Congress leader Pawan Khera is set to make his Rajya Sabha debut after the Congress named him among its candidates from Karnataka for the upcoming Upper House elections. The party has also nominated Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan from the state.&nbsp;Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that Kharge will file his nomination papers on Friday in the presence of senior party leaders.&nbsp;"Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is filing the nomination tomorrow at 12.30 pm. Rahul Gandhi is also coming here tomorrow. He'll file the nomination. Then the rest of the candidates, the MLCs, will also file the nomination," Shivakumar told reporters.&nbsp;Besides Khera, Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan, the Congress has nominated Meenakshi Natarajan from Madhya Pradesh, Neeraj Dangi from Rajasthan, Praveen Chakravarty from Tamil Nadu and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand for the Rajya Sabha elections and bypolls.&nbsp;Polling for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, is scheduled for June 18. Bypolls for one seat each in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha will also be held on the same day. The last date for filing nominations is June 8.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/futile-to-try-pressuring-pm-modi-putin-says-india-us-relations-do-not-affect-ties-with-russia-1780597993055">‘Futile to try pressuring PM Modi’: Putin says India-US relations do not affect ties with Russia</a>&nbsp;Khera's nomination comes against the backdrop of a recent legal battle involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family. The controversy erupted after Khera alleged that Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, possessed multiple passports and held undisclosed foreign assets. He also shared documents that he claimed were linked to foreign entities, though Sharma later alleged that the documents were forged.&nbsp;Both Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and the Assam chief minister dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a complaint filed by Sharma in Guwahati on April 5, the Guwahati Crime Branch registered a case against Khera under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to forgery, cheating, defamation and the use of forged documents.&nbsp;The dispute soon escalated into a wider political confrontation. Assam Police visited Khera's residence in New Delhi on April 7 in connection with the case, although he was not present at the time.&nbsp;Khera subsequently moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest. On May 1, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar granted him anticipatory bail, observing that the allegations and counter-allegations in the matter appeared, prima facie, to be driven by political rivalry.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan have also been named as Rajya Sabha candidates from Karnataka, along with Pawan Khera.

Congress leader Pawan Khera is set to make his Rajya Sabha debut after the Congress named him among its candidates from Karnataka for the upcoming Upper House elections. The party has also nominated Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan from the state. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that Kharge will file his nomination papers on Friday in the presence of senior party leaders. "Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is filing the nomination tomorrow at 12.30 pm. Rahul Gandhi is also coming here tomorrow. He'll file the nomination. Then the rest of the candidates, the MLCs, will also file the nomination," Shivakumar told reporters. Besides Khera, Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan, the Congress has nominated Meenakshi Natarajan from Madhya Pradesh, Neeraj Dangi from Rajasthan, Praveen Chakravarty from Tamil Nadu and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand for the Rajya Sabha elections and bypolls. Polling for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, is scheduled for June 18. Bypolls for one seat each in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha will also be held on the same day. The last date for filing nominations is June 8. Also Read: ‘Futile to try pressuring PM Modi’: Putin says India-US relations do not affect ties with Russia Khera's nomination comes against the backdrop of a recent legal battle involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family. The controversy erupted after Khera alleged that Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, possessed multiple passports and held undisclosed foreign assets. He also shared documents that he claimed were linked to foreign entities, though Sharma later alleged that the documents were forged. Both Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and the Assam chief minister dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Following a complaint filed by Sharma in Guwahati on April 5, the Guwahati Crime Branch registered a case against Khera under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to forgery, cheating, defamation and the use of forged documents. The dispute soon escalated into a wider political confrontation. Assam Police visited Khera's residence in New Delhi on April 7 in connection with the case, although he was not present at the time. Khera subsequently moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest. On May 1, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar granted him anticipatory bail, observing that the allegations and counter-allegations in the matter appeared, prima facie, to be driven by political rivalry.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan have also been named as Rajya Sabha candidates from Karnataka, along with Pawan Khera.

