Since when did criticism of your policies become criticism of country: Congress to PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Sunday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his attack on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the UK, asking since when did the criticism of the PM's policies become the criticism of the country.
The Opposition party also alleged that it is the prime minister "who attacks democracy" and that is why discussions are held on it.
In an apparent reference to Gandhi's remarks made in London, Modi, while speaking in poll-bound Karnataka, termed it an insult to 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, the people of Karnataka, India's great traditions and its citizens.
"Statue of Lord Basaveshwara is in London, but it is unfortunate that in the same London questions were raised on India's democracy. The roots of India's democracy have been nurtured by centuries of our history. No power in this world can harm India's democratic traditions. Despite this some are constantly making it stand in the dock," Modi said in an obvious swipe at Gandhi.
Reacting to the prime minister's remarks, Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said the prime minister "wasted" nine years in "abusing" the elders and ancestors of this country.
"You (PM) insult three generations when you say nothing happened in the last 70 years, then you do not bother about the image of the country. You pat yourself on the back in Parliament saying 'ek akela sab par bhari', the world sees it and also laughs at it," Khera said in a video statement in Hindi posted on his Twitter account.
"When you show red eyes to the media in the country and raid foreign media, then you do not bother about the image of the country," Khera asked.
Khera claimed that the prime minister in his remarks abroad said that people considered it unfortunate to be born in India, and asked if he was not worried of what he was doing to the country's image.
"Mr. Prime Minister, you attack democracy and that is why discussions are held on it. If challenges to democracy are being discussed in front of Cambridge University students then that is an effort to strengthen democracy," the Congress leader said.
"You have some misgivings about yourself. You are just the PM, you are not God, you are not the creator, you don't make the sun rise...do away with these misgivings about yourself," he said.
Later in a tweet in Hindi, Khera said, "Since when did the criticism of your policies become the criticism of the country? You are just a prime minister, you are neither the country, nor God nor the creator."
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also hit back at Modi, saying he must speak like the prime minister.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
