<p>Congress MP DK Suresh, who is also the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Thursday (Feb 1), claimed that he would demand a separate country status for the south Indian states, alleging that the central government is not releasing funds to south Indian states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His remarks, which led to controversy, were made outside the Parliament in New Delhi at the time he was criticising the Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suresh said, "We are only demanding our rightful funds. The Centre is not properly giving the right share of GST and direct taxes to South Indian states."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The South Indian states are facing injustice. The money collected from southern states is being given to North Indian states. If this continues, we will be forced to demand a separate country," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">India Budget 2024: ‘Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva, Annadata,’ key takeaways from Sitharaman’s speech</a></strong></p>

<p>Suresh further added that if "we see how the money is distributed to various states in the country, it is clear that our states' funds are being diverted to northern states. This is an injustice to us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The centre is getting over Rs 4 lakh crore from us and what we are getting in return is negligible. We have to question this. If this is not rectified, all south states have to raise our voices demanding separate nation," Suresh added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Interim Budget, Congress MP from Bengaluru DK Suresh says, "This is the election budget. In the interim budget, only names have been changed. They have introduced some Sanskrit names and Hindi names of schemes. The Centre is not properly giving the right share of GST and… <a href="https://t.co/a19Rhq8Mqn">pic.twitter.com/a19Rhq8Mqn</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1753028548078731402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Not the policy of the INC'</strong></h2>

<p>Shivakumar defended the remarks made by Suresh, saying that he spoke the "pain of South India". He said that the entire country is one, but called for a balance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-muslim-side-moves-to-allahabad-hc-challenging-decision-allowing-hindus-to-perform-prayers-686011">Gyanvapi Mosque: Muslim side moves to Allahabad HC challenging decision allowing Hindus to perform prayers</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bengaluru: On Congress MP DK Suresh's statement, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "DK Suresh or any other leader have spoken of the pain of South India... There has to be a balance. The entire country is one... You cannot only look at the Hindi belt... In this… <a href="https://t.co/p7tv8NZhLz">https://t.co/p7tv8NZhLz</a> <a href="https://t.co/6OcnVQ5IrC">pic.twitter.com/6OcnVQ5IrC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1753035794787586088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil called the remarks a "fact". He said, "It is a fact that because as per the 15th Finance Commission, Karnataka tax collection is more than Rs&nbsp;4 lakh&nbsp;crore. But Karnataka got very little. It is less than Rs&nbsp;50,000 crore. Whatever was said and done, they could have compensated Karnataka. They are punishing the states which are doing well..."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader P Chidambaram declined to comment on the statement and said that "it's not the policy of the INC".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP's reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya said, "Dividing the country, based on religion, language and regionalities is nothing new for the Congress party. An MP from Congress in Karnataka has aspired for a separate southern India, which is again not a new argument. Most of the Congress party's allies, including the DMK, have been speaking this separatist line for a long time."</p>

<p>"He says that the devolution of funds from the central government to southern states, especially Karnataka, is partial. Karnataka is being discriminated and on this ground, he has made an argument for a separate nation. His comments reek of a Jinnah-style separatism. While this separatist tone is to be condemned, his statement is also bereft of logic and facts," Surya added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress MP DK Suresh, who is also the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Thursday (Feb 1), claimed that he would demand a separate country status for the south Indian states, alleging that the central government is not releasing funds to south Indian states.

Congress MP DK Suresh, who is also the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Thursday (Feb 1), claimed that he would demand a separate country status for the south Indian states, alleging that the central government is not releasing funds to south Indian states. His remarks, which led to controversy, were made outside the Parliament in New Delhi at the time he was criticising the Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Suresh said, "We are only demanding our rightful funds. The Centre is not properly giving the right share of GST and direct taxes to South Indian states." "The South Indian states are facing injustice. The money collected from southern states is being given to North Indian states. If this continues, we will be forced to demand a separate country," he added. Also read: India Budget 2024: ‘Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva, Annadata,’ key takeaways from Sitharaman’s speech Suresh further added that if "we see how the money is distributed to various states in the country, it is clear that our states' funds are being diverted to northern states. This is an injustice to us." "The centre is getting over Rs 4 lakh crore from us and what we are getting in return is negligible. We have to question this. If this is not rectified, all south states have to raise our voices demanding separate nation," Suresh added. On Interim Budget, Congress MP from Bengaluru DK Suresh says, "This is the election budget. In the interim budget, only names have been changed. They have introduced some Sanskrit names and Hindi names of schemes. The Centre is not properly giving the right share of GST and… pic.twitter.com/a19Rhq8Mqn — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024 × 'Not the policy of the INC' Shivakumar defended the remarks made by Suresh, saying that he spoke the "pain of South India". He said that the entire country is one, but called for a balance. Also read: Gyanvapi Mosque: Muslim side moves to Allahabad HC challenging decision allowing Hindus to perform prayers #WATCH | Bengaluru: On Congress MP DK Suresh's statement, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "DK Suresh or any other leader have spoken of the pain of South India... There has to be a balance. The entire country is one... You cannot only look at the Hindi belt... In this… https://t.co/p7tv8NZhLz pic.twitter.com/6OcnVQ5IrC — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024 × Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil called the remarks a "fact". He said, "It is a fact that because as per the 15th Finance Commission, Karnataka tax collection is more than Rs 4 lakh crore. But Karnataka got very little. It is less than Rs 50,000 crore. Whatever was said and done, they could have compensated Karnataka. They are punishing the states which are doing well..." Meanwhile, Congress leader P Chidambaram declined to comment on the statement and said that "it's not the policy of the INC". BJP's reaction Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya said, "Dividing the country, based on religion, language and regionalities is nothing new for the Congress party. An MP from Congress in Karnataka has aspired for a separate southern India, which is again not a new argument. Most of the Congress party's allies, including the DMK, have been speaking this separatist line for a long time." "He says that the devolution of funds from the central government to southern states, especially Karnataka, is partial. Karnataka is being discriminated and on this ground, he has made an argument for a separate nation. His comments reek of a Jinnah-style separatism. While this separatist tone is to be condemned, his statement is also bereft of logic and facts," Surya added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Indian states as separate nation? Congress MP DK Suresh's remarks trigger major row

<p>Congress party on Saturday (Jan 27) launched a crowdfunding campaign called ‘Donate for Nyay’ for its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The grand old party in a press briefing said that the ones who will make the donation will get a letter or merchandise signed by the former party chief Rahul Gandhi in return for their contribution.</p>

<p>While launching the campaign at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Congress treasurer Ajay Maken claimed that the main aim behind launching the initiative and the wider crowdfunding campaign called 'Donate for Desh’, launched by the party earlier, was not to collect money but was to motivate workers.</p>

<h2><strong>People donating Rs 670 or more to get T-shirts signed by Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>Maken, further elucidating the donation plans said that the people contributing Rs 670 ($ 8.06) or more for the campaign would get a T-shirt signed by Rahul Gandhi as a gift.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonateForNyay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonateForNyay</a> अभियान में योगदान करके 'न्याय की महायात्रा' का हिस्सा बनिए.. और पाएं 'न्याय किट' ✨<br />
<br />
इस न्याय किट में आपको मिलेगी राहुल गांधी जी की साइन की हुई टी-शर्ट, बैग, बैंड, बैज और स्टिकर<br />
<br />
वेबसाइट: <a href="https://t.co/kym484Ael6">https://t.co/kym484Ael6</a> <a href="https://t.co/pxxCpz4oaK">pic.twitter.com/pxxCpz4oaK</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1751195408846729548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Those who donate Rs 67,000 or more will get a ‘Nyay Kit’ which will contain a T-shirt, bag, band, badge and sticker,” he added.</p>

<p>“For anything that one donates, he or she will get a letter signed by Rahul ji and a certificate of donation,” said Maken, who was accompanied by Jairam Ramesh, joint treasurer Vijay Inder Singla, and Congress minority cell head Imran Pratapgarhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Donate For Nyay अभियान में हमने कई नई चीजें जोड़ी हैं:<br />
<br />
1. जो भी व्यक्ति 670 रुपए या उससे अधिक डोनेट करेगा, उसे राहुल गांधी जी द्वारा साइन की हुई टी-शर्ट गिफ्ट के रुप में मिलेगी।<br />
<br />
2. जो लोग 67 हजार रुपए या उससे अधिक डोनेट करेंगे, उन्हें एक न्याय किट मिलेगा। जिसमें टी-शर्ट, बैग,… <a href="https://t.co/0hobUzKTrh">pic.twitter.com/0hobUzKTrh</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1751155178764644703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then said&nbsp;that the ‘Donate for Nyay’ campaign had collected Rs 2 crore ($ 2,40,611.40) within two hours of being launched.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-akhilesh-yadav-says-alliance-with-congress-off-to-a-good-start-684309">India: Akhilesh Yadav says poll alliance with Congress ‘off to a good start’</a></p>

<h2><strong>‘Donate for Desh’ collects Rs 20 crore&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Maken claimed that the crowdfunding campaign ‘Donate for Desh’, which was launched by the party on Dec 18, 2023, had so far amassed Rs 20 crore ($ 24,06,114).</p>

<p>On being asked about the funds collected through the crowdfunding campaign being lower than&nbsp;what was expected, Maken said, “We can’t contest elections by raising money through our workers. If someone thinks we will get all our funding for the elections through this crowdfunding, he is wrong and this is something we did not intend.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You cannot undermine the efforts of 3 lakh Congress people who have given money. The idea is not to get money, the idea is to motivate the workers. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be going through one part of the country. The rest of the party workers in other parts will be able to participate by giving Rs 67,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maken again emphasised the fact that the campaign was not a political platform nor a money-generation programme.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress party on Saturday (Jan 27) launched a crowdfunding campaign called ‘Donate for Nyay’ for its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The grand old party in a press briefing said that the ones who will make the donation will get a letter or merchandise signed by the former party chief Rahul Gandhi in return for their contribution.

Congress party on Saturday (Jan 27) launched a crowdfunding campaign called ‘Donate for Nyay’ for its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The grand old party in a press briefing said that the ones who will make the donation will get a letter or merchandise signed by the former party chief Rahul Gandhi in return for their contribution. While launching the campaign at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Congress treasurer Ajay Maken claimed that the main aim behind launching the initiative and the wider crowdfunding campaign called 'Donate for Desh’, launched by the party earlier, was not to collect money but was to motivate workers. People donating Rs 670 or more to get T-shirts signed by Rahul Gandhi Maken, further elucidating the donation plans said that the people contributing Rs 670 ($ 8.06) or more for the campaign would get a T-shirt signed by Rahul Gandhi as a gift. #DonateForNyay अभियान में योगदान करके 'न्याय की महायात्रा' का हिस्सा बनिए.. और पाएं 'न्याय किट' ✨ इस न्याय किट में आपको मिलेगी राहुल गांधी जी की साइन की हुई टी-शर्ट, बैग, बैंड, बैज और स्टिकर वेबसाइट: https://t.co/kym484Ael6 pic.twitter.com/pxxCpz4oaK — Congress (@INCIndia) January 27, 2024 × “Those who donate Rs 67,000 or more will get a ‘Nyay Kit’ which will contain a T-shirt, bag, band, badge and sticker,” he added. “For anything that one donates, he or she will get a letter signed by Rahul ji and a certificate of donation,” said Maken, who was accompanied by Jairam Ramesh, joint treasurer Vijay Inder Singla, and Congress minority cell head Imran Pratapgarhi. Donate For Nyay अभियान में हमने कई नई चीजें जोड़ी हैं: 1. जो भी व्यक्ति 670 रुपए या उससे अधिक डोनेट करेगा, उसे राहुल गांधी जी द्वारा साइन की हुई टी-शर्ट गिफ्ट के रुप में मिलेगी। 2. जो लोग 67 हजार रुपए या उससे अधिक डोनेट करेंगे, उन्हें एक न्याय किट मिलेगा। जिसमें टी-शर्ट, बैग,… pic.twitter.com/0hobUzKTrh — Congress (@INCIndia) January 27, 2024 × He then said that the ‘Donate for Nyay’ campaign had collected Rs 2 crore ($ 2,40,611.40) within two hours of being launched. Also read: India: Akhilesh Yadav says poll alliance with Congress ‘off to a good start’ ‘Donate for Desh’ collects Rs 20 crore Maken claimed that the crowdfunding campaign ‘Donate for Desh’, which was launched by the party on Dec 18, 2023, had so far amassed Rs 20 crore ($ 24,06,114). On being asked about the funds collected through the crowdfunding campaign being lower than what was expected, Maken said, “We can’t contest elections by raising money through our workers. If someone thinks we will get all our funding for the elections through this crowdfunding, he is wrong and this is something we did not intend.” “You cannot undermine the efforts of 3 lakh Congress people who have given money. The idea is not to get money, the idea is to motivate the workers. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be going through one part of the country. The rest of the party workers in other parts will be able to participate by giving Rs 67,” he added. Maken again emphasised the fact that the campaign was not a political platform nor a money-generation programme. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress seeks donation for Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, to offer Rahul Gandhi-signed merchandise as gift in return

<p lang="en-US">Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.<br />
<br />
As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control."<br />
<br />
As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state.<br />
<br />
"The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports.<br />
<br />
In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Congress tries to avert crisis</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership.<br />
<br />
"I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters.<br />
<br />
"Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-saga-of-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-many-u-turns-684062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.”</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish '</strong>misunderstood<strong>'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse.<br />
<br />
"The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI.<br />
<br />
"The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood".<br />
<br />
"Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin' Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....” Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. "The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly. Congress tries to avert crisis Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. "I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. "Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said. Watch: The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.” JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood' Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. "The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". "Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar keeps Bihar politics on tenterhooks; RJD, Congress react to crisis

<p>Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme,&nbsp;Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.</p>

<p>The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.</p>

<p>Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme">🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/nomGaId9Kr">pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746497764463374845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-celebrates-pongal-2024-says-festival-depicts-emotion-of-unity-679879">Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’</a></p>

<p>The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatJodoNyayYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatJodoNyayYatra</a> begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues &amp; champion justice.<br />
<br />
Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 <a href="https://t.co/SPz8QmFP1l">pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494242271404426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>"The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through.<br />
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Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill.<br />
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We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for.<br />
<br />
:… <a href="https://t.co/7ArwVuDkcR">pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494331517833400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state.</p>

<p>"I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said.</p>

<p>He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for.</p>

<p>"We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.

Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal. The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam. 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Also read: Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’ The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May. The #BharatJodoNyayYatra begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues & champion justice. Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳 𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × 'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice". WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur × "The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal. We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through. Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill. We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for. :… pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state. "I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said. He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for. "We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress kickstarts Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal

<p>The highly publicised '<em>Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'</em>&nbsp;by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin&nbsp;from the Nyay Maidan in&nbsp;Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second iteration of Congress' previous <em>'Bharat Jodo Yatra' </em>which took place last year attempts to revive the party's fortunes ahead of the general election, scheduled later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outreach programme by Congress will start under a slew of restrictions imposed by the Manipur government. According to reports, the flagging-off ceremony is not allowed to exceed the hour mark and a maximum number of 3000 participants can attend the event.&nbsp;The approval for the Yatra also includes conditions prohibiting anti-national or communal slogans during the rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously,&nbsp;the Congress had planned to commence the march from&nbsp;Imphal Palace Ground but shifted to the venue in Thoubal district as Chief Minister&nbsp;N Biren Singh's government refused to give the nod.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-party-pinning-hopes-on-bharat-jodo-yatra-20-2024-general-elections-674113"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-party-pinning-hopes-on-bharat-jodo-yatra-20-2024-general-elections-674113/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Congress' last-ditch attempt</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts,&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;in Mumbai on March 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-party-launches-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-2024-676630"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024'</strong></a></p>

<p>The general elections are scheduled&nbsp;later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, BJP mocked Congress by stating the <em>'Bharat Jodo Yatra' </em>had backfired and that the Gandhi scion had orchestrated a&nbsp;campaign that was disconnected from the realities and aspirations of the common Indians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The highly publicised 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin from the Nyay Maidan in Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST.

The highly publicised 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin from the Nyay Maidan in Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST. The second iteration of Congress' previous 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which took place last year attempts to revive the party's fortunes ahead of the general election, scheduled later this year. The outreach programme by Congress will start under a slew of restrictions imposed by the Manipur government. According to reports, the flagging-off ceremony is not allowed to exceed the hour mark and a maximum number of 3000 participants can attend the event. The approval for the Yatra also includes conditions prohibiting anti-national or communal slogans during the rally. Previously, the Congress had planned to commence the march from Imphal Palace Ground but shifted to the venue in Thoubal district as Chief Minister N Biren Singh's government refused to give the nod. Watch | Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections Congress' last-ditch attempt Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts, culminating in Mumbai on March 20. During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign. "As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event. Also read | India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024' The general elections are scheduled later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level. At the time, BJP mocked Congress by stating the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' had backfired and that the Gandhi scion had orchestrated a campaign that was disconnected from the realities and aspirations of the common Indians. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress to kick off 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi to revive party fortunes

<p>Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.</p>

<p>Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event.</p>

<p>At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf.</p>

<p>"Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa <a href="https://t.co/cCk3Yn12I1">pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/770513682203717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added.</p>

<p>Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP.</p>

<p>The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the statement of Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a>, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. <a href="https://t.co/JcKIEk3afy">pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1745034149457477811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ayodhya-to-develop-ramayana-forest-offering-glimpse-into-lord-rams-exile-period-679386">Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period</a></p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p>"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.

Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media. Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event. At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf. "Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter. Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1 — Congress (@INCIndia) August 30, 2016 × "If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added. Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP. The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya." Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024 × 'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." Also read: Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Watch | Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge × 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi's old letter to Pope goes viral after she declines Ram temple inauguration invite

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.</p>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains'</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</div>

<p>Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?"</p>

<p>"In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-giant-prayer-bell-weighing-2400-kg-made-with-eight-metals-to-be-installed-in-ayodhya-temple-678999">Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple</a></p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p>"First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added.</p>

<p>BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning.</p>

<p>"Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>"It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity."</p>

<p>"Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added.</p>

<p>Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event".</p>

<p>"Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion. Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. Watch | Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains' × "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?" "In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added. Also read: Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. "First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added. BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning. "Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said. "It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity." "Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added. Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event". "Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP slams Congress for turning down Ram temple consecration ceremony invitation

<p>Top leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC), including former party president Sonia Gandhi, have declined the invitation to attend the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony due to be held in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. In an official release, the Congress said that invites were sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that top Congress leaders 'respectfully declined' to attend the ceremony, and heavily criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for making a 'political project' of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.</p>

<p>"...Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya...," says the release.</p>

<p>The Congress has alleged that the inauguration of the 'incomplete temple' has been brought forward by the ruling party 'for electoral gains' and that the consecration ceremony is 'an RSS/BJP event'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ram Mandir consecration: Why are some Indian women hankering to deliver their babies on January 22?</strong></p>

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<p>General elections in India are set to take place in the first half of this year.</p>

<p>Congress has however said that it abides by the Supreme Court of India verdict delivered in the year 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-who-is-saraswati-devi-lord-ram-devout-to-break-32-year-long-vow-of-silence-on-jan-22-678644">Ayodhya Ram temple: Who is Saraswati Devi? Lord Ram devout to break 32-year-long vow of silence on Jan 22</a></strong></p>

<p>The full statement has been released by Congress on its official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the statement of Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a>, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. <a href="https://t.co/JcKIEk3afy">pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1745034149457477811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ever since the invitation was extended to top Congress leaders to attend the Ram Mandir ceremony, all eyes have been on the party to see how it responds.</p>

<h2><strong>The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony is due to take place on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present for the ceremony, so will be Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Over 6000 people have been invited. They include celebrities, industrialists and others.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Top leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC), including former party president Sonia Gandhi, have declined the invitation to attend the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony due to be held in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.

Top leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC), including former party president Sonia Gandhi, have declined the invitation to attend the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony due to be held in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. In an official release, the Congress said that invites were sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha. The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that top Congress leaders 'respectfully declined' to attend the ceremony, and heavily criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for making a 'political project' of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "...Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya...," says the release. The Congress has alleged that the inauguration of the 'incomplete temple' has been brought forward by the ruling party 'for electoral gains' and that the consecration ceremony is 'an RSS/BJP event'. Watch | Ram Mandir consecration: Why are some Indian women hankering to deliver their babies on January 22? × General elections in India are set to take place in the first half of this year. Congress has however said that it abides by the Supreme Court of India verdict delivered in the year 2019. Also Read | Ayodhya Ram temple: Who is Saraswati Devi? Lord Ram devout to break 32-year-long vow of silence on Jan 22 The full statement has been released by Congress on its official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024 × Ever since the invitation was extended to top Congress leaders to attend the Ram Mandir ceremony, all eyes have been on the party to see how it responds. The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony is due to take place on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present for the ceremony, so will be Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Over 6000 people have been invited. They include celebrities, industrialists and others. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Mandir consecration: Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi ‘respectfully’ decline invitation for event

<p>In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the&nbsp;party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande&nbsp;as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio".</p>

<p>The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-rakes-up-extremism-after-hate-crime-at-hindu-temple-in-us-672834">‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US</a></p>

<h2><strong>Other developments</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement.</p>

<p>On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries&nbsp;of communication,&nbsp; organisation,&nbsp;Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively.</p>

<p>Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana.</p>

<p>The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.

In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio". The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Also read: ‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US Other developments Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra. Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units. Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement. On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries of communication, organisation, Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively. Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana. The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress relieves Priyanka Gandhi as UP in-charge, Sachin Pilot gets key role ahead of polls

<p>In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18). Out of the 78&nbsp;MPs, 11 have been suspended for a day and the for remainder of the winter session for 'unruly behaviour'.</p>

<p>The development has taken place just days after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended. Thirteen of these were from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. This means that as Monday, the number of suspended MPs stands at 92. The suspended Opposition MPs include those from Lok Sabha (lower house) as well as Rajya Sabha (upper house).</p>

<p>The 33 suspended MPs from Lok Sabha include&nbsp;Adhir Ranjan Chowdury, the leader of the opposition - Indian National Congress -&nbsp;in the house.</p>

<p>Here is a full list of suspended Lok Sabha MPs as reported by ANI:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Winter Session | A total of 33 Opposition MPs, including Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, suspended from the Parliament today for the remainder of the Session. <a href="https://t.co/zbUpeMaHmU">pic.twitter.com/zbUpeMaHmU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1736697768633364985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Opposition MPs had&nbsp;been protesting&nbsp;and demanding&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah to give&nbsp;a statement over a recent parliament security breach.</p>

<p>On December 13, two intruders jumped inside the Lok Sabha from viewing galleries carrying smoke bombs and shouting slogans. They were overpowered by the MPs and later arrested. More arrests have been made in this case. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the security breach 'serious' and has expressed the need for an investigation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Delhi Police Special Cell leading probe into Indian Parliament Security Breach</strong></p>

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<p>In Lok Sabha, the Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, demanding answers from BJP and alleging that the government was running away from its parliamentary obligations. The proceedings had to be adjourned twice.</p>

<p>Situation was somewhat similar in the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Despite the disruptions, Rajya Sabha was able to pass the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and J&amp;K Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-draft-telecom-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-allows-govt-to-take-over-services-over-national-security-670883">India: Draft Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha allows govt to take over services over 'national security'</a></strong></p>

<p>In Lok Sabha, the Post Office Bill was passed.</p>

<h2><strong>'Heights of tyranny'</strong></h2>

<p>The Opposition, especially the Congress, has reacted sharply to the large number of suspensions and has accused PM Narendra Modi-led government of violating democratic norms.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"All leaders, including me, have been suspended. We have been demanding for days to reinstate our MPs who were suspended earlier and that the Home Minister come to the House and give a statement (on Parliament security breach)." Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told news agency ANI</p>

<p>"Today, the government has reached the heights of tyranny."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-high-level-committee-on-one-nation-one-election-to-assess-progress-670843">India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress</a></strong></p>

<p>Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however, claimed that the MPs were suspended 'to uphold the sanctity of the House.'</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18).

In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18). Out of the 78 MPs, 11 have been suspended for a day and the for remainder of the winter session for 'unruly behaviour'. The development has taken place just days after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended. Thirteen of these were from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. This means that as Monday, the number of suspended MPs stands at 92. The suspended Opposition MPs include those from Lok Sabha (lower house) as well as Rajya Sabha (upper house). The 33 suspended MPs from Lok Sabha include Adhir Ranjan Chowdury, the leader of the opposition - Indian National Congress - in the house. Here is a full list of suspended Lok Sabha MPs as reported by ANI: Winter Session | A total of 33 Opposition MPs, including Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, suspended from the Parliament today for the remainder of the Session. pic.twitter.com/zbUpeMaHmU — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023 × The Opposition MPs had been protesting and demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah to give a statement over a recent parliament security breach. On December 13, two intruders jumped inside the Lok Sabha from viewing galleries carrying smoke bombs and shouting slogans. They were overpowered by the MPs and later arrested. More arrests have been made in this case. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the security breach 'serious' and has expressed the need for an investigation. Watch | Delhi Police Special Cell leading probe into Indian Parliament Security Breach × In Lok Sabha, the Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, demanding answers from BJP and alleging that the government was running away from its parliamentary obligations. The proceedings had to be adjourned twice. Situation was somewhat similar in the Rajya Sabha. Despite the disruptions, Rajya Sabha was able to pass the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and J&K Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023. Also Read | India: Draft Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha allows govt to take over services over 'national security' In Lok Sabha, the Post Office Bill was passed. 'Heights of tyranny' The Opposition, especially the Congress, has reacted sharply to the large number of suspensions and has accused PM Narendra Modi-led government of violating democratic norms. "All leaders, including me, have been suspended. We have been demanding for days to reinstate our MPs who were suspended earlier and that the Home Minister come to the House and give a statement (on Parliament security breach)." Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told news agency ANI "Today, the government has reached the heights of tyranny." Also Read | India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however, claimed that the MPs were suspended 'to uphold the sanctity of the House.' (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament: 78 opposition MPs suspended in a single day of winter session

<p>US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives.</p>

<p>Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle.<br />
<br />
The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War.<br />
<br />
A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos.<br />
<br />
The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-george-santos-why-did-he-flee-pro-trump-protests-know-about-his-myriad-controversies-579426">Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies</a></p>

<p>A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first.<br />
<br />
The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive.</p>

<h2><strong>Santos' streak of lies and scandals</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes.</p>

<p>He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content.<br />
<br />
This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-george-santos-legal-woes-deepens-defies-calls-to-resign-ahead-of-third-expulsion-vote-665187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year.<br />
<br />
Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote."<br />
<br />
The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign.<br />
<br />
His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle.

