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.
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As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, PM Modi raises the stakes with his public rally in Arrah criticizing the Mahagathbandhan manifesto for its false promises. He asserts that the NDA's honest declaration will bring industrial development and job opportunities for the youth in Bihar. PM Modi is confident that the NDA will achieve victory with a record margin, while the leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will face a crushing defeat.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will address the media in New Delhi today, with speculations that he will reveal more details about alleged irregularities in voter lists. This comes after his previous claim of a "hydrogen bomb" being related to his accusations of "vote theft." Gandhi had earlier alleged a centralised software was used to delete names from voter lists in multiple states. The press conference is scheduled for 12 pm at the AICC headquarters.
Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the city's first Muslim mayor. In his victory speech, Mamdani promises to bring light to the city and outlines his plans, including taxing millionaires to fund social programs. Meanwhile, Democrats have also swept governor races in Virginia and New Jersey in a significant victory for the party. These elections are seen as a rebuke to President Trump, who had threatened to cut federal funding to NYC if Mamdani won.
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