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Congress to File Supreme Court Petition Against Waqf Bill, Cites Constitutional Concerns

April 4, 2025, 11:18 am

The Congress party announced on Friday that it will soon challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Supreme Court. Party leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Bill, calling it an “assault of the Narendra Modi government on the Indian Constitution.” He emphasized that Congress would continue to resist such actions.

Congress’s Previous Legal Battles

Ramesh highlighted several ongoing legal challenges initiated by the party. He mentioned that the Supreme Court is already hearing Congress’s cases against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, amendments to the Right to Information Act, 2005, and changes to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024). Additionally, the party has intervened to uphold the Places of Worship Act, 1991. He confirmed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, would also be challenged soon.

“We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India,” Ramesh stated.

Parliament Passes Waqf Bill After Intense Debate

On early Friday, Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after the Rajya Sabha passed it following an over 13-hour debate. The Bill had already received approval in the Lok Sabha. The discussion saw fierce objections from opposition parties, who labeled the Bill as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” The government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. In the Lok Sabha, 288 members supported it, while 232 opposed it.

Opposition Alleges Bias Against Muslims

Several opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, RJD, and Left parties, strongly opposed the Bill. They accused the government of introducing it with “mala fide intentions” to seize Muslim-owned properties and transfer them to corporations. Some opposition leaders even demanded that the Bill be withdrawn.

Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha approved the Bill after it had already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

Did You Know We Didn’t Always Have This PMO? It Was Indira Gandhi Who First Consolidated Power in Office

March 31, 2025, 11:01 pm

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of India has grown from a modest secretarial unit at independence into the nerve center of national governance. Established in 1947 as the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS), it was initially a low-profile office intended to assist the Prime Minister with routine administrative support. Over the decades, the PMO’s structure, authority, and influence have expanded significantly, shaped by the leadership style of each Prime Minister and the political context of their tenure. This report provides a narrative history of the PMO’s institutional development from 1947 to the present, highlights key milestones in its evolution, and analyzes how its role has changed under various Prime Ministers. It also spotlights two key advisers—P. N. Haksar and Brajesh Mishra—who played pivotal roles in redefining the PMO’s trajectory. Finally, it examines the changing nature of the PMO’s influence in governance and its relationship with other institutions like the Cabinet Secretariat and ministries. The Prime Minister’s Office is located in the iconic South Block of the Secretariat Building in New Delhi.

Over time, the PMO has become the administrative hub for the Prime Minister’s immediate staff and key advisors, reflecting its central place in Indian governance.

Origins and Early Years (1947–1964):

A Modest Secretariat In August 1947, with India’s independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru set up the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS) as his support office. Nehru’s PMS was intentionally low-profile – it was headed by a civil servant of joint secretary rank and focused mainly on providing personal secretarial assistance. Nehru preferred to govern through the traditional cabinet system, relying on strong ministers and the Cabinet Secretariat for policy coordination. His Principal Private Secretary, e.g. H. V. R. Iengar and later M. O. Mathai, wielded some influence but remained a step below top bureaucratic ranks. Nehru even allowed his private secretary to attend Cabinet meetings – an unusual move at the time – but generally maintained the norm that major decisions were taken collectively by Cabinet ministers, with the Prime Minister acting as a coordinator. In essence, during Nehru’s 17-year tenure, the PMS did not yet emerge as an independent power center; it functioned as a secretarial unit while the Cabinet Secretariat (headed by the Cabinet Secretary) continued to coordinate inter-ministerial matters and implement cabinet decisions. However, by the early 1960s, circumstances began to change. The demands of governance had grown, and Nehru himself faced health issues in his final years. After Nehru’s death in May 1964, his successor Lal Bahadur Shastri immediately saw the need to strengthen the Prime Minister’s personal office. Shastri was a more diffident leader who felt the pressures of high office and lacked a large personal political base. Within a month of taking charge, in June 1964, Shastri institutionalized the PMS by giving it formal statutory status through an insertion in the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules. This seemingly minor administrative change had far-reaching consequences: it marked the elevation of the PMS’s role from merely clerical to a more authoritative coordinating office at the center of government.

Shifting Power: Shastri’s Reforms and Indira Gandhi’s PMO (1964–1977)

Shastri (1964–66) appointed L.K. Jha as Secretary to the PM—the first with Secretary rank—marking a pivotal shift. Jha became Shastri’s closest aide, advising on economy and foreign policy, including the Tashkent peace talks and speech drafts. His influence rivaled the Cabinet Secretariat, leading observers to say Shastri “permanently eroded the primacy” of the Cabinet Secretary. This created a parallel power channel in the PMO.

Indira Gandhi, succeeding Shastri, retained Jha but appointed P.N. Haksar in 1967. Haksar, sharing her socialist vision, became Principal Secretary in 1971 and centralized power in the PMS. He drove major policies like bank nationalization (1969) and strategy in the 1971 Bangladesh war. PMS was called “a super agency that dictated [to] different ministries,” running a parallel government. Ministers lost autonomy, as policies were routed through the PMS. Critics accused Indira of personal rule through the PMS, undermining cabinet system and civil service neutrality.

Haksar believed Nehru lacked an apex mechanism to enforce PM’s vision. Under Indira, PMS coordinated with central ministries and states, maintained its own info channels, and kept dossiers on political opponents. By early 1970s, PMS eclipsed Cabinet Secretariat as administrative fulcrum. Post-Emergency, Morarji Desai’s Janata Govt. (1977–79) renamed PMS to PMO, cut its size, abolished the Principal Secretary post, and restored Cabinet Secretariat primacy. This was a short-lived corrective phase, but the strong PMO model was now well established.

Resurgence and Adaptation: Indira’s Return and the Rajiv Gandhi Era (1980–1989)

Indira’s 1980 return revived the PMO’s central role. She reappointed a Principal Secretary and used the PMO for policy direction and oversight. Her second-term Principal Secretary, P.C. Alexander, managed the PMO in a more bureaucratic style. Yet, the PMO oversaw major issues like public sector expansion, 1982 Asian Games, and Punjab security. Indira retained multiple advisors, shaping a robust PMO structure with secretaries, advisors, and political aides.

After Indira’s 1984 assassination, Rajiv Gandhi modernized the PMO to match his 21st-century vision. His PMO initiated national tech missions (e.g., telecom, literacy), with advisors like Sam Pitroda. The office had career bureaucrats like Gopi Arora and political aides. In 1985, Sarla Grewal became India’s first woman Principal Secretary. The PMO coordinated on major issues like the 1987 Sri Lanka peace accord and Punjab negotiations.

However, scandals like Bofors led Rajiv to reshuffle aides (e.g., Gopi Arora ousted in 1987), relying more on political advisors. B.G. Deshmukh noted a recurring issue: “ministers and the non-civil servants (advisors) in the PMO” often encroached on ministry powers, while bureaucrats remained professional. By 1989, the PMO was firmly a central power node, though needing recalibration for the evolving political landscape.

PMO in the Coalition Era (1989–1998): Diminished Authority, Shared Power

From 1989 to 1998, India saw a succession of coalition and minority governments, which reduced the PMO’s assertiveness. Prime Ministers like V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, Deve Gowda, and Gujral relied on consensus and compromise, limiting the PMO to a coordinating role rather than a policymaking hub. Even during P.V. Narasimha Rao’s tenure (1991–96), though reforms were introduced, the PMO functioned behind the scenes, with key decisions (like economic liberalization) driven by ministries. Rao preferred decentralized advice over a powerful inner circle.

The Cabinet Secretariat and ministers enjoyed more autonomy, and the PMO’s influence depended on the Prime Minister’s personal authority. While its structure remained intact, the PMO’s clout was muted, awaiting revival under stronger leadership.