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle. The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War. A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos. The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried. Also read: Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first. The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive. Santos' streak of lies and scandals Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes. He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content. This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled. Watch: US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year. Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote." The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign. His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false. (With inputs from agencies)

In a historic vote, US lawmakers expel scandal-plagued Congressman George Santos

<p>Exit polls on elections in five Indian states were out on Thursday (Nov 30). Most predicted that the Indian National Congress would have an edge in Chhattisgarh and Telangana while saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have an advantage in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>About Mizoram, the exit polls said that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) was in a close contest with the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress and BJP were lagging behind.</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, BJP is currently in power in the 230-member legislative assembly. The Congress is in power in the Rajasthan assembly (200 seats) and in Chhattisgarh (90 seats). In Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has been in power for 10 years. The MNF rules Mizoram.</p>

<p>Voting in the five states took place between November 7- November 30. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on December 3.</p>

<h2><strong>Madhya Pradesh exit polls</strong></h2>

<p>Jan Ki Baat exit poll has predicted that BJP will bag between 100&nbsp;and 123 seats while the Congress is likely to register a victory on 102 to 125 seats.</p>

<p>Republic TV-Matrize predicted 118-130 for the BJP and said that Congress would likely get 97 to 107 seats.</p>

<p>TV9 Bharatvarsh Polstrat&nbsp;predicted that BJP will bag between 106-116 seats while Congress would score 111 to 121.</p>

<p>Today's Chanakya predicted a major victory for the BJP. The exit poll said that BJP may get 151 seats (error margin of 12 seats) while Congress would lag behind at 74 (error margin of 12 seats).</p>

<p>The exit poll by Jist-TIF-NAI said that Congress will command a 2018-like lead with 107-124 seats and the BJP would bag between 102-119 seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajasthan exit polls</strong></h2>

<p>India Today-Axis My India forecast a tight race in Rajasthan. It predicted that Congress will get between 86 and 106 seats while the BJP will bag 80-100 seats. Other parties and candidates would get between 9 to 18 seats.</p>

<p>Jan Ki Baat predicted that BJP will get 100-122 leaving Congress behind in the range of 62-85. According to TV9&nbsp;Bharatvarsh Polstrat, the BJP will get 100 to 110 seats while Congress would get 90-100 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-court-grants-10-more-days-to-asi-for-gyanvapi-survey-next-hearing-on-dec-11-664778">India: Varanasi court allows 10 more days to ASI for Gyanvapi mosque survey, next hearing on Dec 11</a></strong></p>

<p>According to predictions by Jist-TIF-NAI results in Rajasthan would continue the 'revolving door' tradition seen in the state. It predicted 110 seats for BJP and 70 for Congress.</p>

<h2><strong>Chhattisgarh exit polls</strong></h2>

<p>ABP News-C Voter predicted that BJP would get 36-48 seats while the Congress would get 41-53. According to the forecast by India Today-Axis My India, BJP will get 36-46 seats and Congress will get 40-50 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | COP28 begins in Dubai; PM Modi to attend summit, Pope Francis cancels Dubai visit</strong></p>

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<p>India TV-CNX said that BJP may get 30-40 seats while the Congress would get 46-56 seats.</p>

<p>Jan Ki Baat gave 34-45 seats to BJP and 42-53 to Congress.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Today's Chanakya made a forecast that BJP would get 33 seats (error margin of 8) and Congress would get a clear majority by clinching 57 seats (error margin of 8).</p>

<h2><strong>Telangana exit polls</strong></h2>

<p>India TV-CNX predicted that the Congress would bag 63-79 seats while BRS will win on 31-47 seats. BJP will lag behind with 2 to 4 seats while AIMIM will get 5-7 seats.</p>

<p>Jan Ki Baat said that Congress&nbsp;will get 48-64 seats, BRS will get 40-55, BJP 7-13 and AIMIM 4-7</p>

<p>According to Republic TV-Matrize, the Congress tally would be between 58 and 68 seats while BRS will be in the range of 46-56. The exit poll said that BJP will be able to score victory on 4 to 9 seats and AIMIM will win between 5 and 9.</p>

<p>TV9-Bharatvarsh Polstrat predicted Congress would get between 49-59 seats and BRS tally will be between 48 and 58.</p>

<h2><strong>Mizoram exit polls</strong></h2>

<p>India TV-CNX exit poll said that Mizo National Front (MNF) would be able to bag 14-18 seats, and ZPM will register victory on 12-16 seats. The range for Congress and BJP is predicted to be 8-10 and 0-2 respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-walked-the-talk-in-climate-action-says-pm-modi-as-he-departs-for-cop28-664764">India has walked the talk in climate action, says PM Modi as he departs for COP28</a></strong></p>

<p>ABP News-C Voter said MNF will get 15-21 seats, ZPM will be in the range of 12-16 and Congress would bag between 2 and 8 seats.</p>

<p>Jan Ki Baat exit poll said the MNF would get 10-14 seats, ZPM 15-25 seats, Congress 5-9 and the BJP 0-2.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Exit polls on elections in five Indian states were out on Thursday (Nov 30). Most predicted that the Indian National Congress would have an edge in Chhattisgarh and Telangana while saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have an advantage in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Exit polls on elections in five Indian states were out on Thursday (Nov 30). Most predicted that the Indian National Congress would have an edge in Chhattisgarh and Telangana while saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have an advantage in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. About Mizoram, the exit polls said that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) was in a close contest with the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress and BJP were lagging behind. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP is currently in power in the 230-member legislative assembly. The Congress is in power in the Rajasthan assembly (200 seats) and in Chhattisgarh (90 seats). In Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has been in power for 10 years. The MNF rules Mizoram. Voting in the five states took place between November 7- November 30. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on December 3. Madhya Pradesh exit polls Jan Ki Baat exit poll has predicted that BJP will bag between 100 and 123 seats while the Congress is likely to register a victory on 102 to 125 seats. Republic TV-Matrize predicted 118-130 for the BJP and said that Congress would likely get 97 to 107 seats. TV9 Bharatvarsh Polstrat predicted that BJP will bag between 106-116 seats while Congress would score 111 to 121. Today's Chanakya predicted a major victory for the BJP. The exit poll said that BJP may get 151 seats (error margin of 12 seats) while Congress would lag behind at 74 (error margin of 12 seats). The exit poll by Jist-TIF-NAI said that Congress will command a 2018-like lead with 107-124 seats and the BJP would bag between 102-119 seats. Rajasthan exit polls India Today-Axis My India forecast a tight race in Rajasthan. It predicted that Congress will get between 86 and 106 seats while the BJP will bag 80-100 seats. Other parties and candidates would get between 9 to 18 seats. Jan Ki Baat predicted that BJP will get 100-122 leaving Congress behind in the range of 62-85. According to TV9 Bharatvarsh Polstrat, the BJP will get 100 to 110 seats while Congress would get 90-100 seats. Also Read | India: Varanasi court allows 10 more days to ASI for Gyanvapi mosque survey, next hearing on Dec 11 According to predictions by Jist-TIF-NAI results in Rajasthan would continue the 'revolving door' tradition seen in the state. It predicted 110 seats for BJP and 70 for Congress. Chhattisgarh exit polls ABP News-C Voter predicted that BJP would get 36-48 seats while the Congress would get 41-53. According to the forecast by India Today-Axis My India, BJP will get 36-46 seats and Congress will get 40-50 seats. Watch | COP28 begins in Dubai; PM Modi to attend summit, Pope Francis cancels Dubai visit × India TV-CNX said that BJP may get 30-40 seats while the Congress would get 46-56 seats. Jan Ki Baat gave 34-45 seats to BJP and 42-53 to Congress. Meanwhile, Today's Chanakya made a forecast that BJP would get 33 seats (error margin of 8) and Congress would get a clear majority by clinching 57 seats (error margin of 8). Telangana exit polls India TV-CNX predicted that the Congress would bag 63-79 seats while BRS will win on 31-47 seats. BJP will lag behind with 2 to 4 seats while AIMIM will get 5-7 seats. Jan Ki Baat said that Congress will get 48-64 seats, BRS will get 40-55, BJP 7-13 and AIMIM 4-7 According to Republic TV-Matrize, the Congress tally would be between 58 and 68 seats while BRS will be in the range of 46-56. The exit poll said that BJP will be able to score victory on 4 to 9 seats and AIMIM will win between 5 and 9. TV9-Bharatvarsh Polstrat predicted Congress would get between 49-59 seats and BRS tally will be between 48 and 58. Mizoram exit polls India TV-CNX exit poll said that Mizo National Front (MNF) would be able to bag 14-18 seats, and ZPM will register victory on 12-16 seats. The range for Congress and BJP is predicted to be 8-10 and 0-2 respectively. Also Read | India has walked the talk in climate action, says PM Modi as he departs for COP28 ABP News-C Voter said MNF will get 15-21 seats, ZPM will be in the range of 12-16 and Congress would bag between 2 and 8 seats. Jan Ki Baat exit poll said the MNF would get 10-14 seats, ZPM 15-25 seats, Congress 5-9 and the BJP 0-2. (With inputs from agencies)

Exit poll results: Congress ahead in Chattisgarh, Telangana; BJP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

<p>Polling is underway in the Indian state of Telangana, as the state’s 32.6 million voters, on Thursday (Nov 30) will determine the fate of 2,290 candidates fighting for 119 seats in the assembly. The Indian PM whose Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also contesting in the elections took to X and urged voters to vote in “record numbers”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Telangana voting underway</strong></h2>

<p>The polling began at 7:00 am (local time) and will end at 5:00 pm (local time) in 106 constituencies, said State’s Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj. “7 am to 4 pm (local time) in 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. More than 250,000 staff will be engaged in poll duties for the assembly elections,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the 2,290 candidates vying for the 119 seats are Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his son and state’s IT minister KT Rama Rao, state Congress president A Revanth Reddy and BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar and D Arvind.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/am-senior-most-will-come-out-last-gabbar-singhs-bravery-shines-through-uttarakhad-tunnel-rescue-ops-664276">I'm senior-most, will come out last: Gabbar Singh's bravery shines through Uttarakhand tunnel rescue ops</a></strong></p>

<p>The polling also follows intense campaigning by prominent national politicians like PM Modi, Congress Party’s Rahul Gandhi, and CM Rao of the state’s ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). As BRS is trying to retain power for a third consecutive term, Congress and BJP have sought to wrest power from the ruling party. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>BRS has fielded candidates in all 119 seats, BJP, per a seat-sharing agreement with Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena, is contesting on 111 and eight seats, respectively. Meanwhile, Congress has given one seat to its ally CPI and is fighting on the other 118.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vote in ‘record numbers’</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian PM, who is set to attend the United Nations climate conference or COP28 in Dubai for two days from November 30 to December 1, took to X and urged voters to vote in “record number”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-diplomat-in-india-asserts-allegiance-to-republic-amid-taliban-claims-664395">Afghan diplomat in India asserts allegiance to Republic amid Taliban claims</a></strong></p>

<p>“I call upon my sisters and brothers of Telangana to vote in record numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly urge young and first time voters to exercise their franchise,” said Modi, on X.</p>

<p>The results of the Telangana elections will be announced on December 3 along with the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram where voting occurred between November 7 and November 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Polling is underway in the Indian state of Telangana, as the state’s 32.6 million voters, on Thursday (Nov 30) will determine the fate of 2,290 candidates fighting for 119 seats in the assembly.

Polling is underway in the Indian state of Telangana, as the state’s 32.6 million voters, on Thursday (Nov 30) will determine the fate of 2,290 candidates fighting for 119 seats in the assembly. The Indian PM whose Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also contesting in the elections took to X and urged voters to vote in “record numbers”. Telangana voting underway The polling began at 7:00 am (local time) and will end at 5:00 pm (local time) in 106 constituencies, said State’s Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj. “7 am to 4 pm (local time) in 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. More than 250,000 staff will be engaged in poll duties for the assembly elections,” he added. Among the 2,290 candidates vying for the 119 seats are Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his son and state’s IT minister KT Rama Rao, state Congress president A Revanth Reddy and BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar and D Arvind. ALSO READ | I'm senior-most, will come out last: Gabbar Singh's bravery shines through Uttarakhand tunnel rescue ops The polling also follows intense campaigning by prominent national politicians like PM Modi, Congress Party’s Rahul Gandhi, and CM Rao of the state’s ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). As BRS is trying to retain power for a third consecutive term, Congress and BJP have sought to wrest power from the ruling party. BRS has fielded candidates in all 119 seats, BJP, per a seat-sharing agreement with Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena, is contesting on 111 and eight seats, respectively. Meanwhile, Congress has given one seat to its ally CPI and is fighting on the other 118. Vote in ‘record numbers’ The Indian PM, who is set to attend the United Nations climate conference or COP28 in Dubai for two days from November 30 to December 1, took to X and urged voters to vote in “record number”. ALSO READ | Afghan diplomat in India asserts allegiance to Republic amid Taliban claims “I call upon my sisters and brothers of Telangana to vote in record numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly urge young and first time voters to exercise their franchise,” said Modi, on X. The results of the Telangana elections will be announced on December 3 along with the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram where voting occurred between November 7 and November 25. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana elections: Polling underway for 119 assembly seats; PM Modi urges voters to vote in ‘record numbers’

<p>Police in India's southern stat6e of Kerala, on Tuesday (Oct 31), launched a probe against Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar for allegedly making statements on social media that stirred religious enmity after a series of blasts at Jehovah’s Witnesses convention, on Sunday (Oct 29), claimed the lives of three and wounded nearly 50 others.</p>

<p>Chandrasekhar was booked for the offences under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence) of the IPC and section 120 (o) (causing nuisance and violation of public order) of the Kerala Police Act.</p>

<p>As per news agency PTI reports, the FIR against the central minister filed on the complaint by a sub-inspector (SI) of the Cyber Cell of the Kochi city police, stated that Chandrasekhar posted statements and videos on his social media accounts with the intention of disruption.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrasekhar hits out at Congress</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrasekhar took to his official X account and hit out at the Congress party saying that the FIR against him was registered for exposing the 'appeasement of Hamas' by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-who-claimed-responsibility-for-kerala-blasts-arrested-by-police-uapa-invoked-653222">India: Man who claimed responsibility for Kerala blasts arrested by police, UAPA invoked</a></p>

<p>The central minister said, on social media platform X, that the case has been jointly filed against him by "the two INDI alliance partners".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So the two INDI alliance partners <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/pinarayivijayan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PinarayiVijayan</a> have jointly filed a "case" against me<br />
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Two of biggest appeasers in Indian politics who shamelessly appease poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas, whose politics have caused… <a href="https://t.co/rTOLCULeDT">pic.twitter.com/rTOLCULeDT</a></p>
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rajeev_GoI/status/1719239427011310050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He accused both of them of "shamelessly" appeasing "poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas". "So the two INDI alliance partners @RahulGandhi and @PinarayiVijayan have jointly filed a 'case' against me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two of biggest appeasers in Indian politics who shamelessly appease poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas, whose politics have caused radicalization over decades from J&amp;K to Punjab to Kerala and caused many innocent lives and security forces lives to be lost - trying to threaten me with a case for exposing their appeasement of Hamas," the minister said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier today, &nbsp;BJP Kerala chief K Surendran, reacting to the action against Chandrasekhar claimed that the move by the Pinarayi Vijayan government was "helping" and "encouraging" the ones with extremist views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It indicates the double standards of the Pinarayi Vijayan government," he said while speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Police in India's southern stat6e of Kerala, on Tuesday (Oct 31), launched a probe against Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar for allegedly making statements on social media that stirred religious enmity after a series of blasts at Jehovah’s Witnesses convention, on Sunday (Oct 29), claimed the lives of three and wounded nearly 50 others.

