Congress workers staged protests across several states on Friday, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The nationwide demonstrations came amid the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission (EC)'s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;Protests were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Manipur, among other states. Congress workers marched towards EC offices and raised slogans against the CEC as the party intensified its opposition over the issue.&nbsp;In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress leaders and workers marched from the Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters towards the Election Office at the state Secretariat. The protest was led by state in-charge Kumari Selja and Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, with party workers seeking to gherao the office.<h3>Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam protest</h3>In Assam, Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained by Assam Police during a protest demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The detention came as the political row over the SIR of electoral rolls intensified.&nbsp;Speaking to ANI during the protest, Gogoi demanded Kumar's resignation and called for legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner over what he alleged were irregularities in the functioning of the EC.&nbsp;“Today, as people have come to know that Gyanesh Kumar Ji has committed a crime and committed an act of treason, he should resign today, and legal action should be taken against him,” Gogoi said.&nbsp;“Legal action should be taken against them, and they should be arrested. Along with Gyanesh Kumar, the ones sitting behind him—their masters, Prime Minister Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji—should remember today that the country will not forgive them,” he quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-does-anti-incumbency-disappear-rahul-gandhi-alleges-vote-chori-calls-for-cec-s-resignation-1790252100302">‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’, calls for CEC’s resignation</a><h3>Rahul Gandhi attacks ECI over SIR</h3>The protests followed Rahul Gandhi's criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government on Thursday over the functioning of the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;Gandhi demanded Kumar's immediate resignation and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference on the ECI's functioning following media reports related to the SIR process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to voting.&nbsp;“The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said.&nbsp;The protests came amid an escalating political row over the SIR exercise following an investigative report by The Indian Express. The report said two sitting Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding procedures, database changes and the ongoing revision of voter lists.&nbsp;The Election Commission has rejected the characterisation of these objections as evidence of institutional dissent. It said operational queries, internal feedback and administrative suggestions during the drafting process are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The ECI has maintained that all final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous.&nbsp;The SIR exercise and ECI functioning are expected to be discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting on September 29.

Congress workers staged nationwide protests demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the functioning of the SIR and the Election Commission, while Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a demonstration.

Congress workers staged protests across several states on Friday, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The nationwide demonstrations came amid the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission (EC)'s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protests were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Manipur, among other states. Congress workers marched towards EC offices and raised slogans against the CEC as the party intensified its opposition over the issue. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress leaders and workers marched from the Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters towards the Election Office at the state Secretariat. The protest was led by state in-charge Kumari Selja and Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, with party workers seeking to gherao the office. Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam protest In Assam, Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained by Assam Police during a protest demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The detention came as the political row over the SIR of electoral rolls intensified. Speaking to ANI during the protest, Gogoi demanded Kumar's resignation and called for legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner over what he alleged were irregularities in the functioning of the EC. “Today, as people have come to know that Gyanesh Kumar Ji has committed a crime and committed an act of treason, he should resign today, and legal action should be taken against him,” Gogoi said. “Legal action should be taken against them, and they should be arrested. Along with Gyanesh Kumar, the ones sitting behind him—their masters, Prime Minister Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji—should remember today that the country will not forgive them,” he quoted as saying by ANI. Also Read: ‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’, calls for CEC’s resignation Rahul Gandhi attacks ECI over SIR The protests followed Rahul Gandhi's criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government on Thursday over the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Gandhi demanded Kumar's immediate resignation and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them. Addressing a press conference on the ECI's functioning following media reports related to the SIR process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to voting. “The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said. The protests came amid an escalating political row over the SIR exercise following an investigative report by The Indian Express. The report said two sitting Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding procedures, database changes and the ongoing revision of voter lists. The Election Commission has rejected the characterisation of these objections as evidence of institutional dissent. It said operational queries, internal feedback and administrative suggestions during the drafting process are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The ECI has maintained that all final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous. The SIR exercise and ECI functioning are expected to be discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting on September 29.

Congress workers staged nationwide protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over the SIR and Election Commission functioning, while Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a demonstration.

