Home Blog Page 219

Fake news derailed: PIB busts viral reports claiming bullet train won’t run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, confirms project on track

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Fake news derailed: PIB busts viral reports claiming bullet train won’t run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, confirms project on track

The Press Information Bureau has debunked recent viral claims that the Japanese bullet train will not operate between Ahmedabad and Mumbai has been proven false. Several media outlets had reported that the Vande Bharat train would replace the proposed Japanese bullet train. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked the claims, calling them ‘misleading’.

In its fact-check, PIB clarified that the Ministry of Railways has not made any such decision. On the contrary, the bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is actively progressing. The PIB also highlighted the ongoing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

What did the media claim?

A report by Hindustan News suggested that the Japanese bullet train project was being dropped due to cost issues. The report claimed that Japan had tripled the originally agreed price, prompting the Indian government to withdraw. It stated that the initial quote was ₹16 crore per train, but this later rose to ₹50 crore at the time of supply.

However, PIB’s recent press release provided comprehensive details about the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor. It not only shared updates on the pace of construction but also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supply the bullet trains, countering the cost-related claims.

What is the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed corridor?

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Corridor spans 508 km and is being developed using Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) technology. As part of a bilateral agreement, the Japanese government has committed to providing next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains for the project. So far, 310 km of construction along the corridor has been completed. Additionally, a 21 km tunnel section between BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex) and Thane in Maharashtra—part of the first phase—has been successfully opened.

Fake claim: PIB calls out false media reports that union health ministry is set to issue health warning for samosa and jalebi like they do for cigarettes

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Fake claim: PIB calls out false media reports that union health ministry is set to issue health warning for samosa and jalebi like they do for cigarettes

Many Indian media outlets, including Times of India and NDTV, recently published a news story alleging that popular Indian snacks and sweets such as samosa, jalebi and laddoo will be served alongside a health warning akin to those on cigarette packets. Furthermore, the new development was attributed to the Union Ministry of Health that it has been done in order to tackle health issues.

On 15th July, PIB fact-check, however, refuted the claims as false. It emphasized that the ministry’s advisory does not include any warning labels on food items sold by vendors and “has not been selective towards Indian snacks.”

Additionally, it clarified that the general recommendation is not unique to any one food product but rather serves as a “behavioural nudge” to alert consumers to “hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products.”

The agency added that the suggestion encourages “people to make healthier” decisions to reduce unnecessary sugar and oil in favour of a healthy diet and way of life as well as supports healthier workplace options and activities. “It does not target India’s rich street food culture,” it further pointed out.

What is in the letter

The ministry’s official letter identified “sharp rise in obesity in both children and adults” as a significant concern. It informed, “As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. Prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity.”

It added, “As per The Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecasting study, published in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, making it the country with the second-highest global burden.” It stated that obesity dramatically increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and several types of cancer.

The ministry pointed out, “It also affects mental health, mobility, and quality of life, and imposes a heavy economic burden through increased healthcare costs and productivity losses. Early prevention and health promotion are critical to reversing these trends.”

The letter outlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a strong case for changing people’s lifestyles in order to fight obesity. “At the Opening Ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on 28th January 2025, Hon’ble Prime Minister invoked the Fit India Campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat. In his Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10% reduction in oil consumption,” the official communiqué read.

It then conveyed, “In response to this national appeal, and as part of the ministry’s flagship initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), it is imperative to promote sustainable behavioural changes in our workplaces. These include reducing excessive consumption of oil and sugar, both of which are key contributors to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related disorders.”

According to the letter, it is advocating that Sugar and Oil Boards be displayed as an effort to encourage better eating practices in multiple settings. They will function as visual behavioural cues in public spaces like offices and schools, revealing important details including hidden sugars and fats in common food items.

Hence, a direction to all “departments/offices/autonomous bodies and other public institutions/organizations” under the ministry was sought. The following recommendations were proposed:

  • Install Oil and Sugar Board displays (Digital/ Static posters etc) in common areas (cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces) to raise awareness on harmful consumption.
  • Print health messages on all official stationery (letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, etc.) and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity.
  • Promote healthy meals and physical activity in offices through nutritious, healthier food options (more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and by limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks) and active workplace initiatives (such as encouraging use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes).

‘Why don’t you feed them at home’: Supreme Court questions petitioner over stray dog feeding in Noida

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Why don’t you feed them at home’: Supreme Court questions petitioner over stray dog feeding in Noida

On 15th July, the Supreme Court of India took a sharp stand against a petitioner, Reema Shah, who claimed harassment for feeding stray dogs in Noida. The apex court suggested that such acts should be carried out at home rather than in public spaces. The court questioned the petitioner, “Why don’t you feed them in your own house?” The two-judge bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, was hearing a plea challenging the March 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court.

