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<p>Several vehicles, which were parked outside the office of Congress in the Amethi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, were found vandalised on Sunday (May 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the police said that the incident is being investigated, the Congress held the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party responsible for the attack, in which reportedly some of the Congress workers also suffered injuries.</p>

<p>The Congress, taking to social media platform X, claimed that while “vehicles of local people were also damaged, the police administration remained a mute spectator”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">यूपी के अमेठी में स्मृति ईरानी और BJP के कार्यकर्ता बुरी तरह डरे हुए हैं।<br />
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सामने दिख रही हार से बौखलाए BJP के गुंडे लाठी-डंडों से लैस होकर अमेठी में कांग्रेस कार्यालय के बाहर पहुंचे और वहां खड़ी गाड़ियों में तोड़फोड़ की।<br />
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कांग्रेस के कार्यकर्ताओं और अमेठी के लोगों पर भी जानलेवा… <a href="https://t.co/Knv7BBN8bk">pic.twitter.com/Knv7BBN8bk</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1787193537618133137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Smriti Irani&nbsp;and BJP workers are badly scared in&nbsp;Amethi, UP. Frustrated over the defeat they saw, BJP goons armed with sticks and rods reached outside the Congress office in Amethi and vandalised vehicles parked there. There was an attack on Congress workers and the people of Amethi. Many people are badly injured in this attack… This incident shows that the BJP is going to lose badly in Amethi,” wrote the Congress in a post, in which they also shared a video recording of the alleged act of vandalism.</p>

<h2><strong>Congress calls police&nbsp;'a silent spectator' amid vandalism&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate claimed that the police were a silent spectator when the BJP workers carried out their hooliganism.</p>

<p>“The wind has changed, breaking vehicles will not solve the problem, BJP people!” wrote Supriya Shrinate on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">अमेठी में कांग्रेस कार्यालय के बाहर खड़ी गाड़ियों की तोड़फोड़ की गई<br />
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पुलिस मूकदर्शक बनी रही और भाजपाई गुंडागर्दी करते रहे<br />
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हवा का रुख़ बदल गया है, गाड़ियाँ तोड़ने से बात नहीं बनेगी भाजपाईयों!<a href="https://t.co/9Qxh5Sk6NY">pic.twitter.com/9Qxh5Sk6NY</a></p>
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupriyaShrinate/status/1787188777972068497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In response to Supriya Shrinate's post, the Amethi Police said, “On the basis of&nbsp;the complaint received at the Gauriganj police station, necessary legal action is being taken by registering a case under the relevant sections.”</p>

<p>Speaking about vandalism of vehicles, SP Amethi Anoop Kumar Singh said, "Congress District Office called us up last night that a few people broke glasses of the vehicles parked outside. Taking cognisance of the incident,&nbsp;Police&nbsp;force was sent to the spot...Force is stationed there.&nbsp;Situation&nbsp;was brought to normalcy. A complaint was filed by one Saddam Hussain that his vehicle was vandalised and that stones were pelted&nbsp;at him&nbsp;which caused a head injury. FIR has been registered...CCTV footage is being examined. Necessary action will be taken."</p>

<p>The BJP has not yet reacted to the incident. Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma&nbsp;has been fielded by the party to fight elections against BJP leader Smriti Irani from Amethi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amethi was one of the bastions of the Gandhi family till Rahul Gandhi was defeated by Smriti Irani in Amethi in the last Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;Amethi will go to polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 scheduled for May 20.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Several vehicles, which were parked outside the office of Congress in the Amethi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, were found vandalised on Sunday (May 5). Although the police said that the incident is being investigated, the Congress held the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party responsible for the attack, in which reportedly some of the Congress workers also suffered injuries.

