The Congress on Sunday, 5 May asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his "silence" on Karnataka's alleged sex scandal involving JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna, and asserted that its women's wing will keep raising its voice until he is brought back to India to face the law.

All India Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba slammed Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and National Women Commission Chairperson Rekha Sharma for being silent on the case.

"Today half the population of the country is demanding that Smriti Irani and Rekha Sharma break their silence," she said at a press conference at the AICC headquarters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has also expressed concern over the matter and former party chief Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to the Karnataka chief minister, asking for strict action, Lamba said.

"Prime Minister, break your silence. Until PM Modi brings Prajwal Revanna from Germany and hands him over to the Karnataka government, Mahila Congress will raise its voice from every corner of the country. Not only us, half the population of the country (women) will ask you questions," she said.

"Mahila Congress will 'gherao' PM Modi everywhere, because we are not afraid of your power and police machinery," she said.

Lamba said a BJP leader had written a letter to the Karnataka BJP state president informing him about Prajwal Ravanna's involvement in the "mass rape case."

The BJP already knew about thousands of his "obscene" videos, she claimed.

"Yet PM Modi asks for votes for Prajwal Revanna and Prajwal and his father are seen standing with HD Revanna," she said and played out the video of Modi campaigning for them.

"All this shows that PM Modi is defending Prajwal Revanna," she alleged.

She said that a delegation of Mahila Congress had met the NCW on April 30 over the case and sought action.

"Today is May 5, but no response has come from the National Commission for Women," she said.

Prajwal and his father H D Revanna, a former Karnataka minister, were booked by police on Sunday on charges of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation based on a complaint from a woman, who worked in their household.

Prajwal is the grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and a nephew of Karnataka former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Faced with unrelenting attack from the Congress and other political parties, the JD(S), an ally of the BJP, has suspended Prajwal.

Karnataka JD(S) MLA H D Revanna was arrested by sleuths of a Special Investigation Team on Saturday in a kidnapping case linked to sexual abuse allegations against his son Prajwal, officials said. He was arrested soon after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Sunday said a 'Blue Corner' notice has been issued and Interpol's help is being taken to bring NDA's Hassan Lok Sabha candidate Prajwal Revanna back to India.

India’s general elections commenced on 19 April (and will conclude on 1 June), encompassing an electorate of nearly 970 million people, representing over 12 per cent of the global population. This colossal democratic exercise spans 44 days, to culminate in the announcement of results on 4 June. The magnitude of this electoral process is unparalleled worldwide.

The present government of nationalists faces a formidable challenge from a diverse coalition of opposition parties striving to gain ground under the informal leadership of Rahul Gandhi. India’s strength fundamentally resides in its dedication to democracy and secularism. Together, these principles constitute the foundation of India’s identity as a nation, empowering its populace to shape the collective future while upholding values such as equality, justice and pluralism.

In a diverse country like India, which is still relatively young in its state-building endeavour, the necessity of sagacious leadership for its advancement, stability and the welfare of its citizens cannot be overstated.

Rahul Gandhi, spearheading the campaign to replace the current government, continues to evoke both praise and criticism for his leadership style and approach. However, there are compelling arguments supporting the need for a leader like him in India.

Grassroots politics and engagement

First, Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style is primarily characterised by a focus on inclusivity and empathy. He has been vocal about the need to empower marginalised communities, address socioeconomic disparities, and foster unity among diverse groups. In a country as diverse as India, with its myriad cultures, languages and religions, inclusive leadership is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and national unity.

 

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Rahul Gandhi’s approach to inclusive politics extends beyond mere rhetoric too: he actively seeks to empower underprivileged groups, advocating for their rights and opportunities. By prioritising inclusivity, he aims to bridge the gap between the privileged and the marginalised, fostering a society where every individual, regardless of background, has a voice and a stake in the nation’s progress.

The election manifesto of the Congress party reflects Rahul Gandhi’s vision and has given five guarantees to India’s youth, women, farmers, workers and social justice to marginalised sections.

Through actions such as the Bharat Jodo Yatra and speeches emphasising “love to counter hate”, Rahul Gandhi also showcases a dedication to a more inclusive and compassionate India, where diversity is embraced, where all individuals have the chance to prosper.

Rahul Gandhi’s focus on grassroots politics and engagement with ordinary citizens also strikes a chord with many, particularly those who perceive themselves as marginalised by conventional power and economic systems.

Dissent and differing opinions

Furthermore, Rahul Gandhi has demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and debate on pressing issues facing the nation. His efforts to hold the government accountable through Parliamentary proceedings, press conferences, public speeches, long marches and social media engagement indicate a commitment to democratic values and principles.

In a democracy like India, where dissent and differing opinions are integral to the political discourse, such willingness to engage in dialogue is crucial for finding sustainable solutions to complex problems.

 

https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1787030433890451792

Additionally, Rahul Gandhi’s advocacy for progressive policies, such as greater investment in education, healthcare and environmental sustainability, aligns with the aspirations of many Indians, particularly the youth. As India strives to position itself as a global leader in the 21st century, investing in human capital and sustainable development are imperative to achieve long-term prosperity and well-being.

India’s path to becoming a great power cannot rely solely on enriching a select few crony business houses and industrialists while neglecting the broader population. The true strength of a nation lies in the health, education and well-being of its people. As Rahul Gandhi sees it and argues it, investing in an educated and healthy work-force is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

Intricacies of Indian politics

A nation’s prosperity and progress are deeply intertwined with the capabilities of its workforce. By prioritising education and healthcare for all citizens, India can unlock the potential of its vast human capital, fostering innovation, productivity and economic growth. Moreover, as Rahul Gandhi envisages, a healthy and educated population contributes to social stability, fosters a culture of innovation and enhances the nation’s global competitiveness.

The Gandhi scion represents a lineage deeply rooted in India’s political history. As a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, he carries with him a legacy of leadership that spans generations. This lineage brings with it a wealth of experience and insights into the intricacies of Indian politics, governance, and socioeconomic challenges.