Police in India's southern stat6e of Kerala, on Tuesday (Oct 31), launched a probe against Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar for allegedly making statements on social media that stirred religious enmity after a series of blasts at Jehovah’s Witnesses convention, on Sunday (Oct 29), claimed the lives of three and wounded nearly 50 others. Chandrasekhar was booked for the offences under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence) of the IPC and section 120 (o) (causing nuisance and violation of public order) of the Kerala Police Act. As per news agency PTI reports, the FIR against the central minister filed on the complaint by a sub-inspector (SI) of the Cyber Cell of the Kochi city police, stated that Chandrasekhar posted statements and videos on his social media accounts with the intention of disruption. Chandrasekhar hits out at Congress Chandrasekhar took to his official X account and hit out at the Congress party saying that the FIR against him was registered for exposing the 'appeasement of Hamas' by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Also read: India: Man who claimed responsibility for Kerala blasts arrested by police, UAPA invoked The central minister said, on social media platform X, that the case has been jointly filed against him by "the two INDI alliance partners". So the two INDI alliance partners @RahulGandhi and @PinarayiVijayan have jointly filed a "case" against me Two of biggest appeasers in Indian politics who shamelessly appease poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas, whose politics have caused… pic.twitter.com/rTOLCULeDT — Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) October 31, 2023 × He accused both of them of "shamelessly" appeasing "poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas". "So the two INDI alliance partners @RahulGandhi and @PinarayiVijayan have jointly filed a 'case' against me." "Two of biggest appeasers in Indian politics who shamelessly appease poisonous radical violent organizations like SDPI, PFI and Hamas, whose politics have caused radicalization over decades from J&K to Punjab to Kerala and caused many innocent lives and security forces lives to be lost - trying to threaten me with a case for exposing their appeasement of Hamas," the minister said on X. Earlier today, BJP Kerala chief K Surendran, reacting to the action against Chandrasekhar claimed that the move by the Pinarayi Vijayan government was "helping" and "encouraging" the ones with extremist views. "It indicates the double standards of the Pinarayi Vijayan government," he said while speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Kerala police book Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar for ‘promoting religious enmity’

<p>Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Congress resolution say?</strong></h2>

<p>The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>“CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nc-congress-emerge-as-winners-in-ladakh-autonomous-hill-development-council-elections-644251">India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections</a></strong></p>

<p>It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi’s statement</strong></h2>

<p>Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel</a></strong><br />
<br />
After witnessing the&nbsp;deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7).</p>

<p>As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.

Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas. This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine. What did the Congress resolution say? The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people. ALSO READ | Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas “CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read. It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.” The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.” ALSO READ | India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.” “Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh. PM Modi’s statement Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.” ALSO READ | Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel After witnessing the deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s Congress party extends support for Palestinians after Hamas attack on Israel, calls for ceasefire

<p>US President Joe Biden is considering largest ever funding package for Ukraine that will fund the war till the next presidential election, reported The Telegraph. The bill, termed 'one-and-done' is being sought in an effort to overcome impasse with the Republicans. After Russia invaded Ukraine last year, US-led Western alliance has poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. However, there are voices within the US political circles that are skeptical about having to fund Ukraine 'continuously' and without an end.</p>

<p>The concern, if it becomes widespread in American public, is perceived to potentially damage Biden's chances in next year's presidential election.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have expressed concern that US support may dry up entirely. This will create a shortfall of USD 2.7 per month and may require European Union (EU) nations to do the heavy lifting, a considerable endeavour if US stops helping altogether.</p>

<p>Experts quoted in media reports say that if Biden is able to clinch funding of USD 100 billion from Congress, it may be enough for the war until after next November's election. Former US president Donald Trump, the current frontrunner to win the Republican Party nomination for 2024 elections, has repeatedly attacked Biden over Ukraine war. He has argued that the money would be better spent on domestic issues.</p>

<p>Polls reflect this thinking. An Reuters/Ipsos poll cited by The Telegraph said that in last five months, there has been a decrease of 5 per cent among respondents who say that US should continue sending weapons to Ukraine..</p>

<p>The White House is “not making any decisions about whether to do one big package or about how much it would be” until after the Speaker’s election to replace Mr McCarthy, a source told the news outlet. However, the official reportedly said that the 'one-and-done' package is "one option" that is under consideration.</p>

<p>Passage of such a package will not be easy. It is bound to be opposed by at least some Republicans. The politicking may make Biden give some concessions on border control and even other Republican demands.</p>

<p>Since the Ukraine war began, US Congress has greenlit four packages of cumulative total of USD 113 billion.</p>

<p>It is believed that Ukrainian forces would struggle against Russia if US support dries out, especially in southeast and north of the country.</p>

<p>The Telegraph reported citing an unnamed administration official that President Biden is planning a "major" speech on Ukraine that “tries to unify America behind why it’s so important to support Ukraine and just how much is at stake,”</p>

<p>“He will directly address and rebut the criticisms of Ukraine funding,” said the official.</p>

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US President Joe Biden is considering largest ever funding package for Ukraine that will fund the war till the next presidential election, reported The Telegraph.

US President Joe Biden is considering largest ever funding package for Ukraine that will fund the war till the next presidential election, reported The Telegraph. The bill, termed 'one-and-done' is being sought in an effort to overcome impasse with the Republicans. After Russia invaded Ukraine last year, US-led Western alliance has poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. However, there are voices within the US political circles that are skeptical about having to fund Ukraine 'continuously' and without an end. The concern, if it becomes widespread in American public, is perceived to potentially damage Biden's chances in next year's presidential election. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have expressed concern that US support may dry up entirely. This will create a shortfall of USD 2.7 per month and may require European Union (EU) nations to do the heavy lifting, a considerable endeavour if US stops helping altogether. Experts quoted in media reports say that if Biden is able to clinch funding of USD 100 billion from Congress, it may be enough for the war until after next November's election. Former US president Donald Trump, the current frontrunner to win the Republican Party nomination for 2024 elections, has repeatedly attacked Biden over Ukraine war. He has argued that the money would be better spent on domestic issues. Polls reflect this thinking. An Reuters/Ipsos poll cited by The Telegraph said that in last five months, there has been a decrease of 5 per cent among respondents who say that US should continue sending weapons to Ukraine.. The White House is “not making any decisions about whether to do one big package or about how much it would be” until after the Speaker’s election to replace Mr McCarthy, a source told the news outlet. However, the official reportedly said that the 'one-and-done' package is "one option" that is under consideration. Passage of such a package will not be easy. It is bound to be opposed by at least some Republicans. The politicking may make Biden give some concessions on border control and even other Republican demands. Since the Ukraine war began, US Congress has greenlit four packages of cumulative total of USD 113 billion. It is believed that Ukrainian forces would struggle against Russia if US support dries out, especially in southeast and north of the country. The Telegraph reported citing an unnamed administration official that President Biden is planning a "major" speech on Ukraine that “tries to unify America behind why it’s so important to support Ukraine and just how much is at stake,” “He will directly address and rebut the criticisms of Ukraine funding,” said the official. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

incorrect

<p>The Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party in India, took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the situation in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The party alleged that never before had a PM completely "abandoned" a state and its people like now. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that such a situation in Manipur 15 months after BJP came to power is the "most damning indictment of its policies and the prime minister's priorities".</p>

<p>Jairam Ramesh said that five months ago, riots started in Manipur because of "divisive politics of the so-called double engine sarkar".</p>

<p>He also noted that India's Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state almost after a month and that too after being relieved of Karnataka election duties.</p>

<p>"But there has been no marked improvement. In fact things have turned from bad to worse. Social harmony has broken down completely. Horrific details of violent crimes emerge every other day. Tens of thousands continue to languish in relief camps. Clashes between the Armed forces and the state police are routine," the Congress leader said on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">5 months back, on the evening of May 3rd, Manipur erupted because of the divisive politics of the so-called double engine sarkar there.<br />
<br />
Our statement on the horrendous situation in the state and the Prime Minister’s total lack of accountability. <a href="https://t.co/qDchbjJcK7">pic.twitter.com/qDchbjJcK7</a></p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1709469476834677237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Yet the prime minister has been completely silent except for a much belated, routine and ritualistic comment for less than 5 minutes in a 133-minute speech in the Lok Sabha on August 10th. The chief minister continues to brazen it out despite the majority of BJP MLAs wanting him out of office," Ramesh said.</p>

<p>The Congress leader posed some questions and said there was a need to ponder over them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When was the last time the prime minister spoke to the BJP CM of Manipur? When was the last time the prime minister met BJP MLAs of Manipur? When was the last time the prime minister discussed Manipur with his cabinet colleague from the state?"</p>

<p>He also asked when was the last time the PM visited Manipur.</p>

<p>"Never before has a prime minister completely abandoned a state and its entire people like now. That Manipur has come to this horrendous situation just about 15 months after the BJP got a huge mandate in the state is a most damning indictment of its policies and the prime minister's priorities," Ramesh charged.</p>

<p>The Congress has been questioning the prime minister's silence and asking why he has not taken the time to visit the violence-hit state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party in India, took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the situation in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.

The Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party in India, took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the situation in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The party alleged that never before had a PM completely "abandoned" a state and its people like now. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that such a situation in Manipur 15 months after BJP came to power is the "most damning indictment of its policies and the prime minister's priorities". Jairam Ramesh said that five months ago, riots started in Manipur because of "divisive politics of the so-called double engine sarkar". He also noted that India's Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state almost after a month and that too after being relieved of Karnataka election duties. "But there has been no marked improvement. In fact things have turned from bad to worse. Social harmony has broken down completely. Horrific details of violent crimes emerge every other day. Tens of thousands continue to languish in relief camps. Clashes between the Armed forces and the state police are routine," the Congress leader said on X. 5 months back, on the evening of May 3rd, Manipur erupted because of the divisive politics of the so-called double engine sarkar there. Our statement on the horrendous situation in the state and the Prime Minister’s total lack of accountability. pic.twitter.com/qDchbjJcK7 — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 4, 2023 × "Yet the prime minister has been completely silent except for a much belated, routine and ritualistic comment for less than 5 minutes in a 133-minute speech in the Lok Sabha on August 10th. The chief minister continues to brazen it out despite the majority of BJP MLAs wanting him out of office," Ramesh said. The Congress leader posed some questions and said there was a need to ponder over them. "When was the last time the prime minister spoke to the BJP CM of Manipur? When was the last time the prime minister met BJP MLAs of Manipur? When was the last time the prime minister discussed Manipur with his cabinet colleague from the state?" He also asked when was the last time the PM visited Manipur. "Never before has a prime minister completely abandoned a state and its entire people like now. That Manipur has come to this horrendous situation just about 15 months after the BJP got a huge mandate in the state is a most damning indictment of its policies and the prime minister's priorities," Ramesh charged. The Congress has been questioning the prime minister's silence and asking why he has not taken the time to visit the violence-hit state. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Congress poses four questions to PM Modi following 5 months of Manipur violence

<p>Congress leader Sonia Gandhi&nbsp;declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament)&nbsp;during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.</p>

<p>Speaking as the Congress parliamentary party chief, she said, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I stand in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023."</p>

<h2><strong>What did her speech encompass?</strong></h2>

<p>She credited her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, for his efforts in bringing about a constitutional amendment to bring women's representation in local body elections.</p>

<p>She recounted how this amendment was initially defeated in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament)&nbsp;but was eventually passed under the leadership of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, resulting in the election of 15,00,000&nbsp;women leaders across the nation in local bodies.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Women's Reservation Bill | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, "This is an emotional moment of my own life as well. For the first time, Constitutional amendment to decide women's representation in local body election was brought by my life partner… <a href="https://t.co/stm2Sggnor">pic.twitter.com/stm2Sggnor</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704375892540301536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>She further said that Rajiv Gandhi's vision remains only partially fulfilled and that its realisation lies in the passing of this bill.</p>

<p>Gandhi highlighted the patience and dedication of Indian women, urging the immediate implementation of the bill. While expressing the Congress party's support for the bill, she raised concerns about the prolonged wait of Indian women for political responsibilities and called into question the appropriateness of this delay.</p>

<p>She said&nbsp;that the Indian National Congress demands immediate implementation of the bill and also advocates&nbsp;for a caste census and provisions for the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women.</p>

<p>She warned against any delay in the implementation of the women's reservation bill, stating that it would amount to gross injustice to women.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-words-socialist-and-secular-missing-from-new-constitution-copies-ruling-party-responds-637772">Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP says Congress politicising the bill</strong></h2>

<p>BJP MP&nbsp;Nishikant Dubey launched an attack on Congress, suggesting that the party&nbsp;was squandering the opportunity to empower women by politicising the issue.</p>

<p>"I thought Sonia Gandhi would speak rising above political lines but she did not mention Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj who worked extensively for women's reservation,"&nbsp;said Nishikant Dubey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Key words from Constitution of India dropped? | All you need to know about Preamble of Constitution</strong></p>

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<p>"The bill you brought was wrong and those who protested against it were Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj. This is BJP and PM Modi's bill," Dubey added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha is currently engaged in debating the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023' that was introduced in the new parliament building on Tuesday (September 19).&nbsp;</p>

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Congress leader Sonia Gandhi declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Speaking as the Congress parliamentary party chief, she said, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I stand in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023." What did her speech encompass? She credited her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, for his efforts in bringing about a constitutional amendment to bring women's representation in local body elections. She recounted how this amendment was initially defeated in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament) but was eventually passed under the leadership of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, resulting in the election of 15,00,000 women leaders across the nation in local bodies. Watch the video here: #WATCH | Women's Reservation Bill | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, "This is an emotional moment of my own life as well. For the first time, Constitutional amendment to decide women's representation in local body election was brought by my life partner… pic.twitter.com/stm2Sggnor — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2023 × She further said that Rajiv Gandhi's vision remains only partially fulfilled and that its realisation lies in the passing of this bill. Gandhi highlighted the patience and dedication of Indian women, urging the immediate implementation of the bill. While expressing the Congress party's support for the bill, she raised concerns about the prolonged wait of Indian women for political responsibilities and called into question the appropriateness of this delay. She said that the Indian National Congress demands immediate implementation of the bill and also advocates for a caste census and provisions for the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women. She warned against any delay in the implementation of the women's reservation bill, stating that it would amount to gross injustice to women. Also read | Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds BJP says Congress politicising the bill BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched an attack on Congress, suggesting that the party was squandering the opportunity to empower women by politicising the issue. "I thought Sonia Gandhi would speak rising above political lines but she did not mention Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj who worked extensively for women's reservation," said Nishikant Dubey. Also watch | Key words from Constitution of India dropped? | All you need to know about Preamble of Constitution "The bill you brought was wrong and those who protested against it were Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj. This is BJP and PM Modi's bill," Dubey added. The Lok Sabha is currently engaged in debating the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023' that was introduced in the new parliament building on Tuesday (September 19). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sonia announces Cong support to women’s quota bill, demands fast implementation; BJP calls it politicisation

