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India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Institutional apathy, criminal complicity": Pawan Khera slams "Double Engine Sarkar" on Balasore self-immolation case
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday slammed the 'Double Engine Sarkar' highlighting the institutional apathy and criminal complicity after a young woman in Odisha was driven to self-immolation facing relentless sexual harassment by her college Head of Department (HoD). He said that despite her repeated pleas for help, including to the Principal, Internal Complaints Committee, and even the Chief Minister and Education Minister on social media, her complaints fell on deaf ears. A student of the Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Odisha's Balasore was admitted to the AIIMS Bhubaneswar hospital on July 12 after she allegedly self-immolated. Khera stressed that the victim's complaints were ignored, and even a BJP MP's demand for the HoD's suspension was brushed aside by the college Principal. 'A BJP MP had demanded the HoD's suspension but even he was brushed aside - by the college Principal. As such, it is safe to call the Double Engine Sarkar a cruel joke. Because it does not even empower a local MP from the ruling party enough to prevail over a college Principal in a matter so crucial and sensitive', Pawan Khera's 'X' post read. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Saturday informed that he was told about the matter by the woman and her friends, following which he spoke to the college principal and the Superintendent of Police of Balasore. Sarangi said that the woman had attempted suicide before as well, and when he heard the news, the BJP MP said he called the college principal, but there was no response. 'It is a national tragedy that a young woman in Odisha was forced to set herself on fire after facing relentless sexual harassment by her college HoD. She pleaded for help - informally to the Principal, formally to the Internal Complaints Committee, and publicly to the CM and Education Minister on social media. Yet, her complaints went unheard', Pawan Khera wrote on 'X'. Pawan Khera termed the incident a 'criminal complicity' and demanded strict action against the accused, HoD, and others involved in the Balasore self-immolation case. 'This is institutional apathy but even more, it is criminal complicity. The culprit, HoD must face the law for driving a woman to self-immolation, but the Principal and the ICC must also be held accountable - not merely for negligence, but for abutment', Khera wrote on 'X'. Pawan Khera claimed that the victim was an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad office bearer in a BJP ruled state and mentioned that if this is the 'fate' of their 'own woman' what can ordinary women do with no access to networks of power. 'Notably, the victim was an ABVP office bearer in a BJP-ruled state. If this is the fate of their own, what can ordinary women - with no access to networks of power - in Odisha, and beyond, possibly expect?', Khera added. Earlier today AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas assured that the medical team is providing the best possible care to the patient of the Balasore self-immolation case. The student was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burns, covering almost 90-95% of her body. She is currently on a ventilator in the ICU, and her condition is critical. 'Yesterday, we received the patient in critical condition. The patient is on a ventilator in the ICU. She has almost 90-95 per cent burns. The patient is critical, we are trying our best. We are providing the best possible care to the patient. A committee has been formed to look after various aspects, multi-disciplinary critical care...,' Dr Biswas told ANI. Balasore Police on Saturday arrested the accused in the FM (Auto) College female student self-immolation attempt case and produced her before the court. Meanwhile, the Odisha government have formed a committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged harassment case against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor at FM Auto College, who has been arrested following the suicide attempt by a female student of the college on July 12. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Pawan Khera questions ECI's independence amid revision of electoral rolls in Bihar
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday questioned the independence of the Election Commission amid revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, accusing it of acting in favour of the ruling party. This comes amid the ongoing row over the electoral roll revision in Bihar and the Opposition-led Bihar Bandh.. Taking to the social media platform X, Khera wrote, 'Baba Saheb Ambedkar on the role of 'Central Election Commission' in protecting every Indian's Right to Vote.' To support his argument, Khera, in a post on his X handle, quoted Baba Saheb Ambedkar: 'Franchise is the most fundamental thing in prevent injustice to those racially, linguistically, or culturally different from the dominant people in Province, the election machinery must be under a Central Election that no injustice may be done to any citizen in India.' Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting every Indian's right to vote by highlighting Article 326 of the Constitution, which guarantees universal adult suffrage. This move comes amid tensions over the ongoing Bihar Bandh and debates surrounding revisions to the voter list. Article 326 ensures that every Indian citizen above 18 years of age can vote unless disqualified due to non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime, or corrupt practices. This provision underscores India's commitment to broader democratic participation and was instrumental in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1989. The ECI has emphasised its dedication to upholding constitutional principles by adhering to Article 326 and Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. The commission has stated that it will 'scrupulously' follow these provisions during the revision of electoral rolls, ensuring that no eligible citizen is disenfranchised. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has posted an image on its 'X' account highlighting Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which mandates universal adult suffrage, ensuring every Indian citizen above 18 years of age can vote unless disqualified. 'Article 326 - Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage. The elections to the House of the People and the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage, that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election,' posted by ECI on X. On June 24, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that it would begin a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the state's assembly elections. The exercise aims to revise the electoral rolls in the state to include all eligible voters and eliminate those who are ineligible from the voter list. The notification stated that the ECI would 'scrupulously' adhere to the Constitutional provisions regarding the eligibility and disqualification of voters during the revision of the electoral roll. This, the ECI said, was clearly laid down under Article 326 of the Constitution of India and Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950 (RPA). Article 326 states that any person above the age of 18 is eligible to vote. Section 16 sets out the criteria for a person who is disqualified from voting. These criteria include not being a citizen of India, being of unsound mind, or being disqualified from voting under any law related to corrupt practices and other election offences. In early July, the Association for Democratic Reforms, Swaraj Party member and activist Yogendra Yadav, moved the Supreme Court under Article 32, challenging the ECI's notification. They claim that the SIR is arbitrary and violative of the universal right to adult suffrage. The petitions note that the identification process shifts the burden of proof onto individual citizens, requiring them to submit fresh applications and provide documentary evidence of citizenship by 25 July 2025. The petitions argue that the exercise excludes indicators such as Aadhaar and ration cards, and makes the proof of parents' identity mandatory. Given Bihar's high rates of poverty and migration, such requirements may disenfranchise millions. The petitions also criticise the short timeframe and absence of prior consultation, arguing that the exercise undermines democracy, equality, and the right to vote, particularly for the most vulnerable. The petitions request an immediate stay of the SIR. In the meantime, the ECI has published notices on the smooth implementation of the SIR in the State on July 4 and 5 on its official website. On July 6, the ECI issued a press release stating that the initial phase of the SIR has been completed. Notably, the release clarifies that there has been no change in the SIR process, and it will continue as per the notification released on June 24. Moreover, it carries the phrase: 'No changes made in SIR as being rumoured by some'. On July 7, 2025, the Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions challenging the SIR. The matter will be taken up on 10 July 2025. Earlier today, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, led the 'Bihar Bandh' protest in Patna against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to undertake the Special Intensive Revision SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Several senior leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance INDIA) Bloc members, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Sanjay Yadav, also participated in the protest. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, joined the demonstrators at the Sachiwalay Halt railway station, raising slogans such as 'Chunav Aayog hosh mein aao' (Election Commission, come to your senses). As part of the protest, Congress workers blocked the railway track at Sachiwalay Halt station, demanding a rollback of the ECI's move. (ANI)
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Lakhs of trees cut in tribal areas; their land, resources being taken away by BJP: Pawan Khera
New Delhi: As a political firestorm erupted on Tuesday after Congress party President Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly disrespected President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind by reportedly referring to them as "Murma ji" and 'Covid" respectively, the Congress hit back and accused the BJP of looting tribal lands, jungles and resources. As the BJP called the Congress "anti-women, anti-Dalit, and anti-tribal", senior Congress leader Pawan Khera refuted the claims that Kharge disrespected President Murmu and ex-President Kovind. Dismissing the BJP's outrage as 'hypocritical and selective,' Khera told IANS on Tuesday, 'this reflects the narrow mindset of the BJP." Referring to the lynching of Akhlaq and Pehlu Khan by a mob, he said, "This is the same mindset that shows Colonel Sophia on the one side and on the other side commits atrocities against minorities." Khera accused the BJP of tokenism towards Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities. 