The Vajpayee Era (1998–2004): Professionalization and Expansion of Scope

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister from 1998 reinvigorated and expanded the PMO. Despite leading a coalition, Vajpayee’s stature gave him significant control. The PMO gained authority and professionalized, especially in national security, under Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra, a former diplomat who also became India’s first National Security Advisor in 1998. Holding both posts, Mishra was Vajpayee’s chief coordinator and troubleshooter, often seen as the de facto head of government in key areas due to Vajpayee’s delegatory style. The PMO under them became central to foreign affairs and defense, with Mishra playing a key role in the secretive Pokhran-II nuclear tests, India’s diplomatic outreach post-tests, the 1999 Lahore peace process, and the Kargil War response. The office’s capacity grew with new advisory roles and mechanisms like the National Security Council, embedding strategic planning in the PMO. Mishra brought strategic experts like K. Subrahmanyam and ensured direct PMO access to intelligence and defense planning. His diplomatic experience meant the PMO began asserting itself in external affairs, occasionally causing turf tensions with the External Affairs Ministry. Specialists like N. K. Singh (economic affairs) and Ashok Tandon (media advisor) added to a corporate-style PMO with formal protocols. Mishra’s influence often surpassed Cabinet Ministers, yet Vajpayee maintained a collegial Cabinet, respecting coalition dynamics. By 2004, the PMO had firmly established itself as a central player in domestic administration and foreign/security policy. Mishra’s powerful tenure earned him the title “arguably India’s most powerful principal secretary.”

UPA Years (2004–2014): Dual Power and a Restrained PMO

During the UPA rule (2004–2014), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led a consensus-based government with limited personal authority, while Congress President Sonia Gandhi, though outside government, held significant influence via the National Advisory Council (NAC). This dual power structure meant the PMO played a coordinating role rather than being the central driver of policy. Key decisions were often made through Group of Ministers, with the NAC shaping major welfare schemes like MNREGA and RTI. The PMO focused on implementation and strategic issues, notably during the India-US nuclear deal and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Although Singh’s PMO oversaw core functions, real power often rested with the party leadership, creating what was termed a “remote control” model of governance. The PMO remained functional but lacked dominant political clout.

The Modi Era (2014–Present): Centralized Power and an Assertive PMO

Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the PMO into the most powerful center of governance, marking a sharp shift toward centralization. With a strong electoral mandate, Modi reduced reliance on cabinet committees, bringing all key decisions under PMO control. Ministries must align with the PMO’s directives, and flagship initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Make in India are monitored directly by the PMO.

Wetland Conservation: Experts Recommend Prioritizing Quality Over Numbers

February 3, 2025, 12:46 pm

On the occasion of World Wetland Day 2025, MP and former Union Minister for Environment, Jairam Ramesh appealed to the nation to enhance the “Quality over Quantity” of wetland conservation, but he chose improvement in the quality of Ramsar sites instead of increasing the number. All these are necessary for their sustainable protection as natural ecosystems.

Jairam Ramesh spoke to over 70 policymakers, conservationists, and researchers at the event organized by Wetlands International South Asia at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event marked the 54th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention international treaty for wetland conservation.

Jairam Ramesh acknowledged the country’s progress since signing the Ramsar Convention in 1982 while emphasizing that much more still needs to be done today. He picked Deepor Beel and Kolleru Lake as examples, citing encroachment and pollution as major drawbacks. Ramesh emphasized governance and scientific input led by local communities to be crucial for their protection.

Wetlands in Sustainable Development

There was a panel discussion on “Wetlands and Sustainable Development” with experts from IUCN-India, WWF-India, and the National Biodiversity Authority. The panelists presented to the forum the role of wetlands in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Experts suggested intersectoral coordination, policy harmonization, and active citizen involvement to better conserve wetlands.

Need for Stronger Legal Frameworks and Local Engagement

Reiterating the theme of the event, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” Ramesh said legal protection needs to be strengthened and local community participation increased. He said India has developed scientific knowledge and implemented legal measures such as the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 but practical conservation efforts need improvement.

According to Ramesh, four critical issues are undermining wetlands; these include key threats such as Industrial and human effluents polluting the water bodies, Municipal pressures by urban expansion, Lack of involvement of the communities in conservation, and Inadequate scientific studies to inform policies and management.

Jairam Ramesh challenged the policymakers to vest powers in the local communities and claimed that these people are the best custodians of the wetlands.

Experts Call for Better Incentives for Private Wetland Owners

Vishaish Uppal of WWF-India, citing Jairam Ramesh, stated that private owners reportedly own 40% of India’s wetlands and emphasized that private wetland owners have no reason to conserve them. He added that conservation efforts should be clearer and community-driven. Wetland Protection should be more of a Shared Responsibility.

The event also unveiled several critical publications, which are A training manual on water quality for wetland conservation, A report on the estimation of peatland in India, which outlines the scope of carbon storage in wetlands and mitigation through climate change, and India’s Way Forward on Wetland Conservation.

World Wetlands Day 2025 passed with a consensus among conservationists that India needs to shift towards a more holistic approach. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of strengthening legal measures and increasing outreach to the community in order to effectively conserve its wetlands for posterity.

Jairam Ramesh Calls Modi’s Statement ‘Damage Control’

January 11, 2025, 2:47 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments in his recent podcast. Modi stated that he is “human and not God” and can make mistakes. Ramesh claimed Modi was trying to backtrack on his earlier statement of being “non-biological.”

Modi Acknowledges Human Imperfection

In the podcast, Modi explained that he has always believed in working hard for others, saying, “When I became Gujarat chief minister, I committed to working for the people and not for myself. I am human, and I can make mistakes, but I never act with bad intentions.” He added, “Mistakes are inevitable, but I strive not to do wrong.”

Ramesh Responds: A Damage Control Attempt

Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Modi’s remarks. He wrote, “This from a man who proclaimed his non-biological status just eight months back. This is clearly damage control.” Ramesh pointed out the contradiction between Modi’s previous statement and his current admission of human flaws.

This from a man who proclaimed his non-biological status just eight months back. This is clearly damage control pic.twitter.com/hBPp5QJl0Y

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 10, 2025

PM Modi’s ‘Non-Biological’ Comment

Earlier, in an interview for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had discussed his work routine and spiritual beliefs. He said, “When my mother was alive, I thought I was born biologically. After her death, I realized the energy within me could not be from my biological body but was given by God.”

Modi on Idealism in Politics

In the podcast, Modi also highlighted the importance of idealism in politics. He said, “Politics cannot function without ideology, but idealism is equally crucial.” Modi pointed out that despite differing methods, both Mahatma Gandhi and VD Savarkar shared the same ultimate goal: “freedom.”

Jairam Ramesh Critiques Modi’s ‘Human, Not God’ Comment

January 11, 2025, 1:41 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest podcast statement in which the Prime Minister claimed that he is human and can make mistakes. Ramesh connected Modi’s remarks to the Prime Minister’s controversial “non-biological” comment made earlier, accusing him of doing damage control.

This from a man who proclaimed his non-biological status just eight months back. This is clearly damage control pic.twitter.com/hBPp5QJl0Y

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 10, 2025

Modi Reflects on Being Human and Making Mistakes

In his maiden podcast released on Friday, PM Modi discussed his leadership journey and philosophy. During his interaction with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Modi admitted that he is human and may make mistakes. However, he emphasized that he would never act out of bad intentions. He shared, “When I became Gujarat chief minister, I promised to work hard and not do anything for myself. I may make mistakes, but I will not do anything wrong intentionally. I have made it a mantra of my life: mistakes are inevitable, but I will never act with malice. I am human, not a God.”

Jairam Ramesh Hits Back at Modi’s Remarks

Reacting to Modi’s statement, Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) and sarcastically wrote, “This from a man who proclaimed his non-biological status just eight months back. This is damage control.” Ramesh’s remark pointed to Modi’s controversial statement made earlier about his supposed “non-biological” energy, which stirred considerable debate across political circles.

PM Modi’s “Non-Biological” Comment Sparks Controversy

In an interview before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi discussed the intensification of his election campaign and work routine. He claimed that his energy came from a divine source. He said, “When my mother was alive, I believed I was born biologically. After her passing, I realized that God had sent me, and this energy could not be from my biological body, but from a divine source. I believe God guides me in everything I do.”

This comment sparked significant controversy. Critics questioned the implications of such statements on the Prime Minister’s public persona.

Modi Discusses Idealism Over Ideology

In the same podcast, PM Modi also touched on the theme of idealism versus ideology in politics. While acknowledging the importance of ideology, he emphasized that idealism is crucial for success. Modi referred to Mahatma Gandhi and VD Savarkar as examples of leaders with different paths, yet united by the common goal of freedom.

