Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raises concerns over Indo-US trade deal announced during Parliament session, questioning tariffs, farmer security, and transparency.

Has India compromised under US pressure: Kharge on India-US trade deal

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raises concerns over Indo-US trade deal announced during Parliament session, questioning tariffs, farmer security, and transparency.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday questioned the manner in which the Indo-US trade deal was announced at a time Parliament was in session, and asked whether India had compromised in any manner under US "pressure".
He also asked whether India has agreed to zero tariffs on American imports, as claimed by US President Donald Trump. In a post on X, he also asked whether the country's farmers were secure and whether India has opened the agriculture sector for the US agriculture market.
He said India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership driven by shared values since several years now. "The Indo-US Nuclear Deal signed under former PM, Dr Manmohan Singh was a prime example of our commitment to mutual progress. The Congress-UPA government was transparent in its approach in regularly taking Parliament into confidence while inking the various agreements of the landmark deal.
"Contrast this with the present scenario, where the nation does not know any aspect of the trade deal, announced by President Trump," he said in his post.
Kharge said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet was on thanking him for reducing tariffs to 18 percent, but did not mention anything about the deal. "Parliament is in session, but the Modi government used an outside platform to talk about the deal, without divulging any details.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership driven by shared values since several years now. The Indo-US Nuclear Deal signed under Former PM, Dr Manmohan Singh was a prime example of our commitment to mutual progress. The Congress-UPA Govt&hellip;
&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/2018939384662573145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Three key questions, among others remain unanswered - Has India compromised in any manner under US pressure? Have we agreed to ZERO tariffs on American imports, as claimed by Mr. Trump? Would our farmers be secure? Have we, fully or partially opened up our agricultural sectors for the US Agri market?" he asked in his post.
"Would India stop buying oil from Russia? What has India conveyed to Russia in this regard?," he also asked. "Parliament and 140 crore people of India have the right to know," the Congress chief stressed.
India and the US have agreed on a framework for a trade deal under which Washington will bring down tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 50 per cent.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, stating he is on the same page with the leadership amid Kerala poll speculation.

'All is good, we are on same page': Shashi Tharoor after meeting Kharge-Rahul

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, stating he is on the same page with the leadership amid Kerala poll speculation.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for redressal of his grievances, after which he said "all is good" and "we are all on the same page", signalling a rapprochement with his party ahead of the crucial Kerala Assembly polls.
The meeting in Kharge's chamber in Parliament House complex lasted for about an hour and a half.
"We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion," Tharoor said.
"All is good and we are moving together on the same page, what more can I say," he told reporters in Parliament premises after the meeting.
Asked if the issue of chief ministerial face for Kerala polls was discussed, Tharoor said that was never the issue.
"I am not interested in being the candidate for anything. At the moment I am already an MP, I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram. I have their interest to look after in Parliament, that is my job," he said.
Tharoor said he was very satisfied with his meeting with the top Congress brass.
In a post on X, Tharoor said, "Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India."
He also posted a picture from the meeting in which the three of them are seen smiling and posing for a picture at Kharge's chamber in Parliament House complex.
The meeting comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls which are very crucial for the Congress as it seeks to wrest power from the Left after 10 years in the opposition and is going all out to secure a victory in the southern state.
Last week, Tharoor had skipped a key strategy meeting of the party for the upcoming Kerala polls as he was believed to be upset over Rahul Gandhi not properly acknowledging his presence at a recent event and repeated attempts by state leaders to "sideline" him.
Sources close to him had then said that while a series of events had led to Tharoor's disappointment with the treatment meted out to him, the tipping point was Gandhi not acknowledging him at the 'Maha Panchayath' held in Kochi on January 19 to felicitate the local body poll winners.
Gandhi had acknowledged other senior leaders present on the stage and took their names but did not mention Tharoor, a four-time MP and one of the three Congress Working Committee (CWC) members from the state, who was also on the dais, the sources said.
A row had erupted last year over his comments on the India-Pakistan conflict and the diplomatic outreach after the Pahalgam attack. His comments were at variance with the Congress' stand and many party leaders took a swipe at him, questioning his intentions.
Tharoor has, however, maintained that there is no variance in stance on foreign policy and there must be bipartisanship.
Kharge on Friday chaired a key meeting of the party here with Kerala leaders to fine-tune the party strategy for the assembly polls.

The Congress criticised the Modi government after President Murmu’s address, alleging it was repetitive, lacked accountability, and failed to address issues like MGNREGA and employment.

Congress attacks government over President’s address, calls it 'recycled' and hollow

The Congress criticised the Modi government after President Murmu&rsquo;s address, alleging it was repetitive, lacked accountability, and failed to address issues like MGNREGA and employment.

The Congress on Wednesday slammed the Narendra Modi government after President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, alleging the Cabinet clears the speech every year like a recycled ritual, reusing the same set of claims without truth or accountability.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Viksit Bharat slogan is repeated loudly, "yet it has no clear goals, timelines and measurable outcomes".
"While making lofty speeches on 'development', the anti-poor, pro-crony Modi government has mercilessly dismantled MGNREGA -- an Act that guaranteed the Right to Work -- snatching away the only source of livelihood for crores of workers," Kharge said on X.
"What kind of Viksit Bharat is this, where the poor are denied the means to survive, and dignity is sacrificed for slogans," he posted.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Every year the Union Cabinet clears the President&rsquo;s Address like a recycled ritual, reusing the same set of claims without truth or accountability. The slogan of Viksit Bharat is repeated loudly, yet it carries no clear goals, no timelines and no measurable outcomes. While&hellip;
&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/2016446355330531582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a joint sitting of Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget session, President Murmu urged members of both Houses to stand united on issues such as the resolve for Viksit Bharat, and campaign for Swadeshi and national security, while asserting that these issues were beyond all differences.
She also said the government will continue to accelerate the momentum of "reform express" as she listed various economic and social initiatives taken to make India a developed nation by 2047.
Asked about the president's address, Congress general secretary organisation K C Venugopal said, "Nothing was there; just a repetition of things they have done which they have told earlier also."
"Totally hollow speech prepared by the government that is customarily delivered by the President. Hollow promises of the government are repeated again and again," Venugopal said.
On opposition uproar as the President mentioned the new VB-G RAM G Act, he said, "We protested at that point in time. We are already on an agitation for the withdrawal of the VB law. That is why I said these are hollow promises of the Union government."
President Murmu's reference to the VB-G RAM G Act in her address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament sparked protests from opposition parties, which raised slogans, demanding a rollback of the law.
The President said the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act would provide a guarantee for 125 days of work, and stop corruption and leakages.
She also asserted that it would provide a new impetus to rural development.
Speaking with reporters in the Parliament House complex on the President's address, Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "The honourable President is only the spokesperson of the government for the purposes of this address. The address is written by the government and cleared by the cabinet."
"Under those circumstances, it was an insipid address; there was no vision which was laid out, only a list of alleged achievements of the government was read out. So, if there is one word to describe the address, it is -- insipid," Tewari said.
He asserted the opposition wants the VB-G RAM G Act be repealed and MGNREGA be reinstated.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s reference to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden exit triggered protests in the Rajya Sabha during the welcome of new Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