 

https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1786995279218315416

Having grown up in such an environment, Gandhi possesses a nuanced understanding of the complexities facing the nation, which could be invaluable in navigating its future.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that one leader alone cannot solve all of India’s challenges. Effective governance requires collaboration, consensus building and a commitment to democratic principles from all stakeholders, including political parties, bureaucracy, judiciary, civil society and citizens.

Rahul Gandhi not only possesses many qualities of a capable leader, but more importantly, he understands that it will ultimately be the collective efforts of all stakeholders that determine India’s trajectory.

While opinions about Rahul Gandhi as a politician may vary, his leadership style and vision for India resonate with many who seek a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for the nation. Whether or not he becomes the Prime Minister of India in June 2024 remains to be seen, but his forceful presence in the political landscape contributes to the diversity of ideas and perspectives necessary for a democracy and for the continuation of India’s nation-building project.

 

Tweets by @RahulGandhi

 

After the end of the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a few key takeaways emerge

1) The voter is fed up of lies, spin-doctoring and subpar propaganda. They trust no one. But after ten years in power, the trust-deficit with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is highest.

2) There is a huge fatigue factor with Narendra Modi; the standard accusations of dynasty, appeasement and corruption tag are not working at all, as people see the same in the BJP and probably worse. Strange as it may sound, he is both the BJP’s asset and a liability.

3) The anti-Muslim/minorities polarisation of Modi is not working and has further damaged his credibility. The crude, vulgar and cheap potshots have angered the sensibilities of the common Indian or at least left them extremely dismayed.

4) Modi/BJP thought that the 2024 election was done and dusted after the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. But barring a few pockets in northern India, the feel-good factor is having negligible impact as an electoral factor. India has moved on to bread-and-butter issues – the BJP’s Achilles heel – unemployment and inflation etc.

5) The arrogance of power led to Modi announcing a sure-shot victory of 370 seats; this has led to a counterwave in support of the underdog, the Congress/INDIA alliance. The voters don’t like to be taken for granted, especially when the incumbent has actually underdelivered, and the alternative, despite its problems, seems more sincere.

6) Modi made a strategic blunder in throttling the Congress’s bank accounts, arresting Arvind Kejriwal and threatening the opposition. That has since become the national narrative of the 2024 elections; fear and hate is being seen as Modi’s legacy, two very powerful human emotions. What started out as a funny description has now become the BJP’s political brand: It is a washing machine. Every Indian knows and castigates the politics of vendetta. The ED/CBI/Income Tax trimurti abuse is the albatross around the BJP’s neck. The electoral bonds scam drove a huge nail in the coffin.

7) The Congress manifesto has become the talking point of the 2024 elections: it is democratic, liberal, fair, inclusive and has something for everyone. It is a masterpiece, and the Congress has distributed it aggressively. By ridiculing the same with communal slurs, all repugnant lies, Modi has only accelerated its curiosity and ended up getting more to know about it. Women, youth, farmers, the poor and the socially/economically disadvantaged, middle-class, industry (no threats of tax terrorism) would all benefit from it.

8) Rahul Gandhi has got under the skin of Modi and the BJP. For long maligned and vilified through a misinformation/disinformation campaign by the BJP IT cell, his two successful Bharat Jodo/Nyay Yatras have transformed his image and confidence. Modi may still sound bombastic on a teleprompter but he comes across as a petty theatrical performer; Rahul, no matter what his critics say, is refreshingly authentic. People like him, they trust him. In 2014, every time the Congress attacked Modi, the latter gained. Now the more the BJP mocks him, the higher goes Rahul’s graph. It is a dramatic reversal.

9) Have you noticed how little the BJP talks of the first-time voters? Because Gen Z is more tuned to political realities; they are deeper into issues like governance, inclusiveness, climate change, mental health, social media regulation, jobs etc. The youth are not getting conned by the TV hype or WhatsApp University forwards. The millennials have borne the brunt of many economic crises, political upheavals, globalisation backlash, fake news and authoritarian leaders, and allowed themselves to be seduced by the PR and publicity. They misconstrued leadership to be tough and hard even at the cost of freedom of expression. Gen Z has challenged that. And that will have a huge bearing in this election.

Comparison of the two major national parties’ manifestoes for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveals the similarities in their approach on major national issues and some stark differences on others. On issues like defence, national security, terrorism, foreign policy, healthcare, education and reforms concerning the economy, infrastructure, social security, judiciary and agriculture, there are more similarities than differences between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), at least on paper. The major differences lie in their approach to religious and cultural rights, reservation and federalism.  

Congress names Jammu and Kashmir, NCT of Delhi, Manipur and the Institution of Governor in their manifesto and has promised a departure from the BJP’s stand. Interestingly, Congress has also promised the distribution of legislative fields in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and build a consensus on transferring some fields from List III (Concurrent List) to List II (State List).

BJP ought to have clarified its stand on issues like restoration of complete statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and offered a plan for restoration of peace in Manipur. It should have also included a strategy to ensure the effective governance in the national capital territory of Delhi. It ought to have been vocal on the protection of constitutional guarantee of rights of religious and linguistic minorities. However, the silence of BJP manifesto on the controversial National Registry of Citizens (NRC) is a matter of relief for the time being.  

Meanwhile, Congress should have made a special reference to controversial legislations like Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), draconian provisions in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and about the legal process of appointment of Election Commissioners. Though the Congress manifesto has mentioned the misuse of investigating agencies at the hand of BJP government in the last ten years, it has not mentioned a clear roadmap for freeing the institutions from the clutches of political executive of the day. It could have also made its stand clear on its commitment for preserving the religious character of every place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947 as mandated under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act. While the Congress manifesto mentions that Congress will bring a law to recognise civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, it could have guaranteed them the right to marriage. 

Here is a comprehensive comparison between the manifestoes of BJP and Congress. Reference to page numbers are with respect to the manifestos of the two parties. 

