Congress to observe 'Save Democracy Day' across country on Friday
New Delhi, May 17: The Congress will observe 'Save Democracy Day' across the country on Friday to protest Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's "collusion with the BJP" and his "partisan" action of inviting BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister following a split verdict in that state.
The Congress will hold protests at state capitals and district headquarters.
State Congress chiefs have been asked to address press conferences and give memorandums to respective Governors to urge President Ram Nath Kovind to "safeguard democratic principles and the sanctity of the Constitution".
In a letter to party state units, Congress General Secretary Ashok Gehlot said that the party along with the Janata Dal-Secular had submitted a list of Karnataka MLAs, with the numbers more than the required number to form the government.
"The Governor has not only undermined the dignity of his office, he has also acted in an unconstitutional manner. This dangerous precedent strikes at the very heart of India's democracy and portends grave consequences for all coming elections," Gehlot said.
The state units have been urged to use "evocative slogans and innovative techniques to highlight the travesty" and also seek the support of civil society organizations.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said at a regular press briefing that the party will expose the misdeeds of the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and highlight the fact that democracy has been murdered in broad daylight by none other than the Karnataka Governor who had taken the oath to protect the Constitution.
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Modi, Kharge congratulate Harivansh on being elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Harivansh on being elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for the third time.
Harivansh, a nominated member of the House, was elected unopposed.
Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Harivansh.
Speaking in the Upper House, Prime Minister Modi said that being elected for the third time in a row as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is, in itself, a profound expression of the trust that the House has in Harivansh.
Modi said the House has benefited greatly from Harivansh's experience in the past, and the efforts he has made to take everyone along.
"This is a tribute to his experience and an intuitive work style," the prime minister said.
Modi also said that Harivansh, who has been a journalist earlier, has held high standards of journalism. He further said that Harivansh has spent his MP LAD (local area development) funds for research projects at various universities.
The prime minister also lauded the contribution of Harivansh in instilling confidence among the younger generation in achieving the goal of a developed India.
Kharge expressed hope that the Deputy Chairman will take care of the opposition and give them adequate time in the House.
The Congress leader further said he was pained by the fact that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has been vacant since 2019, which is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.
Earlier, the Samajwadi Party and TMC staged a walkout when the motion to elect Harivansh was being adopted.