Several vehicles, which were parked outside the office of Congress in the Amethi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, were found vandalised on Sunday (May 5). Although the police said that the incident is being investigated, the Congress held the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party responsible for the attack, in which reportedly some of the Congress workers also suffered injuries. The Congress, taking to social media platform X, claimed that while “vehicles of local people were also damaged, the police administration remained a mute spectator”. यूपी के अमेठी में स्मृति ईरानी और BJP के कार्यकर्ता बुरी तरह डरे हुए हैं। सामने दिख रही हार से बौखलाए BJP के गुंडे लाठी-डंडों से लैस होकर अमेठी में कांग्रेस कार्यालय के बाहर पहुंचे और वहां खड़ी गाड़ियों में तोड़फोड़ की। कांग्रेस के कार्यकर्ताओं और अमेठी के लोगों पर भी जानलेवा… pic.twitter.com/Knv7BBN8bk — Congress (@INCIndia) May 5, 2024 × “Smriti Irani and BJP workers are badly scared in Amethi, UP. Frustrated over the defeat they saw, BJP goons armed with sticks and rods reached outside the Congress office in Amethi and vandalised vehicles parked there. There was an attack on Congress workers and the people of Amethi. Many people are badly injured in this attack… This incident shows that the BJP is going to lose badly in Amethi,” wrote the Congress in a post, in which they also shared a video recording of the alleged act of vandalism. Congress calls police 'a silent spectator' amid vandalism Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate claimed that the police were a silent spectator when the BJP workers carried out their hooliganism. “The wind has changed, breaking vehicles will not solve the problem, BJP people!” wrote Supriya Shrinate on X. अमेठी में कांग्रेस कार्यालय के बाहर खड़ी गाड़ियों की तोड़फोड़ की गई पुलिस मूकदर्शक बनी रही और भाजपाई गुंडागर्दी करते रहे हवा का रुख़ बदल गया है, गाड़ियाँ तोड़ने से बात नहीं बनेगी भाजपाईयों!pic.twitter.com/9Qxh5Sk6NY — Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) May 5, 2024 × In response to Supriya Shrinate's post, the Amethi Police said, “On the basis of the complaint received at the Gauriganj police station, necessary legal action is being taken by registering a case under the relevant sections.” Speaking about vandalism of vehicles, SP Amethi Anoop Kumar Singh said, "Congress District Office called us up last night that a few people broke glasses of the vehicles parked outside. Taking cognisance of the incident, Police force was sent to the spot...Force is stationed there. Situation was brought to normalcy. A complaint was filed by one Saddam Hussain that his vehicle was vandalised and that stones were pelted at him which caused a head injury. FIR has been registered...CCTV footage is being examined. Necessary action will be taken." The BJP has not yet reacted to the incident. Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma has been fielded by the party to fight elections against BJP leader Smriti Irani from Amethi. Amethi was one of the bastions of the Gandhi family till Rahul Gandhi was defeated by Smriti Irani in Amethi in the last Lok Sabha elections. Amethi will go to polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 scheduled for May 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress blames BJP's Smriti Irani for vandalising their vehicles in Amethi

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The Congress party office in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi was attacked. Some miscreants vandalised several vehicles parked outside the office. They fled after creating a stir, triggering a protest by party workers.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli constituency, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat on Friday. Watch in for more details!

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Congress fielded Rahul Gandhi from UP's Raebareli, earlier represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi. In Amethi, the party has fielded Kishori Lal Sharma. The party announced its decision just hours ahead of the deadline of filing nomination.

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Ending days of suspense, Congress has decided to field candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Watch to know more.

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After weeks of speculation about who will face the action-packed contest in the Amethi seat for India's Uttar Pradesh. Just a short while ago sources revealed that Rahul Gandhi has expressed his willingness to contest elections from Amethi. The development came just shortly after Gandhi met Congress Party Chief Malikarjun Kharge.

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With just three days to go for the last day of filing nominations for the seats, the Congress has kept the suspense going for the prestigious Amethi and Raebareli constituencies, not naming candidates for them in the latest list of names for the Lok Sabha polls released on Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024 | Congress' new list: No names for Amethi, Raebareli

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<p>Wealth redistribution has been a highly&nbsp;debated issue between the government and the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court has also appointed a nine-judge bench to interpret the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in terms of material resource ownership and management.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the current debate?</strong></h2>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Lok Sabha campaign said that there will be a financial survey to determine the distribution of wealth&nbsp;in the country for addressing the issue of inequality. The ruling BJP targeted Gandhi and alleged that Congress, if elected, would bring back the "socialistic model"&nbsp;of economics and hinder India's growth as an economy.</p>

<h2><strong>India's e</strong>conomic policy shifts<strong>: Now vs. then</strong></h2>

<p>In the first four decades following independence, the governments in India&nbsp;used "socialistic model" of economics. The economic policies resulted in the nationalisation of banks and insurance, exceptionally high direct tax rates (up to 97%), estate duty on inheritance, wealth tax, and so on. The objective behind these policies at the time was to reduce inequality and redistribute wealth among the poor&nbsp;who made up the bulk of the population. However, such policies impeded growth and led to the concealing of income/wealth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the country has transitioned from a closed economy to one of&nbsp;liberalisation,&nbsp; globalisation&nbsp;and&nbsp;privatisation. The market-driven economy has resulted in more resources for the government, which has aided in lifting people out of poverty.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Supreme Court-appointed 9-judge bench say?</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining the question of whether private property would constitute material resources of the community as mentioned in Article 39(b), stated that the provision should not be interpreted so broadly that no private rights are protected at all.</p>

<p>The bench comprised CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justices Hrishikesh Roy, B V Nagarathna, Sudhanshu Dhulia, J B Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Rajesh Bindal, Satish Chandra Sharma&nbsp; and&nbsp;Augustine George Masih.</p>

<p>“We will be sending a message across because what we write will send a message of what India is and what India aspires to be…We do not want to dilute the constitutional social significance of 39 (b) and (c). It’s there for us, given to us. At the same time, we should not be sending a message by interpreting 39(b) in such a wide sense that there is no protection of private rights in the society at all,” Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, presiding over the bench, said.</p>

<p>“It would be rather extreme to interpret Article 39(b) to include privately-owned property as material resources of the community," the bench said.</p>

<p>“The dynamics of economic development have changed from socialist pattern to a free market economy since the 1990s and now private investments hold the key. If we want to have a productive economy, then private investment must be encouraged. In the 1950s, no one had envisaged that electricity would be distributed by private parties. In the present scenario, it would be extremely unfair to argue that community resources include all private properties,” it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidzxL0nvZjqbPi" /><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indias-former-judges-write-letter-to-cji-urging-top-court-to-counter-political-pressure-711511" target="_blank">India’s former judges write to CJI, urge him to counter political pressure, efforts to undermine judiciary</a></strong></p>