 

Similarities

	BJP	INC
Defence	Vastly expand domestic defence manufacturing and exports of Made in Bharat defence equipment (pg.43)	Rapidly expand domestic capacity to manufacture defence and security hardware and equipment. (pg.39)
National Security	Introduce technological solutions on fenced portions to make fencing smarter.    (pg.38)	We will work to restore the status quo ante on our borders with China and to ensure that areas where both armies patrolled in the past are again accessible to our soldiers. We will take the necessary steps to adjust our policy towards China until this is achieved.    (pg.40)
Terrorism	We have followed a zero tolerance policy on terrorism. We remain committed to keep our country and citizens safe.(pg.38)	Congress will take up the two subjects, NATGRID and  National Counter-Terrorism Centre. Complete the work, and operationalize them within one year (pg.39)   Congress is implacably opposed to terrorism anywhere in the world. We will work with other countries to eliminate terrorist groups, terrorist acts and cross-border terrorism. (pg.40) Engagement with Pakistan depends fundamentally on its willingness and ability to end cross-border terrorism.  (pg.41)
Foreign Policy	We will further consolidate Bharat’s position as a Voice of the Global South by using the Prime Minister’s visionary 5S approach of Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Shanti and Samriddhi.   (pg.38)	Congress affirms and will uphold continuity in India’s foreign policy. (Nehruvian).    There was a consensus on foreign policy since Independence. Unfortunately, in many areas, foreign policy under the BJP/NDA government has witnessed marked departures from this consensus, notably on the ongoing Gaza conflict. Congress pledges to restore India’s global reputation as a voice of peace and moderation in world affairs.  Congress re-affirms its firm belief in the continued relevance of the established policy of peaceful coexistence, strategic autonomy in thought and action, and increased bilateral engagement in its relations with the countries of the world.  (pg.40)
Reforms	Regulatory reforms like enabling automatic approvals for standard housing designs, among others. (pg.13)   Establishing Khadi as a global brand (pg.31) Regulatory reforms to promote affordable housing (pg.50) Institutional reforms to ensure that citizen-government interaction is significantly improved (pg.54)	Liberalisation and reforms coupled with social welfare policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National  Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Food Security Act.  (pg.3)
Judicial Reforms	We will completely overhaul the commercial and civil justice systems, on the lines of criminal justice reforms. This revamp will aim to streamline procedures, enhance the efficiency of legal processes and ensure timely justice, fostering a more business-friendly and citizen-centric legal environment   (pg.55)	Establishment of National Judicial Appointment Commission in consultation with the Judiciary to ensure its Independence.    Judicial Complaints Commission Sufficient infrastructure for Judiciary More representation for women, SC/ST/OBC and minorities at higher Judiciary (pg.24)
Agriculture and Minimum wage	We are providing annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. We are committed to sustained financial support for our farmers (pg.22)   Strengthening Natural Farming (pg.23) Develop Digital Public Infrastructure to remove information asymmetry in agriculture and provide farmer-centric solutions and services.  (pg.24) Doubling Custom Hiring Centres, expanding PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, ensuring high yielding seeds etc  (pg.24)	Congress will give a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission (pg.17)   Double the funding of R & D in Agriculture in five years (p.g18). Inland fishing and aquaculture will be recognised as ‘agriculture’.  (pg.19)  We will increase the wage under MGNREGA to Rs.400 per day. (pg.20) The Congress guarantees a national minimum wage at Rs.400/- per day (pg.20) Promote solar-powered engines for tapping groundwater for agriculture. (pg.33)
Higher Education	We will elevate the quality of education by expanding top educational institutions and upgrading universities to global standards. We will introduce more IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and other such institutes. We will launch internship programmes to blend academic and practical skills  (pg.14)	Our policies brought about rapid Industrialisation in a predominantly agrarian economy, transformed India from a famine-struck country to one that exports food grains to countries around the world, laid the scientific and technical foundations for India’s rise as a global software powerhouse, and built world class institutions in research and higher education whose graduates are seen as at par with the world’s best. (pg.3)
Job creation	We have set the example for conducting recruitment exams in a transparent manner and recruited lakhs of youth for government jobs. We will continue to fill the government vacancies in a time bound and transparent manner. We will also extend the central government capacity to states that request support in conducting recruitment examinations   (pg.17)	We will fill the nearly 30 lakh vacancies in sanctioned posts at various levels in the central government. We will stipulate that vacancies in the panchayats and municipal bodies shall be filled according to a timetable agreed with state governments.  (pg.11)
Free ration	We have provided free ration to 80+ crore citizens since 2020. We will continue to provide free ration for the next five years under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. (pg.11)	The list of ration card holders will be updated in all States immediately and it will be ensured that all ration card holders, including migrant workers, get their rations regularly (pg.20)
Healthcare	We have provided quality free health treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh to poor families under Ayushman Bharat. We will continue to provide free health treatment by strengthening Ayushman Bharat and other such initiatives. (pg.15)   Ensuring Women’s Health and Well-Being. We will expand the existing health services focussed on the prevention and reduction of Anaemia, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Osteoporosis, ensuring a healthy life for women. We will launch a focussed initiative to eliminate cervical cancer  (pg.16) We will expand the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to cover Senior Citizens and provide them access to free and quality healthcare. (pg.20)	The central government’s contribution to pensions for senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme remains a pitiful Rs 200 – Rs 500 per month. Congress will raise this amount to Rs 1,000 per month.   (pg.9) We promise that healthcare will be universal and free in public health centres such as hospitals, clinics, primary health centres, mobile healthcare units, dispensaries and health camps. Free healthcare will include examination, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, medicines, rehabilitation and palliative care. (pg.9)

 