‘Only agenda of PM Modi, Shah, Yogi is social polarisation,’ Jairam Ramesh Accuses BJP Leaders

November 12, 2024, 2:49 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assam CM Hemant Biswa Sarma, of engaging in social polarisation and spreading “communal venom” for political purposes. Ramesh, who is also the Congress General Secretary in-charge for Communications, alleged that the BJP’s sole agenda revolves around dividing society to fuel communal tensions.

Polarisation as BJP’s Primary Agenda

Ramesh’s statement came amid ongoing election campaigns in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, where he claimed BJP leaders were resorting to polarisation tactics in a bid to distract from their political failures. He said, “The election campaigning of our non-biological PM, HM, and others in BJP in Jharkhand and Maharashtra clearly shows that they are baffled and scared. They have not been able to recover from the results of the 2024 elections. The only agenda of PM Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and Assam CM is social polarisation. Massive polarisation. Spread enmity, create communal tension, and spread communal venom.”

Ramesh added that while the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra focused on issues such as farmers, women, youth, and social justice during their campaigns, the BJP had chosen to focus solely on polarisation. In Jharkhand, he noted, the INDIA alliance, including Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was highlighting its roadmap for the next five years, particularly focusing on Adivasis, SCs, STs, OBCs, and other marginalized groups.

Congress Pushes for Census to Ensure Social Justice

Ramesh also criticized the BJP for backtracking on conducting a caste-based census, which he said is essential for addressing social justice issues. “I would like to tell the PM that when you have the census, only then will you be able to go forward. What is the basis of social justice? Census. Why are they backtracking on the census? If you don’t have caste survey, caste census, how would you deliver social justice?” he remarked.

Elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra

As the election process unfolds, Phase 1 of the Jharkhand Assembly elections began on Tuesday. The second phase of Jharkhand’s elections, along with the Maharashtra Assembly elections, will take place on November 20, with results scheduled for November 23.

Haryana: Congress was defeated by its own people, not outsiders

October 15, 2024, 3:47 am

The mandate from the people of Haryana has left the Congress party questioning what went wrong. So the leaders who are disappointed by this defeat have their own version. If Rahul Gandhi, the supreme leader of Congress, truly wants to understand the reasons behind the party’s defeat, he should meet with the individual leaders who lost the election and seek their honest insights.

Somehow, if Rahul Gandhi is not able to have an interaction with all the leaders; he must ascertain to meet those 10 to 12 prominent leaders from his party who lost, as the odds of gaining valuable insights from them are significantly higher. Many leaders disheartened by Haryana’s defeat express this sentiment.

If the reasons for losses in other states remain unknown, the same fate could befall Haryana. Had the Congress identified the causes of its defeat in a significant state like Rajasthan last year, Haryana might have been spared.

In Rajasthan, it was not just external factors but also internal members who sought to undermine the party, as they did not want to see Ashok Gehlot’s government continue. Consequently, the party faced electoral losses. Rajasthan was a crucial state for Congress. If Congress had won just Rajasthan, the political landscape of the country might have been different. Coincidentally, the same team in Delhi that was active during the defeat in Haryana was also at the helm during Rajasthan’s loss. Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal, Ajay Maken, and Jairam Ramesh have not been held accountable for any of Congress’s defeats to date. After Rajasthan, Haryana was the second state that could have fully restored Congress’s standing, especially with party members energized by winning 99 seats in the Lok Sabha. However, former CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda, a key figure the party relied on, has come under scrutiny. Farmer leader Pradhan Gurnam Singh Chadni has revealed troubling truths about the farmers’ movement, suggesting that Hooda may have been involved in manipulation. Despite the party’s claims about EVM tampering, alternative explanations are gradually coming to light.

Now, the former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda has come under scanner. The opponents are taking a direct aim at him. Hooda and his family are being held completely responsible for the defeat. For the defeat in many seats, not outsiders but our own people are being held responsible. There was fear of party MPs Shailja and Randeep Singh Surjewala, and there are reports of some leaders close to them being targeted and defeated.

Uchana and Ganaur seats are just examples. Brijendra Singh, who lost from Uchana by just 32 votes, instead of questioning the EVMs, said that the reason for the defeat was a behind the scenes conspiracy.

Jairam Ramesh Warns of “Three Dark Clouds” Threatening Growth of Indian Economy

October 6, 2024, 2:06 pm

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns over what he describes as “three dark clouds” that pose significant challenges to India’s economic growth in the coming years. Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government, Ramesh criticized what he called the “bombastic claims” regarding the economy, suggesting these issues would hinder India’s growth potential.

Unsteady Private Sector Investment

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ramesh pointed to an “unsteady path of private sector investment” as a key challenge. He noted that new project announcements in the private sector had fallen by 21% between FY 2023 and FY 2024, following a brief surge during the COVID-19 recovery. This decline, he argued, reflects a lack of investor confidence and uncertainty caused by inconsistent government policies and what he termed “raid raj.”

“New project announcements by the private sector fell by 21 per cent between FY23 and FY24. This reflects a lack of investor confidence in India’s consumer markets and the uncertain investment climate generated by the government’s inconsistent policymaking,” Ramesh said.

Stagnation in Manufacturing Sector

Ramesh also highlighted the stagnation of India’s manufacturing sector despite the government’s “Make in India” initiative. According to him, manufacturing’s contribution to GDP has remained unchanged over the past decade, and its share of total employment has marginally declined. India’s share in global merchandise exports has also stagnated, and exports as a share of GDP are falling.

“India’s manufacturing is stagnating, and exports are falling as a share of India’s GDP,” Ramesh stated, comparing the situation unfavorably to the rapid export growth seen between 2005 and 2015 under the UPA government.

The third issue raised by Ramesh was the decline in real wages and productivity for India’s laborers. Referring to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-2023, he noted that the growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker, a measure of labor productivity, had slowed dramatically since 2014-15. This decline in productivity has contributed to stagnating real wage growth, which, combined with rising inflation, has weakened consumption and dampened investment.

“Real wages are stagnating, and consumption will remain weak, resulting in low investment that has been a consistent restraint on India’s growth,” he warned.

Ramesh expressed concern over what he called the “financialization” of India’s economy, with companies focusing more on stock market valuations rather than revenue growth. He argued that this trend, coupled with declining private sector investment, bodes poorly for the medium- to long-term prospects of India’s economic growth.

Election Commission halts Haryana recruitment results till completion of assembly elections

August 21, 2024, 6:10 pm

On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a halt to the announcement of recruitment results in Haryana until after the state assembly elections. The elections for Haryana’s 90 assembly constituencies are scheduled for October 1, with the vote counting set for October 4.

The ECI’s decision follows a complaint from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the ongoing recruitment processes. These include the hiring for 5,600 police constable positions, 76 posts of TGT and PTI by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), and various posts by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC).

The Commission reviewed the situation and noted that 600 posts for Female Constables (General Duty) and 4,000 posts for Male Constables (General Duty) were requisitioned and uploaded on the HSSC portal on July 3, 2024, and July 9, 2024, respectively. Additionally, 1,000 posts for Male Constables (IRB) were requisitioned on July 9, 2024. The recruitment advertisement for these posts was published on August 16, 2024, at 1:45 PM on the HSSC website. The ECI found that these advertisements pertained to regular appointments and were issued according to pre-election requisitions by the DGP of Haryana.

For the HPSC, the Commission noted that recruitment for 38 posts had been in process before August 16, 2024. The HPSC had already notified schedules for 16 categories of posts on July 8, 2024, including the Ayurvedic Medical Officer post with a screening test date of September 22, 2024, and the Assistant Architect post with a test scheduled for September 29, 2024.

The ECI clarified that while regular recruitment and promotions by UPSC, State Public Service Commissions, or Staff Selection Commissions are permitted under MCC guidelines, non-statutory body recruitments require prior ECI clearance.

To ensure a level playing field and avoid any undue advantage, the ECI has directed that the results for the HSSC and HPSC recruitments not be announced until after the completion of the assembly elections. Haryana’s electorate includes 2.01 crore voters, with 1.06 crore males, 0.95 crore females, 4.52 lakh first-time voters, and 40.95 lakh young voters.

Jairam Ramesh Targets PM Over ‘Communal Civil Code’

August 16, 2024, 1:26 am

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “communal civil code” remarks during his address on Independence Day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the comments were an insult to Dr BR Ambedkar, who was the greatest champion of reforms in Hindu personal law.

