#congress

Backdoor entry for Cong? BJP rides nominated seats Nagpur: Nearly three months after the civic polls, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to fill 10 nominated corporator posts during its April 20 general body meeting. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure seven of the 10 seats, consolidating its dominance in the corporation. Backed by 102 corporators, the BJP’s numerical strength is evident, with its final list of nominees including Sanjay Thakre, Jitu Thakur, Subodh Acharya, Ritesh Gawande, Devendra Meher, and Vinod Baghel. The party has reportedly received over 700 applications for the nominations, while the Congress has seen more than 300 aspirants. The political focus, however, has shifted to the Congress camp, where the potential nomination of Vikas Thakre’s son, Ketan, has sparked controversy. Ketan, who did not contest the recent civic polls, is considered a frontrunner for a nominated seat. Sources indicate he initially planned to contest from the Dharampeth zone but opted out due to fears of a tough electoral battle. His nomination is viewed as a strategic move by the Congress to reintroduce him into active politics without facing the electoral test. Party insiders argue that nominations are meant to recognize organisational contributions and public engagement, not solely electoral success. The Congress, with 34 corporators, is likely to secure two nominated seats. Businessman Atul Kotecha is also in the running for a Congress nomination. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to allocate one seat to its ally, Shiv Sena (Shinde), while the AIMIM, with six corporators, will receive one seat. The BJP’s dominance in the nominations reflects its control over the corporation’s structure, with the party finalizing its list of nominees.#congress #bharatiya_janata_party #aimim #nagpur_municipal_corporation #shiv_sena_shinde

Congress vs Shiv Sena (UBT): Rift Deepens Over Crutches Remark in Maharashtra Politics Maharashtra politics has seen a sharp escalation in tensions between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) over a controversial editorial published in the latter’s newspaper. The dispute centers on a remark criticizing the Congress for allegedly treating regional parties like "Baisakhi" (a Punjabi harvest festival), which the Shiv Sena editorial claimed implied the Congress uses regional groups as tools rather than partners. This remark has sparked outrage among Congress leaders, who accuse the Shiv Sena of undermining the coalition’s unity and making unilateral decisions that harm the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The conflict has intensified after the recent Rajya Sabha elections, where Sharad Pawar’s uncontested victory highlighted existing divisions within the MVA. The Shiv Sena editorial accused the Congress of ignoring the views of regional parties, arguing that such neglect weakens the alliance’s strength. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant responded sharply, calling the editorial an attack on the coalition’s principles. He criticized the Shiv Sena’s editorial board and senior leader Sanjay Raut for failing to distinguish between their roles as journalists and politicians. Sawant emphasized that the MVA requires mutual consultation and compromise, warning that unilateral decisions have already caused setbacks in key constituencies like Mumbai and Chandrapur. Shiv Sena, in turn, defended its stance, asserting that forming strong alliances with regional parties is essential for the Congress to gain power at the center. The party argued that including regional groups is not a weakness but a sign of political maturity.#maharashtra #congress #shiv_sena_ubit #sanjay_raut #mahavikas_aghadi

Congress List for Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls to Be Released Today Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Thursday that the Congress party would release its list of candidates for the upcoming April 23 Assembly elections later in the day. The statement was made during his campaign in Erode for the DMK-led alliance, which includes the Congress, MDMK, and CPI. The list is expected to confirm the Congress nominee for Erode East, a constituency where the candidature is anticipated to be finalized following a statement from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at a public rally in Erode, Stalin urged voters to support the alliance candidates, including the Congress nominee in Erode East. He emphasized the importance of a united Opposition front to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests. The alliance, led by the DMK, is contesting 28 seats in the 234-member Assembly, with the Congress playing a key role in the coalition. During his campaign, Stalin addressed voters in multiple constituencies within the district, endorsing DMK candidates such as S. Muthusamy (Erode West), Thoppu Venkatachalam (Perundurai), Chandrasekar (Bhavani), Sivalingam (Anthiyur), and Nallasivam (Gobi). He also extended support to alliance partners, including candidates from the Congress, MDMK, and CPI. Stalin framed the election as a choice between inclusive governance and divisive politics, calling on voters to back the alliance’s vision for the state. Stalin invoked the legacy of Tamil Nadu’s social justice movement, referencing the historical significance of Erode as a hub for progressive politics. He highlighted figures such as Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, C.N. Annadurai, and M. Karunanidhi, emphasizing the region’s role in shaping the state’s democratic values.#congress #rahul_gandhi #dmk #tamil_nadu #mk_stalin

