
NDA highlighting ‘war issue' for its political benefits: Cong
Nellore: District Congress Committee (DCC) president Chevuru Devakumar Reddy has alleged that BJP-led NDA government is highlighting the 'War with Pakistan' issue only because of its party political benefits in coming elections. Addressing a press conference at Indira Bhavan in the city on Monday, the Congress leader said that elections were scheduled in some states very soon as the BJP has utilised the Pahalgam terrorists' attacks as an opportunity of it party's political image in the coming elections.
He said that if BJP lead NDA government really cares of its part over addressing cross bordered terrorism in J&K Valley, then why it fails to arrest the culprits involved in the attacks till date, he questioned.
Devakumar alleged that instead of suppressing the terrorism, BJP is encouraging the religious politics leads war like situation prevailed at Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). He also demanded to conduct Caste Census in impartial manner. He said that Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President YS Sharmila likely to visit on 13th May in Nellore district. Also present at the meeting were party leaders Vudatha Venkata Rao, Bala Sudhakar and others.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Supriya Sule writes: How we combatted Pakistan's fake news in all-party diplomatic mission
In today's post-truth era, where stories can be fabricated in a matter of hours and facts manipulated across digital media, the presentation of facts has become as important as the facts themselves. When 26 precious and innocent lives were lost in the Pahalgam attack, including a few of those whose families I have been in direct contact with throughout the crisis, India was not only facing a security challenge but a diplomatic imperative: to document, demonstrate, and deliver irrefutable evidence of Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism to important international stakeholders before disinformation could blur judgement. Our eight-member delegation's May 24-June 4 mission, initiated just weeks following Operation Sindoor's proportionate, measured and focused retaliatory action, was conceived as a result of this strategic imperative. The choice of Qatar, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt as our diplomatic ports of call was not arbitrary but the result of considered geopolitical calculations. These countries are not just friends and allies; they are voices whose endorsement amplifies India's stand. Qatar's presence in the mediation efforts of the Gulf lent vital Middle Eastern credibility. South Africa's ethical standing, based on the anti-apartheid campaign and personified through the Gandhi-Mandela legacy, conferred Global South legitimacy. Ethiopia, hosting African Union headquarters, and Egypt, bridging Africa and the Arab world while anchoring the Arab League, guaranteed broader regional impact. Our delegation, comprising Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Anand Sharma (INC), V Muraleedharan (BJP), Manish Tewari (INC), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), and Syed Akbaruddin (Ex-Permanent Representative of India to UN), bore detailed evidence dossiers documenting Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam attack and its overall policy of state terrorism. I must also commend Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for his tireless efforts, including briefing all delegations; Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for their outstanding media briefings, bringing great pride. The reception we received was telling. The bipartisan composition, with four Cabinet Ministers, brought authenticity to the mission. From Deputy Speaker Dr Hamda Bint Hassan Al Sulaiti and Minister Dr Mohamed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi in Doha to Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo, the presentation of evidence found great resonance. In South Africa, our interactions with Deputy Chairman Les Govender, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo, and Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen re-emphasised commitment to fact over propaganda. The Silence the Guns by 2030 initiative of the AU was aspirational and should be treated at par with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Mandela-Gandhi continuum was nowhere so deep as in South Africa, where the common inheritance of non-violent resistance gave moral context to India's cautious and proportionate response. The interactions with the dynamic diaspora community demonstrated how historical connections translate into modern diplomatic capital. The same was true in Ethiopia. In our meeting with former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Deputy Chairperson of Prosperity Party Adem Farah, both conveyed profound gratitude for India's diplomatic continuity. The meeting with Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of People's Representatives of Ethiopia, who graduated from Aligarh Muslim University, was a classic example of India's soft power dividend, years of educational diplomacy generating capital that goes beyond political imperatives. Operation Sindoor represented more than military precision; it embodied India's non-escalation doctrine: proportionate, targeted, and designed to deter rather than destroy. This continuing approach, refined across decades from Jawaharlal Nehru's emphasis on regional peace, Indira Gandhiji's courageous leadership, Manmohan Singh's goodwill to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charismatic diplomacy, has become India's signature response to terror: firm defence of sovereignty without regional destabilisation. Each nation we visited formally endorsed India's position, recognising our legitimate right to defend against terrorism while appreciating our commitment to proportionality. The support transcended specific incidents, extending to our broader approach. But in the new landscape of information warfare, Pakistan tries to spin state-sponsored terrorism as isolated acts. Our evidence-driven diplomatic campaign made sure principal international stakeholders were provided with the necessary information before competing narratives could find footholds. This proactive strategy on India's part was instrumental in sustaining international support. The greatest achievement of the mission was consensus on core principles: Growth over grievance, development over destruction. In each capital, the leaders showed enthusiasm to negotiate trade and technology, rather than dwelling on conflict. This philosophy struck a chord throughout the Global South, where countries welcome India's partnership. The paradox that characterises India's power is not our ability to destroy but our resolve to construct, to build bridges, to foster partnerships, and choose dialogue over discord. This disposition appeals to nations tired of power rivalry and grateful for cooperative partnerships. As the mission concluded, the results were both immediate and enduring. Four nations provided formal support, articulating a holistic approach to achieve zero terrorism, dozens of bilateral cooperation areas were identified, and countless assurances of solidarity were received. Most importantly, this mission enhanced India's image as a country that marries strength with sagacity, capability with restraint. India opts for growth, partnership, and truth, and the world has responded with respect, assistance, and solidarity. The writer is Member of Parliament & National Working President, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). She was the leader of the Seventh All-Party Delegation that visited Qatar, South Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt


