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

India's NEET paper leak protests continue to intensify as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs students' three key demands and insists that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must be removed instead of being shifted to another ministry. Security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of another round of talks between the government and protest leaders.

In this edition of WION World Is One, we also cover:

Rahul Gandhi's demand to sack Dharmendra Pradhan
Delhi security tightened amid NEET paper leak protests
Clashes in Patna during statewide shutdown
Romania shoots down another drone near Ukraine border
Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia's Jazan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits Syria
Typhoon Nol forces mass evacuations in China
Wildfires continue to devastate France and Spain

Stay tuned for the latest international updates and breaking developments.

Rahul Gandhi backs students' 3 demands | NEET protest intensifies | China Typhoon | Europe Wildfires

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked India's youth for their positive response to his late-night Instagram message on the NEET paper leak controversy, even as nationwide protests continue to intensify. The government and the CJP are set to hold a third round of talks as student protests enter Day 36. Activist Sonam Wangchuk clarified that he did not strike any deal with the government and ended his hunger strike only to prevent action against protesting students. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, calling it the students' most important demand. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar, several Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and thousands are expected to join protests over the weekend.

PM Modi Thanks Youth Amid NEET Protest | Rahul Gandhi Demands Pradhan's Resignation

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

Opposition parties staged coordinated protests inside and outside Parliament over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding accountability and a discussion on alleged examination irregularities. The protests intensified political tensions during the Monsoon Session as MPs raised slogans and sought action over the issue.

Opposition parties stage protest inside & outside Parliament

Tensions escalated across several Indian cities as BJP and Congress workers clashed over the NEET paper leak controversy. Demonstrations, counter-protests and heavy police deployment were reported as the political battle over alleged examination irregularities intensified, with both parties trading sharp accusations.

BJP and Congress workers clash in various cities over NEET paper leak issue

Opposition Members of Parliament arrived in black attire to protest inside the Parliament premises over the NEET controversy, the alleged crackdown on student protesters in Delhi, and the government's handling of the education crisis. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the black clothing symbolizes the Opposition's protest against the treatment of students, the continued tenure of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the government's response to nationwide student unrest.


Opposition parties stage parliament protest, Rahul Gandhi backs protesters

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