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JD (U) rebels Sharad Yadav, Ali Anwar disqualified from Rajya Sabha

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8 years ago

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JD (U) rebels Sharad Yadav, Ali Anwar disqualified from Rajya Sabha

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Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s faction of the JD (U) had demanded the disqualification; Sharad Yadav says he will continue fight to save democracy

In a haste rarely seen in decisions taken by the Rajya Sabha secretariat when it comes to demands for expulsion of members of Parliament’s Upper House, Chairman Venkaiah Naidu, on Monday evening, disqualified rebel Janata Dal (United) MPs, Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar from the Rajya Sabha.

The move by Naidu, who as Vice President is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, comes three months after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s faction wrote to him demanding that Rajya Sabha memberships of rebel leaders, Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar, be terminated.

On Tuesday, Yadav and several other Opposition leaders slammed Naidu’s decision to disqualify the two veteran parliamentarians without even giving them a chance to reply to a notice that over the imminent decision that was reportedly served to them from the Rajya Sabha secretariat only hours before the remainder of their Upper House tenures were terminated.

In a brief response to news agency IANS, Sharad Yadav had confirmed that a 15-page notice on his disqualification was served to him at his Delhi residence “late on Monday night” and that he had hoped to go through the notice on Tuesday before sending his reply to the Rajya Sabha secretariat. However, he was informed that his membership of the Rajya Sabha had been terminated with immediate effect.

On Tuesday, before he left for Gujarat to campaign for his faction of the JD (U), which is fighting the upcoming Assembly polls against the BJP on seven of the state’s 182 seats under the banner of Bharatiya Rashtriya Tribal Party, Sharad Yadav asserted that he would “continue to fight to save democracy”.

Yadav and Anwar’s expulsion from the Rajya Sabha comes as the result of their opposition to JD (U) chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s decision of dumping the party’s ‘Mahagathbandhan’ with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and the Congress and instead forming a ruling coalition with the BJP earlier this year. The Mahagathbandhan was a pre-poll alliance between the JD (U), RJD and Congress that had been stitched together by Lalu Prasad, Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav and the Congress leadership in a bid to stop the BJP’s victory march at the hustings under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah’s leadership.

However, after allegations of corruption were raised against Lalu Prasad’s son and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi in August this year, Nitish had stunned and political observers and his party colleagues like Sharad Yadav by first announcing that he was resigning as chief minister and then – within 24 hours – returning to office with the BJP as part of his new ruling coalition. Yadav and Ali Anwar had declared Nitish’s decision as a “betrayal of the mandate given to the Mahagathbandhan by the people of Bihar” and vowed to fight against the chief minister’s autocratic style of functioning.

On Tuesday, following his disqualification from the Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav took to Twitter to assert that he will continue his protest against Nitish Kumar’s betrayal.

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Rajya Sabha MP and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the haste shown by Venkaiah Naidu in deciding on the petition seeking Yadav and Anwar’s disqualification had “cast a shadow” and that similar petitions demanding disqualifications of some MPs from the Lok Sabha had been “pending for over a year”.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Sources said that senior Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha,, Anand Sharma along with some other Opposition members had Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu to refer the petition seeking disqualification of Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar to a parliamentary committee. However, Naidu reportedly rejected the request claiming that that in previous cases parliamentary committees had made little contribution, and instead delayed their decision.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Renaming MGNREGA removes core spirit of rural employment law, says Shashi Tharoor

Published

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December 19, 2025

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Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), saying the move strips the rural employment programme of its core essence. His remarks came after Parliament cleared the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, also referred to as the VB-G RAM G Bill.

Speaking to media, Tharoor said the decision to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme “takes out the heart” of the rural employment programme that has been in place for years. He noted that the identity and philosophy associated with Mahatma Gandhi were central to the original law.

Tharoor also objected to the way the new name was framed, arguing that it unnecessarily combined multiple languages. He pointed out that the Constitution envisages the use of one language in legislation, while the Bill’s title mixes English and Hindi terms such as “Guarantee”, “Rozgar” and “Ajeevika”, along with the conjunction “and”.

‘Disrespect to both names’

The Congress leader said that inserting the word “Ram” while dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name amounted to disrespecting both. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas, Tharoor said that for Gandhi, the concepts of Gram Swaraj and Ram Rajya were inseparable, and removing his name from a rural employment law went against that vision.

He added that the name of Lord Ram could be used in many contexts, but questioned the rationale behind excluding Mahatma Gandhi from a programme closely linked to his philosophy of village self-rule.

Protests over passage of the Bill

The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 18 and cleared by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of December 19 amid protests from Opposition members. Several MPs opposed the manner in which the legislation was pushed through, with scenes of sloganeering and tearing of papers in the House.

Outside Parliament, members of the Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in protest near Samvidhan Sadan against the passage of the Bill. Congress also announced nationwide protests earlier this week, accusing the government of weakening rights-based welfare schemes.