SIR row: Congress stages nationwide protests, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, Gaurav Gogoi detained

The Congress on Thursday denied claims that its MPs on the parliamentary standing committee on Finance had backed the decision to levy a fee on high-value UPI payments. A senior government functionary said that when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance had adopted a report on the MDR revenue framework for the UPI, five Congress MPs, including P Chidambaram, Manish Tewari, Gaurav Gogoi, Kishori Lal and K Gopinath, were present and no dissent was recorded in the published minutes, as reported by the PTI.The government functionary added, “Why is Rahul Gandhi opposing something his own MPs, including former finance minister P Chidambaram and former minister in the UPA government Manish Tewari, supported within the parliamentary panel?”However, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the finance committee did not discuss the specific UPI tax proposal announced by the government recently. He said when they met, the members of the Department of Finance did not have any proposal on the UPI tax. He also added that questions were raised on the need for MDR, but government representatives did not have specific or satisfactory answers at that stage.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-mecca-defence-pact-houthi-drone-incident-saudi-arabia-1789648511839">Pakistan vows to honour Mecca defence pact after drone incident near holy city</a>In a social media post, Gogoi said, “I reiterate that the recent UPI tax policies hurt small Indian merchants, vendors, entrepreneurs and help the major American corporations. Roll back UPI tax. Stop surrendering, PM Modi.”&nbsp;Congress MP Manish Tiwari also criticised the government, “Unfortunately, proceedings of parliamentary standing committees that are supposed to be privileged are now sought to be used by the government to score brownie points.”Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the information of support from Congress MPs was a product of a “news plantation economy”, and said that it was a “pathetic” attempt to divert attention from the "gigantic backlash" over the &nbsp;"UPI tax" decision taken to "appease US companies and Donaldbhai".<h2>Why is Rahul Gandhi linking UPI fee to Washington?</h2>Rahul Gandhi had criticised the government's decision to impose the fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to merchants. He accused PM Modi of having decided to “prostrate” before US President Donald Trump and give a large amount of money to the US. The US government and American corporations have actively pressured India for nearly a decade to dismantle its zero MDR policy, as since UPI's launch, Visa and Mastercard have faced potential loss of business as consumers preferred free UPI payments instead of cards 2 per cent per transaction.&nbsp;The Union Government on September 14-15 announced the UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for certain person-to- merchant transactions. It also said that there is no separate GST on MDR. It later clarified that the MDR introduced under any external influence is patently "false and misleading". Market experts have criticised the framework for putting strain on small and Medium Businesses, as well as the increased cost being trickled down to the consumers. According to ANI, the government is optimistic that UPI transactions are unlikely to fall after the rollout on October 15.&nbsp;

Congress denies its MPs backed the new UPI fee, saying the Finance panel did not discuss the specific charge on merchant payments above ₹2,000.

The Congress on Thursday denied claims that its MPs on the parliamentary standing committee on Finance had backed the decision to levy a fee on high-value UPI payments. A senior government functionary said that when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance had adopted a report on the MDR revenue framework for the UPI, five Congress MPs, including P Chidambaram, Manish Tewari, Gaurav Gogoi, Kishori Lal and K Gopinath, were present and no dissent was recorded in the published minutes, as reported by the PTI. The government functionary added, “Why is Rahul Gandhi opposing something his own MPs, including former finance minister P Chidambaram and former minister in the UPA government Manish Tewari, supported within the parliamentary panel?” However, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the finance committee did not discuss the specific UPI tax proposal announced by the government recently. He said when they met, the members of the Department of Finance did not have any proposal on the UPI tax. He also added that questions were raised on the need for MDR, but government representatives did not have specific or satisfactory answers at that stage. Also Read: Pakistan vows to honour Mecca defence pact after drone incident near holy city In a social media post, Gogoi said, “I reiterate that the recent UPI tax policies hurt small Indian merchants, vendors, entrepreneurs and help the major American corporations. Roll back UPI tax. Stop surrendering, PM Modi.” Congress MP Manish Tiwari also criticised the government, “Unfortunately, proceedings of parliamentary standing committees that are supposed to be privileged are now sought to be used by the government to score brownie points.” Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the information of support from Congress MPs was a product of a “news plantation economy”, and said that it was a “pathetic” attempt to divert attention from the "gigantic backlash" over the "UPI tax" decision taken to "appease US companies and Donaldbhai". Why is Rahul Gandhi linking UPI fee to Washington? Rahul Gandhi had criticised the government's decision to impose the fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to merchants. He accused PM Modi of having decided to “prostrate” before US President Donald Trump and give a large amount of money to the US. The US government and American corporations have actively pressured India for nearly a decade to dismantle its zero MDR policy, as since UPI's launch, Visa and Mastercard have faced potential loss of business as consumers preferred free UPI payments instead of cards 2 per cent per transaction. The Union Government on September 14-15 announced the UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for certain person-to- merchant transactions. It also said that there is no separate GST on MDR. It later clarified that the MDR introduced under any external influence is patently "false and misleading". Market experts have criticised the framework for putting strain on small and Medium Businesses, as well as the increased cost being trickled down to the consumers. According to ANI, the government is optimistic that UPI transactions are unlikely to fall after the rollout on October 15.

