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Election Commission part of ‘vote theft’ plot, not guardian of democracy: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of playing an active role in a “well-planned and organised vote theft” under the guise of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly in Gujarat.

Gandhi alleged that the SIR process has been deliberately turned into a tool to undermine the constitutional principle of “one person, one vote”, allowing the BJP to determine electoral outcomes rather than the electorate. He claimed that wherever SIR has been implemented, instances of vote manipulation have followed.

Posting in Hindi on X, Gandhi said the exercise being carried out in Gujarat is not a routine administrative procedure but a strategic operation aimed at disenfranchising voters. He described it as a systematic attempt to remove voters selectively from communities and polling booths perceived to support the Congress.

Calling the situation “shocking and dangerous”, Gandhi alleged that thousands of objections were filed under the same names, pointing to large-scale irregularities. He further claimed that voters were deliberately deleted in areas where the BJP anticipated electoral defeat.

He said similar patterns were previously witnessed in Aland and Rajura, and alleged that the same “blueprint” is now being replicated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other states where SIR is underway. According to Gandhi, the Election Commission has ceased to function as an independent constitutional authority and has instead become a participant in what he termed a conspiracy to steal votes.

Gandhi’s remarks followed a social media post by the Gujarat Congress, which alleged that after his exposure of vote manipulation, the BJP adopted a more advanced model of election rigging. The party claimed that the ECI, after releasing the draft electoral rolls post-SIR, invited objections with January 18 as the deadline. While only a limited number of objections were received initially, the Congress alleged that millions of objections-mainly through Form 7-were suddenly submitted in the final phase as part of a coordinated plan.

According to the Gujarat Congress, when the Election Commission released data showing 1.2 million objections, it became evident that electoral rules were being violated to target specific castes, communities, and regions. The party alleged that multiple objections were filed under the name of a single individual with varying signatures, while the ECI failed to intervene.

The Congress also claimed that despite writing to the Election Commission seeking details about the objections, it received no response, which, it said, exposed the extent of election manipulation. The party accused the ECI of surrendering its independence, responsibility, and accountability to the ruling BJP.

National

‘Persistent confusion’ over Karnataka CM post; Siddaramaiah seeks meeting with Rahul Gandhi

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought clarity from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing “persistent confusion” surrounding leadership speculation in the state, sources said.

According to party sources, Siddaramaiah expressed his desire to expand the state Cabinet and requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi amid renewed rumours of a possible leadership change in Karnataka.

The development comes even as the Congress high command has repeatedly dismissed reports of internal discord within the party’s Karnataka government. Speculation over a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has continued to surface despite consistent denials from both leaders.

Last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge downplayed reports of leadership tension, stating that there was no confusion at the level of the party’s central leadership. “The high command has not created any confusion,” Kharge had said, adding that any internal matters should be addressed by the state leadership.

Kharge also cautioned party leaders against claiming individual credit for the Congress’ electoral victory in Karnataka, stressing that the party’s success was the result of decades of collective effort by its workers.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have firmly rejected claims of discord. Siddaramaiah has reiterated that he enjoys the confidence of the party leadership and will complete his full five-year term, dismissing speculation about a rotational chief minister arrangement.

Shivakumar, too, has termed reports of rifts as media speculation and opposition propaganda. “Aren’t the Chief Minister and I working like brothers? I have no differences with any Congress leader,” he had said earlier, adding that any decision on leadership would be taken by the party high command at an appropriate time and would be accepted by all.

The speculation largely revolves around an alleged internal understanding that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for 2.5 years. Siddaramaiah was sworn in on May 20, 2023, and a leadership change was widely anticipated around November last year when the government crossed the halfway mark of its term. When no such change occurred, some MLAs considered close to Shivakumar reportedly travelled to Delhi to press their demands.

However, the Congress has repeatedly denied the existence of any power-sharing agreement and has maintained that Siddaramaiah will complete the full term as Chief Minister.

Responding to reports of MLAs visiting Delhi, Shivakumar said factionalism was not in his nature and reaffirmed his support for Siddaramaiah’s continuation. “All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. Groupism is not in my blood. Both the Chief Minister and I have always said we abide by the high command,” he stated.

He also noted that it was natural for legislators to meet the party leadership to seek positions ahead of a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the BJP has continued to target the Karnataka Congress leadership, alleging that the ruling party is consumed by an internal power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar instead of focusing on governance.

National

Delhi Demolition Drive Turns Violent: FIR Registered, Five Held as Police Probe Possible Conspiracy

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) registered an FIR and detained five individuals following violence that broke out during an anti-encroachment operation near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in the Ramlila Maidan area, officials said.