<p>A local politician from India’s Punjab belonging to the Congress party was shot and killed in Dala village of Moga district allegedly by a terrorist who has ties with a Khalistan radical outfit.</p>

<p>The deceased identified as Baljinder Singh Balli (45) was shot twice after some&nbsp;assailants barged into his house later Monday. While one bullet pierced his chest, the other hit his thigh.</p>

<p>Police said that the assailants came on a bike. While one entered the house, the other kept waiting outside.</p>

<p>The incident was captured on CCTV installed outside Balli's residence in Dala village. He was the Congress block president in Ajitwal.</p>

<h2><strong>Revenge killing</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Hours later, a gangster and a designated terrorist, Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, took responsibility for the murder in a Facebook post purportedly from his account. He is currently a permanent resident of Canada.</p>

<p>Dalla said he killed Balli to exact revenge for keeping his mother in police custody and getting his friends arrested.</p>

<p>“I am responsible for the murder of Balli in Dala village because it was my own village’s politics which had made me tread this path. This man (Balli) was responsible for keeping my mother in CIA (police) custody for a week and he also got my friends arrested. He was hand in glove with police… and got my home vandalised. He destroyed my home just to gain his own afsar shaahi… My life’s aim was not to live my own life but to kill him. If we wished, we would have killed his child too but that child was nowhere at fault…. those who are sympathising with him, their homes are also not far for us…,”&nbsp;the post says in Punjabi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/motivated-and-absurd-india-slams-canadas-accusations-over-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjars-killing-637339">'Motivated, absurd': India slams Canada's accusations over terrorist's killing</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, police have initiated a probe and an FIR was being registered. Moga SSP J Elanchezhian said that the alleged Facebook post of Dalla was being verified.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Arsh Dalla?</strong></h2>

<p>In January this year, the Indian government declared Arsh Dalla as an ‘individual terrorist’.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-next-republican-debate-give-speech-to-auto-workers-637387">Trump to skip next Republican debate, give speech to auto workers</a></p>

<p>He is involved in heinous crimes such as murder, extortion and targeted killings and is facing 20 FIRs. He is notorious for generating funds and providing logistical support to gangsters and criminals.</p>

<p>He went to Canada on October 22, 2018, on a visitor visa. According to reports, he obtained a permanent residency in Canada based on this passport.</p>

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A local politician from India’s Punjab belonging to the Congress party was shot and killed in Dala village of Moga district allegedly by a terrorist who has ties with a Khalistan radical outfit.

A local politician from India’s Punjab belonging to the Congress party was shot and killed in Dala village of Moga district allegedly by a terrorist who has ties with a Khalistan radical outfit. The deceased identified as Baljinder Singh Balli (45) was shot twice after some assailants barged into his house later Monday. While one bullet pierced his chest, the other hit his thigh. Police said that the assailants came on a bike. While one entered the house, the other kept waiting outside. The incident was captured on CCTV installed outside Balli's residence in Dala village. He was the Congress block president in Ajitwal. Revenge killing Hours later, a gangster and a designated terrorist, Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, took responsibility for the murder in a Facebook post purportedly from his account. He is currently a permanent resident of Canada. Dalla said he killed Balli to exact revenge for keeping his mother in police custody and getting his friends arrested. “I am responsible for the murder of Balli in Dala village because it was my own village’s politics which had made me tread this path. This man (Balli) was responsible for keeping my mother in CIA (police) custody for a week and he also got my friends arrested. He was hand in glove with police… and got my home vandalised. He destroyed my home just to gain his own afsar shaahi… My life’s aim was not to live my own life but to kill him. If we wished, we would have killed his child too but that child was nowhere at fault…. those who are sympathising with him, their homes are also not far for us…,” the post says in Punjabi. Also read | 'Motivated, absurd': India slams Canada's accusations over terrorist's killing Meanwhile, police have initiated a probe and an FIR was being registered. Moga SSP J Elanchezhian said that the alleged Facebook post of Dalla was being verified. Who is Arsh Dalla? In January this year, the Indian government declared Arsh Dalla as an ‘individual terrorist’. Also read | Trump to skip next Republican debate, give speech to auto workers He is involved in heinous crimes such as murder, extortion and targeted killings and is facing 20 FIRs. He is notorious for generating funds and providing logistical support to gangsters and criminals. He went to Canada on October 22, 2018, on a visitor visa. According to reports, he obtained a permanent residency in Canada based on this passport. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian politician killed in Punjab, Canada-based terrorist who has ties with Khalistan claims responsibility

<p>Mexican lawmakers&nbsp;heard testimony of a journalist and researcher who displayed what he asserted were over 1000 years old two bodies of "non-humans" during a congressional hearing, but experts have raised scepticism over the claims.</p>

<p>The alleged mummified remains were displayed in two small cases on Tuesday (September 12), marking the first time the Mexican Congress has addressed the possibility of extraterrestrial life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The supposed corpses had greyish skin and human-like facial features, with three fingers in hand. They were brought by Jaime Maussan, a Mexican journalist and researcher who claims&nbsp;to have discovered them in Peru in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-ufo-study-team-to-reveal-its-findings-today-heres-how-to-watch-live-635916">NASA's UFO study team to reveal its findings on Thursday. Here's how to watch live</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>During the session called by ruling party lawmaker Sergio Gutierrez, Maussan said, "They are non-human beings. We don't want to call them extraterrestrials because we don't know." Gutierrez defended the event as being in the "public interest".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maussan claimed, "It's the queen of all evidence. That is, if the DNA is showing us that they are non-human beings and that there is nothing that looks like this in the world, we should take it as such."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/six-out-of-9-planetary-boundaries-breached-earth-increasingly-becoming-inhabitable-for-humans-scientists-635963">Six out of 9 planetary boundaries breached, Earth increasingly becoming uninhabitable for humans: Scientists</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Experts are sceptic over the claims</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Maussan had also made similar claims in Peru in 2017, but he didn't unveil the bodies publicly at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, according to a report from the country's prosecutor's office, the bodies were&nbsp;found to have been "recently&nbsp;manufactured dolls, which have been covered with a mixture of paper and synthetic glue to simulate the presence of skin".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Julieta Fierro, who is a researcher at the Institute of Astronomy at Mexico's National Autonomous University, was one of those who expressed scepticism. On Wednesday, Fierro added that many elements of the data "made no sense".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;‘Catastrophic flooding’ batters Massachusetts&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Fierro further clarified that the claims by the researchers that her university supported their discovery were false.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that scientists would require more advanced technology than the X-rays they claimed to employ to assess whether the allegedly calcified remains were "non-human".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by NBC News, she said: "Maussan has done many things. He says he has talked to the Virgin of Guadalupe. He told me extraterrestrials do not talk to me like they talk to him because I don't believe in them."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Mexican lawmakers heard testimony of a journalist and researcher who displayed what he asserted were over 1000 years old two bodies of "non-humans" during a congressional hearing, but experts have raised scepticism over the claims.

Mexican lawmakers heard testimony of a journalist and researcher who displayed what he asserted were over 1000 years old two bodies of "non-humans" during a congressional hearing, but experts have raised scepticism over the claims. The alleged mummified remains were displayed in two small cases on Tuesday (September 12), marking the first time the Mexican Congress has addressed the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The supposed corpses had greyish skin and human-like facial features, with three fingers in hand. They were brought by Jaime Maussan, a Mexican journalist and researcher who claims to have discovered them in Peru in 2017. Also read: NASA's UFO study team to reveal its findings on Thursday. Here's how to watch live During the session called by ruling party lawmaker Sergio Gutierrez, Maussan said, "They are non-human beings. We don't want to call them extraterrestrials because we don't know." Gutierrez defended the event as being in the "public interest". Maussan claimed, "It's the queen of all evidence. That is, if the DNA is showing us that they are non-human beings and that there is nothing that looks like this in the world, we should take it as such." Also read: Six out of 9 planetary boundaries breached, Earth increasingly becoming uninhabitable for humans: Scientists Experts are sceptic over the claims Maussan had also made similar claims in Peru in 2017, but he didn't unveil the bodies publicly at the time. However, according to a report from the country's prosecutor's office, the bodies were found to have been "recently manufactured dolls, which have been covered with a mixture of paper and synthetic glue to simulate the presence of skin". Julieta Fierro, who is a researcher at the Institute of Astronomy at Mexico's National Autonomous University, was one of those who expressed scepticism. On Wednesday, Fierro added that many elements of the data "made no sense". Watch: ‘Catastrophic flooding’ batters Massachusetts × Fierro further clarified that the claims by the researchers that her university supported their discovery were false. She added that scientists would require more advanced technology than the X-rays they claimed to employ to assess whether the allegedly calcified remains were "non-human". As quoted by NBC News, she said: "Maussan has done many things. He says he has talked to the Virgin of Guadalupe. He told me extraterrestrials do not talk to me like they talk to him because I don't believe in them." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experts sceptic over purported 'alien' bodies: 'Many elements made no sense'

<p>After the INDIA Alliance Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday (September 13), Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal released a statement saying that the Committee is&nbsp;determined to begin the process of deciding seat-sharing "at the earliest".</p>

<p>"The first meeting of the Coordination Committee was held today at the residence of Sharad Pawar and attended by 12 members parties. Abhishek Banerjee of All India Trinamool Congress could not attend the meeting due to a summon by the Enforcement Directorate, arising out of the vendetta politics of Bharatiya Janata Party," the joint statement read.</p>

<p>"The Coordination Committee has decided to start the process for determining seat-sharing. It was decided that member parties would hold talks and decide at the earliest," it stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The committee decided to hold joint public meetings in different parts of the country. The first public meeting will be held at Bhopal in the first week of October on the issues of rising prices, unemployment and corruption of the BJP government," it read.</p>

<p>"The parties present in the meeting agreed to take up the issue of Caste Census," it stated.</p>

<p>"The coordination committee authorised the Sub-Group on Media to decide upon the names of the anchors on whose shows none of the INDIA parties will send their representatives," it added.</p>

<p>The next meeting of the INDIA Alliance is expected to be held after the Parliament special session.</p>

<p>JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said, "Discussion happened on seat sharing and state-wise parties will finalise it soon."</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP MP Raghav Chadha at the INDIA bloc Coordination Committee meeting said that a joint public rally will be held in Bhopal.</p>

<p>"It has been decided that member parties will start the process for seat-sharing and take a decision on it soon; a joint public rally will be held in Bhopal. It was also decided that the issue of caste census will also be raised," Raghav Chadha said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I.N.D.I.A. alliance to contest 2024 elections together</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, on September 1, the alliance released a statement after a two-day meeting saying that the 28 parties in the coalition will contest the upcoming 2024 general elections “together as far as possible.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 14-member coordination committee was also announced in the same meeting. The members include KC Venugopal (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), TR Baalu (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sanjay Raut (SS), Tejasvi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Raghav Chaddha (AAP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Lallan Singh (JD(U)), D Raja (CPI), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the INDIA Alliance Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday (September 13), Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal released a statement saying that the Committee is determined to begin the process of deciding seat-sharing "at the earliest".

After the INDIA Alliance Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday (September 13), Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal released a statement saying that the Committee is determined to begin the process of deciding seat-sharing "at the earliest". "The first meeting of the Coordination Committee was held today at the residence of Sharad Pawar and attended by 12 members parties. Abhishek Banerjee of All India Trinamool Congress could not attend the meeting due to a summon by the Enforcement Directorate, arising out of the vendetta politics of Bharatiya Janata Party," the joint statement read. "The Coordination Committee has decided to start the process for determining seat-sharing. It was decided that member parties would hold talks and decide at the earliest," it stated. #WATCH | On INDIA alliance Coordination Committee meeting, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "The Coordination Committee has decided to start the process for determining seat-sharing. It was decided that member parties would hold talks and decide at the earliest. The… pic.twitter.com/JnOmapYJ7Z — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023 × "The committee decided to hold joint public meetings in different parts of the country. The first public meeting will be held at Bhopal in the first week of October on the issues of rising prices, unemployment and corruption of the BJP government," it read. "The parties present in the meeting agreed to take up the issue of Caste Census," it stated. "The coordination committee authorised the Sub-Group on Media to decide upon the names of the anchors on whose shows none of the INDIA parties will send their representatives," it added. The next meeting of the INDIA Alliance is expected to be held after the Parliament special session. JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said, "Discussion happened on seat sharing and state-wise parties will finalise it soon." #WATCH | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance Coordination Committee meeting, JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha says, "Discussion happened on seat sharing & state wise parties will finalise it soon..." pic.twitter.com/hJGYFDdiH0 — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023 × AAP MP Raghav Chadha at the INDIA bloc Coordination Committee meeting said that a joint public rally will be held in Bhopal. "It has been decided that member parties will start the process for seat-sharing and take a decision on it soon; a joint public rally will be held in Bhopal. It was also decided that the issue of caste census will also be raised," Raghav Chadha said. I.N.D.I.A. alliance to contest 2024 elections together Earlier, on September 1, the alliance released a statement after a two-day meeting saying that the 28 parties in the coalition will contest the upcoming 2024 general elections “together as far as possible.” A 14-member coordination committee was also announced in the same meeting. The members include KC Venugopal (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), TR Baalu (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sanjay Raut (SS), Tejasvi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Raghav Chaddha (AAP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Lallan Singh (JD(U)), D Raja (CPI), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I.N.D.I.A. alliance to start process for determining seat-sharing, says KC Venugopal

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drove to Pangong Lake in Ladakh on Saturday (19 August), to mark his father, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20.</p>