U.S. Senator John Cornyn and other Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). The bill seeks to restrict individuals in the country illegally from operating 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles, which are required to have CDLs. The proposed measure follows growing concerns among some lawmakers about the potential risks associated with undocumented immigrants holding licenses that allow them to drive large trucks. While the bill does not explicitly address immigration status beyond the CDL requirement, it aligns with broader efforts to tighten regulations on industries that rely on such licenses. Advocacy groups and industry representatives have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the initiative as a step toward ensuring compliance with immigration laws and others arguing that it could create challenges for businesses reliant on a diverse workforce. The legislation is part of a larger debate over immigration policy and its intersection with labor regulations. Critics have raised questions about the practicality of enforcing such restrictions, while supporters emphasize the need to prioritize legal immigration pathways and reduce unauthorized employment in sectors like transportation. The bill’s fate will depend on its progression through Congress and potential amendments to address concerns about its scope and implementation.#congress #republican #u_s_senator_john_cornyn #commercial_driver_s_licenses #immigration_policy

Trump Avoids 'War' Label in Iran Conflict Over Congressional Approval Concerns President Trump has continued to avoid using the term "war" to describe the military conflict with Iran, citing concerns over the need for congressional approval. During a speech for House Republicans' fundraising organization, he explained that the word "war" implies a formal declaration, which he said would require legislative backing. "I won't use the word 'war' because they say, if you use the word war, that's maybe not a good thing to do," Trump stated. He emphasized that the situation is better described as a "military operation," which he argued is more accurate given the lack of congressional authorization. This approach aligns with Trump's previous statements, where he has often downplayed the conflict's scale, calling it an "excursion" that would keep the U.S. out of a full-scale war. However, he has occasionally used the term "war" in the past, including during a recent speech where he claimed, "The war essentially ended a few days after we went in." The inconsistency highlights the political and legal debate surrounding the conflict's classification. The issue centers on the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. While Congress holds the authority to declare war, the president serves as commander-in-chief and has the power to act unilaterally in certain circumstances. The 1970s-era War Powers Act limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional approval, though presidents have historically tested these boundaries. Trump has argued that the law is unconstitutional, asserting that the president's authority to respond to threats is absolute.#congress #iran #trump #mike_johnson #war_powers_act

BJP backtracks on prabhag rejig after opposition uproar The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Nagpur has abandoned its plan to restructure prabhags in the city, reversing course after facing strong opposition from civic corporators. The initial proposal, approved during a March 20 general body meeting by mayor Neeta Thakre, aimed to alter the existing prabhag arrangement to strengthen the BJP’s control over zonal offices. However, the move sparked immediate backlash from Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) corporators, who submitted a formal memorandum to mayor Thakre and municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar demanding the decision be revoked. BJP leader Narendra “Balya” Borkar confirmed the rollback, stating the prabhag and zonal structure would remain unchanged. He emphasized that zonal leadership would now be determined based on the current political strength in each zone. According to the present political landscape, the Congress is expected to secure chairmanship in the Mangalwari zone, while the IUML, with support from its alliance partner All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is likely to claim the Ashi Nagar zone. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) corporator’s backing could further influence the balance in these areas. Opposition leader Sanjay Mahakalkar had previously accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the prabhag structure to dominate all zones except Ashi Nagar. With the BJP’s retreat, the immediate crisis has eased, but tensions within the civic body remain high ahead of upcoming zonal chairperson elections. Mahakalkar noted that he has not received official communication from the civic administration but confirmed the development as credible.#nagpur #congress #bharatiya_janata_party #vipin_itankar #neeta_thakre

