December 12, 2025 Friday India This Week 1 A We e k ly N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No. 50 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday December 12, 2025 Putin’s New Delhi Visit Yields Major Agreements, Reinforces India-Russia Strategic Partnership New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day State visit to India concluded on Friday with both countries reaffirming their long-standing partnership and announcing a wide slate of new agreements across trade, energy, security, health, and strategic cooperation. The visit, marked by high-level engagements and ceremonial warmth, underscored the continued resilience of the IndiaRussia relationship despite global geopolitical shifts. During a joint press address at Hyderabad House, President Putin said that his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further strengthened the “close working dialogue” the two leaders developed earlier this year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Putin highlighted the “impressive package” of intergovernmental and inter-organisational agreements signed during the talks, noting that they collectively aim to expand economic cooperation and streamline trade between the two nations. Bilateral trade reached USD 64 billion last year—a 12 per cent increase—and both sides expressed confidence in raising this figure to USD 100 billion. Putin emphasised that national currency transactions expressed readiness to collaborate on small modular reactors, floating nuclear power plants, and non-energy nuclear applications in fields such as medicine and agriculture. Prime Minister Modi echoed the strength of bilateral ties, describing the India-Russia friendship as “steadfast like a pole star” through global instability. He lauded Putin’s “visionary leadership” over the past 25 years, noting the elevation of ties from a strategic partnership to a “special and privileged” strategic partnership. Modi said the newly agreed Economic Cooperation Programme now account for 96 per cent of bilateral trade and said Russia had expanded mechanisms to utilise Indian rupees earned from export settlements. He also noted progress under the newly harmonised Programme of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030, designed to remove barriers to trade and capital flows. E n e r g y cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to remain a “reliable supplier” of oil, gas and coal to support India’s growing energy demands. He highlighted ongoing construction at India’s largest nuclear power facility, and Indo-Russia Ties See page 6 Birthright Citizenship on the ropes: US Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship Wa s h i n g t o n DC [US], December 6 (ANI): US Supreme Court agreed to examine the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, reopening a debate widely considered settled since the late 19th century, CNN reported. By taking up the appeal, the top court has moved beyond the procedural questions it addressed earlier this year– when it sided with Trump on technical grounds related to how lower courts handled the challenges and will now directly consider the policy’s legality. Cecillia Wang, National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, welcomed the development, saying the organisation looks forward to the Supreme Court “putting this issue to rest once and for all.””The federal courts have unanimously held that President Trump’s executive order is contrary to the Constitution, a Supreme Court decision from 1898, and a law enacted by Congress,” she said. The Trump administration‘s arguments–long viewed as fringe interpretations even Birthright Citizenship See Page 6
December 12, 2025 Friday India This Week Goa: 23 killed in major fire at restaurant-cum-club in Arpora Panaji (Goa) [India], December 7 (ANI): At least 23 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a restaurantcum-club in Arpora around midnight on Sunday, officials said. The blaze was reported shortly after 12 am, prompting an immediate response from the police, fire brigade, and emergency medical teams. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, while authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a “very painful day” for the state and expressed deep grief over the tragedy. He visited the site and extended condolences to the bereaved families, stating that a detailed inquiry had been ordered. “This is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X. Sawant added that the investigation will examine the exact cause of the fire and determine whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. “Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law. Any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” he said. Earlier, speaking at the site, Sawant described the incident as “very unfortunate” for a tourism state like Goa and emphasised strict action against anyone operating illegally. Goa DGP Alok Kumar confirmed that the police control room received the alert at 12:04 am. “Police, fire brigade, and ambulances were rushed to the spot immediately. The fire is under control and all bodies have been recovered. The total death count is 23. We will investigate the cause of the incident and take action based on the findings,” he said. Authorities have begun a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials said efforts are underway to provide medical support to the injured and assistance to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Arpora, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and conveying his support to the affected families.In an X post, the Prime Minister said, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.” (ANI) K o c h i / Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 8 (ANI): A Kerala trial court on Monday acquitted prominent Malayalam actor Dileep of all charges in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, while six other accused were found guilty of offences including rape, conspiracy, and abduction. The quantum of punishment for those convicted will be pronounced on December 12. Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese acquitted Dileep, the eighth accused, after a trial that spanned nearly eight years. The court held that the prosecution failed to prove allegations that Dileep conspired with the prime accused, Sunil NS, alias Pulsar Suni, and hired a gang to carry out the assault on February 17, 2017. The other accused—Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, VP Vijeesh, H. Salim alias Vadiwal Salim, and C. Pradeep—were found guilty under various IPC sections, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 354 (outraging modesty), 366 (kidnapping), 354B (attempt to disrobe), and 376D (gang rape). They were immediately taken to the Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur. The case involved a South Indian actress who was allegedly abducted and assaulted inside her car by a group of men who forced their way into the vehicle. The trial was one of the most complex in Kerala’s legal history, involving 261 witnesses, including several film personalities, with 28 turning hostile. The prosecution submitted 833 documents and 142 material objects, while the defence produced 221 documents. Witness examination alone spanned 438 days. Outside the court, Dileep said the verdict proved there had been a “conspiracy to defame” him: “There was a conspiracy to destroy my career, my image and my life. Truth has won.” He thanked his family, fans, lawyers, college mates, and supporters: “First and foremost, I thank the Almighty and all who stood by me over these years.” Dileep alleged that a senior police officer and a group of police personnel fabricated evidence and colluded with the main accused to falsely implicate him, aided by “certain media organisations.” Dileep’s counsel, B Raman Pillai, called the evidence against him “bogus and fabricated,” adding that the defence was able to establish the conspiracy to frame the actor: “They created some evidence, but none of it could be proved in court. This is the only possible view on the basis of the evidence.” Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev announced that the state government will appeal against Dileep’s acquittal. He said the government “stands with the survivor” and has discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “The state government’s decision is to appeal the verdict. The government is with the survivor,” Rajeev posted on Facebook. Kerala Court Acquits Actor Dileep; Six Others Found Guilty in 2017 Actress Assault Case; State to Appeal Verdict SC continues stay on Allahabad HC’s ‘breast-grabbing not amounting to rape’ order, directs accused to be tried on rape-charges New Delhi [India], December 8 (ANI): The Supreme Court has ordered that the Allahabad High Court’s ruling which observed that acts like grabbing a woman’s breast, breaking her pyjamastring and dragging her underneath the culvert are insufficient to charge the accused under provisions pertaining to Attempt to rape or Rape under the Indian Penal Code and other criminal laws, shall remain stayed. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant also directed that the trial of accused persons in the said matter shall proceed under the charges of Attempt to rape and Rape under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POCSO Act and not under any lesser charges. However, the bench clarified that it expresses no opinion on the merits of the case and that the accused persons (defendants) shall be at liberty to challenge the higher charges invoked against them. The top court also expressed that it is inclined to lay down certain guidelines with regard to such ‘unfortunate’ observations made by various High Courts in dealing with sensitive matters. “We are inclined to lay down some comprehensive guidelines with regard to the degree of sensitivity required to be observed by High Courts in certain matters. Sometimes they make observations which may have gone unnoticed. Sometimes, unfortunately, the victims and their families have to reconcile with other parties (instead of pressing charges any further) because of these observations”, CJI Kant said. The order came on a suo moto case initiated by the top court in which it had earlier stayed the observations of the Allahabad High Court, which noted that the aforesaid acts (breastgrabbing and loosening the draw-string of a woman’s pants) would amount to charges such as aggravated sexual assault and not stronger charges such as Attempt to rape or Rape. The top court has also taken note of an SLP (special leave to appeal) separately filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order. It has tagged the appeal plea along with the suo moto case, in which the Court is slated to issue guidelines. It has also asked amicus (court-appointed lawyer) and Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta in the matter to submit a report with instances of such ‘unfortunate’ observations made by various High Courts across the country to assist the top court for the purpose of laying down guidelines, in this regard. (ANI)
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December 12, 2025 Friday India This Week BJP is directing and using Election Commission to damage India’s democracy, biggest anti-national act is vote-chori: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha New Delhi [India], December 9 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP of “vote chori”, saying it is the biggest anti-national act, and alleged that the Election Commission is “colluding with those in power” to “shape elections”. Taking part in the debate in the Lok Sabha on electoral reforms, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, questioned the Modi government over the rationale of some of the laws it has enacted concerning Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner. “I want to ask three questions which will make it very clear that the BJP is directing and using the Election Commission to damage India’s democracy. The first question, why is it that the CJI was removed from the selection panel of the Election Commissioner?… Why is he not in that room? I sit in that room. It is so-called a democratic decision. On one side, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. On the other side, the leader of the opposition. I have no voice in that room. What they decide is what happens. So the first question, why is the Prime Minister and Amit Shah so keen on choosing exactly who the election commissioner is going to be?” he asked. “No Prime Minister has done this in the history of India. In December 2023, this government changed the law. They changed the law to make sure that no Election Commissioner could be punished for any action they take while they are an Election Commissioner. Why would the Prime Minister and Home Minister give this gift of immunity to the Election Commissioner?” he asked. Rahul Gandhi asked why the guidelines with regard to CCTVs and the data that they contain had been changed. “Why was a law put in place that allows the Election Commission to destroy CCTV footage 45 days after the election? What is the need? The answer given is that it is a question of data. It is not a question of data. It is a question of stealing the election. What is the result of this institutional capture? What is the result of controlling the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission?” he asked. “First of all, we have a set of election campaigns that are