The death toll from the NHPC tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim, has risen to 22, with rescue teams continuing operations to locate the remaining victims. Specialized rescue personnel remain on the ground as authorities monitor the situation and provide support to affected families. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has received over 17 lakh enumeration forms during the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Karnataka. Officials have urged voters to submit their forms before the August 8 deadline, even if voter mapping details are unavailable.

Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Death Toll Rises To 22 | Karnataka Voter List Revision Sparks Concern

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Protests demanding education reforms intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, were briefly detained after marching toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The demonstrations centered on the NEET controversy, alleged exam paper leaks, and demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the opposition of politicizing student concerns, saying the government remains committed to addressing education issues in Parliament.

NEET Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained amid massive NEET protest in New Delhi 

Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The move raises the Shinde faction's strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 MPs, making it the largest NDA ally from Maharashtra and dealing a major setback to Uddhav Thackeray. The development comes amid the all-party meeting and speculation over key constitutional bills in the upcoming session.

Lok Sabha Speaker approves Shiv Sena UBT MPs' merger with Shinde Faction | Big NDA Boost

India is set to witness a high-voltage monsoon session of Parliament as the government and opposition prepare for a major political showdown. Ahead of the session, the government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the legislative agenda, but the meeting witnessed tension after opposition parties staged a symbolic walkout. The opposition protested against the invitation extended to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs, whose recognition as members of the NCPI is still pending before the Lok Sabha Speaker. Several opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, JMM, Shiv Sena UBT and others, joined the protest.

Parliament Monsoon Session begins amid Opposition protest over Rebel MPs

The Election Commission has informed a parliamentary committee that it is prepared to conduct One Nation, One Election, provided it receives six months' advance notice. The committee chairman said the poll body believes simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections could begin from 2029 if Parliament passes the required constitutional amendments by 2028. Supporters say the reform will reduce election costs and improve governance, while critics argue it could weaken federalism and create constitutional and logistical challenges if governments complete different terms. The proposal is now under review as the parliamentary panel prepares its recommendations.

One Nation One Election: Election Commission ready to conduct simultaneous polls from 2029

Here are today's top India news headlines.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation in Poonch district, recovering a large cache of Pika rifle ammunition before destroying the hideout.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate deployment of a central team to assess the state's worsening drought situation caused by a major monsoon rainfall deficit.

In Kalaburagi, Karnataka Police foiled the escape attempt of a POCSO convict after he and two other prisoners broke out of jail. One accused sustained a bullet injury during the police operation.

Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and severe soil erosion in Assam's Chirang district, leaving several families displaced and damaging homes, farmland, and village infrastructure.

FBI declares indian gangster most wanted | J&K terror crackdown | Jaishankar meets EU Leaders

Bangladeshi-born author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata nearly 18 years after she was forced to leave the city following violent protests in 2007. The internationally acclaimed writer will participate in an event focused on secularism, freedom of expression, and resistance against religious fundamentalism. The program, organized by secular and rationalist groups in West Bengal, will provide Nasrin an opportunity to present her literary work and discuss issues related to free speech and women's rights. Taslima Nasrin has lived in exile across Europe and the United States after facing threats in both Bangladesh and India over her writings, including her controversial novel Lajja

Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after nearly two decades | Free speech debate rekindled

The stage is set for a major political showdown. How is the race progressing and what does it mean for India's future?

India's high-stakes vice-presidential elections 2025: Complex voting process 

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (Aug 25) spoke about the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill and criticised the Opposition for opposing it. He also broke the silence on the sudden resignation of former Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Criticising the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Home Minister said that Congress should look into their poll losses and not outrightly oppose everything that the Central government does. When asked about NDA's Vice Presidential candidate, Shah said that it should be natural to pick a candidate from South India. In a big statement, Home Minister Shah blamed the previous Congress government's misunderstanding of <i>Salwa Judum</i> as the sole reason for the increase in left-wing extremism in the country. In the same statement, he slammed the Opposition's Vice Presidential pick, giving weightage to claims that Retired Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy is a “left-wing sympathiser.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-completes-2-258-days-in-office-becomes-india-s-largest-serving-home-minister-1754462684459/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-completes-2-258-days-in-office-becomes-india-s-largest-serving-home-minister-1754462684459/embed</a></p><h2><strong>Home Minister Amit Shah about Jagdeep Dhankhar&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rumours about ‘house arrest’ of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar after his sudden resignation. Shah clarified that former Dhankhar resigned due to health reasons, as stated in his letter. He also dismissed opposition claims of "house arrest," urging not to politicise the issue and emphasising that Dhankhar left after fulfilling his constitutional service. The clarification by the Home Minister came after opposition leaders claimed that Dhankhar was "silenced" by the government.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-those-who-speak-english-will-soon-feel-ashamed-amit-shah-stresses-indian-languages-are-jewels-of-our-culture-1750340227902"><strong>'Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed': Amit Shah stresses Indian languages are ‘jewels of our culture’</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Home Minister Amit Shah questions the Opposition's V-P pick</strong></h2><p>In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Opposition for picking retired Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as their Vice Presidential pick, while talking about left-wing extremism. He alleged that Reddy is soft towards left-wing extremism and criticised the former Congress governments for not understanding the threat of left-wing extremism. He asked the INDIA alliance to answer as to why they picked a judge whose ruling on the "armed civilian vigilante group" prevented the eradication of Naxals before 2020. Shah was referring to a July 2011 judgment that Justice Reddy co-authored with Justice SS Nijjar, in which the duo disbanded Salwa Judum in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, for being illegal and unconstitutional. The ruling was delivered while the BJP under chief minister Raman Singh was in power in Chhattisgarh. Justice Reddy's ruling said that the Salwa Judum was an “abdication of constitutional responsibilities of the State to provide appropriate security to citizens by having an appropriately trained professional police force of sufficient numbers and properly equipped on a permanent basis.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-pm-modi-bringing-himself-into-the-ambit-of-law-congress-did-reverse-in-indira-rule-amit-shah-1755693331600"><strong>PM Modi bringing himself into the ambit of law, Congress did reverse in Indira rule: Amit Shah</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Home Minister Amit Shah&nbsp;speaks about the Constitution Amendment Bill</strong></h2><p>In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at the Opposition for their protest against the Constitution Bill. He defended the bill that seeks to remove the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers who would be in jail for 30 consecutive days. He asked if a country can be run from jail and if it can be called a democracy. "I want to tell the entire country about the 130th Amendment. In this amendment, we have made a provision that if the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader from the central or state government faces serious allegations and gets arrested, and if they do not get bail within 30 days, then they must leave their position. If they don't resign, they will be removed from their post by law. This is what we have included in the 130th Amendment," he explained.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-becomes-india-s-longest-serving-home-minister-1754395827652"><strong>Amit Shah becomes India's longest-serving Home Minister</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Home Minister Amit Shah slams Congress</strong></h2><p>In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that Congress is creating “illusion” in the minds of people. “We talk to the people. We haven't just come here and sat by chance. After losing three elections, I think the level of frustration is such that the normal sense of judgment, he (Rahul Gandhi) has lost it.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Opposition for rejecting the 130th Amendment Bill and urged Congress to reflect on its poll losses. He supported choosing a Vice President from South India and blamed Congress’s stance on Salwa Judum for rising extremism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (Aug 25) spoke about the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill and criticised the Opposition for opposing it. He also broke the silence on the sudden resignation of former Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Criticising the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Home Minister said that Congress should look into their poll losses and not outrightly oppose everything that the Central government does. When asked about NDA's Vice Presidential candidate, Shah said that it should be natural to pick a candidate from South India. In a big statement, Home Minister Shah blamed the previous Congress government's misunderstanding of Salwa Judum as the sole reason for the increase in left-wing extremism in the country. In the same statement, he slammed the Opposition's Vice Presidential pick, giving weightage to claims that Retired Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy is a “left-wing sympathiser.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-completes-2-258-days-in-office-becomes-india-s-largest-serving-home-minister-1754462684459/embed Home Minister Amit Shah about Jagdeep Dhankhar In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rumours about ‘house arrest’ of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar after his sudden resignation. Shah clarified that former Dhankhar resigned due to health reasons, as stated in his letter. He also dismissed opposition claims of "house arrest," urging not to politicise the issue and emphasising that Dhankhar left after fulfilling his constitutional service. The clarification by the Home Minister came after opposition leaders claimed that Dhankhar was "silenced" by the government. Read More | 'Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed': Amit Shah stresses Indian languages are ‘jewels of our culture’ Home Minister Amit Shah questions the Opposition's V-P pick In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Opposition for picking retired Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as their Vice Presidential pick, while talking about left-wing extremism. He alleged that Reddy is soft towards left-wing extremism and criticised the former Congress governments for not understanding the threat of left-wing extremism. He asked the INDIA alliance to answer as to why they picked a judge whose ruling on the "armed civilian vigilante group" prevented the eradication of Naxals before 2020. Shah was referring to a July 2011 judgment that Justice Reddy co-authored with Justice SS Nijjar, in which the duo disbanded Salwa Judum in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, for being illegal and unconstitutional. The ruling was delivered while the BJP under chief minister Raman Singh was in power in Chhattisgarh. Justice Reddy's ruling said that the Salwa Judum was an “abdication of constitutional responsibilities of the State to provide appropriate security to citizens by having an appropriately trained professional police force of sufficient numbers and properly equipped on a permanent basis.” Read More | PM Modi bringing himself into the ambit of law, Congress did reverse in Indira rule: Amit Shah Home Minister Amit Shah speaks about the Constitution Amendment Bill In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at the Opposition for their protest against the Constitution Bill. He defended the bill that seeks to remove the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers who would be in jail for 30 consecutive days. He asked if a country can be run from jail and if it can be called a democracy. "I want to tell the entire country about the 130th Amendment. In this amendment, we have made a provision that if the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader from the central or state government faces serious allegations and gets arrested, and if they do not get bail within 30 days, then they must leave their position. If they don't resign, they will be removed from their post by law. This is what we have included in the 130th Amendment," he explained. Read More | Amit Shah becomes India's longest-serving Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah slams Congress In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that Congress is creating “illusion” in the minds of people. “We talk to the people. We haven't just come here and sat by chance. After losing three elections, I think the level of frustration is such that the normal sense of judgment, he (Rahul Gandhi) has lost it.”