Pawan Khera to make Rajya Sabha debut after Assam FIR row; Congress releases list of candidates

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea in the case regarding defamatory remarks against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. An FIR has also been lodged by the Guwahati police in this regard.&nbsp;A bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Atul Chandurkar reserved its verdict after hearing the argument by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, against the Gauhati HC's rejection of his anticipatory bail plea.&nbsp;Singhvi, while making his arguments called it an "unprecedented case" and indirectly made references to the Assam Chief Minister as the "boss of the boss of the boss of the prosecutor".&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thane-accused-who-stabbed-guards-studied-maps-of-sensitive-areas-in-mumbai-consumed-radical-content-1777527711919">Thane accused who stabbed guards studied maps of sensitive areas in Mumbai, consumed radical content</a>&nbsp;He said Sarma threatened Khera of putting him behind bars in Assam for the rest of his life.&nbsp;"Dr.Ambedkar would turn in his grave if he had imagined that a Constitutional office holder will speak like a Constitutional cowboy or a Constitutional Rambo," said Singhvi while making the claims.&nbsp;Singhvi argued that most of the charges leveled against his client were of defamation and reputational damage, and neither of it requires arrest or custodial interrogation.&nbsp;"Let me assume I am convicted ultimately…" he said, "But where is the necessity of arrest? What is there in the case which cannot be done without an arrest?", said Singhvi.&nbsp;"Why is it necessary to humiliate with a custodial interrogation?" Singhvi asked.&nbsp;He then said that most of the cases against Khera are bailable but 50-60 Assam policemen landed in Nizamuddin to arrest Khera, as if "he is a terrorist."&nbsp;Singhvi also criticised the High Court for describing the complainant - Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma - as an “innocent lady,” arguing that such observations pre-judge issues meant for trial.&nbsp;While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Assam argued that the documents submitted in the court by Khera were “fake and forged” and that no such passports were issued by any authority. Therefore, custodial interrogation was necessary to identify who created the documents and whether any foreign elements were involved, said Khera.&nbsp;

Singhvi, while making his arguments called it an unprecedented case and indirectly made references to the Assam Chief Minister as the boss of the boss of the boss of the prosecutor.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea in the case regarding defamatory remarks against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. An FIR has also been lodged by the Guwahati police in this regard. A bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Atul Chandurkar reserved its verdict after hearing the argument by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, against the Gauhati HC's rejection of his anticipatory bail plea. Singhvi, while making his arguments called it an "unprecedented case" and indirectly made references to the Assam Chief Minister as the "boss of the boss of the boss of the prosecutor". ALSO READ: Thane accused who stabbed guards studied maps of sensitive areas in Mumbai, consumed radical content He said Sarma threatened Khera of putting him behind bars in Assam for the rest of his life. "Dr.Ambedkar would turn in his grave if he had imagined that a Constitutional office holder will speak like a Constitutional cowboy or a Constitutional Rambo," said Singhvi while making the claims. Singhvi argued that most of the charges leveled against his client were of defamation and reputational damage, and neither of it requires arrest or custodial interrogation. "Let me assume I am convicted ultimately…" he said, "But where is the necessity of arrest? What is there in the case which cannot be done without an arrest?", said Singhvi. "Why is it necessary to humiliate with a custodial interrogation?" Singhvi asked. He then said that most of the cases against Khera are bailable but 50-60 Assam policemen landed in Nizamuddin to arrest Khera, as if "he is a terrorist." Singhvi also criticised the High Court for describing the complainant - Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma - as an “innocent lady,” arguing that such observations pre-judge issues meant for trial. While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Assam argued that the documents submitted in the court by Khera were “fake and forged” and that no such passports were issued by any authority. Therefore, custodial interrogation was necessary to identify who created the documents and whether any foreign elements were involved, said Khera.

