PM Modi's chair is shaking following first phase of elections, says Minister Priyank Kharge
Kalaburagi: Minister Priyank Kharge of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj highlighted the pressing issues of education, youth employment, social equality, and women empowerment during a recent address in Kalaburagi North. Speaking in support of Congress candidate Radhakrishna, Kharge stressed on the implementation of five guarantee schemes by the current government and urged voters for their support.
Kharge criticised the previous BJP government's focus on divisive issues such as azan, hijab, halal cut, and Jhatka cut, contrasting it with the Congress's focus on welfare programs. He questioned whether the BJP had ever prioritised women's empowerment and youth employment.
Addressing the elections, Kharge remarked on Prime Minister Modi's perceived vulnerability following the first phase of the elections. He accused Modi of resorting to falsehoods during campaigning in states like Chhattisgarh and Goa, asserting that the Congress would challenge the BJP's dominance.
Congress candidate Radhakrishna Doddamani echoed Kharge's sentiments, urging voters to turn out in large numbers to secure victory.
The event was attended by Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, MLA Kaneez Fatima, DCC President Jagdev Guttedar, Bhanu Pratap Singh, and others.
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Press bodies demand withdrawal of FIR Against Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair
New Delhi: Several press organisations have called for the withdrawal of the FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police against Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of fact-checking platform Alt News. The FIR includes allegations of endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity under s. 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case stems from Zubair’s social media post on October 3, where he shared a video of Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand’s speech that allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), led to protests from Muslim groups across several cities. The complaint against Zubair was filed by Udita Tyagi, general secretary of the Yati Narsimhanand Saraswati Foundation, claiming the post was intended to incite violence.
On November 27, the Allahabad High Court was informed that s. 152 of the BNS and s. 66 of the Information Technology Act had been added to the FIR. While the court allowed these additions, press bodies expressed strong opposition to the charges, calling them a misuse of laws meant to stifle press freedom and dissent.
The Press Club of India described s. 152 as a "new avatar" of the sedition law, warning of its potential to silence media and free thinkers. Similarly, DIGIPUB, an association of digital news organisations, condemned the FIR as a "vindictive and unreasonable overreach" by the authorities.
DIGIPUB questioned whether the Uttar Pradesh government intends to target journalists who expose hate speech against minorities. It urged the police to shift focus to prosecuting individuals making hate speeches rather than harassing journalists like Zubair.
The Allahabad High Court has scheduled the next hearing on December 3, directing the investigating officer to provide detailed affidavits regarding the charges. Meanwhile, Zubair has sought legal protection against arrest.