<p>He also questioned, “How will we attract private investment if we say that there is no protection of private rights.”</p>

<h2><strong>What did Solicitor General Tushar Mehta say?</strong></h2>

<p>Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who agreed with the CJI said, "It would be a rustic and juvenile method to propose computing the nation’s wealth by totalling the wealth of every citizen and then distributing it equally among a particular section. Such ideas reflect a lack of understanding of economic development, governance, social welfare, and the nation.”</p>

<p>The allusion to the nine judges stems from the 1978 ruling in 'The State of Karnataka And Anr Etc against Shri Ranganatha Reddy &amp; Anr', which presented two opposing viewpoints. The lawsuit concerned the nationalisation of road transport services. Justice V R Krishna Iyer believed that the community's material resources would comprise both natural and man-made resources, as well as publicly and privately owned assets.</p>

<p>“The formulation by Justice Krishna Iyer is a little too extreme. What that says (is) since the community consists of individuals and therefore every individual is a part of the community, the material resources of the community would therefore also mean resources of the individual,” the CJI said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Wealth redistribution has been a highly debated issue between the government and the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court has also appointed a nine-judge bench to interpret the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in terms of material resource ownership and management.

Wealth redistribution has been a highly debated issue between the government and the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court has also appointed a nine-judge bench to interpret the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in terms of material resource ownership and management. What is the current debate? Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Lok Sabha campaign said that there will be a financial survey to determine the distribution of wealth in the country for addressing the issue of inequality. The ruling BJP targeted Gandhi and alleged that Congress, if elected, would bring back the "socialistic model" of economics and hinder India's growth as an economy. India's economic policy shifts: Now vs. then In the first four decades following independence, the governments in India used "socialistic model" of economics. The economic policies resulted in the nationalisation of banks and insurance, exceptionally high direct tax rates (up to 97%), estate duty on inheritance, wealth tax, and so on. The objective behind these policies at the time was to reduce inequality and redistribute wealth among the poor who made up the bulk of the population. However, such policies impeded growth and led to the concealing of income/wealth. Since then, the country has transitioned from a closed economy to one of liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation. The market-driven economy has resulted in more resources for the government, which has aided in lifting people out of poverty. What did the Supreme Court-appointed 9-judge bench say? On Tuesday, a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining the question of whether private property would constitute material resources of the community as mentioned in Article 39(b), stated that the provision should not be interpreted so broadly that no private rights are protected at all. The bench comprised CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justices Hrishikesh Roy, B V Nagarathna, Sudhanshu Dhulia, J B Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Rajesh Bindal, Satish Chandra Sharma and Augustine George Masih. “We will be sending a message across because what we write will send a message of what India is and what India aspires to be…We do not want to dilute the constitutional social significance of 39 (b) and (c). It’s there for us, given to us. At the same time, we should not be sending a message by interpreting 39(b) in such a wide sense that there is no protection of private rights in the society at all,” Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, presiding over the bench, said. “It would be rather extreme to interpret Article 39(b) to include privately-owned property as material resources of the community," the bench said. “The dynamics of economic development have changed from socialist pattern to a free market economy since the 1990s and now private investments hold the key. If we want to have a productive economy, then private investment must be encouraged. In the 1950s, no one had envisaged that electricity would be distributed by private parties. In the present scenario, it would be extremely unfair to argue that community resources include all private properties,” it added. Also read: India’s former judges write to CJI, urge him to counter political pressure, efforts to undermine judiciary He also questioned, “How will we attract private investment if we say that there is no protection of private rights.” What did Solicitor General Tushar Mehta say? Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who agreed with the CJI said, "It would be a rustic and juvenile method to propose computing the nation’s wealth by totalling the wealth of every citizen and then distributing it equally among a particular section. Such ideas reflect a lack of understanding of economic development, governance, social welfare, and the nation.” The allusion to the nine judges stems from the 1978 ruling in 'The State of Karnataka And Anr Etc against Shri Ranganatha Reddy & Anr', which presented two opposing viewpoints. The lawsuit concerned the nationalisation of road transport services. Justice V R Krishna Iyer believed that the community's material resources would comprise both natural and man-made resources, as well as publicly and privately owned assets. “The formulation by Justice Krishna Iyer is a little too extreme. What that says (is) since the community consists of individuals and therefore every individual is a part of the community, the material resources of the community would therefore also mean resources of the individual,” the CJI said. (With inputs from agencies)

Wealth redistribution: Why did the Solicitor General call the idea ‘rustic and juvenile’ in Supreme Court?

The election commission of India has released the official overall turnout data for the completed phases 1 and 2 on Tuesday and this comes 11 days after the first phase concluded on April 19th and 4 days after the second phase ended on April 26th. Watch in for more details!

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Six-time Madhya Pradesh MLA Ramniwas Rawat joined the BJP on Tuesday, dealing a severe blow to the Congress. Rawat was a minister in Digvijay Singh's ministry and the former executive president of the MP Congress. He is now allied with the BJP, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was present for his induction.