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Opposition for rejecting the 130th Amendment Bill and urged Congress to reflect on its poll losses. He supported choosing a Vice President from South India and blamed Congress’s stance on Salwa Judum for rising extremism</p>

From bill to sack PM, CMs to Dhankhar's 'house arrest': Indian Home minister Amit Shah addresses top controversies

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<p>Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday following her party's sweep of all four assembly seats in the West Bengal bypolls.</p>

<p>“So @AITCofficial wins 4/4 assembly by-polls in Bengal while INDIA wins 10/13 nationally. @BJP4India &amp; its Agency Raj continues its losing streak. People are saying “Tumse na ho payega @narendramodi,” Moitra, the Lok Sabha MP from Krishnanagar posted on X.</p>

<p>"This was bound to happen. Some people who had voted for BJP in Lok Sabha, have realised that they will not waste their votes. The game has started. Modi government in Delhi will not stay for a long time. INDIA alliance will form the government and the role of TMC in it will be very significant," TMC leader Kunal Ghosh told ANI.</p>

<p>"We will review our performance. But the TMC did not allow free and fair elections and there were a lot of irregularities. The ruling party had unleashed a reign of terror," BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tripura-enforces-24-hour-mobile-internet-ban-in-dhalai-after-tribal-youths-death-740504">India: Tripura govt enforces 24-hour mobile internet ban in Dhalai after tribal youth's death</a></strong></p>

<p>Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the TMC captured the Raiganj, Bagda, and Ranaghat Dakshin seats from the BJP, achieving a record victory margin in Maniktala.</p>

<p><strong>West Bengal by-polls results</strong></p>

<p><strong>Maniktala:&nbsp;</strong>Supti Pandey (TMC)</p>

<p><strong>Bagda:&nbsp;</strong>Madhuparna Thakur (TMC)</p>

<p><strong>Ranaghat Dakshin:</strong>&nbsp;Mukut Mani Adhikari (TMC)</p>

<p><strong>Raiganj:</strong>&nbsp;Krishna Kalyani (TMC)</p>

<p>The TMC now holds 215 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly.</p>

<p>Additionally, it has the backing of three BJP legislators who have defected to the TMC but have not yet resigned from their positions. BJP's official seat count in the West Bengal assembly has decreased from 77 in 2021 to 71.</p>

<p>In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the TMC had won 29 out of 42 seats in West Bengal, up from 22 in 2019. On the other hand, the BJP's seat tally dropped to 12 from 18 in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday following her party's sweep of all four assembly seats in the West Bengal bypolls.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday following her party's sweep of all four assembly seats in the West Bengal bypolls. “So @AITCofficial wins 4/4 assembly by-polls in Bengal while INDIA wins 10/13 nationally. @BJP4India & its Agency Raj continues its losing streak. People are saying “Tumse na ho payega @narendramodi,” Moitra, the Lok Sabha MP from Krishnanagar posted on X. "This was bound to happen. Some people who had voted for BJP in Lok Sabha, have realised that they will not waste their votes. The game has started. Modi government in Delhi will not stay for a long time. INDIA alliance will form the government and the role of TMC in it will be very significant," TMC leader Kunal Ghosh told ANI. "We will review our performance. But the TMC did not allow free and fair elections and there were a lot of irregularities. The ruling party had unleashed a reign of terror," BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya. Also read: India: Tripura govt enforces 24-hour mobile internet ban in Dhalai after tribal youth's death Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the TMC captured the Raiganj, Bagda, and Ranaghat Dakshin seats from the BJP, achieving a record victory margin in Maniktala. West Bengal by-polls results Maniktala: Supti Pandey (TMC) Bagda: Madhuparna Thakur (TMC) Ranaghat Dakshin: Mukut Mani Adhikari (TMC) Raiganj: Krishna Kalyani (TMC) The TMC now holds 215 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly. Additionally, it has the backing of three BJP legislators who have defected to the TMC but have not yet resigned from their positions. BJP's official seat count in the West Bengal assembly has decreased from 77 in 2021 to 71. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the TMC had won 29 out of 42 seats in West Bengal, up from 22 in 2019. On the other hand, the BJP's seat tally dropped to 12 from 18 in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Mahua Moitra mocks BJP after TMC’s clean sweep in West Bengal assembly bypolls