The clash occurred when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out a court-ordered demolition on land adjacent to the mosque and a nearby graveyard. During the operation, a group of people allegedly hurled stones and glass bottles at police personnel, injuring at least five officers.

To bring the situation under control and disperse the crowd, police fired tear gas shells. Five persons were taken into custody for questioning and their involvement is being verified through CCTV footage.

Police officials said investigations are underway to determine whether the violence erupted spontaneously or was a premeditated attempt to obstruct the demolition drive. Efforts are also on to identify other suspects involved in the stone-pelting incident.

Footage Under Scrutiny
Senior officers confirmed that CCTV recordings and videos circulating on social media are being closely examined to identify those responsible. Statements of witnesses and the detained individuals are also being recorded as part of the probe.

The FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to obstructing public servants, assault to deter officials from duty, causing hurt, rioting, disobedience of lawful orders, and joint liability, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

Mosque Unaffected
An MCD official clarified that the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not damaged during the demolition process. The civic body stated that the drive was conducted strictly in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

As part of the large-scale operation, nearly 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were deployed, with over 300 MCD workers and officials engaged in clearing encroachments and removing debris. The demolition continued through the night and led to the removal of extensive illegal structures identified by the court.

Police said adequate law and order arrangements remain in place in the area as a precaution. “The situation is under control and normalcy has been restored,” a senior officer said, adding that stringent legal action will be taken against all those found responsible. Further investigation is ongoing.

National

Why the Latest Surrender in Telangana May Signal the ‘End of the Maoist Movement in Chhattisgarh’

Barsa Deva, a senior commander of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, is set to surrender before Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy, along with several other Maoist cadres.

According to police officials, multiple Maoists — including Barsa Deva, also known as Barsa Sukka – will lay down arms before the Telangana police chief on Saturday. His surrender is being viewed as a major setback to the Maoist movement in Chhattisgarh.

“This effectively marks the end of the Maoist chapter in Sukma district, the stronghold of Madvi Hidma and his feared associate Barsa Deva,” Telangana DGP B Shivadhar Reddy told. He added that with Hidma killed last year and Deva now surrendering, the Maoist movement in Chhattisgarh has reached its final phase.

Deva is expected to surrender along with his personal security detail and 18 cadres. The DGP said sustained pressure from security forces, including Telangana’s anti-Maoist units, led Deva to agree to surrender.

“With the elimination of Hidma and the surrender of Deva, there is no leadership left to continue violent Maoist activities,” Reddy said.

The surrender follows outreach efforts by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, who had met the families – particularly the mothers – of both Hidma and Deva, urging them to persuade Deva to give up arms. Sharma noted that Hidma had ignored similar appeals, which ultimately resulted in his death in an encounter.

Hailing from the same village, Puvarti, Hidma and Deva were key figures in the Dandakaranya region. Deva, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and a senior leader of the banned CPI (Maoist), was among the most wanted Maoist commanders. He is accused of orchestrating multiple attacks on security forces, including the deadly ambush on Congress leaders in Sukma district in May 2013, and carried a bounty exceeding Rs.50 lakh.

Officials believe Deva’s surrender will further cripple an already weakened Maoist network, which has seen a series of surrenders and encounter deaths over the past year. Hidma was killed in an encounter in the Maredumilli forest of Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

Appealing to remaining Maoist leaders, the Telangana DGP urged them to surrender and take advantage of rehabilitation schemes, noting that Telangana’s surrender policy has also been adopted by other states.

With Deva now giving up arms, only a handful of senior Maoist leaders remain underground. Among them is Thippiri Tirupathi, alias Devuji – the general secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist) – who is currently absconding and being pursued by security forces across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

National

Maharashtra Civic Polls: Mahayuti Secures 68 Seats Unopposed as Nominations Withdrawn

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has gained a major early edge in the Maharashtra civic elections, with 68 candidates elected unopposed even before voting, following the withdrawal of nominations across several urban local bodies. Polling for the civic elections is scheduled for January 15.

The unopposed victories were confirmed after the deadline for nomination withdrawals closed on Friday, as candidates from rival parties exited the fray, paving the way for uncontested wins in multiple municipal bodies across the state.

Of the 68 seats secured without a contest, the BJP alone accounts for 44. A significant number came from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district, along with seats in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar.

In Pune, BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed from Ward No. 35 after their opponents withdrew. Both leaders had earlier represented the same ward during the 2017–2022 term.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol said the unopposed wins reflected public confidence in the party’s governance. He expressed confidence that the next Pune mayor would be from the BJP, noting that the party aims to win 125 seats, with two already secured without contest.

BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the developments highlighted the party’s growing influence in urban civic institutions across Maharashtra. Party leaders attributed the success to the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the electoral strategy led by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan.

However, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) criticised the unopposed victories, alleging that democratic processes were being weakened. Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of intimidating opposition candidates through central agencies or inducing withdrawals through inducements, and criticised the Election Commission for remaining silent.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the politically significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will take place on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for the following day.

National

Over 2,900 Attacks on Minorities Reported in Bangladesh Under Muhammad Yunus’ Interim Government: India

India on Friday voiced serious concern over the continued violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, stating that more than 2,900 such incidents have been recorded during the tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. New Delhi called for firm and immediate action against those behind the attacks, including the recent lynching of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said independent assessments have documented over 2,900 cases of violence targeting minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. These incidents reportedly include murders, arson attacks and illegal land seizures. He emphasized that these cannot be dismissed as exaggerated media reports or routine political clashes.

India strongly condemned the killing of Dipu Chandra Das and insisted that all those responsible be held accountable. Bangladeshi authorities have so far arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case. Jaiswal also referred to another recent incident in Rajbari town, where Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, was beaten to death by a mob, citing it as further evidence of worsening security and growing hostility towards minorities.

The comments come amid renewed political turbulence in Bangladesh following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in last year’s protests that ultimately led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. India firmly rejected attempts by certain sections in Bangladesh to link New Delhi to Hadi’s death, calling such allegations baseless.

Jaiswal said India is closely watching developments in the neighbouring country and reiterated its support for peace, stability and the conduct of free, fair, inclusive and participatory parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.

Responding cautiously to the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years, India said the development should be seen in the light of its long-standing support for democratic processes in Bangladesh.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh.

Source: Deccan Herald

National

National Herald Case: Court Rejects ED Complaint, Gandhis Get Major Relief

In a major development in the National Herald case, a Delhi court on Tuesday threw out the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint, offering significant relief to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The ruling has, for the time being, stalled the ED’s move to pursue money-laundering charges linked to the control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts held that the complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) could not be sustained in law. The court noted that the ED’s case was founded on a private complaint and subsequent summons, rather than on a registered First Information Report (FIR), which is essential to trigger proceedings under the PMLA.

Though the court stopped short of giving a clean chit, the decision substantially undercuts the agency’s case in what has been one of its most high-profile and politically sensitive investigations.

The ED had recently submitted a fresh complaint accusing Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of committing the offence of money laundering under Section 3 of the PMLA, read with Sections 44 and 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the Act.

Separately, the court ruled that the Gandhis and other accused persons are not entitled to receive copies of the FIR in proceedings arising from a newly registered case by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.

Court’s Observations
The court emphasised that the ED failed to demonstrate the existence of “proceeds of crime,” a foundational requirement for invoking the PMLA. Without clear evidence of illegal gains, the judge said, the offence of money laundering cannot be presumed.

According to the ED, Young Indian Private Limited—where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold majority stakes—had allegedly taken control of AJL and its properties, valued at several thousand crore rupees, through a sham arrangement. However, the court found that such allegations, without concrete proof of criminal proceeds, were insufficient to sustain prosecution.

Legal observers point out that recent judicial trends, reinforced by Supreme Court rulings, demand strict compliance with PMLA provisions and reject speculative or assumption-based prosecutions.

Setback for the ED
The dismissal marks a significant blow to the ED’s narrative and highlights judicial insistence that investigative agencies must establish clear legal foundations before pursuing economic offence cases.

While the ED retains the option to challenge the order before a higher court, the trial court’s findings underscore the hurdles the agency must overcome to revive its case.

Broader Impact
Beyond providing immediate relief to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the ruling sends a wider message on the limits of money-laundering prosecutions. Courts, it reiterates, will not allow cases to proceed on political suspicion or perception alone, but only on demonstrable evidence of crime and illicit financial activity.

As proceedings continue, the National Herald case remains a focal point where law, politics, and institutional authority intersect—making every judicial development closely watched.

National

BJP leaders indulging in ‘vote theft’ are traitors, must be ousted to protect Constitution: Kharge

New Delhi, Dec 14: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday mounted a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of indulging in “vote theft” and branding those involved as “traitors,” saying they must be removed from power to safeguard voting rights and the Constitution.

Addressing the Congress party’s ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, Kharge alleged that the BJP and RSS are working to undermine the Constitution. He claimed that the ideologies of Mohan Bhagwat, M.S. Golwalkar and Manusmriti pose a threat to the nation, asserting that only the Congress’s ideology can protect India.