Singhvi, while making his arguments called it an "unprecedented case" and indirectly made references to the Assam Chief Minister as the "boss of the boss of the boss of the prosecutor".

Not necessary to humiliate with custodial interrogation: Singhvi argues as SC reserves verdict on Khera's bail plea

Pawan Khera has received temporary relief from the Telangana High Court, which granted him one-week transit anticipatory bail. The Congress leader has been asked to approach the concerned court within this period. The case stems from allegations involving Assam Chief Minister’s wife and passport claims. Khera has termed the case a result of “political vendetta,” adding a fresh twist to the controversy.


Congress Leader Pawan Khera Gets Relief From Telangana HC Amid Passport Row Case

The court has granted Congress leader Pawan Khera one week to file an application in the concerned court, marking a key development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him. The matter will now proceed further as directed by the judiciary.

India: Pawan Khera Given a Week to File Application in Concerned Court 

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (Apr 8) slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged derogatory remarks against the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Taking to social media, Vadra condemned the BJP leader’s behaviour, calling it “utterly shameful and despicable”.“The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has used extremely rude and derogatory language against Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, which is utterly shameful and unacceptable,” Vadra wrote on X. She pointed out that Kharge not only a Congress representative but also an enlightened voice for the Dalits and marginalised sections of the nation.“Kharge is one of the senior-most leaders of the country. He is not only a representative of the Congress party but also an enlightened voice for the Dalits and marginalised sections of the nation. By insulting him, the BJP’s Chief Minister has insulted crores of people across the country,” she said.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify before the nation: Do they agree with this insult to crores of Indians?” she added.<h2>What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say?</h2>Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had criticised Mallikarjun Kharge after the Congress President demanded clarification from the central government and the foreign minister on the police raid at Congress leader Pawan Khera’s Delhi residence.“Are you crazy? If you don’t know the truth, then why did you put it? You should have asked earlier...First, you should have asked the foreign minister whether it was right or not and that we have received this allegation,” Sarma said.He also compared the situation to killing someone and then offering them medicine. “Kharge is old, and you are still talking like a crazy person,” he said.Earlier, Khera had alleged that CM Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, possessed three passports, including those from India, the UAE, and Egypt. He also claimed that she had undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, USA.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had criticised Mallikarjun Kharge after the Congress President demanded clarification from the central government and the foreign minister on the police raid at Congress leader Pawan Khera’s Delhi residence.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (Apr 8) slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged derogatory remarks against the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Taking to social media, Vadra condemned the BJP leader’s behaviour, calling it “utterly shameful and despicable”. “The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has used extremely rude and derogatory language against Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, which is utterly shameful and unacceptable,” Vadra wrote on X. She pointed out that Kharge not only a Congress representative but also an enlightened voice for the Dalits and marginalised sections of the nation. “Kharge is one of the senior-most leaders of the country. He is not only a representative of the Congress party but also an enlightened voice for the Dalits and marginalised sections of the nation. By insulting him, the BJP’s Chief Minister has insulted crores of people across the country,” she said. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify before the nation: Do they agree with this insult to crores of Indians?” she added. What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say? Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had criticised Mallikarjun Kharge after the Congress President demanded clarification from the central government and the foreign minister on the police raid at Congress leader Pawan Khera’s Delhi residence. “Are you crazy? If you don’t know the truth, then why did you put it? You should have asked earlier...First, you should have asked the foreign minister whether it was right or not and that we have received this allegation,” Sarma said. He also compared the situation to killing someone and then offering them medicine. “Kharge is old, and you are still talking like a crazy person,” he said. Earlier, Khera had alleged that CM Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, possessed three passports, including those from India, the UAE, and Egypt. He also claimed that she had undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, USA.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had criticised Mallikarjun Kharge after the Congress President demanded clarification from the central government and the foreign minister on the police raid at Congress leader Pawan Khera’s Delhi residence.