Differences

	BJP	INC
EWS Reservation	Instituted 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (pg.7)	The reservation of 10 per cent in jobs and educational institutions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will be implemented for all castes and communities without discrimination. (pg.6)   To reduce dropout rates, we will ensure that pre-matric and higher education scholarships for disadvan taged groups including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, denotified tribes and minorities are restored, increased and fully funded.  (pg.13)
Women’s Reservation	Empowered women by enacting the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to provide reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies  (pg.6)	The Constitution (106th) Amendment Act marks the BJP’s great betrayal of women. The Amendment Act contains sinister provisions that will allow the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to come into operation only beyond 2029. Congress will delete the sinister provisions and bring the Amendment Act into force immediately. The one-third reservation for women will be applied to State Assemblies that will be elected in the next round of Assembly elections in 2025.    The one-third reservation for women will also be applied to the Lok Sabha that will be elected in 2029.  (pg.16)
Scope and Ambit Of Reservation	No mention	Congress will conduct a nation-wide Socio-Economic and Caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions. Based on the data, we will strengthen the agenda for affirmative action. (pg.6)   The Congress guarantees that it will pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC.  (pg.6) We will enact a law with reference to Article 15(5) of the Constitution to provide for reservation in private educational institutions for SC, ST and OBC (pg.7)
UCC and Personal law Reforms	BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code,  which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times. (pg.54)	Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws.    We will encourage reform of personal laws. Such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.  (pg.8)
Religious Rights	We have embraced our rich heritage and diverse culture. Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has rejuvenated our society. Our cultural and religious sites are being restored across the country. Our young citizens are finding a new interest in our history and heritage (pg.3)   We will undertake significant new projects to develop religious and tourist sites inspired by the *Kashi Vishwanath corridor model*, across the length and breadth of our country.  (pg.52)	Our greatest concern was the prevailing ‘climate of fear, intimidation and hatred’. In the last five years, every section of the people has lived in fear; laws and investigating agencies have been weaponised to intimidate people; and through its words and actions the BJP and its affiliates have spread hatred among people belonging to different religious, language and caste groups.  (pg.4)   Linguistic and religious minorities are granted human and civic rights under the Constitution of India. Congress pledges to uphold and protect these rights. (pg.7) We will respect and uphold the fundamental right to practice one’s faith and the rights guaranteed to religious minorities under Articles 15, 16, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 of the Constitution. (pg.8)
Federalism	We will take further steps to facilitate fiscal autonomy and sustainability of Panchayati Raj Institutions.  (pg.55)	The federal structure is under attack with the central Government appropriating most of the central revenues, passing laws on subjects that were hitherto left to the state governments, and using its financial and executive powers to reduce states to municipalities. Governors of non-BJP-governed states are encouraged to paralyse the working of elected governments. Laws and investigating agencies are used to foist false cases against non-BJP leaders to force them to submit to the BJP’s will. The media has been rewarded or intimidated to become a vehicle of propaganda of the government (pg.5)   We will review the distribution of legislative fields in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and build a consensus on transferring some fields from List III (Concurrent List) to List II (State List). (pg.35)
J&K	Revoked Article 370 leading to a significant reduction in violence in Jammu and Kashmir (pg.8)	We will immediately restore full statehood to Jammu  and Kashmir. We will amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to include the tribal areas of Ladakh.  (pg.36)
Manipur	No Mention	The situation in Manipur has gone from bad to worse due to the callous neglect of the BJP/NDA government. Congress will remove the present state government forthwith and heal the wounds between the communities. We will appoint a Reconciliation Commission to bring about a political and administrative settlement that will be satisfactory to all the people of the state.   We will ensure appropriate compensation and redress for the victims and survivors of the conflict in Manipur. (pg.37)
NCT of Delhi	No Mention	We will amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and declare that the Lieutenant Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers of NCT, Delhi on all matters, including Services, except on matters concerning the three reserved subjects. (pg.36)
CAA	We have taken the historic step of enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and will implement it to confer citizenship to all eligible persons  (pg.39)	No Mention
One Nation, One Election	We have set up a High Powered Committee to examine the issues of conducting simultaneous elections and will work towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee  (pg.55)	We reject the ‘one nation one election’ idea and we promise that elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will be held as and when they are due in accordance with the Constitution and the traditions of a Parliamentary democracy (pg.22)

Prashant Padmanabhan is an Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India.

 

{os-gal-2} 

The law takes its own course — unless it is nudged by politics.

Since 2014, as many as 25 prominent politicians facing action from Central agencies for alleged corruption have crossed over to the BJP. They cut across party lines: 10 are from the Congress; four each from NCP and Shiv Sena; three from TMC; two from TDP; and one each from SP and YSRCP.

In 23 of these cases, their political move has translated into reprieve, an investigation by The Indian Express has found.

Three of the cases have been closed; 20 others remain stalled or in cold storage — the investigative agency’s action, after the switch, has been, in fact, inaction. Six of the politicians on this list moved to the BJP this year alone, weeks before the general elections.

This is in sharp contrast to what happens when the accused is in the Opposition — an investigation by The Indian Express in 2022 revealed how 95 per cent of prominent politicians that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took action against after 2014, when the NDA came to power, were from the Opposition.

The Opposition calls it the “washing machine,” the mechanism by which politicians accused of corruption don’t face legal consequences if they quit their party and join the BJP.

Not that this is new — it’s the scale that is unprecedented.

In 2009, in the Congress-led UPA years, an investigation by The Indian Express revealed file notings to show the CBI had changed course in the corruption cases against BSP’s Mayawati and SP’s Mulayam Singh Yadav when the two leaders were being courted by the ruling UPA.

The latest set of findings show that a bulk of the Central action was focused on Maharashtra through the political turbulence of 2022 and 2023 in the state.

In 2022, the Eknath Shinde faction broke away from the Shiv Sena and formed a new government with the BJP. A year later, the Ajit Pawar faction broke away from the NCP and joined the ruling NDA coalition.

Records show that cases faced by two top leaders of the NCP faction, Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel, were subsequently closed. In all, 12 prominent politicians from Maharashtra are on the list of 25, eleven of whom switched to the BJP in 2022 or later, including four each from NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress.

Some of these cases present a stark picture:

* In the case of Ajit Pawar, the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed a closure report in October 2020 when he was part of the previous MVA government, sought to reopen the case once the BJP returned to power, and closed the file again in March this year after he joined the NDA. The ED’s case against Pawar, based on the EOW action, has since been rendered infructuous.

* Then there are cases that remain open but just in name, with no notable progress. For instance, the CBI has been waiting since 2019 for sanction from the Lok Sabha Speaker to prosecute West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari – he was an MP at the time of the alleged offence — in the Narada sting operation case. Adhikari switched from TMC to BJP in 2020.

* The cases against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan are also stuck. Biswa faced CBI questioning and raids in 2014, in the Saradha chit fund scam, but the case against him has not moved since 2015 when he joined the BJP. Chavan joined the BJP this year even as a stay by the Supreme Court is in place over proceedings by the CBI and ED in the Adarsh Housing case.