“In the name of Hindutva, they want to push the poor back into servitude,” Kharge said, adding that the BJP-RSS combine is attempting to dismantle constitutional values. He also remarked that while Congress played a key role in securing India’s Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were not even born at that time.

National

You can now get paid to shove chocolate coffee into your face hole

Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane.

Throw myself down teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone and feel the charm of existence.

Lo-fi cred gastropub, brunch aliquip stumptown culpa. Banh mi eiusmod tattooed, freegan Schlitz master cleanse pug. Eu 8-bit id PBR Pinterest taxidermy, swag church-key Echo Park commodo yr. Adipisicing leggings enim laboris wayfarers, cliche Carles placeat typewriter mixtape cold-pressed. Etsy Pitchfork Austin, selvage beard reprehenderit ea ugh.

Emotional discomfort, when accepted, rises, crests and falls in a series of waves.

Pitchfork kitsch plaid forage aliquip, sustainable taxidermy deserunt health goth stumptown cred VHS butcher. Mixtape fap Intelligentsia small batch placeat labore, bitters swag chia Echo Park. Four loko aliquip id, delectus beard Bushwick bespoke Blue Bottle eu keytar veniam ethical High Life pour-over.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes.

Art party photo booth deserunt exercitation plaid squid. Minim Austin 3 wolf moon scenester aesthetic, umami odio pariatur bitters. Pop-up occaecat taxidermy street art, tattooed beard literally duis photo booth Thundercats shabby chic. Velit non seitan, tilde art party minim Thundercats viral. Farm-to-table selfies labore, leggings cupidatat sunt taxidermy umami fanny pack typewriter hoodie art party voluptate cardigan banjo. Listicle meditation paleo, drinking vinegar sint direct trade vegan 3 wolf moon.

Farm-to-table selfies labore leggings:

  • Plaid fashion axe semiotics skateboard
  • Mixtape fap Intelligentsia small batch placeat labore
  • Gleams steal into the inner sanctuary grow
  • Like these sweet mornings of spring which

High Life tempor retro Truffaut. Tofu mixtape twee, assumenda quinoa flexitarian aesthetic artisan vinyl pug. Chambray et Carles Thundercats cardigan actually, magna bicycle rights. Plaid fashion axe semiotics skateboard, try-hard food truck aesthetic biodiesel exercitation. Accusamus VHS Wes Anderson Banksy food truck vero.

National

Tacos ditched the naked chicken chalupa, so here’s how to make your own

Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane.

Throw myself down teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone and feel the charm of existence.

Lo-fi cred gastropub, brunch aliquip stumptown culpa. Banh mi eiusmod tattooed, freegan Schlitz master cleanse pug. Eu 8-bit id PBR Pinterest taxidermy, swag church-key Echo Park commodo yr. Adipisicing leggings enim laboris wayfarers, cliche Carles placeat typewriter mixtape cold-pressed. Etsy Pitchfork Austin, selvage beard reprehenderit ea ugh.

Emotional discomfort, when accepted, rises, crests and falls in a series of waves.

Pitchfork kitsch plaid forage aliquip, sustainable taxidermy deserunt health goth stumptown cred VHS butcher. Mixtape fap Intelligentsia small batch placeat labore, bitters swag chia Echo Park. Four loko aliquip id, delectus beard Bushwick bespoke Blue Bottle eu keytar veniam ethical High Life pour-over.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes.

Art party photo booth deserunt exercitation plaid squid. Minim Austin 3 wolf moon scenester aesthetic, umami odio pariatur bitters. Pop-up occaecat taxidermy street art, tattooed beard literally duis photo booth Thundercats shabby chic. Velit non seitan, tilde art party minim Thundercats viral. Farm-to-table selfies labore, leggings cupidatat sunt taxidermy umami fanny pack typewriter hoodie art party voluptate cardigan banjo. Listicle meditation paleo, drinking vinegar sint direct trade vegan 3 wolf moon.

Farm-to-table selfies labore leggings:

  • Plaid fashion axe semiotics skateboard
  • Mixtape fap Intelligentsia small batch placeat labore
  • Gleams steal into the inner sanctuary grow
  • Like these sweet mornings of spring which

High Life tempor retro Truffaut. Tofu mixtape twee, assumenda quinoa flexitarian aesthetic artisan vinyl pug. Chambray et Carles Thundercats cardigan actually, magna bicycle rights. Plaid fashion axe semiotics skateboard, try-hard food truck aesthetic biodiesel exercitation. Accusamus VHS Wes Anderson Banksy food truck vero.