‘Utterly shameful and unacceptable’: Priyanka Gandhi hits out at Himanta Biswa Sarma over remarks on Kharge

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (Apr 6) accused the Congress of launching a “foreign-influenced misinformation campaign” against him and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections on April 9. Addressing apress conference, Sharma said that the “serious allegations” made by Pawan Khera had Pakistani links after the Congress leader claimed that his wife has multiple passports.On Sunday (Apr 5), Khera alleged that the chief minister’s wife holds passports of three countries, including two Islamic nations, owns a luxury property in Dubai, and has investments worth millions in Wyoming, United States.Sarma told reporters that his wife has filed an FIR with the Crime Branch of Assam police against Khera. He added that the Congress leader relied on “fraud and fabricated” documents accessed from a Pakistani social media group to target him and his wife.“During our research, we found that the entire material of yesterday’s [April 5, 2026] press conference was supplied from a Pakistani social media group. In the last 10 days, [a] Pakistan channel did at least 11 talk shows on Assam elections, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win,” Sarma said, alleging that Pakistan is trying to influence the upcoming polls in the state.He added that Khera and his team used Photoshop to forge the original documents. “They missed out details in the process, thus getting exposed,” he said.“A simple Google reverse search with the passport number provides the exact details. Making allegations with fabricated documents to influence the result or outcome of an election attracts a higher penal provision, and the punishment for which is life imprisonment,” he added.Sarma said the Congress had revealed its true character by resorting to such tactics, adding that he never imagined that former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s son, Assam Congress chief and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, would go to such lengths to defame him.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress of a Pakistan-linked smear campaign over claims about his wife possessing three passports ahead of Assam polls.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (Apr 6) accused the Congress of launching a “foreign-influenced misinformation campaign” against him and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections on April 9. Addressing apress conference, Sharma said that the “serious allegations” made by Pawan Khera had Pakistani links after the Congress leader claimed that his wife has multiple passports. On Sunday (Apr 5), Khera alleged that the chief minister’s wife holds passports of three countries, including two Islamic nations, owns a luxury property in Dubai, and has investments worth millions in Wyoming, United States. Sarma told reporters that his wife has filed an FIR with the Crime Branch of Assam police against Khera. He added that the Congress leader relied on “fraud and fabricated” documents accessed from a Pakistani social media group to target him and his wife. “During our research, we found that the entire material of yesterday’s [April 5, 2026] press conference was supplied from a Pakistani social media group. In the last 10 days, [a] Pakistan channel did at least 11 talk shows on Assam elections, which never happened earlier. And in every talk show, the conclusion is that Congress should win,” Sarma said, alleging that Pakistan is trying to influence the upcoming polls in the state. He added that Khera and his team used Photoshop to forge the original documents. “They missed out details in the process, thus getting exposed,” he said. “A simple Google reverse search with the passport number provides the exact details. Making allegations with fabricated documents to influence the result or outcome of an election attracts a higher penal provision, and the punishment for which is life imprisonment,” he added. Sarma said the Congress had revealed its true character by resorting to such tactics, adding that he never imagined that former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s son, Assam Congress chief and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, would go to such lengths to defame him.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress of a Pakistan-linked smear campaign over claims about his wife possessing three passports ahead of Assam polls.

Pakistan trying to influence upcoming Assam polls? CM Himanta makes EXPLOSIVE claim

