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                <title>Indian Politics - Punjab News Times</title>
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                <title>Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns: Education Minister Steps Down Amid 36-Day NEET Protest</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>New Delhi:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Amidst the fierce protests over the NEET paper leak case and the examination system, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. This major political development comes after a continuous 36-day sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP). In the 12-year tenure since the formation of the Modi government in 2014, this is the first time a minister has been forced to resign directly due to public and student protests.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;">First Ministerial Resignation Due to Protest in 12 Years</h2>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the political history since 2014, this is the first instance</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-education-minister-steps-down-amid-36-day-neet/article-9372"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/400/2026-07/image-(2)3.png" alt=""></a><br /><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>New Delhi:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Amidst the fierce protests over the NEET paper leak case and the examination system, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. This major political development comes after a continuous 36-day sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP). In the 12-year tenure since the formation of the Modi government in 2014, this is the first time a minister has been forced to resign directly due to public and student protests.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;">First Ministerial Resignation Due to Protest in 12 Years</h2>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the political history since 2014, this is the first instance where a Union Minister had to step down under the pressure of a mass public movement and protests. Earlier, in 2018, the then Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar resigned during the global 'Me Too' movement, but that case was related to personal sexual harassment allegations from his journalism days.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Abhijeet Dipke's Strong Message After the Resignation</h2>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Taking a dig at the government at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>"They used to say resignations don't happen in this government, but the world bows down, you just need someone who can make it bow."</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Dipke further clarified that even though the minister has resigned, their movement is not over yet. Reiterating his remaining demands, he said, <em>"Once a cockroach enters, it doesn't leave. The families of the children who committed suicide must receive compensation of Rs 1 crore each, and strict action must be taken against the policemen."</em> The CJP declared this success as the <strong>'Victory of the Cockroach'</strong> on social media.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Key Points from Dharmendra Pradhan's Letter</h2>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Following his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan shared his resignation letter on social media. In this two-page, 575-word letter, Pradhan mentioned the youth being misled in two different places, alongside other matters.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/2026-07/image-(2)3.png" alt="image (2)" width="1200" height="800"></img></p>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Significance of Statements by Sonam Wangchuk and Mohan Bhagwat</h2>
<ul>
<li style="text-align:justify;">
<p><strong>Sonam Wangchuk's Reaction:</strong> In a post from the hospital, Sonam Wangchuk wrote that this is a victory for democracy—direct democracy... a victory achieved from the streets. It is a victory of peace, patience, and perseverance. He congratulated the CJP and GenZ, thanking citizens from every corner of the country for standing up.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Mohan Bhagwat's Statement:</strong> RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat made a crucial statement at an event in Delhi on Saturday morning, saying, <em>'We will act arbitrarily, become the master of everyone by force—it cannot happen like this.'</em> He had also remarked that today's new generation asks a lot of questions. Instead of giving orders, we should have a dialogue with them. We should explain the logic behind everything rather than commanding them. Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation coming right after Bhagwat's statement is being considered highly significant in political circles.</p>
</li>
</ul>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>National</category>
                                            <category>Breaking News</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-education-minister-steps-down-amid-36-day-neet/article-9372</link>
                <guid>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-education-minister-steps-down-amid-36-day-neet/article-9372</guid>
                <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:28:27 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Rahul Predicts Modi's Exit in 1 Year: BJP Hits Back at &quot;Toolkit Gang&quot;</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;">The BJP hit back on Sunday following Rahul Gandhi's prediction that the central government would collapse. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that Rahul's statement amounted to nothing more than daydreaming.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that Rahul's comments point to a larger conspiracy involving the Congress party, other opposition factions, and the "Toolkit Gang." Together, these groups are dreaming of destabilizing India.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Rahul Gandhi had attended a meeting of the Advisory Council of the Congress party's Minority Department on Saturday. According to sources, Rahul asserted during the meeting that the central government would fall within a year and</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/national/rahul-predicts-modis-exit-in-1-year-bjp-hits-back/article-9128"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/400/2026-05/image.png" alt=""></a><br /><p style="text-align:justify;">The BJP hit back on Sunday following Rahul Gandhi's prediction that the central government would collapse. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that Rahul's statement amounted to nothing more than daydreaming.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that Rahul's comments point to a larger conspiracy involving the Congress party, other opposition factions, and the "Toolkit Gang." Together, these groups are dreaming of destabilizing India.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Rahul Gandhi had attended a meeting of the Advisory Council of the Congress party's Minority Department on Saturday. According to sources, Rahul asserted during the meeting that the central government would fall within a year and that Prime Minister Modi's exit was inevitable.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Piyush Goyal: The Conspiracy to Set India Ablaze Will Not Succeed</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">On Sunday, the BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of conspiring to destabilize the Modi government by fomenting anarchy across the country. The BJP further alleged that Rahul Gandhi is acting at the behest of foreign powers.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Union Minister Piyush Goyal wrote: "Rahul Gandhi and his 'associates' are attempting to 'incite violence' across the entire nation. Their animosity toward India runs so deep that they cannot bear to witness anything positive taking place within the country. The people of this nation are discerning."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">"They fully comprehend the true nature of Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition, and the 'Toolkit Gang'—entities that are actively working against national interests. Time and again, the public has delivered a resounding rebuke to these elements. The 'INDI Alliance's' conspiracy to set India ablaze will never succeed."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Where Did the Term 'Toolkit' Originate, and What Does It Mean?</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "Toolkit Gang" gained particular prominence in India during the farmers' protests of 2021. At that time, Swedish social activist Greta Thunberg shared a document titled "Toolkit Document." The Opposition had extended significant support to Greta. The BJP alleged that the "Toolkit Gang" operates by orchestrating campaigns against India, manufacturing narratives, and amplifying protest movements through online channels. Sambit Patra Says: Your Foreign Masters Cannot Harm This Country</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/2026-05/image.png" alt="image" width="1200" height="800"></img></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">BJP MP Sambit Patra also accused the Congress leader of conspiring to oust the Modi government from power by inciting riots within the country. Patra stated, "Rahul Gandhi's remarks have made it abundantly clear that he is pursuing a foreign agenda—at the behest of his masters, such as George Soros, and foreign entities—with the specific intent of dismantling democracy in India."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">"The people of this nation are discerning. The people of India possess a spiritual consciousness. Do you truly believe you can incite riots by provoking the Indian populace? No, Rahul-ji. You have already witnessed what transpired in West Bengal and Assam [during the Assembly elections]."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">"India is governed by the rule of the Constitution, and democracy invariably prevails. This is a government that represents the 1.4 billion people of India. Your foreign masters—George Soros included—are utterly powerless to inflict any harm upon this nation."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**Who is George Soros? What is His Connection to Rahul?**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Regarding the American businessman and investor George Soros, the BJP has frequently alleged that his organizations attempt to influence India's politics and policies.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The BJP further alleges that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party consistently raise issues that align with the narratives propagated by Soros-backed organizations.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Politics</category>
                                            <category>National</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/national/rahul-predicts-modis-exit-in-1-year-bjp-hits-back/article-9128</link>
                <guid>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/national/rahul-predicts-modis-exit-in-1-year-bjp-hits-back/article-9128</guid>
                <pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 17:09:52 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Assam Elections: PM Claims Victory While Rahul Alleges Corruption</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;">As part of the election campaign for the assembly polls in five states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam on Monday. He is scheduled to hold three rallies today. Speaking in Barpeta, he asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would achieve a hat-trick of victories in Assam, while the Congress party would suffer a "century" of defeats. He stated that the BJP delivers on its promises; unlike the Congress, which lacks a vision for development.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also arrived in Puducherry. Speaking in Lawspet, he alleged that the Puducherry government takes a 30% commission on</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/assam-elections-pm-claims-victory-while-rahul-alleges-corruption/article-8810"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/400/2026-04/he-ebuubmaao-fj.jpg" alt=""></a><br /><p style="text-align:justify;">As part of the election campaign for the assembly polls in five states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam on Monday. He is scheduled to hold three rallies today. Speaking in Barpeta, he asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would achieve a hat-trick of victories in Assam, while the Congress party would suffer a "century" of defeats. He stated that the BJP delivers on its promises; unlike the Congress, which lacks a vision for development.