Mallikarjun Kharge

In an interview with India Today, Bishop Peter Machado discussed his meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding pressing demands of the Christian community in Karnataka. Machado highlighted that the delegation urged the state government to repeal the anti-conversion bill enacted under the previous BJP administration, noting that Congress had promised the repeal in its election manifesto. Pointing out that the ruling party now holds the required majority in the upper house, he urged the government to fulfill its commitment to gain the confidence of minorities. Machado also requested a distinct 1% reservation quota for Christians, explaining that the community currently struggles to secure government employment and benefits under the broader 3B category. He remarked, "Give us another separate bracket itself and give us 1% so that we will be satisfied."

Bengaluru authorities have uncovered a counterfeit medicine network involving Krupa Healthcare at Minerva Circle, which supplied spurious cancer medications and life-saving ICU injections to more than 90 hospitals and clinics. The Karnataka Health Department and a Special Investigation Team have initiated an investigation to apprehend the key operative based in Azerbaijan, while medical experts call for QR code tracking on pharmaceutical supplies. In another development in Bengaluru, the proposed screening of a documentary on activist Umar Khalid at the National Law School of India University triggered protests from the ABVP and counter-statements from Congress leaders. Meanwhile, a Christian delegation led by Archbishop Peter Machado met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to present demands regarding anti-conversion legislation and reservation status. The report also covers ongoing political friction between the DMK and TVK in Tamil Nadu, including breach-of-privilege notices and international investment discussions.

Authorities in Bengaluru have busted a major counterfeit medicine racket involving the supply of fake cancer drugs, critical ICU medications, and repackaged expired injections to over 90 hospitals and clinics.

A Christian delegation met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to seek the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, commonly known as the anti-conversion law, which was passed by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government in 2022. The delegation demanded 1% exclusive reservation for the Christian community under the backward class quota, nomination of a Christian member to the Karnataka Legislative Council, and appointments to boards and corporations as chairman and vice chairman to ensure political and administrative representation.

This edition of Super 6 on India Today, anchored by Akshita Anand Gopal, covers major political developments across India and international headlines.

A debate arose in the Telangana Legislative Assembly regarding actions towards Mallikarjun Kharge and Gaddam Prasad Kumar. Addressing the Speaker, a member questioned the Bharat Rashtra Samithi for not tendering an apology to society and rectifying their mistake. The member stated that the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that protests are ongoing from the streets to Parliament and reaching the President. It was emphasised that such behaviour will not be tolerated in Telangana and is seen as an insult to society and the House.

A political confrontation has intensified between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress over the singing of the full rendition of Vande Mataram. The BJP accused the Congress of harbouring an anti-national mindset and disrespecting freedom fighters after Congress leaders reaffirmed their stance of singing only the first two stanzas to maintain communal harmony. Meanwhile, the central government has proposed legislation penalising disrespect to the national song on par with the national anthem. The issue has also exposed divisions within the opposition alliance after National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stood for all six verses played at an event in Srinagar following new guidelines. Congress leader K. C. Venugopal stated that the full version sits uneasily with India's pluralist ethos, urging allies to adhere only to the version adopted during the freedom movement, while the BJP criticised the Congress for opposing the original version of the national song.

A building collapse in Delhi housing students in paying guest accommodation has triggered sharp political reactions and concerns over student safety. Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, criticised the authorities over inadequate hostel infrastructure and unsafe, overcrowded paying guest facilities, calling the incident an avoidable tragedy and demanding immediate rescue efforts and medical care for victims. Opposition leaders, along with representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party, questioned municipal and administrative oversight, including the roles of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Council, demanding strict safety checks and accountability for student housing. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and government representatives emphasised that the immediate priority must remain focused entirely on rescue operations to save those trapped under the debris. Officials stated that local representatives reached the site promptly, confirming that an investigation will be conducted and strict action taken against anyone found guilty.

Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha Police have registered a Zero FIR following a complaint filed by Congress leader TR Ramappa over an alleged casteist purification ritual conducted at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The complaint states that the venue was declared impure and purified after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally there on August 8. The case names BJP functionaries and mentions Uttarakhand BJP Chief Mahendra Bhatt for allegedly defending the ritual. The police have registered the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, with the probe set to be transferred to Uttarakhand Police.

In a major political shakeup within the Telangana government, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to drop Minister Konda Surekha from the state cabinet following public infighting and controversy. The action comes after the minister's daughter, Konda Sushmitha, levelled corruption allegations against the Chief Minister and his family regarding land matters. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee disciplinary committee submitted an observation report to the party high command, leading to the decision after discussions in Delhi. The Chief Minister's Office stated that there is no place for indiscipline in the state cabinet. Konda Surekha expressed shock over the decision, asserting she had no role in her married daughter's statements and claimed she was not given a proper opportunity to clarify her stand. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the BJP and the BRS, targeted the state government, alleging that the Chief Minister is attempting to silence corruption allegations raised within his own party.

A political row has broken out over India's headline gross domestic product numbers after growth surged to 7.8 percent in the first quarter of the financial year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the growth as a collective achievement amid global crises and disrupted supply chains, while hitting out at critics spreading despair. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge contested the celebration, alleging high unemployment, rising retail inflation, and crony capitalism. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by accusing the Congress of presenting a misleading picture of the national economy.

