India Political Highlights| Rahul Gandhi is the type of leader who wants to bring forth destructive criticism: K Annamalai

Jharkhand CM accuses BJP of poaching MLAs amid speculation of Champai Soren switching sides

Amid speculation that JMM leader Champai Soren could join the BJP, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday accused the saffron camp of "poaching" MLAs and "dividing society". Soren's statement came hours after JMM legislator and former chief minister Champai Soren reached Delhi.

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Experienced 'bitter humiliation' as Jharkhand CM, will seek alternative path: Champai Soren

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren on Sunday said he experienced "bitter humiliation" as chief minister, which compelled him to seek an alternative path. "After so much humiliation, I was forced to look for an alternative path," Soren, the former chief minister of Jharkhand, posted on his social media accounts. The JMM leader alleged that all his government programmes in the first week of July were were abruptly cancelled by the party leadership without his knowledge.

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SP, BSP say UP govt's lateral entry move violates Constitution

The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have slammed the government's move seeking applications for lateral entry into the bureaucracy, terming it as the BJP's "conspiracy" to appoint its ideological allies to high posts through the back door. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also warned of an agitation on this issue from October 2.

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Lateral entries done without process under UPA: BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi

The BJP on Sunday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to stop lying after he claimed that the government's move to recruit public servants through lateral entry would take away the reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs. In a post on X, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said the truth is that such lateral recruitments used to be done without any process during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's rule.

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INC hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry: Ashwini Vasihnav

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.

While there are still speculations over the JMM leader joining the saffron brigade, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi posted on social media a message welcoming Champai Soren to NDA. Here's the post

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

This is an internal matter of JMM. Hemant Soren is a good CM and is running the government well. He understands the minute details of politics: Jharkhand Minister Banna Gupta

Seasoned bureaucrat N Muruganandam (1991 batch) appointed the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, succeeding Shiv Das Meena who is now the Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Authority.

Congress nominee for Rajya Sabha bypoll from Telangana, Abhishek Manu Singhvi arrives at Telangana Assembly, ahead of filing nomination today

Elections are postponed in Maharashtra and Jharkhand because they (BJP) want to remove Hemant Soren from the CM post: Sanjay Raut

Jharkhand Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh dismisses speculations over Champai Soren joining BJP. Here's what he said.

Here's what CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah said on speculations over Champai Soren joining BJP

Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Pawan Khera mocked PM Modi over latter's comment- 'better to avoid making reels'. Here's what Khera said.

Karnataka Congress workers hold protest after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granted permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in alleged MUDA scam

Pictures from BJP leaders' protest against Congress at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Monday.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi filed his nomination for Rajya Sabha in Hyderabad in the presence of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and other leaders of the state.

He should himself express his willingness to join BJP then we will take the decision: BJP Jharkhand spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo on speculations over Champai Soren joining BJP.

Today we are demanding the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah. He has looted the poor people that's why we are protesting against him: Karnataka Assembly LoP R Ashok

The position of Governor is a constitutional position. So, protesting against his order is wrong: BJP leader CT Ravi

The BJP leaders who are questioning the peaceful protest by our party workers have also forgotten that they had called a Karnataka Bandh in 2011 against the Governor's move: Siddaramaiah

Here's what Siddaramaiah said on Guv Gehlot's nod to prosecute the former in MUDA site allotment case.

Slamming BJP leader R Ashoka over his remarks against Siddaramaiah on prosecution in MUDA case, the Karnataka CM said: "Mr. Ashok, it’s worth recalling how most of the BJP conspired against Yediyurappa at that time". Below is the thread.

Ashok, the leader of the opposition party, has once again shown his ignorance by saying, "When Governor Hansaraja Bhardwaja gave permission for the prosecution, BS Yeddyurappa had not resigned from the post of Chief Minister? Why is Siddaramaiah not resigning now?" Check the facts first and talk.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha slammed BJP over allegations against Congress in MUDA scam. Here's what he said.

Congress leaders and workers in Shivamogga protested against Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah for his alleged connection with the MUDA scam.

Congress Screening Committee members for Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections to meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi at 6:30 pm today

Will personally welcome him if he joins the NDA: Jitan Ram Manjhi on speculations that former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren might join the BJP

"I will personally welcome him if he joins the NDA, however, his inclusion depends on the top leaders of the NDA. I also faced the same situation what Champai (Soren) is facing. This should not happen in democracy. If it was asked to him, he would have himself stepped down. Forcefully taking his resignation and cancelling his programme was not appropriate. I told him that he is a courageous person. His work is appreciated. His schemes were made null and void. Such things should not have happened. If he joins the NDA, I will be active in Jharkhand politics with him and take control of many seats," says Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on speculations that Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren might join the BJP.

We cannot expect the demand of Siddaramaiah's resignation from Rahul Gandhi as the money that has been looted has already reached Gandhi family: Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra

Jharkhand is being looted. Anyone who is Jharkhand's well-wisher cannot be on Hemant Soren's side: Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao

Karnataka High Court begins hearing Siddaramaiah's plea challenging prosecution in MUDA case

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has moved High court challenging order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granting sanction to prosecute him in the alleged multi-crore scam relating to Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) according to Live Law.

Governor's sanction order was issued without due application of mind: Siddaramaiah's plea

Siddaramaiah's plea states that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.

Sr Counsel Abhishekh Manu Singhvi appears for Siddaramaiah and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appears for the Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot

The Governor receives a 100 page document from cabinet. Clearly, he is bound by it. The Governor however, in a short, 2 page order, decides to decide only one point: Singhvi

Bar and Bench reports that before the Governor gives sanction, the State government cabinet scrupulously collectively takes a decision saying these are the reasons why this complaint is frivolous and sanction can't be granted. This is based on events from 1992 to 2022.

