Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Member of Parliament (MP) on Thursday, following her resounding victory in Kerala’s Wayanad bypoll. At 52 years old, Priyanka joins her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi as an MP, marking a rare occasion when three members of a family are simultaneously present in Parliament. Priyanka affirmed her position in Hindi while holding a copy of the Constitution, shortly after the House convened.

Ravindra Chavan also Sworn in as MP

Ravindra Chavan, the Congress candidate who won the Nanded bypoll, also took his oath in Marathi, invoking the name of God. His victory came after the sad demise of his father, Vasantrao Chavan, which necessitated the bypoll.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Entry into Parliament

Priyanka Gandhi made her formal entry into active politics in 2019, when she was appointed Congress General Secretary. With her overwhelming win in the Wayanad by-election, where she secured more than 4.1 lakh votes, Priyanka has now taken her place as an elected representative, surpassing the tally of her brother Rahul Gandhi in the same constituency.

A Challenging Time for Congress

Priyanka’s entry into Parliament comes at a challenging time for the Congress Party, which has faced recent setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra. Her leadership and influence could be pivotal in rejuvenating the party and steering it back onto a stronger electoral footing.

Public Perception and Political Legacy

Often compared to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, for her striking resemblance and similar speaking style, Priyanka Gandhi has emerged as a prominent campaigner for the Congress party. Before entering active politics, she had already been involved in campaigning for her family members, including her mother Sonia and brother Rahul.

Victory and Best Wishes from Wayanad

On Wednesday, Congress leaders from Wayanad formally handed Priyanka Gandhi her election certificate, expressing their best wishes for her future as the elected MP. Priyanka’s victory in the Wayanad bypoll on Saturday, with a margin of over four lakh votes, has reaffirmed her political presence, as she defeated Sathyan Mokeri of the CPI(M)-led LDF.

The violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday, which resulted in four deaths and 20 injuries, has sparked a political storm both inside and outside Parliament. On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government announced stringent measures, including making the rioters pay for the damages and displaying their posters in public spaces. The announcement came as tensions remained high in the region, with a 48-hour extension of the internet ban for precautionary reasons.

Police Action and Investigation

The police have set up 30 teams to identify and arrest the suspects using CCTV footage, releasing over 100 images of alleged rioters from the Kot Garvi area. Despite the reopening of markets and schools, the internet ban remains in place. The violence erupted on Sunday when protests near a mosque turned violent after a court-ordered survey, sparked by claims that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. The clashes led to stone pelting, arson, and injuries to police personnel.

Political and Public Reactions

The incident has prompted political reactions, particularly from the opposition. In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members called for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the violence. This led to the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament without conducting any substantial business. Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders, including MP Dimple Yadav, demanded a discussion on the issue in Parliament, accusing the police and administration of inhuman behavior. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also alleged police misconduct, accusing officers of threatening the family of one of the victims, Naeem, and forcibly taking thumb impressions on blank papers.

FIRs and Arrests

The police have registered seven FIRs in connection with the violence, naming several individuals, including Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, and local MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal, among others. The police have arrested 25 people so far and continue their investigation. Zia-ur-Rehman, who has been named in an FIR for allegedly inciting the mob, denied the allegations, claiming he was not present during the incident and criticized the police for opening fire on citizens.

Court Orders and Claims of Misunderstanding

In the wake of the violence, the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee raised concerns about the legality of the mosque’s survey, claiming it was carried out unlawfully. Gopal Sharma, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, defended the survey, explaining that it was ordered by an advocate commissioner and was necessary for videography. He also refuted claims of excavation, clarifying that the draining of water from the ablution tank was a procedural step.

UP Government’s Response

Uttar Pradesh ministers Dharmaveer Prajapati and Narendra Kashyap emphasized that rioters would be held accountable for damages, with the government planning to display posters of the alleged “stone-pelters.” This approach, they said, was similar to measures taken during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. A magisterial probe into the violence is underway, and authorities are assessing the damage to public property.

Sambhal MLA Speaks Out

SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood, whose son has been named in the FIR, expressed concerns about the speed at which the court ordered the survey and the lack of an opportunity for clarification. He explained that the unrest started when the police gathered near the Jama Masjid, leading to misunderstandings and violence. He urged the authorities to show footage of his son’s alleged involvement in the violence.