Jairam Ramesh also said the Law Commission appointed by the BJP-led NDA government had said in 2018 that Uniform Civil Code “is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage”.
“The non-biological PM’s capacity for malice, mischief, and maligning of history knows no bounds. It was on full display today from the Red Fort. To say that we have had a “communal civil code” till now is a gross insult to Dr Ambedkar, who was the greatest champion of reforms in Hindu personal laws that became a reality by the mid-1950s. These reforms had been bitterly opposed by the RSS and the Jan Sangh,” Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

“And here is what the 21st Law Commission, appointed by the non-biological PM himself, had said in Para 1.15 of its 182-page Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law, dated August 31st, 2018: While diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups or weaker sections of society must not be dis-privileged in the process. Resolution of this conflict does not mean abolition of all differences. This Commission has therefore dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are moving towards recognition of differences and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy,” the Congress leader added.
In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said a large section of people feel that the current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code and it is discriminatory.
He said laws that divide the country based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society and after 75 years, it is crucial to move towards a “secular civil code”.

“In our country, the Supreme Court has held discussions regarding the Uniform Civil Code and has given orders several times. A large section of the country believes, and there is truth in this that the civil code that we are living with is actually a communal civil code in a way, a discriminatory civil code,” the Prime Minister said.“I believe that there should be a discussion on this serious issue across the country…Everyone should come forward with their suggestions. I would say that it is the need of the hour that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country…We have spent 75 years in the communal civil code.

Jairam Ramesh Criticizes PM Modi’s ‘Communal Civil Code’ Remarks

August 15, 2024, 5:05 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments on the “communal civil code” during his Independence Day address, calling the statement an insult to Dr. BR Ambedkar. Ramesh emphasized that Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was a staunch advocate for reforms in Hindu personal law, which became a reality in the mid-1950s despite opposition from the RSS and Jan Sangh.

Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister in a post on X, stating, “The non-biological PM’s capacity for malice, mischief, and maligning history knows no bounds. To say that we have had a ‘communal civil code’ till now is a gross insult to Dr. Ambedkar, who championed reforms in Hindu personal laws.”

He also referenced the 2018 report of the 21st Law Commission, appointed by the BJP-led NDA government, which found that implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage.” Quoting the report, Ramesh highlighted that diversity in Indian culture should be celebrated, and differences should not automatically be viewed as discrimination but as a sign of a robust democracy.

During his Independence Day speech, PM Modi argued that the current Civil Code in the country is discriminatory and resembles a “communal civil code.” He emphasized the need to transition to a “secular civil code” that would ensure equality and remove religion-based discrimination.

“A large section of the country believes, and there is truth in this, that the civil code we are living with is actually a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code,” the Prime Minister said. He further called for a nationwide discussion on the issue and suggested that it is time for India to embrace a secular civil code, free from religious bias.

The exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code, a contentious issue that continues to polarize political discourse in India.

Jairam Demands Sebi Chairman’s Resignation, CBI Probe Over Hindenburg Report

August 12, 2024, 12:50 pm

Congress on Monday once again hit back at the government over the Hindenburg research report after the Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) dubbed the allegations as “inappropriate” saying that the market regulator seeming inability to close two of its 24 investigations delayed the publication of its findings for over a year and it conveniently allowed the Prime Minister to navigate an entire general election without addressing his role in facilitating his close friend’s illicit activities.

The Congress also asked that the Supreme Court should transfer the case to the CBI, Sebi chairman Madhabi Puri Buch must immediately resign and the government must order a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

In a detailed statement, Congress general secretary and communication incharge Jairam Ramesh said, “In its August 11, 2024, statement on the on-going investigations into certain financial transactions of the Adani Group, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has sought to project an image of hyperactivity, stating that it has issued 100 summons, issued 1,100 letters and emails, and examined 300 documents containing 12,000 pages. This must have been very exhausting, but it diverts attention from the core issues involved. Actions matter, not activities.”

He said that on February 14, 2023, he had written to the SEBI Chairperson urging SEBI to ‘play its role as the steward of India’s financial markets on behalf of the crores of Indians who have faith in the fairness of India’s financial markets.’

Ramesh pointed out that he “never received a reply”.

“On March 3, 2023, the Supreme Court directed SEBI to ‘expeditiously conclude the investigation’ into allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud against the Adani Group within two months. Now, eighteen months later, SEBI has revealed that a critical investigation, likely regarding whether Adani violated Rule 19A relating to minimum public shareholding, remains incomplete,” the Congress leader said.

Taking a jibe, he said, “The fact is that the SEBI’s seeming inability to close two of its 24 investigations delayed the publication of its findings for over a year. This delay conveniently allowed the Prime Minister to navigate an entire general election without addressing his role in facilitating his close friend’s illicit activities.”

Ramesh also said that despite the Adani Group’s claims of receiving a “clean chit,” SEBI has reportedly issued show-cause notices to several Adani companies concerning these allegations.

“However, the slow pace of these investigations, especially compared to the swift ‘justice’ that the Prime Minister’s investigative agencies usually deliver to opposition leaders, remains inexplicable. Moreover, recent revelations raise disturbing questions about SEBI’s integrity and conduct in investigating the Adani Mega Scam,” he alleged.

Ramesh further said that SEBI, long considered a trustworthy global financial market regulator, “is now under scrutiny”.

“It is shocking to discover that SEBI Chairperson and her husband invested in the same opaque Bermuda- and Mauritius-based offshore funds where Vinod Adani and his close associates, Chang Chung-Ling and Nasser Ali Shaban Ahli, also invested. These funds were managed by Anil Ahuja, a close friend of the Buchs and an independent director in Adani Enterprises until May 31, 2017, a period that overlapped with the SEBI Chairperson’s earlier tenure as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI,” he highlighted.

Taking a pot shot, the Congress leader said, “The illusion that the SEBI Chairperson and her husband had separated their finances has been shattered by the revelation that after joining SEBI, she transacted in the fund from her personal email account on February 25, 2018.

“Ironically, these funds are part of the same vehicles (Global Opportunities Fund and Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund) that Chang and Ahli reportedly used to bypass Rule 19A, the very violation that SEBI is currently investigating. While 360 ONE, the fund manager, claimed that the IPE Plus 1 Fund made no investments in the Adani Group, it remains silent on whether Vinod Adani, Chang, or Ahli were investors in that fund alongside the Buchs. It also fails to clarify the connections between the Global Opportunities Fund, the Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund, and the IPE Plus 1 Fund,” he said.

He also said that clearly, no institution is sacrosanct in Amrit Kaal.

“Did the SEBI Chairperson recuse herself from the Adani investigations? Do these conflicts of interest explain the prolonged investigation, a delay that has benefited both Adani and the Prime Minister while damaging SEBI’s reputation? How can a match proceed if the umpire herself is compromised?” Ramesh asked training his guns at the government.

He said: “The Supreme Court, empowered by the Constitution, must transfer the investigation to the CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) given the likelihood of SEBI’s compromise. At a minimum, the SEBI Chairperson must resign to restore SEBI’s integrity.”

He also said that, however, the Adani Mega Scam extends beyond the 24 matters under SEBI’s investigation. It encompasses the source of the Rs 20,000 crore benami funds invested in the Adani Group, the over-invoicing of thousands of crores in coal and power equipment, and the laundering of those proceeds.

“Additionally, it involves the granting of monopolies to the Adani Group in critical infrastructure sectors, and the manipulation of Indian foreign policy to secure Adani assets in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh which are proving to be highly controversial. The path forward is to immediately convene a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the full extent of the Modani Mega Scam involving the self-anointed non-biological PM and a perfectly biological businessman,” he added.

Jairam Ramesh Accuses Dharmendra Pradhan of Misleading RS Over Preamble’s Removal from NCERT Books

August 9, 2024, 12:01 pm

Congress General Secretary and MP Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege motion against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of misleading the Rajya Sabha about the removal of the Preamble from NCERT textbooks.

In his notice, Ramesh claimed that Pradhan’s statement, which suggested that the Preamble was included in recent editions of Class 6 textbooks, was factually incorrect. Ramesh provided examples of textbooks where the Preamble was omitted, contrary to what Pradhan had stated. He argued that this omission undermines the awareness of constitutional values among students and called for privilege proceedings against Pradhan for allegedly misleading the House.