Congress denies its MPs backed the new UPI fee, saying the Finance panel did not discuss the specific charge on merchant payments above ₹2,000.

Congress denies MPs backed UPI fee, calls it a 'news plantation economy'

The political standoff between Telangana’s ruling Congress and opposition BRS intensified during the Assembly’s monsoon session, with protests, detentions and a heated row over remarks against Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar.

Telangana: Congress, BRS spar in assembly for third consecutive day

Telangana: Political showdown between BRS and Congress reaches a fever pitch

Thirteen years after the deadly Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack that killed 29 people, including senior Congress leaders, a Special NIA Court in Jagdalpur on Saturday convicted 10 accused in the case.The court found all 10 guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act.&nbsp;The court has reserved its decision on the punishment. It will announce the quantum of sentence on September 16, defence lawyer Arvind Chaudhary said.&nbsp;The defence has said it will challenge the verdict in the High Court.&nbsp;The convicted accused are Pramila Modiyam, Chaitu Lekam alias Munna, Sumitra alias Sumitra Punem Modiyam, Mukka Mandvi, Kosa Kavasi alias Kosaram, Aayata Markam, Madkami Deva, Joga Madkami, Banjami Anna alias Chamru alias Denga and Mahadev Nag.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-zelensky-putin-orders-3-day-pause-in-strikes-as-us-envoys-arrive-in-moscow-for-ukraine-talks-1788612302334">After Zelensky, Putin orders 3-day pause in strikes as US envoys arrive in Moscow for Ukraine talks</a><h3>Congress leaders among those killed</h3>The attack took place on May 25, 2013, in Bastar’s Jhiram Ghati. Congress leaders were travelling through the area during a Parivartan rally ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections.&nbsp;According to reports at the time, around 250 Naxals in civilian clothes attacked the Congress convoy.The attack killed 29 people, including several Congress leaders and security personnel.&nbsp;Those killed included then Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel and his son Dinesh Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, former Union minister Vidya Charan Shukla, former MLA Uday Mudliyar and Congress leader Yogendra Sharma.&nbsp;The verdict has drawn criticism from the Chhattisgarh Congress, which described it as “incomplete justice”.&nbsp;Avadhesh Jha, an office bearer of the Congress Legal Cell in Chhattisgarh, said the investigation did not address key questions surrounding the attack.&nbsp;“On behalf of the Congress party, we want to say very clearly that this is incomplete justice. Our martyrs will get justice only when the points that the Congress party has been demanding since day one are addressed: whether this incident happened as part of a political conspiracy, and secondly, who were the people involved in the security breach. If the investigation and trial do not include those points, then we will consider it incomplete justice only,” Jha stated.&nbsp;Jha also questioned the prosecution of the 10 accused and claimed that those who planned the attack were not brought before the court.&nbsp;“The big Naxals who were the masterminds of this incident, they have all joined the mainstream today. They were welcomed with a red carpet. But by conducting a trial on the innocent tribals of the village, it is being claimed that the Jhiram incident trial has been done".