Kharge mentions Dhankhar's 'sudden' exit in Rajya Sabha, Treasury benches object

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge&rsquo;s reference to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar&rsquo;s sudden exit triggered protests in the Rajya Sabha during the welcome of new Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday mentioned the "unexpected and sudden exit" of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Upper House welcomed his successor CP Radhakrishnan, triggering a brief uproar from the Treasury benches, saying it was not suited to the occasion.
Welcoming the Chairman on his first day in the Rajya Sabha on behalf of the Opposition parties, Kharge also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at the beginning of the Winter Session, and said they would respond later.
The Congress, he said, "staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured Parliamentary traditions". "Be assured of our cooperation in the conduct of proceedings".
He, however, added, "Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, providing just opportunity to members of each party, is essential for credibility of this office".
He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of Vice-President on July 21 over health issues.
"I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman, which is unprecedented in the annals of Parliamentary history... The Chairman Rajya Sabha, as the custodian of the House, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government," Kharge said, triggering uproar from ruling party benches.
"I was disheartened that this House did not get an opportunity to give him a farewell," he said.
Kharge also mentioned that Radhakrishnan is related to former three-term Lok Sabha MP CK Kuppuswamy, who was a member of the Congress.
"It is better if you keep a balance between both sides. I wish you a successful term... The background you come from was mentioned by the PM, but you should also not forget you are from a Congress family," he said.
"Secondly, PM gave a statement outside (Parliament). He attacked us indirectly as well, we will reply to it here..." he added.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, slammed the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar's resignation on the "solemn occasion".
"This is a very solemn occasion... The Prime Minister has made very dignified remarks as part of the felicitation event. .. Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment..." Rijiju said.
"The language you used for the former chairman, the way you insulted him, the motion you served, we still have that copy..." he said.
He was referring to a motion for the removal of the Vice-President submitted by Opposition parties when Dhankhar was in office.
Leader of the House JP Nadda also intervened, urging members to maintain the dignity of the occasion.
He also referred to the loss faced by the opposition alliance, including Congress, in the recent Bihar assembly polls.
"This program is a pious occasion. We should maintain the dignity of the occasion. The issue that the Leader of Opposition raised, if we start discussing this, it is irrelevant... We will also have to mention that you brought a no-confidence motion against him twice. It is an obstacle in a good and congenial environment debate which is going on," Nadda said.
"Talking about what the Prime Minister spoke outside... The loss of Bihar and Haryana must have given you a lot of pain... Speak about it when the time comes," he said.
Addressing the media on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said the opposition was perturbed by the electoral losses in Bihar and was unable to digest its failure.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery, he said, adding it should not be used by Opposition to vent out frustration after defeat in elections.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Modi for calling Parliament a place for delivery, calling him the “biggest dramabaaz” and urging the government to focus on unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.

Congress hits back at PM Modi, labels him 'biggest dramabaaz'

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Modi for calling Parliament a place for delivery, calling him the &ldquo;biggest dramabaaz&rdquo; and urging the government to focus on unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.

The Congress on Monday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "biggest dramabaaz" and said his statement accusing the opposition of indulging in drama in Parliament is "nothing but hypocrisy".
Congress leaders, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary Jairam Ramesh, were responding to Modi saying in his comments before the start of the Winter session that Parliament is not a place for drama but delivery.
Instead of addressing the real issue of people, Prime Minister Modi has once again made his 'dramebazi delivery", Kharge said in a statement on X.
He said the reality is that the government has been continuously trampling on parliamentary decorum and system for the past 11 years, and the long list of such instances is well-known.
"The BJP should now end this drama of distraction and engage in debate in Parliament on the real issues facing the people," Kharge said in his post.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
शीतकालीन सत्र के पहले दिन प्रधानमंत्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी ने संसद के समक्ष मुख्य मुद्दों की बात करने के बजाय फ़िर से "ड्रामेबाज़ी की डिलीवरी" की है ! असलियत यह है कि संसदीय मर्यादा और संसदीय प्रणाली को पिछले 11 साल से सरकार ने लगातार कुचला है उसकी लंबी फेहरिस्त है । 🔸 पिछले&hellip;
&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1995369573546418500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He added that the truth is that common people are struggling with unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, and the looting of the country's precious resources, while "those in power are playing the game of dramabazi in the arrogance of authority".
In the last Monsoon session, at least 12 Bills were passed in haste, some in less than 15 minutes and some without any discussion at all, Kharge said.
"The entire country has previously witnessed how you bulldozed anti-farmer black laws, GST, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and such bills through Parliament in a frantic rush," he said.
When the Manipur issue was raised, the prime minister remained silent until the opposition brought a no-confidence motion, Kharge alleged.
"Due to SIR, BLOs are continuously losing their lives due to the workload in the process. The opposition wants to prioritize issues including 'vote theft' and we will continuously raise them in Parliament," the Congress leader added.
His party colleague Ramesh said the PM never attends Parliament, undermines it and doesn't engage with the opposition.
"Yet before every session he will stand outside the Parliament building and speak grandly to the nation asking for constructive cooperation from the Opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha."
"The PM's statement before Parliament begins is nothing but hypocrisy. The biggest dramabaaz of them all is talking of drama," Ramesh said in a post on X.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The PM never attends Parliament and undermines it. He never engages with the Opposition. Yet before every session he will stand outside the Parliament building and speak grandly to the nation asking for constructive cooperation from the Opposition to ensure the smooth&hellip;
&mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1995359887690518976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He said if the Parliament doesn't function smoothly, the fault is entirely that of the PM and his stubborn refusal to allow the Opposition to raise issues of urgent public importance.
"He wants to always have his way without giving the Opposition an opportunity to at least have its say," Ramesh said on X.
Hitting out at the opposition for stalling parliamentary proceedings earlier in the day, Modi said, "We need to work with a sense of responsibility. Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery."
Referring to the drubbing of opposition parties in the Bihar polls, he said the opposition was perturbed by the electoral loss and unable to digest failure.
"For some time now, our Parliament is being used either as a warm up arena for elections or as an outlet for frustration after defeat," Modi said.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
The opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its depression after loss in elections, he said, adding that that must come out of ths frustration.
"They should change their strategy - I am ready to give them a few tips," the PM said.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of Congress cooperation for smooth proceedings, while urging fair treatment for both Opposition and Treasury benches.