Justice Vikram Nath bluntly asked the petitioner to feed the dogs at home rather than on the streets. The bench expressed concerns about safety and public inconvenience caused by uncontrolled street dog feeding.

Bench highlights safety risks and lack of public space

The petitioner argued that she was only following Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which places responsibility for feeding community animals on local bodies, RWAs, or apartment owners’ associations, through designated points.

However, the apex court was not convinced. The court said, “We should leave every lane, every road open for these large-hearted people? There is all space for these animals, no space for humans.” The bench pointed out the impracticality of allowing public spaces to be taken over by dog feeders. The bench went on to suggest a solution with a dose of sarcasm, “Open a shelter in your own house. Feed every dog in the community in your own house.”

‘Try cycling in the morning’ – practical risks flagged

The arguments soon turned to the dangers faced by morning walkers, bicycle riders and two-wheeler riders due to the presence of free-roaming dogs. One of the judges asked the petitioner, “You go on cycling in the morning?” and suggested, “Try doing it and see what happens.” The petitioner’s counsel replied that she took regular morning walks and encountered dogs often. The court responded, “Morning walkers are also at risk. Cycle riders and two-wheelers are at greater risk.”

Given the overlap in concerns, the court tagged the plea with a similar ongoing matter for a consolidated hearing. The court was focused on the broader implications for public safety than on procedural compliances when the petitioner said designated feeding spots were created in Greater Noida but not in Noida.

Allahabad High Court ordered balance in rights of animals and public safety

The matter in the Supreme Court stemmed from a March 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court, where the bench had tried to balance the rights of animals with public safety. The High Court had urged authorities to act with “due sensitivity” towards both humans and animals, while ensuring strict implementation of the ABC Rules and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. OpIndia accessed the judgment passed by Allahabad High Court in March this year.

Notably, the state authorities’ counsel informed the High Court that meetings had already been held and steps were being taken in accordance with the ABC Rules, 2023. The state urged the court to address the petitioner’s concerns accordingly. However, the court pointed out that the issue concerned the common man as well.

The court had said in the judgment, “While protection of street dogs would be warranted in accordance with the provisions of the applicable statute, at the same time, the authorities will have to bear in mind the concern of common man, such that their movement on streets are not hampered by attacks by these street dogs. A balance approach would be needed such that not only the concern of prevention of animal cruelty is addressed, but at the same time, the interest of common man is also protected.”

The court further stated, “We expect the authorities of the State to show due sensitivity to the concerns raised in the writ petition and to ensure that necessary steps are taken in public interest to protect the cause raised in the present petition and also the concern of common man in moving on the streets. This observation is necessary because there are many instances of attacks by the street dogs on the common man of late, which has resulted in loss of lives & grave inconvenience to the pedestrians.”

It was evident that the High Court sought to strike a balance between the rights of feeders and stray dogs, and those of the common man, who is increasingly facing the menace of stray dogs.

The stray dog menace in India has reached an epidemic level. In 2024, there were 37 lakh cases of dog bite reported across the country. Some states like Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Kerala have seen a spike in dog bite cases over the years. While animal lovers claim saving stray dogs is a community’s responsibility, with an estimated population of around 7 crores, stray dogs have made it impossible for children, the elderly, pedestrians, disabled and other vulnerable people to fearlessly walk on the streets.

Madras High Court slams petitioner Fathima for filing multiple frivolous applications to delay the legal proceedings in a case relating to temple properties

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Madras High Court slams petitioner Fathima for filing multiple frivolous applications to delay the legal proceedings in a case relating to temple properties

The Madras High Court recently reprimanded a petitioner, Fathima Nachia, for filing consecutive frivolous applications to delay the legal proceedings in a case relating to the properties of temples located in Chennai.

According to the New Indian Express, on 8th July, a bench of Justice A D Jagadish Chandira dismissed the petition filed by Fathima, which challenged the execution proceedings in a case which was decreed in favour of the twin temples of Chenna Malleeswarar and Chenna Kesava Perumal Devasthanam, Chennai. The decree allowed the twin temples to recover their properties, which were leased out to her husband, Mohammad Iqbal.

In 1994, the temples had filed suits against Iqbal for default in payment of rent, seeking delivery of possession and rent arrears. In 2000, an ex-parte decree was passed in favour of the temples allowing them to recover the rent arrears and the possession of the properties.

However, the proceedings for the execution of the decree began in 2015. Fathima’s husband passed away pending the execution of the decree. For the entire duration, Fathima continued to enjoy the tenancy rights of her husband and later on chose to challenge the execution proceedings of the decree, instead of the decree itself.

The High Court slammed Fathima for adopting dilatory tactics

The High Court saw through the petitioner’s dilatory tactics and said, “While on one side, the revision petitioner contends that the ex parte decree being a non speaking order is not at all valid in the eye of law, she has not chosen to challenge the same even after having the knowledge about such a decree. She had taken almost 24 years from the date of decree to seek for setting aside the same and at least about 9 years after she had filed a suit in O.S.No.2665 of 2015 seeking for permanent injunction against the respondent-temple, which shows her intention to protract the proceeding by one way or other.”