tailored for the Prime Minister. Three-five month-long campaigns are taking place so that the Prime Minister’s schedule can be fitted into the program. Second, we have a Brazilian woman who appears 22 times on the voter list of Haryana,” he said. As Congress members sought to display photos of the Brazilian woman, Speaker Om Birla took strong objection and asked Rahul Gandhi to tell his party members to respect the dignity of the House. Amid protests by BJP members, Rahul Gandhi said that he does not agree with party members showing photographs. “Election of Haryana was stolen. Theft ensured by Election Commission,” he alleged. “The biggest anti-national act you can do is vote-chori. There is no bigger anti-national act than vote-chori because when you destroy the vote, you destroy the fabric of this country. You destroy modern India, you destroy the idea of India. Votechori is an anti-national act and those across the aisle are doing an anti-national act,” he said. Rahul Gandhi began his speech by stating that Mahatma Gandhi laid a lot of emphasis on Khadi. “Why was it that he framed the entire Indian freedom struggle around the concept of khadi, and why is it that he only wore Khadi? Because Khadi is not just a cloth. Khadi is the expression of the people of India; it is the imagination, it is the sentiment, it is the productive force of the people of India… Whichever state you go to, you will find different fabrics. Himachali cap, Assamese Gomcha, Banarsi Saree, Kanchipuram Saree, Naga jacket. And you will find that all these fabrics represent the people… These fabrics are beautiful,” he said. “But if you look slightly deeper, you will find that each one of them has thousands of little threads embracing each other… No one thread is superior to another thread. The threads cannot protect you. The threads cannot keep you warm. But when they come together as a fabric, they can keep you warm, protect you, and express what you have in your heart. In the same way, our nation is also a fabric made up of 1.4 billion people, and the fabric is woven together by the vote. This House where I am standing today, the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha across the country, Panchayats across the country, none of them would exist if the vote did not exist,” he added. He alleged that the project of the RSS was to capture the institutional framework of the country. “I am saying that institutions of India are captured, and I will come to the point that the Election Commission is captured. The project of the RSS was to capture the institutional framework of the country and I said how the education system has been captured. Vice Chancellor after Vice Chancellor after Vice Chancellor is placed not on merit, not on capability, not on scientific temper, but on the fact that he belongs to a particular organization,” the Congress leader alleged. “Second capture, which helps in destroying democracy, the capture of the intelligence agencies, we have the Home Minister sitting here, the capture of the CBI, of the ED, of the Income Tax Department, and the systematic placement of bureaucrats who favour their ideology and attack the opposition and anybody who chooses to oppose the RSS,” he further alleged. Suggesting electoral reforms, he said that the Election Commission should give machine-readable voter lists to political parties one month before the polls, take back guidelines on destruction of video footage after 45 days, “give us access to Electronic Voting Machines” and change the law about the composition of the committee which selects the Chief Election Commissioner. “Change the law that allows the Election Commissioner to get away with whatever they want to do. I want to assure the Election Commissioner, they might be under an impression that the law lets them get away with it. Let me remind them, we are going to change the law retrospectively and we will come and find you,” he said. Clause 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 provides the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners (ECs) immunity from any legal action for decisions taken while in office. The Election Commission had earlier this year revised its guidelines on preserving video footage and photographs of elections and communicated to Chief Electoral Officers that the retention period will be 45 days after the declaration of results. It said that data can be destroyed if no election petition is filed during the period. Rahul Gandhi faced interruptions during his speech with BJP members stating that he is deviating from the subject of the debate. He accused RSS of believing in a hierarchy and that “they believe that they should be on top of that hierarchy.” “It is the idea that every thread, every person in the Union of India is equal that disturbs my friends in the RSS. They are happy to see the fabric, but they cannot stand the idea that every single person in the fabric of our country, regardless of what religion they come from, regardless of what community they come from, regardless of what language they speak, should be equal because they fundamentally do not believe in equality. They believe in a hierarchy, and they believe that they should be on top of that hierarchy,” he said. “On 30th January, 1948, three bullets pierced the chest of Mahatma Gandhi. Nathuram Godse assassinated the father of our nation. Today, our friend does not embrace him. Today, our friends have pushed him away. This is an uncomfortable truth. But that’s not where the project ended. As I said, everything has emerged from the vote. All the institutions have emerged from the vote. So it’s obvious that the RSS has to capture all the institutions that have emerged from it. After Gandhiji’s assassination, the next step of the project was the wholesale capture of India’s institutional framework,” he alleged. The Lok Sabha took up discussion on electoral reforms on Tuesday, a day after the House debated 150 years of Vande Mataram. “We Will Come and Find You”: Rahul Gandhi Says a CongressLed Government Will Change Law Granting Immunity to CEC, ECs Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP-led government of “capturing institutions,” including the Election Commission, during the Lok Sabha debate on Electoral Reforms. He said that when a Congressled government comes to power at the Centre, it will retrospectively change the law that grants immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) for decisions taken while in office. “We will find you,” he warned. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed that the Election Commission has no answer to the allegations he raised about bogus voters on electoral rolls in several states. He has previously held press conferences accusing the BJP of “vote chori.”