'While they portray President Murmu and former President Kovind as representatives of tribal empowerment, what they are doing in tribals areas of Chhattisgarh is extremely disturbing and sad. Lakhs of trees have been cut down, and they are looting the tribals of their lands, jungles and resources. This is the BJP's real mindset,' he said. He said the BJP's track record on tribal rights has been hollow and exploitative, hiding under symbolic gestures while undermining communities on the ground. The Congress leader also lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a day after the Sangh claimed that it is engaging with both Kuki and Meitei communities in violence-hit Manipur to bring peace. 'Who is the RSS to hold peace talks? Has the Home Minister or Prime Minister resigned? Why has the government outsourced the Manipur crisis to the Sangh Parivar?' Khera questioned. He further stated that the RSS was trying to impose its ideological agenda in tribal regions across India. 'Adivasi areas have resisted the Sangh's mindset for decades. If the RSS steps away from these regions, more than half the problems of tribal India will disappear.' Khera's sharp comments have added fuel to an already volatile political environment, with both Congress and BJP trading barbs ahead of key state elections. While BJP leaders insist Kharge's remarks reflect the Congress' 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-tribal' mindset, the Congress continues to accuse the ruling party of 'cosmetic inclusivity' and deeper marginalisation of the vulnerable.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cong accuses PM Modi of ignoring rain-hit Mandi's plight, says Texas is closer to his heart
The Congress on Monday (July 7, 2025) took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking whether Texas was closer to his heart than the rain-hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh after he expressed condolences over the loss of lives due to floods in the U.S. state. In a post on X, the Congress head of media and publicity, Pawan Khera, said the Prime Minister has not said a word about the loss of lives and destruction due to floods in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh but talks of people suffering across the world. 'The PM of India has not spoken a word of consolation to those suffering in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, where over 70 people are feared dead in the calamitous floods. Meanwhile, he is deeply saddened by the destruction caused by floods in Texas, USA,' Mr. Khera said in his post on X. 'Texas may be far from Delhi but is closer to the PM's heart than anyone in Mandi is,' he also said. In another post in Hindi on X, he said, 'Modi ji can't see what's under his feet, but he can see what's beneath the mountains. 'In Himachal Pradesh, dozens of lives have been lost due to the flood disaster, and massive destruction has occurred. He hasn't uttered a single word of condolence. But if someone in another country gets pricked by a thorn in their foot, he immediately tweets about it. Are the lives of Indian people cheaper than those of foreigners? Has even compassion now become political?' Mr. Khera asked. The Congress leader tagged a post by Modi on Saturday (July 5, 2025), where he stated, 'Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children, in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the U.S. Government and the bereaved families.' Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has reported 78 deaths, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. As many as 121 people have been injured so far. At least 30 people went missing after cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc in the Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions of Mandi district last week and search and rescue operations are underway.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Texas closer to his heart': Congress's swipe at PM Modi for silence over Mandi disaster; asks 'are Indian lives cheaper?'
'Texas closer to his heart': Congress's swipe at PM Modi for silence over Mandi disaster; asks 'are Indian lives cheaper?' NEW DELHI: In a sharp attack, Congress on Monday asked PM Modi whether Texas is closer to his heart than rain-hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The remark from opposition party comes after PM Modi condoled the loss of lives due to flood in US city. In a post on X, Congress leader Pawan Khera hit out at PM Modi, saying that the prime minister has not said a word about destruction caused by floods in Himachal's Mandi but talked about the Texas flood issue. "The PM of India has not spoken a word of consolation to those suffering in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, where over 70 people are feared dead in the calamitous floods. Meanwhile, he is deeply saddened by the destruction caused by floods in Texas, USA," he said in a post on X. "Texas may be far from Delhi but is closer to the PM's heart than anyone in Mandi is," he added. In another post he said that the prime minister can't see what's under his feet, but he can see what's beneath the mountains. "In Himachal Pradesh, dozens of lives have been lost due to the flood disaster, and massive destruction has occurred. He hasn't uttered a single word of condolence. But if someone in another country gets pricked by a thorn in their foot, he immediately tweets about it," he said. "Are the lives of Indian people cheaper than those of foreigners? Has even compassion now become political?" Khera asked. Khera's remarks come after PM Modi's post for the Texas flood, where he wrote, "Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children, in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families." During monsoon, at least 78 people were killed, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents and around 121 people have been injured so far.