In just two of the 25 cases — of former Congress MP Jyoti Mirdha and former TDP MP YS Chowdary — there is no evidence of a let-up by the ED even after the two leaders joined the BJP. At least, not yet.

The CBI, ED and Income Tax Department did not respond to questions from The Indian Express seeking comments on the latest findings.

However, a CBI official said that all the agency’s probes are “based on evidence”. “As and when evidence is found, appropriate action is taken.” When asked about the cases where the agency seems to have changed course once the accused has changed parties, the official said: “In some cases, action is delayed for various reasons. But they are open.”

An ED official said its cases are based on FIRs by other agencies. “If other agencies close their case, it becomes difficult for ED to proceed further. Yet, we have filed chargesheets in many such cases. In cases where the probe is on, action will be taken when required,” the official said, when asked about the flip-flops.

Pawar, Patel, Adhikari, Sarma… how some cases were closed, others sent to cold storage

FROM closing the case to putting it in cold storage — this is how the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and IT Department changed course once the accused changed their party and moved over to the ruling BJP, reveals an investigation of the chronology of case records by The Indian Express.

CLOSING THE CASE

 Ajit Pawar.

Ajit Pawar: Mumbai probe shut, case hits dead end

Party Shift: NCP, shifted to BJP-led NDA in 2023

The Case: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW)’s FIR against Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar and others, in a case of money laundering linked to alleged irregularities in Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, was based on a Bombay High Court order of August 2019. The ED’s probe that followed also named Congress leaders Jayant Patil, Diliprao Deshmukh and the late Madan Patil; NCP’s Ishwarlal Jain and Shivaji Rao Nalawade; and Shiv Sena’s Anandrao Adsul.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

August 2019: Mumbai Police’s EOW registers FIR
September 2019: ED begins probe based on FIR
October 2020: EOW files closure report, ED challenges it
April 2022: ED files chargesheet without naming Pawar
June 2022: Sena splits, Shinde faction forms NDA govt with BJP
October 2022: Mumbai EOW seeks further probe based on ED evidence
July 2023: Pawar joins NDA govt as Dy CM
January 2024: EOW files second closure report
Current Status: ED has filed intervention application in court on EOW closure

***

 Praful Patel addressing a press conference.

Praful Patel: Safe landing after turbulence

Party Shift: NCP, shifted to BJP-led NDA in 2023

The Case: The former civil aviation minister is being probed by CBI and ED for alleged corruption in the purchase of 111 aircraft by Air India as well as in the AI-Indian Airlines merger. The allegations involve ceding of profitable routes to foreign airlines, opening of training institutes with foreign investment, and ties with lobbyist Deepak Talwar. The FIRs do not list Patel as an accused but mention his name.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

May 2017: CBI files FIRs in Air India-Indian Airlines merger
May 2019: ED names Patel in its chargesheet
June 2023: Patel joins NDA
March 2024: CBI files closure report
Current Status: Closure pending in court

***

 Pratap Sarnaik

Pratap Sarnaik: 2 yrs after SOS letter, case closed

Party Shift: Shiv Sena, shifted to BJP-led NDA in 2022

The Case: The Shiv Sena spokesperson was booked and raided by ED over alleged irregularities in his companies’ dealings with a security firm. In June 2021, Sarnaik wrote to then CM Uddhav Thackeray for a patch-up with BJP, citing “harassment” by ED. In June 2022, he sided with Eknath Shinde as the Sena split. The ED is also probing Sarnaik in a case of alleged fraud at the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL).

Chronology of Flip-Flop

November 2020: ED conducts raids based on Mumbai EOW’s FIR
January 2021: EOW files closure report
June 2022: Sarnaik joins NDA with Shinde
September 2022: Court accepts closure report, blunting ED case
Current Status: No further action, probe on in another case

***

CASES OPEN BUT IN COLD STORAGE

 Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma: At the helm after years under lens

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2015

The Case: Now Assam CM, he was investigated by CBI and ED in 2014 and 2015 for alleged financial transactions with key Saradha chit fund scam case accused Sudipta Sen. The CBI raided his house and office in 2014, and questioned him. His name had figured in the Louis Berger case linked to alleged bribes paid for water project contracts in Goa, but there has been no development.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

August 2014: CBI raids Sarma’s residence
November 2014: CBI questions him
August 2015: Joins BJP
Current Status: Case open but no action

***

 Hasan Mushrif

Hasan Mushrif: How sugar probe turned

Party Shift: NCP, shifted to BJP-led NDA in 2023

The Case: The ED’s case relates to money laundering amid alleged irregularities at Sar Senapati Santaji Ghorpade Sugar Factory (SSSGSF) in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The ED claimed that 40,000 farmers were not given share certificates after capital was collected from them. It alleged that the money collected was diverted to shell companies linked to Mushrif’s family and relatives.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

Feb-March 2023: ED raids Mushrif’s premises thrice
July 2023: Mushrif joins NDA with Ajit Pawar
Current Status: Case open but no further raids or action

***

 Bhavana Gawali

Bhavana Gawali: Trust pays off in the end

Party Shift: Shiv Sena, joined BJP-led NDA in 2022
The Case: The ED raids were related to a 2020 money laundering case in which the Yavatmal-Washim MP and her aide are among those accused of allegedly siphoning funds from a trust where irregularities of upto Rs 17 crore were found. The ED also attached an office building in Mumbai worth Rs 3.75 crore allegedly linked to the aide Saeed Khan.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

August 2021: ED searches premises linked to her
September 2021: ED arrests her aide
November 2021: ED files chargesheet against Trust and aide
June 2022: Joins NDA with Shinde
Current Status: No supplementary chargesheet filed

***

 Yamini and Yashwant Jadhav

Yamini & Yashwant Jadhav: Taxing times over as probe stalls

Party Shift: Shiv Sena, joined BJP-led NDA in 2022

The Case: MLA Yamini and her husband Yashwant, a corporator, are under investigation by multiple agencies, including ED. The ED is probing at least six companies allegedly linked to them and their family members for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). A key case relates to unsecured loans received by the Jadhavs, their family members and others known to them from one of those companies. In 2022, the tax department attached more than 40 properties allegedly linked to them.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