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The Congress party has appointed Devendra Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Congress. Yadav will also continue his role as the all India Congress Committee in charge for Punjab. Watch in for more details!

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<p>The Delhi Police summoned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and asked him to join the investigation on May 1 in connection with a tampered video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that was widely circulated on social media, sources said on Monday (Apr 29).</p>

<p>The police served notices to five people, including the Telangana chief minister, who shared the video on his official X account.</p>

<p>The Congress leader has been asked to appear before Delhi Police's IFSO unit (Cyber Unit) with his mobile phone that he allegedly used to post the doctored video on social media.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state police had arrested an individual named Sri Reetom Singh in connection with the fake video case.</p>

<p>Taking to his official X handle Sarma said, "Assam police have arrested an individual named Sri Reetom &nbsp;Singh in connection with the fake video involving Honorable Home Minister Sri Amit Shah."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Assam police have arrested an individual named Sri Reetom Singh in connection with the fake video involving Honorable Home Minister Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a></p>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1784892402601247084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-police-files-fir-over-amit-shahs-doctored-video-on-scrapping-reservation-716043">India: Delhi Police file FIR over Amit Shah's 'doctored video' on scrapping reservation</a></p>

<h2><strong>Delhi Police file FIR in Amit Shah's 'doctored video case</strong></h2>

<p>This came after the Delhi Police's Special Cell registered an FIR over a tampered video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that the footage showing Shah making vows to scrap all reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was false.</p>

<p>"We received a complaint regarding the edited video of the Home Minister. Two complaints were received by police, one from the BJP and another from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Following this, the Delhi Police Special Cell Cyber Wing's IFSO unit filed an FIR," a source said.</p>

<p>The BJP had earlier alleged that the original footage of Shah had him talk about the removal of a 4 per cent "unconstitutional" reservation for Muslims in Telangana.</p>

<p>However, the saffron party said that the footage, which was from a recent election rally, was edited in a manner where it indicated that the Union Home Minister was advocating the move to scrap reservations for backward groups.</p>

<p>A case has been registered under Sections 153, 153A, 465, 469, 171G of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 66C of the Information Technology (IT) Act and a probe has been initiated, said the sources as per Indian news agencies.</p>

<p>"The video seems to be doctored, spreading misleading information with the intention of creating disharmony among communities which is likely to affect public tranquillity and public order issues. It is requested to kindly take necessary legal action as per the provisions of law," the ministry said, as per the FIR, reported IANS.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Delhi Police summoned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and asked him to join the investigation on May 1 in connection with a tampered video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that was widely circulated on social media, sources said on Monday (Apr 29).

The Delhi Police summoned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and asked him to join the investigation on May 1 in connection with a tampered video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that was widely circulated on social media, sources said on Monday (Apr 29). The police served notices to five people, including the Telangana chief minister, who shared the video on his official X account. The Congress leader has been asked to appear before Delhi Police's IFSO unit (Cyber Unit) with his mobile phone that he allegedly used to post the doctored video on social media. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state police had arrested an individual named Sri Reetom Singh in connection with the fake video case. Taking to his official X handle Sarma said, "Assam police have arrested an individual named Sri Reetom Singh in connection with the fake video involving Honorable Home Minister Sri Amit Shah." Assam police have arrested an individual named Sri Reetom Singh in connection with the fake video involving Honorable Home Minister Sri @AmitShah — Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) April 29, 2024 × Also read: India: Delhi Police file FIR over Amit Shah's 'doctored video' on scrapping reservation Delhi Police file FIR in Amit Shah's 'doctored video case This came after the Delhi Police's Special Cell registered an FIR over a tampered video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that the footage showing Shah making vows to scrap all reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was false. "We received a complaint regarding the edited video of the Home Minister. Two complaints were received by police, one from the BJP and another from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Following this, the Delhi Police Special Cell Cyber Wing's IFSO unit filed an FIR," a source said. The BJP had earlier alleged that the original footage of Shah had him talk about the removal of a 4 per cent "unconstitutional" reservation for Muslims in Telangana. However, the saffron party said that the footage, which was from a recent election rally, was edited in a manner where it indicated that the Union Home Minister was advocating the move to scrap reservations for backward groups. A case has been registered under Sections 153, 153A, 465, 469, 171G of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 66C of the Information Technology (IT) Act and a probe has been initiated, said the sources as per Indian news agencies. "The video seems to be doctored, spreading misleading information with the intention of creating disharmony among communities which is likely to affect public tranquillity and public order issues. It is requested to kindly take necessary legal action as per the provisions of law," the ministry said, as per the FIR, reported IANS. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Police summon Telangana CM Revanth Reddy in Amit Shah's doctored video case

<p>As the vibrant democracy of India gears up for its 18th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/indian-elections">Lok Sabha elections </a>spanning from April 19 to June 1, 2024, the state of Rajasthan is voting in two phases. The first phase took place on April 19 where 12 constituencies witnessed an intense electoral battle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second phase of voting is underway on April 26. The votes will be cast to elect 25 Lok Sabha members in Rajasthan in the 18th parliamentary elections. The results will be announced on June 4. These are the constituencies that will be voting in the first phase - Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>During the first phase of voting, these are the key contenders:&nbsp;</em></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP)</strong></h2>