Despite opposition criticism, the government has maintained that the new law will strengthen rural employment and livelihood security. The Bill raises the guaranteed employment from 100 days to 125 days per rural household and outlines a 60:40 cost-sharing formula between the Centre and states, with a higher central share for northeastern, Himalayan states and certain Union Territories.

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India News

Rahul Gandhi attacks G RAM G bill, says move against villages and states

Rahul Gandhi has criticised the G RAM G bill cleared by Parliament, alleging it dilutes the rights-based structure of MGNREGA and centralises control over rural employment.

Published

2 days ago

on

December 19, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Modi government after Parliament cleared the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, commonly referred to as the ‘G RAM G’ bill. He described the proposed law as “anti-state” and “anti-village”, arguing that it weakens the core spirit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The new legislation, which is positioned as an updated version of MGNREGA, was passed amid protests by opposition parties and is expected to replace the existing scheme once it receives presidential assent.

‘Bulldozed without scrutiny’, says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi criticised the manner in which the bill was cleared, saying it was pushed through Parliament without adequate debate or examination. He pointed out that the opposition’s demand to refer the bill to a standing committee was rejected.

According to him, any law that fundamentally alters the rural employment framework and affects crores of workers should undergo detailed scrutiny, expert consultation and public hearings before approval.

Claim of dilution of rights-based guarantee

Targeting the central government, the Congress leader said the proposed law dismantles the rights-based and demand-driven nature of MGNREGA and replaces it with a rationed system controlled from Delhi. He argued that this shift undermines the autonomy of states and villages.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the intent behind the move is to centralise power and weaken labour, particularly impacting rural communities such as Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis.

Defence of MGNREGA’s impact

Highlighting the role of MGNREGA, Gandhi said the scheme provided rural workers with bargaining power, reduced distress migration and improved wages and working conditions, while also contributing to rural infrastructure development.

He also recalled the role of MGNREGA during the Covid period, stating that it prevented crores of people from slipping into hunger and debt. According to him, any rationing of a jobs programme first affects women, landless workers and the poorest communities.

Opposition to name change and provisions

The Congress has also objected to the renaming of the scheme, accusing the government of attempting to erase the legacy associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Opposition MPs staged a dharna within the Parliament complex, questioning provisions of the bill that they claim dilute the “soul and spirit” of the original law enacted in 2005.

Under MGNREGA, the government guaranteed 100 days of work in rural areas along with an unemployment allowance if work was not provided. The ‘G RAM G’ bill proposes to raise the guaranteed workdays to 125, while retaining other provisions. However, critics have flagged concerns over employment being linked to pre-approved plans.

The bill was cleared after a midnight voice vote in the Rajya Sabha, following its passage in the Lok Sabha amid protests and walkouts. It will become law once approved by the President.

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India News

AAP dominates Punjab zila parishad polls, leads in most panchayat samiti zones

AAP has won 201 out of 317 declared zila parishad zones in Punjab so far and is leading in a majority of panchayat samiti seats, with counting still underway.

Published

3 days ago

on

December 18, 2025

By

Punjab Zila Parishad Polls

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has recorded a strong performance in the Punjab zila parishad elections and is leading in the majority of panchayat samiti zones, as per results declared so far on Thursday. The counting process is still underway and complete results are awaited, officials said.

Polling for the rural local bodies was held on December 14 to elect representatives across 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis in the state.

AAP secures clear edge in zila parishads

According to the available results, outcomes have been declared for 317 zila parishad zones so far. Of these, the AAP has won 201 zones, placing it well ahead of other parties.

The Congress emerged second with victories in 60 zones, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with 39 zones. The BJP won four zones, the BSP secured three, while independents claimed 10 zones.

District-wise data shows that the AAP won 22 zones in Hoshiarpur, 19 each in Amritsar and Patiala, 17 each in Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur, and 15 zones in Sangrur. The Congress registered its best performances in Gurdaspur and Ludhiana with eight zones each, followed by Jalandhar with seven zones. The SAD performed strongly in Bathinda with 13 zones, while the BJP managed to win four zones in Pathankot.

AAP leads in panchayat samiti results

In the panchayat samiti elections, trends declared so far indicate that the AAP is leading in a majority of zones. However, officials clarified that counting is ongoing and the final picture will be clear only after all ballot papers are tallied.

Kejriwal, Mann reject opposition allegations

Reacting to the trends, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said the party’s performance reflected strong rural support for the Bhagwant Mann government’s work. Addressing the media in Mohali along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal dismissed allegations of irregularities raised by opposition parties.

He said the elections were conducted in a fair and free manner and claimed that the results so far showed a clear wave in favour of the AAP in rural Punjab. Kejriwal stated that nearly 70 per cent of the zila parishad and panchayat samiti seats had gone in favour of the party.

Congress, SAD question poll conduct

The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, however, accused the ruling party of misusing official machinery. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that the AAP had “stolen” the rural mandate and claimed that the results did not reflect genuine public support.

Opposition parties had earlier also accused the AAP government of high-handedness during the polling process, allegations that the ruling party has strongly denied.

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