A Special NIA Court in Jagdalpur has convicted 10 accused in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack that killed 29 people, including senior Congress leaders, with the court set to announce their punishment on September 16.

Thirteen years after the deadly Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack that killed 29 people, including senior Congress leaders, a Special NIA Court in Jagdalpur on Saturday convicted 10 accused in the case.The court found all 10 guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act. The court has reserved its decision on the punishment. It will announce the quantum of sentence on September 16, defence lawyer Arvind Chaudhary said. The defence has said it will challenge the verdict in the High Court. The convicted accused are Pramila Modiyam, Chaitu Lekam alias Munna, Sumitra alias Sumitra Punem Modiyam, Mukka Mandvi, Kosa Kavasi alias Kosaram, Aayata Markam, Madkami Deva, Joga Madkami, Banjami Anna alias Chamru alias Denga and Mahadev Nag. Also Read: After Zelensky, Putin orders 3-day pause in strikes as US envoys arrive in Moscow for Ukraine talks Congress leaders among those killed The attack took place on May 25, 2013, in Bastar’s Jhiram Ghati. Congress leaders were travelling through the area during a Parivartan rally ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. According to reports at the time, around 250 Naxals in civilian clothes attacked the Congress convoy. The attack killed 29 people, including several Congress leaders and security personnel. Those killed included then Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel and his son Dinesh Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, former Union minister Vidya Charan Shukla, former MLA Uday Mudliyar and Congress leader Yogendra Sharma. The verdict has drawn criticism from the Chhattisgarh Congress, which described it as “incomplete justice”. Avadhesh Jha, an office bearer of the Congress Legal Cell in Chhattisgarh, said the investigation did not address key questions surrounding the attack. “On behalf of the Congress party, we want to say very clearly that this is incomplete justice. Our martyrs will get justice only when the points that the Congress party has been demanding since day one are addressed: whether this incident happened as part of a political conspiracy, and secondly, who were the people involved in the security breach. If the investigation and trial do not include those points, then we will consider it incomplete justice only,” Jha stated. Jha also questioned the prosecution of the 10 accused and claimed that those who planned the attack were not brought before the court. “The big Naxals who were the masterminds of this incident, they have all joined the mainstream today. They were welcomed with a red carpet. But by conducting a trial on the innocent tribals of the village, it is being claimed that the Jhiram incident trial has been done".

A Special NIA Court in Jagdalpur has convicted 10 accused in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack that killed 29 people, including senior Congress leaders, with the court set to announce their punishment on September 16.

13 years on, NIA court convicts 10 in Jhiram Ghati attack that killed 29 including senior Congress leaders

Signs of strain are emerging within Tamil Nadu's ruling alliance as disagreements surface over key political issues including delimitation, the Katchatheevu dispute and leadership questions for the 2029 general election. The developments have fuelled speculation about the future cohesion of the alliance and its electoral strategy.

Disagreements within Tamil Nadu's ruling alliance on delimitation, 2029 PM face & Katchatheevu

A fierce political battle has erupted in Uttarakhand over an alleged "shuddhikaran" (purification) ritual conducted at a venue in Haldwani after a rally addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress leaders have termed the act discriminatory and linked it to caste prejudice, while the BJP has rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.


BJP and Congress engage in political slugfest over alleged 'purification' ritual

Political slugfest erupts over alleged 'purification' ritual in Haldwani 

A political tussle has broken out in Tamil Nadu's ruling alliance over who should be the opposition's 2029 PM face. As TVK leaders increasingly push Chief Minister Vijay as a potential prime ministerial contender, Congress Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar warned that both Congress ministers would resign from the cabinet if TVK doesn't back Rahul Gandhi instead.


Opposition mocks TVK's 'Vijay for PM' push as Congress threatens to quit Tamil Nadu cabinet 

A political storm is brewing in Tamil Nadu over the question of who should lead the opposition alliance in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leaders have strongly backed Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face, while the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has projected its own vision for national leadership. The disagreement has escalated, with some Congress ministers reportedly threatening to quit the cabinet if their party's position is ignored.


