Rahul Gandhi citizenship row: Subramanian Swamy moves Delhi High Court, seeks Centre's action
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's citizenship status. Swamy has requested that the Union Government submit a status report on his 2019 complaint, in which he alleged that Gandhi voluntarily declared British nationality to the British government, potentially holding a British passport.
Swamy claims this is a violation of Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which states that Indian citizens cannot hold dual citizenship if they have voluntarily acquired the nationality of another country. Swamy's complaint is based on documents from 2003, showing that Gandhi was a director and secretary of a UK-based company, Backops Limited, where his nationality was reportedly listed as British in the company's 2005 and 2006 annual returns.
Swamy has expressed frustration that despite repeated requests, no action has been taken by the government on his complaint. His petition seeks a directive for the Centre to resolve the issue and provide an official conclusion.
In May 2019, the Supreme Court had dismissed a similar plea to bar Rahul Gandhi from contesting elections based on the same citizenship issue. The court remarked that a company's declaration of Gandhi's British nationality does not automatically make him a British citizen.
The case is expected to be heard in court next week, filed through advocate Satya Sabharwal.
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CM Siddaramaiah orders action against hoarding, black marketing of essential commodities
Bengaluru, May 10 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed officials to crackdown on illegal stockpiling and black marketing of essential commodities in the state.
Chairing a meeting with officials of various deparmtents, he highlighted the need to combat fake news and keep a close watch on those inciting communal tensions.
“There should be continuous monitoring of illegal stockpiling and black market activities, and attempts to increase the price of goods unnecessarily should be prevented,” he said.
He also directed all Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) to hold daily media briefings until the ongoing crisis is brought under control.
“All DCs and SPs should prepare a list of all those who are exploiting the situation to threaten the harmony of the country and the state, inciting communal sentiments, creating communal divisions, and conspiring to endanger the security of the country, and to subject them to legal action,” the CM said.
At the meeting, officials were directed to take strict action against attempts to disrupt communal harmony. The list of communal mongers should be updated and they should be kept under surveillance.
Siddaramaiah stressed the need to curb fake news in the state and initiate strict action against those spreading it.
“Be careful to avoid spreading fake news in the media and social media. Nothing is bigger than the law and order of the state. Give first priority to the protection of the people of the state.”
Regarding security related exercises, he said mock drills should be conducted at important places.
“Instructions have already been given to take strict security measures along with law and order. Be prepared to face any situation. Guidelines should be prepared at the state and district levels in this regard,” Siddaramaiah said.
He also emphasised strengthening the intelligence network to ensure better security at public service delivery sites.
“Recruitment of volunteers for civil defence system should begin in all districts. Arrangements should be made for online registration. Security should be tightened along the coast. Continuous patrolling should be arranged at all important places,” the Chief Minister said in the meeting.
Siddaramaiah said fire brigade stations should be on a standby round-the-clock till normalcy returns. Further, help centres should be opened in all districts and helplines should be started.