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also arrived in Puducherry. Speaking in Lawspet, he alleged that the Puducherry government takes a 30% commission on all contracts and has encroached upon temple lands. He promised that a Congress government in the state would provide a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000 to unemployed youth and offer free bus services to women.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">"A large number of our soldiers' families reside in Assam. The Congress party attempts to undermine even the valor of our armed forces. It has consistently sought to fuel the agenda of our enemies."<br />"The Congress has sung the very tune written and composed by Pakistan—the tune that pleases them. The Pakistan connection of Congress leaders invariably proves detrimental to the nation."<br />"The 'One Rank, One Pension' issue stands as a prime example of how the Congress has betrayed our armed forces. The Congress is willing to do anything to attain power, and Assam has suffered greatly as a result."<br />**Three Key Points from Rahul Gandhi's Speech:**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">"We will generate 30,000 new jobs across both the government and private sectors. We will raise the upper age limit for recruitment into government jobs to 40 years. Every family will receive health insurance coverage worth ₹20 lakh."<br />"Law and order in Puducherry is deteriorating; people are afraid to venture out at night, and women and children feel unsafe."<br />"The Lieutenant Governor herself has acknowledged that drug addiction is spreading rapidly among school students in the state. They are fully aware that this problem exists."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**PM Modi Says: The People of Assam Must Remain Extremely Cautious and Vigilant**<br />"You must remain extremely cautious and vigilant. The Congress is openly siding with infiltrators. Furthermore, the Congress is now even opposing the actions being taken against these illegal encroachments." The PM stated that the Congress party is proposing to enact a law in Assam under which even those who use the term "infiltrator" could face imprisonment. Is such a law acceptable to you? The Congress would, through the very framework of the law, declare infiltrators to be victims. Consequently, the indigenous majority—the children of this land—would live under the constant threat of incarceration. In every interview and speech, Congress leaders are openly discussing their intent to enact such a law.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/2026-04/he-ebuubmaao-fj.jpg" alt="HE-ebuubMAAo-fj" width="1200" height="800"></img></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**PM Says: Congress Has Given Nothing to the Nation's Tribals**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">PM Modi asserted that the Congress party has contributed absolutely nothing to the tribal communities of the country. He asked the audience to recall the events that unfolded in the Bodo region—the number of lives lost and the countless futures shattered—reminding them that they had witnessed these tragedies firsthand. He alleged that the Congress would sign agreements on paper, only to betray the tribal people on the ground.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">He further stated that his government has prioritized the restoration of local peace. That is precisely why a celebration of peace is being held here today. Efforts are currently underway to integrate 10,000 such youths—who have laid down their arms—back into the mainstream of society. For the sake of enduring peace in Assam, it is absolutely essential to keep the Congress party out of the state.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**Himanta Alleges: Congress Leaders Sourcing Content from Pakistani Social Media Groups**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">On Monday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi obtained the material they used during their press conference from Pakistani social media groups.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Speaking to the media in Guwahati, Himanta remarked, "Pakistan's interest in the Assam elections—and in supporting the Congress party—has evidently intensified. Over the past ten days alone, Pakistani television channels have aired 11 talk shows dedicated to this subject."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Himanta further alleged, "The underlying conclusion of every single one of these talk shows is that the Congress party *must* win. Yesterday's press conference has served to make the Congress party's connection with Pakistan even more glaringly obvious."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">This controversy stems from allegations leveled by Pawan Khera, who claimed on Sunday that Chief Minister Sarma's wife, Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, possesses multiple passports and owns undisclosed business interests abroad. Assam CM's Press Conference: 5 Key Points</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Generally, when you raise an issue before the public using forged documents, Sections 420 and 468 of the IPC apply. Naturally, corresponding provisions for this also exist within the new BNS.<br />When you level such allegations using fabricated documents with the intent to influence election results, provisions for severe punishment come into force—penalties that can extend up to life imprisonment.<br />My wife filed an FIR yesterday, and I am confident that the police will take the necessary action by registering a case under the appropriate sections of the law.<br />Why did you seek assistance from Pakistani social media groups? We intend to take legal action regarding every single allegation leveled against us; however, my specific charge is this: Why is Pakistan aiding Gaurav Gogoi?<br />We received information from an insider within the Congress party itself that something of this nature was being planned. Why has Tarun Gogoi's son, Gaurav Gogoi, stooped to such a low level? Furthermore, why do you not disclose the details of your ties with Pakistan?</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">PM Says: We Raised Paddy Prices; Farmers Are Happy Today</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The Prime Minister remarked that Congress governments remain in power in only a handful of states across the country—so few, in fact, that one could count them on the fingers of a single hand. In these few remaining states, the Congress party never presents its "report card" to the public. In contrast, the BJP transparently informs the public about the specific measures it has undertaken to serve the people.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Politics</category>