<p>A seasoned contender, a Dalit face, and Law Minister of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal of the BJP contested the elections from Bikaner constituency of Rajasthan against Congress's Govind Ram Meghwal.</p>

<p>Arjun Ram Meghwal has been a stalwart representative of the Bikaner constituency and secured successive victories in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His tenure has been marked by notable ministerial positions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-key-constituencies-in-rajasthans-first-phase-elections-712332">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Key constituencies in Rajasthan's first phase elections</a></p>

<p>During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he secured 62.84 per cent of the votes, while in 2019 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the minister won by a margin of 2,64,081 votes in comparison to the opponent from Congress Madan Gopal Meghwal. This time, in a match-up, Govind Ram Meghwal fought from the Congress ticket.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Kaswan (Congress)</strong></h2>

<p>The battleground of Churu went for a clash between Devendra Jhajharia of the BJP, a revered Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower, and Rahul Kaswan from the Congress. Both are Jat leaders.&nbsp;Kaswan's recent transition from the BJP has injected an element of unpredictability into the electoral battle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-chhattisgarh-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712250">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Chhattisgarh to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a></p>

<p>With historical margins of victory under his belt, Kaswan's candidacy posed a formidable challenge to the BJP's stronghold in Churu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Lok Sabha Election 2024: India's first time voter from Delhi speaks to WION</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi has pitched the party's selection in the coming elections with the slogan - "Narendra ke Devendra" - translated to Narendra's Devendra.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the vibrant democracy of India gears up for its 18th Lok Sabha elections spanning from April 19 to June 1, 2024, the state of Rajasthan is voting in two phases.

As the vibrant democracy of India gears up for its 18th Lok Sabha elections spanning from April 19 to June 1, 2024, the state of Rajasthan is voting in two phases. The first phase took place on April 19 where 12 constituencies witnessed an intense electoral battle. The second phase of voting is underway on April 26. The votes will be cast to elect 25 Lok Sabha members in Rajasthan in the 18th parliamentary elections. The results will be announced on June 4. These are the constituencies that will be voting in the first phase - Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur. During the first phase of voting, these are the key contenders: Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) A seasoned contender, a Dalit face, and Law Minister of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal of the BJP contested the elections from Bikaner constituency of Rajasthan against Congress's Govind Ram Meghwal. Arjun Ram Meghwal has been a stalwart representative of the Bikaner constituency and secured successive victories in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His tenure has been marked by notable ministerial positions. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Key constituencies in Rajasthan's first phase elections During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he secured 62.84 per cent of the votes, while in 2019 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the minister won by a margin of 2,64,081 votes in comparison to the opponent from Congress Madan Gopal Meghwal. This time, in a match-up, Govind Ram Meghwal fought from the Congress ticket. Rahul Kaswan (Congress) The battleground of Churu went for a clash between Devendra Jhajharia of the BJP, a revered Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower, and Rahul Kaswan from the Congress. Both are Jat leaders. Kaswan's recent transition from the BJP has injected an element of unpredictability into the electoral battle. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Chhattisgarh to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates With historical margins of victory under his belt, Kaswan's candidacy posed a formidable challenge to the BJP's stronghold in Churu. Watch | Lok Sabha Election 2024: India's first time voter from Delhi speaks to WION × PM Modi has pitched the party's selection in the coming elections with the slogan - "Narendra ke Devendra" - translated to Narendra's Devendra. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Key candidates in Rajasthan's first phase of voting

<p>The Central Election Committee of&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;main opposition Congress party is all set to finalise candidates on two of its strongholds in&nbsp;the state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh: Amethi and Raebareli. A meeting will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;Saturday (Apr 27)&nbsp;and&nbsp;the decision could&nbsp;be taken&nbsp;tomorrow.&nbsp;All Congress cadres&nbsp;would be eagerly waiting for&nbsp;the meeting to conclude as the committee will decide whether&nbsp;former party president Rahul Gandhi will be fielded&nbsp;from Amethi.&nbsp;There are also speculations that&nbsp;Rahul’s&nbsp;sister and Congress General&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi&nbsp;Vadra&nbsp;may&nbsp;be fielded&nbsp;from the Raebareli seat.</p>

<p>It is to&nbsp;be noted&nbsp;that Gandhi is already contesting elections in the Wayanad constituency in the southern Indian state of Kerala. If&nbsp;Priyanka’s&nbsp;name&nbsp;is finalised&nbsp;from Raebareli, it would be her political debut.</p>

<p>Earlier, the state election committee of&nbsp;Congress's&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh unit had proposed the names of Rahul Gandhi from Amethi and Priyanka Gandhi from Raebareli.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiT5aCqruCFAxWW1DgGHZlEBJoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-heatwave-warning-issued-in-many-states-going-to-polls-in-second-phase-715314" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-heatwave-warning-issued-in-many-states-going-to-polls-in-second-phase-715314&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT5aCqruCFAxWW1DgGHZlEBJoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Heatwave warning issued in many states going to polls in second phase</a></strong></p>