Earlier, during a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP government for removing the Preamble, calling it an affront to the Constitution and accusing the government of erasing statues of significant figures and tampering with the Constitution. Kharge’s remarks led to a heated exchange, with protests from the Treasury benches and an intervention by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Pradhan responded sharply, accusing the Congress of spreading lies and confusion. He defended the government’s actions, asserting that the Preamble and other key constitutional elements remain included in textbooks and criticized Kharge for making factually incorrect allegations.

Jairam Ramesh Accuses Shah of Misleading Rajya Sabha, Files Privilege Motion Notice

August 2, 2024, 7:31 pm

On Friday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh filed a Privilege Motion notice in the Rajya Sabha against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, challenging his claims regarding early warnings about the Wayanad landslides.

In his letter, Ramesh stated, “During a discussion on the Wayanad landslides in the Rajya Sabha on July 31, the Union Home Minister made several assertions about early warning systems and how the Kerala government allegedly failed to act on alerts issued by the Union Government before the disaster. These claims have been extensively fact-checked by the media.”

Ramesh argued, “It is evident that the Union Home Minister misled the Rajya Sabha with his definitive statements regarding early warnings from the Union government, which have been proven false. Misleading the House by a minister or member constitutes a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.”

On Wednesday, Amit Shah had claimed that the Kerala government could have reduced the damage from the landslides in Wayanad if they had heeded the Central government’s warning about potential landslides and threats to lives. Shah emphasized that regardless of party politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stands with the people of Kerala.

In his Rajya Sabha address, Shah said, “An early warning was issued, which is why we dispatched nine NDRF teams on July 23, with three additional teams sent the following day. Had the Kerala government acted promptly upon the arrival of these NDRF teams, many lives could have been saved. However, this is a time to support both the government and the people of Kerala. Regardless of party affiliations, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala.”

Shah also mentioned that the Central government had sent early warnings to the Kerala government seven days before the incident, followed by additional alerts on July 24, 25, and 26.

In related developments, the Indian Army successfully rescued four people from the rubble in Wayanad, including two men and two women. The rescue operation, conducted with meticulous care, took place in Padavetti Kunnu in Wayanad.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported today that the landslides on July 30 resulted in 308 confirmed deaths. The recovery effort has thus far retrieved 195 bodies and 113 body parts.

Congress Accuses Government Of Fiscal Mismanagement Over J&K Budget

July 27, 2024, 3:31 am

Days after the Budget for Jammu and Kashmir was presented in Parliament, the Congress on Friday accused the government of “unprecedented fiscal mismanagement” and questioned Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s differing approach to the Union Territory compared to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, highlighted that on July 23, Sitharaman presented the Budget for Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament. “The present Finance Minister has the dubious distinction of being the only Finance Minister of India who has presented six state budgets, since the Union government has refused to hold Assembly Elections since the dissolution of the J&K Legislative Assembly in November 2018,” Ramesh said in a statement.

Ramesh expressed hope that future budgets for J&K would be presented by an elected Finance Minister in the J&K legislature. He criticized the current situation, where the Union finance minister presents the budget, calling it a “tragedy.”

“The Budget documents reveal some astonishing details,” Ramesh claimed. He pointed out that while Parliament approved a borrowing of Rs 12,000 crore last year, the actual borrowings amounted to Rs 24,000 crore. “Borrowings have risen five-fold in the last two years. This is unprecedented fiscal mismanagement,” he said.

Ramesh further criticized the government’s failure to meet its financial targets. “Last year, the finance minister promised to raise Rs 7,800 crore in Additional Resource Mobilisation (ARM) and managed to raise only Rs 1,000 crore,” he said. He noted that the fiscal deficit, initially pegged at 1.6%, had ballooned to 5.36% in FY24—more than three times the original estimate.

Highlighting the economic impact, Ramesh stated, “Under the Union Government’s tutelage, the share of J&K in national GDP has declined from 0.9% in 2015-16 to 0.8% in 2022-23.”

Posing questions to Sitharaman, Ramesh asked how the state’s increased tax/GDP ratio aligns with its financial struggles. “Are the people of J&K being subject to heavy taxation without any corresponding increase in their welfare?” he inquired. He also questioned the national government’s fiscal prudence, asking if it would take responsibility for the fiscal issues at the state level.

Ramesh raised concerns about unemployment, noting that J&K’s rate in February 2023 was 17%, compared to 6.6% in Andhra Pradesh and 12.3% in Bihar. “Why has the FM chosen to be benevolent to AP and Bihar, but not to J&K?” he asked.

Ramesh also questioned the finance minister’s announcement that the Union Government would cover the entire Rs 12,000 crore police budget for J&K. He pointed out that this expense was previously managed through Security Reimbursement Expenditure (SRE) due to militancy since the early 1990s. He asked if this move indicated an intention for the Union Government to control J&K’s home affairs indefinitely.

Ramesh urged the finance minister to clarify if taking over the police salary liability was a permanent measure or a one-time support.

Democracy is being murdered in broad daylight in Tripura, Jairam Ramesh slams BJP over violence

July 15, 2024, 4:37 pm

Congress criticized the BJP on Monday for the violence in Tripura, asserting that democracy is being blatantly undermined in the northeastern state. They alleged that the orchestration of these events is clear under the “double engine” government.

In a series of tweets, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the situation, stating, “This is a BJP-style assault on the Constitution of India—its principles, values, provisions, and institutions. This is the real ‘Samvidhan Hatya’.”

Ramesh, also the communications in-charge, emphasized, “Democracy is being murdered in broad daylight in Tripura. The orchestration by the self-styled double engine sarkar is beyond any doubt.”

His comments were in response to a post by his party colleague Gitish Chodankar on X, highlighting the violence in Tripura and stating, “Now BJP-sponsored violence in Tripura ahead of Panchayat elections to prevent opposition from filing nominations: Since the announcement of the upcoming Panchayat Elections-2024, BJP-backed miscreants have been conducting house-to-house attacks and threatening loyal Congress workers in various parts of the state to unfairly influence election results in their favor.”

“Those intending to contest for Tripura Congress are being threatened against participating. Just a day after the announcement of Panchayat Election 2024 on July 11, 2024, in Kalyanpur RD Block, Mohanpur RD Block, Satchand RD Block, Tepania RD Block, Dukli RD Block, Salema Block, Bishalgarh Block, Congress workers were attacked, and houses were burnt by BJP miscreants.”

“Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji – Kindly direct your party to Tripura to stop violence and respect democracy, or else Tripura people will punish you like in Manipur,” the Tripura Congress in-charge warned.

Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Centre: Claims Middle Class Shoulders Heavier Tax Burden Than Corporates

July 14, 2024, 4:57 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the BJP-led central government over tax collection data on Sunday, saying more taxes are being paid by people than companies, while “the middle class is paying disproportionately high taxes” and Rs 2 lakh crore has been transferred to the “pockets of billionaires” in the name of corporate tax cuts.

Ramesh informed that Income tax collection from April 1 to July 1, 2024, stood at Rs 3.61 lakh crore, while gross corporate tax collections were Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Speaking on the social media platform X, he said, “As we move into the Budget on July 23rd, just released data available now tells us that gross personal income tax collections were Rs 3.61 lakh crores during April 1-July 1 2024, while gross corporate tax collections were Rs 2.65 lakh crores. This reconfirms and re-establishes conclusively a point which we had been making for quite some time now—’, ‘-that people are paying much more taxes than corporations.”

The Congress general secretary also highlighted how during the Manmohan Singh era, the share of personal income tax in the overall collection of taxes was 21% due to income under his regime, which had risen by 7 percentage points to 28%. At the same time, corporate tax, he said, had fallen from 35% to 26%. He also attacked the reduction in corporate tax rate in 2019, stating that it hadn’t brought about the expected private investment and instead, private investment has fallen from 35% under UPA rule to less than 29% now.

