English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Congress takes a jibe at Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma after he explains India’s stand on IMF bailout to Pakistan

“Russia voted against an IMF aid tranche for Ukraine on 12 September 2016, and India voted against Zimbabwe’s expulsion on 11 September 2005.”

Published

on

The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following his defence of India’s position on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to Pakistan.

Sarma, taking to X earlier in the day, accused Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, of spreading misinformation about India’s stance.

In a post on X, Khera responded sharply, saying, “Mr Chief Minister, please review this and have your team verify how often an ‘against’ vote has been cast.”

He cited examples, noting, “Russia voted against an IMF aid tranche for Ukraine on 12 September 2016, and India voted against Zimbabwe’s expulsion on 11 September 2005.”

The exchange followed India’s decision on Friday to oppose the IMF’s proposal for a $2.3 billion loan to Pakistan, citing concerns that the funds could be diverted to support state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

Sarma, in a detailed X post, accused Congress leaders of distorting facts, asserting, “There is no ‘NO’ vote at the IMF. The only way to express dissent is through abstention, which India appropriately chose.”

Explaining the IMF’s weighted voting system, Sarma clarified that it operates on a proportional quota based on each nation’s financial contribution, unlike the equal-vote format of the UN General Assembly.

“India’s abstention was a deliberate and strategic act, sending a clear message that we will not endorse financial aid to a country exporting terrorism across our borders,” he stated.

He described the move as a balanced diplomatic signal, demonstrating India’s refusal to support Pakistan’s actions without destabilising the global economic framework.

Sarma accused the Congress of engaging in “reckless politics,” claiming, “Leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera are undermining national interests with their narrative, portraying India as weak when it has acted with strength and responsibility.”

He highlighted India’s firm responses to terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing actions in Uri, Balakot, and ‘Operation Sindoor,’ and framed the IMF abstention as a reflection of strategic diplomacy.

Ramesh, in an earlier X post, had claimed that the Congress urged India to vote against the IMF loan to Pakistan during its Executive Board meeting on Friday, 9 May 2025, but lamented that India’s abstention diluted the message. “A firm ‘NO’ vote would have been a stronger signal,” he argued.

The IMF approved a $1 billion tranche for Pakistan under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a $1.3 billion tranche under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) on Friday. India abstained, with the Union Ministry of Finance expressing concerns over Pakistan’s “poor track record” with IMF programmes and the potential misuse of funds for terrorism, reinforcing India’s cautious yet principled stand amid ongoing tensions.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com