Resistance to return of expelled Congress netas
Jaipur: More than 10 former Congress members, including ex-MLAs and ex-MPs who were suspended or expelled, are seeking to rejoin the party ahead of upcoming local body elections in Rajasthan.
Their potential return, however, faces resistance due to internal party politics.
While many within the Congress support their reinstatement, some party functionaries have expressed opposition. PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra has maintained an open stance on the matter, saying, "If there is no controversy related to anyone, we will not stop anyone from returning to the party." He added that while the Congress high command's decisions would prevail, there was no specific "formula" governing party readmission.
Among those seeking readmission are former MLA Ameen Khan from Sheo, ex-Barmer MLA Mewaram Jain, and Balendu Singh Shekhawat, son of a former Speaker. Khan and Shekhawat were expelled last year for anti-party activities following complaints from party members, including Barmer MP Ummedaram Beniwal and Vaibhav Gehlot, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Others seeking a return include former MP and MLA Khiladi Lal Bairwa and former minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya.
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Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indira's action crushed the soul of democracy: Dy CM
1 2 Prayagraj: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday said former PM late Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country on June 25, 1975, due to her personal political crisis and her act crushed the soul of democracy and snatched away the rights of Baba Saheb's Constitution. "After the declaration of Emergency, the democratic rights of the people were taken away overnight; opposition party leaders were imprisoned, and all means of expression were banned. This is marked as a dark day in the democracy of the country," Maurya said to observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. He added that Emergency, which was lifted on March 21, 1977, was one of the most controversial events in the history of independent India. "During the Emergency, Indira's son Sanjay Gandhi misused constitutional rights to forcibly launch a sterilisation campaign in the name of family planning. The Indira Gandhi govt ordered the demolition of huts at Turkman Gate in Delhi, and when people protested, the police opened fire, resulting in many deaths. Additionally, censorship was imposed on the media; foreign media correspondents were deported, and in 1976, the Home Ministry informed Parliament that 7,000 people were arrested for broadcasting anti-Emergency material," Maurya said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Dy CM further said when Jayaprakash Narayan launched an agitation, today's BJP, which was earlier Jan Sangh and Janata Dal, along with the real Samajwadi Party , enthusiastically participated in the movement. However, he criticised Akhilesh Yadav, the current president of Samajwadi Party, for aligning with the Congress, which imposed the Emergency, and accused them of standing with the killers of democracy, whom the people of the country and the state will never forgive. "In the 2027 assembly elections, the BJP will win with a huge majority. The Congress will be wiped out in the country and the Samajwadi Party from the state, making Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party free," he said. He added that the double engine govt has done tremendous work in the country and the state, bringing a wave of development. "The rule of law has been established, and the Constitution is protecting democracy," Maurya said. He also accused the SP of misleading people in the name of PDA and working to divide society and promote casteism in the state. Later during a Loktantra Senani Samman Samaroh and seminar organised by BJP on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency in Pratapgarh, Maurya accused the SP chief and its leaders of being fake socialists for siding with the Congress. "The soul of real socialists will never forgive them," he said. He further said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an accepted leader not only in the country but also across the world and BJP, under his guidance, will not let the Constitution be harmed. Whoever attacks it will be taught a lesson." In response to a question on the case of insult of a kathavachak in Etawah, Maurya said that no one should be insulted, and everyone has the right to do bhakti and satsang.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
"Rahul Gandhi hails Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to ISS, says he carries forward Rakesh Sharma's legacy
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday congratulated Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4, calling it a proud moment for the country. In an X post, Gandhi highlighted the historic significance of the mission, noting that it comes more than four decades after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space in 1984. He said Group Captain Shukla now carries that legacy forward. 'A proud moment for every Indian as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launches off on his journey to the International Space Station,' Rahul Gandhi wrote. '41 years after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, he now carries forward that legacy, inspiring every Indian. Wishing him and the team a safe and successful return. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat,' he added. Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), and praised the successful launch of Axiom Mission 4. Reading out a resolution passed by the Cabinet, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said,'We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The Cabinet wishes him and other astronauts all the success.' Group Captain Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is part of the international crew aboard Axiom Mission 4, launched earlier in the day. His journey marks a historic milestone for India, as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also hailed the mission, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to open India's space sector to private players a 'turning point' that led to a 'miraculous' transformation. He said the sector could grow to 40-45 billion US dollars in the next decade. 'I think one of the greatest turning points in India's space journey has been PM Modi's pathbreaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4-5 years, there are thousands of crores of investment happening from the private sector,' Singh told ANI. Speaking about the future of space exploration, Singh added, 'Our future projections indicate that in about 8-10 years we might go up to 4-5 times higher, about 40-45 billion US dollars. So, the opening of the space for the private sector was a very courageous decision which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with a tremendous amount of conviction and willpower.' Referring to the significance of Axiom Mission 4, the minister said, 'I think it will be a good experience also for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4, also for missions like Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035 and for prolonged stay in space or in microgravity conditions, what are the arrangements to be put in place will also be learnt through the experiments to be conducted by Shubhanshu.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the crew of Axiom Mission 4, writing on X, 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!' In a separate post on X, Singh praised Shukla's historic journey: 'Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, you are the first Indian Astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO's growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India as a frontline nation in space exploration.' Singh also mentioned that Group Captain Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments designed by Indian institutions during his stay aboard the ISS. He paid tribute to space pioneers Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose vision laid the foundation for India's space ambitions. The Axiom Mission 4 launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A. (ANI)
