away from discussions". In a social media post, Nabin said the repeated disruptions reflected what he called an "anarchist mindset" within the Opposition. He alleged that the Narendra Modi government had repeatedly tried to take up important issues, but Opposition parties continued to disrupt proceedings. "The continuous disruption by the opposition in Parliament exposes their anarchist mindset," Nabin said. He further claimed that the government was ready to discuss every key issue, while the Opposition was preventing Parliament from functioning. "The public is watching and now knows who is actually running away from discussions," he said. Opposition protests continue in Parliament Nabin's remarks came as Parliament witnessed repeated uproar through almost the entire session. The Opposition has demanded a response from Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police atrocities during the July 20 students' protest and the Ram Mandir donation theft row. The Monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude on August 13. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju also criticised the Opposition and expressed frustration over the continuing impasse. He accused Opposition parties of "running away" from a discussion that the government was ready to hold. Rijiju described the situation as "unprecedented" in a parliamentary democracy. He said the government was prepared to provide answers, but the Opposition was refusing to participate. "I am totally frustrated. For the first time in my life, I am witnessing a scenario where the government wants a discussion in Parliament, yet the opposition is running away from it. It is hard to imagine this, because in a parliamentary democracy," Rijiju told reporters. Rijiju says government ready for discussion Rijiju said the situation had reversed the traditional roles in Parliament, with the government seeking a debate while the Opposition was refusing to participate. "Here, however, the government itself is saying, 'we will hold a discussion and provide answers,' but the opposition refuses to listen. Can you imagine such a situation? It is not good for democracy. We have repeatedly stated our willingness to discuss the matter, yet they refuse to agree." Rijiju also highlighted the government's efforts to end the deadlock. He said Home Minister Amit Shah had approached the Lok Sabha Speaker to intervene. "Consequently, the Home Minister was compelled to write another letter. The Home Minister wrote to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, reiterating that we are ready for an open, extensive, and detailed discussion and asking him to persuade the opposition leaders to agree to it," Rijiju informed.

Parliament has witnessed disruptions through almost the entire Monsoon Session, with the Opposition raising issues including the July 20 student protest, alleged Ram Mandir donation theft and the NEET paper leak.

Parliament deadlock: BJP chief slams Opposition's 'anarchist mindset'; Rijiju 'totally frustrated'

Union Minister Giriraj Singh shared a picture of the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, vacationing on the social media platform X. The picture showed the Congress leader along with a woman wearing a black head scarf and tinted sunglasses and a young boy sitting between them. They were sitting on a boat with the open blue sea visible in the background. Singh posted the picture and asked Rahul Gandhi to identify the individuals in the picture.“Rahul ji, where was this picture taken, when was it taken, and who are the people with you in this picture? I am curious to know!” wrote Union Minister Giriraj Singh in the post.&nbsp;Responding to the post, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called Giriraj Singh a “lechrous man”. She clarified that the woman and the boy were the wife and children of a friend of Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;“You are a lecherous kind of man, who can only think vile thoughts upon seeing a woman and a man together.”"The woman and child in the picture are the wife and child of Rahul ji's friend—they were on a family vacation together. The friend is not in the photo.Women are not comfortable around slimy creeps like you—don't get frustrated," said Supriya Shrinate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/azadi-slogan-history-india-dissent-protests-1786378471994">How 'Azadi' evolved from anti colonial rallying cry to political flashpoint</a>Avid Dandiya, the Social Media in-charge of Indian Overseas Congress, said the photograph was taken in Lake Ray Roberts, Texas, US. Former Youth Congress Chief Srinivas BV also responded to Singh's post saying, “Curiosity isn't a good thing in old age... consult a good doctor.”Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips have been the focus of the BJP's criticism, as he returned from a foreign trip between June and July. BJP leaders have repeatedly enquired about the details of the foreign trips of Rahul Gandhi, claiming that they lack transparency. The BJP has claimed that Rahul Gandhi has made 54 traceable foreign trips, including trips to London, New York, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Maldives and Dubai. They also claimed that Rahul Gandhi made a “secret” trip to Oman. The BJP also claims that there is a mismatch between Gandhi's declared income and the expenditure of the foreign trips, which, according to them, cost roughly around ₹60 crores. &nbsp;The BJP cites a 2025 communication from the CRPF which alleges Gandhi did not provide prior notice on several occasions before visiting outside, which prevents security agencies from arranging necessary overseas protection as laid out in the "Yellow Book" for VIP security.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Giriraj Singh questioned Rahul Gandhi over a vacation photo, prompting Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate to hit back and clarify who the woman and child were.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh shared a picture of the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, vacationing on the social media platform X. The picture showed the Congress leader along with a woman wearing a black head scarf and tinted sunglasses and a young boy sitting between them. They were sitting on a boat with the open blue sea visible in the background. Singh posted the picture and asked Rahul Gandhi to identify the individuals in the picture. “Rahul ji, where was this picture taken, when was it taken, and who are the people with you in this picture? I am curious to know!” wrote Union Minister Giriraj Singh in the post. Responding to the post, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called Giriraj Singh a “lechrous man”. She clarified that the woman and the boy were the wife and children of a friend of Rahul Gandhi. “You are a lecherous kind of man, who can only think vile thoughts upon seeing a woman and a man together.” "The woman and child in the picture are the wife and child of Rahul ji's friend—they were on a family vacation together. The friend is not in the photo. Women are not comfortable around slimy creeps like you—don't get frustrated," said Supriya Shrinate. Also Read: How 'Azadi' evolved from anti colonial rallying cry to political flashpoint Avid Dandiya, the Social Media in-charge of Indian Overseas Congress, said the photograph was taken in Lake Ray Roberts, Texas, US. Former Youth Congress Chief Srinivas BV also responded to Singh's post saying, “Curiosity isn't a good thing in old age... consult a good doctor.” Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips have been the focus of the BJP's criticism, as he returned from a foreign trip between June and July. BJP leaders have repeatedly enquired about the details of the foreign trips of Rahul Gandhi, claiming that they lack transparency. The BJP has claimed that Rahul Gandhi has made 54 traceable foreign trips, including trips to London, New York, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Maldives and Dubai. They also claimed that Rahul Gandhi made a “secret” trip to Oman. The BJP also claims that there is a mismatch between Gandhi's declared income and the expenditure of the foreign trips, which, according to them, cost roughly around ₹60 crores. The BJP cites a 2025 communication from the CRPF which alleges Gandhi did not provide prior notice on several occasions before visiting outside, which prevents security agencies from arranging necessary overseas protection as laid out in the "Yellow Book" for VIP security.