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December 12, 2025 Friday India This Week Putin’s New Birthright Citizenship on the ropes: US Delhi Visit Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Yields Major Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship Agreements, Reinforces IndiaRussia Strategic Partnership Birthright Citizenship From Page 1 Indo-Russian Ties From Page 1 until 2030 would diversify and make bilateral trade more sustainable. He added that both sides are working towards an early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Modi also underscored cooperation in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and newage industries, stating that expanded collaboration would enhance clean energy goals and strengthen global supply chains. He noted a new initiative to train Indian seafarers in polar waters, which is expected to create new employment opportunities and deepen cooperation in Arctic navigation. Both leaders reaffirmed the shared priority of combating terrorism. Modi referenced recent attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, stating that “the root of all these incidents is the same” and adding that India sees terrorism as a direct attack on humanity. Putin similarly highlighted the alignment of the two countries on regional and global issues, stating that both conduct “independent and self-sufficient foreign policy” while defending the principles of the UN Charter. He emphasised continued cooperation in BRICS and the SCO, and pledged Russia’s full support as India assumes the BRICS Chairship next year. The visit also saw the signing of a major health-sector accord. India and Russia approved a comprehensive Agreement on Cooperation in Healthcare, Medical Education and Science, aimed at expanding collaboration in national health systems, medical training, disease control, maternal and child health, digital health technologies, and regulation of medicines and devices. The accord establishes a Joint Working Group that will meet annually to track progress and deepen scientific and educational exchanges. Connectivity and logistics were discussed as well, with Putin noting progress on the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC), envisioned to connect Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean through new logistics routes. He also highlighted joint work in hightechnology fields including machine manufacturing, digital technologies, and space exploration. Russia reiterated support for India’s Make in India initiative and plans to expand local manufacturing partnerships. The Russian President’s itinerary included a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, tributes at Rajghat, and participation in the India-Russia Business Forum. Putin also launched the RT news channel in India and attended a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. His arrival on Thursday saw Prime Minister Modi break protocol to personally receive him on the tarmac, after which the two leaders travelled together to the Prime Minister’s residence. Reaffirming the enduring nature of the partnership, Putin said both sides were “undoubtedly satisfied” with the outcome of the talks, adding, “The current visit and the agreements reached will help further deepen the Russia-India strategic partnership.” President Putin is scheduled to depart New Delhi later this evening, concluding his first visit to India in four years. (ANI) among some conservative legal scholars–are expected to draw intense public scrutiny as the court’s term progresses. The case marks another test of the court’s readiness to evaluate an aggressive legal position advanced by the White House. Aruling in Trump’s favour could overturn a fundamental principle of US constitutional and immigration law, potentially affecting how American parents document the citizenship of newborns. The court is set to hear the matter next year and will likely deliver its verdict by the end of June. CNN Supreme Court analyst and Georgetown University Law Center professor Steve Vladeck criticised the administration’s stance, calling its attempt to restrict birthright citizenship by executive order “wrong.””Whether because it violates the relevant statutes; the Fourteenth Amendment itself; or the Supreme Court’s authoritative 1898 interpretation of that constitutional provision, the bottom line is the same,” he said. The 1898 ruling in US v. Wong Kim Ark established that individuals born on US soil are citizens, barring a few narrow exceptions. The Trump administration, however, argued before the Supreme Court that this precedent has been misread for over INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ a century.In its filings, the administration asserted that the understanding of the citizenship clause “was mistaken” and had “destructive consequences.” Ending birthright citizenship has been a central element of Trump’s immigration platform. Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court that the Fourteenth Amendment’s citizenship clause was intended to cover formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants, “not the children of temporary visitors or illegal aliens.” Earlier this year, the Supreme Court issued a key ruling related to Trump’s policy, though that case focused on a procedural question concerning the scope of lower courts’ authority to block presidential actions. In a 6-3 decision, the court curtailed but did not entirely remove the ability of lower courts to halt such policies. (ANI) The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- December 12, 2025 Brainwashed! By Rajan George If you lose your worth and self-esteem and wake each day to others’ dictates— a slave stripped bare of freedom’s power— you’re nothing but a brainwashed tool. You may never fully shake the wild untruths you once absorbed, indoctrinated by those who sought to use your life to serve their ends. Indoctrination starts so young— in classrooms and in family circles, where handed-down, inherited folly clings like dust from years ago. They know not freedom nor its strength; their minds are chained to groupthink still. The swamp they tread is all they trust— a sunless place of loss and stagnant will. Those who carved across your mind commands you dare not disobey will see to it you’re cast aside if you should fail their schemes one day. A spongy spine will never hold, though for a time it seems enough; but when the rising tide demands, you’ll crumble for want of a spine that’s tough. Remember—your mind is a waiting canvas. If you let others paint their image there, they’ll claim your soul as their possession— but it is yours if your own truth appears. So close the door to every thief; choose for yourself the path you take. Let wisdom rule and folly fade— stand firm, awake, unshaken, whole. And never, ever be brainwashed.
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December 12, 2025 Friday India This Week “If you win, EVMs are fine; if we win, EVMs are faulty”: Meghwal accuses Congress of double standards New Delhi [India], December 9 (ANI): Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday slammed the Congress over its “vote chori” allegations against the government and said the opposition party had different yardsticks when it comes to its own victory in elections and when the BJP wins. Participating in the discussion on electoral reforms in Lok Sabha, Meghwal also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who levelled several allegations against the government during the debate. He said Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had also been carried out during Congress governments. “If you win, EVMs are fine; if we win, EVMs are faulty. What kind of contradiction is this,” he asked. He said India is the largest democracy in the world where elections are celebrated as a “festival of democracy” involving crores of voters. “As the birthplace of democracy, our great nation India is the world’s largest democracy. In India, elections are not merely a political exercise but are celebrated like a grand festival of democracy, in which crores of people choose their representatives through voting. This is a powerful symbol of our democratic republic and forms the foundation on which the magnificent structure of Indian democracy has been built,” he said. “ A f t e r independence, we adopted a parliamentary democracy, where we elect representatives through voting. India’s Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, and a day before that–on January 25, 1950– the Constitution makers established the Election Commission. For the Constitution makers, the Election Commission was an extremely important institution. In the 2024 general elections, there were a total of 97.7 crore voters in the electoral roll. According to the Election Commission, six national parties and 742 other parties participated in the elections,” he added. He said the Election Commission holds an event on National Voters Day and representatives of political parties and foreign delegates attend it. “The foreign delegates who attend praise India’s Election Commission and its electoral system. I am surprised that representatives of our political parties also praise it there, but they criticise it outside. What kind of contradiction is this? This is an extraordinary contradiction,” the Minister said. Meghwal accused Congress of defeating Dr BR Ambedkar in an election he fought, through “vote chori,” alleging that a sizeable number of votes were rejected. He noted that the foundation of electoral Pune Police nab 18-yearold for alleged rape of minor girl under BNS, POCSO acts P u n e (Maharashtra) [India], December 9 (ANI): The Pune City Police have arrested an 18-year-old resident of Viman Nagar for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl, responding quickly to a formal complaint filed by the victim’s parents. The accused was apprehended within two hours of the case being reported, according to a press note from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Somaya Munde of Zone 4. The incident is reported to have occurred on December 4, 2025, around 12:30 PM. The accused, who had befriended the victim approximately two months prior, allegedly approached the girl on his motorcycle and offered to take her to school. Instead, he reportedly diverted her to an undisclosed location where the sexual assault took place. The accused also allegedly threatened the victim to maintain silence about the incident. The victim revealed the traumatic experience to her parents on December 7, following which