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday rejected the allegations levelled by Congress leader Pawan Khera on his family’s assets and financial dealings and announced that he will sue him in the next 48 hours for spreading false narratives. Sarma said that he and his wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma will file criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours.Khera held a press conference earlier on Sunday and raised questions about alleged foreign properties and financial links of Sarma’s wife and demanded an investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Busting Congress’ propaganda — serious discrepancies exposed. The documents being circulated show multiple glaring inconsistencies, suggesting a crude and poorly executed attempt at digital manipulation: 1️⃣ Surname mismatch — “SARMA” used instead of the official “SHARMA” 2️⃣… <a href="https://t.co/rZ1Xrp6i4g">https://t.co/rZ1Xrp6i4g</a>&mdash; Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/2040730279279817133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-can-t-buy-oil-without-trump-s-permission-pm-is-compromised-says-rahul-gandhi-1775386849478">‘India can’t buy oil without Trump’s permission, PM is compromised,’ says Rahul Gandhi</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In a post on X, Sarma strongly rejected all allegations and accused the Congress of spreading false narratives.“Today’s press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground,” Sarma said.Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course, the Assam CM added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-warns-of-striking-kolkata-in-future-conflict-with-india-1775326150284">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif warns of striking Kolkata in future conflict with India</a>&nbsp;Khera made a series of allegations and questioned the issue of multiple passports and suggested possible violations of law.He alleged that Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.&nbsp;“Himanta Biswa Sarma has kept his money in shell companies set up in Wyoming. Why Wyoming? Because there’s no tax here… It’s a well-known place where people's properties are hidden away,” Khera alleged. He also claimed that the information had been verified before being made public.“Himanta should explain how he earned 52,000 crore rupees,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-new-air-defence-system-helped-down-us-jets-was-it-majid-verba-or-hq-9b-1775318968899">Iran says its new air defence system helped down US jets. Was it Majid, Verba or HQ-9B?</a>&nbsp;Khera also alleged that Sarma’s wife has properties in Dubai and asked, “Why didn’t Himanta disclose his wife's Dubai properties in the affidavit?”Khera urged authorities to take action and sought responses from the central leadership, asking Home Minister Amit Shah if he will set up an SIT to investigate the matter.

Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday rejected the allegations levelled by Congress leader Pawan Khera on his family’s assets and financial dealings and announced that he will sue him in the next 48 hours for spreading false narratives. Sarma said that he and his wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma will file criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours. Khera held a press conference earlier on Sunday and raised questions about alleged foreign properties and financial links of Sarma’s wife and demanded an investigation.

Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds 3 passports and asked what the need was for it and if Himanta also has more passports and whether he is preparing to flee after losing the election.

CM Himanta rejects Cong’s allegations, vows to file defamation suit against Pawan Khera

Amid the raging row over “adulteration” of the ‘prasadam’ at the globally renowned Tirupati temple, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday trained guns on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of “polarising” the discourse in an election season.

Khera, the Congress national spokesperson, alleged that BJP is trying to gain political mileage by allowing conspiracy theories to fly thick in the air, even as the startling claims about Tirupati laddus remain to be substantiated.

He, however, said that if the claims of desecration of Tirupati Laddus are proven right, a full-fledged inquiry must identify the guilty and the strictest possible punishment must be meted out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-judge-faces-scs-ire-after-calling-muslim-majority-area-mini-pakistan-760326">Karnataka judge faces SC's ire after calling Muslim-majority area 'mini-Pakistan'</a>

“If the claims are wrong or motivated, millions of Tirupati devotees will not forgive those playing with their faith. Until then, it suits the BJP to allow polarising conspiracy theories to fly thick in the air in election season,” Khera wrote on social media platform X.

The massive row over the “desecration” of Tirupati temple prasadam broke out after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made startling claims about how the laddus were adulterated under the regime of the YSR Congress led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Watch |&nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu Alleges Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddoo, YSR Congress Refutes Claim

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He said that animal fat including “beef tallow” was being used in Tirupati ‘prasadam’ instead of ghee at the famed Sri Venkateswara temple, hurting the religious sentiments of crores of Lord’s devotees.

While the allegations triggered a political slugfest, with TDP and YSR Congress taking shots at each other, a laboratory report emerged on Thursday evening, corroborating the allegations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasad-row-ysrcp-moves-andhra-high-court-after-cm-naidus-allegation-of-adulteration-760344">Tirupati Prasad row: YSRCP moves Andhra High Court after CM Naidu's allegation of adulteration</a>

It confirmed the use of beef tallow, fish oil and tard (related to pig fat) in the laddus distributed to crores of devotees at Tirupati.