However, the Governor receives a 100 page document from cabinet. Clearly, he is bound by it. The Governor however, in a short, 2 page order, decides to decide only one point.

The Governor doesn't give a single reason why the sanction ought to be given: Singhvi

You can't say that the entire cabinet is superfluous and the ministers enjoy ministership because of the Chief Minister : Singhvi

Karnataka Governor is tainted and is part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government in Karnataka for political reasons: Siddaramaiah's petition

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing CM, says - Petitioner Siddaramaiah, in his petition, has said that the order of sanction granted by Governor of Karnataka is tainted and is part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government in Karnataka for political reasons. ANI reports

Not an ostrich, won't ignore this attempt to undermine govt, says Siddaramaiah's counsel

Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "This whole thing is being done to undermine the government.

"Constitutional law, law, and politics are all entwined. We don't live in an ivory tower, cucooned from reality. We can't say I am an Ostrich and a storm is coming so I'll shut my eyes. That's not how judges function."

I'll be able to show that the cabinet decision and all pages of the petition are the same: Tushar Mehta

Tushar Mehta says, "I'll be able to show that the cabinet decision and all pages of the petition are the same. Page by page, para by para. verbatim.

"If the cabinet decision came first, then it is okay and then the person who drafted the petition is guilty of plagiarism", he said.

Karnataka HC asks trial court not to take action against Siddaramaiah till hearing is over

Karnataka High Court says that let the trial court not take any action based on the Governor’s sanction against CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, while the hearing of CM’s petition is ongoing in HC.

HC judge Justice Nagaprasanna orally says that the proceedings in the HC should not be frustrated or rendered a “fait accompli” by the trial court passing any order tomorrow, Live Law reported.

Rahul Gandhi rides in Uber to discuss the plight of gig workers in India

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted a video where he is seen riding in an Uber. He discusses the impact of inflation with the Uber driver Sunil Upadhyay

Relief for Siddaramaiah in MUDA case, K'taka HC says no to trial court proceedings till August 29

Karnataka High Court orders deferment of proceedings before the Special Court against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah till the next date of hearing (August 29th), Bar and Bench reports.

A press conference chaired by Omar Abdullah is currently underway where he is set to release party's manifesto

Karnataka Governor did not consider decision of Cabinet: Advocate Ranganath Reddy

"The Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah had filed a writ petition questioning the sanction order passed by the Governor of Karnataka.

"While passing the order of sanction, the Governor has not considered the decision of the Cabinet. Secondly, the order was passed in a haste,” says Advocate Ranganath Reddy

Article 370, J-K's statehood restoration among 12 guarantees in NC manifesto

Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are among the National Conference's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls.

People of Jammu and Kashmir have already accepted the abrogation of Article 370: BJP leader Sajid Yousuf

Talking to the press, BJP leader Sajid Yousuf said, "Mr (Omar) Abdullah is talking about Article 370, but he should understand that this matter has already gone to the Supreme Court, which has made Article 370 null and void, so I don't think it makes any sense to talk about it.

"He is just trying to fool the people and make a point that is irrelevant. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have already accepted the abrogation of Article 370."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23; it will be an important visit: MEA

Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal said, "India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict (between Russia and Ukraine) and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential.

"Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement. On our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders.

"Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine as you know and the PM also visited Russia, recently.

"India is willing to provide all possible support and contribution required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue and at this stage, it is not for us to anticipate or prejudge what the outcome of these discussions will be between the leaders of India and Ukraine."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party’s general secretary KC Venugopal and party leader Rahul Gandhi among others attend a meeting at Congress headquarters in New Delhi

The file at some point in time should have come before the Chief Minister but it never happened: Siddaramaiah's legal advisor AS Ponnanna

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's legal advisor AS Ponnanna said, "The order of sanction and the prior approval granted by the Governor was challenged.

"The matter was taken up in the court and we argued on various points including the tearing hurry in which the Governor has issued sanctions, the selective process as he has kept so many applications pending and chosen this case.

The file at some point in time should have come before the Chief Minister but it never happened.

The respondents resisted the interim ground on the order that they should not interfere with the order of the Governor.

"The court was of the considered view that no precipitative action based on sanction order should be taken till the next date of hearing and asked all the respondents to complete their pleadings in reply and writing. The matter will be taken on 29th August for the final hearing."

Rahul Gandhi is the type of leader who wants to bring forth destructive criticism: K Annamalai

On Rahul Gandhi's remark on lateral entry in UPSC Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai said, "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi suddenly woke up and he came in with one more radical proposal.

"2005, Veerappa Moily in the second Administrative Reforms Commission, 10th volume, 325th page, talks about lateral recruitment which they never had the courage to do.

"Rahul Gandhi wants to stop all this and say, oh, you missed a government service because age is a problem. You miss that age, after that, you can't take an exam at 45. He can call himself a perpetual youth leader but he cannot take the civil service exam because he has crossed the age limit.

"Now for a common man, if he thinks he still wants to serve the government of India, it's a beautiful opportunity which is a working model successfully happening.

There are two kinds of leaders - somebody who wants to bring constructive criticism to the job at hand and somebody who wants to bring destructive criticism by putting them in the forefront. Now, unfortunately, Rahul Gandhi belongs to the second category which is very unfortunate, and uncalled for an opposition leader."

Congress has already said that it’s ready to join hands with all the parties which are like-minded and are ready to stand against BJP’s policies: Ghulam Ahmad Mir

“Congress has already said that it’s ready to join hands (to form alliance) with all the parties which are like-minded and are ready to stand against BJP’s policies,” says AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir as Congress party meeting at AICC headquarters concludes.