Kerala polls: Buzz over Congress’ CM candidate continues despite leadership’s efforts to rein it in Intra-party speculation about the Congress’ potential Chief Ministerial candidate for Kerala, should the United Democratic Front (UDF) secure victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, remains a focal point of political discourse despite attempts by party leaders to suppress such discussions. Veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien, a former Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, recently amplified the debate by publicly endorsing Ramesh Chennithala as the likely choice for the post. Kurien’s remarks, delivered at a UDF election convention in Thiruvalla, Kottayam, sparked renewed speculation about the internal dynamics of the Congress leadership. Kurien asserted that the UDF would win the polls on May 4, the scheduled result day, and directly linked Chennithala’s candidacy to the outcome. “I have no doubt that Mr. Chennithala will be the Chief Minister,” Kurien stated, adding that Chennithala might protest the claim, arguing that the final decision rests with the party’s High Command. His comments were met with mixed reactions, with some media outlets suggesting that senior Congress leaders, including K. Sudhakaran, had quietly supported Chennithala over rival candidates like Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K.C. Venugopal. Chennithala, however, downplayed Kurien’s assertion, aligning himself with the AICC’s stance that the national High Command, in consultation with the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), would determine the final choice. He emphasized that the party’s primary focus should be on winning the elections, stating, “The Congress and the UDF are marching in lockstep to end Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule.#congress #udf #kottayam #ramesh_chennithala #kerala_polls

Delta suspends special treatment for Congress as shutdown sows chaos in airports Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday it would stop offering special services to members of Congress, citing the ongoing government shutdown that has disrupted U.S. air travel operations. The Atlanta-based airline stated that the prolonged funding crisis has strained resources, forcing it to temporarily halt VIP services for lawmakers. Delta emphasized that safety remains its top priority, but the current environment has made it increasingly difficult to maintain standard operations. The decision affects lawmakers who typically receive priority treatment, including airport escorts and premium services like seat upgrades or expedited rebooking. However, Congress members will still have access to a dedicated phone line for reservations. The airline’s move comes as federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) face severe staffing shortages due to unpaid wages since mid-February. Congress allowed funding for the Department of Homeland Security to expire over disputes regarding immigration enforcement, leaving TSA employees without pay. Travelers have experienced long delays at security checkpoints as TSA staff resign or call in sick. President Donald Trump has deployed immigration agents to over a dozen airports to assist with crowd control, a measure criticized by TSA workers who claim they lack proper training for such roles. Delta CEO Ed Bastian criticized the situation during a CNBC interview, calling it “inexcusable” that TSA officers were forced to miss paychecks last fall. He condemned the use of federal workers as political tools, stating, “It’s ridiculous to see them being used as political chits. We’re outraged.#congress #delta_air_lines #president_donald_trump #tsa #transportation_security_administration

Opposition March Targets RSS, Seeks Modi’s Resignation Over ‘Epstein Files’ Allegations A joint protest organized by the Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Monday intensified political pressure on the ruling government, with leaders demanding that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign over alleged indirect references to him in the “Epstein Files.” The march, led by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, began at Samvidhan Square in Nagpur and moved toward the RSS headquarters in Mahal before being halted by police at Morris College. Despite restrictions, thousands of party workers gathered near the site, chanting slogans against Modi and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Congress claimed that an indirect mention of Modi appeared in the Epstein Files, a collection of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January. Sapkal described the alleged reference as “extremely serious,” noting that individuals whose names surfaced in the files had resigned or faced legal action globally. He argued that since Modi had acknowledged the RSS’s role in his political rise, the organization should demand his resignation. Sapkal further accused Modi of “bowing before the United States” following the controversy, linking it to trade decisions and criticizing the government’s denial of permission for the march as an attempt to suppress dissent. Sapkal questioned the absence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was reportedly in Delhi, and raised concerns about the PM’s silence on international matters.#congress #narendra_modi #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi

Cong, VBA denied permission to march towards RSS HQ A planned protest march by the Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) towards the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Mahal was halted on Monday after authorities denied permission for the full route, citing law and order concerns. The protest, originally intended to start at Samvidhan Chowk, will now be restricted to Morris Y Point. Traffic restrictions will be enforced between 12 noon and 3 pm along the route. Vehicles traveling from Rahate Colony to Morris Y Point must turn left at the Institute of Science and right at Manas Chowk. Traffic from Kamptee Road and Kasturchand Park Metro Station towards Samvidhan Chowk will be diverted via Jaistambh Chowk and Akashwani Chowk. Additional traffic adjustments may be made depending on the situation, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani. The march will be led by State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, with the protest scheduled to begin at 11 am. Party leaders have called for widespread participation to demonstrate opposition to the BJP-led Central government. The protest is linked to allegations involving the "Epstein files," with Congress leaders accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the issue. They also allege a sustained BJP campaign to discredit the party’s leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi. In a statement, Congress leaders criticized the Centre’s foreign policy and accused the BJP and RSS of undermining democratic values. The protest comes amid broader political tensions, with the Congress seeking to challenge the BJP’s narrative and assert its position in the state.#congress #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi #prakash_ambedkar

Epstein Files row: Oppn plans march to RSS HQ Nagpur: The Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) have announced a joint protest march in Nagpur on March 23, targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters. The demonstration aims to question Sangh leaders about the alleged inclusion of BJP ministers in the Epstein Files and India’s ongoing engagement with the United States. The march, organized from Samvidhan Square to the RSS headquarters in Mahal, will be led by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, with participation from thousands of party workers and allied groups. Sapkal, speaking to The Times of India, stated that the protest seeks to address why BJP ministers remain in office despite the revelations in the Epstein Files. He also highlighted concerns over recent trade agreements with the US, warning that these could negatively impact India’s agriculture sector. The protest underscores growing political tensions over the government’s handling of international relations and domestic economic policies. The march comes amid broader debates about the role of the RSS and BJP in shaping India’s political landscape. Critics argue that the Epstein Files, which allegedly link certain BJP leaders to controversial activities, have raised questions about the party’s integrity. Meanwhile, the trade deal with the US has sparked discussions about its potential effects on Indian farmers and industries, adding to the opposition’s demands for accountability. The event is part of a larger narrative of political mobilization, with opposition parties leveraging issues like economic policy and foreign relations to challenge the ruling government.#congress #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi #prakash_ambedkar

Kannur ∙ K. Sudhakaran, a Congress leader, is expected to secure the Kannur parliamentary seat after facing significant pressure from within the party. The high command reportedly softened its stance following intense negotiations, allowing Sudhakaran to contest as a candidate. Earlier, Sudhakaran had announced plans to hold a press conference if he was denied the seat, signaling his determination to challenge the party's decision. The Congress leadership, including senior figures like Ramesh Chennithala and A.K. Antony, reportedly urged Sudhakaran to accept the seat, emphasizing the need for unity amid the party's strategy to ensure maximum representation in the Lok Sabha. However, Sudhakaran's insistence on contesting as an independent candidate created tension, leading to prolonged discussions within the party. The high command's eventual compromise came after extended deliberations, with Sudhakaran's candidacy being approved. Meanwhile, other candidates were also finalized for key constituencies. Former mayor T.O. Mohanan was reportedly chosen for the Kannur seat, while Satish Kachchuparambil was selected for Koonnith. However, some candidates, like Aduvoor Prakash, faced rejections for their preferred constituencies. The party's internal dynamics highlighted the balance between individual ambitions and collective strategy. Congress president Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the completion of candidate selections, stating that the party would ensure a strong presence in the polls. He also hinted at potential alliances with the CPI(M) to strengthen their position. The finalization of candidates followed intense negotiations, with the party aiming to maximize its electoral prospects while managing internal dissent.#congress #kannur #k_sudhakaran #ramesh_chennithala #a_k_antony