A couple of YSR Congress spokespersons dismissed it as a ploy by CM Naidu’s TDP to “discredit and malign” former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and also an attempt to consolidate Hindu votes.

Many BJP leaders, including Union Minister Sanjay Kumar Bandi, have demanded a detailed probe to identify the culprits and strict punishment for the act of “sacrilege” against Lord Venkateswara.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Amid the raging row over “adulteration” of the ‘prasadam’ at the globally renowned Tirupati temple, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday trained guns on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of “polarising” the discourse in an election season.

Amid the raging row over “adulteration” of the ‘prasadam’ at the globally renowned Tirupati temple, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday trained guns on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of “polarising” the discourse in an election season. Khera, the Congress national spokesperson, alleged that BJP is trying to gain political mileage by allowing conspiracy theories to fly thick in the air, even as the startling claims about Tirupati laddus remain to be substantiated. He, however, said that if the claims of desecration of Tirupati Laddus are proven right, a full-fledged inquiry must identify the guilty and the strictest possible punishment must be meted out. Also Read | Karnataka judge faces SC's ire after calling Muslim-majority area 'mini-Pakistan' “If the claims are wrong or motivated, millions of Tirupati devotees will not forgive those playing with their faith. Until then, it suits the BJP to allow polarising conspiracy theories to fly thick in the air in election season,” Khera wrote on social media platform X. The massive row over the “desecration” of Tirupati temple prasadam broke out after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made startling claims about how the laddus were adulterated under the regime of the YSR Congress led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. Watch | Chandrababu Naidu Alleges Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddoo, YSR Congress Refutes Claim × He said that animal fat including “beef tallow” was being used in Tirupati ‘prasadam’ instead of ghee at the famed Sri Venkateswara temple, hurting the religious sentiments of crores of Lord’s devotees. While the allegations triggered a political slugfest, with TDP and YSR Congress taking shots at each other, a laboratory report emerged on Thursday evening, corroborating the allegations. Also Read | Tirupati Prasad row: YSRCP moves Andhra High Court after CM Naidu's allegation of adulteration It confirmed the use of beef tallow, fish oil and tard (related to pig fat) in the laddus distributed to crores of devotees at Tirupati. A couple of YSR Congress spokespersons dismissed it as a ploy by CM Naidu’s TDP to “discredit and malign” former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and also an attempt to consolidate Hindu votes. Many BJP leaders, including Union Minister Sanjay Kumar Bandi, have demanded a detailed probe to identify the culprits and strict punishment for the act of “sacrilege” against Lord Venkateswara. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pawan Khera blames BJP for creating 'conspiracy theories' around Tirupati 'prasadam' row

A senior leader of India's opposition Congress Party, Pawan Khera, was released on bail hours after he was arrested at the Delhi airport on Thursday for allegedly making disgraceful remarks for country's prime minister Narendra Modi.

India's largest opposition party has been calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the Adani-Hindenburg row. At a press conference earlier, Khera flubbed Modi's name when he said, "If Narasimha Rao could form a JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), if Atal Bihari Vajpayee could form a JPC, then what problem does Narendra Gautam Das...sorry Damodardas...Modi have?"

The arrest came as the Congress spokesperson Khera was headed to the capital of Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, to attend the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary session which is scheduled to begin on Friday.&nbsp;

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A police team from Indian state of Assam came to arrest the leader with an FIR and accused him of remarks "made intentionally" and "causing breach of public peace, with intent to incite violence and disturb peace and tranquility in the society." After the arrest, the party approached Supreme Court and argued that the statement was a "slip of tongue" and clarified that Khera had also apologised.