<p>The Congress on Friday (June&nbsp;14) claimed that the idea behind relocating statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji among others within Parliament premises is to ensure that they are not in a prominent place where MPs could conduct peaceful and democratic protests. The statue of Gandhi was often the backdrop for several opposition protests in the past.</p>

<p>Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared on X a circular issued by the Lok Sabha secretariat stating that a ceremony will take place on Sunday at 6:30 PM in the Parliament House Estate to inaugurate the newly-created ‘Prerna Sthal’.</p>

<p>In the statement, the Lok Sabha Secretariat had said last week that due to the location of statues at different places in the Parliament premises, visitors were not able to view them conveniently.</p>

<p>“For this reason, all these statues are being respectfully installed in a grand ‘Prerna Sthal’ in Parliament House premises," it said.</p>

<p>This ‘Prerna Sthal’ is being developed in such a way that those coming to visit the Parliament complex view the statues of these great persons conveniently and get inspired by their life experiences, the statement said.</p>

<p>In his post tagging the circular, Ramesh said on Friday, “The whole idea of this relocation and giving it a grandiose name is to ensure that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar are not in a prominent place right in front of Parliament House where MPs could conduct peaceful and democratic protests as and when required – and with the Modi regime they are required very frequently, almost on a daily basis.”</p>

<p>The Congress had last week also alleged that the statues have been relocated within Parliament premises to ensure that Opposition parties cannot hold democratic protests, and said such “stunts” cannot save Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “unstable government” from falling.</p>


The Congress on Friday (June 14) claimed that the idea behind relocating statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji among others within Parliament premises is to ensure that they are not in a prominent place where MPs could conduct peaceful and democratic protests.

The Congress on Friday (June 14) claimed that the idea behind relocating statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji among others within Parliament premises is to ensure that they are not in a prominent place where MPs could conduct peaceful and democratic protests. The statue of Gandhi was often the backdrop for several opposition protests in the past. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared on X a circular issued by the Lok Sabha secretariat stating that a ceremony will take place on Sunday at 6:30 PM in the Parliament House Estate to inaugurate the newly-created ‘Prerna Sthal’. In the statement, the Lok Sabha Secretariat had said last week that due to the location of statues at different places in the Parliament premises, visitors were not able to view them conveniently. “For this reason, all these statues are being respectfully installed in a grand ‘Prerna Sthal’ in Parliament House premises," it said. This ‘Prerna Sthal’ is being developed in such a way that those coming to visit the Parliament complex view the statues of these great persons conveniently and get inspired by their life experiences, the statement said. In his post tagging the circular, Ramesh said on Friday, “The whole idea of this relocation and giving it a grandiose name is to ensure that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar are not in a prominent place right in front of Parliament House where MPs could conduct peaceful and democratic protests as and when required – and with the Modi regime they are required very frequently, almost on a daily basis.” The Congress had last week also alleged that the statues have been relocated within Parliament premises to ensure that Opposition parties cannot hold democratic protests, and said such “stunts” cannot save Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “unstable government” from falling.

Parliament statues relocated to ensure they are not in prominent place for MPs to protest: Congress

<p>Indian opposition on Tuesday (Jun 11) extended rare support to the governing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over a statement issued by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the Manipur conflict.</p>

<h2><strong>Bhagwat's advice to PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Bhagwat on Monday had advised the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the conflict in Manipur on priority.</p>

<p>"It's been a year since Manipur has been waiting for peace. The state remained peaceful for the last 10 years, but suddenly, gun culture has increased again. It is important to resolve the conflict as a priority," he said during a Sangh event.</p>

<p>He also cautioned the government that there was a need to “get over election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation”.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian opposition welcomes RSS chief's remarks</strong></h2>

<p>Indian opposition welcomed his statement on Tuesday, with the Congress party saying they hoped the words of Mohan Bhagwat would “prevail” upon PM Modi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Manipur violence displaces at least 2000; special commandoes deployed in Assam's Lakhipur</strong></p>

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<p>“If not the one-third of Prime Minister's conscience or the repeated demands of the people of Manipur, perhaps Mr. Bhagwat can prevail upon the former RSS office-bearer to go to Manipur Remember what Mr. Vajpayee had told Mr. Modi 22 years back: fulfill your rajdharma,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.</p>

<p>Another top Congress leader Kapil Sibal quipped that it was 'not in Modi's DNA' to listen to anyone but he should pay attention to Bhagwat's words.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiiifDikNSGAxUqbmwGHe8PCzkQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/true-sevak-does-not-have-arrogance-decorum-not-maintained-in-polls-mohan-bhagwat-730707" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/true-sevak-does-not-have-arrogance-decorum-not-maintained-in-polls-mohan-bhagwat-730707&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiiifDikNSGAxUqbmwGHe8PCzkQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE">True `sevak` does not have arrogance, decorum not maintained in polls: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat</a></strong></p>

<p>"We raised concern about Manipur, Bhagwat ji has also said it now. You don't listen to us because you are not used to listening to us, but listen to him. It is not in your DNA to listen to us. Manipur should be given priority. I had asked for removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but you could not remove the former wrestling body chief. What will you do about the Chief Minister?" Sibal said.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi's silence on Manipur</strong></h2>

<p>Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities broke out in Manipur in May last year, that have claimed over 180 lives so far. Sporadic incidents of violence keep emerging from the state even today. PM Modi avoided the issue throughout his months-long election campaign and didn't even travel to the state.</p>

<h2><strong>RSS-BJP ties face setback</strong></h2>

<p>The speculation market is hot with rumours of silent tensions between RSS and BJP, the supposed allies. A week after BJP fell short of the majority in the June 4 Lok Sabha results, Bhagwat suggested true ‘sevak’ must not be “arrogant”. He also warned that the opposition must not be treated like an adversary, and elections are not war.</p>

<p>Earlier, BJP chief JP Nadda fueled these speculations by declaring that the governing party didn't need RSS to win elections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian opposition on Tuesday (Jun 11) extended rare support to the governing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over a statement issued by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the Manipur conflict.

