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الوسم: Rahul Gandhi

  • Indian opposition leader Gandhi calls for Modi’s resignation over student crackdown

    Indian opposition leader Gandhi calls for Modi’s resignation over student crackdown

    Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is detained by police during a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, demanding accountability for police action against students, in New Delhi, India, July 21, 2026. — Reuters
    • Gandhi urges Modi to resign “for ruining the future of India’s youth”.
    • Sixty protesters hurt in clashes with security forces in New Delhi.
    • Protest organizers denounce “heavy-handedness” by authorities.

    NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition leader in India, called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign on Tuesday amid police actions against student protests demanding education reforms.

    Gandhi stated on social media that Modi must step down “for destroying the future of India’s youth,” as he led a march with other MPs toward the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi.

    “The government refuses to accept responsibility or debate the issue in Parliament,” Gandhi said, who is the opposition leader in the lower house.

    Later, Gandhi staged a sit-in outside Modi’s residence, chanting “We want justice” and “Down with Modi.”

    Several hours later, AFP reporters saw Gandhi and fellow parliamentarians being loaded into a bus and taken away from the scene.

    This comes after police reported that 60 protesters were injured during clashes with security personnel in central Delhi on Monday, marking the largest street demonstration in the city in nearly five years.

    Thousands had gathered demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in response to an online campaign by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

    Authorities used tear gas and batons against demonstrators, who fought back with stones. Police also reported injuries to at least 118 police officers during the skirmish.

    “What happened yesterday is a violation of our Constitution,” said Sandeep Dixit, a senior Congress leader, to AFP.

    “After that, no one with integrity can remain silent.”

    The CJP vowed to continue pushing for Pradhan’s removal, with hundreds of protesters remaining at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site on Tuesday, many advocating broader education reforms.

    The movement has garnered millions of followers online since its May launch, posing one of the strongest challenges to Hindu-nationalist leader Modi since he secured his third term in 2024.

    ‘Shameful day’

    “We won’t back down. Pradhan needs to be removed,” said CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on social media.

    Founder Abhijeet Dipke urged protesters to stay resilient.

    “They want to crush our spirits,” he stated from atop a truck. “Don’t let them silence you.”

    Organizers criticized the authorities’ heavy-handed tactics and claimed that hundreds of protesters were hurt.

    “It’s a dishonorable chapter in Indian democracy that peaceful students rallying for a genuine cause were brutalized by police,” Ranka told AFP.

    Ranka, who met with senior minister JP Nadda Monday, said the government had yet to reply to their demands.

    Protesters vowed to persist.

    “We’re more fearless now,” said 25-year-old law student Chandra Pratap Sishwi.

    “Seeing police beat people like that made my blood boil.”

    Parliament adjourned Tuesday following opposition calls for a debate on the alleged “police brutality against students”.

    Despite rapid economic growth, millions in the country still face unemployment and poverty, fueling widespread frustration.

    The protests follow a series of scandalous exam incidents that have undermined trust in India’s testing system.

    Last month, 2.2 million medical aspirants retook a high-stakes exam after the original test was canceled due to a question leak.

    This was on top of a scandal involving online grading of nearly two million high school exams.

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government, stating that after the leaks, authorities acted swiftly by arresting several suspects.

    He mentioned Modi’s directive for a foolproof system to prevent future irregularities during a secret meeting with allies this week.

    Prime Minister Modi has yet to publicly address the protests.

  • Rahul Challenges Modi to Counter Trump’s Jet Downing Claim

    Rahul Challenges Modi to Counter Trump’s Jet Downing Claim

    Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over President Donald Trump’s assertion that five Indian fighter jets were shot down during clashes with Pakistan. Gandhi challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament: “If Modi has the courage, he should tell this house that Trump was lying—that there was no ceasefire, and no Indian jets were lost.” He further added, “If Modi has the bravery of Indira Gandhi, he should come forward and tell the truth.” These comments followed Trump’s confirmation that five Indian aircraft were downed, along with multiple claims from Trump about mediating ceasefires between India and Pakistan. The issue has sparked heated discussions in the Lok Sabha around “Operation Sandor,” with opposition members accusing the government of misleading the nation and the military.