Giriraj Singh questioned Rahul Gandhi over a vacation photo, prompting Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate to hit back and clarify who the woman and child were.

‘Who are the people with you?’- BJP questions Rahul Gandhi's vacation picture, Congress responds

Right-wing activist T.G. Mohandas has been arrested over his controversial “women enjoy rape” comment, while the RSS has distanced itself from the remarks and clarified its position.

Right-wing activist TG Mohandas arrested for rape comment, RSS distances itself

A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka after the draft electoral roll revealed that nearly 50% of Bengaluru's registered voters have been placed under the ASDO (Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate, Other) category, making them liable for deletion from the final voter list.

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of violating election guidelines, while the Congress claims the opposition is trying to politicize the voter list revision. Officials have asked voters wrongly marked under ASDO to verify their details before the August 8 deadline.

Watch the full report for the latest updates.

Bengaluru Voter List Shock: Nearly 50% of Voters Marked for Deletion | Karnataka Electoral Roll Row

Jammu and Kashmir marked the 7th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A under heavy security across the Valley.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated August 5 as a landmark in Jammu and Kashmir's integration and development, opposition parties including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) observed the day as a "Black Day", demanding the restoration of statehood and special constitutional status.

Security was tightened across Srinagar, with checkpoints reinforced and restrictions imposed to prevent protests. Opposition leaders accused authorities of denying them the democratic right to demonstrate, while BJP leaders highlighted improvements in security, tourism, and economic activity since 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described August 5, 2019, as the beginning of a transformative chapter for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and development over the past seven years.


Article 370 Anniversary: BJP Celebrates, Opposition Observes Black Day

Barely a week after the Cockroach Janata Party ended its protests in New Delhi, BJP continues to face political ramifications. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor won the Bankipur seat, which was vacated by BJP National President Nitin Nabin. This was considered a BJP bastion. While retaining its seat in Gujarat, the party also lost a by-election in Madhya Pradesh. 

Cockroaches give wake up call to Indian government, BJP hit in by-elections

Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor dealt a major blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as he defeated BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha by almost 19,000 votes in his electoral debut in the Bankipur assembly bypolls. 

Jan Suraaj's Prashant Kishore wins Bihar by-election from BJP bastion

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the DMK accused TVK of colluding with the BJP following the police decision to deny permission for a statewide campaign against the National Education Policy (NEP) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation.

