Rahul Gandhi must first publicly demonstrate his apology: BJP
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Thursday insisted on an apology from Rahul Gandhi and asked him to "first demonstrate" his regret as the Congress leader met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking permission to speak in the House amid an impasse in Parliament over his comments in Britain on the state of democracy in India.
Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi told reporters after another day of washout during the ongoing budget session that not only MPs but the entire country is angry over his comments which gravely insulted not just Parliament but the entire nation.
He has levelled "absolutely baseless and false allegations without any iota of truth," Goyal said even as the Congress rejected the BJP's charge and ruled out any apology from its former president.
Gandhi himself appeared unfazed by the political storm raging over his comments made in Britain at different events.
Taking a swipe at the Congress leader, who was also in Lok Sabha before it was adjourned for the day, Goyal said he is behaving as if he has come after performing some "great act of patriotism" without showing any sign of remorse.
The BJP has accused him of seeking intervention of foreign powers in India by portraying the state of democracy in the country in a poor light. With the ruling party seizing on his remarks and seeking his apology and the Congress remaining unfazed, the second leg of the session which began on Monday has been a washout so far.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi said, "India's prestige has not been attacked in such a manner before. Political differences may be there but there cannot be a graver crime than to seek interference from foreign powers. Anger prevails across the country for the grave insult Rahul Gandhi has inflicted upon what even the world acknowledges as the mother of democracy."
He should seek an apology as this is what MPs and the country are demanding, he said.
Joshi insisted that parties other than the BJP are also demanding Gandhi's apology.
Goyal said Gandhi has demonstrated his and the Congress' small-mindedness by not apologising so far.
To a question if the session is headed for a washout if the Congress sticks to its guns on the issue, Joshi said, "I don't think so." He, however, insisted that other parties are also of the view that he should apologise.
The minister said many precedents exist of senior most leaders apologising in the House and accused Gandhi of belittling the image of Parliament and the Speaker.
During an event in the UK, Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a "full-scale assault" on the country's institutions.
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