    Supporting the opposition’s claims, Congress MP Amarinder Singh presented photos he said showed wreckage of a downed Rafale fighter jet. Singh stated he visited the crash site near Bhisiana Air Force Station in Punjab, where he saw the tail section of a jet marked BS001, a Rafale aircraft. Singh reported that the incident resulted in one death and nine injuries, criticizing the government for deploying the air force with limited information. He accused Air Marshal A.K. Bharti of misleading the public by claiming an “unknown aircraft” had crashed, despite admitting privately that a loss had occurred. The crash happened during Pakistan Air Force retaliatory strikes in early May that resulted in the downing of six Indian aircraft, including Rafales, which was later confirmed by French authorities and President Trump.

    Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of AIMIM, expressed moral opposition to India’s upcoming cricket match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup scheduled for September 14. “My conscience doesn’t permit me to watch this match,” Owaisi said, questioning why cricket matches continue while diplomatic ties in trade, aviation, and water-sharing are suspended. He remarked, “We are blocking 80% of Pakistan’s water, claiming that blood and water don’t flow together—so how can cricket keep going?”

  • Opposition Leader Presses Modi for Clarity on Trump’s Jet Allegation

    Opposition Leader Presses Modi for Clarity on Trump’s Jet Allegation

    Opposition Leader Demands Answers on Downed Jets

    Key Points:

    • Rahul Gandhi questions the Prime Minister about the status of five jets.
    • He asserts that the nation deserves transparency.
    • Pakistan claims it shot down six Indian planes during the conflict.

    In the wake of a recent conflict involving India and Pakistan, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for clarification regarding the shooting down of five jets, a claim made by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi emphasized, “Modi ji, what is the truth about the 5 jets? The country has the right to know!” His remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction regarding the government’s handling of the conflict.

    The escalation between these nuclear-capable neighbors was triggered by a militant attack in Pahalgam, a region situated in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Following unprovoked strikes by India in April, Pakistan asserted it shot down six Indian jets, prompting a rapid military response. A ceasefire was reached shortly after on May 10, facilitated by U.S. intervention.

    During a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House, Trump stated, “In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually.” Trump has conveyed that he played a significant role in brokering the ceasefire, although India has contested this assertion, maintaining that any resolution should come from direct discussions between the two nations without outside influence.

    The conflict has further strained relationships, with the incident in April leading to the loss of 26 lives and igniting intense skirmishes in a longstanding rivalry. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan, which has denied any involvement and called for an impartial investigation to clarify the events.

    As tensions rise, India continues to be a pivotal partner for the U.S. in efforts to counter China’s expanding influence in Asia, while Pakistan remains an ally of the U.S.

  • Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Surrender’ Comment Sparks Treason Claim from BJP

    Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Surrender’ Comment Sparks Treason Claim from BJP

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    Rahul Gandhi’s "Surrender" Comment Sparks Strong BJP Response

    BJP Leader Labels Gandhi as "Rahul Munir" and "Rahul Sharif"
    Congress Raises Questions About Foreign Parliamentary Visits

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for what they describe as an act that borders on "treason." Gandhi referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy as a "surrender" following Operation Sindoor, according to reports from Indian media.

    On Wednesday, BJP President J.P. Nadda took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Gandhi’s statements, calling them an affront to the Indian armed forces and comparable to Pakistani propaganda. He stated, "To label the extraordinary bravery and valor of the Indian Army as a ‘surrender’ is not just regrettable but a serious insult to our military, the nation, and over 1.4 billion Indians."

    "This can only be seen as treason," Nadda continued. "Rahul Gandhi, your party and its leaders may have a history of surrendering, but India will never yield."