DMK president MK Stalin alleged that TVK was acting in line with the BJP, while Dravidar Kazhagam criticized the protest ban, saying previous governments had allowed similar demonstrations. The organization has now postponed its campaign and announced it will challenge the decision through legal means.

DMK Accuses TVK of BJP Nexus After Protest Ban | Stalin Targets Vijay Over NEET Row

The alleged Ram Temple donation theft has emerged as a major political flashpoint ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of failing to protect devotees' donations while also linking the controversy to broader concerns over governance and exam paper leaks.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged theft continues. The Supreme Court has directed the inclusion of a forensic auditor in the Special Investigation Team (SIT), while a special court has extended the judicial custody of the accused. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also appointed a new administrator to oversee the temple's daily operations.

Ram Temple Donation Theft Row Heats Up Ahead of UP Polls | Akhilesh Yadav Targets BJP 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing police action against student protesters and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove him from office. The allegations, made during a press conference following heated exchanges in Parliament, have intensified the political confrontation over the nationwide student protests and the anti-paper leak legislation. The government has rejected the accusations, calling them baseless and demanding evidence.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Amit Shah of Ordering Police Firing on Students, Demands Resignation

India's Lok Sabha has passed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill following nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. The bill was cleared amid heated exchanges and loud protests from the opposition. BJP leaders also launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after he alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had authorized police firing on student protesters.

Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia continues to escalate as the United States and Saudi Arabia say they carried out strikes on an Iraqi militant alliance in response to recent attacks. In Japan, a powerful earthquake has claimed at least 13 lives, with rescue teams racing to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says she is determined to return to Bangladesh by December despite security concerns. Europe is also battling devastating wildfires, with thousands evacuated in Spain while French firefighters struggle to contain rapidly spreading blazes.

Indian stock markets ended sharply higher, with the Sensex surging nearly 900 points and the Nifty closing at 24,250, adding nearly ₹4 lakh crore to investor wealth despite rising oil prices linked to the US-Iran conflict.

Stay tuned for the latest national and international news updates.

India Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill | Rahul Gandhi vs BJP | US-Saudi Strikes Iraq | Japan Earthquake 

The Indian Parliament debated the NEET fiasco as the government tabled a new bill aimed at strengthening measures against exam irregularities. Calling it a landmark moment, the government highlighted the need for greater transparency, accountability, and security in competitive examinations.


BJP defends paper leak amendment bill, Congress leads the charge against police crackdown on protesters

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s return to Parliament on Monday (Jul 27) was marked by high political drama. Greeted with high-energy chants of "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad" from BJP and NDA MPs, his reception immediately drew sharp criticism from Opposition benches. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for celebrating following weeks of intense scrutiny over the NEET paper leak controversy that triggered Pradhan’s resignation.The show of solidarity inside Parliament has reignited a crucial question: after stepping down from the Cabinet, does Pradhan return to the BJP’s organizational engine room, or is a political comeback on the horizon? While the party leadership has made no official announcement, the public display of support makes one thing clear: Pradhan remains a key political asset for the BJP.<h2>What's next for Pradhan?</h2>If the BJP does choose to redeploy Pradhan, the safest bet, for now, appears to be the organisation rather than the Cabinet. Pradhan has long been described as one of the party's seasoned election managers. Within the BJP, he has long been regarded as an experienced organisation builder and election strategist, having previously served as the party's National General Secretary and as election or organisational in-charge for states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.That track record matters because the BJP tends to lean on senior leaders who understand booth-level strategy, coalition arithmetic and campaign management. The party has already used Pradhan in this role before, including as Bihar election in-charge, which reinforces the sense that he remains an asset in state-level battles.While a return to the election machinery, whether in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab or another state, would fit his resume, there is no official BJP announcement pointing to that assignment yet.<h2>Odisha remains his natural turf</h2>If the BJP wants to use Pradhan where he already has political weight, Odisha is the obvious place to look. Reuters describes him as a key figure in the state's BJP rise, with deep roots in the party's organisation and a record of helping shape its electoral gains there.That makes a larger Odisha role, or even a broader national organisational assignment, more plausible than a random return to a ministry. It would also allow the party to use him where he is already known as a strategist rather than simply a former minister.<h2>A Cabinet return in the cards?</h2>Given the apparent hatred for Pradhan among Gen Z and the younger generations, a quick return to government doesn't seem plausible.The education ministry has already been handed to Pralhad Joshi, and BJP leader Sambit Patra has dismissed reports suggesting that Pradhan was offered a new portfolio as "fictional" and "unfounded."However, that does not rule out a Cabinet role later, but it does make an immediate comeback to government less likely than a return to party work. For now, the official picture is simple: Pradhan remains an influential BJP face, but there is no confirmed assignment beyond his role as a sitting MP.<h2>So, what next for Dharmendra Pradhan?</h2>While Pradhan's future remains undecided, the evidence points more strongly toward an organisational or election-management role than a fresh Cabinet berth. His experience in Odisha and multiple states gives the BJP a ready-made strategist if it chooses to deploy him again. Notably, until the party says otherwise, all this remains speculation.