<p>Taking to social media platform, he shared his pictures along with the caption, "On our way to Pangong Lake, which my father used to say, is one of the most beautiful places in the world."</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official handle of Congress also shared some pictures of his ride on X, formerly Twitter. "Upwards and onwards - Unstoppable!" the caption of the post read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Upwards and onwards - Unstoppable! <a href="https://t.co/waZmOhv6dy">pic.twitter.com/waZmOhv6dy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1692796964750983190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the Congress leader's very first visit to Ladakh since Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Ladakh and J-K, after Articles 370 and 35 (A) were abrogated on August 5, 2019.</p>

<p>Gandhi arrived in Leh to commence his two-day visit to the Union Territory on Thursday (August 17) but his tour was extended till August 25, news agency ANI reported citing party sources said.</p>

<p>On Friday (August 18), he interacted with the youth of Leh. The sources further added that the Congress leader is set to watch a football match there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-addresses-g20-digital-economy-ministers-meet-announces-new-ai-powered-language-translation-platform-626940">PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform</a></p>

<p>His visit comes ahead of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil elections which are scheduled to take place on August 25.</p>

<h2><strong>Will Rahul Gandhi contest from Amethi?</strong></h2>

<p>The newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, after making claims that Rahul Gandhi will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, on Saturday (August 19), said that the Amethi residents consider him as a part of their family as he fulfilled all his promises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The people of Amethi consider him (Rahul Gandhi)&nbsp;as their family because he fulfilled the promises. Rahul Gandhi has connected with local people by doing the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and people now believe that it is the Gandhi family who understands our problems and concerns. The people want Congress to come into power."</p>

<p>“In 2019, Smriti Irani had said that if you press the BJP button in the election, you will get sugar for Rs 13 per kilo. People of Amethi are still looking for that sugar. Who has eaten it?,” Rai said.</p>

<p>Gandhi was defeated in the 2019 general elections by BJP's Smriti Irani.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drove to Pangong Lake in Ladakh on Saturday (19 August), to mark his father, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drove to Pangong Lake in Ladakh on Saturday (19 August), to mark his father, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20. Taking to social media platform, he shared his pictures along with the caption, "On our way to Pangong Lake, which my father used to say, is one of the most beautiful places in the world." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rahul Gandhi (@rahulgandhi) × The official handle of Congress also shared some pictures of his ride on X, formerly Twitter. "Upwards and onwards - Unstoppable!" the caption of the post read. Upwards and onwards - Unstoppable! pic.twitter.com/waZmOhv6dy — Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2023 × This is the Congress leader's very first visit to Ladakh since Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Ladakh and J-K, after Articles 370 and 35 (A) were abrogated on August 5, 2019. Gandhi arrived in Leh to commence his two-day visit to the Union Territory on Thursday (August 17) but his tour was extended till August 25, news agency ANI reported citing party sources said. On Friday (August 18), he interacted with the youth of Leh. The sources further added that the Congress leader is set to watch a football match there. Also read: PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform His visit comes ahead of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil elections which are scheduled to take place on August 25. Will Rahul Gandhi contest from Amethi? The newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, after making claims that Rahul Gandhi will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, on Saturday (August 19), said that the Amethi residents consider him as a part of their family as he fulfilled all his promises. “The people of Amethi consider him (Rahul Gandhi) as their family because he fulfilled the promises. Rahul Gandhi has connected with local people by doing the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and people now believe that it is the Gandhi family who understands our problems and concerns. The people want Congress to come into power." “In 2019, Smriti Irani had said that if you press the BJP button in the election, you will get sugar for Rs 13 per kilo. People of Amethi are still looking for that sugar. Who has eaten it?,” Rai said. Gandhi was defeated in the 2019 general elections by BJP's Smriti Irani. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rahul Gandhi embarks on bike ride to Pangong Lake in Ladakh

<p>E-learning platform Unacademy fired its educator Karan Sangwan after he&nbsp;appealed to the students to vote for a literate person in the upcoming elections and not put the ones who are only "changing names” in positions of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apparently, Sangwan, L.L.M Criminal Laws, was having a discussion on the latest bill that was tabled in Lok Sabha by the Centre government to replace IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act.</p>

<p>He was reportedly complaining that all the notes that he had prepared during his course of education had gone to waste.</p>

<p>He then said, “Even I don't know whether to laugh or cry because I also have a lot of bare acts, caseloads, and notes that I had prepared. It is hard work for everyone. You also got a job at your hand.”</p>

<p>“But keep in mind one thing. Next time vote for someone who is well-educated so you don't have to go through this (ordeal) again. Ok,” he added.</p>

<p>He then specified to his students to not elect someone who only knows how to change&nbsp;names.</p>

<h2><strong>Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini issues statement</strong></h2>

<p>Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini released a statement on his official X handle saying that Sangwan was sacked because he had violated the Code of Conduct.</p>

<p>"We are an education platform that is deeply committed to imparting quality education. To do this we have in place a strict Code of Conduct for all our educators with the intention of ensuring that our learners have access to unbiased knowledge," he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are an education platform that is deeply committed to imparting quality education. To do this we have in place a strict Code of Conduct for all our educators with the intention of ensuring that our learners have access to unbiased knowledge.<br />
<br />
Our learners are at the centre of…</p>
— Roman Saini (@RomanSaini) <a href="https://twitter.com/RomanSaini/status/1692214935168925849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our learners are at the centre of everything we do. The classroom is not a place to share personal opinions and views as they can wrongly influence them. In the current situation, we were forced to part ways with Karan Sangwan as he was in breach of the Code of Conduct," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-jumps-off-the-eiffel-tower-with-parachute-gets-arrested-626620">Man jumps off the Eiffel Tower with parachute, gets arrested</a></p>

<h2><strong>AAP, Congress react</strong></h2>

<p>Aam Aadmi Party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the sacking of Sangwan by the Edtech company questioning if it was such a big offence for someone to ask people to vote for literate people.</p>

<p>"Is it a crime to appeal to educated people to vote? If someone is illiterate, personally I respect him. But people's representatives cannot be illiterate. This is the era of science and technology. Illiterate public representatives can never build the modern India of the 21st century," he wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">क्या पढ़े लिखे लोगों को वोट देने की अपील करना अपराध है? यदि कोई अनपढ़ है, व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं उसका सम्मान करता हूँ। लेकिन जनप्रतिनिधि अनपढ़ नहीं हो सकते। ये साइंस और टेक्नोलॉजी का ज़माना है। 21वीं सदी के आधुनिक भारत का निर्माण अनपढ़ जनप्रतिनिधि कभी नहीं कर सकते। <a href="https://t.co/YPX4OCoRoZ">https://t.co/YPX4OCoRoZ</a></p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1692156877206086067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also slammed Unacademy for its decision.</p>

<p>“Those who cower under pressure and get bullied can never help nurture citizens who stand up against all odds to take on this world. Sad to see such spineless and weak people run an education platform,” Shrinate wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Those who cower under pressure and get bullied can never help nurture citizens who stand up against all odds to take on this world.<br />
<br />
Sad to see such spineless and weak people run an education platform.<br />
<br />
Care to explain this though <a href="https://twitter.com/RomanSaini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RomanSaini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gauravmunjal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gauravmunjal</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFUdI5YJ8m">pic.twitter.com/XFUdI5YJ8m</a></p>
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupriyaShrinate/status/1692243794027053144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sangwan said that he would post a video on his official YouTube channel sharing details about the controversy on Saturday (August 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From the past few days, a video has been going viral due to which I am in controversy and because of that controversy my several students who are preparing for judicial services examinations are facing a lot of consequences. Along with them, I have to also face consequences," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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E-learning platform Unacademy fired its educator Karan Sangwan after he appealed to the students to vote for a literate person in the upcoming elections and not put the ones who are only "changing names” in positions of power.

E-learning platform Unacademy fired its educator Karan Sangwan after he appealed to the students to vote for a literate person in the upcoming elections and not put the ones who are only "changing names” in positions of power. Apparently, Sangwan, L.L.M Criminal Laws, was having a discussion on the latest bill that was tabled in Lok Sabha by the Centre government to replace IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act. He was reportedly complaining that all the notes that he had prepared during his course of education had gone to waste. He then said, “Even I don't know whether to laugh or cry because I also have a lot of bare acts, caseloads, and notes that I had prepared. It is hard work for everyone. You also got a job at your hand.” “But keep in mind one thing. Next time vote for someone who is well-educated so you don't have to go through this (ordeal) again. Ok,” he added. He then specified to his students to not elect someone who only knows how to change names. Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini issues statement Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini released a statement on his official X handle saying that Sangwan was sacked because he had violated the Code of Conduct. "We are an education platform that is deeply committed to imparting quality education. To do this we have in place a strict Code of Conduct for all our educators with the intention of ensuring that our learners have access to unbiased knowledge," he wrote. We are an education platform that is deeply committed to imparting quality education. To do this we have in place a strict Code of Conduct for all our educators with the intention of ensuring that our learners have access to unbiased knowledge. Our learners are at the centre of… — Roman Saini (@RomanSaini) August 17, 2023 × "Our learners are at the centre of everything we do. The classroom is not a place to share personal opinions and views as they can wrongly influence them. In the current situation, we were forced to part ways with Karan Sangwan as he was in breach of the Code of Conduct," he added. Also read: Man jumps off the Eiffel Tower with parachute, gets arrested AAP, Congress react Aam Aadmi Party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the sacking of Sangwan by the Edtech company questioning if it was such a big offence for someone to ask people to vote for literate people. "Is it a crime to appeal to educated people to vote? If someone is illiterate, personally I respect him. But people's representatives cannot be illiterate. This is the era of science and technology. Illiterate public representatives can never build the modern India of the 21st century," he wrote on X. क्या पढ़े लिखे लोगों को वोट देने की अपील करना अपराध है? यदि कोई अनपढ़ है, व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं उसका सम्मान करता हूँ। लेकिन जनप्रतिनिधि अनपढ़ नहीं हो सकते। ये साइंस और टेक्नोलॉजी का ज़माना है। 21वीं सदी के आधुनिक भारत का निर्माण अनपढ़ जनप्रतिनिधि कभी नहीं कर सकते। https://t.co/YPX4OCoRoZ — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 17, 2023 × Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also slammed Unacademy for its decision. “Those who cower under pressure and get bullied can never help nurture citizens who stand up against all odds to take on this world. Sad to see such spineless and weak people run an education platform,” Shrinate wrote on X. Those who cower under pressure and get bullied can never help nurture citizens who stand up against all odds to take on this world. Sad to see such spineless and weak people run an education platform. Care to explain this though @RomanSaini @gauravmunjal pic.twitter.com/XFUdI5YJ8m — Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) August 17, 2023 × Meanwhile, Sangwan said that he would post a video on his official YouTube channel sharing details about the controversy on Saturday (August 19). "From the past few days, a video has been going viral due to which I am in controversy and because of that controversy my several students who are preparing for judicial services examinations are facing a lot of consequences. Along with them, I have to also face consequences," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Unacademy founder issues clarification after sacking tutor over video asking students to 'vote for educated'

<p>The battle lines have been drawn and&nbsp;trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While BJP initially laughed off attempts by the opposition to coalesce together to stage a fightback, it has seemingly pulled its socks in the last few days.&nbsp;BJP President JP Nadda on Monday (July 17) launched a full-blown attack on the opposition joint meeting saying NDA was the only ideal coalition to “serve” and “strengthen” the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>NDA attempts to rattle joint opposition</strong></h2>

<p>“The BJP is the only party that, since it came into existence, has pursued issues ideologically — be it the Ram Temple or Article 370, we have always stood for a strong nation. We were for nuclear tests and Atalji (Bihari Vajpayee) went ahead with them… We have been consistent. And it’s an ideological journey… Some people understand us today, some tomorrow. If not today, we will get them after five or 10 years,” Nadda said.</p>

<p>He added that 38 parties under the NDA umbrella will be&nbsp;meeting on Tuesday (July 18), with the talks&nbsp;scheduled to start just after 4 pm when the opposition wraps up its meeting in Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition charts a path&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, on Tuesday, the opposition will be assembling for the second day at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru where proceedings were kicked off with a grand dinner meeting late Monday night. Ahead of the meeting,&nbsp;Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said “well begun is half done” and sounded optimistic that the parties will finally pull through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin among others were present during the dinner - sending a message to the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for the agenda of the meeting, the opposition camp said it was&nbsp;here to 'save democracy' in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are not here to come to power, we are here to save the world's biggest democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will decide in this meeting what will be the future course of action," read a statement released.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-have-decided-to-fight-elections-together-says-nitish-kumar-after-opposition-meet-608017"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-to-save-democracy-opposition-parties-convene-in-bengaluru-for-mega-meeting-616402#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a subcommittee for drafting the common minimum programme and&nbsp;communications points. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss&nbsp;seat sharing on a state-to-state basis and a new name for the coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will take all decisions in the meeting. I cannot tell now what issues will be discussed. We are not alone in the meeting, there are other parties. We will discuss in the meeting tomorrow whether UPA will remain the name or something else," said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal when quizzed about the name change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuesday's meeting will also see the attendance of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who seemingly gave a miss to the proceedings on the first day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-to-save-democracy-opposition-parties-convene-in-bengaluru-for-mega-meeting-616402"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time that the opposition has joined hands and attempted to put up a strong front.&nbsp;Earlier, such opposition unit (Third front) was forged, at least on paper, to challenge the duopoly of BJP and Congress. But&nbsp;in recent times, Congress has also joined the smaller parties after witnessing its vote count shrink considerably in the last two general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The battle lines have been drawn and trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold.