    In a barrage of posts, Nadda further accused the Congress party of a culture of capitulation: "The word ‘surrender’ is embedded in the Congress party’s lexicon; it’s in your DNA. You surrendered to terrorism, surrendered during the Sharm al-Sheikh talks, capitulated at Shimla after winning the 1971 war, and even conceded to the Muslim League at the dawn of India’s independence."

    BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi echoed Nadda’s sentiments during a press briefing, dubbing Gandhi "Rahul Munir" and "Rahul Sharif," claiming he has gone further than even Pakistan’s leadership in undermining India’s standing.

    The BJP’s response came amid rising critiques from Congress and other parties within the INDIA coalition regarding the government’s approach to international relations, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack, and what they perceive as a manipulated narrative surrounding Operation Sindoor.

    Later that evening, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took to social media, targeting the government’s global outreach initiatives. He remarked, “The unusually low-profile External Affairs Minister is meeting with some parliamentary delegations that have returned. I hope there will be a sincere evaluation of what was truly achieved — not merely the spin.”

    "There are credible reports that some countries greeted our MPs with a rather tepid reception, to say the least, and that the political significance of their meetings was subpar. Videos of MPs engaged in lighthearted activities during such a serious national mission have also been circulating."

    Earlier on that day, Ramesh criticized the government’s scheduling of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, branding it as a strategy to avoid a special session requested by the opposition.

    "Never before in Indian parliamentary history has a session been announced 47 days in advance,” he pointed out.

    “Why was Operation Sindoor abruptly halted after four days? Why did President Trump mention 12 times in 20 days that the ceasefire was due to his intervention? These are the questions the Prime Minister is unwilling to answer.”

    Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the monsoon session will commence on July 21 and run until August 12, marking the first session since Operation Sindoor.

    The push for a special session was also echoed by Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, who recently participated in an all-party delegation visiting five countries — Russia, Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain.

    “The Prime Minister should have called for the special session himself,” Rai insisted. “Back in 1962, during the peak of the war with China, first-time MP Atal Bihari Vajpayee demanded a special session amidst the conflict, and then Prime Minister Nehru complied. We acted in accordance with the spirit of the nation; now the government should uphold its responsibilities."

    Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the opposition’s demand for a special session to address critical issues, including the Pahalgam attack.

    Adding to the controversy, Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that India’s diplomatic standing has dwindled post-operation. “In Modi’s government, domestic policies are managed by trolls, while foreign policy is being dictated by someone who has capitulated,” he stated on social media.

    He pointed to Kuwait lifting visa restrictions on Pakistan and signing agreements with them as indicative of India’s declining diplomatic influence. “That’s why it’s been said — ‘Name Narendra, work surrender,’” Khera added.

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  • Opposition Criticizes Jaishankar’s Dodging on Trump’s Mediation Role

    Opposition Criticizes Jaishankar’s Dodging on Trump’s Mediation Role

    Title: Tensions Rise in India-Pakistan Relations Over US Involvement

    Image Caption: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar engages in a US-India higher education dialogue at Howard University’s Founders Library, Washington, DC, on April 12, 2022. — Reuters

    Key Highlights:

    • Rahul Gandhi Challenges Modi’s Silence on US Intervention.
    • Controversial Interview Clip Sparks Debate on Transparency.
    • Accusations Against Modi for Using Crisis as Self-Promotion.

    KARACHI — Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar faced intense scrutiny from opposition parties and garnered widespread attention on social media after a confrontational exchange with a foreign journalist. This interaction raised questions about the role of the United States and former President Donald Trump’s efforts to mitigate escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as reported by The News.

    During the interview, the journalist persistently probed Jaishankar on whether Trump had contributed to easing the discord between the two nuclear powers. The questioning grew sharper, with the reporter asking, “Have you detained the culprits involved in the killings of 26 individuals in Pahalgam? Is there an operation underway for their arrest? What influence did the US have in this situation?”

    While Jaishankar did acknowledge some US involvement in diffusing the tensions, many perceived his responses as evasive. At one point, he remarked that the US “was in the United States during the process.”