Kharge Assures Cooperation in Rajya Sabha, Emphasizes Fairness

Kharge Assures Cooperation in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of Congress cooperation for smooth proceedings, while urging fair treatment for both Opposition and Treasury benches.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, as he also urged him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally.
As the Rajya Sabha members felicitated the Vice President, who is also the Chairman of the Upper House, on his first day in the Chair, Kharge also remembered Radhakrishnan's predecessor, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, triggering protests from the treasury benches.
Welcoming the Chairman on behalf of the Opposition parties, Kharge said the Congress "staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured Parliamentary traditions... be assured of our cooperation in the conduct of proceedings".
"Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, providing just opportunity to members of each party, is essential for credibility of this office," Kharge said.
He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of Vice-President on July 21 over health issues.
"I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman Rajya... I was disheartened that this House did not get an opportunity to give him a farewell," he said, triggering protests from the treasury benches.
Kharge urged the Chairman to ensure a balance between the Treasury and Opposition sides.
"Better if you keep a balance between both sides. I wish you a successful term," he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar's resignation on the "solemn occasion".
"Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment..." Rijiju said.

On Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, in his personal view, the RSS should be banned, citing law and order problems linked to the BJP-RSS.

Congress chief Kharge says RSS should be banned, blames BJP-RSS for law and order issues

On Sardar Patel&rsquo;s birth anniversary, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, in his personal view, the RSS should be banned, citing law and order problems linked to the BJP-RSS.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that in his personal opinion the RSS should be banned as most of the law and order problems in the country are arising because of the BJP-RSS.
Kharge also hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he attacked the party on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary, and cited Patel's remarks criticising the RSS following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
Responding to a question on banning RSS, Kharge said, &ldquo;It is my personal opinion, it should be done&rdquo; as most of the issues and law and order problems are arising because of the BJP-RSS.
Noting that today is the birth anniversary of Patel and death anniversary of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Congress president said these two great leaders -- "iron man" and "iron lady" -- made a big contribution to the country and strived to maintain unity.
"This is the history of the Congress and its contribution," Kharge said at a press conference here.
Kharge cited a letter written by Patel to Syama Prasad Mookerjee in which the then home minister said the RSS had created an atmosphere that led to the tragedy of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination.
They always tried to portray a rift between India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Patel when they had great ties and both had praised each other, Kharge said. Nehru hailed Patel for shaping India's unity and Patel called Nehru an ideal for the country.
Kharge's remarks came after Prime Minister Modi said Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states, into India, but then PM Nehru did not allow it to happen.
Slamming the Congress, Modi said that the party inherited the slave mentality from the British who ruled India. The country is removing every trace of colonial mindset, he added.
Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel was a pivotal figure in India's struggle for Independence. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national integration, he is fondly remembered as the "Iron Man of India." He died in 1950.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leads a protest against alleged voter manipulation by BJP. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, detained during a march against the Special Intensive Revision exercise. The INDIA alliance seeks to defend democratic rights.

Kharge Leads Protest Against Alleged Voter Manipulation by BJP

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led a protest against alleged voter manipulation by BJP. Opposition's attempt to march to the Election Commission was stopped by police, resulting in the detention of several leaders, including Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the protest against voter manipulation as crucial for democracy's defense, accusing BJP of conspiracy. Police halted opposition's march to the Election Commission, detaining leaders like Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said the protest against 'vote chori' and SIR is a fight to protect people's right to vote and a struggle to save democracy and asserted the INDIA alliance will expose BJP's "conspiracy".
His remarks came as top opposition leaders were stopped from taking out a march to the Election Commission office to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar.
In a post on X, he said, "BJP's cowardly dictatorship will not work!".
"This is a fight to protect the people's right to vote. This is a struggle to save democracy," he said.
"The allies of the INDIA coalition will surely expose this BJP conspiracy to shred the Constitution," Kharge said in his post in Hindi.
Kharge was among those who participated in the Opposition MPs protest march from Parliament to the Election Commission office.
The protesting MPs were prevented by the police from moving forward and were detained and taken away in buses.
Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were among the top leaders detained by police while taking out the march.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge held Home Minister Amit Shah accountable for the Pahalgam terror attack, citing Jammu & Kashmir LG's security lapse admission.

Amit Shah must take responsibility for 'security lapse' at Pahalgam: Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge held Home Minister Amit Shah accountable for the Pahalgam terror attack, citing Jammu &amp; Kashmir LG's security lapse admission.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said Home Minister Amit Shah must take responsibility for the "security lapse" which led to the Pahalgam terror attack, and demanded that accountability be fixed.
He was citing Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's statement.
Speaking during the special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in the Upper House, the Congress leader attacked the government and took a jibe at PM Narendra Modi's unscheduled visit to Pakistan in 2015.
Kharge said the prime minister should have been present at all-party meet instead of campaigning in Bihar, and questioned Modi's sincerity towards national security.
Demanding accountability, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said the government should admit its 'lapses' and 'failure' in stopping terror attacks.
He asked if Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's statement on security lapses was aimed at "saving" the home minister.
"Jammu Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha himself admitted that Pahalgam was a security lapse and what happened in Pahalgam was unfortunate, innocent people were brutally killed. (Sinha said) I take all responsibility for the incident. However the home minister must take responsibility for security lapse not the LG," Kharge said.
Congress President and LoP Kharge accused the Modi govt of being arrogant, and not responding to letters by the opposition.&nbsp;

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticises the Modi government’s “disastrous” economic policies and demands bold second-generation reforms on the anniversary of India’s 1991 liberalisation budget.