February 2022: I-T raids premises linked to her and husband
May 2022: ED summons husband after registering case
June 2022: Joins NDA with Shinde
Current Status: No progress in case

***

 CM Ramesh

C M Ramesh: Inaction after shift

Party Shift: TDP, joined BJP in 2019
The Case: In October 2018, the I-T department raided premises associated with the company of then TDP MP, alleging irregularities of Rs 100 crore. Incidentally, following the I-T raids, he was among those against whom BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao wrote to the Parliament’s ethics committee seeking disqualification for earning the “dubious title of ‘Andhra Mallyas’ with massive financial scandals”.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

October 2018: Faces IT raid
June 2019: Joins BJP
Current Status: No action reported since

***

 Raninder Singh

Raninder Singh: Under Amarinder’s shadow

Party Shift: Congress, son of Amarinder Singh who joined BJP in 2021

The Case: Raninder Singh, the son of former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, is being probed by ED for alleged FEMA violations linked to an I-T probe. He appeared before the ED in 2016. In March 2018, the CBI questioned Gurpal Singh, Amarinder Singh’s son-in-law over an alleged loan fraud of around Rs 98 crore by Simbhaoli Sugars, where Gurpal was deputy general manager. Based on the CBI FIR, the ED registered a money laundering case and attached mill assets of Rs 110 crore in July 2019.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

November 2020: Raninder questioned by ED
November 2021: Father Amarinder quits Congress
September 2022: Amarinder joins BJP
Current Status: No progress in case

***

 Sanjay Seth

Sanjay Seth: Case stalls, RS call

Party Shift: SP, joined BJP in 2019
The Case: In 2015, the I-T Department raided the offices of Shalimar Corp connected to Seth. Following UP Governor’s objection to Seth’s name for MLC polls, SP sent him to Rajya Sabha in 2016. Considered close to Mulayam Singh Yadav’s family, Seth is said to have been instrumental in forging the SP-BSP alliance in 2019. In the recent Rajya Sabha polls, Seth was BJP’s surprise pick.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

June 2015: I-T raids Seth’s company
August 2019: Joins BJP
July 2023: His group’s executive questioned
February 2024: BJP fields Seth from UP for Rajya Sabha
Current Status: Probe on but no action

***

BENGAL TO GOA, BIG-TICKET CASES

 Suvendu Adhikari during a press conference in BJP Office at Salk Lake.

Suvendu Adhikari: File pending on Speaker’s desk

Party Shift: TMC, joined BJP in 2020
The Case: West Bengal Leader of Opposition is an accused in the Narada sting operation case along with 11 other TMC leaders. The sting operation — in which TMC leaders were purportedly captured on camera accepting or negotiating cash delivery to allegedly favour a fictitious company — was filmed in 2014 and aired in 2016 ahead of Assembly elections.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

April 2017: CBI FIR in Narada sting case
April 2019: CBI seeks sanction for prosecution from Lok Sabha Speaker—Adhikari was LS MP at the time of the offence
December 2020: Joins BJP
Current Status: Still waiting for sanction from Speaker

***

 K Geetha

K Geetha: All eyes on CBI but no movement

Party Shift: YSRCP, joined BJP in 2019
The Case: YSRCP MP Geetha and her husband P Ramakoteswara Rao were chargesheeted in 2015 by CBI which accused their company Visweswara Infrastructure Pvt Ltd of duping Punjab National Bank by availing loans of Rs 42 crore through misrepresentation of facts, and defaulting. On March 12, the Telangana High Court stayed the conviction. On March 28, BJP named her as its candidate from Araku.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

June 2015: Geetha and husband chargesheeted by CBI for bank fraud
July 2019: Joins BJP
September 2022: Special court sentences both to 5 years jail
September 2022: Telangana HC stays sentence, grants bail
March 2024: Telangana HC stays conviction
Current Status: CBI yet to challenge HC stay

***

 Sovan Chatterjee

Sovan Chatterjee: Crackdown after jumping ship

Party Shift: TMC; joined BJP in 2018, quits in 2021
The Case: Former Kolkata Mayor and longtime TMC leader and MLA Sovan Chatterjee is a key accused in the Narada sting operation case and has been questioned by central agencies in the Saradha chit fund case too. After being denied a ticket from his traditional Behala Purba seat in 2021, Chatterjee resigned from BJP in March that year. In May 2021, the CBI arrested him in the Narada case. He is now out on bail.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

April 2017: CBI registers FIR in Narada sting case
November 2018: Resigns as Kolkata mayor
August 2019: Joins BJP
March 2021: Denied ticket for polls, quits BJP
May 2021: CBI arrests him
Current Status: Chargesheeted, case up for trial

***

 Chhagan Bhujbal

Chhagan Bhujbal: Can travel abroad now, says ED

Party Shift: NCP, joined BJP-led NDA in 2023
The Case: Now Maharashtra minister, Bhujbal was booked by Maharashtra’s Anti-Corruption Bureau in 2015 in a case of alleged irregularities in award of contracts worth over Rs 100 crore in 2006 when he was PWD minister. Based on the FIR, ED registered a case of money laundering and arrested Bhujbal in March 2016. In May 2018, Bhujbal secured bail – and permission to travel abroad, which was challenged by ED at the time. Bhujbal went on to travel abroad even as ED’s plea remained pending for four years. With the court pointing this out, the ED withdrew its plea.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

March 2016: ED arrests Bhujbal in corruption case
April 2016: ED files chargesheet
May 2018: Gets bail after two-year jail
September 2021: Gets discharge in special court
July 2023: Joins NDA with Ajit Pawar
November 2023: Special court says case moving at “snails’s pace”
December 2023: ED withdraws petition challenging court permission for foreign travel
Current Status: Trial still on

***

 Kripashankar Singh

Kripashankar Singh: Sons questioned

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2021
The Case: In 2012, then Mumbai Congress chief Krispashankar Singh was booked by police in a case of disproportionate assets. Based on the FIR, the ED began a money laundering probe, and questioned his sons.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