The Hindu
28 minutes ago
- The Hindu
CM Stalin's ambition of winning over 200 seats in 2026 Assembly election is a daydream: Edappadi Palaniswami
The Leader of Opposition and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, on Sunday (June 8, 2025) said DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is daydreaming of DMK-led coalition winning over 200 seats in 2026 Assembly polls. Addressing party cadre at Arakkonam MLA S. Ravi's son's wedding in Arakkonam, Mr. Palaniswami said Mr. Stalin has been saying that the DMK-led coalition will win more than 200 Assembly seats in the upcoming election next year. 'He (Mr. Stalin) is day-dreaming about it. It is AIADMK -led front that will form the next government in the State after the 2026 polls. More political parties will be joining the AIADMK coalition soon, strengthening its alliance,' he said. Taking credit for creation of new districts in Tamil Nadu and other welfare measures, the former Chief Minister said during the AIADMK regime between 2016 - 2021, six new districts were formed in the State. Districts like Ranipet and Tirupattur were formed after bifurcating Vellore. Such a formation has helped to focus on backward areas in the newly-formed districts. 'During the AIADMK regime, 11 new medical colleges, six law colleges and additional engineering and agricultural colleges were opened in the State. On the contrary, DMK is pasting stickers on those schemes and re-introduces them as new schemes,' he said. The AIADMK supremo wondered what happened to the poll promises made by DMK during its campaign in the 2021 elections. For example, he said, the DMK promised to voters that when the party (DMK) comes to power, steps will be taken to construct new check dams to a tune of ₹2,000 crore in Tamil Nadu. 'How many new check dams has the DMK government built so far in the State? Every monsoon, a huge quantity of excess rainwater goes unutilized as the water flows into the sea,' he said. Mr. Palaniswami blamed DMK government for dumping its pro-poor and farmers welfare schemes like Amma clinics and kudimaramathu scheme where farmers were allowed to remove silt deposited in ponds and lakes in the area. The scheme has twin benefits, namely it helps to deepen waterbodies to store excess rainwater and secondly farmers can use silt to enrich their farmland, he said. The AIADMK leader said that 3,460 government students in Tamil Nadu were able to pursue medicine currently because of the AIADMK initiative where it introduced 7.5% horizontal reservation for students of government schools in medical admissions, which is being implemented since the 2020-21 academic year, he said. On the occasion, former AIADMK Minister and Tirupattur district in-charge for AIADMK K.C. Veeramani, party functionaries and cadre were present.


Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
"India and our delegation received a very positive response", says Priyanka Chaturvedi after delegation's visit
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi , who was part of the Group-2 delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad , said on Sunday that the team received a very positive response from European nations regarding India's stance against terrorism. Speaking to about the trip, Chaturvedi said, "India and our delegation have received a very positive response. This shows that the world understands the fear of terrorism, and it is very important to stay united to address this issue... Everyone is united and equivocal about the fact that terrorism in all its forms has to be condemned." She added that the delegation engaged in talks with government officials, ministers, think tanks, and media representatives across Europe, all of whom expressed consistent support for India's long-standing fight against terrorism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "We went to six different countries and had discussions with media, think-tanks, govt officials, ministers... Everyone believes that the way India has been fighting for decades against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, the same way countries in Western Europe are facing the same kind of challenges. We told the countries that Pakistan takes loans from the IMF to protect its terror camps. Europe has condemned terrorism in all its forms..." Chaturvedi said. She further exposed how Pakistan has been misleading the world with false narratives. "A completely fake narrative was being spread by their (Pakistan) army as well. Their own Generals were putting video war games in their press conferences and making all sorts of claims. We got a sense of clarity from the officials we met. The Foreign Minister of Germany totally condemned this, and to ensure accountability, everyone is anonymous." Live Events Chaturvedi also noted the wide reach of the delegation's efforts, saying, "This was a successful trip... These 7 delegations had meetings in almost 40 countries. I believe its outcome will be positive. Whether it is the United Nations, the IMF or the World Bank, everyone will adopt an accountability approach towards Pakistan ." The team, led by BJP MP Prasad, visited six nations and held high-level meetings on the issue of terrorism, where they strongly highlighted Pakistan's role in sponsoring terror. Earlier in the day, the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad returned to India after a diplomatic tour of several European nations. The delegation arrived at the airport in the national capital following a multi-nation visit aimed at strengthening India's ties with European partners. Speaking to the media upon arrival, Prasad said, "It feels great to be back in India. Our delegation visited France, Italy, Denmark, England, Brussels and Germany. We met senior leaders of the Parliament, think-tank and the Indian community. The foreign nations have a lot of anger over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and all the nations have condemned this. We went to the European Parliament as well. The Indian community was very excited to meet us. A new relationship is going to be established between India and Europe. It was a very satisfying visit..." The recent visit by the all-party Group-2 delegation, led by BJP MP Prasad, took place amid growing international concern over terror attacks, notably the Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir, which has drawn widespread condemnation from global partners.