Indian opposition on Tuesday (Jun 11) extended rare support to the governing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over a statement issued by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the Manipur conflict. Bhagwat's advice to PM Modi Bhagwat on Monday had advised the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the conflict in Manipur on priority. "It's been a year since Manipur has been waiting for peace. The state remained peaceful for the last 10 years, but suddenly, gun culture has increased again. It is important to resolve the conflict as a priority," he said during a Sangh event. He also cautioned the government that there was a need to “get over election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation”. Indian opposition welcomes RSS chief's remarks Indian opposition welcomed his statement on Tuesday, with the Congress party saying they hoped the words of Mohan Bhagwat would “prevail” upon PM Modi. Watch: Manipur violence displaces at least 2000; special commandoes deployed in Assam's Lakhipur × “If not the one-third of Prime Minister's conscience or the repeated demands of the people of Manipur, perhaps Mr. Bhagwat can prevail upon the former RSS office-bearer to go to Manipur Remember what Mr. Vajpayee had told Mr. Modi 22 years back: fulfill your rajdharma,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said. Another top Congress leader Kapil Sibal quipped that it was 'not in Modi's DNA' to listen to anyone but he should pay attention to Bhagwat's words. Also read: True `sevak` does not have arrogance, decorum not maintained in polls: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat "We raised concern about Manipur, Bhagwat ji has also said it now. You don't listen to us because you are not used to listening to us, but listen to him. It is not in your DNA to listen to us. Manipur should be given priority. I had asked for removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but you could not remove the former wrestling body chief. What will you do about the Chief Minister?" Sibal said. Modi's silence on Manipur Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities broke out in Manipur in May last year, that have claimed over 180 lives so far. Sporadic incidents of violence keep emerging from the state even today. PM Modi avoided the issue throughout his months-long election campaign and didn't even travel to the state. RSS-BJP ties face setback The speculation market is hot with rumours of silent tensions between RSS and BJP, the supposed allies. A week after BJP fell short of the majority in the June 4 Lok Sabha results, Bhagwat suggested true ‘sevak’ must not be “arrogant”. He also warned that the opposition must not be treated like an adversary, and elections are not war. Earlier, BJP chief JP Nadda fueled these speculations by declaring that the governing party didn't need RSS to win elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare opposition-RSS bonhomie emerges amid rumours of rift in Sangh-BJP ties

A new issue has taken centre stage in India's general elections. This time the issue revolves around Katchatheevu island. It is a tiny island between India and Sri Lanka on the Palk Strait. PM Modi hit out at the Congress over its decision to hand over the island to Sri Lanka in the 1970s.

Why is Katchatheevu island dispute taking centre stage in Tamil Nadu politics?

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 4) hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘immunity in bribery case’ and stressed that ‘it will clean politics’. Taking to social media platform X, Modi said, “A great judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people’s faith in the system.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SWAGATAM!<br />
<br />
A great judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people’s faith in the system.<a href="https://t.co/GqfP3PMxqz">https://t.co/GqfP3PMxqz</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1764541405140009405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Supreme Court's verdict</strong></h2>

<p>The Supreme Court of India earlier ruled that lawmakers both in the country’s parliament and state assemblies are liable to be prosecuted for taking bribes to make speeches and cast votes in the respective houses.</p>

<p>The top court also struck down a 1998 verdict that upheld immunity in such cases.</p>

<p>During the hearing on Monday, the apex court bench said “corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life” and cannot be shielded under the principles of parliamentary privilege.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwje3fntjdqEAxWhbmwGHRl9BWUQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-bets-big-on-bhojpuri-stars-but-pawan-kumar-steps-back-696102" 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-bjp-bets-big-on-bhojpuri-stars-but-pawan-kumar-steps-back-696102&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje3fntjdqEAxWhbmwGHRl9BWUQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP bets big on Bhojpuri stars but Pawan Singh steps back</a></strong></p>

<p>The 1998 PV Narasimha ruling&nbsp;held that MPs and MLAs who take bribes for voting and asking questions in the House enjoy immunity as per the Constitution.</p>

<p>The landmark judgment was delivered by a seven-member Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.</p>

<h2><strong>Top quotes by the Supreme Court</strong></h2>

<p>"Corruption and bribery by members of the legislature erode probity in public life," the SC noted in the judgment.</p>

<p>"The judgment of the majority in the PV Narasimha Rao case, which grants immunity to lawmakers, has a grave danger and thus, overruled," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Gautam Gambhir not to contest Lok Sabha elections from BJP | Lok Sabha Polls 2024</strong></p>

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<p>"The offence of a bribe is crystallised on the taking of illegal gratification and does not depend on if the vote or speech is given later, and the offence is complete when the legislator accepts a bribe," the judgment read.</p>

<p>"A member is induced to vote in a certain way because of a bribe and it erodes the foundation of Indian democracy," it further stated.</p>

<p>"Bribery is not protected by parliamentary privilege and the word anything when read with their respective operative words means that a member may claim immunity to say as they feel and vote in a direction in any matter before the house," the SC ruled.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 4) hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘immunity in bribery case’ and stressed that ‘it will clean politics’.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 4) hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘immunity in bribery case’ and stressed that ‘it will clean politics’. Taking to social media platform X, Modi said, “A great judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people’s faith in the system.” SWAGATAM! A great judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people’s faith in the system.https://t.co/GqfP3PMxqz — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024 × Supreme Court's verdict The Supreme Court of India earlier ruled that lawmakers both in the country’s parliament and state assemblies are liable to be prosecuted for taking bribes to make speeches and cast votes in the respective houses. The top court also struck down a 1998 verdict that upheld immunity in such cases. During the hearing on Monday, the apex court bench said “corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life” and cannot be shielded under the principles of parliamentary privilege. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP bets big on Bhojpuri stars but Pawan Singh steps back The 1998 PV Narasimha ruling held that MPs and MLAs who take bribes for voting and asking questions in the House enjoy immunity as per the Constitution. The landmark judgment was delivered by a seven-member Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Top quotes by the Supreme Court "Corruption and bribery by members of the legislature erode probity in public life," the SC noted in the judgment. "The judgment of the majority in the PV Narasimha Rao case, which grants immunity to lawmakers, has a grave danger and thus, overruled," it added. Watch: India: Gautam Gambhir not to contest Lok Sabha elections from BJP | Lok Sabha Polls 2024 × "The offence of a bribe is crystallised on the taking of illegal gratification and does not depend on if the vote or speech is given later, and the offence is complete when the legislator accepts a bribe," the judgment read. "A member is induced to vote in a certain way because of a bribe and it erodes the foundation of Indian democracy," it further stated. "Bribery is not protected by parliamentary privilege and the word anything when read with their respective operative words means that a member may claim immunity to say as they feel and vote in a direction in any matter before the house," the SC ruled.

‘Will ensure clean politics,’ PM Modi hails SC judgment on ‘immunity in bribery' case

<p>Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party&nbsp;to&nbsp;release him of political duties. Gambhir, a member of the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup squad requested BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday (Mar 2) to to relieve him of his political responsibilities&nbsp;in order to focus on his cricketing commitments. Gambhir successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and Hon’ble HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!</p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1763785102268772777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Gautam Gambhir asks to stay away from political duties</strong></h2>

<p>“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his X handle.</p>

<p>His request to stay away from politics is a clear indication he will not contest the 2024 general elections to be held in a couple of momths.</p>

<p>Gambhir ahead of the 2019 general election joined the PM Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and successfully contested the East Delhi seat in&nbsp;first attempt. However, the former cricketer was more in the news for his controversial statements and fights on the field than he has been in politics.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saudi-arabia-ready-to-host-2034-fifa-world-cup-launches-official-bid-with-campaign-slogan-growing-together-695747">Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 FIFA World Cup, launches official bid with campaign slogan 'Growing. Together'</a></p>

<p>Gambhir’s exit from the election frame could welcome the addition of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar to the BJP-led NDA alliance. According to a few reports, the Bollywood actor could be handed the seat vacated by Gambhir in East Delhi. While these are still reports, the BJP intends to win all seven seats in the National Capital Territory (NCT) and would like to have a like-to-like replacement in terms of the fame surrounding Gambhir.</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Gambhir is likely to return to&nbsp;full time commentary and in the role of a mentor&nbsp;during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Last season he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who made it to the playoffs.</p>

<p>Gambhir's most memorable moment during the IPL has been his on-camera verbal spat with former India captain Virat Kohli during a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).</p>


Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party to release him of political duties.

Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party to release him of political duties. Gambhir, a member of the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup squad requested BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday (Mar 2) to to relieve him of his political responsibilities in order to focus on his cricketing commitments. Gambhir successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year. I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024 × Gautam Gambhir asks to stay away from political duties “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his X handle. His request to stay away from politics is a clear indication he will not contest the 2024 general elections to be held in a couple of momths. Gambhir ahead of the 2019 general election joined the PM Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and successfully contested the East Delhi seat in first attempt. However, the former cricketer was more in the news for his controversial statements and fights on the field than he has been in politics. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 FIFA World Cup, launches official bid with campaign slogan 'Growing. Together' Gambhir’s exit from the election frame could welcome the addition of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar to the BJP-led NDA alliance. According to a few reports, the Bollywood actor could be handed the seat vacated by Gambhir in East Delhi. While these are still reports, the BJP intends to win all seven seats in the National Capital Territory (NCT) and would like to have a like-to-like replacement in terms of the fame surrounding Gambhir. While Gambhir is likely to return to full time commentary and in the role of a mentor during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Last season he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who made it to the playoffs. Gambhir's most memorable moment during the IPL has been his on-camera verbal spat with former India captain Virat Kohli during a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties

Another name has been added to the list of I.N.D.I.A bloc deserters. Vibhakar Shastri, the grandson of former Indian prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, quit Indian national congress.

Ex-PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's grandson Vibhakar Shashtri quits Congress

<p>The&nbsp;Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor. According to reports, aside from the Indian states of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Anand will represent BSP in the rest of the country.</p>

<p>Anand had been seen as someone who would&nbsp;succeed the BSP president as the party leader and was said to be&nbsp;in charge of party affairs since last year. He is the son of Mayawati's&nbsp;younger brother&nbsp;Anand Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mayawati’s successor</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement was made at the party meeting in Lucknow, the capital&nbsp;of Uttar Pradesh. “BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand as her successor,” party leader Udayveer Singh told news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-state-election-results-pm-modis-bjp-scores-a-sweeping-34-in-crucial-test-before-2024-final-665862">India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final</a></strong></p>

<p>He also said that Mayawati would “continue to lead the party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Anand ji will lead the party in other states.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting, as per an official party statement released on Saturday (Dec 9), said the BSP would analyse its performance in the recently concluded assembly polls in three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p>The announcement comes ahead of the Indian general elections next year. The BSP has also reportedly discussed the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections at the meeting on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">10-12-2023-BSP Press Release-All-India Party Meeting <a href="https://t.co/EzBT2XhFeC">pic.twitter.com/EzBT2XhFeC</a></p>
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1733735632004960448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Akash Anand?</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement about Anand taking over BSP’s reins from the former UP chief minister was long anticipated as he was second in the list of the party’s star campaigners during the Himachal Pradesh assembly election.</p>

<p>Mayawati’s nephew also played a crucial role as the BSP’s in-charge for the recently held assembly polls in the Indian state of Rajasthan and also worked in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anand entered Indian politics in 2017 at the age of 22 and now holds the position of BSP's national coordinator.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is an MBA graduate from London.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent</a></strong></p>

<p>During the last general elections, in 2019, he managed the election campaign strategy of the BSP chief with his first poll campaign in Rajasthan. Anand was made national coordinator of the BSP in 2019 after Mayawati rejigged the party organisation after breaking its alliance with the Samajwadi Party.</p>

<p>The now 28-year-old&nbsp;has since August been regularly spotted in BSP’s state-level review meetings in Lucknow indicating his position as an important member of the party ahead of the 2024 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Anand also led the party’s 14-day, 3,000-kilometre, ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay Sankalp Yatra’ in the Indian state of Rajasthan where he called upon the citizens to align their principles with Dr BR Ambedkar and advance the nation towards a more equitable future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Instagram, he calls himself a “young supporter of Baba Saheb’s vision. I stand for Education, Empowerment, and Equality.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor. According to reports, aside from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Anand will represent BSP in the rest of the country. Anand had been seen as someone who would succeed the BSP president as the party leader and was said to be in charge of party affairs since last year. He is the son of Mayawati's younger brother Anand Kumar. Mayawati’s successor The announcement was made at the party meeting in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. “BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand as her successor,” party leader Udayveer Singh told news agency ANI. ALSO READ | India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final He also said that Mayawati would “continue to lead the party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Anand ji will lead the party in other states.” The meeting, as per an official party statement released on Saturday (Dec 9), said the BSP would analyse its performance in the recently concluded assembly polls in three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The announcement comes ahead of the Indian general elections next year. The BSP has also reportedly discussed the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections at the meeting on Sunday. 10-12-2023-BSP Press Release-All-India Party Meeting pic.twitter.com/EzBT2XhFeC — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 10, 2023 × Who is Akash Anand? The announcement about Anand taking over BSP’s reins from the former UP chief minister was long anticipated as he was second in the list of the party’s star campaigners during the Himachal Pradesh assembly election. Mayawati’s nephew also played a crucial role as the BSP’s in-charge for the recently held assembly polls in the Indian state of Rajasthan and also worked in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Anand entered Indian politics in 2017 at the age of 22 and now holds the position of BSP's national coordinator. He is an MBA graduate from London. ALSO READ | PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent During the last general elections, in 2019, he managed the election campaign strategy of the BSP chief with his first poll campaign in Rajasthan. Anand was made national coordinator of the BSP in 2019 after Mayawati rejigged the party organisation after breaking its alliance with the Samajwadi Party. The now 28-year-old has since August been regularly spotted in BSP’s state-level review meetings in Lucknow indicating his position as an important member of the party ahead of the 2024 elections. Earlier this year, Anand also led the party’s 14-day, 3,000-kilometre, ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay Sankalp Yatra’ in the Indian state of Rajasthan where he called upon the citizens to align their principles with Dr BR Ambedkar and advance the nation towards a more equitable future. On Instagram, he calls himself a “young supporter of Baba Saheb’s vision. I stand for Education, Empowerment, and Equality.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: BSP chief Mayawati chooses nephew Akash Anand as her political successor. Who is he?

<p>Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the allegations?</strong></h2>

<p>In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey said&nbsp;that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.”</p>

<p>“The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”.</p>

<p>In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed&nbsp;as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>TMC leader responds</strong></h2>

<p>In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X&nbsp;said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”.</p>

<p>“If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis &amp; circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”.

Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim. What are the allegations? In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Dubey said that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.” “The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added. The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”. In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.” The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case. “I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey. TMC leader responds In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”. “If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis & circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post. (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: BJP MP claims Mahua Moitra took bribes to ask questions in Parliament; TMC leader welcomes probe

<p>Archana Singh&nbsp;has been expelled from Congress for six years, Anshu Awasthi, spokesperson for Uttar Pradesh Congress confirmed the news to News 18. The politician added that Archana has been&nbsp;expelled for her 'misconduct' and complaints from the party's Meerut unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports claimed that Archana was expelled in June this year but the letter of her expulsion went viral recently. Here's all you need to know about Archana and her background.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-bihar-caste-survey-more-than-63-of-states-population-are-obcs-and-ebcs-642368"><strong>Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-bihar-caste-survey-more-than-63-of-states-population-are-obcs-and-ebcs-642368">Explained | Bihar caste survey: More than 63% of state's population are OBCs and EBCs</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Archana Gautam?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in 1994 or 1995 in Meerut, Archana Gautam is a model, beauty pageant title holder and former contestant of&nbsp;Salman Khan's reality show Bigg Boss 16 and Khatron Ke Khiladi. According to Wikipedia, Archana completed her studies in Mass Communications. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Her career began with modelling in print and television advertising for several brands. She even made cameo appearances in movies like Great Grand Masti and Baarat Company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, she was named Miss Uttar Pradesh and won Miss Bikini India in 2018. Archana also represented India globally in Miss Cosmos 2018 and won the subtitle Most Talent 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Archana Gautam's Political Career</strong></h2>

<p>Archana joined the Indian National Congress in 2021 and got a ticket from Hastinapur for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, contesting with 7 other candidates. However, she lost to BJP candidate Dinesh Karthik and won only 1,519 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-officials-search-aap-leader-sanjay-singhs-residence-in-early-morning-raid-linked-to-liquor-policy-case-642351">ED officials search AAP leader Sanjay Singh's residence in early morning raid linked to liquor policy case</a></strong><br />
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Meanwhile, Anshu said, "She had no political background, yet the party trusted her, gave her respect and honour, and fielded her from Hastinapur constituency. There were frequent complaints of misconduct and misbehaviour from the party workers in the Meerut unit who stood by her and supported her in the 2022 Assembly elections. Hence, the party’s disciplinary committee has decided to expel Archana Gautam from the party."</p>

<p>He also claimed that a notice was issued to Archana but they got no response. She didn't clear her dues of several vehicles she hired during her election campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The viral video</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, a video circulated on microblogging site X which showed Archana and her father being targeted by a small group, misbehaving with them.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArchanaGautam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArchanaGautam</a><br />
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I STAND WITH ARCHANA ✊✊ <a href="https://twitter.com/archanagautamm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@archanagautamm</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArchanaGautam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArchanaGautam</a> <a href="https://t.co/4tssjHJGId">pic.twitter.com/4tssjHJGId</a></p>
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<p>In an interview with News 18, she said, "They did not allow us to enter the office and did not open the gates. We were told, ‘upar se aadesh hai aaki entry bandh hai (We have received orders that you are not allowed)’. I do not know the reason behind it."</p>

<p>She added, "My father is injured. My driver was hit on his head. This is not right. I am still fine. I will hold a press conference soon and will reveal the truth."</p>

<p>Archana during a live on her social media account, blamed Sandeep Singh for the situation of the party in the state. She claimed that the politician threatened to put her in jail, and she challenged him to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Archana Singh has been expelled from Congress for six years, Anshu Awasthi, spokesperson for Uttar Pradesh Congress confirmed the news to News 18. The politician added that Archana has been expelled for her 'misconduct' and complaints from the party's Meerut unit.

Archana Singh has been expelled from Congress for six years, Anshu Awasthi, spokesperson for Uttar Pradesh Congress confirmed the news to News 18. The politician added that Archana has been expelled for her 'misconduct' and complaints from the party's Meerut unit. Reports claimed that Archana was expelled in June this year but the letter of her expulsion went viral recently. Here's all you need to know about Archana and her background. Also read | Explained | Bihar caste survey: More than 63% of state's population are OBCs and EBCs Who is Archana Gautam? Born in 1994 or 1995 in Meerut, Archana Gautam is a model, beauty pageant title holder and former contestant of Salman Khan's reality show Bigg Boss 16 and Khatron Ke Khiladi. According to Wikipedia, Archana completed her studies in Mass Communications. Her career began with modelling in print and television advertising for several brands. She even made cameo appearances in movies like Great Grand Masti and Baarat Company. In 2014, she was named Miss Uttar Pradesh and won Miss Bikini India in 2018. Archana also represented India globally in Miss Cosmos 2018 and won the subtitle Most Talent 2018. Archana Gautam's Political Career Archana joined the Indian National Congress in 2021 and got a ticket from Hastinapur for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, contesting with 7 other candidates. However, she lost to BJP candidate Dinesh Karthik and won only 1,519 votes. Also read | ED officials search AAP leader Sanjay Singh's residence in early morning raid linked to liquor policy case Meanwhile, Anshu said, "She had no political background, yet the party trusted her, gave her respect and honour, and fielded her from Hastinapur constituency. There were frequent complaints of misconduct and misbehaviour from the party workers in the Meerut unit who stood by her and supported her in the 2022 Assembly elections. Hence, the party’s disciplinary committee has decided to expel Archana Gautam from the party." He also claimed that a notice was issued to Archana but they got no response. She didn't clear her dues of several vehicles she hired during her election campaign. The viral video Last week, a video circulated on microblogging site X which showed Archana and her father being targeted by a small group, misbehaving with them. #ArchanaGautam I STAND WITH ARCHANA ✊✊ @archanagautamm#ArchanaGautam pic.twitter.com/4tssjHJGId — KUMAR ANSHUL (@kumar_anshul123) September 29, 2023 × In an interview with News 18, she said, "They did not allow us to enter the office and did not open the gates. We were told, ‘upar se aadesh hai aaki entry bandh hai (We have received orders that you are not allowed)’. I do not know the reason behind it." She added, "My father is injured. My driver was hit on his head. This is not right. I am still fine. I will hold a press conference soon and will reveal the truth." Archana during a live on her social media account, blamed Sandeep Singh for the situation of the party in the state. She claimed that the politician threatened to put her in jail, and she challenged him to do so. (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.