<p>It was reported&nbsp;that the decision could&nbsp;be taken&nbsp;in the last meeting of the CEC itself&nbsp;but&nbsp;later&nbsp;the decision was left to the Gandhi family.</p>

<h2><strong>Both seats bastions of Congress</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, both Amethi and Raebareli are&nbsp;Congress’s&nbsp;bastions. Rahul Gandhi represented Amethi as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 15 years till 2019 but lost to&nbsp;BJP’s&nbsp;Smriti Irani last time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiT5aCqruCFAxWW1DgGHZlEBJoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-tripura-leads-voter-turnout-with-7753-per-cent-till-5pm-up-records-lowest-715436" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-tripura-leads-voter-turnout-with-7753-per-cent-till-5pm-up-records-lowest-715436&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT5aCqruCFAxWW1DgGHZlEBJoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Lok Sabha polls: Tripura leads voter turnout with 77.53 per cent till 5 pm, UP numbers lowest</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, former Congress chief and&nbsp;Rahul’s&nbsp;mother&nbsp;Sonia&nbsp;Gandhi&nbsp;represented Raebareli for several terms&nbsp;but&nbsp;now&nbsp;the seat stands vacated as Sonia has&nbsp;been nominated&nbsp;to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha.</p>

<h2><strong>Robert Vadra offers prayers in&nbsp;Rishikesh</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Sonia’s&nbsp;son-in-law and&nbsp;Priyanka’s&nbsp;husband&nbsp;Robert&nbsp;Vadra&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;offered prayers in Rishikesh and prayed for the safety of Rahul and Priyanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The visit here has given me power and I prayed for the safety of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi while campaigning. I prayed for an environment of peace in the country and that the feeling of brotherhood remains. Keep religion and politics completely separate,”&nbsp;Vadra said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Central Election Committee of India’s main opposition Congress party is all set to finalise candidates on two of its strongholds in the state of Uttar Pradesh: Amethi and Raebareli.

The Central Election Committee of India’s main opposition Congress party is all set to finalise candidates on two of its strongholds in the state of Uttar Pradesh: Amethi and Raebareli. A meeting will be held Saturday (Apr 27) and the decision could be taken tomorrow. All Congress cadres would be eagerly waiting for the meeting to conclude as the committee will decide whether former party president Rahul Gandhi will be fielded from Amethi. There are also speculations that Rahul’s sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may be fielded from the Raebareli seat. It is to be noted that Gandhi is already contesting elections in the Wayanad constituency in the southern Indian state of Kerala. If Priyanka’s name is finalised from Raebareli, it would be her political debut. Earlier, the state election committee of Congress's Uttar Pradesh unit had proposed the names of Rahul Gandhi from Amethi and Priyanka Gandhi from Raebareli. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Heatwave warning issued in many states going to polls in second phase It was reported that the decision could be taken in the last meeting of the CEC itself but later the decision was left to the Gandhi family. Both seats bastions of Congress Notably, both Amethi and Raebareli are Congress’s bastions. Rahul Gandhi represented Amethi as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 15 years till 2019 but lost to BJP’s Smriti Irani last time. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: Tripura leads voter turnout with 77.53 per cent till 5 pm, UP numbers lowest On the other hand, former Congress chief and Rahul’s mother Sonia Gandhi represented Raebareli for several terms but now the seat stands vacated as Sonia has been nominated to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Robert Vadra offers prayers in Rishikesh Meanwhile, Sonia’s son-in-law and Priyanka’s husband Robert Vadra on Friday offered prayers in Rishikesh and prayed for the safety of Rahul and Priyanka. “The visit here has given me power and I prayed for the safety of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi while campaigning. I prayed for an environment of peace in the country and that the feeling of brotherhood remains. Keep religion and politics completely separate,” Vadra said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress to decide whether to field Rahul, Priyanka from Amethi, Raebareli on Saturday

Amid elections in India, Congress leader Sam Pitroda courted a massive row by suggesting that US-like inheritance tax in India. While the BJP distanced itself from the comment, BJP accused the Congress of taxing the middle class if it comes to power.

Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi loyalist leaves party red-faced | PM Modi warns against 'Congress Loot'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Wednesday slammed Sam Pitroda over his remarks on the redistribution of wealth where the Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress emphasised advocating an inheritance tax law in the country while Congress distanced itself from the comments. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Sam Pitroda's 'US-like inheritance tax' remark draws flak

<p>Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use.</p>

<p>Santos, who at the time represented New York's 3rd congressional district, was expelled in December 2023 by a&nbsp;311-114 vote. He was only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be expelled, the first to be kicked out without being convicted of a federal crime.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vows-will-personally-hold-trump-accountable-for-his-role-in-restricting-abortion-rights-714372">Biden vows to hold Trump 'accountable' for his role in restricting abortion rights</a></strong></p>

<p>He has pleaded not guilty to charges including deceiving Congress about his wealth, stealing from his campaign and obtaining unemployment benefits he didn't deserve.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Withdrawal of Congress bid</strong></h2>

<p>Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, posted on X, "I have decided to withdraw from my independent run".</p>