A major political and legal face-off has erupted over the Haldwani purification controversy following a party rally held at Ramlila Maidan. A right-wing group conducted a purification ritual at the ground three days after the event, claiming objectionable slogans were raised. The issue escalated after demands were raised for legal action against the organisers, describing the ritual as an act of untouchability. However, an FIR was subsequently registered against the opposition leadership based on a complaint by those who performed the ceremony. The case involves provisions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 196 and 299, along with the SC and ST Act. Opposition leaders have questioned the lack of police action against the ritual organisers and accused the ruling party of polarisation. In response, the ruling party accused the opposition of using identity politics for electoral gain. The controversy has triggered local protests and reignited broader debates concerning caste discrimination, legal equality, and dignity in public life.

A political confrontation has intensified between the Congress and the BJP following the registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand. The case was filed by members of the group that performed a purification ritual at a venue addressed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of promoting untouchability and announced statewide demonstrations alongside a major protest in Dehradun on September 7. Meanwhile, the BJP has denied involvement in the ritual, defending its stance while planning counter-protests against Rahul Gandhi.

A major political row has erupted between the Congress and the BJP over the purification ritual conducted at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge's rally in Uttarakhand. Congress Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and targeted the BJP, accusing it of promoting divisive politics and acting against the Dalit community. Questioning the FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress announced massive protests in Dehradun and stated that party workers are moving to register FIRs at various police stations across the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

A major political confrontation has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress in Uttarakhand following a purification ritual conducted at a Haldwani venue where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a rally. The Congress termed the ritual an insult to Dalits and a promotion of untouchability, demanding FIRs against the organisers. In response, a complaint was lodged under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of hurting religious sentiments and defaming Dalits. Both political parties have announced statewide protests, with the Congress scheduling a major demonstration in Dehradun on 7 September. While the Congress accused alleged members of right-wing outfits of caste-based discrimination, the BJP rejected any connection to the event and claimed the Congress was playing divisive politics. Senior Congress leaders met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to plan further political action as cross-complaints continue to be filed across various districts.

A political row has escalated in Uttarakhand over the purification of the Haldwani Ramleela Ground following a rally by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress workers, led by State Vice President Preetam Dasmana, are preparing to file multiple FIRs against the Nainital Police and the Uttarakhand government, alongside planning a major stir in Dehradun on September 7. Organisers defended the rituals, alleging Islamic chants and misconduct occurred at the venue. Meanwhile, the BJP has planned statewide protests and effigy burning against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi following an FIR lodged against him for allegedly insulting members of the Dalit community.

An FIR has been registered against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand's Haldwani following a complaint over his remarks regarding a Shuddhikaran Yagya. The complaint was filed by Amit Kumar, a member of the Valmiki community and Shri Ram Sena Dharm Seva Nyas, who alleged that Gandhi's statements hurt Scheduled Caste sentiments and gave a casteist spin to a cleanliness drive and ritual. The ritual occurred at the venue where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally. Rahul Gandhi had termed the Shuddhikaran Yagya anti-Dalit, equating it to modern-day untouchability and demanding an FIR against the organisers. The FIR invokes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions regarding promotion of enmity and deliberate acts outraging religious feelings, alongside sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act. Congress leaders defended Gandhi, alleging intimidation by the BJP, while BJP leaders denied any role in the ritual.

A major political row has erupted over a purification ritual performed in Uttarakhand's Haldwani at a venue where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently addressed a rally. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condemned the practice, calling it another form of untouchability and demanding an FIR against those involved. The Congress alleged that the ritual targeted Kharge because of his Dalit identity, calling it a direct assault on the dignity of every Dalit citizen. Denying any involvement in caste discrimination, the Bharatiya Janata Party hit back, accusing the Congress of attempting to divide Hindus along caste lines to advance a Macaulay, Marx, and Maulana mindset. The BJP further alleged that the party has a long history of insulting Dalits. Meanwhile, the right-wing group behind the ceremony defended its actions, claiming the venue was polluted due to alcohol consumption, Islamic slogans, and political speeches that compromised the sanctity of the sacred Ramlila ground.

In an interview with India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai at the Karnataka Roundtable, Karnataka Home and IT Minister Priyank Kharge addressed key political and administrative issues. Speaking about his letter seeking legal details from the RSS, Kharge stated, "I cannot ban RSS because they don't exist. They're not registered." He urged the organization to register and come under the legal ambit. Kharge highlighted cybercrime and misinformation as major governance challenges, noting that Karnataka is establishing an expert-led information disorder tracking unit to flag fake news affecting law and order. Addressing criticism regarding political nepotism, Kharge expressed pride in his lineage as Mallikarjun Kharge's son while offering a "free DNA test" to opposition leaders who hide their family backgrounds. He asserted that political longevity depends strictly on performance.

Speaking at the India Today Karnataka Round Table, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reflects on his transition from Deputy Chief Minister to Chief Minister, describing himself as a 'harried man' and a 'man in a hurry' dedicated to delivering good governance and strengthening the party. Addressing concerns over cabinet composition and the absence of female ministers, Shivakumar asserts the Congress party's commitment to women's empowerment and assures that a woman minister will be inducted into the Karnataka Cabinet in the coming days. Dismissing reports of factionalism within the Karnataka Congress, he rejects the concept of competing camps between himself and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, emphasizing party unity under a single 'Congress camp.' Shivakumar highlights that leadership decisions and cabinet accommodations are subject to party consensus and statutory limits, pointing to historical precedents of senior leaders waiting for cabinet entries.