                                            <category>National</category>
                                            <category>Breaking News</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/assam-elections-pm-claims-victory-while-rahul-alleges-corruption/article-8810</link>
                <guid>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/assam-elections-pm-claims-victory-while-rahul-alleges-corruption/article-8810</guid>
                <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:33:20 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>AAP Removes Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader, Bans Him from Speaking for the Party in the House</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;">On Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) removed MP Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. This position has been handed over to Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in his stead. The party conveyed this information to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat through a letter.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The letter stated that no time should be allotted to him to speak on behalf of the party in the House. Raghav has been a Rajya Sabha MP representing Punjab since 2022. His tenure extends until 2028.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The party has not disclosed the reason behind this decision. However, he had distanced</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/aap-removes-raghav-chadha-as-rajya-sabha-deputy-leader-bans/article-8807"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/400/2026-04/image.png" alt=""></a><br /><p style="text-align:justify;">On Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) removed MP Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. This position has been handed over to Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in his stead. The party conveyed this information to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat through a letter.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The letter stated that no time should be allotted to him to speak on behalf of the party in the House. Raghav has been a Rajya Sabha MP representing Punjab since 2022. His tenure extends until 2028.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The party has not disclosed the reason behind this decision. However, he had distanced himself from the party for a considerable period and had ceased issuing any statements regarding the AAP.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Even on February 27, when Arvind Kejriwal received relief from a lower court in the Delhi liquor policy case, Raghav did not issue any statement. In the Rajya Sabha as well, he had been raising issues such as the plight of gig workers and school fees.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Ashok Mittal is also an AAP Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab. He hails from Jalandhar. He is the Founder and Chancellor of Lovely Professional University in Punjab. He became a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022. Prior to entering politics, he was a successful businessman. His family owns the 'Lovely Group,' which is involved in the automobile and confectionery (Lovely Sweets) sectors.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the last two parliamentary sessions, Raghav raised issues concerning the common people:</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**Winter Session 2025**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**Issue of Gig Workers:** Highlighted the low wages, the 10-minute delivery model, and the lack of social security for delivery partners associated with platforms like Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy.<br />**Digital Content Creators:** Demanded amendments to the Copyright Act, 1957, to protect educators and influencers from adverse algorithms and wrongful 'takedowns.'<br />**Health Sector:** Advocated for a policy of 'One Nation, One Health Treatment' and expressed concern over the deteriorating state of private hospitals.<br />**Budget Session 2026**</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">**Food Adulteration:** Raised the issue of urea and other forms of adulteration in food products in the Rajya Sabha. Affordable Airport Food: To ensure passengers have access to affordable meals at airports, a demand was raised for the establishment of budget-friendly cafes in the departure areas of all 150+ airports.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/media/2026-04/image.png" alt="image" width="1200" height="800"></img><br />28-Day Recharge Cycle: Mobile recharge validity periods should cover a full calendar month (30 or 31 days) instead of the current 28-day cycle, with any unused data carrying over to the following month.<br />Bank Penalties: A proposal was put forward to completely abolish penalties imposed for failing to maintain a minimum account balance.<br />Joint Income Tax Filing: Married couples should be provided with the option to file their income tax returns jointly.<br />Paternity Leave: Paternity leave should be established as a statutory right in India.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Politics</category>
                                            <category>National</category>
                                            <category>Punjab</category>
                                            <category>Breaking News</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/aap-removes-raghav-chadha-as-rajya-sabha-deputy-leader-bans/article-8807</link>
                <guid>https://www.punjabnewstimes.com/breaking-news/aap-removes-raghav-chadha-as-rajya-sabha-deputy-leader-bans/article-8807</guid>
                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:39:13 +0530</pubDate>
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