Kharge Calls for Second-Gen Economic Reforms, Slams Modi Govt’s 'Inertia'

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticises the Modi government&rsquo;s &ldquo;disastrous&rdquo; economic policies and demands bold second-generation reforms on the anniversary of India&rsquo;s 1991 liberalisation budget.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday referred to the 1991 landmark liberalisation budget to say India urgently needed an impactful second-generation economic reforms, but an "inherent inertia" has set in the Narendra Modi government in the past 11 years.
He alleged that due to the "disastrous economic policies" of the Modi dispensation, "which lacks both vision and action", the economy is reeling at a sub-par growth rate.
"Inequality has widened, wage growth has miserably stagnated, household savings are getting depleted, youth do not have jobs, the middle class and poor are being robbed to help cronies, and we are facing a trade war, which would hurt both our agriculture and manufacturing sectors," Kharge alleged.
"Thanks to the disastrous economic policies of the Modi government, which lacks both vision and action," he said.
On the 34th anniversary of the presentation of the budget by then finance minister Manmohan Singh that ushered in economic liberalisation, Kharge said the 1991 budget was a "pivotal moment" for India, ushering in significant changes for the nation and its citizens.
"Under the guidance of PM P V Narasimha Rao and the then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, India embarked on a transformative journey with a series of economic reforms that played a pivotal role in shaping the middle class for generations to come," he said on X.
The Congress party takes immense pride in its economic liberalisation policies, a landmark achievement that significantly spurred India's inclusive growth and helped lift crores out of poverty, Kharge said.
"Today, we once again face an urgent need for impactful, robust second-generation economic reforms. But even though these reforms are crucial to benefit both the middle class and the deprived, there is an inherent inertia that has set in the last 11 years to take bold decisions." The Congress has been attacking the Modi government over its handling of the economy, claiming the issues of rising prices, decreasing private investment, and stagnating wages were hitting the common people hard.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleges secrecy behind Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President; demands explanation from the government.

Congress Questions Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation

VP Dhankhar's Resignation Raises Questions

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleges secrecy behind Jagdeep Dhankhar&rsquo;s resignation as Vice President; demands explanation from the government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that there is something fishy about Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as the vice president and asked the government to clarify on it.
Kharge claimed that Dhankhar used to "defend" the BJP and the RSS more than the the BJP-RSS people themselves, but still had to resign.
"The government must answer why he resigned, what are the reasons, what is the secret behind it. We feel that 'daal mein kuch kaala hai (there is something fishy)'. He seems healthy and always keeps a good vocabulary. But what happened? He used to defend the BJP and the RSS more than the BJP-RSS people themselves," the Congress president said.
Such was Dhankhar's loyalty towards the BJP-RSS, Kharge added.
"At such a time, he has given his resignation, so the country should be informed what is the reason and who is behind this?" he told reporters.
On RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks exhorting people to imbibe 'Indianness' and show the world the answers to all problems it is facing, Kharge said they are rewriting history.
"Jawaharlal Nehru wrote Discovery of India but they reject that. They also reject what our professors of history say. Their history is different and the history of the country is different," Kharge said.
In a sudden move on Monday night, Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday evening, citing medical reasons. He sent his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu and said he is stepping down with immediate effect.
The Congress on Tuesday claimed the reasons behind Dhankhar's resignation as vice president are "far deeper" than health issues cited by him, and said his resignation speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected to the post.
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022 and his tenure was till 2027.
He was also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha and his resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Dhankhar had recently undergone angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
In his eventful tenure as the Rajya Sabha chairman, Dhankhar had several run-ins with the opposition, which had also moved a motion to impeach him.
The motion, the first time ever in independent India to remove a vice president, was later rejected by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

Kharge criticized Trump's ceasefire claims in Operation Sindoor. Rajya Sabha session ended amid protests over the Pahalgam attack, demanding clarification from PM Modi.

Kharge slams ceasefire claim of Trump as humiliating

Opposition Leader Kharge demanded clarification over Trump's ceasefire claims during Operation Sindoor. The Rajya Sabha session saw protests, emphasizing Operation Sindoor's and the Pahalgam attack's unresolved issues.

Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Trump for claiming credit on India-Pakistan ceasefire, demanding discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Operation Sindoor, linked to the Pahalgam attack, remains contentious.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday termed US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he mediated between India and Pakistan to bring about a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor in May as "humiliating" for the country, and asked the government for a clarification on the issue.
Kharge, and other Congress party members also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give answers to the issues raised by them regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and Trump's claims on ceasefire during Operation Sindoor.
The House witnessed a brief adjournment due to opposition uproar during the Zero Hour, and also a walkout by Congress when the Rajya Sabha reassembled for the Question Hour at 12 noon.
Kharge, along with several opposition members in the Rajya Sabha, had submitted adjournment notices (under Rule 267) to take up discussion on the terror attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor after suspending the listed business of the day.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, the Congress President made a case for a two-day debate on the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, alleged security lapses and foreign policy. "The Prime Minister should answer," he demanded.
Recalling that the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22, Kharge lamented that the terrorists who carried the attack have neither been caught nor killed till date.
Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha himself has admitted that there has been a lapse in Pahalgam, he added.
Kharge said all political parties had given unconditional support to the government. "In such a situation, we want to know from the government what is the complete situation?," he said.
The senior Congress leader further said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Deputy Army Chief and one of the senior Defence Attache have made some revelations regarding Operation Sindoor.
"Apart from this, the government should also clarify its stand on the statement of US President Donald Trump, because he has claimed not once but 24 times that he got the ceasefire done. This is humiliating for the country," he said.
Responding to Kharge's demands, Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda asserted that the government was ready to discuss all issues related to Operation Sindoor.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also assured agitating Opposition MPs that he will ensure a full-fledged discussion on the issue for as much time as members want.
Dhankhar said he will discuss the issue with leaders of various parties, as he adjourned the House proceedings briefly till 12 noon amid uproar by Opposition benches.
When the House met at 12 noon for the scheduled Question Hour, the Congress party again raised the issue, and later staged a walkout from the House in protest.
Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, launched a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose.
Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan.
A ceasefire was announced on May 10.