“While the revision petitioner claims lack of knowledge about the eviction proceedings initiated by the respondent-temple, she had chosen to muddle the issue by filing petitions, one after another, without filing any petition to set aside the ex-parte decree and ultimately, she had filed petitions only in the year 2024 with a delay of 8456 days, which were also dismissed on merits. Thereby, it is evident that she adopts a dilatory tactics to prevent the respondent temple from enjoying the fruits of the decree by fermenting litigation,” the Judge noted in the judgment, which was accessed by OpIndia.

Court bound to protect interests of the deity: HC

Fathima challenged the decree on the ground that the petition on behalf of the temple was filed by the managing trustee of the temple, who, according to her, did not have the locus standi, instead of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department. Additionally, she claimed that the execution petition was barred by limitation because it was filed after a long delay.

The High Court expressed strong disapproval over her contentions and said that it would not be appropriate to deny the temples the benefit of exemption from limitation under section 109 of the HR&CE Act for recovering the properties and the rent arrears solely due to some delay in the execution of the decree, which was already granted in their favour.

Regarding the issue of locus standi raised by the petitioner, the High Court said, “It is a settled principle that any person who is interested in the temple is entitled to initiate law into motion and the court itself, as parens patriae, is bound to protect the interest of the idol.”

Perumal Devasthanam is a historical temple

The Chenna Malleeswarar and Chenna Kesava Perumal Devasthanam temples are together called as the Perumal Devasthanam. These twin temples in Chennai are dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Chenna Keshava) and Lord Shiva (Chenna Malleeswara). The city of Chennai is said to have got its name from the Chenna temples.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla safely returns after 18 days in orbit aboard ISS: Watch

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla safely returns after 18 days in orbit aboard ISS: Watch

A moment of sigh was experienced by India after Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. He touched the water at 3.01 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15. A brief thud was felt by the four astronauts while concluding the 18-day space mission. As the drogue parachutes on the Dragon spacecraft deployed, the four astronauts passed through a moment of joy.

“Ax-4 crew are on track to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of San Diego… Dragon will also announce its arrival with a brief sonic boom before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean,” SpaceX said Tuesday.

Ground teams were continuously monitoring Grace, the Dragon capsule, Shukla, and other astronauts who were traveling in. They were continuously given multiple “go”, “no-go” commands until the de-orbit burn, scheduled for around 2.07 pm.

The smooth splash also highlights the conclusion of a nearly 22-hour return journey after the spacecraft undocked from the ISS on Monday evening IST. Shukla, along with his crewmates- Commander Peggy Whiston, Slawosz Uznanski, and Tibor Kapu experienced extreme heat and g-forces while Dragon streaked through Earth’s atmosphere at over 27,000 km/h.

Shukla became India’s space hero and the country’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station and concluding the historic Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission.

How was the mission beneficial for India?

After Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first India to orbit aboard the ISS and the second Indian to travel into space. His international collaboration in this mission is regarded as a major leap forward in India’s human spaceflight journey and a step ahead to the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

His participation and selection in the mission was crucial in multiple ways as he took part in multiple global science experiments across fields like biology, material science, and artificial intelligence. His association in the sprouts project like studying plant growth in microgravity holds rays of hope for sustainable space farming.

He is also expected to work on experiments related to cellular health, muscle degeneration, and autonomous robotics, research that could impact both future space missions and Earth-based science.

Adding to this, his scientific contribution and professionalism throughout the project have gained widespread attention and national pride. Commander Peggy Whitson praised his professionalism and adaptability on the maiden spaceflight.

A landmark history for India

Shukla’s alignment in the Axiom (AX-4) mission provides ISRO a real-world experience in human spaceflight operations, an experience that will cover all aspects of Gaganyaan’s planning and execution.

Shukla’s successful 18-day stay in orbit will aid Indian teams in gaining practical understanding of microgravity, spacecraft operations, crew health monitoring, and post-mission rehabilitation.

ISRO has also invested approximately Rs 500 crore in supporting Shukla’s AX-4 flight, viewing it as both a technical trial and a training ground for Gaganyaan’s future crew.

Former ISRO officials and space experts have emphasized that hands-on experience aboard the ISS is vastly different from satellite launches or remote, ground-based simulations, making Shukla’s mission a crucial milestone.

The scientific experiments he carried out with Indian principal investigators and homegrown technologies not only contribute to global research but also enhance India’s capabilities in pursuing future space station projects and lunar exploration.

Following retrieval, Shukla and the crew will undergo medical evaluations and participate in a week-long rehabilitation program to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity. Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return marks the conclusion of a landmark chapter in India’s space journey one that shattered barriers, set new records, and laid the groundwork for India’s human spaceflight ambitions in the decades ahead.