February 2012: Maharashtra police books Singh in assets case, ED case follows
December 2013: Police seek sanction to prosecute from Assembly Speaker
April 2015: Chargesheet, alleging Singh amassed assets of Rs 95 crore of which Rs 18 crore worth were disproportionate, filed without sanction
February 2018: Discharged by court for lack of sanction
September 2019: Resigns from Congress
July 2021: Joins BJP
Current Status: ED case rendered infructuous

***

 Digambar Kamat

Digambar Kamat: Water woes of a different kind

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2022
The Case: The former Goa Chief Minister has been facing an ED probe in the Louis Berger scam since 2015. The ED attached properties worth close to Rs 2 crore belonging to Kamat and NCP leader Churchill Alemao. In September 2022, Kamat led a group of eight Congress MLAs to the BJP.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

August 2015: ED searches house in Louis Berger case
March 2017: ED attaches assets
July 2021: Court frames charges
April 2022: SC upholds Bombay HC order setting aside ED attachment
September 2022: Kamat joins BJP
Current Status: Trial is on

***

UNDER SCANNER, SHIFTED THIS YEAR

 Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan

Ashok Chavan: From housing scam to home in BJP

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2024
The Case: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan is among the key accused in the case related to allotment of flats in Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society, Mumbai. The CBI accused him of allegedly approving a raised floor space index in return for two flats for relatives. The ED initiated a money laundering probe on the CBI FIR, and questioned him.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

December 2011: CBI books Chavan in Adarsh Housing case
July 2012: CBI chargesheets Chavan
Jan 2018: SC stays proceedings
February 2024: Joins BJP
Current Status: Stay on trial

***

 Naveen Jindal

Naveen Jindal: All about coal

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2024
The Case: Haryana industrialist Naveen Jindal was chargesheeted by CBI in two separate coal block allocation cases in 2016 and 2017. The ED, which carried out a money laundering probe against him, also filed a chargesheet in the case. Charges have been framed in one of the cases. The ED raided the premises of Jindal Steel and Power and Navin Jindal in connection with a fresh case of alleged forex violation in April 2022.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

June 2013: CBI names Jindal in coal blocks FIR
2016/2017: Chargesheeted
April 2022: Faces ED raids in fresh case
March 2024: Joins BJP
Current Status: ED probe on

***

 Tapas Roy

Tapas Roy: From case to candidate

Party Shift: TMC, joined BJP in 2024
The Case: The money laundering case is related to alleged irregularities in civic body recruitments. Roy is now the BJP candidate from Kolkata Uttar.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

January 2024: ED raids residence
March 2024: Joins BJP
Current Status: Probe on

***

 Archana Patil

Archana Patil: New party, no case

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2024
The Case: In April 2017, the I-T department raided premises of the N V Group where her husband, former Union minister and Congress leader Shivraj Patil’s son Shailesh Patil, is a director. Shailesh is Congress state secretary in Maharashtra. In February this year, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) observed that nothing incriminating was found during the raid and so the I-T department could not make fresh tax demands. On March 30, Archana joined the BJP and is expected to contest from Latur.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

April 2017: Husband’s company raided by I-T
March 2024: Joins BJP
Current Status: I-T Tribunal says no case

***

 Geeta Koda

Geeta Koda: Switch follows husband’s cases

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2024
The Case: Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda is under probe by central agencies with disproportionate assets and coal blocks allocation cases being key. Probes in other cases against Koda are at various stages.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

September 2012: CBI books husband Madhu Koda in coal blocks case
December 2014: CBI chargesheets Koda
December 2017: Koda is sentenced
January 2018: He gets stay on sentence
February 2024: Geeta switches from Congress to BJP
Current Status: Probe still on in other cases

***

 Baba Siddique

Baba Siddiqui: Slum project brought ED to door

Party Shift: Congress, joined NCP and BJP-led NDA in 2024
The Case: In May 2017, ED conducted searches at premises associated with Mumbai Congress leader Baba Siddique in connection with a case of irregularities in a slum redevelopment project in the city. In 2018, ED also attached assets worth over Rs 450 crore of a developer involved in the case.

Chronology of Flip-Flop

May 2017: ED searches premises
February 2024: Joins Ajit Pawar’s NCP
Current Status: Probe on

***

WAITING TO BLINK

 Jyoti Mirdha

Jyoti Mirdha: Kin face more action

Party Shift: Congress, joined BJP in 2023
The Case: The ED is probing Indiabulls in multiple cases including the Yes Bank case, one related to alleged artificial inflation of share prices and a complaint by Shipra group of usurping its properties. Indiabulls promoter Sameer Gehlaut is the brother of Mirdha’s husband Narendra Gehlaut.

Chronology

March 2020: ED summons kin and Indiabulls promoter Sameer Gehlot in Yes Bank case
April 2021: ED books Indiabulls in another case of alleged inflated share prices
February 2022: ED raids Indiabulls premises
September 2022: Delhi HC quashes ED’s share prices case
October 2022: ED moves SC against HC order, does not get relief
April 2023: ED books Indiabulls in fresh case
September 2023: Jyoti Mirdha joins BJP
February 2024: ED raids Indiabulls
Current Status: Probe on

***

 YS ‘Sujana’ Chowdary

Sujana Chowdary: Chargesheet still in place

Party Shift: TDP, joined BJP in 2019
The Case: The former Union minister and ex-MP is being probed in three FIRs. These FIRs allege that Best and Crompton Engineering Projects Ltd (BCEPL) — which agencies claim belong to Chowdary — fraudulently obtained loans worth over Rs 360 crore from a consortium of banks and defaulted.

Chronology

April 2016: ED books firm allegedly linked to him
October 2018: ED raids Chowdary
April 2019: ED attaches Rs 315 crore worth assets
June 2019: Joins BJP, but chargesheeted
Current Status: Case committed to trial

 

by contribution Indian Express daring

 

{os-gal-1} Kajal Agarwal

Baba Ramdev who was present in the court tendered "unconditional apology" before the Supreme Court for violating court's order for misleading advertisements of Patanjali's medicinal products and making disparaging statements about modern medicines. The top court however, expressed great displeasure at his submissions which it said was merely a lip service.