Top leaders including PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and MK Stalin extended warm birthday wishes to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as he turned 83, praising his leadership and commitment.

Mallikarjun Kharge Celebrates 83rd Birthday with Warm Wishes from Leaders

Mallikarjun Kharge's 83rd Birthday Celebration

Top leaders including PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and MK Stalin extended warm birthday wishes to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as he turned 83, praising his leadership and commitment.

Birthday wishes poured in for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as he turned 83 on Monday with former party chief Rahul Gandhi saying his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India "inspire us all".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Kharge on his birthday and wished him a long and healthy life.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life.<a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1947135288376959262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life," Modi said on X.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Wishing Congress President @kharge ji a very happy birthday! Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India inspire us all." "May you be blessed with good health and happiness," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wishing Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> ji a very happy birthday! Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India inspire us all. May you be blessed with good health and happiness.
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1947145377226113470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal greeted Kharge and lauded his leadership.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wishing our dynamic, determined and inspirational AICC President Sh. Mallikarjun <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> ji a very happy birthday. For lakhs of Congress workers, his vision, wisdom and commitment to the party and its ideology is an inspiration. His rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/HchI2l15Iw">pic.twitter.com/HchI2l15Iw</a>
&mdash; K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1947146870658322710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Wishing our dynamic, determined and inspirational AICC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji a very happy birthday. For lakhs of Congress workers, his vision, wisdom and commitment to the party and its ideology is an inspiration," he said.
"His rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of the party is a testament to his hard work and leadership qualities. Since he has assumed office, our party has also made notable strides in our fight for justice, democracy and protecting the Constitution," Venugopal said.
"We are proud to be led by a towering personality like Kharge ji, from whom I continue to learn everyday. May he be blessed with great health and happiness in the coming years!" he said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also wished Kharge on his birthday.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wishing our visionary leader, AICC President shri <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> Ji good health, happiness, and many more years in the service of the Nation and people. <a href="https://t.co/NGlwNnyhbD">pic.twitter.com/NGlwNnyhbD</a>
&mdash; Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) <a href="https://twitter.com/revanth_anumula/status/1947144693151920284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Wishing our visionary leader, AICC President shri Kharge Ji good health, happiness, and many more years in the service of the Nation and people," Reddy said on X.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on X, "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Congress Party's National President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Kharge ji on his birthday." "The commitment, dedication and fighting spirit with which you have worked for public service, protection of constitutional values and social justice is an inspiration for all of us," he said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
कांग्रेस पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष एवं राज्यसभा में नेता प्रतिपक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> जी को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ। आपने जनसेवा, संवैधानिक मूल्यों की रक्षा एवं सामाजिक न्याय के लिए जिस प्रतिबद्धता, निष्ठा और संघर्षभाव से कार्य किया है, वह हम सभी के लिए प्रेरणा है।&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/epxK0TyrUD">pic.twitter.com/epxK0TyrUD</a>
&mdash; Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/SukhuSukhvinder/status/1947139681734545893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar greeted Kharge and said that over the years, he has witnessed Kharge's deep commitment to the people and to the ideals of the Congress Party.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Warm birthday wishes to AICC President and Karnataka's pride Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> avaru. Over the years, I have witnessed your deep commitment to the people and to the ideals of the Congress Party. Your journey from the grassroots to national leadership is an inspiration to all of us&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/WHeSuNVpgR">pic.twitter.com/WHeSuNVpgR</a>
&mdash; DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DKShivakumar/status/1947106754640425312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Your journey from the grassroots to national leadership is an inspiration to all of us in public life. For Karnataka and for India, you remain a pillar of strength and wisdom. Wishing good health and many more years in the service of the nation," Shivakumar said on X.
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said on X, "A very Happy Birthday to our respected @INCIndia president Shri @kharge Sahib. His experience and his perspective are a source of guidance for all of us." In a post on its official X handle, the Congress extended birthday greetings to the party president.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A very Happy Birthday to our respected <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> president Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> Sahib. His experience and his perspective are a source of guidance for all of us. <a href="https://t.co/2FtADuHEtT">pic.twitter.com/2FtADuHEtT</a>
&mdash; Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pawankhera/status/1947111290943807562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"A relentless champion of justice and equality, he leads the party with unparalleled courage, wisdom, and political acumen. His inspiring leadership strengthens our resolve to uphold the Constitution with unwavering integrity," the party said.
His faith and commitment to democracy and decades of distinguished public service make him a true icon, the Congress said.
"Wishing you good health, immense happiness, and many more years of bold, visionary leadership," it said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also greeted Kharge and said he has been pivotal in strengthening the INDIA bloc by standing firm against forces that seek to sow division and weaken our unity.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Warm birthday greetings to <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> President Thiru <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> avaru. You have been pivotal in strengthening <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDIA</a> by standing firm against forces that seek to sow division and weaken our unity. Wishing you enduring resolve, good health, and wisdom as you continue to uphold the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/5BeGQ9Tfyt">pic.twitter.com/5BeGQ9Tfyt</a>
&mdash; M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1947102979539996911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Wishing you enduring resolve, good health, and wisdom as you continue to uphold the dignity and collective will of the people," Stalin said.
Kerala Chief Pinarayi Vijayan also wished Kharge.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Birthday greetings to Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a>. Wishing you a joyous and healthy life ahead.
&mdash; Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/pinarayivijayan/status/1947148998344925356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Birthday greetings to Congress President @kharge. Wishing you a joyous and healthy life ahead," Vijayan said on X.
NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar greeted Kharge and hailed his leadership.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&lsquo;भारतीय राष्ट्रीय काँग्रेस&rsquo;चे अध्यक्ष श्री. मल्लिकार्जुन खर्गे जी आपला आज वाढदिवस. भारतीय विचारधारा संक्रमणाच्या अवस्थेतून जात असताना एखाद्या ज्येष्ठ राजकीय नेत्याने जी प्रगल्भता दाखवायला हवी, जो समन्वय साधायला हवा त्यात आपण आम्हा सर्वांसमवेत बजावत असलेली भूमिका अत्यंत मोलाची&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/dqIocTGATe">pic.twitter.com/dqIocTGATe</a>
&mdash; Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks/status/1947161390436995137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

BJP accuses Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of making derogatory remarks against President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind, demands public apology and resignation amid rising controversy.