India achieves 50% non-fossil power milestone in 2025, five years ahead of 2030 target

OpIndia Staff
-
0
India achieves 50% non-fossil power milestone in 2025, five years ahead of 2030 target

On 14th July, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that India has achieved 50% of its total installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. India has achieved the target five years ahead of the 2030 target under the Paris Agreement. Joshi termed the achievement a “historic green leap” in a post on X and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for steering the country’s green transformation.

As of July 2025, India’s total installed power capacity stands at 484.8 GW, out of which 242.8 GW now comes from non-fossil sources. 184.6 GW comes from renewables, 49.2 GW from large hydro, and 8.7 GW from nuclear energy.

Fulfilling a global commitment ahead of time

India’s non-fossil achievement, which is a core part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), has greater significance despite India having among the lowest per capita emissions globally. The Union Ministry said this reinforces India’s standing as a global clean energy leader and sends a strong signal of its commitment to sustainable development.

The Ministry added, “Economic growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. By achieving this milestone well before 2030, India has shown that it is possible to pursue both together.”

Policy, technology and equity driving the shift

Flagship initiatives like PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have played a vital role in India’s achievement, as these programmes empowered rural households and farmers through decentralised solar solutions. Furthermore, the push for solar parks, bioenergy, and hybrid renewable policies provides a solid ground for India’s green transition.

Notably, the government has also been investing in energy storage systems to ensure stability as renewable sources grow. In February this year, the Central Electricity Authority advised co-locating energy storage with solar projects to improve efficiency and grid reliability.

AI and digitalisation to shape the future

Artificial Intelligence is also expected to underpin future energy infrastructure. AI will enable intelligent energy marketplaces, smart meters, and demand-side management, which will transform consumers into ‘prosumers’. However, the Ministry has warned that cybersecurity must be a priority as digital dependence rises in the sector.

‘Operation Kalanemi’ launched by Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Govt has nabbed over 100 fake babas in Uttarakhand: Read what it is and why it became necessary in India’s Devbhoomi

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Operation Kalanemi’ launched by Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Govt has nabbed over 100 fake babas in Uttarakhand: Read what it is and why it became necessary in India’s Devbhoomi

On Tuesday, 10th July, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a statewide crackdown on imposters posing as Hindu babas under the name ‘Operation Kalanemi’.

CM Dhami posted on X, “Just as the Asura Kalanemi tried to confuse the monk by wearing a disguise, in the same way many “Kalanemi” are active in the society who are committing crime by wearing a religious disguise. Our government is fully committed to protecting public sentiments, the dignity of Sanatana culture and maintaining social harmony. Those who spread hypocrisy in the name of faith will not be spared under any circumstances.”

The Chief Minister added, “This operation is not just for law enforcement, it is a civilizational defence. As Hindus, we have to recognise the threat.”

Bangladeshi national arrested during the crackdown

Over 259 fake sadhus have been arrested across Haridwar (50), Dehradun (144), and Udham Singh Nagar (65) districts since the launch of the operation. Among them, 23 individuals are the residents of the other states which indicates the interstate nature of this fraud network. Rukma Rakam alias Shah Alam, a Bangladeshi national was also arrested from Dehradun who was operating under the guise of a Hindu sadhu.

Why now? The perfect storm of faith and exploitation

Operation Kalanemi is launched very strategically during the Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra when 38+ lakh pilgrims will be visiting Uttarakhand. It is the peak time when fake babas swarm holy sites like grasshoppers and target vulnerable devotees with fake promises of “problem-solving” in exchange for money.

Fake sadhus, mainly Muslims, target innocent devotees and seek to divert them to Islam in the name of “spiritual healing. They are also establishing illegal ashrams on protected forest or shrine-adjacent land and demanding money from pilgrims. Those who refuse they are abusing them.

Apart from that, CM Dhami explicitly said this is to preserving Uttarakhand’s “original identity” against “demographic changes”, a reference to anti-conversion laws like the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act (2018).

The expose of a Kalanemi: How imposters operate

We can find these fake sadhus seated by roadside wearing saffron robes. They use phrases like “your horoscope shows danger, pay me X amount of money for a Shanti puja to escape”. They are well prepared with their fake Aadhaar cards and fabricated lineages as “Shankaracharyas”, destroying the sanctity of Sanatana Dharma

Why this operation matters

This operation workes as Sanatana Dharma’s shield. These vidharmi fake sadhus aren’t some “harmless frauds”. They are the part of this large agenda of distorting Hinduism’s global image. They are associating sanatan traditions with scams and pushing “anti-Hindu narratives” that paint all sadhus as criminals. In a borderless invasion, Foreign nationals like Shah Alam are infiltrating as “saints” destroying Uttarakhand’s identity as ‘Devbhoomi’. This operation counters that narrative as well.