“When Dr Manmohan Singh demitted office, personal income tax formed 21% of total tax collections and corporate tax 35%. Today, the share of corporate taxes out of total tax collection has dropped sharply to its lowest level in a decade at just 26%. While the share of personal income tax in total tax collection has shot up to 28%,” Ramesh said. He said, “Corporate tax rates were slashed on 20 Sept 2019 in the hope of inducing a boom in pvt investment. But that has NOT happened. Instead, pvt investment has collapsed from a peak of 35% of GDP under Dr. Manmohan Singh to below 29% during 2014-24. The corporate tax cut has put over Rs.2 lakh crore into the pockets of billionaires, but the middle class continues to bear heavy taxation.”

Congress Slams Govt Over Its Decision To Observe Samvidhan Hatya Diwas On June 25

July 12, 2024, 5:55 pm

New Delhi: Congress on Friday came down heavily on the BJP-led government at centre over its decision to hold ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ saying its another headline grabbing exercise in hypocrisy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had imposed an undeclared emergency from 10 years despite people of the country handed him a decisive and moral defeat on June 4.

Slamming the government, Congress general secretary and communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, “Yet another headline grabbing exercise in hypocrisy by the non-biological PM who had imposed an undeclared Emergency for ten long years before the people of India handed him a decisive personal, political, and moral defeat on June 4, 2024 – which will go down in history as Modi Mukti Diwas.”

Taking a swipe at Modi, he said, “This is a non-biological Prime Minister who has subjected the Constitution of India and its principles, values, and institutions to systematic assault. This is a non-biological PM whose ideological parivar had rejected the Constitution of India in Nov 1949 on the grounds that it did not derive inspiration from Manusmriti.”

“This is a non-biological PM for whom democracy means only demo-kursi,” Ramesh added.

His remarks came after the government on Friday issued a notification saying that it will observe June 25, the day on which Emergency was imposed in the country as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’.

CONGRESS TAKES VEILED DIG AT GOVT’S SYSTEMATIC BLUDGEONING OF MSMEs

July 11, 2024, 3:32 am

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday took a veiled dig at the BJP-led central government saying report by credit ratings firm India Ratings has confirmed what the grand old party has warned that about how non-biological Prime Minister’s systematic bludgeoning of India’s MSMEs and informal businesses has been an economic catastrophe.
In a statement, Ramesh, who is also party’s general secretary and communications in-charge said, “A new report by credit ratings firm India Ratings has confirmed what the Indian National Congress has repeatedly warned: the non-biological Prime Minister’s systematic bludgeoning of India’s MSMEs and informal businesses has been an economic catastrophe. Three shocks in particular have been devastating.”
Coming down heavily on the government, the Congress leader said that the non-biological Prime Minister’s surprise announcement of demonetisation on November 8, 2016, which virtually halted all economic activities for the following months, without bringing any clear economic and social benefits.
He also pointed out that how the botched roll-out of the GST in July 2017, with a convoluted tax structure, high compliance burden, and punitive enforcement and the non-biological PM’s decision to impose a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown on March 24, 2020 – without prior notice, adequate preparation, or an economic program to protect the informal sector.
Ramesh pointed out that India Ratings has now put numbers to some of the devastating effects of these three shocks — unorganised sector contributes 44+ per cent to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
“The unorganised sector grew at 7.4 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between FY11 and FY16, but has suffered an average yearly contraction of 0.2 per cent since then. By FY23, GVA by unincorporated businesses was 1.6 per cent below FY16 levels. This recession in the unorganised sector cost India 4.3 oer cent of its GDP or Rs 1.3 lakh crore,” he said.
Citing the report, he also said that 63 lakh informal enterprises shut down due to these three shocks, leading to the loss of 1.6 crore jobs.
“At a time when a record number of youth are entering the labour markets, the Modi Government was destroying jobs,” he said citing the report.
Ramesh also highlighted that for all the hype and bluster of Make in India, manufacturing jobs reduced from 3.6 crore in FY16 to 3.06 crore in FY23.
“Manufacturing is India’s ticket to solving unemployment and reaching a sustainable middle-income status. The non-biological PM oversaw the destruction of India’s manufacturing.
The Indian National Congress has repeatedly warned the non-biological PM of these consequences. Dr. Manmohan Singh took to Parliament to decry demonetisation as ‘organised loot and legalised plunder’,” he said.
Ramesh also said that Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly drawn attention to the GST’s devastation of job-creating MSMEs, pointing out that it was neither a Good nor a Simple Tax. “In April 2020, after wide consultations with stakeholders, the INC put out a five-point program to revive the informal sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Highlighting that how the party’s Nyay Patra 2024 put forth strong proposals to revitalise the informal sector — establish GST 2.0, with a single, moderate rate and relief for small taxpayers like MSMEs, lessen the burden of tax on MSMEs owned by individuals and partnership firms and ensure a level-playing field and oppose the rampant monopolisation and oligopolisation that has crowded out MSMEs.
Ramesh also said that 140 crore Indians are now paying the economic consequences of the non-biological Prime Minister’s cronyism, arbitrary policymaking, and refusal to engage constructively on issues.

Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Modi Government’s Economic Performance

July 8, 2024, 4:37 pm

New Delhi, July 8 – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday criticized the BJP-led NDA central government, stating that every day in the “Modi-made ‘anyaay kaal'” is a new record of economic failure. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to recognize the economic challenges facing India.

Key Economic Failures Highlighted

Sharing his statement on X, Ramesh said, “Every day in the Modi-made Anyay Kaal is a new record of economic failure.” He pointed to diminishing corporate investments, which have hit a 20-year low.

In his statement, Ramesh noted several key economic failures:

A 45-year high unemployment rate.
A 50-year low in household savings.
The first-ever decrease in real rural consumption.

He cited a report from The Hindu indicating that in the April-June quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, fresh investments announced by corporates amounted to just Rs 44,000 crore, marking a 20-year low.

Comparison with Manmohan Singh’s Tenure

Ramesh compared the current government’s performance with that of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh:

Investment as a percentage of GDP averaged 33.4% during the UPA era, compared to 28.7% under Modi’s tenure.
FDI as a percentage of GDP rose from 0.8% in 2004 to 1.7% in 2014 under Singh, but has declined to 1.5% by 2022.
Manufacturing as a percentage of GDP fell from 16.5% under the UPA to 14.5% under the current government.

He also highlighted that Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has been lower during Modi’s regime compared to the UPA, with GFCF averaging 32% under the UPA but remaining below 29% for the past decade under Modi.

Critique of Government Policies

Ramesh criticized several government policies, including demonetization, the GST rollout, and increasing oligopolization. He argued that random policy changes and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation have damaged investor confidence.

“Investment, as John Maynard Keynes reminded us, is not just a financial decision—it is a psychological decision as well,” Ramesh said. He added that the last ten years have severely damaged investor psychology and there is no evidence that Prime Minister Modi recognizes this issue.

Jairam Slams PM Modi for Not Visiting Manipur Ahead of His 3-Day Visit to Russia, Highlights Rahul’s 3rd Visit to NE State

July 8, 2024, 1:08 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his three-day visit to Russia and Austria, stating that Modi has neither visited the violence-hit northeastern state of Manipur nor met with its Chief Minister in the last 14 months. In contrast, this marks Rahul Gandhi’s third visit to the state.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ramesh, who is the party’s general secretary and communications in-charge, said, “Today, the non-biological Prime Minister goes to Moscow while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha heads for Assam and Manipur. Of course, the drumbeaters of the non-biological Prime Minister have claimed that he stopped the Russia-Ukraine war for some time. Presumably, this Moscow trip will lead to even more bizarre claims.”

Taking another jab at the Prime Minister, he said, “This is Rahul Gandhi’s third visit to Manipur ever since the state blew up fourteen months ago. The non-biological Prime Minister has not found the time nor had the inclination to visit Manipur even for a few hours after the grave crisis erupted on May 3, 2023. He has not even met the CM of the state—who happens to be from his own party—and other political leaders of the state, including MLAs and MPs.”

Rahul Gandhi on Monday arrived in Manipur and met with families in relief camps. The violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 last year, forcing hundreds of people to take refuge in relief camps.

In another tweet, Ramesh posed three questions to the Prime Minister as he headed to Russia. He said, “India inherited a rich relationship with first the USSR and later Russia due to the astute diplomacy and strategic initiatives of various Congress governments through the decades. More recently, in his ten years as Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh met Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev (the two Presidents of Russia who served during his tenure) 16 times in India or Russia. By comparison, this is only Mr. Modi’s 11th meeting with President Putin after 10 years in office. While his propagandists make grand claims of having stopped the war between Russia and Ukraine, have relations between the two countries cooled off somewhat under Mr. Modi’s watch?”