BJP accuses Kharge of using 'objectionable' words against Prez Murmu, Kovind

BJP accuses Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of making derogatory remarks against President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind, demands public apology and resignation amid rising controversy.

The BJP on Tuesday accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of insulting President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind by using certain "objectionable" words against them, and demanded a public apology from him and his party.
This came a day after Kharge, while speaking at an event in Chhattisgarh, reportedly mispronounced the names of President Murmu and her predecessor Kovind but quickly corrected himself.
Addressing a public rally in Raipur on Monday, the Congress president also said that "The BJP always speaks about making (Droupadi) Murmu ji and (Ram Nath) Kovind ji presidents of the country but did the party do all this to snatch our assets, forests, water and land".
At a press conference here, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia charged that Kharge used "objectionable words for President Droupadi Murmu ji and former President Ram Nath Kovind ji&rdquo;.
This shows the "anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution" mindset of the Congress in its DNA, he charged.
"You (Kharge) talk big - you called Ram Nath Kovind ji 'covid'....You call 'Murma ji' and then called her (President Droupadi Murmu) a land mafia, alleging that she has become President to snatch away assets, forests," he charged.
There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to the BJP charge.
Bhatia demanded that Kharge apologise for making "distasteful and derogatory" remarks against Murmu and Kovind, alleging the Congress president did not only insult them but also hurt the sentiments of Adivasi and Dalit community members with his comments.
He also demanded a public apology from the Congress for Kharge's remarks and asked the Congress workers to make him resign from the post of party president .
"If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologise, you will see every citizen (of the country) expressing their anger. This mistake will cost Congress dearly," Bhatia said.
Calling Kharge a "remote-controlled" national president of the Congress, the BJP spokesperson alleged that he made "objectionable comments" at the behest of party leader Rahul Gandhi.
"Entire India, Adivasi society, Dalit society and women are condemning Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress," he added.

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Kharge Writes to PM Modi on Reservations

Kharge urges PM Modi on caste census

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the government's caste census decision, urging him to draw upon the Telangana model as well as have a dialogue with all political parties soon on this issue.
In his letter to Modi, Kharge has also urged the prime minister to remove the 50 percent cap on reservation by a constitutional amendment and immediately implement Article 15(5), providing for reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions.
"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.
"Our great nation and our large-hearted people have always come together as one whenever needed, just as we have done after the recent cowardly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam," he said in his letter to Modi dated May 5.
The Congress believes that conducting the caste census in the comprehensive manner is absolutely necessary to ensure social and economic justice and equality of status and opportunity as pledged in the Preamble of our Constitution, Kharge said.
The Congress president recalled that he had also written to the prime minister on April 16, 2023, putting forward the Congress' demand for an up-to-date caste census.
"Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter. Unfortunately, your party leaders and yourself went on to attack the Congress and its leadership for raising this legitimate demand, which you today acknowledge is in the interests of deeper social justice and empowerment," Kharge said in his letter to the PM.
"You have now announced, without providing any details, that the next census (which was actually due in 2021) will include caste as a separate category as well," he noted.
Kharge said he has three suggestions to make, with the first one being about the design of the census questionnaire.
Caste information has to be collected not for counting purposes but for achieving larger socio-economic objectives, Kharge pointed out.
"The recently concluded Telangana caste survey was designed and implemented with such goals in mind. The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model--both the methodology adopted for finalizing the questionnaire and the final set of questions asked," Kharge said.
Nothing in the report published finally should be concealed so that complete socio-economic data of each caste is made available to provide them their constitutionally enabled rights and the socio-economic progress can be measured from one census to another, he said.
Kharge also pointed out that only the Tamil Nadu reservations law has been protected in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution since August 1994.
Laws of other states should also be included in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution, he said.
Moreover, whatever the results of the caste census will be, it is abundantly clear that the arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling on reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs must be removed by a constitutional amendment, Kharge asserted.
The Congress president also called for immediate implementation of Article 15(5).
"Article 15(5) was introduced in the Constitution of India with effect from 20th January 2006. This was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court. Finally, it was upheld by the Supreme Court after prolonged deliberations on 29 January, 2014, very shortly before the model code of conduct for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections went into effect," he said.
Kharge pointed out that it provides for reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs in private educational institutions as well.
"In its 364th Report on the Demand for Grants for the Department of Higher Education, submitted on 25th March 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports had also recommended new legislation to implement Article 15(5)," he said.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, had been demanding a nationwide caste census, making it a major election issue. Some states, like Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka, have conducted such surveys.
Sharing Kharge's letter on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Following the CWC meeting on May 2nd, the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji wrote to the PM last night on Mr. Modi's sudden and desperate U-turn on the caste census - even as the nation's anguish and anger at the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks continued unabated." "Kharge ji has made three very specific suggestions," he said. '

Sonia Gandhi inaugurates the Indira Gandhi Bhawan, the new headquarters of the Congress party, marking a significant step forward while acknowledging the emotional connection to the iconic 24, Akbar Road office.

Sonia Gandhi inaugurates Congress’ new Kotla Road headquarters —  ‘Indira Bhawan’