Tamil Nadu: Political tussle between TVK and Congress over 2029 prime ministerial candidate 

Donald Trump has warned that he could face impeachment if Democrats regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump urged voters to treat the elections as a referendum on his agenda while backing Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham in South Carolina’s August 25 runoff.

Trump warns Republican supporters at a rally in South Carolina 

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 on Saturday (August 22) strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes.&nbsp;The BJP said Vande Mataram represents India's National Song, reverence for Bharat Mata, the spirit of the freedom struggle and the country's national consciousness.&nbsp;In its resolution, the BJP said it would oppose the Congress decision and work to protect the "honour, dignity and legacy" of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram.&nbsp;The party said it would reaffirm the 1950 Constituent Assembly declaration and the 2026 law passed by Parliament, which it said provides statutory protection to the National Song at par with Jana Gana Mana.&nbsp;The BJP also said it would oppose any attempt to make Vande Mataram subject to communal pressure, appeasement or vote bank politics. It maintained that the Congress Working Committee's decision cannot override the Constitution or Parliament's law.&nbsp;The resolution said the political compromise of 1937 cannot supersede the constitutional decision of 1950 and the 2026 legislation.<h2>BJP plans nationwide campaign</h2>The BJP said it would present the historical background of the restrictions on Vande Mataram before the public, including objections raised by the Muslim League and the politics surrounding communal and separatist demands.&nbsp;The party also said it would highlight Mahatma Gandhi's description of Vande Mataram as an "anti-imperialist slogan" linked to the "purest national sentiment."&nbsp;BJP workers will launch a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the history, meaning and national importance of Vande Mataram. The resolution said the issue concerns India's honour and the legacy of patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country.&nbsp;The BJP said the song once became powerful enough to alarm the British, who tried to suppress it for inspiring resistance. It added that generations embraced it as a symbol of freedom and national pride.&nbsp;The resolution further said that while "Vande Mataram" represented India's independence movement in 1947, the call for "Viksit Bharat" in 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also carry the same slogan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bar-deserves-better-bci-turning-against-manan-kumar-mishra-co-chairman-demands-resignation-within-15-days-1787388909043">‘Bar deserves better’: BCI turning against Manan Kumar Mishra? Co-chairman demands resignation within 15 days</a><h2>Congress defends 1937 resolution</h2>The Congress Working Committee decided on Wednesday that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at party events, citing its 1937 resolution.&nbsp;The decision came after a political row over allegations by the BJP that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke to each other while Vande Mataram was being rendered during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.&nbsp;The BJP had demanded a public apology from the Congress leaders.&nbsp;After the CWC meeting, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the party's position on Vande Mataram remained clear and that it would follow the decisions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

The BJP strongly opposed the Congress decision to limit Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas and announced a nationwide campaign to protect the National Song's full six-stanza legacy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday (August 22) strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes. The BJP said Vande Mataram represents India's National Song, reverence for Bharat Mata, the spirit of the freedom struggle and the country's national consciousness. In its resolution, the BJP said it would oppose the Congress decision and work to protect the "honour, dignity and legacy" of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. The party said it would reaffirm the 1950 Constituent Assembly declaration and the 2026 law passed by Parliament, which it said provides statutory protection to the National Song at par with Jana Gana Mana. The BJP also said it would oppose any attempt to make Vande Mataram subject to communal pressure, appeasement or vote bank politics. It maintained that the Congress Working Committee's decision cannot override the Constitution or Parliament's law. The resolution said the political compromise of 1937 cannot supersede the constitutional decision of 1950 and the 2026 legislation. BJP plans nationwide campaign The BJP said it would present the historical background of the restrictions on Vande Mataram before the public, including objections raised by the Muslim League and the politics surrounding communal and separatist demands. The party also said it would highlight Mahatma Gandhi's description of Vande Mataram as an "anti-imperialist slogan" linked to the "purest national sentiment." BJP workers will launch a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the history, meaning and national importance of Vande Mataram. The resolution said the issue concerns India's honour and the legacy of patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country. The BJP said the song once became powerful enough to alarm the British, who tried to suppress it for inspiring resistance. It added that generations embraced it as a symbol of freedom and national pride. The resolution further said that while "Vande Mataram" represented India's independence movement in 1947, the call for "Viksit Bharat" in 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also carry the same slogan. Also Read: ‘Bar deserves better’: BCI turning against Manan Kumar Mishra? Co-chairman demands resignation within 15 days Congress defends 1937 resolution The Congress Working Committee decided on Wednesday that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at party events, citing its 1937 resolution. The decision came after a political row over allegations by the BJP that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke to each other while Vande Mataram was being rendered during Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The BJP had demanded a public apology from the Congress leaders. After the CWC meeting, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the party's position on Vande Mataram remained clear and that it would follow the decisions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