Who is Archana Gautam? Congress spokesperson confirms her expulsion from party. Here's what happened

<p>The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes days after she was allegedly heard calling the religious organisation the “biggest cheat” and accused the organisation of selling cows from their ‘gaushalas’ (cowsheds) to butchers.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>“The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish ‘gaushalas’ for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISCKON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi can be heard saying in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>ISKCON Vice President Radharamn Das said that the religious organisation will legally pursue the case against the former Union minister till the end, adding that the Indian lawmaker’s comments were unfortunate and hurt the sentiments of ISKCON devotees,&nbsp;supporters, and well-wishers&nbsp;across the world.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iskcon-responds-to-indian-lawmaker-maneka-gandhis-biggest-cheat-claim-640065">ISKCON hits back after Maneka Gandhi alleges it sells cows to butchers</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “How could an MP who was a former minister lie about ISKCON without any evidence? She said she went to Anantpur gaushala, but people there can’t remember Maneka Gandhi visiting there. So sitting at home, she is making these baseless allegations.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes days after ISKCON, in response to the viral video, refuted Maneka Gandhi’s claims, and deemed them “unsubstantiated” and “false”.</p>

<p>ISKCON spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, asserted the religious organisation’s commitment to cow and bull protection, claiming that these animals are not sold to butchers.</p>

<p>“ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally. The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged,” Yudhistir Govinda Das wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Within India, ISKCON runs more than 60 gaushalas protecting hundreds of sacred cows and bulls and providing personalised care for their entire lifetime. Many of the cows presently served in ISCKON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being found abandoned, injured, or rescued from being slaughtered,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-upholds-convictions-of-over-200-people-in-1992-vachathi-assault-and-rape-case-641026">Madras High Court upholds convictions of over 200 people in 1992 Vachathi assault and rape case</a></strong></p>

<p>Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights activist, is the elder daughter-in-law of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but has not been associated with the Congress party. Her political career has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party since 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 67-year-old is a member of India’s lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, from the Sultanpur constituency from the north&nbsp;Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes days after she was allegedly heard calling the religious organisation the “biggest cheat” and accused the organisation of selling cows from their ‘gaushalas’ (cowsheds) to butchers. What happened? “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish ‘gaushalas’ for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISCKON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi can be heard saying in the video. About the lawsuit ISKCON Vice President Radharamn Das said that the religious organisation will legally pursue the case against the former Union minister till the end, adding that the Indian lawmaker’s comments were unfortunate and hurt the sentiments of ISKCON devotees, supporters, and well-wishers across the world. ALSO READ | ISKCON hits back after Maneka Gandhi alleges it sells cows to butchers He added, “How could an MP who was a former minister lie about ISKCON without any evidence? She said she went to Anantpur gaushala, but people there can’t remember Maneka Gandhi visiting there. So sitting at home, she is making these baseless allegations.” This also comes days after ISKCON, in response to the viral video, refuted Maneka Gandhi’s claims, and deemed them “unsubstantiated” and “false”. ISKCON spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, asserted the religious organisation’s commitment to cow and bull protection, claiming that these animals are not sold to butchers. “ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally. The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged,” Yudhistir Govinda Das wrote on X. “ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Within India, ISKCON runs more than 60 gaushalas protecting hundreds of sacred cows and bulls and providing personalised care for their entire lifetime. Many of the cows presently served in ISCKON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being found abandoned, injured, or rescued from being slaughtered,” the statement added. ALSO READ | Madras High Court upholds convictions of over 200 people in 1992 Vachathi assault and rape case Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights activist, is the elder daughter-in-law of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but has not been associated with the Congress party. Her political career has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party since 1999. The 67-year-old is a member of India’s lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, from the Sultanpur constituency from the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. (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: ISKCON sues Maneka Gandhi over ‘biggest cheat,’ ‘selling cows to butchers’ remarks

<p>Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday (August 9) called Rahul Gandhi a "misogynist" while she was responding&nbsp;to the Congress leader on the issue of Manipur in the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Gandhi's fiery speech, Irani responded to the current situation of Manipur and also raised issues of 1984 anti-Sikh riots and unrest in Kashmir when the Congress regime was at the Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also accused Gandhi of blowing a flying kiss to the area of parliament that seats female members. She said that his action lacks dignity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In her address, Irani said, "I object to something. The one who was given the chance to speak before displayed indecency before leaving."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is only a misogynistic man who can give a flying kiss to a Parliament which seats female members of Parliament. Such undignified conduct was never before seen in the Parliament of the country."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>This video appears to show&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi blowing a kiss:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In this video MP Rahul Gandhi can be showing blowing 'Flying Kiss'. <a href="https://t.co/5XnHWHQwkD">pic.twitter.com/5XnHWHQwkD</a></p>
— Facts (@BefittingFacts) <a href="https://twitter.com/BefittingFacts/status/1689202470164312064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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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> | Union Minister Smriti Irani on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi<br />
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"Never before has the misogynistic behaviour of a man been so visible in Parliament as what was done by Rahul Gandhi today. When the House of the People, where laws are made to protect the dignity of women, during… <a href="https://t.co/eOsMl3I5zy">pic.twitter.com/eOsMl3I5zy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1689197802637897728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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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> | Union Minister and BJP MP Smriti Irani says, "I object to something. The one who was given the chance to speak before me displayed indecency before leaving. It is only a misogynistic man who can give a flying kiss to a Parliament which seats female members of Parliament.… <a href="https://t.co/xjEePHKPKN">pic.twitter.com/xjEePHKPKN</a></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> | BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "He gives a flying kiss. What has happened to Rahul Gandhi? So many women are seated there (in the House). He has no manners. It is very painful..." <a href="https://t.co/IudK9YS0zw">https://t.co/IudK9YS0zw</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ta3xZq7l9P">pic.twitter.com/Ta3xZq7l9P</a></p>
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<p>Union minister Shobha Karandlaje and a few other women BJP MPs have complained to Speaker Om Birla against Gandhi for blowing a flying kiss inside Lok Sabha. They wrote a letter accusing him of insulting women members of the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karandlaje said, "This is the first time we have seen such behaviour from an MP in the House. He made a gesture of a flying kiss at women MPs in the House....It is unacceptable. We have complained to the Speaker to take action against him."&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said,&nbsp;"He gives a flying kiss. What has happened to Rahul Gandhi? So many women are seated there (in the House). He has no manners. It is very painful..."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday (August 9) called Rahul Gandhi a "misogynist" while she was responding to the Congress leader on the issue of Manipur in the parliament.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday (August 9) called Rahul Gandhi a "misogynist" while she was responding to the Congress leader on the issue of Manipur in the parliament. After Gandhi's fiery speech, Irani responded to the current situation of Manipur and also raised issues of 1984 anti-Sikh riots and unrest in Kashmir when the Congress regime was at the Centre. She also accused Gandhi of blowing a flying kiss to the area of parliament that seats female members. She said that his action lacks dignity. In her address, Irani said, "I object to something. The one who was given the chance to speak before displayed indecency before leaving." "It is only a misogynistic man who can give a flying kiss to a Parliament which seats female members of Parliament. Such undignified conduct was never before seen in the Parliament of the country." This video appears to show Rahul Gandhi blowing a kiss: In this video MP Rahul Gandhi can be showing blowing 'Flying Kiss'. pic.twitter.com/5XnHWHQwkD — Facts (@BefittingFacts) August 9, 2023 × Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. #WATCH | Union Minister Smriti Irani on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi "Never before has the misogynistic behaviour of a man been so visible in Parliament as what was done by Rahul Gandhi today. When the House of the People, where laws are made to protect the dignity of women, during… pic.twitter.com/eOsMl3I5zy — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2023 × #WATCH | Union Minister and BJP MP Smriti Irani says, "I object to something. The one who was given the chance to speak before me displayed indecency before leaving. It is only a misogynistic man who can give a flying kiss to a Parliament which seats female members of Parliament.… pic.twitter.com/xjEePHKPKN — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2023 × #WATCH | BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "He gives a flying kiss. What has happened to Rahul Gandhi? So many women are seated there (in the House). He has no manners. It is very painful..." https://t.co/IudK9YS0zw pic.twitter.com/Ta3xZq7l9P — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2023 × Union minister Shobha Karandlaje and a few other women BJP MPs have complained to Speaker Om Birla against Gandhi for blowing a flying kiss inside Lok Sabha. They wrote a letter accusing him of insulting women members of the parliament. Karandlaje said, "This is the first time we have seen such behaviour from an MP in the House. He made a gesture of a flying kiss at women MPs in the House....It is unacceptable. We have complained to the Speaker to take action against him." BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "He gives a flying kiss. What has happened to Rahul Gandhi? So many women are seated there (in the House). He has no manners. It is very painful..." (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.

