“Congress is no one’s birthright”: Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has drawn attention with his recent remark that the Congress party “does not belong to anyone by birth.” His statement is widely being seen as a call for greater internal democracy and accountability at a time when the party is grappling with organisational challenges and leadership questions. Kanhaiya Kumar’s comment underlines the need for reform within the party, advocating for a system that is fair and transparent. He emphasized that positions and responsibilities should be based on merit and capability rather than family background. The remark has generated mixed reactions—while some have welcomed it as a constructive idea, others view it as a subtle criticism of the party’s existing leadership structure. The statement has also led to speculation about how senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, may respond, although there has been no official reaction so far. His remarks feed into a broader conversation about the Congress party’s need to evolve and adapt to changing political expectations. With several challenges ahead, the comment serves as a reminder of the growing demand among party workers and supporters for reform and effective leadership. Kanhaiya Kumar’s intervention has added momentum to ongoing discussions about the future direction of the Congress and its role in upcoming political developments.
SP spoke calls Rambhadracharya, Dhirendra Shastri ‘Fraud Gurus’

A political controversy has emerged after a spokesperson from the Samajwadi Party made remarks about two prominent Hindu religious leaders during an interview. Rajkumar Bhati referred to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Dhirendra Krishna Shastri as “Guru Ghantal,” a phrase often interpreted as “fraud gurus.” The comments have drawn strong reactions from various groups and political figures, many of whom have criticized the language as disrespectful. Supporters of the two religious figures have expressed anger, saying such statements hurt sentiments and diminish the standing of widely followed spiritual leaders. Some have also demanded an apology, stressing that individuals in public roles should speak responsibly on matters of faith. So far, the Samajwadi Party leadership has not issued any official response to the remarks. The issue is expected to intensify political tensions, with opposition voices likely to continue raising it in public discourse. The episode once again underscores the sensitive relationship between religion and politics in India, where statements by political representatives often lead to strong public reactions and broader debate.
“Tum khatam ho jaoge, Miya zinda rehne wale”: Owaisi

Asaduddin Owaisi on April 2 drew sharp political reactions while addressing a rally in Morigaon, Assam, as the state prepares for upcoming elections. Speaking to supporters, he said, “You will be finished, Muslims will stay alive,” a remark that intensified the already heated atmosphere. Owaisi was in Assam campaigning for Badruddin Ajmal and his party, the All India United Democratic Front, aiming to consolidate minority votes in key regions. He framed his statement as a response to earlier comments made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the community. Emphasising the political significance of Muslims in Assam, Owaisi highlighted their resilience and urged them to participate actively in the electoral process. His remarks have further sharpened political tensions in the state, with critics accusing him of divisive rhetoric, while supporters argue he was asserting community rights and responding to previous statements.
Burqa-clad woman robs jewellery shop at gunpoint in Ayodhya

A major robbery has been reported from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh where a woman wearing a burqa entered a jewellery shop posing as a customer before pulling out a gun and stealing a gold necklace and chain. According to reports, the woman initially behaved like a regular customer, which helped her avoid suspicion. She then suddenly brandished a weapon, carried out the theft, and fled the scene, leaving those inside the shop shocked. The accused escaped on a motorcycle with an accomplice who was waiting nearby, indicating that the robbery was pre-planned. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in commercial establishments. Police have launched a search operation to track down the suspects. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
TMC workers threaten citizens against voting for BJP

A video circulating on social media appears to show individuals allegedly linked to the Trinamool Congress visiting homes and threatening residents, warning them against voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal. In the footage, the individuals can reportedly be heard urging people to remain indoors on polling day, raising concerns about possible voter intimidation. The development has added to rising political tensions, with some alleging that such actions are aimed at discouraging electoral participation. However, the authenticity of the video and its location have not been independently verified, even as it continues to generate widespread discussion online. Attempts to intimidate voters pose a serious challenge to democratic principles. If the claims are proven true, it would raise significant concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Both the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have responded to the issue, while calls are growing for the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to investigate and ensure that citizens can vote freely and without fear.
“We won’t let them go”: Calcutta HC Adv Mofakkerul Islam

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s Sujapur in Malda district. Calcutta High Court advocate Mofakkerul Islam delivered a provocative speech during a protest. Seven judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed for over nine hours. The unrest followed anger over voter list removals during the Special Intensive Revision by the Election Commission of India. The protest began small but escalated into a tense standoff. A large crowd surrounded officials and prevented them from leaving. Videos and eyewitness accounts show Islam addressing the gathering late at night. His speech appeared to intensify the situation. In the footage, he is heard urging the crowd not to release officers. He reportedly said, “We won’t let them go.” The remark has drawn widespread criticism. Judicial officers, including women personnel, remained stranded for several hours. Roads in and around Sujapur were blocked. This caused disruption and panic among residents and commuters. The incident raised concerns about public officials’ safety and law and order. Protesters alleged several voter names were unfairly deleted and demanded corrections. Authorities maintained the revision process is routine and ensures accurate electoral rolls. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. The role of Islam in allegedly instigating the crowd is under scrutiny. Officials are reviewing video footage and collecting testimonies. They aim to determine whether any laws were violated. Legal experts raised concerns over a practicing advocate’s involvement. They said judicial officers were allegedly obstructed from performing duties. If proven, the case could lead to serious legal consequences. Political reactions have emerged across West Bengal. Some opposition leaders blamed the administration for failing to maintain order. Others condemned the alleged provocation and demanded strict action. The incident highlights the balance between protest rights and public safety. Authorities now face the challenge of ensuring accountability while addressing voter list concerns.