<p>As per the news agency AP, Santos' announcement comes after the disgraced congressman's campaign committee reported zero fundraising or expenditures last month (March). This, as per the report, led to speculations that his campaign has failed to get off the ground.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-profit-slump-and-layoffs-musk-says-tesla-may-start-selling-humanoid-robot-optimus-by-next-year-714399">Amid profit slump and layoffs, Musk says Tesla may start selling humanoid robot 'Optimus' by next year</a></strong></p>

<p>However, in his X post, Santos said, "I don’t want my run to be portrayed as&nbsp;reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems…"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race," he added.</p>

<p>Nick LaLota is&nbsp;the GOP primary candidate for the eastern Long Island congressional district or New York's 1st congressional district.</p>

<p>However, Santos, in his post, made clear that the withdrawal is only for "THIS YEAR!".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨Announcement!<br />
<br />
I have decided to withdraw from my independent run for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NY1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NY1</a>…<br />
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I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the…</p>
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSantosNY/status/1782874597106303425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The future holds countless possibilities, and I am ready willing and able to step up to the plate and go fight for my country at any time," he said.</p>

<p>"I will continue to participate in the public policy discussion and will do my part… I will always strive to stand on the right side of history."</p>

<p>"It's only goodbye for now, I'll be back," he concluded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use.

Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use. Santos, who at the time represented New York's 3rd congressional district, was expelled in December 2023 by a 311-114 vote. He was only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be expelled, the first to be kicked out without being convicted of a federal crime. Also read | Biden vows to hold Trump 'accountable' for his role in restricting abortion rights He has pleaded not guilty to charges including deceiving Congress about his wealth, stealing from his campaign and obtaining unemployment benefits he didn't deserve. Withdrawal of Congress bid Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, posted on X, "I have decided to withdraw from my independent run". As per the news agency AP, Santos' announcement comes after the disgraced congressman's campaign committee reported zero fundraising or expenditures last month (March). This, as per the report, led to speculations that his campaign has failed to get off the ground. Also read | Amid profit slump and layoffs, Musk says Tesla may start selling humanoid robot 'Optimus' by next year However, in his X post, Santos said, "I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems…" "Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race," he added. Nick LaLota is the GOP primary candidate for the eastern Long Island congressional district or New York's 1st congressional district. However, Santos, in his post, made clear that the withdrawal is only for "THIS YEAR!". 🚨Announcement! I have decided to withdraw from my independent run for #NY1… I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the… — George Santos (@MrSantosNY) April 23, 2024 × "The future holds countless possibilities, and I am ready willing and able to step up to the plate and go fight for my country at any time," he said. "I will continue to participate in the public policy discussion and will do my part… I will always strive to stand on the right side of history." "It's only goodbye for now, I'll be back," he concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

George Santos abandons his independent bid for Congress

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<p>The Congress went into&nbsp;firefighting mode on Wednesday (April 24) after it landed into trouble because of a remark made by its senior party leader Sam Pitroda over inheritance law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Overseas Congress chairman&nbsp;Sam Pitroda made the controversial remarks while speaking to news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair," he said.</p>

<p>The remarks of Pitroda added fuel to the BJP's allegations that the Opposition party has been sketching a plan for the redistribution of wealth.&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> | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That's an… <a href="https://t.co/DTJrseebFk">pic.twitter.com/DTJrseebFk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1782960614215754146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Congress tries its best to douse the fire&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While trying to douse the fire, the Congress&nbsp;distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks and said that it does not reflect the position of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to social media, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Sam Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy, an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views."</p>

<p>"This does not mean that Pitroda's views always reflect the position of the Congress. Sensationalising his comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from&nbsp;Narenda&nbsp;Modi's malicious and mischievous election campaign;&nbsp;that is&nbsp;anchored ONLY in lies and more lies," Ramesh added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hits-out-at-congress-says-party-incapable-of-contesting-on-300-seats-in-lok-sabha-polls-713676">PM Modi hits out at Congress, says 'party incapable of contesting on 300 seats in Lok Sabha polls'</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pitroda also clarified that his US inheritance tax had no connection with the Congress manifesto and that his remarks were twisted "to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto".</p>

<p>"I mentioned inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with&nbsp;policy&nbsp;of any party, including Congress. Who said 55% will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic?" said Pitroda.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP's scathing attack on Congress</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a massive attack on Congress over Sam Pitroda’s comments stating that the party has plans to “destroy” the country.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to&nbsp;Pitroda's remarks, said, "Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax, and it will also impose tax on the Inheritance received from parents. The property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children. The claws of Congress will snatch that too from you...As long as you are alive, Congress will impose higher taxes and when you are no longer alive, it will burden you with Inheritance Tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children, now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children."</p>

<p>BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya, meanwhile, wrote, "Congress has decided to destroy India. Now, Sam Pitroda advocates 50% inheritance tax for wealth redistribution. This means 50% of whatever we build, with all our hard work and enterprise, will be taken away. 50%, besides all the tax we pay, which too will go up, if the Congress prevails."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi takes a dig at Congress, claims party puts itself before Lord Ram</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking about Congress Sam Pitroda's remark, India's Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah said, "After Sam Pitroda's remark, Congress party is completely exposed. First of all, mention of 'survey' in their manifesto, Manmohan Singh's old statement which is Congress' legacy - that minorities have the first right over resources of the country, and now Sam Pitroda's remark citing the US that there should be deliberations on the distribution of wealth...Now when PM Modi raised this issue, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and the entire Congress party are on the backfoot that it was never their motive."</p>