Later, India's apex court directed a Delhi court to grant interim bail to the senior Congress leader. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said, "There has to be some level of discourse, we are protecting you." Moreover, the court also clubbed cases registered against Khera in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Assam, a request the party had been making.&nbsp;

In its defence, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that it was a deliberate attempt by Khera.&nbsp;

"Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our country all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. The public will destroy their pride," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

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Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "Make no mistake- pathetic remarks by courtier Pawan Khera on PM’s father have blessings of the top levels of Congress, which is full of entitlement and disdain against a person of humble origins being PM. India will not forget or forgive these horrible remarks of Congressmen."

The attacks and counterattacks continued throughout the day. One of the other prominent Congress leader and Chief Minister of Indian state of Rajasthan said, "Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our country all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. The public will destroy their pride," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot."

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Congress accused the ruling party of attemping to obstruct the plenary session and added that it is scared after&nbsp;"successful Bharat Jodo Yatra."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A senior leader of India's opposition Congress Party, Pawan Khera, was released on bail hours after he was arrested at the Delhi airport on Thursday for allegedly making disgraceful remarks for country's prime minister Narendra Modi.

A senior leader of India's opposition Congress Party, Pawan Khera, was released on bail hours after he was arrested at the Delhi airport on Thursday for allegedly making disgraceful remarks for country's prime minister Narendra Modi. India's largest opposition party has been calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the Adani-Hindenburg row. At a press conference earlier, Khera flubbed Modi's name when he said, "If Narasimha Rao could form a JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), if Atal Bihari Vajpayee could form a JPC, then what problem does Narendra Gautam Das...sorry Damodardas...Modi have?" The arrest came as the Congress spokesperson Khera was headed to the capital of Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, to attend the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary session which is scheduled to begin on Friday. Also Read | First time in 52 years! World’s longest skating rink to close due to global warming A police team from Indian state of Assam came to arrest the leader with an FIR and accused him of remarks "made intentionally" and "causing breach of public peace, with intent to incite violence and disturb peace and tranquility in the society." After the arrest, the party approached Supreme Court and argued that the statement was a "slip of tongue" and clarified that Khera had also apologised. Later, India's apex court directed a Delhi court to grant interim bail to the senior Congress leader. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said, "There has to be some level of discourse, we are protecting you." Moreover, the court also clubbed cases registered against Khera in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Assam, a request the party had been making. In its defence, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that it was a deliberate attempt by Khera. "Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our country all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. The public will destroy their pride," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Also Read | Turkey: Three news outlets fined for critical coverage of govt’s earthquake response Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "Make no mistake- pathetic remarks by courtier Pawan Khera on PM’s father have blessings of the top levels of Congress, which is full of entitlement and disdain against a person of humble origins being PM. India will not forget or forgive these horrible remarks of Congressmen." The attacks and counterattacks continued throughout the day. One of the other prominent Congress leader and Chief Minister of Indian state of Rajasthan said, "Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our country all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. The public will destroy their pride," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot." Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Vladimir Putin talks of boosting nuclear forces Congress accused the ruling party of attemping to obstruct the plenary session and added that it is scared after "successful Bharat Jodo Yatra." 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: Supreme Court grants interim bail for arrested senior Congress leader Pawan Khera

The Congress today again demanded the removal of Union minister Piyush Goyal, alleging that financial deals of a company owned by him were a murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest", charges dismissed as "baseless and malicious" by the BJP.

Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that four months after holding the portfolio of New and Renewable Energy, Goyal sold his entire holding in Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, owned by him and his wife, at nearly 1000 per cent premium to a company of Piramal group which has interests in the renewable energy sector.

He alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a "clear case of conflict of interest".

Khera during a press briefing said this was a "murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest involving one of the senior most Cabinet ministers of the Modi government .

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives sermons of 'na khaunga, na khane doonga'. Will the Prime Minister answer as to why are former BJP's treasurer and his favourite Cabinet minister as also Karnataka in-charge Piyush Goyal and his wife intertwined in a murky web of financial dealings. Will he answer that to the people of India" he asked.