Sonia Gandhi inaugurates the Indira Gandhi Bhawan, the new headquarters of the Congress party, marking a significant step forward while acknowledging the emotional connection to the iconic 24, Akbar Road office.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the party's new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road here on Wednesday (January 15, 2025), marking a key moment in the history of the grand old party which has operated from the 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal, among other senior party leaders, were present on the occasion. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress MP Sonia Gandhi inaugurates 'Indira Bhawan', the new headquarters of the party in Delhi Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Rahul Gandhi and other prominent leaders of the party also present <a href="https://t.co/9X7XXNYEOn">pic.twitter.com/9X7XXNYEOn</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1879394386938921377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The event saw party leaders hoist the party flag at the new headquarters and the singing of Vande Matram and the national anthem.
Sonia Gandhi then inaugurated the building, asking Mr. Kharge to join her in cutting the ribbon at the entry of the building.
The new state-of-the-art AICC headquarters &mdash; Indira Gandhi Bhawan - symbolises the Congress party's continuing mission to uphold the vision of its stalwarts, the party had earlier said. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
इंदिरा भवन लोकतंत्र, राष्ट्रवाद, धर्म निरपेक्षता, समावेशी विकास और सामाजिक न्याय की नींव पर बना कांग्रेस का नया मुख्यालय। कांग्रेस के 140 साल पुराने गौरवशाली इतिहास को खुद में संजोए, यहां की दीवारें सत्य, अहिंसा, त्याग, संघर्ष और देश प्रेम की महागाथा बयां कर रही हैं।&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/sxV9RJW2Ez">pic.twitter.com/sxV9RJW2Ez</a>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1879394859309728148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new,&rdquo; AICC general secretary, organisation, Venugopal had said. The construction of Indira Gandhi Bhawan was started during Sonia Gandhi's tenure as Congress chief.
&ldquo;Situated at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities.&rdquo;
"This iconic building reflects the Congress party's forward-looking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social fabric of India," he had said.
Sources have said the party will not vacate its present 24, Akbar Road office, which has been its headquarters since 1978 after the Congress (I) was formed, and it will continue to house some of its cells.
The construction of the new AICC headquarters was delayed by several years owing to "paucity of funds" ever since the Congress lost its government at the Centre. The BJP has also not vacated its old party headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, even after shifting to its new headquarters at Deendayal Upadhyay Marg.
Congress old-timers and romantics agree that modern amenities and a larger area are the need of the hour but the emotional connect and unfolding of history associated with the 24, Akbar Road address will always stay strong.
The Akbar Road bungalow once housed Sir Reginald Maxwell, who was a member of Viceroy Lord Linlithgow's executive council. It was also home to a teen Aung San Suu Kyi in 1961 when her mother was appointed ambassador to India.
The Congress has been its mainstay though. More than just an office for the party, the premises set in expansive lawns was witness to the tenure of seven Congress presidents.

Mallikarjun Kharge criticized VP Jagdeep Dhankhar as the "biggest government spokesperson," accusing him of stifling opposition discussions in the Rajya Sabha. He highlighted that the INDIA bloc's no-confidence motion aims to protect democracy.

Kharge Criticizes VP Dhankhar for Rajya Sabha Disruptions

<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="650f097c-4524-4785-b908-b906b40e1845" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o-mini">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
Mallikarjun Kharge criticized VP Jagdeep Dhankhar as the "biggest government spokesperson," accusing him of stifling opposition discussions in the Rajya Sabha. He highlighted that the INDIA bloc's no-confidence motion aims to protect democracy.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday, calling him the "biggest spokesperson" for the government. In response to the opposition&rsquo;s motion to remove Dhankhar, Kharge stated that the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was the primary cause of disruptions in the upper house. He emphasized that the position of Vice President, historically seen as impartial, had never been subject to such a motion since 1952, as previous officeholders had always been unbiased and adhered to the rules of the House.
Kharge accused Dhankhar of deviating from the tradition of neutrality, arguing that his actions reflected more politics than procedure. He further accused the Rajya Sabha Chairman of stifling important discussions raised by the opposition, claiming that Dhankhar regularly prevented opposition leaders from speaking and deliberately blocked debates on critical issues.
The Congress leader also alleged that Dhankhar was more loyal to the ruling BJP than to the Constitution, describing him as a spokesperson for the government instead of an impartial chair. Kharge remarked that the Vice President seemed more focused on advancing his political agenda than on upholding the dignity of the House.
Kharge clarified that the opposition&rsquo;s motion was not motivated by personal animosity but by a commitment to preserving democratic values, the Constitution, and the integrity of the Rajya Sabha. He stated that the INDIA bloc had taken this step after careful deliberation and due consideration of the prevailing situation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the nation's democratic institutions.

The new laws replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act.

INDIA will not allow 'bulldozer justice': Kharge on new criminal laws

The new laws replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday claimed that the three new criminal laws were passed "forcibly" after suspending 146 MPs in the last Lok Sabha, and asserted that the INDIA bloc will not allow such "bulldozer justice" to prevail in the country's parliamentary system.
The three new criminal laws came into effect in the country on Monday, bringing far-reaching changes in India's criminal justice system.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) take into account some of the current social realities and modern-day crimes.
The new laws replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, "After the political and moral shock in the elections, Modi ji and the BJP are pretending to respect the Constitution, but the truth is that the three laws of the criminal justice system which are being implemented from today, were passed forcibly after suspension of 146 MPs." "INDIA will no longer allow this 'bulldozer justice' to prevail in the parliamentary system," he asserted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the laws, had said the new laws would give priority to providing justice, unlike the colonial-era laws that gave primacy to penal action.
From Monday, all fresh FIRs will be registered under the BNS. However, cases filed earlier will continue to be tried under the old laws till their final disposals.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/nta-declares-results-of-neet-ug-retest-held-for-1-563-candidates-1719808908996">NTA declares results of NEET-UG retest held for 1,563 candidates</a>

The Congress chief said the Lok Sabha poll mandate is a decisive rejection of the politics of divisiveness and hate.

INDIA bloc must function cohesively both in and out of Parliament: Kharge at CWC meet