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi calls Emergency
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): As the Centre marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas', Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress party over the imposition of Emergency in 1975, terming it as the 'darkest chapter' in India's democratic history. Congress responded to the remarks made by the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, accusing the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the 50th anniversary of the Emergency to divert public attention from issues like unemployment, inflation and demonetisation. Earlier on Wednesday, in a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress government in 1975 had put democracy under arrest. 'Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and several political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens were jailed. It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest,' PM Modi wrote. PM Modi added that no Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated. 'No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled, and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans. The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted,' he added. Saluting those who fought against the Emergency, Prime Minister pointed out that Congress was forced to restore democracy and fresh elections were called upon. 'These were the people from all over India, from all walks of life, from diverse ideologies who worked closely with each other with one aim: to protect India's democratic fabric and to preserve the ideals for which our freedom fighters devoted their lives. It was their collective struggle that ensured that the then Congress Government had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost,' he said. Between 25 June 1975 and 21 March 1977, India was placed under a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. On 25 June 1975, the then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued the Emergency proclamation under Article 352, citing threats from internal disturbance. This was the third Emergency in India's history, but the first one declared in peacetime. Earlier proclamations were during wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1971). Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the 50th anniversary of the Emergency to divert public attention from issues like unemployment, inflation and demonetisation. Kharge said the Modi-led government was trying to cover up its 'failures and repeated lies' by marking the day as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' and focusing on a chapter of history that had ended decades ago. Addressing a press conference, Kharge said, 'We are facing an undeclared emergency in the country today... The BJP got rattled by our 'Samvidhan Bachao Yatra' and started talking about 50 years of Emergency. Those who could not do much during their tenure, also could not give any answers on issues of unemployment, inflation and demonetisation, are doing this (marking 50 years of imposition of Emergency as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas) to hide their failures and repeated lies.' He criticised the Prime Minister for instructing states to officially observe the Emergency anniversary.'The PM on behalf of the government has taken out a circular directing all states to mark the 50 years of Emergency as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,' Kharge said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the 'Emergency' imposed in 1975, calling it an 'era of injustice' driven by the Congress party's 'hunger for power'. In a post on X, Shah wrote, 'The 'Emergency' was an 'era of injustice' driven by Congress's hunger for power. The Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, caused immense pain and suffering to the people of the nation. To ensure that the new generation understands this, the Modi government has named this day Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. This day reminds us that when power turns into dictatorship, the people have the strength to uproot it.' The Indira Gandhi government had imposed the Emergency on June 25, 1975. The day is observed by the government as 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas.'The meeting of the Union Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior journalist Rajat Sharma, who was jailed for 10 months during the Emergency, recalled the 'dark night' when it was imposed and senior political leaders arrested, the struggles he endured and his attempts to keep up the flame of democracy and flow of information by bringing out a 'cyclostyled newspaper' that was then delivered to homes of people. In an interview with ANI, Rajat Sharma recalled being part of Jayaprakash Narayan's student protest. The senior journalist, who is Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of INDIA TV, recounted facing police sticks after arrest but not having fear in his mind. 'I still remember that particular dark night almost 50 years ago when Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency to save her chair. We were all a part of Jayaprakash Narayan's student protest. We got to know that all big leaders of the country, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prakash Singh Badal, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Raj Narayan, LK Advani, all of them were arrested and sent to different places in the country, like Ambala, Rohtak, Bengaluru,' Rajat Sharma said. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for observing Emergency Day as a 'black day', saying that the party is tarnishing the very Constitution that gave it power. The CM also reaffirmed Congress' role in building democracy in India and called the BJP's criticism an insult to democratic values. 'Congress established democracy and framed the Constitution. Today, BJP is observing 'Murder of Democracy Day' by defaming that very Constitution. It is this Constitution that brought them to power, and now they are disrespecting it,' Sukhu said, taking a direct dig at the BJP government's campaign of observing June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.' The Indira Gandhi government had imposed the Emergency on June 25, 1975. The day is observed by the government as 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas 'The meeting of the Union Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Cabinet resolved to commemorate and honour the sacrifices of countless individuals who valiantly resisted the Emergency and its attempt 'at subversion of the spirit of the Indian Constitution, a subversion which began in 1974 with a heavy-handed attempt at crushing the Navnirman Andolan and Sampoorna Kranti Abhiyan'. 'The year 2025 marks 50 years of the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas - an unforgettable chapter in the history of India where the Constitution was subverted, the Republic and democratic spirit of India was attacked, federalism was undermined, and fundamental rights, human liberty and dignity were suspended,' the resolution said. (ANI)