He continued, “Between FY14 and FY23, India’s exports to Russia stagnated, falling from $3.17 billion to $3.14 billion. Meanwhile, the import bill has surged exponentially, rising from $6.34 billion to $46.21 billion. Such a lopsided trade relationship is unsustainable in the long term and has deleterious consequences for our domestic industry. Is a rectification of this trade imbalance on the agenda for the non-biological Prime Minister’s talks with President Putin? What is his vision to improve the trade balance between the two countries? According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, at least 50 Indian nationals have joined the Russian Army. At least two individuals have already been confirmed as fatalities of the war. Many others have been ‘duped’ into fighting a war where they have no stake, aside from a chance to escape the poverty and unemployment crisis that the non-biological Prime Minister has perpetuated domestically. Will the non-biological Prime Minister take up the cause of these youths? Will he ensure their safe return to India as soon as possible?”

The Prime Minister on Monday embarked on a three-day visit to Russia and Austria.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister said, “I am embarking on an official visit to the Russian Federation for the 22nd Annual Summit and my first ever visit to the Republic of Austria over the next three days.”

“The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said.

“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia,” he said.

Mentioning his visit to Austria, the Prime Minister said, “In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism.

“This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years. I look forward to my discussions to take our partnership to even greater heights in new and emerging areas of innovation, technology, and sustainable development among others. Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria who is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct,” he added.

Jairam Takes Swipe at BJP Over Gujarat Government Decision ‘Return of Land to Farmers’

July 6, 2024, 1:22 pm

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a swipe at the BJP-led central government, stating that more than 250 acres of land taken from villagers and given to the Adani Group in Gujarat are now being returned to the villagers by the state government. He questioned if the “climate change” happened after June 4 and whether this “tempo” will be maintained.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ramesh, who is also Congress General Secretary and Communication In-Charge, said, “More than 250 acres of grazing land taken away some years back from villagers and handed over to the Adani Group by the Gujarat Govt. is now to be handed back to the village communities after their continued protests.”

“Climate change after June 4th? Will this ‘tempo’ be maintained though?” Ramesh asked.

He also attached a news report along with his tweet.

His remarks were aimed at the BJP, which was unable to secure a majority on its own in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. The saffron party won 240 seats, a decrease of 63 seats from 2019 when it had won 303 seats on its own. The BJP-led central government has formed a government at the center with the support of its NDA allies, including Andhra Pradesh’s TDP, Bihar’s JD-U, and LJP-RV.

The Gujarat government decided to return nearly 108 hectares of pasture land to farmers that it had handed over to an Adani Group company after 13 years of a legal battle.

The state government on Friday informed the Gujarat High Court that it would take back nearly 108 hectares of gauchar (grazing) land it had given to Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd near Mundra port in the Kutch district in 2005.

Jairam Slams Govt Over Fresh Report On Air Pollution Killing Tens Of Thousands Of People In India

July 4, 2024, 3:44 pm

New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday raised concerns over air pollution after a report which highlighted that it is killing tens of thousands of Indians every year.

In a statement, Ramesh, who is also the party’s general secretary and communication incharge said, “Unchecked air pollution is killing tens of thousands of Indians every year. A new study published in the prestigious global medical journal ‘The Lancet Planetary Health’ shows just how bad this crisis is.

Citing the report, he said that 7.2 per cent of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution – about 34,000 deaths each year in just 10 cities

He said, “Delhi is the worst affected, with 12,000 deaths each year. However, even cities with lower pollution – such as Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad – witness thousands of deaths.”

The Congress leader also said that the study found that even lower levels of PM 2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) pollution can cause many deaths.

Hitting back at the government, he said, “This public health crisis is a direct result of the failures of the non-biological Prime Minister’s government, which has prioritised the profits of the Prime Minister’s friends over the health of India’s people.”

The Congress leader highlighted that since 2017, the Modi government has continuously pushed back the deadline for coal power plants to install pollution-controlling Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment. It has led to thousands of deaths, all for the profit of plant owners.

He also pointed out that skyrocketing prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders have meant that indoor air pollution has worsened, as families are forced to cook on chulhas instead of cooking gas, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019 with typical fanfare, has turned out to be a complete failure.

“More than 50 per cent of NCAP funds were not utilised by the end of 2023. Further, as the recent Lancet study points out, the clean-air targets set by the NCAP are much too low to save lives,” he said, adding that out of 131 cities under NCAP, most do not even have data to track their air pollution. Of 46 cities which have data, only 8 cities have met the NCAP’s low target, while 22 cities actually saw air pollution get worse.

Taking a swipe at the government, Ramesh said, “The Modi government has launched an all-out war on India’s environmental protection norms. The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023 stripped protections for much of India’s forests, the Biological Diversity Act and Environmental Protection Acts have been diluted, the Forest Rights Act of 2006 has been weakened, and Environmental Impact Assessment norms have been bypassed.”

He also said that the National Green Tribunal has been made toothless, for the benefit of the PM’s corporate cronies and there are clear steps the government must take moving forward.

He suggested that the government should drastically increase the funds made available under the NCAP.

The current budget, inclusive of NCAP funding and the 15th Finance Commission’s grants, is about Rs 10,500 crores, spread across 131 cities. Our cities need at least 10-20 times more funding – NCAP must be made a Rs 25,000 crore program,” he said.

He also said that air pollution norms for coal power plants must be enforced immediately. All power plants must install an FGD by the end of 2024. “The National Green Tribunal’s independence must be restored, and the anti-people environmental law amendments made in the last 10 years must be rolled back. The NCAP must be given legal backing, an enforcement mechanism, and serious data monitoring capacity for every Indian city, beyond the current focus only on “non-attainment” cities,” he said.

He also said that the Air Pollution (Control and Prevention) Act came into being in 1981, and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) was put into effect in November 2009. However, in the last decade, the public health consequences of air pollution – in both morbidity and mortality – have become all too evident.

“It is now time for a revisit and a total revamp of both the Act and the NAAQS,” he added.

Jairam backs Lalu’s claims on Sangh, says it debunks and fully exposes non-biological PM

June 29, 2024, 1:11 pm

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a swipe at the Sangh saying that it aggressively opposed Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement in 1942 and called the Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949 as ‘Unindian’ because it was inspired by ‘Manu’ and praised Lalu Prasad Yadav’s article for debunking non biological Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He took a jibe while reacting to a news article written by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Ramesh, who is also party’s communication incharge said, “The very same Sangh that aggressively opposed Gandhiji’s Quit India Movement in 1942 and called the Constitution adopted on Nov 26 1949 as ‘UnIndian’ because it was not inspired by Manu.”

“This is a superb piece that debunks and fully exposes the non-biological PM,” Ramesh said while taking a pot shot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ramesh was responding to the news article written by Lalu Prasad.

In his article, which Lalu Prasad shared on X, formerly Twitter, and said that “I was the convener of the steering committee that Jayaprakash Narayan—had constituted to carry forward the movement against the excesses of Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi”.

The RJD supremo said: “I was in jail under the Maintenance of Security Act (MISA) for over 15 months. My colleagues and I did not know many of the BJP ministers speaking about the Emergency today. We hadn’t heard of Modi, J P Nadda and some of the PM’s other ministerial colleagues who today lecture us on the value of freedom.”

“Indira Gandhi put many of us behind bars, but she never abused us. Neither she nor her ministers called us ‘anti-national’ or ‘unpatriotic’. She never enabled vandals to defile the memory of Babasaheb Ambedkar—the architect of our Constitution. 1975 is a stain on our democracy but let’s not forget who doesn’t respect the Opposition in 2024,” the RJD supremo said.

The BJP has been critical of the Congress over the issue of emergency in 1975. First Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Lom Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his acceptance speech in the lower house mentioned about Emergency in 1975.

Even President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the joint session of both houses of Parliament after the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha

President Murmu invoked Emergency calling it “an attack on the Constitution and a source of chaos and panic in the country”.

“The Constitution of India withstood all hurdles that came it’s way when it was being formulated and implemented. It also overcame attacks that it faced after independence, in the form of National Emergency imposed in the country 50 years ago,” she said.