Akhil Marar to Contest as a Twenty 20 Candidate in Thrikkakara for Kerala Assembly Elections Akhil Marar, a former Congress candidate, has announced his participation in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections as a Twenty 20 candidate from Thrikkakara, marking a significant shift in his political trajectory. Thrikkakara, a Congress stronghold, has historically seen the party’s candidates secure victories, including in the 2021 and 2022 by-elections. Marar’s decision to contest under the Twenty 20 banner reflects a strategic move to align with a new political alliance or platform, aiming to amplify his voice for the constituency. The constituency, which has been a key battleground for the Congress, witnessed intense competition in the 2021 by-election. In that contest, P. Thomas (Twenty 20) secured 13,897 votes, while the BJP’s A.N. Radhakrishnan garnered 15,483 votes. The 2022 by-election saw U.M. Thomas win with 25,016 votes, defeating the LDF’s J. Joseph, who received 47,75 votes. These results underscore the competitive nature of the region, where voter preferences have shifted over time. Marar’s candidacy is notable as it represents a departure from his previous affiliations. In the 2021 by-election, he had contested as a Congress candidate but did not secure a victory. His current bid under the Twenty 20 banner signals a renewed commitment to representing the people of Thrikkakara, with a focus on addressing local issues such as agriculture, infrastructure, and governance. The Twenty 20 contest, named after the political alliance formed by the Indian National Congress, Kerala Congress (Mani), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has gained prominence in recent years.#congress #akhil_marar #twenty_20 #thrikkakara #kerala_assembly_elections

KSRTC bus ads highlighting LDF govt's achievements trigger code violation debate The opposition parties, including the Congress, have raised concerns that advertisements on KSRTC buses promoting the achievements of the LDF government constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. During a meeting, Congress leaders Mariapuram Sreekumar and M K Rahman brought the issue to the attention of the poll panel, urging an investigation to ensure a fair electoral environment for all political parties. The CPM, however, defended the ads, countering the opposition's claims. Kelkar, a key figure in the election process, stated that the matter would be addressed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission regarding the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. He emphasized that the commission's directives would be followed to determine whether the ads breached any conduct rules. On the security front, Kelkar mentioned that 30 companies, approximately 3,000 personnel from central armed police forces, have arrived in the state. These forces are engaged in area domination exercises in sensitive regions, indicating heightened security measures ahead of the elections. The debate over the ads has sparked discussions about the boundaries of political campaigning during the electoral period. While the LDF government argues that the ads are a legitimate form of communication about its policies, the opposition maintains that such promotions could influence voter behavior unfairly. The Election Commission's guidelines will play a crucial role in resolving the dispute, as they outline the permissible limits of campaign activities. The situation highlights the tensions surrounding electoral conduct and the challenges of maintaining a level playing field in a competitive political landscape.#congress #election_commission #ksrtc #ldf_government #cpm

