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Congress says BJP staging drama on Emergency to hide governance failure

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government of imposing an “undeclared emergency” on India, blasting its observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas as a theatrical ploy to mask its failures on inflation, unemployment, and corruption.

In a fiery press conference at the Congress’ Indira Bhawan, Kharge hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, questioning the BJP’s moral authority to lecture on constitutional values.

Kharge pulled no punches, accusing the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS, of hypocrisy. “Those who played no role in India’s freedom struggle, rejected Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution, and dismissed it for lacking ‘cultural aspects’ like the Manusmriti are now preaching about saving it,” he charged. He argued that the BJP, rattled by the Congress’ Samvidhan Bachao Yatra, is dredging up the Emergency—a chapter he said people had long moved past—to deflect scrutiny from its governance lapses.

“The Constitution is under threat because of Modi’s rule,” Kharge declared, pointing to curbs on freedom of expression and movement. “This government has no tolerance, no space for fraternity or liberty, yet it dares to lecture others.”

He accused the BJP of staging Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, marked annually to commemorate the Emergency, as a distraction from pressing issues like soaring prices, joblessness, and widening economic disparities. “These gaps can’t be bridged anymore. They’ve ushered in an undeclared emergency,” he said, also slamming the government’s handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, the Congress launched a scathing counterattack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that Indian democracy has endured a “systematic and dangerous” assault over the past 11 years, tantamount to an “Undeclared Emergency@11”. As the BJP marked the occasion as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to critique the Indira Gandhi-led Emergency, the Congress accused the Modi government of undermining Parliament, eroding constitutional institutions, and stifling civil liberties.

In a hard-hitting statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh outlined a “five-fold assault” on democracy, accusing the government of fostering hate speech, cracking down on dissent, and vilifying critics. “Farmers protesting for their rights were branded Khalistanis, those demanding a caste census were called urban Naxals, and Mahatma Gandhi’s killers are glorified,” Ramesh said. He claimed minorities live in fear, Dalits and marginalised groups face targeted attacks, and ministers spewing hate have been rewarded with promotions. “This is a deliberate spread of bigotry by the ruling establishment,” he added.

Ramesh charged the Modi government with attacking the Constitution, alleging that during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Prime Minister’s ‘400 Paar’ slogan masked an intent to rewrite Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. “The people rejected this, voting to protect economic, social, and political justice enshrined in our Constitution,” he said. He further accused the government of weakening Parliament by suspending MPs for raising public concerns, bypassing parliamentary committees, and bulldozing key laws without debate.

The Congress also pointed to the erosion of constitutional bodies’ autonomy. “The Election Commission’s integrity is compromised, ignoring questions about state assembly polls’ fairness. Poll timings seem tailored to favour the ruling party, and divisive rhetoric from BJP leaders, including the PM, goes unchecked,” Ramesh alleged. He claimed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has been rendered irrelevant, while investigative agencies are misused to intimidate businesses and institutions.

Ramesh further accused the BJP of destroying Centre-state relations by using financial clout to topple opposition-led state governments through defections. “This is tax terrorism and a blatant misuse of power,” he said, adding that the Modi government’s economic mismanagement has widened inequalities, leaving citizens grappling with inflation and joblessness.

India News

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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India News

Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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