Dharmendra Pradhan's warm welcome by BJP and NDA MPs in Parliament has reignited speculation over his political future. While the party has announced no new role, here's what may be in his future.

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s return to Parliament on Monday (Jul 27) was marked by high political drama. Greeted with high-energy chants of "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad" from BJP and NDA MPs, his reception immediately drew sharp criticism from Opposition benches. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for celebrating following weeks of intense scrutiny over the NEET paper leak controversy that triggered Pradhan’s resignation. The show of solidarity inside Parliament has reignited a crucial question: after stepping down from the Cabinet, does Pradhan return to the BJP’s organizational engine room, or is a political comeback on the horizon? While the party leadership has made no official announcement, the public display of support makes one thing clear: Pradhan remains a key political asset for the BJP. What's next for Pradhan? If the BJP does choose to redeploy Pradhan, the safest bet, for now, appears to be the organisation rather than the Cabinet. Pradhan has long been described as one of the party's seasoned election managers. Within the BJP, he has long been regarded as an experienced organisation builder and election strategist, having previously served as the party's National General Secretary and as election or organisational in-charge for states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. That track record matters because the BJP tends to lean on senior leaders who understand booth-level strategy, coalition arithmetic and campaign management. The party has already used Pradhan in this role before, including as Bihar election in-charge, which reinforces the sense that he remains an asset in state-level battles. While a return to the election machinery, whether in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab or another state, would fit his resume, there is no official BJP announcement pointing to that assignment yet. Odisha remains his natural turf If the BJP wants to use Pradhan where he already has political weight, Odisha is the obvious place to look. Reuters describes him as a key figure in the state's BJP rise, with deep roots in the party's organisation and a record of helping shape its electoral gains there. That makes a larger Odisha role, or even a broader national organisational assignment, more plausible than a random return to a ministry. It would also allow the party to use him where he is already known as a strategist rather than simply a former minister. A Cabinet return in the cards? Given the apparent hatred for Pradhan among Gen Z and the younger generations, a quick return to government doesn't seem plausible. The education ministry has already been handed to Pralhad Joshi, and BJP leader Sambit Patra has dismissed reports suggesting that Pradhan was offered a new portfolio as "fictional" and "unfounded." However, that does not rule out a Cabinet role later, but it does make an immediate comeback to government less likely than a return to party work. For now, the official picture is simple: Pradhan remains an influential BJP face, but there is no confirmed assignment beyond his role as a sitting MP. So, what next for Dharmendra Pradhan? While Pradhan's future remains undecided, the evidence points more strongly toward an organisational or election-management role than a fresh Cabinet berth. His experience in Odisha and multiple states gives the BJP a ready-made strategist if it chooses to deploy him again. Notably, until the party says otherwise, all this remains speculation.

Dharmendra Pradhan's warm welcome by BJP and NDA MPs in Parliament has reignited speculation over his political future. While the party has announced no new role, here's what may be in his future.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s parliament return sparks comeback speculation: What’s next for the BJP heavyweight? | WION Decodes

The Supreme Court has made a significant observation amid growing controversy over the handling of protests in Delhi. The court's remarks come as questions mount over restrictions, police action, and the right to peaceful protest.

The case has reignited a wider debate on civil liberties, public order, and democratic rights, with protesters, political leaders, and legal experts closely watching the developments. What did the top court say, and what could it mean for future demonstrations across India?

