Derek O'Brien
Controversy Erupts as MNREGA Renamed to G-RAM-G: Congress Leaders Protest Removal of Mahatma Gandhi's Name
Dec 15, 2025 10:04 pm CST
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor calls the renaming of MNREGA to Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) "unfortunate" as opposition parties strongly protest the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the flagship rural employment scheme. The controversial bill proposes a new cost-sharing structure between the Centre and states while sparking political confrontation in parliament.
The Critical Flaws in SIR Implementation: Parliamentary Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision Process
Dec 10, 2025 01:30 pm CST
An analysis of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process being implemented across select Indian states, highlighting concerns about its methodology, selective application, and human costs. While maintaining accurate electoral rolls is essential, the rushed implementation raises serious questions about electoral integrity, potential targeting of specific communities, and the accountability of constitutional bodies overseeing the process.
Election Commission Rejects TMC's 'Blood On Hands' Claim Amid West Bengal Voter Verification Controversy
Nov 29, 2025 12:34 am CST
The Election Commission of India has firmly rejected allegations from the Trinamool Congress regarding the deaths of 40 Booth Level Officers during West Bengal's voter verification process, terming them "politically motivated." Following a meeting with TMC representatives, the EC ordered immediate security for electoral staff and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accurate voter rolls through its constitutional mandate, with the draft electoral roll scheduled for December 9 release and final publication on February 7.
Trinamool Congress Accuses Election Commission of Negligence in Booth Officials' Deaths During West Bengal Electoral Roll Revision
Nov 28, 2025 06:46 pm CST
The Trinamool Congress has launched a fierce attack on the Election Commission of India, accusing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of responsibility for the deaths of 38 Booth Level Officers in West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party claims this revision process specifically targets Bengali and minority voters, raising serious questions about electoral fairness ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections while the Supreme Court has affirmed the legality of the process despite ongoing controversy.
Indian Democracy at Risk: New Bill Threatens Political Rights by Equating Arrest with Guilt
Oct 31, 2025 11:41 am CST
A controversial new bill in India proposes automatic removal of ministers after 30 days in custody without trial, undermining democratic principles and the presumption of innocence. This analysis examines how the legislation could weaponize arrests for political purposes, disproportionately affect marginalized communities, and destabilize governance - all while contradicting Supreme Court precedents on due process.