The BJP strongly opposed the Congress decision to limit Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas and announced a nationwide campaign to protect the National Song's full six-stanza legacy.

BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress' two stanza decision

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 

Congress Leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday expressed support for tribals staging “Satyagraha” against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh. In a video of his recent meeting with a group of tribals affected by the project, Gandhi promised to visit the site and exert pressure on the government.&nbsp;"The problems, demands, struggles, and personal ordeals of the tribal brothers and sisters who are carrying out a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa project -- their own account. For years, these residents of Bundelkhand have been enduring injustice and oppression solely for their rights; they deserve respect and support," Gandhi said in his post."In this fight of our tribal brothers and sisters, the Congress and I stand with them," Gandhi said.In the video, a tribal representative can be heard saying that the project would affect 11,500 acres of land belonging to approximately 7,000 families would be lost to the project. Around 21 tribal dominated village would be affected, and approximately 4.6 million trees, as well as the Panna Tiger Reserve, will be affected.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-germany-netherlands-oppose-us-sanctions-icc-1787139615468">ICC condemns US sanctions as ‘flagrant attack’; Japan, Germany and Netherlands back tribunal</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">केन-बेतवा परियोजना के खिलाफ सत्याग्रह कर रहे आदिवासी भाई-बहनों की समस्याएं, मांगें, संघर्ष और आपबीती - उनकी जुबानी। सालों से सिर्फ़ अपने अधिकारों के लिए अन्याय और अत्याचार सह रहे ये बुंदेलखंड निवासी सम्मान और समर्थन के हक़दार हैं। आदिवासी भाई-बहनों की इस लड़ाई में, मैं और… <a href="https://t.co/graNKRt4IE">pic.twitter.com/graNKRt4IE</a>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2089972663506641226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is the Ken Betwa Link Project?</h2>The ₹44,605 crore project is the first River Link project under the National Perspective Plan. It aims to divert &nbsp;2,800 million cubic metres of water annually from the Ken River basin to the Betwa River basin via a 221-km link canal to alleviate water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. It is supposed to provide irrigation facilities to 10.6 lakh hectares of farmland, unlocking multi-crop farming for 7 lakh families, drinking water to about 6.2 million people and generate hydropower.However, the project faced resistance with massive Satyagrahas or the "Chita Andolan", over social displacement, compensation disputes, and cultural and ecological disruption. The protests against the project have been going on for more than four months. With a hunger strike by tribal activist Amit Bhatnagar that lasted for 18 consecutive days and a police crackdown on the permanent encampments.

Rahul Gandhi has backed tribal protests against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh and promised to visit the site.

Congress Leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday expressed support for tribals staging “Satyagraha” against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh. In a video of his recent meeting with a group of tribals affected by the project, Gandhi promised to visit the site and exert pressure on the government. "The problems, demands, struggles, and personal ordeals of the tribal brothers and sisters who are carrying out a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa project -- their own account. For years, these residents of Bundelkhand have been enduring injustice and oppression solely for their rights; they deserve respect and support," Gandhi said in his post. "In this fight of our tribal brothers and sisters, the Congress and I stand with them," Gandhi said. In the video, a tribal representative can be heard saying that the project would affect 11,500 acres of land belonging to approximately 7,000 families would be lost to the project. Around 21 tribal dominated village would be affected, and approximately 4.6 million trees, as well as the Panna Tiger Reserve, will be affected. Also Read: ICC condemns US sanctions as ‘flagrant attack’; Japan, Germany and Netherlands back tribunal

Rahul Gandhi has backed tribal protests against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh and promised to visit the site.

