The Congress party has released its latest list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, including some notable names such as former JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, Punjab MLA Sukhpal Khaira, and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjeet Channi. The party has also decided to field Udit Raj from northwest Delhi constituency and has expressed confidence in their ability to take on their opponents, including BJP's Manoj Tiwari. As a media outlet, The Quint emphasizes the importance of being accountable to their audience and invites them to become active members in shaping their journalism.
Kanhaiya Kumar: From JNU Activist to Congress Candidate
Background:
Kanhaiya Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU), rose to prominence in 2016 when he was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly participating in an event on campus commemorating the execution of Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri separatist. He spent six months in prison before being released on bail.
Kumar's arrest and detention sparked widespread protests and debate across the country. Many saw it as an example of government suppression of free speech and political activism. Kumar emerged as a symbol of resistance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Political Career:
Following his release from prison, Kumar joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 2017. He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai constituency in Bihar, but lost to BJP's Giriraj Singh.
In January 2023, Kumar announced his resignation from the CPI and joined the Congress party. He was subsequently declared as the Congress candidate for the Begusarai constituency in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why did Kanhaiya Kumar join the Congress party?
Kanhaiya Kumar has not publicly stated his reasons for joining the Congress party. However, it is speculated that he may have been attracted by the party's commitment to secularism, social justice, and opposition to the BJP government.
2. What are Kumar's chances of winning the Begusarai constituency?
The Begusarai constituency is a stronghold of the BJP. Giriraj Singh, the incumbent MP, has won the seat multiple times. Kumar faces an uphill battle in defeating Singh, but he is optimistic about his chances.
3. What is the significance of Kumar's arrest in 2016?
Kumar's arrest on sedition charges in 2016 was a major event that raised concerns about the state of free speech and political activism in India. The arrest sparked widespread protests and debate, and helped to bring Kumar into the national spotlight.
4. What is Kumar's ideology?
Kumar is a socialist and a strong believer in the principles of equality and justice. He is critical of the BJP government's policies, which he believes favor the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized.
5. What does Kumar's entry into the Congress party mean for Indian politics?
Kumar's entry into the Congress party is seen as a boost for the party's image. He is a young, charismatic leader with a strong following among the youth. His presence in the party could help to attract new voters and energize the Congress base.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
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The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.