Delhi protests: Top court's big remark on protest crackdown

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as India's education minister over examination paper leak scandals this weekend, after weeks of protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly intervened through video messages to assure the protesters, whose movement began as a Gen Z-led social media meme campaign spearheaded by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. The movement got more fire and fuel from activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Pradhan's resignation this past weekend marked the first major exit of a Union minister during the 12-year rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre. The government's acceptance of the movement's demands has raised several questions. Here are some of them.<h2>What does the Gen Z protest and Pradhan's resignation mean for India's ruling BJP?</h2>Pradhan was a key minister and political operator for the BJP. His resignation is a rare political concession by the Modi government, which had withstood similar protests in the past over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the controversial farm reform laws, which lasted for months and years, respectively. Pradhan took moral responsibility, and said he was resigning in order to protect students and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation.The government accepted key CJP demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs (First Information Reports) against protesters and compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) paper leaks and other examination irregularities. The 36-day agitation immediately ended.&nbsp;This represents a setback for the government, highlighting its vulnerability to spontaneous youth mobilisation. The timing is also notable, as the protest took place ahead of elections in crucial states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dharmendra-pradhan-steps-down-says-resigned-to-protect-future-of-india-s-youth-1785036457030/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/dharmendra-pradhan-steps-down-says-resigned-to-protect-future-of-india-s-youth-1785036457030/embed</a><h2>Did the government fail to get timely feedback on the growing anger among young people?</h2>According to reports in a section of the media, Pradhan had offered to resign days before he actually announced his decision. The government reportedly rejected it, as its priority was systemic reforms, investigations, examination cancellations and re-tests, and the introduction of new anti-paper leak laws.However, the CJP successfully turned Pradhan into the symbol of everything perceived to be wrong with the Indian education system. The situation escalated when Parliament began its Monsoon Session, particularly after the alleged police brutality during the "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament on July 20. Disruptive forces, including elements from neighbouring countries, were likely to exploit the unrest. This assessment changed the government's approach to handling the situation. The amplification of the protests on social media, including by foreign-based accounts, may have contributed to the shift in government strategy.&nbsp;By the past weekend, the government recognised the depth of youth anger and moved to contain the damage to its public image.Also read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/neet-protests-students-step-up-minister-steps-down-1784985645156">Students step up, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down</a><h2>Does the Gen Z movement show that BJP needs to understand the concerns of young voters beyond traditional focus on religion and nationalism?</h2>Gen Z is expected to account for around 30 per cent of the electorate by the time the next general election takes place in 2029. This demographic reality is at the forefront of the BJP's and NDA's political calculations. The concerns of young people do not necessarily align with the BJP's traditional focus on religion and nationalism. The youth movement cut across caste, regional and religious lines, galvanised as it was by the term "cockroaches", used by Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant in reference to unemployed youth.&nbsp;Issues of examination integrity, education reform and accountability became the movement's central rallying cry. But their broader message was on growing dissatisfaction with existing political priorities. The stereotype of Gen Z political apathy was dismantled. The movement demonstrated an ability to mobilise through social media around livelihoods, education and governance issues rather than solely around cultural or ideological ones.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradhan-offered-to-resign-on-the-first-day-of-protests-reveals-senior-bjp-leader-1785061536174">Pradhan offered to resign on the first day of protests, reveals senior BJP leader</a><h2>Will jobs, education, competitive exams become the new challenge for the BJP among young voters?</h2>The alleged NEET-UG leak of May 2026 affected nearly two million candidates. It also brought renewed attention to alleged irregularities in several other competitive examinations. Youth frustration over unemployment has been growing already. Graduate unemployment rates are reported to be around 40 per cent among those aged 15 to 25. Employment opportunities are shrinking despite the government's narrative of India's economic growth.&nbsp;In the upcoming elections, BJP-led governments are likely to face increasing questions from young voters about job scarcity, examination credibility and systemic failures in the education system.<h2>Is the government's ground connect with the new generation weakening? Should it change its approach to youth issues?</h2>The rapid spread of youth protests across Indian cities following the CJP-led agitation in Delhi is notable. This may explain the government's eventual climbdown despite initial resistance. The government and ruling parties are now likely to be compelled to campaign more directly on youth-specific concerns rather than relying primarily on issues of nationalism, religion and patriotism. The credibility of competitive examinations and the availability of employment opportunities are expected to become major election campaign issues. These are areas where the BJP will need to better understand and address youth discontent.&nbsp;The tech-savvy generation's effective use of social media has reduced the government's ability to contain resistance and dissent. Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the BJP will need a recalibration of its approach to education, examinations and employment if it is to maintain its appeal among Gen Z voters.

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as India's education minister after Gen Z-led protests over NEET paper leaks is leading to a debate on BJP's youth connect. Can it bring in education reforms, arrest youth unemployment, and address evolving political priorities ahead of elections?



Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as India's education minister over examination paper leak scandals this weekend, after weeks of protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly intervened through video messages to assure the protesters, whose movement began as a Gen Z-led social media meme campaign spearheaded by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. The movement got more fire and fuel from activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Pradhan's resignation this past weekend marked the first major exit of a Union minister during the 12-year rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre. The government's acceptance of the movement's demands has raised several questions. Here are some of them. What does the Gen Z protest and Pradhan's resignation mean for India's ruling BJP? Pradhan was a key minister and political operator for the BJP. His resignation is a rare political concession by the Modi government, which had withstood similar protests in the past over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the controversial farm reform laws, which lasted for months and years, respectively. Pradhan took moral responsibility, and said he was resigning in order to protect students and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation. The government accepted key CJP demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs (First Information Reports) against protesters and compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) paper leaks and other examination irregularities. The 36-day agitation immediately ended. This represents a setback for the government, highlighting its vulnerability to spontaneous youth mobilisation. The timing is also notable, as the protest took place ahead of elections in crucial states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. https://www.wionews.com/videos/dharmendra-pradhan-steps-down-says-resigned-to-protect-future-of-india-s-youth-1785036457030/embed Did the government fail to get timely feedback on the growing anger among young people? According to reports in a section of the media, Pradhan had offered to resign days before he actually announced his decision. The government reportedly rejected it, as its priority was systemic reforms, investigations, examination cancellations and re-tests, and the introduction of new anti-paper leak laws. However, the CJP successfully turned Pradhan into the symbol of everything perceived to be wrong with the Indian education system. The situation escalated when Parliament began its Monsoon Session, particularly after the alleged police brutality during the "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament on July 20. Disruptive forces, including elements from neighbouring countries, were likely to exploit the unrest. This assessment changed the government's approach to handling the situation. The amplification of the protests on social media, including by foreign-based accounts, may have contributed to the shift in government strategy. By the past weekend, the government recognised the depth of youth anger and moved to contain the damage to its public image. Also read: Students step up, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down Does the Gen Z movement show that BJP needs to understand the concerns of young voters beyond traditional focus on religion and nationalism? Gen Z is expected to account for around 30 per cent of the electorate by the time the next general election takes place in 2029. This demographic reality is at the forefront of the BJP's and NDA's political calculations. The concerns of young people do not necessarily align with the BJP's traditional focus on religion and nationalism. The youth movement cut across caste, regional and religious lines, galvanised as it was by the term "cockroaches", used by Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant in reference to unemployed youth. Issues of examination integrity, education reform and accountability became the movement's central rallying cry. But their broader message was on growing dissatisfaction with existing political priorities. The stereotype of Gen Z political apathy was dismantled. The movement demonstrated an ability to mobilise through social media around livelihoods, education and governance issues rather than solely around cultural or ideological ones. Also read: Pradhan offered to resign on the first day of protests, reveals senior BJP leader Will jobs, education, competitive exams become the new challenge for the BJP among young voters? The alleged NEET-UG leak of May 2026 affected nearly two million candidates. It also brought renewed attention to alleged irregularities in several other competitive examinations. Youth frustration over unemployment has been growing already. Graduate unemployment rates are reported to be around 40 per cent among those aged 15 to 25. Employment opportunities are shrinking despite the government's narrative of India's economic growth. In the upcoming elections, BJP-led governments are likely to face increasing questions from young voters about job scarcity, examination credibility and systemic failures in the education system. Is the government's ground connect with the new generation weakening? Should it change its approach to youth issues? The rapid spread of youth protests across Indian cities following the CJP-led agitation in Delhi is notable. This may explain the government's eventual climbdown despite initial resistance. The government and ruling parties are now likely to be compelled to campaign more directly on youth-specific concerns rather than relying primarily on issues of nationalism, religion and patriotism. The credibility of competitive examinations and the availability of employment opportunities are expected to become major election campaign issues. These are areas where the BJP will need to better understand and address youth discontent. The tech-savvy generation's effective use of social media has reduced the government's ability to contain resistance and dissent. Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the BJP will need a recalibration of its approach to education, examinations and employment if it is to maintain its appeal among Gen Z voters.

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as India's education minister after Gen Z-led protests over NEET paper leaks is leading to a debate on BJP's youth connect. Can it bring in education reforms, arrest youth unemployment, and address evolving political priorities ahead of elections?&nbsp;

What does the Gen Z protest and Pradhan's resignation as education minister mean for India's ruling BJP, and four other questions, answered

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