Congress to launch national movement against electoral irregularities
New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has alleged that the integrity of the electoral process in India has been "severely compromised" due to the partisan functioning of the Election Commission (EC). During a meeting held at the AICC headquarters on November 29, 2024, the CWC adopted a resolution to launch a national movement to address public concerns regarding the fairness of elections.
The resolution asserted that "free and fair elections," a constitutional mandate, are under threat. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in his opening remarks, criticised electronic voting machines (EVMs), suggesting they have made the election process "suspect." He emphasised the need for "tough decisions" to address internal weaknesses and factionalism within the party.
Veteran leader Digvijaya Singh raised concerns about EVMs, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra proposed reverting to ballot papers. Abhishek Singhvi advocated for 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) implementation. Rahul Gandhi urged party members to adopt a firm stand on issues like EVMs, inflation, unemployment, and allegations against the Adani Group.
Additionally, the CWC announced the formation of internal committees to analyse the party's recent electoral setbacks. Leaders like Ajay Maken and Ramesh Chennithala took responsibility for the party's poor performance in Haryana and Maharashtra, respectively.
Addressing factionalism, Kharge stated that internal disputes and public statements against fellow leaders had significantly weakened the party. He emphasised the need for a unified front and micro-level communication to counter misinformation campaigns by political rivals.
He also pointed out that national issues alone are insufficient to win state elections, calling for a stronger organisational structure and timely decision-making. "Our preparation must be robust from the beginning until the counting of votes," he remarked.
The party announced an extended CWC meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming Congress president. The resolution reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to addressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
