Congress hits at PM over tariff
The Congress on Wednesday condemned the US decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, calling it "unjust and unacceptable." Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of failing to safeguard India's interests, calling the tariff economic blackmail. Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, urged a comprehensive reset of India's foreign policy, urging Modi to take inspiration from Indira Gandhi's assertive stance against US in the 1970s. Highlighting past engagements, Ramesh criticised Modi for remaining silent on US actions affecting India and global institutions.
Opposition protests Bihar SIR
Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions on Wednesday as Opposition parties demanded a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the Deputy Chairman to allow debate, citing past rulings and stressing its importance for democracy. However, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the matter is sub judice and therefore cannot be discussed in the House.
Omar pushes J&K statehood
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reached out to 42 political parties, urging support for a bill to restore the region's statehood during the ongoing Monsoon session. Abdullah called the 2019 downgrade to a union territory a "constitutional red line" and emphasized the need to honor promises made by the Centre, including assurances from PM Modi.