<p>"But today, Sam Pitroda's statement has made Congress' motive clear before the country. They want to survey the private property of the people of the country, put it in government property and distribute it as per decision during UPA's regime. Congress should either withdraw it from their manifesto or accept that it is indeed their intention...I want people to take Sam Pitroda's statement seriously. Their intention is now in the open, its cognisance should be taken by people,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What is Inheritance Tax?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There are two types of tax in the United States - estate tax and inheritance tax. There is estate tax&nbsp;in nearly a dozen&nbsp;US states and only six states have inheritance tax.</p>

<p>An estate tax is also called the "death" tax. It is a federal tax which the government imposes on property that is transferred after the death of the owner.</p>

<p>The estate owes the tax and not the beneficiaries. The federal estate tax ranges between 18 per cent to 40 per cent.</p>

<p>The inheritance tax, on the other hand, is levied on someone who has inherited property, money, or other assets in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This tax is applicable if a person dies and passes on assets in the states which have an inheritance tax. It does not depend on where the beneficiary is staying.</p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrTVpUZjE4CzR" />Interestingly, India had an inheritance tax 40 years ago and it was abolished in 1985 during the time&nbsp;of Rajiv Gandhi's government after the then finance minister V P Singh concluded that the tax had not been able to achieve its intended goal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congress went into firefighting mode on Wednesday (April 24) after it landed into trouble because of a remark made by its senior party leader Sam Pitroda over inheritance law.

The Congress went into firefighting mode on Wednesday (April 24) after it landed into trouble because of a remark made by its senior party leader Sam Pitroda over inheritance law. Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda made the controversial remarks while speaking to news agency ANI. "In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair," he said. The remarks of Pitroda added fuel to the BJP's allegations that the Opposition party has been sketching a plan for the redistribution of wealth. #WATCH | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That's an… pic.twitter.com/DTJrseebFk — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024 × Congress tries its best to douse the fire While trying to douse the fire, the Congress distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks and said that it does not reflect the position of the party. Taking to social media, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Sam Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy, an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views." "This does not mean that Pitroda's views always reflect the position of the Congress. Sensationalising his comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from Narenda Modi's malicious and mischievous election campaign; that is anchored ONLY in lies and more lies," Ramesh added. Also Read: PM Modi hits out at Congress, says 'party incapable of contesting on 300 seats in Lok Sabha polls' Meanwhile, Pitroda also clarified that his US inheritance tax had no connection with the Congress manifesto and that his remarks were twisted "to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto". "I mentioned inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party, including Congress. Who said 55% will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic?" said Pitroda. BJP's scathing attack on Congress The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a massive attack on Congress over Sam Pitroda’s comments stating that the party has plans to “destroy” the country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to Pitroda's remarks, said, "Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax, and it will also impose tax on the Inheritance received from parents. The property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children. The claws of Congress will snatch that too from you...As long as you are alive, Congress will impose higher taxes and when you are no longer alive, it will burden you with Inheritance Tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children, now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children." BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya, meanwhile, wrote, "Congress has decided to destroy India. Now, Sam Pitroda advocates 50% inheritance tax for wealth redistribution. This means 50% of whatever we build, with all our hard work and enterprise, will be taken away. 50%, besides all the tax we pay, which too will go up, if the Congress prevails." Watch: Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi takes a dig at Congress, claims party puts itself before Lord Ram Speaking about Congress Sam Pitroda's remark, India's Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah said, "After Sam Pitroda's remark, Congress party is completely exposed. First of all, mention of 'survey' in their manifesto, Manmohan Singh's old statement which is Congress' legacy - that minorities have the first right over resources of the country, and now Sam Pitroda's remark citing the US that there should be deliberations on the distribution of wealth...Now when PM Modi raised this issue, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and the entire Congress party are on the backfoot that it was never their motive." "But today, Sam Pitroda's statement has made Congress' motive clear before the country. They want to survey the private property of the people of the country, put it in government property and distribute it as per decision during UPA's regime. Congress should either withdraw it from their manifesto or accept that it is indeed their intention...I want people to take Sam Pitroda's statement seriously. Their intention is now in the open, its cognisance should be taken by people," he added. What is Inheritance Tax? There are two types of tax in the United States - estate tax and inheritance tax. There is estate tax in nearly a dozen US states and only six states have inheritance tax. An estate tax is also called the "death" tax. It is a federal tax which the government imposes on property that is transferred after the death of the owner. The estate owes the tax and not the beneficiaries. The federal estate tax ranges between 18 per cent to 40 per cent. The inheritance tax, on the other hand, is levied on someone who has inherited property, money, or other assets in the US. This tax is applicable if a person dies and passes on assets in the states which have an inheritance tax. It does not depend on where the beneficiary is staying. Interestingly, India had an inheritance tax 40 years ago and it was abolished in 1985 during the time of Rajiv Gandhi's government after the then finance minister V P Singh concluded that the tax had not been able to achieve its intended goal. (With inputs from agencies)

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