'124 not out': Why INDIA bloc MPs protested wearing this slogan on T-shirts, and who's ‘Minta Devi'
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, TMC's Derek O'Brien, DMK's TR Baalu, and NCP(SP)'s Supriya Sule, among others, took part in the protest. Their banners read "Our Vote. Our Right. Our Fight". Another banner carried by the protesting MPs read "SIR - Silent Invisible Rigging", PTI reported.
The opposition has been alleging that the EC's exercise is aimed at "disenfranchising voters" ahead of the Bihar assembly elections due later this year. They have been demanding a discussion on the issue in both Houses.
Why MPs wore '124 NOT OUT' t-shirts
The INDIA bloc MPs wore white T-shirts with the name 'Minta Devi', who, according to them, is 124 years old and a first-time voter in Bihar according to the voter roll.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore told reporters that the voter list in Bihar carries Devi's name as a first-time voter and accused the Election Commission of India of being 'a department of the BJP'.
"We want a discussion on such issues. How EC has become a party to the BJP. The voter list is full of such fraud," Tagore said while participating in the protest.
The EC had not immediately reacted to the specific charge.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also referred to Minta Devi's name and claimed that there are several examples of such cases in the Election Commission's voter list from Bihar. 'There are unlimited cases like that. Abhi picture baki hai (The story is still unfolding),' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chandigarh MP Tewari leads candlelight march against ‘electoral malpractices'
C Tired of too many ads? go ad free now handigarh: The Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday staged a candlelight march at Sector 42 to expose alleged electoral malpractices and "Vote Chori" by the BJP. The march saw Congress activists marching on city roads carrying tricolours, candles, and placards. "The objective of the protest is to send a strong message to the to not subvert and destroy democracy. After Rahul Gandhi made startling revelations on the massive frauds in the voter lists, the credibility of the Modi govt nosedived. Chandigarh Congress demands the resignation of the Narendra Modi govt as well as state govts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, which face serious allegation of vote theft during the elections," a party leader said. Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari and Chandigarh Congress president HS Lucky led the march. It was organised by Jasbir Singh Bunty, District Congress Committee President, Urban 2, and senior deputy mayor of Chandigarh. Speaking at the protest, MP Manish Tewari said, "The revelations made by Rahul Gandhi have shaken public faith in the Election Commission. When the body tasked with conducting fair elections and safeguarding democracy is seen sitting in the lap of the BJP, it becomes the duty of every citizen to stand up for protecting our democracy." He declared that the Congress party will not rest until transparency and professional integrity are ensured in the working of the Election Commission. , and the truth about vote manipulation in the elections held in 2024 is laid bare. Chandigarh Congress President HS Lucky said, "The Election Commission is the guardian of our democratic process. If it fails in its role, democracy itself will be finished. Chandigarh Congress demands transparency, honesty, and accountability from the Election Commission." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He further said that the people of India deserve a free, fair, and impartial electoral process—and we will fight to protect that right. Box: Chandigarh Congress on Thursday welcomed the directions issued to the Election Commission by the during the hearing of multiple petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar electoral rolls. Chandigarh Congress stated that the clear directions to publish provisional draft rolls of registered voters and names of 65 lakh deleted voters along with the reasons for the removal of their names from the draft list, in the next 48 hours, is a step in the right direction. Congress also welcomed the interim order of the Supreme Court to consider the Aadhaar card as an acceptable document for inclusion in the voter list in respect of 65 lakh deleted voters. MSID:: 123306921 413 |
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
High drama marks Panchayat polls in Nainital
Dehradun: Uttarakhand high court on Thursday took cognizance of allegations that five elected representatives in Nainital district panchayat were missing ahead of voting. However, police said that affidavits submitted by the five elected members claimed they were staying away voluntarily. Counting of votes underway for Uttarakhand Panchayat Elections, in Nainital, on July 31 (PTI) Congress leaders alleged that they were abducted to influence the outcome of election of district panchayat president for which voting was underway on Thursday . A division bench of chief justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra, hearing a public interest litigation, questioned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nainital PN Meena on whether the missing representatives had been traced. The SSP said security personnel had visited their homes as per earlier court directions to provide protection 10 days before voting, but were told by relatives that the representatives were visiting family and did not require security. Polling was held on Thursday for the posts of district panchayat presidents as well as vice presidents and Block Pramukhs. The SSP added that the police had received affidavits from the five representatives stating they were travelling and had asked that no case be registered if anyone reported them missing. Two more similar affidavits were received on Thursday. Advocate General SN Babulkar told the court that all representatives had confirmed they were abstaining from voting on their own will. However, senior counsel DS Patni presented a pen drive with video footage allegedly showing one of the representatives, Dikar Singh Mewari, being dragged away by unidentified men, some of whose faces were visible, while an armed policeman looked away. Another video purportedly showed three more affidavit signatories being forcibly removed from a polling booth. The bench directed that both videos be handed over to the Nainital SSP and District Magistrate Vandana Singh for examination. Counsel DS Mehta told the court that an attempt to file a kidnapping complaint naming the alleged abductors was rejected by the Tallital SHO. The SSP assured the bench that action would be taken against any police personnel found guilty of dereliction of duty. Family members of three missing representatives — Uma Bisht, sister of Deep Singh Bisht; Vinod Kotalia, brother of Pramod Singh; and Sanjeev Jantwal, son of Vipin Singh Jantwal-appeared before the court — each detailing how their relatives were taken away. Kotalia alleged that his brother was abducted by a group . Jantwal said he had seen a video of his father's abduction on a Facebook account. The court ordered that its directions be sent immediately to the district magistrate and SSP, with affidavits kept in the safe custody of the Registrar (Judicial). The matter will be