Government is using AI surveillance with 350+ facial recognition cameras scanning Haridwar’s crowds. Apart from that, Police is doing Aadhaar verification at checkpoints to expose vidharmis disguised as sadhus.

The resistance: Who stands with Devbhoomi?

The Juna Akhara and Akhanda Parshuram Akhada seers are solidly with Uttarakhand government in this operation. According to them, only original sadhus can represent Hinduism. They demanded verification of the Aadhar card of every sadhu. Apart from them, BJP state chief Mahendra Bhatt “vowed to crush criminal elements that disturb criminal elements”, unlike the states tolerating fake sadhus for votes.

The dawn of a new Dharma Yuddha

While whining about “religious freedom” leftist Islamic gang should not forget that freedom does not give you the license to exploit Hindu culture. Operation Kalanemi is not merely a police action against fake sadhus and frauds, it’s a cultural resurrection. As Hindus, we should celebrate CM Dhami’s brave decision because when demons wear holiness, the state must become Ram’s bow.

EC’s big clean-up in Bihar: 35 lakh fake, dead, and duplicate voters removed in the ongoing SIR drive, 6.6 crore forms collected

OpIndia Staff
-
0
EC’s big clean-up in Bihar: 35 lakh fake, dead, and duplicate voters removed in the ongoing SIR drive, 6.6 crore forms collected

In a major feat, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has collected the enumeration forms of 6.6 crore voters out of the total 7.89 crore electors in Bihar, accounting for around 88% of the total electorate under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, the Election Commission is conducting a revision and upgradation of the electoral rolls to ensure fairness and transparency in the voting.

“After two rounds of door-to-door visits by BLOs, enumeration forms of 6.6 crore electors in Bihar have been collected…Only 11.82 per cent of electors now remain,” said an ECI statement on Monday (14th July). More than 5.74 crore enumeration forms were reportedly uploaded on the ECINET website by Monday for document verification.

Graphics via News18.com

The enumeration forms are available online at the newly launched ECINET portal. Voters have 11 more days, till 25th July, to submit their enumeration forms. Voter details of the 2003 electoral rolls are also available on the portal. “Nearly 1 lakh BLOs will soon begin their third round of door-to-door visits. Of the 1.5 lakh booth-level agents appointed by all political parties, each can certify and submit up to 50 EFs a day. To ensure that no eligible urban voter is left out of the rolls, special camps are also being set up in all the 5,683 wards of the 261 urban local bodies (ULBs) of Bihar,” the ECI said.

The SIR began on 25th June with the printing of the forms and will conclude on 30th September with the publication of the revised and updated electoral rolls. Prior to that, a draft list of voters will be published on 1st August.

Around 35 lakh ineligible names excluded from the voter list

As per reports, around 35 lakh names have been excluded from the voter lists in the electoral revision so far. This includes around 12.55 lakh (1.59%) registered voters who have died; 17.37 lakh who have permanently moved out of the state (2.2%); and another 5.76 lakh duplicate enrolments (0.73%). During field visits, the ECI reportedly came across some foreign nationals from countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, who were registered as voters. Their names will be removed from the voter list after further verification.

The Election Commission been proactive in ensuring that no voter is left out. Special camps have been set up in 5,683 wards of 261 urban local bodies (ULB) of Bihar. Voters who have temporarily moved out of the state are being either directly contacted or informed through newspaper advertisements to make sure that they can fill out their enumeration forms. “Such electors (temporarily migrated) can easily fill up EFs online using their mobile phones through the ECINet App or through the online form on https://voters.eci.gov.in. They can also send their forms to the concerned BLOs through their family members or through any online means, including WhatsApp or a similar application,” the EC said.

Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the SIR

The Election Commission has been the target of the opposition, which is opposing the electoral roll revision in Bihar. A slew of petitions were filed challenging the SIR by several opposition leaders and organisations, including TMC MP Mahua Moitra, former AAP co-founder Yogendra Yadav, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The petitioners argued that the identification process laid down by the ECI shifted the burden of proof onto citizens and that, considering the high rates of migration and poverty in the state, the requirement of documents specified by the ECI might disenfranchise millions of voters. They also challenged the exclusion of the Aadhaar card from the ECI’s list of documents required as proof of citizenship to be enumerated as a voter.

The Supreme Court refused to stay the SIR on Thursday (10th July). However, the top court suggested that the ECI include the Aadhaar Card, the EPIC card, and the Ration card for the purpose of identification. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on 28th July.