James Carville Issues Scathing Takedown of ‘Fat F**k Trump’ Political strategist James Carville delivered a blistering critique of President Donald Trump, openly embracing the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to describe his intense opposition to the leader. During a recent appearance, Carville admitted to harboring deep resentment toward Trump, stating, “I got Trump Derangement Syndrome—I hate the motherf---er.” He went on to express a desire to intensify his disdain, declaring, “I don’t want to get better, I want to get worse. I want to hate him more.” Carville also invoked religious imagery, saying, “I pray to God in heaven,” to underscore his frustration. Carville’s remarks targeted Trump’s policies and actions, particularly his handling of the war in Iran. He accused the president of launching the conflict without congressional approval and criticized the appointment of “incompetent f---ing buffoons” to lead federal agencies. The strategist also condemned Trump’s military decisions, including the attack on an Iranian girls’ school, which resulted in the deaths of over 150 students and staff. “He still doesn’t know why the f--- we’re there,” Carville said, mocking Trump’s lack of clarity. He further mocked the idea that such actions would win over the Iranian population, suggesting, “That’s going to make them like us more.” The comments came amid growing public backlash against Trump’s foreign policy. Six U.S. service members were killed in retaliatory Iranian strikes, and the attacks have drawn widespread condemnation. Carville also criticized journalists who attempted to portray Trump in a more favorable light, dismissing their efforts as insincere. “The insidious claim to evil is, ‘I can only be fair,’” he said, quoting critics who claimed to seek objectivity.#congress #iran_war #donald_trump #james_carville #trump_derangement_syndrome

Daylight Saving Time 2026: Clocks Move Forward on March 8 The clocks will spring forward this Sunday, March 8, marking the start of daylight saving time for 2026. This annual time adjustment, which shifts clocks ahead by one hour, is observed in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the exception of Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These regions do not participate in the practice, which is governed by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. States may also exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time through state laws. In Indiana, the time change occurs because the state observes daylight saving time, despite its complicated history with the practice. While Indiana briefly skipped the time shift in the past, residents currently adjust their clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. The change is intended to extend daylight hours during spring, summer, and fall, though its implementation has been debated for decades. When the clocks move forward at 2 a.m. on March 8, people will lose an hour of sleep. This shift is part of the broader daylight saving time schedule, which ends in November when clocks are set back an hour. The fall adjustment allows for an extra hour of sleep but has also been a point of contention for its impact on daily routines. The concept of daylight saving time originated in the U.S. during World War I, when it was first introduced as "war time" to conserve energy. However, it was abandoned after the war due to lack of necessity. The modern version of the practice began with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established the current schedule of starting on the last Sunday of April and ending on the last Sunday of October.#congress #uniform_time_act_1966 #michael_downing #daylight_saving_time_2026 #indiana

Opposition Moves Resolution to Remove Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker The Lok Sabha has scheduled a session on Monday to address a resolution aimed at removing Om Birla as the Speaker of the House. The resolution, initiated by Opposition members, will be considered after 50 members stand up in support upon being called by the Chair. Once the notice is admitted, the resolution will proceed to discussion and voting. If fewer than 50 members support the notice, the resolution will not be moved. The agenda for Monday lists the resolution as the sole item for the day’s business. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously stated that the resolution would be debated in the House on March 9. The notice will be moved by three Congress members—Mohamed Jawed, K Suresh, and Mallu Ravi. The proposed resolution criticizes Birla’s conduct, including his refusal to allow the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition leaders to speak. It also highlights allegations of unwarranted accusations against women MPs from the Opposition. The resolution further points to the suspension of Opposition MPs for an entire session for raising issues of public concern, arguing that this action was taken despite their efforts to address matters unrelated to rebuking ruling party members for derogatory remarks against former PMs. It accuses Birla of abandoning an impartial stance necessary to maintain the confidence of all House members. The resolution claims his partisan behavior disregards the rights of members and involves rulings intended to undermine their privileges. Additionally, the resolution alleges that Birla openly supports the ruling party’s position on contentious issues, which is described as a threat to the House’s proper functioning.#congress #lok_sabha #om_birla #kiren_rijiju #parliamentary_affairs_minister

