The Indian National Congress party has finalized its list of candidates for contested assembly constituencies, with key decisions emerging from a marathon meeting held in Kochi. The party's high command, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge, resolved to avoid allowing MPs to contest in the upcoming elections, a stance that led to the resignation of K. Sudhakaran, a senior leader who had previously pushed for such a move. This decision was formalized during a critical meeting at Kharge's residence, which concluded at 2:15 PM. Notable candidates include T. T. Mohan in Kozhikode, Satish Kochu in Kondotty, and Shabari Nath in Nematth. Other selections include Abhin Varki in Aranmula, Sudhir Shah Palot in Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan in Neyyattinkara, Madhu in Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos in Ittikkurich, and Natesh in Ettumanoor. The second phase of the ticket list is set to be announced at 10 AM. The party also confirmed that five constituencies remain contested, with disputes ongoing in Udumalpet, Kottayam, and Chayamangalath. Meanwhile, the Congress's decision to exclude MPs from contesting has been met with resistance, particularly from Sudhakaran, whose efforts to push for their inclusion were thwarted. Party leaders, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph and opposition leader V. D. Satheesh, emphasized that the final decisions on contested seats were left to the high command. Satheesh also assured that the list would be finalized today, alleviating concerns for candidates who did not secure tickets. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the party's strategy for the upcoming elections, balancing internal dynamics with electoral considerations.#kochi #indian_national_congress #mallikarjun_kharge #kerala_pradesh_congress_committee #sudhakaran
Cong protests LPG price hike, demands rollback The Indian National Congress launched widespread protests across Maharashtra in response to the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices, with the party demanding an immediate reversal of the hike and a clear policy statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra unit president Harshwardhan Sapkal led the demonstrations, urging the government to address rising fuel costs and ensure a stable supply of LPG cylinders. The protests took place in multiple districts, including Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Wardha, Buldhana, Gondia, and Palghar, as well as towns like Tiroda, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Dharashiv, Rajura in Chandrapur district, and Panvel. The party declared the agitation would continue until the government resolved concerns over fuel prices and supply shortages. Speaking at a protest in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik district, Sapkal criticized the government for burdening citizens with higher prices, attributing the rise to what he called "wrong policies" by the Central government. He argued that instead of citing global conflicts as a justification for the price hike, the government should prioritize the welfare of ordinary people. "The 60 rupee increase in LPG cylinder prices has pushed ordinary citizens deeper into inflationary pressure," Sapkal stated, calling on Modi to engage with stakeholders to address the issue. He also highlighted the dual challenges of rising prices and supply shortages, noting that small businesses such as hotels and eateries were struggling due to difficulties in obtaining commercial cylinders. The protests reflect growing public frustration with the government’s handling of fuel pricing and supply logistics.#maharashtra #narendra_modi #indian_national_congress #lpg_cylinder #harshwardhan_sapkal
37 Rajya Sabha Seats Go To Polls Today; Key Leaders Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin Contest The Rajya Sabha elections are set for Monday, with voting required for 11 seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while 26 seats across seven states will go unopposed. A total of 37 seats are up for grabs, including seven in Maharashtra, six in Tamil Nadu, five in West Bengal, three in Assam, and two each in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Telangana. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), in power in six states, holds 134 seats, while the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) bloc, governing four states, has 80 seats. The polls are critical for shaping the balance of power in the upper house of Parliament. Key leaders from both major parties are contesting the elections. Nitish Kumar, the former Chief Minister of Bihar and leader of the Janata Dal (United), is vying for a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Similarly, Nitin Nabin, a prominent leader from the Trinamool Congress, is also running in the fray. The outcome of these elections is expected to influence legislative priorities and policy directions in the coming months. The unopposed seats, which account for 26 of the 37, are primarily in states where the ruling party has a clear majority. However, the contested seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana are seen as battlegrounds where political alliances and voter sentiment could shift the dynamics. Analysts suggest that the results may reflect the broader political landscape, with the NDA and INC vying for dominance in key states. The elections come at a time of heightened political activity, with both parties mobilizing resources and campaign strategies. The outcome is likely to have implications for the government’s legislative agenda, including major bills and policy initiatives.#rajya_sabha #indian_national_congress #nitish_kumar #nitin_nabin #national_democratic_alliance
Ganesh Kumar Responds to Allegations, Says ‘I Have Five Thousand Loves’ Amid Political Row Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar addressed allegations tied to issues involving women, dismissing them as a political move by the Indian National Congress ahead of elections. He claimed that his personal life is not a subject for public scrutiny and accused critics of attempting to undermine his reputation. Kumar asserted that he has “five thousand loves,” a metaphor for his alleged numerous relationships, and questioned who among the public has never experienced love. He further stated that those who claim to have never loved are “fools,” while emphasizing that both he and his supporters are deeply connected. Kumar also accused his political opponents of spreading false narratives, stating that the allegations are part of a broader strategy to discredit him. He claimed that the accusations are baseless and that his integrity as a public servant is beyond doubt. When asked about the credibility of the claims, Kumar insisted that his supporters, including the people of his constituency, would not believe such allegations. He also hinted at the possibility of legal action, stating that anyone who wishes to challenge him can do so. The controversy emerged after a complaint was filed against Kumar by his wife, alleging misconduct. Rahul Mangkoottil, a political rival, mocked Kumar’s response, suggesting he should address the allegations directly. Kumar, however, refused to engage with the issue, instead shifting focus to his political ambitions. He claimed that the failure to secure a mayoral position was due to personal vendettas and that his opponents are “foes who live in his home.#minister_k_b_ganesh_kumar #indian_national_congress #rahul_mangkoottil #kumar_wife #political_row