WATCH: Smriti Irani calls Rahul Gandhi 'misogynist' after he apparently blows a flying kiss in parliament

<p>India's Lok Sabha witnessed quite an eventful day on Monday (August 7) as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to the lower house of the parliament as his membership was restored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, the House was also marred by chaos, with BJP leader Nishikant Dubey accusing the Congress of 'collaborating with anti-nationals&nbsp; and China', citing a report by The New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a report titled, "A Global Web of Chinese Propaganda Leads to a US Tech Mogul", the NYT has claimed that the news portal was part of a global network that received funding from American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, who allegedly works closely with the Chinese government media machine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned, "In New Delhi, corporate filings show, Singham's network financed a news site, NewsClick, that sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points. 'China's history continues to inspire the working classes,' one video said."</p>

<p>Dubey alleged that the article is basically exposing the "tukde tukde gang" and "some media" as they have connections to external forces that have links in anti-India activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP leader accused Congress of taking money from China, with the aim of opposing the central government. He also alleged that Congress leaders met the Chinese in 2016 to oppose the Modi government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-affect-national-capitals-governance-623158">What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect national capital's governance?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">राहुल की नफ़रत की दुकान चायनीज समान से भरी हुई है । कॉंग्रेस पार्टी की नीति चीन के साथ मिलकर भारत तोड़ने की है। कॉंग्रेस पार्टी के चीन के फ़ंडिंग की जाँच भारत सरकार के चुनाव आयोग को करके कॉंग्रेस की दुकान बंद करनी चाहिए <a href="https://t.co/hAvAHSxUBr">pic.twitter.com/hAvAHSxUBr</a></p>
— Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) <a href="https://twitter.com/nishikant_dubey/status/1688445325814747138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dubey said in the parliament, "They want to divide India through Chinese forces and some media. Between 2005 and 2014, whenever there was a crisis, Congress received money from China."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In 2008, they had invited both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. In 2016, they were talking to the Chinese during the Doklam crisis."</p>

<p>He also took the names of Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Randeep Surjewala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition asked how Dubey's mic was on throughout the processing and reportedly they wrote a letter to the Speaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote, "When the Acting Chair was giving the floor to ministers to lay papers on the table, Shri Nishikant Dubey's microphone was switched on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He proceeded to level libellous and defamatory charges against the Congress Party and Shri Rahul Gandhi, a member of the House, without having given any notice, let alone taken the permission of the Chair. His allegations were a flagrant violation of Rule 353 of the Rules of Procedure ad Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written a letter to LS Speaker Om Birla regarding BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's comments in Lok Sabha today<br />
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"We demand under Rule 380 that his remarks be expunged in full and that an inquiry be conducted into how such an… <a href="https://t.co/JgYsOKRG6l">pic.twitter.com/JgYsOKRG6l</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1688451420868222976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Anti-India umbilical cord'</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP leader and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur alleged that China, NewsClick website and the Congress are linked to an "anti-India umbilical cord" as he cited the same report. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference along with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the BJP headquarters, Thakur said India was telling the world that NewsClick was a dangerous global network of propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that when Enforcement Directorate raids were conducted against NewsClick two years ago, the Congress and other opposition parties stood by the news portal and questioned the government's action, raising the issue of press freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's Lok Sabha witnessed quite an eventful day on Monday (August 7) as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to the lower house of the parliament as his membership was restored.

India's Lok Sabha witnessed quite an eventful day on Monday (August 7) as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to the lower house of the parliament as his membership was restored. On the same day, the House was also marred by chaos, with BJP leader Nishikant Dubey accusing the Congress of 'collaborating with anti-nationals and China', citing a report by The New York Times. In a report titled, "A Global Web of Chinese Propaganda Leads to a US Tech Mogul", the NYT has claimed that the news portal was part of a global network that received funding from American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, who allegedly works closely with the Chinese government media machine. The report mentioned, "In New Delhi, corporate filings show, Singham's network financed a news site, NewsClick, that sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points. 'China's history continues to inspire the working classes,' one video said." Dubey alleged that the article is basically exposing the "tukde tukde gang" and "some media" as they have connections to external forces that have links in anti-India activities. The BJP leader accused Congress of taking money from China, with the aim of opposing the central government. He also alleged that Congress leaders met the Chinese in 2016 to oppose the Modi government. Also read: What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect national capital's governance? राहुल की नफ़रत की दुकान चायनीज समान से भरी हुई है । कॉंग्रेस पार्टी की नीति चीन के साथ मिलकर भारत तोड़ने की है। कॉंग्रेस पार्टी के चीन के फ़ंडिंग की जाँच भारत सरकार के चुनाव आयोग को करके कॉंग्रेस की दुकान बंद करनी चाहिए pic.twitter.com/hAvAHSxUBr — Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) August 7, 2023 × Dubey said in the parliament, "They want to divide India through Chinese forces and some media. Between 2005 and 2014, whenever there was a crisis, Congress received money from China." "In 2008, they had invited both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. In 2016, they were talking to the Chinese during the Doklam crisis." He also took the names of Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Randeep Surjewala. The opposition asked how Dubey's mic was on throughout the processing and reportedly they wrote a letter to the Speaker. In the letter, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote, "When the Acting Chair was giving the floor to ministers to lay papers on the table, Shri Nishikant Dubey's microphone was switched on." "He proceeded to level libellous and defamatory charges against the Congress Party and Shri Rahul Gandhi, a member of the House, without having given any notice, let alone taken the permission of the Chair. His allegations were a flagrant violation of Rule 353 of the Rules of Procedure ad Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha," he added. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written a letter to LS Speaker Om Birla regarding BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's comments in Lok Sabha today "We demand under Rule 380 that his remarks be expunged in full and that an inquiry be conducted into how such an… pic.twitter.com/JgYsOKRG6l — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023 × Also read: India's border infrastructure strengthened to address LAC challenges: EAM Jaishankar × 'Anti-India umbilical cord' Meanwhile, BJP leader and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur alleged that China, NewsClick website and the Congress are linked to an "anti-India umbilical cord" as he cited the same report. Addressing a press conference along with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the BJP headquarters, Thakur said India was telling the world that NewsClick was a dangerous global network of propaganda. He also said that when Enforcement Directorate raids were conducted against NewsClick two years ago, the Congress and other opposition parties stood by the news portal and questioned the government's action, raising the issue of press freedom. (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: BJP launches scathing attack on Congress, links the Opposition with Chinese funding scandal

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India: BJP launches scathing attack on Congress, links the Opposition with Chinese funding scandal