'Using children' during Bharat Jodo Yatra: Congress dismisses NCPCR's allegation as 'complete lie'
New Delhi, Oct 11: The Congress on Tuesday dismissed as a "complete lie" apex child rights body NCPCR's allegation that the party has violated the law by setting up 'Jawahar Bal Manch' and "using children" for political purposes during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.
In a tweet, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said the apex child rights body has lodged an official complaint with the Election Commission regarding the use of children by the Congress through its department Jawahar Bal Manch during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.
The commission has issued a notice to the Congress.
The task of recognizing and regulating political parties rests with the Election Commission, so the matter has been taken up with it, Kanoongo said.
The NCPCR chief said that the matter pertains to opening a political department for children below 18 years of age by "violating" the principles of the Constitution.
Responding to his remarks, Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said, "This is a complete lie, not expected from the head of a statutory body even given his RSS/BJP links. Obviously, he is following in the footsteps of those who tell him what to do. We have submitted a detailed memorandum to the EC on the NCPCR's bogus complaint."
The Congress on Monday conveyed to the Election Commission that no violation of the Representation of the People Act was done during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and children were not used for campaigning, as it slammed the NCPCR's complaint against it as "frivolous" and "baseless".
The Congress also filed a counter complaint against the BJP, alleging that the ruling party and its functionaries were "using children in a malafide and perverse way".
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