Non-bailable offences, ₹1 lakh fines, and sweeping powers: Inside the draconian ‘Rohith Vemula Bill’ Congress plans to push in Karnataka and why it should alarm every Indian

Shraddha Pandey
-
0
Non-bailable offences, ₹1 lakh fines, and sweeping powers: Inside the draconian ‘Rohith Vemula Bill’ Congress plans to push in Karnataka and why it should alarm every Indian

After ‘Caste X-ray’ and caste-based wealth redistribution rhetoric, the Congress party has found another way to continue its caste-centric politicking with the Rohith Vemula Bill. Following a push from Congress prince Rahul Gandhi, the Karnataka government is set to introduce the Rohith Vemula (Prevention from Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2025, in the coming monsoon session of the state assembly.

This bill is named after Rohith Vemula, the PhD scholar from the University of Hyderabad, who committed suicide on 17th January 2016. His suicide had sparked a nationwide uproar over alleged caste discrimination against the deceased. It, however, turned out eventually that Vemula was not a Dalit.

Provisions of the Rohith Vemula Bill

The draft bill is posited to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to education for marginalised groups in the higher education institutions in Karnataka, including public, private and deemed universities.

The Rohith Vemula Bill safeguards Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), and ‘minorities’ from exclusion or injustice, to ensure their right to education and dignity.

It also provides that offences under this bill are non-bailable and cognizable. This essentially means that the police can make an arrest without a warrant. The first-time offenders face a minimum one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. This compensation amount is to be paid by the accused to the victim, and it can extend up to Rs 1 lakh.

Moreover, repeat offences will invite a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Under this law, if passed, the victim or their kin can file police complaints directly, enabling quick action against alleged discrimination.

In addition, institutions found violating the bill’s provisions would lose state financial aid or grants. If an institution violates the provision of being “open to all classes, castes, creed, gender or nation”, then “the state government “shall not provide any financial aid or grant to such institution”.

Congress wants to name an anti-caste discrimination bill after Rohith Vemula, even as he was not a Dalit: Goebbelsian playbook?

Congress and its prince, Rahul Gandhi, position themselves as the messiah of ‘peedit, shoshit, vanchit’, and to prove the same, they decided to name the anti-caste discrimination legislation after a ‘Dalit’ victim, Rohith Vemula. It, however, is ironic that their Dalit poster boy was not even a Dalit.

Apparently, Congress has taken a page from Nazi politician Joseph Goebbels’s playbook, and decided to not only repeat a lie till it becomes truth but also name laws after the lies repackaged as truth.

The Telangana Police presented a closure report regarding the case to the Telangana High Court on 3rd May of last year. It emphasised that he did not belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and that he died by suicide, fearing the exposure of his true caste identity. The authorities also exonerated former Secunderabad MP and current governor of HaryanaBandaru Dattatreya, Legislative Council Member N Ramachander Rao, former Vice Chancellor Appa Rao, ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) leaders and former Union Minister Smriti Irani.

“There is no evidence of any fact or circumstance available on the record which dragged him to commit suicide and no one is responsible for his death,” the closure report stated. The report added that Rohith Vemula committed suicide because “he had his own problems and was not happy with worldly affairs. If he would have been angry with the decision of the University, certainly either he would have written in specific words or would have indicated in this regard. But he did not do the same. It shows that the circumstances prevailing in the university at the time were not the reason for Rohith’s death.”

According to the closure report, Rohith Vemula was “aware that he does not belong to the Scheduled Caste” and received the SC certificate from his mother. It adds that this could have been one of Rohith Vemula’s continuous fears, as disclosing it could have ended in the loss of academic degrees and perhaps prosecution.

As per Rohith Vemula’s father Mani Kumar, he and his spouse are not Mala of Madigas (SC/ST) but rather members of the Veddera caste. The statement was in contradiction to the reports that his mother, Radhika Vemula, belongs to a Dalit community (SC or ST), and he opted to identify with her caste after the couple separated.

His father emphasised that Rohith Vemula was murdered and criticised leftist groups for exploiting his son’s death to launch attacks against the Modi administration. Moreover, his mother alleged that she was born into a Mala caste (SC) family but was raised by a Veddera family.

In 2017, the Andhra Pradesh government was reported to have cancelled Rohith Vemula’s scheduled caste certificate, asserting that he was actually a member of the Other Backwards Classes (OBC). The government contended that the SC certificate had been acquired through “fraudulent” means.

Merely because it was initially claimed that Rohith Vemula was a Dalit, Congress and other opposition parties, joined by the leftist media ecosystem, raised the caste discrimination bogey and built a narrative accusing the Modi government of oppressing lower caste groups of society. This came, even though his suicide note expressed his dissatisfaction with the Students Federation of India (SFI). While Rohith Vemula was discontent with the SFI, the leftists continue to hold events and seminars in his remembrance, only to vilify non-Dalit Hindus and push an anti-Hindu agenda

Rahul Gandhi and his ‘caste’ fixation now taking shape of legislations: An alarming pivot towards divisive caste-centric politics

This draft bill comes after Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, wrote to CM Siddaramiah urging him to bring a legislation in Rohith Vemula’s name to end caste-based discrimination in educational institutions.