18th Lok Sabha: Union Minister Rajnath Singh Initiates Talks With Opposition For Building Consensus On Speaker & Deputy Speaker Post

June 25, 2024, 10:50 am

In a bid to build consensus over the post of deputy speaker and speaker, Union Minister Rajnath Singh recently initiated talks with both opposition leaders and alliance partners revealed ANI’s sources on Tuesday.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has also initiated talks with opposition leaders.

This development comes at a time when the opposition was planning to remove its three representatives, who were appointed by the government, to assist the protem Speaker in administering the oath to newly elected members of parliament, due to the bypassing of the seniormost MP Kodikunnil Suresh (Congress) for the post.

Kodikunnil Suresh was considered an ideal choice for the post of deputy speaker by INDIA Bloc. As he is an 8-time MP, who comes from the dalit community.

Earlier, congress leader Jairam Ramesh posed a counter question to government, which claimed that BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab is a longest serving MP for consecutive term unlike suresh, whose 8 terms had two breaks between.

Posing a counter-question Jairam Ramesh said, ‘If this argument is adopted, then why has Ramesh Jigajinagi, a BJP MP who is also in his 7th consecutive term, not been considered? Is it because he is a Dalit like Suresh?’

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha Speaker is going to be chosen on June 26, 2024. Following speaker’s election, President Draupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of both the houses of the parliament on June 27, 2024.

LS Polls Result: Jairam Ramesh From Congress Takes Dig At PM Modi

June 6, 2024, 11:43 am

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi saying despite repeated claims of the formation of a Modi 3.0 government, the reality is that the new government is essentially a Modi 1/3 government.

“It is being claimed repeatedly that now Modi 3.0 government will be formed.
The truth is Abki baar Modi 1/3 sarkar,” he said in a post on X.

बार बार दावा किया जा रहा है कि अब मोदी ३.० सरकार बनेगी।
हक़ीक़त यह है कि अबकी बार मोदी १/३ सरकार।

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 6, 2024

His remark comes in the wake of recent events, where the BJP failed to secure the majority mark of 272 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, necessitating coalition support to form a government. The election results, announced on Tuesday by the Election Commission of India, revealed BJP’s win of 240 seats, significantly lower than its 2019 tally of 303, marking the first time since 2014 that it did not secure a majority independently.

Conversely, the Congress displayed notable growth, securing 99 seats. The emergence of the INDIA bloc, surpassing 230 seats, posed formidable competition, defying earlier predictions.

On Wednesday, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously endorsed Narendra Modi for a third term as their leader during a pivotal meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Delhi.

NDA leaders praised Modi’s leadership and the nation’s progress under his guidance over the past decade. Simultaneously, President Droupadi Murmu dissolved the 17th Lok Sabha on Wednesday, following the Union Cabinet’s recommendation.

“The President accepted the advice of the Cabinet on June 5, 2024, and signed the Order dissolving the 17th Lok Sabha in the exercise of the powers conferred upon her by Sub-Clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution,” a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Wednesday.

On the same day, PM Modi tendered his resignation along with his Council of Ministers to President Murmu. The President accepted the resignation and requested that the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers continue until the new government assumes office.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result Update: ‘PM Modi should take moral responsibility and resign’ Says Jairam Ramesh

June 4, 2024, 1:53 pm

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to fall short of the majority mark in the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step down. “He used to portray himself as extraordinary. Now, it’s evident that the outgoing Prime Minister is on the verge of becoming a former one. Taking moral responsibility, he should resign. That’s the message of this election,” Ramesh stated in a post on X.

According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP is currently leading in 242 seats, while the majority mark stands at 272. The Congress is ahead in 95 seats, followed by the Samajwadi Party with 36, DMK with 21, Trinamool Congress with 31, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) with 10, NCP (SP) with 7, CPI(M) with 4, and Aam Aadmi Party with 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads, followed by Congress’ Ajay Rai in Varanasi. Approximately 642 million voters participated in the Lok Sabha elections conducted over seven phases spanning a mammoth six-week period. The vote count commenced with postal ballots amid stringent security measures.

The counting process also covers the State Legislative Assemblies of 175 constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, 147 in Odisha, and results of bypolls in 25 constituencies. Stringent security arrangements have been implemented to ensure the smooth conduct of the counting process for over 8,000 candidates in this general election.

The BJP aims for a third consecutive term in power, while the Opposition, united under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc, endeavors to unseat the ruling party. Most exit polls have forecasted a consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with many predicting a two-thirds majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA.

ECI Demand Jairam Ramesh’s Response Regarding Accusation Against Amit Shah

June 2, 2024, 4:18 pm

India’s constitutional body Election Commission of India has demanded factual information and details from Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh over allegations, that Union Home Minister Amit Shah made calls to 150 district magistrates before the upcoming vote counting on Sunday.

Further, the poll body seeks congress leader’s response by evening.

Through its letter, EC also said, that so far, no DM has reported the exercise of any undue influence over the poll body.

Later, the poll body also emphasized, that the counting of votes is a very sacred duty.

“The process of counting of votes is a sacred duty cast upon every RO and such public statements by a senior, responsible and experienced leader tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in larger public interest.” said ECI in its letter.

Additionally, the election authority has requested details of 150 district magistrates who received such calls by 7 pm today, in order to take appropriate action.

“You being a responsible experienced and very senior leader of a nation party, you must have made such public statement just before the day of counting based on facts, information which you believed to be true. It is requested that details of 150 DMs to whom such calls have been allegedly made by the home minister along with the factual matrix basis of your information are shared by 7pm today so that appropriate action can be taken.” added ECI.

What Allegations Did Jairam Ramesh Make?

Earlier on Saturday, congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed on social media platform X, that Amit Shah had talked to 150 DMs or collectors before vote counting.

“The outgoing home minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is.” alleged Jairam Ramesh.

In his tweet, he further asserted, that people’s will prevail on June 4, Modi, shah and BJP will be defeated and INDIA Bloc will come on power.

“Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious.” added Ramesh.

He also added, officers shouldn’t be under pressure and should adhere to constitution.

Amit Shah has contracted the same disease as that of PM Modi: Jairam Ramesh

May 7, 2024, 2:34 pm

Senior leader of the Congress Jairam Ramesh has recently launched a blistering attack on Amit Shah concerning the Reservation issue on Tuesday.

Speaking To ANI, Jairam mockingly said that Amit Shah had contracted the same disease as PM Modi. Which is to spread lies.

#WATCH | Delhi: On reservation issue, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh says, “Amit Shah has contracted the same disease as that of PM Modi. The disease of spreading lies. PM and HM spread the pandemic of lies every day. They believe in… pic.twitter.com/J80Y6Cn8Ki

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024

Further attacking Modi-Shah duo, that they are the believer of ‘Asatyameva Jayate.’ They spread the pandemic of Lies every day.

On Reservation

Speaking on the reservation issue, Jairam Ramesh has admitted that they have indeed provided the reservation to minorities in Karnataka. But he further clarified, it was done on the basis of social and economic backwardness. Not On Religious Basis per say.

Talking about this reservation model, the senior congress leader further said that everybody are taking credit. Deve Goda in Karnataka took the credit of this model.

While in Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu has recently announced that this model will be replicated there.

Will The Grand-Old Party Increase the Reservation Cap?

Talking about the increasing the reservation cap above 50 percent, the senior leader clarified that congress will indeed increase the reservation.

When asked about this rationale, Ramesh said that backward classes should get reservation as per the population. And further emphasized that our constitution’s basic principle lies in social justice.

Asserting that through reservation only, social justice in its true sense will be achieved.

“The backward classes of our society should get reservation as per their population. Our Constitution’s basic principle is social justice. The path to social justice is reservation…What Rahul Gandhi has said is the guarantee that we have given in our ‘nyay patra’ – that we will increase the 50% cap. Every state has this demand…PM and HM are running away from this question and are speaking on religion-based reservation. This is wrong, a lie,” Jairam Ramesh said.

Later, questioning PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Jairam Ramesh opined that will PM and HM initiate the removal of 50% cap on reservations for OBC, SC and ST. Congress is saying that they’ll conduct caste census and will remove the 1992 supreme court mandated cap of 50 percent.