The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case, but has raised concerns over his position in light of the allegations against him. The court has asked Kejriwal to make his own decision on whether he should step down from office. The decision comes after a New Delhi court extended Kejriwal's judicial custody in a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Meanwhile, the government has declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the 1975 Emergency, but the move has been met with criticism from the Congress. In other news, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the state will appeal against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's directive to release water to Tamil Nadu, while the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking an inquiry into the Hathras stampede.
Background: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been embroiled in a legal battle related to two cases: money laundering and corruption. In the money laundering case, he was arrested on June 6 and remanded to judicial custody. On June 16, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail.
Interim Bail Granted: The Supreme Court raised concerns over Kejriwal's position as Chief Minister in light of the allegations against him. However, it noted that he has been in custody for a week and that the trial may take time. As such, the court granted him interim bail for four weeks.
Step-Down Decision: The Supreme Court has asked Kejriwal to decide on his own whether he should resign as Chief Minister. The court observed that this is a "moral and ethical" issue that he must consider.
Corruption Case: Separately, Kejriwal's judicial custody in the corruption case has been extended by a New Delhi court. The case is linked to the alleged excise policy scam.
Government's 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' Declaration: The Indian government has declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) to mark the 1975 Emergency. The Emergency was a period of authoritarian rule imposed by the government of Indira Gandhi, suspending fundamental rights and press freedoms. The move has drawn criticism from the Congress party, which was in power at the time.
Karnataka's Water Appeal: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state will appeal against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's directive to release water to Tamil Nadu. The decision comes amid ongoing water disputes between the two states.
Hathras Stampede Petition Dismissed: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking an inquiry into the 2021 Hathras stampede at a Hindu festival. The stampede resulted in 33 deaths.
1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal granted interim bail? Answer: He was granted bail due to being in custody for a week and the likelihood of a lengthy trial.
2. What are the allegations against Kejriwal? Answer: He is accused of money laundering and corruption.
3. What is the government's significance of 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'? Answer: To commemorate the 1975 Emergency, seen as a violation of constitutional rights.
4. Why is Karnataka appealing against the water directive? Answer: To protect its water resources amid disputes with Tamil Nadu.
5. Why was the Hathras stampede inquiry petition dismissed? Answer: The court deemed no grounds for an inquiry, citing previous investigation and judicial review.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
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.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
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.