The court, after initially saying that it wants to see contempt proceedings against Ramdev to its logical conclusion, gave one last chance to Ramdev and Patanjali to file an affidavit in the case.

A bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the case and made several critical remarks and observations. As the top court has granted last opportunity to Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to file a proper response and posted the case for further hearing to April 10, here are top quotes from the judges of the Supreme Court in IMA's case against Baba Ramdev.

1)  "You cannot write anything and get away. Sorry we are not so magnanimous, " Supreme Court bench told Ramdev's lawyer on the language used by Ramdev in his affidavit. "We will not accept your apology," Justice Hima Kohli said.

2) "This is all humbug!" Justice Amanullah remarked on the contents of the apology letter, "you say 'if the court feels...' We cannot look into your heart!" He censured Ramdev and Patanjali MD for the so-called "unconditional apology."

3) "Being the co-founder of the organisation, we refuse to believe that he was not aware...you holding the press conference within 24 hours shows that you were cognisant." The bench said Ramdev's lawyer said he was not informed about undertaking given in the Supreme Court when he held the press conference over which the Supreme Court issued contempt of court notice.

4) "Absolute Defiance," Justice Amanullah said on Ramdev's conduct. He said that a reference was made to the Supreme Court's order, in the press conference, "which means that you were fully aware of that." 

5) Reprimanding Ramdev's counsel for the way affidavits were filed, Justice Hima Kohli said, "Not just the Supreme Court, every order passed by the courts across this country has to be respected."

6) "Sometimes, some matters have to be taken to their logical conclusion," Justice Kohli told Ramdev's lawyer and said that the court does not have Ramdev's affidavit and it is of the opinion that contempt of court proceedings have to be initiated against Ramdev and Patanjali.

At this point Ramdev's counsel Balbir Singh begged the court, "I cannot run away from this court. Can I read a few paragraphs? Can I say with folded hands that the gentleman is present in the Court and the Court may record his apology." 

7) "We are not here to teach lessons," Justice Hima Kohli said that if Patanjali and Ramdev have made tall claims over research they owe a greater explanation, not just to the public but to the Court.

8) "We are wondering why the Union Of India chose to keep their eyes shut?" the bench remarked on Centre's conduct in the entire case. Justice Kohli while responding to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Centre said that the Centre's AYUSH ministry has a lot to explain.

9) Justice Kohli remarked that a lot remains to be said on Coronil.

"We have questions for AYUSH. You issued notice to Patanjali and they filed a reply and reply is not before us and we are wondering why. COVID was in 2022 and you had yourself stated that these were at best a supplement to the main medicine. This was not publicised at all. Nothing could move without the Central go-ahead during COVID and you did nothing to make this known," she observed.

 

 

{os-gal-3} 

Chautala, the BJP candidate from Hisar, has now been given a ‘deadline’ of 4 April to apologise for making such a statement or face consequences. Brahmins in Haryana comprise 5 to 6 percent of the state’s population, according to various estimates.

An Independent MLA from Rania constituency in Sirsa, Chautala is a Minister for Power and Jails in Nayab Singh Saini’s Haryana cabinet. His candidature from Hisar was announced on 25 April when he had joined the BJP.

Chautala, the brother of former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, is now facing the flak from the District Brahmin Sabha that held a meeting Sunday.

In a video clip, Chautala purportedly says in Hindi that the caste system was unnecessarily handed over by the Brahmins to the society due to which riots and scuffle keep happening. ThePrint could not independently verify the veracity of the video.

“The BJP candidate has tried to spread the poison of the caste system through his comments. The Brahmin community has always worked towards uniting society by bringing people irrespective of their castes and creeds together. But Ranjit Chautala’s comments have enraged the community,” Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, President of the Zila Brahmin Sabha, Hisar, told The Print Sunday.

“The Brahmin community condemns his comments and unless he publicly apologises, we will keep opposing Chautala at political and social levels.”

At a meeting Sunday in Hisar, the Sabha has decided that community leaders from across the state will assemble in Hisar on 4 April to take a “big” decision against the BJP candidate if he does not apologise for his comments. 

Contacted by ThePrint, Chautala explained that it was a casual conversation on what is described in the history of the caste system in the country and added that he had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments.

He said he had already clarified that if his comments hurt the sentiments of any community, he would take back his words.

“I have deep respect for the Brahmin community. No new project, whether social, political, or at the family level is complete in my family unless we call a Brahmin for the usual rituals,” Chautala added.Earlier, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala had stirred a controversy with his comments on the Rajput community. Rupala, the BJP ticket from Rajkot in Gujarat, had on 22 March said that Kshatriya rulers from princely states had yielded to foreign rulers.Rupala has since apologised for his comments, but the members of Rajput community are demanding that he be replaced by the BJP.

 

 

{os-gal-1} Kajal Agarwal

Prabhakar, in an interview with Reporter TV, said that the electoral bond matter would escalate further in importance beyond its current state and stated that the public is increasingly realising that it is not only India's but also the world's most significant “scam”. Prabhakar predicted that as a consequence of this issue, the government will face severe electoral consequences.

Speaking to Reporter TV, he said, “The electoral bond issue will gain much more momentum than what it is today. It will become a major issue. Everybody is now understanding that it is not only the biggest scam in India but is the biggest scam in the world. Now the fight is not between two alliances but between the BJP and the people of India. It has already spun out of the control of the BJP and the BJP government. Because of this issue, this government will be severely punished by the electorate.”

 

https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1772893515598741979

 

Following directives from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) published data on electoral bonds on its official website. According to this data, BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged as the primary beneficiary of electoral bonds, receiving Rs 6,986.5 crore between April 12, 2019, and February 15, 2024. Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal, followed with Rs 1,397 crore, while the Congress received Rs 1,334 crore, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) received Rs 1,322 crore.

In February, the Supreme Court invalidated the Electoral Bond Scheme initiated by the Central Government, which allowed anonymous funding to political parties. The court's ruling mandated the State Bank of India (SBI) to cease the issuance of Electoral Bonds immediately.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has consistently accused the BJP of benefiting disproportionately from the electoral bonds, with allegations of the ruling party reciprocating through quid pro quo arrangements with corporates.

 

{os-gal-1} Kajal Agarwal