Lok Sabha Likely to Debate Resolution Seeking Speaker Om Birla’s Removal in First Week of Upcoming Session The Lok Sabha is expected to take up a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from office during the first week of its upcoming session, with both the Congress and BJP issuing directives to their members to attend the House from March 9 to 11. The resolution, signed by 118 Opposition MPs, alleges partisan behavior by Birla, though the Trinamool Congress declined to support it, arguing the issue should have been addressed incrementally. The resolution follows a contentious first part of the Budget Session, marked by clashes between the ruling and Opposition benches. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s speech during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address was interrupted by protests over his reference to excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Naravane. Eight Opposition members were suspended for violating rules, including throwing papers at the Speaker’s chair. These suspensions will extend into the second part of the session. Birla’s decision to boycott the House until the notice for a no-confidence motion against him was resolved further complicated proceedings. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on February 5 without the customary reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted historical precedents, recalling a similar resolution filed in 1954 when the combined Opposition had around 50 members. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary democracy, stating the Opposition has the right to debate the issue. Three past Lok Sabha Speakers—G. V. Mavlankar, Hukam Singh, and Balram Jakhar—faced similar resolutions, though none succeeded.#congress #rahul_gandhi #lok_sabha #speaker_om_birla #bjp

Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) resolves Rajya Sabha candidate dispute The MVA alliance in Maharashtra resolved its internal conflict on March 4, 2026, by officially selecting Sharad Pawar as its sole candidate for the Rajya Sabha election. This decision effectively removes opposition from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, paving the way for an unopposed contest in the state. The Congress central leadership endorsed Pawar’s candidacy, abandoning its own claim and rejecting Shiv Sena’s demand for a joint alignment. Sources close to the Congress revealed that the decision followed Shiv Sena (UBT)’s refusal to support a proposed collaboration with the Congress for a single candidate. A senior Congress leader confirmed that the MVA will now back Uddhav Thackeray for his second attempt at the Maharashtra Legislative Council election. The Rajya Sabha seat requires 36 votes, with Shiv Sena (UBT) holding the largest share of 20 MLAs, followed by Congress with 16 and the NCP (SP) with 10. The MVA constituents—Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP)—initially contested the Rajya Sabha candidature. Congress argued that its national party status necessitated a stronger presence in the upper house to bolster its Leader of the Opposition role. Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed its position as the largest opposition party in Maharashtra justified its bid, while the NCP (SP) emphasized Pawar’s stature as a guarantee for an unopposed victory. Leaders from both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) described the dispute as emotionally charged, with neither party willing to appear dismissive of Pawar’s aspirations. Pawar, who has been unwell, expressed a desire to enter the Rajya Sabha, and his daughter Supriya Sule voiced concerns about his health.#maharashtra #congress #sharad_pawar #maha_vikas_aghadi #shiv_sena_ubit

Summary of the Article: The article discusses the political dynamics in Maharashtra, particularly focusing on the Rajya Sabha elections and the strategic moves of key opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. It highlights the following key points: Sharad Pawar's Role: Senior leader Sharad Pawar (NCP) is being considered as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election. His health condition, which requires ongoing treatment, has limited his public appearances. However, his candidacy is seen as crucial due to his political influence and experience. The article notes that Pratibha Patil (former Chief Minister of Maharashtra) was initially considered for the Rajya Sabha seat but was not chosen due to her lack of political experience compared to Pawar. Political Alliances and Strategy: The opposition parties are consolidating their efforts to counter the ruling BJP. The article emphasizes the need for the opposition to focus on grassroots mobilization and address public grievances rather than chasing power. There is a call for unity among the opposition parties to present a united front against the BJP, which has faced criticism for governance failures. Internal Dynamics: The Shiv Sena and NCP are navigating internal tensions, with Pawar's candidacy seen as a way to strengthen their position. However, the article also mentions that the BJP's dominance in Maharashtra remains a challenge. The Congress is positioning itself as a key player in the opposition, leveraging its historical presence and appeal to urban voters. Significance of the Elections: The Rajya Sabha elections are viewed as a critical test for the opposition's ability to challenge the BJP's majority.#maharashtra #congress #rajya_sabha_elections #shiv_sena #nationalist_congress_party