In a 16th April letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi urged the state government to pass the “Rohith Vemula Act” to guarantee that no one is subjected to caste-based discrimination in the educational system. The development transpired after he met with students and teachers of the Dalit, Adivasi and OBC communities in Parliament and was allegedly informed that caste discrimination is pervasive in higher education.

Soon after, CM Siddaramiah wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi informing him that he had instructed his legal team to start drafting the “Rohith Vemula Act.”

“I too, deeply share your sentiments, we must join hands to bring the Dalits, Adivasis and Backwards classes into the mainstream. That the oppressed classes must no more face any discrimination in our educational system. My government and I are committed to ensuring an egalitarian and equal society,” he claimed in the letter to Gandhi.

The Congress party and Rahul Gandhi have long been divisive, caste-based politicians for their electoral gains. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, Congress, in its manifesto, committed to carrying out a nationwide ‘Caste X-ray’ (caste census) to assess the socio-economic status of various sub-castes as well as pledged to incorporate fishing communities into the caste census. Congress even declared its intention to raise the reservation cap from the current 50%, a poll promise it continues to reiterate time and again, even as the people of India rejected Congress for the third consecutive time in the general elections.

The Gandhi scion went a step ahead and even announced that if voted to power, Congress would carry out a caste-based wealth redistribution based on the findings of the ‘caste X-ray’.

Congress also sought to impose the “Rohit Vemula Act” throughout the nation if it secured power at the centre. “We will enact the Rohith Vemula Act to address discrimination faced by students belonging to the backwards and oppressed communities in educational institutions,” the manifesto read.

Rohith Vemula Bill: A step towards ending caste discrimination in educational institutions or a weapon against non-Dalit Hindus?

By naming the bill after Rohith Vemula, Congress wants to tap into the emotional resonance, though devoid of any factual relevance, to galvanise support from the SC, ST, and OBC Hindus. However, this bill risks being a draconian measure against general-category students and faculty, as they could be disproportionately targeted.

Over the years, the rising misuse of the SC/ST Act to falsely implicate general category individuals for personal vendetta and other reasons, devoid of actual caste discrimination, has received criticism from the courts. The Rohith Vemula Bill, if passed, could also be misused in a similar manner.

The controversial bill’s broad categorisation of SC, ST, OBC, and ‘minorities’ under a single protected group is deeply concerning. The bill’s provisions, so far, fail to address specific caste realities while conveniently including ‘minorities’, which obviously is Congress’s way of including the Muslim community under the ‘peedit, shoshit, vanchit’ fold and further establish the Muslim victimhood narrative.

The non-bailable and cognizable provisions of the bill could be misused against those not covered under the bill’s protective umbrella. While naming the bill after Rohith Vemula, a non-Dalit presented as a Dalit, might hand some political gains to Congress, it will come at the cost of fostering division and hatred against the so-called ‘upper caste’ Hindus.

Taking inspiration from the divide and rule policy of the British colonisers, Congress is hell bent on perpetuating a cycle of caste-based identity politics to widen the fissures and exploit the same to hold on to power. This will not be confined to Karnataka alone, but will soon extend to other Congress-ruled states including Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. The Congress government in Telangana has already moved High Court to reopen Rohith Vemula case and is proceeding towards introducing the bill. After proposing laws on hate speech and misinformation, the Congress is bringing the Rohith Vemula Bill to control narratives, all while projecting itself as the defender of free speech, democracy, the idea of India and what not.

‘Game of Thrones’ in Karnataka: While Congress denies there is any competition between Siddaramiah and DK Shivakumar for CM post, the statements from local MLAs show utter confusion

Shraddha Pandey
-
0
‘Game of Thrones’ in Karnataka: While Congress denies there is any competition between Siddaramiah and DK Shivakumar for CM post, the statements from local MLAs show utter confusion

In Karnataka, the ‘game of thrones’ is intensifying even as Chief Minister Siddaramiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar deny any competition for the CM post. Despite the Congress high command’s diktat not to issue conflicting public statements, the party leaders are failing to hold back from taking sides.

Congress MLAs are taking sides between Siddaramiah and DK Shivakumar

On the 13th of July 2025, Karnataka minister KN Rajanna said that CM Siddaramiah will continue as Chief Minister for the entire tenure. He also suggested that neither the party high command nor the MLAs are ready for a change in leadership.

“Yes, Siddaramaiah will be Chief Minister for five years. If change is there, only the high command and MLAs can do it. I think both are not ready to change now,” he said.

Asserting that it would be premature to say would be the party’s face in the state for the 2028 election cycle, Rajanna said, “Can anyone do an election without him (Siddaramaiah) in the Congress party? 2028 MLAs will decide who will be the Chief Minister. It won’t be decided now. All leaders, including Siddaramaiah, must be included for the next election. MLAs will then decide.”

Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Mandya, Ravi Kumar Gowda, seems to have sided with DK Shivakumar as he said the deputy CM deserves to be the Chief Minister, and when the time is right, he will definitely become the CM.

“DK Shivakumar will become Chief Minister when the time comes. 138 MLAs support both DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. When the time is right, DK Shivakumar too will become Chief Minister. When time and circumstance align, good things will happen. He definitely deserves to become Chief Minister, and he will become Chief Minister,” Gowda said.

Similarly, Congress MLA Tanveer Sait not only hinted at a possible change in leadership but also backed DK Shivakumar. “I feel leadership can’t be stagnant. New leadership has to come and grow. Whenever the opportunity is given, it’ll happen. But individual giving out statements shouldn’t be considered as a protest,” Sait said.

Congress MLA CP Yogeshwar from Channapatna has also voiced his support for Shivakumar as Karnataka CM and said, “All our district MLAs are united that DK should become Chief Minister. There are no discrepancies about it. High command should decide on it.”

Interestingly, Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain was recently served a notice by the party high command for making a public statement about the likelihood of DK Shivakumar becoming Chief Minister.

Hussain boldly claimed that “nearly 100 legislators” backed Shivakumar for the top post, arguing the deputy CM deserved his chance after tireless efforts to rebuild the party.

Earlier this month, CM Siddaramiah had said that he would serve his full five-year term. However, DK Shivakumar’s response to this sparked speculations of a power tussle ongoing within the party.

“Party will take its call at the right time. I don’t want to discuss anything on that. It is not an issue to be discussed in the media first. Our job is to bring the party back to power in 2028,” Shivakumar said.

The speculations about a possible change in leadership were fuelled further when Siddaramiah held a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Thursday (10th July). Siddaramiah is also reported to have requested a meeting with party ‘prince’ Rahul Gandhi; however, the latter denied an audience, although Gandhi did meet Congress leaders from Gujarat.

Siddaramiah’s appointment to a national panel of OBC leaders fanned speculations that the Congress party is paving the way for DK Shivakumar to become Chief Minister. However, it seems that Siddaramiah is not willing to give up his ‘throne’.

Reports citing Congress inside chatter say that Siddaramiah is likely to remain in power till early 2026, making him the longest-serving CM with a tenure of seven years and 2 months, surpassing Devaraj Arasu.

Interestingly, while the JD(S) MLAs who left the party and moved to Congress twenty years back have been loyal to Siddaramiah and want him to complete the five-year term. But DK Shivakumar, who is credited with having played a key role in bringing Congress back in power in the state, is not ready to relinquish his claim to power.

It is also worth noting that on one hand, Randeep Surjewala, who is Congress’s in-charge for Karnataka, is holding individual meetings with Congress MLAs in Karnataka to get an idea of the Chief Minister’s governance, much to Siddaramiah’s disappointment, on the other hand, Rahul Gandhi reportedly avoided meeting him.

While the Congress’s top leadership, both in Karnataka and New Delhi, is denying any discussion on leadership change in the recent meetings, the BJP has said that a horse-trading bid is ongoing behind the curtains.

BJP leader and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has said that CM Siddaramiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar are engaged in “horse trading” to mobilise support of the party MLAs through “money and power”.

“Horses are ready for sale in the market, and buyers are also ready. I want to make it clear that earlier, we were short of 9 seats, and we were the single largest party. The mandate was with us. Now they have a mandate and should run the government without any problem. The Congress High Command is weak. Now, the situation is such that the one who gets MLA support will be the CM. Hence, both DCM DK Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah are involved in the trading of horses,” the BJP leader said.

Siddaramiah loyalists reportedly want to remove DK Shivakumar from the KPCC president post

Meanwhile, Siddaramiah loyalists are also reportedly trying to get DK Shivakumar removed from the post of KPCC president ahead of local body elections. Shivakumar was made KPCC chief in 2020, and after Congress won the assembly election in 2023, he was supposed to step down from the post of KPCC president after one year, as he became deputy CM. However, Shivakumar has held the position till now, apparently to ensure his control within the party.

CM Siddaramiah is reported to have suggested changing the KPCC president, arguing that a new leader for the party would better bolster the party during elections.

While Congress leaders like Priyank Kharge have cautioned party leaders from issuing individual public statements on leadership change and claimed that there is no discussion on this within the party, the fact that Congress MLAs are publicly taking sides between Siddaramiah and Shivakumar, it is evident that the smoke is not without fire.

Apparently, days after saying “What option do I have?”, DK Shivakumar has invoked the 2023 power-sharing compromise. It, however, remains to be seen whether Siddaramiah will be able to convince the party high command to let him continue as Chief Minister or Shivakumar will win his claim to the ‘chair’.

1...218219220...7,576Page 219 of 7,576