Travel Restrictions and Tension in Sambhal

An Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) delegation, which was headed for Sambhal, was stopped in Hapur district. The police have advised the public to avoid visiting Sambhal until November 30, citing ongoing security concerns. The situation in Sambhal remains tense, with investigations and court proceedings continuing as the region grapples with the aftermath of the violence.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called for the arrest of billionaire businessman Gautam Adani following his indictment in the United States over allegations of securities fraud and bribery. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the Indian government of shielding Adani from legal consequences.

Gandhi Questions Government’s Silence on Adani’s Indictment

Gandhi questioned why Adani, who has been implicated in a major bribery case by US authorities, has not been arrested despite the severity of the charges. “When hundreds of people are arrested in our country on tiny charges, why is Gautam Adani not in jail?” Gandhi asked, addressing the media outside Parliament.

His comments came shortly after the Adani Group issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The conglomerate clarified that neither Gautam Adani nor his nephew, Sagar Adani, were charged with violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with the bribery case. However, the duo has been indicted on charges related to securities fraud, with potential monetary penalties.

“He Should Be in Jail,” Gandhi Insists

Reacting to the Adani Group’s denial of charges, Gandhi remarked, “You think the Adanis are going to accept the charges? Which world are you living in? Obviously, he is going to deny the charges.” However, Gandhi remained firm in his stance, insisting that Adani should face legal consequences in India. “The point is he has to be arrested. As we have said, hundreds of people are being arrested on tiny charges, and this gentleman has been indicted in the United States for thousands of crores. He should be in jail,” the former Congress president asserted.

Gandhi further alleged that the government is providing undue protection to Adani. “The government is protecting him,” Gandhi claimed, adding that the powerful businessman appears to be above the law.

Adani Group’s Response

The Adani Group, in its response, rejected the bribery accusations, with senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, who represents the business empire, stating that there are no specific charges against Adani or his associates. Rohatgi clarified that the allegations related to bribery were very general in nature, with no details provided about who allegedly gave the bribes or who received them. According to the Adani Group, the charges are primarily related to securities fraud, which involves financial penalties.

Background to the US Indictment

The US Department of Justice filed an indictment against Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, in a court in the United States, accusing them of involvement in a scheme to bribe foreign officials and engage in fraudulent securities activities. The indictment is part of an ongoing investigation into the Adani Group’s business practices, which have come under scrutiny in both India and abroad in recent months.

Conclusion

Gandhi’s call for Adani’s arrest and his criticism of the government’s stance on the matter is likely to escalate the political discourse surrounding the business tycoon. As the situation develops, the Congress party has vowed to continue pressing for a thorough investigation into the Adani Group’s activities, both in India and internationally.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday emphasized the need to strengthen existing laws to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour, Vaishnaw called for a comprehensive review of current regulations and urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee to take up the matter.

Need for Stringent Laws to Control Vulgar Content

Vaishnaw, responding to a query raised by BJP member Arun Govil, highlighted the growing concerns over the unchecked spread of inappropriate content online. The minister pointed out that while editorial checks and guidelines once existed to determine what was appropriate for public consumption, these mechanisms have largely disappeared in the age of social media.

“In the past, there were editorial checks, and decisions were made regarding what content was right or wrong. But these checks have now ended,” Vaishnaw stated. He explained that social media platforms, while offering a space for free expression and the press, have become increasingly uncontrolled, leading to the proliferation of vulgar and inappropriate content.

“There is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on these platforms,” Vaishnaw stressed, amid a commotion in the House.

Existing Laws and Need for Reform

The minister’s comments came in response to questions about the efficacy of current regulations to prevent the illegal telecast of vulgar and sexually explicit content on social media. Vaishnaw acknowledged that existing laws have not been fully effective in addressing the misuse of these platforms.

He further called for a broader consensus on framing more robust and stringent laws that could tackle the issue more effectively. “The government is committed to ensuring that social media remains a platform for free speech, but this freedom should not be abused to the detriment of society,” he added.

Conclusion

The call for stricter regulations on social media content comes as part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that the digital space remains responsible and respectful. With the rapid growth of social media, concerns about the unchecked spread of harmful content have become a major issue. The Information and Broadcasting Minister’s remarks indicate that the government is looking to address these challenges through stronger legal frameworks.