heard next on August 18. Earlier, high drama was witnessed during the election for district panchayat president and block Pramukh in Nainital, turned tense on Thursday with clashes, allegations of kidnapping and even firing between supporters of the BJP and Congress. Congress leaders Yashpal Arya, Khatima MLA Bhuvan Kapri, Haldwani MLA Sumit Hridayesh, former MLA Sanjeev Arya, district panchayat president candidate Pushpa Negi, and 10 members arrived at the High Court while a hearing was underway before Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Alok Mahra. They alleged before the bench that 'people of the ruling party' assaulted them and 'tried to kidnap some members.' Showing election result certificates for 15 members, they claimed that 'five of their local leaders were missing.' The court directed District Magistrate Vandana Singh and SSP Nainital PN Meena to appear virtually within minutes. It ordered both officers to 'maintain law and order' and ensure 'peaceful and fair elections,' instructing that members be brought to the polling station in police security. High Court security officer Rakesh Bisht was tasked with escorting the 10 district panchayat members who were in court to the polling station under police protection. In the block pramukh election at Betalghat in Nainital districts, three rounds of firing were reported amid clashes between supporters of both parties. Police dispersed the crowd and began an investigation. Both sides accused each other of instigating violence. BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt alleged that Yashpal Arya was 'trying to influence the voting,' while Congress state president Karan Mahara accused the BJP of 'assaulting Congress leaders.' District Magistrate Vandana Singh, who appeared in the court in the evening again, told the court that she will recommend repolling for zila panchayat elections to the state election commission (SEC)
India.com
30 minutes ago
- India.com
Following Flurry Of Threat By Top Pakistan Leaders, India Warns Islamabad: ‘Watch Your Words, Any Misstep Will Have Serious Consequences'
New Delhi: India has issued a stern warning to Pakistan following a series of provocative statements by three of its top leaders over the past 48 hours. The comments by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto have drawn a sharp response from New Delhi, with the Ministry of External Affairs asking Islamabad to exercise restraint. At the weekly press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal said, 'Pakistani leaders are issuing irresponsible, war-inciting and hate-filled statements against India. These remarks appear to be aimed at covering up domestic failures.' He added, 'They must control their words. Any wrong step from their side will have very serious consequences.' The remarks follow the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, a decision that has drawn repeated threats from Islamabad in recent days. On August 11, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir made a provocative statement during a private event at Tampa in Florida. 'We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey,' he declared, implying the use of missile strikes to destroy any future dams constructed by India on the Indus River. Following Munir's remarks, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, he stated, 'I want to tell the enemy today that if you threaten to hold our water, then keep this in mind that you cannot snatch even one drop from Pakistan.' He emphasised that any attempt to cut off water supplies would result in a 'decisive response' from Pakistan, framing the Indus waters as the 'lifeblood' of the nation. Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto also joined the chorus of threats. He warned that if India continued to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan would have 'no choice' but to consider war. His remarks came shortly after Munir's nuclear threat, heightening regional alarm over potential conflict escalation. Addressing claims related to the treaty, Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan's position and questioned the validity of the Court of Arbitration. 'India does not recognise the arbitration court legally or formally. It has no authority to issue such decisions. Its orders fall outside its jurisdiction. They do not affect India's rights over water usage,' he said. He also reaffirmed India's reasoning for suspending the treaty, pointing to rising cross-border terrorism. 'As stated in our press release of June 27, 2025, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a direct response to Pakistan's repeated acts of cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack. This step is a measure to safeguard India's national security and is fully within our rights,' he said. Jaiswal also addressed broader geopolitical issues during the briefing. On India-US relations, he said, 'The partnership between India and the United States rests on deep strategic cooperation, shared democratic values and strong mutual respect. The relationship has withstood challenges and changes, and we remain confident it will continue to grow on the basis of shared interests.' Regarding upcoming international engagements, he highlighted that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is expected to travel to Moscow later this month for the 26th India-Russia Inter-Government Session. On the Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, Jaiswal welcomed the agreement for dialogue. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi's repeated message that 'this is not the age of war'. On trade with China, he confirmed that discussions continue to resume border trade at Lipulekh and Shipki La in Uttarakhand, ensuring safe and regulated commerce. Finally, Jaiswal addressed the United States' Human Rights Report 2025, released on August 12. 'These reports are based on allegations, misrepresentations and one-sided assumptions that fail to capture India's democratic framework accurately. We do not place any reliance on such biased assessments.' The report has raised concerns about several aspects of civil and political life in India. It highlights restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and the press in certain regions. It cites instances where journalists, activists and students allegedly faced legal actions or other pressures for voicing dissenting opinions. The report also mentions limitations on digital freedoms, pointing to internet shutdowns in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir that have affected the flow of information. Religious freedom and communal harmony remain key points of critique. The report highlights episodes of communal tension and alleged discrimination against religious minorities, including reports of mob violence and concerns about law enforcement responses. It also flags alleged challenges faced by women, children and marginalised communities in accessing justice, social services and protection from exploitation or discrimination. The report draws attention to issues within the criminal justice system. It references alleged cases of arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths and prolonged pretrial detention in some states. These, according to the report, indicate gaps in procedural safeguards and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices.