Reacting to the allegations, the BJP in a statement said, "In the last month, the Congress party made Piyush Goyal a target by hurling malicious allegations against his bona fide business dealings to insinuate wrongdoings and irregularity. The modus operandi of the attack has been to gain cheap political mileage by indulging in a baseless campaign against him with no sound facts to back them but with the only intention of creating false controversies."

It also pointed out that the facts exposed the Congress for blatant misrepresentations using falsehoods and malicious propaganda against the minister who was carrying out his professional work through his companies, which were also holding his investments, prior to his becoming minister in May 2014.

"He stopped all professional/ business activities the day he became a minister, resigned from all directorships and started the process of selling all his investments," it said.

The Congress leader alleged that though the net worth of ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited' (even 6 months after the sale, according to statutory filings pertaining to the financial year ending March 2015) is only Rs. 10.9 crore, the company filings of

"Piramal Estates Private Limited' reflect that a whopping Rs.48 crore was provided to Goyal Family owned shares in ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, which translates into a astronomical price of Rs.9,586 per share.

The BJP, however, said that the "sale of Flashnet shares took place in July 2014 before the declaration of assets and liabilities was submitted on July 25, 2014 and not on September 29, 2014 as falsely alleged by the Congress".

The BJP said that Goyal was being targetted to divert attention from the series of scandals of its leaders for which they have no answers.

"Congress has nothing to attack the Narendra Modi government and its leaders and is resorting to manufacturing controversies using malicious falsehoods which are completely baseless," it said.

Pawan Khera alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a 'clear case of conflict of interest'

The Congress today again demanded the removal of Union minister Piyush Goyal, alleging that financial deals of a company owned by him were a murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest", charges dismissed as "baseless and malicious" by the BJP. Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that four months after holding the portfolio of New and Renewable Energy, Goyal sold his entire holding in Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, owned by him and his wife, at nearly 1000 per cent premium to a company of Piramal group which has interests in the renewable energy sector. He alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a "clear case of conflict of interest". Khera during a press briefing said this was a "murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest involving one of the senior most Cabinet ministers of the Modi government . "Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives sermons of 'na khaunga, na khane doonga'. Will the Prime Minister answer as to why are former BJP's treasurer and his favourite Cabinet minister as also Karnataka in-charge Piyush Goyal and his wife intertwined in a murky web of financial dealings. Will he answer that to the people of India" he asked. Reacting to the allegations, the BJP in a statement said, "In the last month, the Congress party made Piyush Goyal a target by hurling malicious allegations against his bona fide business dealings to insinuate wrongdoings and irregularity. The modus operandi of the attack has been to gain cheap political mileage by indulging in a baseless campaign against him with no sound facts to back them but with the only intention of creating false controversies." It also pointed out that the facts exposed the Congress for blatant misrepresentations using falsehoods and malicious propaganda against the minister who was carrying out his professional work through his companies, which were also holding his investments, prior to his becoming minister in May 2014. "He stopped all professional/ business activities the day he became a minister, resigned from all directorships and started the process of selling all his investments," it said. The Congress leader alleged that though the net worth of ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited' (even 6 months after the sale, according to statutory filings pertaining to the financial year ending March 2015) is only Rs. 10.9 crore, the company filings of "Piramal Estates Private Limited' reflect that a whopping Rs.48 crore was provided to Goyal Family owned shares in ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, which translates into a astronomical price of Rs.9,586 per share. The BJP, however, said that the "sale of Flashnet shares took place in July 2014 before the declaration of assets and liabilities was submitted on July 25, 2014 and not on September 29, 2014 as falsely alleged by the Congress". The BJP said that Goyal was being targetted to divert attention from the series of scandals of its leaders for which they have no answers. "Congress has nothing to attack the Narendra Modi government and its leaders and is resorting to manufacturing controversies using malicious falsehoods which are completely baseless," it said.

Congress targets Piyush Goyal again, demands his removal

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