The Congress chief said the Lok Sabha poll mandate is a decisive rejection of the politics of divisiveness and hate.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge Saturday said the Lok Sabha poll mandate is a "decisive rejection" of the politics of divisiveness and hate, and stressed that the INDIA bloc must continue functioning cohesively both inside and outside Parliament.
In his opening remarks at the Congress Working Committee meeting here, Kharge also asserted that while celebrating its "revival", the party should pause a little as it did not perform to its abilities and expectations in some states.
"Further, we could not repeat our performance in states where we had previously done well in Vidhan Sabha elections and formed the government," he said.
Separate discussions on each such state will be held soon, he said.
"We have to take urgent remedial measures. These are states which have traditionally favoured the Congress, where we have opportunities which we have to harness not for our own advantage but for the benefit of our people. This exercise I propose to hold very soon," the Congress chief said.
Kharge further said whether the party is in power or not, its work continues amongst people "24 hours, 365 days", and raise their issues.
The Congress Working Committee congratulated leaders and workers for their determination, will power and resolve.
"People have spoken against the dictatorial and anti-democratic ways of the ruling party. It is a decisive rejection of the politics of the last 10 years. It is rejection of the politics of divisiveness, hate and polarisation," Kharge said.
"I want to draw your attention to the fact that wherever Bharat Jodo Yatra went we saw an increase in the vote percentage and number of seats for the Congress party," he said.
Noting that the Congress won both the seats of Manipur, Kharge said the party also won seats in Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya.
"In Maharashtra, we emerged as the single-largest party. People from all walks of life supported the Congress party to save the country's democracy and constitution," he said.
Other than this, Kharge said the party also saw an increase in seats dominated by SC, ST, OBC, and minority voters, as well as seats in rural areas.
Going forward, the Congress has to make its presence felt in urban areas as well, he added.
Kharge also hailed INDIA bloc partners, saying each party played its designated role in different states, and each party contributed to the other.
"Our determination is that the INDIA group must continue. We must function cohesively and collectively both in Parliament and outside," he said.
The issues that we raised in the election campaign are issues that are bothering the people of India. We have to continue to raise them both in Parliament and outside, Kharge said.
"We must be disciplined, must be united. The People have reposed their faith back in us in substantial measures and we must build on it. We accept this verdict with genuine humility.
"Whether we are in power or not, Congress party's work continues. We have to work amongst our people 24 hours, 365 days and raise their issues," Kharge said.
He also thanked farmers, organisations working for backward classes, civil society groups, NGOs, small groups of traders, lawyers, intellectuals, independent media and others.
He also cautioned leaders that the discussions in the CWC should remain within the party forum and there should not be a "running commentary" on what is being deliberated on at the meeting.
The extended meeting of the party's top decision-making body -- the Congress Working Committee (CWC) -- started at Hotel Ashok here.
Senior party leaders and members of the CWC, along with Congress Legislature Party leaders and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents from various states, will analyse the party's performance and suggest measures to strengthen the organisation.
The Congress's top brass, including party chief Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretaries K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh, besides other leaders, were participating in the deliberations.
Kharge, who has convened the meeting, will also host a dinner for all the extended CWC members and party MPs at the hotel.
A meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party comprising all newly-elected MPs of the Lok Sabha and those of the Rajya Sabha will be held in the Central Hall of Parliament at 5.30 pm.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/president-muizzu-to-attend-pm-modi-s-oath-ceremony-in-new-delhi-report-1717819810889">President Muizzu to attend PM Modi&rsquo;s oath ceremony in New Delhi: Report</a>

 Kharge asserted that they had to compromise to ensure the opposition alliance's victory while giving space to other parties that have strengths in different parts of the country. 

Kharge reveals why Congress is contesting in fewer seats in 2024 Lok Sabha election 

Kharge asserted that they had to compromise to ensure the opposition alliance's victory while giving space to other parties that have strengths in different parts of the country.

&nbsp;The Congress has consciously contested on a lesser number of seats in this Lok Sabha election as part of a strategy to keep the INDIA bloc together and defeat the BJP, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said.
In an interview with PTI, he said this does not exhibit "under-confidence" on the part of the party as the "compromise was struck to ensure victory of the united opposition while giving space to other parties which have strengths in different parts of the country".
Kharge also termed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra an "asset" and a star campaigner and justified her decision to not contest the elections.
Asked which seat Rahul Gandhi should leave, in case he wins both Wayanad and Rae Bareli, Kharge said it is his personal choice.
"We have taken a conscious decision to contest on a lesser number of seats. This is being done to keep the alliance partners together and that's why we have made this compromise," he told PTI.
Kharge said the Congress had formed a committee to forge coalitions in every state after holding consultations with other like-minded parties.
"The party high command approved this strategy. We have held consultations in every state," he said.
The Congress is contesting 328 seats, its lowest-ever, leaving more than 200 seats for the other opposition parties in the INDIA bloc.
On many alliance partners fighting against each other in states like Kerala, Bengal, and Punjab, he said, "There is no disunity in fighting against the central government. In states, we are fighting as both INDIA parties are key in some states, otherwise it will benefit the BJP." The Congress chief said every state has a different alliance, "but we are all fighting against the BJP's and Modi ji's ideology." "The parties have taken a well-thought out line which is in the interest of the nation," he asserted.
To a question that opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal are not even united in predicting the NDA numbers, he said, every leader has a different assessment.
"I can do proper assessment in Karnataka as I know the state well and know everything. Different feedback comes from different states.
But, as I have said, the numbers required for stopping the BJP from coming to power, we in the INDIA alliance have those numbers and we will stop the BJP from assuming power," he said.
Kharge, however, did not give a definite reply on SP's Akhilesh Yadav saying there is no need for ED, CBI and they should be banned.
"If our government comes, we will review all the laws. Whatever that is being done to harass people, we will oppose it. No one has adopted such a procedure of misusing probe agencies as has been done by the BJP. There should be probes and proper inquiries, but the BJP is itself creating evidence, cases and putting people behind bars," he alleged.
He also questioned why the opposition leaders were being put behind bars ahead of the elections.
"Why did they not arrest them earlier when they were in power for the last 10 years? Elections are going on and here leaders are being threatened and harassed and put behind bars, not leaving them even to campaign.
"There is no level playing field being maintained by the BJP, as opposition leaders are being threatened. These things are not good for a democracy and an authoritarian rule is being implemented," the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha asserted.
He justified Priyanka Gandhi not contesting the election, saying it was a decision taken by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and her.
Sonia Gandhi has been in politics for 30 years and she knows who should contest from where, he said.
"She (Priyanka) is also our star campaigner, along with Rahul Gandhi, as Sonia Gandhi ji is not keeping very good health. They are in demand and thousands come to listen to them.
"Both of them are our assets and if we invest all our assets at one place, then what about others as they have to help others too. We welcome whatever decision they have taken," the Congress chief said.
Asked which seat should Rahul hold, if he wins both Wayanad and Raebareli, he said, "It is Rahul Gandhi's individual decision and he will take a call on this." He also justified several party stalwarts deciding to keep themselves away from contesting, saying some had fought assembly elections and it is their strategy to make their own people contest in their place.
"Besides, we also need senior leaders to do campaigning for the party across the country in the national election. We cannot ask everyone to contest. We are strengthening those who are contesting, but equally important are those who make the party's strategy in elections," he noted.
The Congress president accused the BJP of "suppressing democracy and opposing the Constitution" and said this is the reason why this election is very significant for everyone - from children to the old, and from print media to television and even social media users.&nbsp;

mallikarjun kharge

Categories