Rahul Gandhi backs tribal 'Satyagraha' against Ken-Betwa river-linking project

The Congress is weighing its options for the next Kerala state unit chief, with reports suggesting the party could turn to younger faces as it looks for a generational shift. The leadership search also comes amid efforts to widen the party’s social base and balance caste and community equations across the state.


Kerala Congress hunts for new chief, younger faces in focus

A political row has erupted over Vande Mataram, with Home Minister Amit Shah accusing Sonia Gandhi of attempting to stop the national song, a charge rejected by the Congress. The dispute has intensified the political debate over the song and its place in India's Independence Day commemorations.

HM Amit Shah accuses Sonia Gandhi of trying to stop Vande Mataram, Congress denies the charge

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

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 

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

Discontent is mounting within the Karnataka Congress after the latest cabinet expansion left several senior leaders and MLAs without ministerial berths.  and MLAs. Party leaders are trying to stop a major crisis as regional groups hold meetings and some members push back against the leadership.

Karnataka: Discontent brews in Karnataka Congress after cabinet expansion

The Kerala government has formally closed the long-running vigilance case against Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, bringing an investigation launched by the previous LDF government to an end. The case was linked to the Punarjani flood rehabilitation project, which aimed to support victims of the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. Authorities said there was no legal or factual basis to continue the investigation, describing the case as politically motivated. However, the opposition CPIM-led LDF has strongly criticized the decision, alleging that the UDF government granted Satheesan a clean chit despite evidence. The move has sparked a fresh political confrontation in Kerala, with both sides accusing each other of using investigations for political purposes.


Kerala Government Closes Vigilance Case Against CM V.D. Satheesan | LDF Slams UDF

The Cauvery water dispute has taken a fresh political turn after Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to postpone their proposed meeting scheduled for August 3.

The development follows a directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordering Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka has argued that deficient rainfall, drought conditions, and concerns over drinking water supplies make it difficult to comply with the order.

The issue has triggered political reactions in both states. Karnataka has called an all-party meeting to discuss its next legal and political strategy, while protests have intensified over the water-sharing dispute. In Tamil Nadu, political parties have also stepped up pressure over the handling of the Cauvery issue.

Cauvery Water Dispute Escalates: Karnataka Urges Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to Postpone Talks

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another heated confrontation as the government and the opposition clashed over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law through stricter punishments, faster investigations, and expedited trials. However, the opposition argued that tougher laws alone cannot restore confidence in the examination system without fixing administrative failures.

Parliament Erupts Over Anti-Paper Leak Bill | Opposition Targets Government on Student Protests

Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before a Republican-led Senate committee hearing and repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer dozens of questions about his role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who served as one of the leading figures during America's coronavirus response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. During the hearing, Fauci refused to answer more than 100 questions, reigniting long-running political debates over COVID-19 origins, pandemic policies, and government decision-making.

Anthony Fauci Pleads the Fifth Over 100 Times During Senate Hearing on COVID Response

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

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism over how US military casualties from the Iran conflict are being reported. A controversy erupted after four American service members who died during the conflict temporarily disappeared from the Pentagon's casualty reporting website before reappearing under a different category.

Critics argue the reclassification could obscure the true human cost of the conflict and influence legal and political debates surrounding the war. Democratic lawmakers have demanded greater transparency, while questions continue over whether the administration's reporting complies with the War Powers Act and provides the public with a complete picture of US military losses.

Pentagon Under Fire Over Iran War Casualty Records | Trump Administration Faces Backlash

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. His resignation comes ahead of the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Celebrations erupted at Jantar Mantar as political leaders across parties reacted, while attention now shifts to education reforms and greater transparency in India's examination system.

Dharmendra Pradhan Quits as education minister | Celebrations erupt at Jantar Mantar

Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a major victory for students, democracy, and public accountability. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the development sends a message that people can bring change by standing together, while other opposition leaders welcomed the resignation and called for comprehensive education reforms. The political debate now

Opposition hails Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as victory for students and democracy

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