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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In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.
United States President Donald Trump has expressed delight at the suspension of ABC's late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, following backlash against his comments on the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump criticized Kimmel's talent and ratings, calling him a "total loser" and "Fake News" host. The show will reportedly be replaced by other ABC programs and has been taken off air indefinitely. This comes after Kimmel addressed the killing of Kirk during a monologue and condemned attempts to politicize the case.