The battle lines have been drawn and trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold. While BJP initially laughed off attempts by the opposition to coalesce together to stage a fightback, it has seemingly pulled its socks in the last few days. BJP President JP Nadda on Monday (July 17) launched a full-blown attack on the opposition joint meeting saying NDA was the only ideal coalition to “serve” and “strengthen” the country. NDA attempts to rattle joint opposition “The BJP is the only party that, since it came into existence, has pursued issues ideologically — be it the Ram Temple or Article 370, we have always stood for a strong nation. We were for nuclear tests and Atalji (Bihari Vajpayee) went ahead with them… We have been consistent. And it’s an ideological journey… Some people understand us today, some tomorrow. If not today, we will get them after five or 10 years,” Nadda said. He added that 38 parties under the NDA umbrella will be meeting on Tuesday (July 18), with the talks scheduled to start just after 4 pm when the opposition wraps up its meeting in Bengaluru. Opposition charts a path Notably, on Tuesday, the opposition will be assembling for the second day at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru where proceedings were kicked off with a grand dinner meeting late Monday night. Ahead of the meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said “well begun is half done” and sounded optimistic that the parties will finally pull through. The likes of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin among others were present during the dinner - sending a message to the saffron party. As for the agenda of the meeting, the opposition camp said it was here to 'save democracy' in the country. "We are not here to come to power, we are here to save the world's biggest democracy. We will decide in this meeting what will be the future course of action," read a statement released. Watch | We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet × The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a subcommittee for drafting the common minimum programme and communications points. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss seat sharing on a state-to-state basis and a new name for the coalition. "We will take all decisions in the meeting. I cannot tell now what issues will be discussed. We are not alone in the meeting, there are other parties. We will discuss in the meeting tomorrow whether UPA will remain the name or something else," said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal when quizzed about the name change. Tuesday's meeting will also see the attendance of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who seemingly gave a miss to the proceedings on the first day. Also read | 'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting Notably, this is not the first time that the opposition has joined hands and attempted to put up a strong front. Earlier, such opposition unit (Third front) was forged, at least on paper, to challenge the duopoly of BJP and Congress. But in recent times, Congress has also joined the smaller parties after witnessing its vote count shrink considerably in the last two general elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

38 vs 26: India's ruling NDA and opposition parties hold meetings to assert dominance

<p>The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3). This comes a day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in the Indian state of Maharashtra and joined the NDA government.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the upcoming meeting</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement was made by Indian National Congress (INC) General Secretary KC Venugopal in a tweet which said, “After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-reacts-to-nephew-ajits-rebellion-says-some-fell-pray-to-bjps-tactics-611430">NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell pray to BJP's tactics'</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.” The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place on July 13-14 in Bengaluru but it was postponed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.<br />
<br />
We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.</p>
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1675776442398035968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prior to this, the opposition meeting was supposed to take place in Shimla but the venue was changed to Bengaluru, said Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, last week. This also comes after Venugopal told ANI that Ajit Pawar’s rebellion is “not going to affect opposition unity,” and it is “NCP’s issue.”</p>

<h2><strong>Ajit Pawar’s move in Maharashtra</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of the opposition meeting comes a day after NCP senior leader Ajit Pawar crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state, a post he will share with the current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncps-ajit-pawar-joins-nda-government-takes-oath-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-611044">India: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing the NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in the Indian city of Karad in Maharashtra, party chief Sharad Pawar, on Monday, said, “We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he did not mention Ajit Pawar who caused the split in the NCP. The NCP chief earlier also said he would sit with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray to “assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again.”<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3).

The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3). This comes a day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in the Indian state of Maharashtra and joined the NDA government. About the upcoming meeting The announcement was made by Indian National Congress (INC) General Secretary KC Venugopal in a tweet which said, “After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.” ALSO READ | NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell pray to BJP's tactics' He added, “We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.” The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place on July 13-14 in Bengaluru but it was postponed. After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023. We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward. — K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) July 3, 2023 × Prior to this, the opposition meeting was supposed to take place in Shimla but the venue was changed to Bengaluru, said Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, last week. This also comes after Venugopal told ANI that Ajit Pawar’s rebellion is “not going to affect opposition unity,” and it is “NCP’s issue.” Ajit Pawar’s move in Maharashtra The announcement of the opposition meeting comes a day after NCP senior leader Ajit Pawar crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state, a post he will share with the current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. ALSO READ | India: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Addressing the NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in the Indian city of Karad in Maharashtra, party chief Sharad Pawar, on Monday, said, “We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked.” However, he did not mention Ajit Pawar who caused the split in the NCP. The NCP chief earlier also said he would sit with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray to “assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian opposition parties to meet on July 17-18 in Bengaluru, says Congress party

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<p>Suresh Dhanorkar, Congress's lone Lok Sabha member from Chandrapur, passed away at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. It was a huge blow to the Congress party in Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, the 47-year-old Chandrapur MP, also known as 'Balu' Dhanorkar, was admitted to a hospital in Nagpur for kidney stone treatment. However, his condition worsened, and he was taken to Delhi in an air ambulance on Monday, May 29. But he passed away on Tuesday morning.</p>

<p>Many political leaders expressed their condolences on his demise. "We have lost a mass leader at a very early age at a time when his political career was shaping up. It is a personal loss to me and I share the grief with his family," said former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan.</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about Suresh Dhanorkar, also known as Balubhau and the only MP from Maharashtra Congress.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/india-who-is-bimal-patel-ace-architect-who-designed-the-new-parliament-building-598209">India: Who is Bimal Patel? Ace architect who designed the new Parliament building</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Suresh Dhanorkar's Political Career</strong></h2>

<p>Suresh Narayan Dhanorkar, also known as Balubhau, was born on July 4, 1975. He was an Indian politician who served as a member of Lok Sabha from Chandrapur constituency. He was a key member of the Indian National Congres as he was the only candidate from the political party to be elected as a member of parliament from Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suresh Dhanorkar began his political career with Balasaheb Thackray-led Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. He was nominated as the Lok Sabha candidate after he resigned as MLA from Shiv Sena and joined the INC. Balubhau had earlier also served as the president of Shiv Sena in Chandrapur district. In 2014, Dhanorkar won the elections for Shiv Sena and became an MLA from the Warora-Bhadrawati constituency. However, he left Shiv Sena and joined Congress. In 2019, he won the elections again from Chandrapur, Lok Sabha constituency.</p>

<h2><strong>Suresh Dhanorkar's Family</strong></h2>

<p>Suresh Dhanorkar is survived by his wife and two sons. His wife, Pratibha Dhanorkar, is also a Congress leader and the MLA from the Warora-Bhadrawati assembly segment in Chandrapur.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Suresh Dhanorkar's Cause of Death</strong></h2>

<p>Suresh Dhanorkar, the lone MP of Maharashtra Congress, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, due to kidney stone complications. His passing is a setback for the Congress party in the Vidarbha region. It is also a double tragedy for his family as Suresh's father, Narayan Dhanorkar, passed away on Saturday last week. According to the party sources, Dhanorkar's mortal remains would be brought to Warora by a special aeroplane and his last rites are to take place on Wednesday, May 31, in Warora, the constituency his first fought election from.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Suresh Dhanorkar, Congress's lone Lok Sabha member from Chandrapur, passed away at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. It was a huge blow to the Congress party in Maharashtra.

Suresh Dhanorkar, Congress's lone Lok Sabha member from Chandrapur, passed away at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. It was a huge blow to the Congress party in Maharashtra. Last week, the 47-year-old Chandrapur MP, also known as 'Balu' Dhanorkar, was admitted to a hospital in Nagpur for kidney stone treatment. However, his condition worsened, and he was taken to Delhi in an air ambulance on Monday, May 29. But he passed away on Tuesday morning. Many political leaders expressed their condolences on his demise. "We have lost a mass leader at a very early age at a time when his political career was shaping up. It is a personal loss to me and I share the grief with his family," said former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan. Here's everything you need to know about Suresh Dhanorkar, also known as Balubhau and the only MP from Maharashtra Congress. ALSO READ | India: Who is Bimal Patel? Ace architect who designed the new Parliament building Suresh Dhanorkar's Political Career Suresh Narayan Dhanorkar, also known as Balubhau, was born on July 4, 1975. He was an Indian politician who served as a member of Lok Sabha from Chandrapur constituency. He was a key member of the Indian National Congres as he was the only candidate from the political party to be elected as a member of parliament from Maharashtra. Suresh Dhanorkar began his political career with Balasaheb Thackray-led Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. He was nominated as the Lok Sabha candidate after he resigned as MLA from Shiv Sena and joined the INC. Balubhau had earlier also served as the president of Shiv Sena in Chandrapur district. In 2014, Dhanorkar won the elections for Shiv Sena and became an MLA from the Warora-Bhadrawati constituency. However, he left Shiv Sena and joined Congress. In 2019, he won the elections again from Chandrapur, Lok Sabha constituency. Suresh Dhanorkar's Family Suresh Dhanorkar is survived by his wife and two sons. His wife, Pratibha Dhanorkar, is also a Congress leader and the MLA from the Warora-Bhadrawati assembly segment in Chandrapur. Suresh Dhanorkar's Cause of Death Suresh Dhanorkar, the lone MP of Maharashtra Congress, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, due to kidney stone complications. His passing is a setback for the Congress party in the Vidarbha region. It is also a double tragedy for his family as Suresh's father, Narayan Dhanorkar, passed away on Saturday last week. According to the party sources, Dhanorkar's mortal remains would be brought to Warora by a special aeroplane and his last rites are to take place on Wednesday, May 31, in Warora, the constituency his first fought election from. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who was Suresh 'Balubhau' Dhanorkar? Lone Congress Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra dies at 47

<p>According to a report in the New York Post, the House Oversight Committee has been discussing presenting foreign and American prostitutes, who were sexually engaged with United States President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, before Congress.</p>

<p>“We’re going to track down these women and talk to them and if there is a credible reason that we need to bring them in front of the Oversight Committee then absolutely we will do that. Especially when it involves our national security,” stated Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Gerogia.</p>

<p>“I’ve been talking about it with (committee) Chairman (James) Comer and we’re already working in that direction,” the Republican congresswoman added.</p>

<p>Greene is among the few people who have been authorised to view Suspicious Activity Reports (SARS) of the bank related to Hunter Biden and other family members.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-year-long-hunter-biden-probe-nears-decision-what-is-the-controversy-588735">EXPLAINED | Four-year-long Hunter Biden probe nears decision on pressing charges. What is the controversy?</a></p>

<p>Many of the alleged payments, included in SARS and related to Hunter Biden, were made to sex workers who were from Russia and Ukraine.</p>

<p>A number of the summary pages include the terms, “this is a known prostitution ring” and “human sex trafficking,” recalled Greene from the reports she viewed.</p>

<p>“There was an entire stack of papers and it was each transaction, each person, each LLC, Hunter Biden’s law firm, Hunter Biden himself, and multiple Biden family members — then it was all these prostitutes. And you can go through and it gives all the prostitutes’ names, addresses, birthdates, telephone numbers, their passports,” Greene stated.</p>

<p>“We need to talk to them, especially the ones from Russia and Ukraine. … We need to find out where they were with Hunter Biden. Did they go in the White House when (Joe Biden) was Vice President? We just need to know these things. Where they’ve been, what they know, what they’ve seen, what they’ve heard,” she added.</p>

<p>Greene further warned there was “an extreme danger” that a few women Hunter was involved with could have been spies. She claimed there are chances that sensitive information has been compromised, “especially given the fact that our country is funding a proxy war with Russian in Ukraine”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga</strong></p>

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<p>The lurid relationships of Hunter Biden with various prostitutes have been well-documented on his infamous laptop. As per media reports, Biden was paying thousands of dollars every night to high-end escorts at lux locations in the country.</p>

<p>The committee issued a statement about the investigation being carried out by Greene, which is focused on sex trafficking.</p>

<p>“Congresswoman Greene is very concerned about the possibility that the women being paid for prostitution by the President’s son who were foreign nationals were human trafficked. She plans to lead a probe to determine if in fact they were human trafficked and if the Biden family has tried to intimidate them or cover the story up,” the statement read.</p>

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According to a report in the New York Post, the House Oversight Committee has been discussing presenting foreign and American prostitutes, who were sexually engaged with United States President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, before Congress.

According to a report in the New York Post, the House Oversight Committee has been discussing presenting foreign and American prostitutes, who were sexually engaged with United States President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, before Congress. “We’re going to track down these women and talk to them and if there is a credible reason that we need to bring them in front of the Oversight Committee then absolutely we will do that. Especially when it involves our national security,” stated Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Gerogia. “I’ve been talking about it with (committee) Chairman (James) Comer and we’re already working in that direction,” the Republican congresswoman added. Greene is among the few people who have been authorised to view Suspicious Activity Reports (SARS) of the bank related to Hunter Biden and other family members. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Four-year-long Hunter Biden probe nears decision on pressing charges. What is the controversy? Many of the alleged payments, included in SARS and related to Hunter Biden, were made to sex workers who were from Russia and Ukraine. A number of the summary pages include the terms, “this is a known prostitution ring” and “human sex trafficking,” recalled Greene from the reports she viewed. “There was an entire stack of papers and it was each transaction, each person, each LLC, Hunter Biden’s law firm, Hunter Biden himself, and multiple Biden family members — then it was all these prostitutes. And you can go through and it gives all the prostitutes’ names, addresses, birthdates, telephone numbers, their passports,” Greene stated. “We need to talk to them, especially the ones from Russia and Ukraine. … We need to find out where they were with Hunter Biden. Did they go in the White House when (Joe Biden) was Vice President? We just need to know these things. Where they’ve been, what they know, what they’ve seen, what they’ve heard,” she added. Greene further warned there was “an extreme danger” that a few women Hunter was involved with could have been spies. She claimed there are chances that sensitive information has been compromised, “especially given the fact that our country is funding a proxy war with Russian in Ukraine”. WATCH | US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga The lurid relationships of Hunter Biden with various prostitutes have been well-documented on his infamous laptop. As per media reports, Biden was paying thousands of dollars every night to high-end escorts at lux locations in the country. The committee issued a statement about the investigation being carried out by Greene, which is focused on sex trafficking. “Congresswoman Greene is very concerned about the possibility that the women being paid for prostitution by the President’s son who were foreign nationals were human trafficked. She plans to lead a probe to determine if in fact they were human trafficked and if the Biden family has tried to intimidate them or cover the story up,” the statement read. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sex workers allegedly seen with Hunter Biden may testify before Congress, says Republican leader

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<p>Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks. The party has requested the EC to register an FIR against Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader on Saturday said, "Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her statement immediately riled up the BJP brass in Karnataka which took offence to Gandhi's usage of the word 'sovereignity'. Calling the statement 'divisive', BJP attached images of a tweet from Congress's official Twitter handle that reads, "CPP chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas."</p>

<p>"The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India. The statement is divisive in nature and it is aimed at dividing the citizens and creating rift between two people of different states. Karnataka is not different from India. This is a shocking statement leading to igniting divisive sentiments," read the official complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Definition of sovereignty is an independent nation. India is a sovereign country and Karnataka is a proud part of it," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-assembly-election-2023-campaigning-for-polls-to-end-today-590210"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Assembly Election 2023: Campaigning for polls to end today</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>War of words between Congress, BJP</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when BJP and Congress leaders have traded blows over contentious statements in the lead-up to the assembly polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake'. However, after clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal returned the favour by calling former Congress president Sonia Gandhi a&nbsp;<em>'vishkanya'</em>&nbsp;(poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan.</p>

<p>“The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poison-politics-continues-in-karnataka-bjp-mla-calls-sonia-gandhi-vishkanya-586974" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya'</strong></a></p>

<p>The state and its 224 constituencies go&nbsp;to poll in a single phase on May 10 with the canvassing process set to end on Monday (May 8). The result will be declared three days later on May 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks.

Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks. The party has requested the EC to register an FIR against Gandhi. The Congress leader on Saturday said, "Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity." Her statement immediately riled up the BJP brass in Karnataka which took offence to Gandhi's usage of the word 'sovereignity'. Calling the statement 'divisive', BJP attached images of a tweet from Congress's official Twitter handle that reads, "CPP chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas." "The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India. The statement is divisive in nature and it is aimed at dividing the citizens and creating rift between two people of different states. Karnataka is not different from India. This is a shocking statement leading to igniting divisive sentiments," read the official complaint. "Definition of sovereignty is an independent nation. India is a sovereign country and Karnataka is a proud part of it," it added. WATCH | Karnataka Assembly Election 2023: Campaigning for polls to end today × War of words between Congress, BJP This is not the first instance when BJP and Congress leaders have traded blows over contentious statements in the lead-up to the assembly polls. Last month, leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake'. However, after clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents." Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal returned the favour by calling former Congress president Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya' (poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan. “The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal. ALSO READ | India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya' The state and its 224 constituencies go to poll in a single phase on May 10 with the canvassing process set to end on Monday (May 8). The result will be declared three days later on May 13. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Karnataka assembly election: BJP files complaint with poll body against Sonia Gandhi's 'sovereignty' remark

<p>The Congress on Tuesday (May 2) released its manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election.&nbsp;The manifesto was released by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar and party spokesperson Pawan Khera.&nbsp;The document has listed five guarantees for the voters if the party wins the election. The guarantees include providing 200 units of free electricity to all houses, free travel to women in KSRTC/BMTC buses and providing Rs 2,000 to each and every woman head of the family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congress will sympathetically consider an extension of OPS to the pensionable government employees who joined service since 2006, to fill unapproved vacancies in all Government Departments within one year," the manifesto reads.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-election-bjp-releases-poll-manifesto-promises-uniform-civil-code-in-state-587708">Karnataka assembly election: BJP releases poll manifesto, promises Uniform Civil Code in state</a></strong></p>

<p>"Congress party in its manifesto promises to provide 500 litres of tax-free diesel every year for deep sea fishing and to provide Rs 6,000 to all marine fishermen as a lean period allowance during the fishing holiday also to purchase cow dung at Rs.3 per kg and establish compost/manure centres in villages involving rural women/Youth," it adds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress party in its manifesto promises to ensure that the works begin within 90 days of the issue of the work order, get the work completed within the time specified in the contract and settle the bills of the contractors within the time frame of contractual agreement and to…</p>
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<p>The party has promised to ensure that works begin&nbsp;within 90 days of the issue of the work order, the work gets completed within the time specified in the contract and settle the bills of the contractors within the time frame of the agreement and also provide&nbsp;a special allowance of Rs 5000 per month to police officials on night duty and one month's extra pay per year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress has promised&nbsp;to increase the ceiling and reservation from 50% to 75% to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/Minority/ and other communities like Lingayat and Vokkliggas.</p>

<p>The party has also proposed that it would take decisive action as per law including banning organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, the Popular Front of India (PFI) and others. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(BJP) hit out at this promise of the Congress. Addressing a press conference, Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Congress of appeasing Muslims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PFI is already banned. Siddaramaiah govt withdrew cases of PFI. So they are saying that to appease Muslims they will ban Bajrang Dal. Congress is saying that PFI can't say that we will take revenge. Congress' manifesto looks like the manifesto of PFI and fundamentalist Muslim organisations," Sarma said, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PFI is already banned. Siddaramaiah govt withdrew cases of PFI. So they are saying that to appease Muslims they will ban Bajrang Dal. Congress is saying that PFI can't say that we will take revenge. Congress' manifesto looks like the manifesto of PFI and fundamentalist… <a href="https://t.co/8rNrBszwxn">pic.twitter.com/8rNrBszwxn</a></p>
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<p>The assembly election in Karnataka will be held on May 10. The counting of votes and declaration of results will be on May 13.&nbsp;The top contenders this time are the BJP, the Congress, and the&nbsp;Janata Dal (Secular).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the BJP released its manifesto where one of the key highlights was the implementation of&nbsp;the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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The Congress on Tuesday (May 2) released its manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election. The manifesto was released by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar and party spokesperson Pawan Khera.

The Congress on Tuesday (May 2) released its manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election. The manifesto was released by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar and party spokesperson Pawan Khera. The document has listed five guarantees for the voters if the party wins the election. The guarantees include providing 200 units of free electricity to all houses, free travel to women in KSRTC/BMTC buses and providing Rs 2,000 to each and every woman head of the family. "Congress will sympathetically consider an extension of OPS to the pensionable government employees who joined service since 2006, to fill unapproved vacancies in all Government Departments within one year," the manifesto reads. ALSO READ | Karnataka assembly election: BJP releases poll manifesto, promises Uniform Civil Code in state "Congress party in its manifesto promises to provide 500 litres of tax-free diesel every year for deep sea fishing and to provide Rs 6,000 to all marine fishermen as a lean period allowance during the fishing holiday also to purchase cow dung at Rs.3 per kg and establish compost/manure centres in villages involving rural women/Youth," it adds. Congress party in its manifesto promises to ensure that the works begin within 90 days of the issue of the work order, get the work completed within the time specified in the contract and settle the bills of the contractors within the time frame of contractual agreement and to… — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023 × The party has promised to ensure that works begin within 90 days of the issue of the work order, the work gets completed within the time specified in the contract and settle the bills of the contractors within the time frame of the agreement and also provide a special allowance of Rs 5000 per month to police officials on night duty and one month's extra pay per year. The Congress has promised to increase the ceiling and reservation from 50% to 75% to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/Minority/ and other communities like Lingayat and Vokkliggas. The party has also proposed that it would take decisive action as per law including banning organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, the Popular Front of India (PFI) and others. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at this promise of the Congress. Addressing a press conference, Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Congress of appeasing Muslims. "PFI is already banned. Siddaramaiah govt withdrew cases of PFI. So they are saying that to appease Muslims they will ban Bajrang Dal. Congress is saying that PFI can't say that we will take revenge. Congress' manifesto looks like the manifesto of PFI and fundamentalist Muslim organisations," Sarma said, the news agency ANI reported. #WATCH | PFI is already banned. Siddaramaiah govt withdrew cases of PFI. So they are saying that to appease Muslims they will ban Bajrang Dal. Congress is saying that PFI can't say that we will take revenge. Congress' manifesto looks like the manifesto of PFI and fundamentalist… pic.twitter.com/8rNrBszwxn — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023 × The assembly election in Karnataka will be held on May 10. The counting of votes and declaration of results will be on May 13. The top contenders this time are the BJP, the Congress, and the Janata Dal (Secular). On Monday, the BJP released its manifesto where one of the key highlights was the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Karnataka assembly election 2023: Congress unveils manifesto, promises 200 units of free electricity

<p>The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The lack of funds to pay US’ debt obligations could trigger a catastrophic default.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What does Biden plan on doing?</strong></p>

<p>A brief statement by the White House said that the president has invited House of Representatives Speaker, Kevin McCarthy and Democratic leaders of Congress “to a meeting at the White House on May 9.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a person familiar with the plans told Reuters that Biden has invited House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell to talk about the debt ceiling and federal spending.</p>

<p>This comes after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April,&nbsp;that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The Department of Transportation has warned that the move&nbsp;would shut hundreds of air traffic control towers.</p>

<p>Additionally, the Republican bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit. However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and while Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, if the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy. This also comes as the US hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What did Yellen say?</strong></p>

<p>In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers, on Monday,&nbsp;Yellen said, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.” .</p>

<p>She added, “Given the current projections, it is imperative that Congress act as soon as possible to increase or suspend the debt limit in a way that provides longer-term certainty that the government will continue to make its payments.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The early June date has more or less remained unchanged from the previous estimate issued in January which said that the government could run out of cash on June 5. She also urged Congress to act quickly to raise the limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yellen said that federal receipts and outlays are “inherently variable” and that the Treasury might exhaust its “extraordinary measures” a number of weeks later than these estimates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available,” Yellen wrote in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase.

The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The lack of funds to pay US’ debt obligations could trigger a catastrophic default. What does Biden plan on doing? A brief statement by the White House said that the president has invited House of Representatives Speaker, Kevin McCarthy and Democratic leaders of Congress “to a meeting at the White House on May 9.” Meanwhile, a person familiar with the plans told Reuters that Biden has invited House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell to talk about the debt ceiling and federal spending. This comes after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April, that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The Department of Transportation has warned that the move would shut hundreds of air traffic control towers. Additionally, the Republican bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit. However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation. Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and while Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default. Furthermore, if the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy. This also comes as the US hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January. What did Yellen say? In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers, on Monday, Yellen said, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.” . She added, “Given the current projections, it is imperative that Congress act as soon as possible to increase or suspend the debt limit in a way that provides longer-term certainty that the government will continue to make its payments.” The early June date has more or less remained unchanged from the previous estimate issued in January which said that the government could run out of cash on June 5. She also urged Congress to act quickly to raise the limit. Yellen said that federal receipts and outlays are “inherently variable” and that the Treasury might exhaust its “extraordinary measures” a number of weeks later than these estimates. “It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available,” Yellen wrote in the letter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US debt ceiling: Amid Yellen's warning, Biden invites House speaker, Congress leaders for talks

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<p>A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour. Basanagouda Yatnal, an MLA from Bijapur City called Congress' former president Sonia Gandhi a&nbsp;<em>'vishkanya'</em>&nbsp;(poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan.</p>

<p>“The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Congress responds</strong></h2>

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was the first leader to respond to Yatnal's attack.</p>

<p>“A Karnataka BJP MLA has called Sonia Gandhi a '<em>vishkanya</em>'. People want to know what PM Modi and Amit Shah have to say on this issue,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-2023-pre-poll-surveys-herald-hung-verdict-will-jds-emerge-as-kingmaker-586602" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Pre-poll surveys herald hung verdict; Will JDS emerge as kingmaker?</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary of All India Congress Committee, Karnataka said BJP was showing its ugly side, fearing a rout in the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Facing a complete rout in the assembly elections, BJP leadership is frustrated to the core and is hurling filth and muck, which is the product of their ugly character and dirty mindset of denigrating and insulting the Congress Leadership. They have lost all sense of propriety, political balance and even a remote iota of decency and decorum."</p>

<p>Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal took to Twitter and launched another attack on BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Every election, they hurl new abuses to insult Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, who has led her entire life with utmost dignity and grace. BJP continues to stoop to new lows, with their filthy language against our leaders. Modi ji, do you endorse these words?” he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kharge apologises</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, it was the leader of opposition Kharge who crossed the line and insulted the PM. After clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">BJP की विचारधारा विभाजनकारी, वैमनस्यपूर्ण तथा ग़रीबों व दलितों के प्रति नफ़रत व पूर्वाग्रह से भरी है।<br />
<br />
मैंने इसी नफ़रत व द्वेष की राजनीति की चर्चा की। मेरा बयान न व्यक्तिगत तौर से प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी के लिये था ना किसी और व्यक्ति विशेष के लिए..</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1651560019458940931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/karnataka-elections-2023-why-is-congress-accusing-amit-shah-of-insulting-kannadigas-586339" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Why is Congress accusing Amit Shah of insulting Kannadigas?</strong></a></p>

<p>The trading of uncouth statements from both parties comes days ahead of the assembly election. The state goes to poll on May 10 with the results set to come out three days later. With elections due in the Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later this year, both parties are aiming to wrestle for the initial advantage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour.

A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour. Basanagouda Yatnal, an MLA from Bijapur City called Congress' former president Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya' (poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan. “The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal. Congress responds Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was the first leader to respond to Yatnal's attack. “A Karnataka BJP MLA has called Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya'. People want to know what PM Modi and Amit Shah have to say on this issue,” he said. ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Pre-poll surveys herald hung verdict; Will JDS emerge as kingmaker? Meanwhile, Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary of All India Congress Committee, Karnataka said BJP was showing its ugly side, fearing a rout in the election. “Facing a complete rout in the assembly elections, BJP leadership is frustrated to the core and is hurling filth and muck, which is the product of their ugly character and dirty mindset of denigrating and insulting the Congress Leadership. They have lost all sense of propriety, political balance and even a remote iota of decency and decorum." Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal took to Twitter and launched another attack on BJP. “Every election, they hurl new abuses to insult Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, who has led her entire life with utmost dignity and grace. BJP continues to stoop to new lows, with their filthy language against our leaders. Modi ji, do you endorse these words?” he tweeted. Kharge apologises On Thursday, it was the leader of opposition Kharge who crossed the line and insulted the PM. After clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents." BJP की विचारधारा विभाजनकारी, वैमनस्यपूर्ण तथा ग़रीबों व दलितों के प्रति नफ़रत व पूर्वाग्रह से भरी है। मैंने इसी नफ़रत व द्वेष की राजनीति की चर्चा की। मेरा बयान न व्यक्तिगत तौर से प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी के लिये था ना किसी और व्यक्ति विशेष के लिए.. — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 27, 2023 × ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Why is Congress accusing Amit Shah of insulting Kannadigas? The trading of uncouth statements from both parties comes days ahead of the assembly election. The state goes to poll on May 10 with the results set to come out three days later. With elections due in the Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later this year, both parties are aiming to wrestle for the initial advantage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya'

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