    The exchange quickly gained traction on Indian social media. Supporters of the ruling BJP, often referred to as ‘bhakt trolls’, praised Jaishankar’s replies. Conversely, opposition parties—most notably the Indian National Congress—used the incident to emphasize what they view as the government’s lack of transparency and accountability.

    The Congress party shared a brief clip of the interview across its social media platforms, highlighting Jaishankar’s apparent unease as the journalist discussed Operation Sindoor. They posted, “Why is the foreign minister struggling to articulate his thoughts?”.

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to social media, challenging the government with questions like, “Who invited the US president to mediate? Why hasn’t any major country expressed support for us? Why is the Modi administration remaining silent on these pressing issues?”

    The controversy partially stems from a May 10 post by former President Trump on his platform, Truth Social, claiming that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. While Pakistan seemed to confirm this agreement, India’s response has been mixed, consistently acknowledging and then refuting any US involvement.

    Seizing on this ambiguity, the Congress party intensified its critique of both the BJP and Prime Minister Modi. A recent post juxtaposed the actions of Rahul Gandhi with those of PM Modi following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor, labeling it a case of "One Nation, Two Leaders."

    In the post, the Congress asserted, “After the Pahalgam Attack: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi rushed to Kashmir, standing in solidarity with the families of the victims… PM Modi, however, was notably absent. He skipped an all-party meeting and instead mingled with Bollywood celebrities.”

    The party further illuminated the differing responses to Operation Sindoor, contrasting Gandhi’s call for a special parliamentary session and his probing questions about the ceasefire and trust in Pakistan against Modi’s silence regarding Trump’s role. The critique implied that Modi was more focused on using the situation for personal gain than on addressing the pressing issues at hand.

    The statement concluded by underscoring Gandhi’s visit to Poonch to support victims of cross-border shelling, while accusing Modi of leveraging the crisis for self-promotion. “The difference is stark. One leader chooses empathy and accountability, while the other turns a national crisis into a personal campaign,” the party declared.

  • India’s Opposition Demands Modi Government’s Clarity on Truce

    India’s Opposition Demands Modi Government’s Clarity on Truce

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  • Opposition Probes ‘Security Lapse’ in Pahalgam Assault

    Opposition Probes ‘Security Lapse’ in Pahalgam Assault

    Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of India’s main opposition Congress Party, addresses the media during a press conference in New Delhi, India, February 7, 2025. — Reuters

    • Opposition parties offer full backing to the government.
    • Defense Minister leads meeting instead of Modi.
    • Congress emphasizes that Modi should have attended the meeting.

    Indian opposition parties have voiced their complete support for the government while denouncing the recent attack in Pahalgam, during a meeting involving all parties to solidify backing for the ruling BJP-led administration, according to media reports from the country on Thursday.

    Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted that the opposition pointed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from this critical meeting, as well as a “security lapse” linked to the incident.

    Despite this, he stressed that the opposition is committed to cooperating with the government on this matter, sending a message of national unity.

    “We collectively expressed that no matter what measures the government takes in the nation’s interest, we stand united and will support those actions. We will collaborate on this issue to reaffirm our unity as a country,” Kharge stated.

    Reports indicate that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the meeting in place of Modi. Kharge also pointed out that PM Modi should have been present, given his ability to make final decisions.

    The attack on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including one Nepali citizen, with the Indian government attributing responsibility to Pakistan—a claim that Islamabad has strongly rebutted, labeling it a “false flag operation.”

    In light of Pakistan’s firm denial of any involvement, the Modi administration has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and prohibited the entry of Pakistani nationals.

    Moreover, the Integrated Check Post at Attari has been swiftly shut down, and New Delhi has instructed military, naval, and air advisers at the Pakistani High Commission to leave India within a week, designating them as persona non grata.

    In reaction, Pakistan has announced its own withdrawal of advisers, reducing the number of personnel at its High Commission from the current 55 to 30 by May 1, which is also the deadline for the departure of Pakistani nationals from India.