they promptly filed a formal complaint at the Vishrantwadi Police Station on December 8, 2025, at 5:00 AM. A case was immediately registered under multiple stringent sections of both the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The specific sections invoked are BNS: Sections 64(1) (punishment for rape), 65(1) (aggravated forms of sexual assault), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 351(3) (threat to cause injury); and POCSO Act: Sections 4 (penetrative sexual assault), 8 (sexual assault), and 12 (sexual harassment). Senior Police Inspector Mangesh Hande led the immediate investigation that culminated in the accused’s rapid arrest. Further probe into the matter is currently underway. (ANI) reform lies in Ambedkar’s November 25, 1949 speech, which emphasised political equality through the principle of ‘one man, one vote, one value’, even as social and economic inequalities persisted. “Dr BR Ambedkar’s speech of November 25, 1949 forms the foundation of our electoral reforms. On November 25, 1949, Dr Ambedkar said, ‘On January 26, 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradiction. In politics, we will have equality, but in social and economic life, we will have inequality. In politics, we will be recognising the principle of one man, one vote, one value.’ This is the basis of our electoral reforms; this is the basis of SIR (Special Intensive Revision). That is why in SIR, ineligible names should not remain on the voters’ list and eligible voters should not be left out,” he said. Meghwal alleged that Rahul Gandhi brings the book (Constitution), but he does not read what is written. “Vote theft for Congress is nothing new. The misuse of government machinery by Indira Gandhi in Rae Bareli during the 1971 general elections still shames democracy to this day,” he alleged. The Lok Sabha took up a discussion on Electoral Reforms on Tuesday, a day after it discussed the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. (ANI) Man held at Mumbai airport for derogatory posts on Bhagavad Gita, women: Mangaluru Police Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 9 (ANI): Mangaluru City Police have arrested a Mumbai native accused of uploading social media posts that promoted feelings of enmity or hatred in 2024. The accused, who was working in Saudi Arabia, was arrested at Mumbai Airport based on a Look Out Circular (LOC). The accused, Felix Edward Mathais (aged 56), is alleged to have circulated derogatory posts about the Bhagavad Gita and women in February 2024. A case was registered against him at the Kankanady City Police Station under sections 153(A), 504, 507, 509 of the IPC and Section 66(D) of the IT Act. At the time the case was filed, Mathais was in Saudi Arabia for employment, which prevented his arrest. The accused, originally from Charkop, Mumbai, was the subject of an LOC issued by the police following information gathered about his overseas employment. The accused landed at Mumbai Airport from abroad. Immigration officials detained him and informed the Mangaluru Police. Subsequently, he was arrested at the Airport on December 5, 2025. He was brought to Mangaluru for investigation and produced before the Court. A report has been submitted to the court requesting the confiscation of his passport.Another accused in the case, Evigin John D’Souza (aged 57), was previously arrested on August 11, 2024, and produced before the court. The investigation into the case is ongoing. (ANI) For Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 indiathisweekads@gmail.com We b : i n d i a t h i s w e e k . u s
December 12, 2025 Friday 9 Sonia Gandhi Faces Renewed Legal Scrutiny Over 1980– 81 Electoral Roll Entry as Sessions Court Issues Notice New Delhi [India] – A long-dormant complaint alleging the wrongful inclusion of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s name in the 1980–81 electoral rolls has resurfaced, with a revision petition now before the Sessions Court. The matter, earlier dismissed by a Magistrate Court in September, is scheduled for detailed hearings in the coming weeks. A revision petition challenging the Magistrate Court’s September dismissal of the complaint has been filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi. The Sessions Court has listed the matter for hearing on December 9, reopening a case that the Magistrate had earlier rejected at the threshold. In its September ruling, the Rouse Avenue Court held that the criminal complaint lacked legal merit, relied on uncertified photocopies, and attempted to draw the court into matters outside its jurisdiction. The order emphasised that questions of citizenship lie with the Central Government under the Citizenship Act, while electoral roll matters fall exclusively under the Election Commission. The Magistrate also observed that the complaint projected a civil dispute as criminal wrongdoing, noting that the essential statutory elements of forgery or cheating were missing. On December 9, Sessions Judge Vishal Gogne issued notice to Sonia Gandhi after hearing initial submissions from Senior Advocate Pavan Narang, appearing for the revisionist. Narang argued that new, attested documents obtained from the Election Commission indicate irregularities in the entry, deletion, and reentry of Sonia Gandhi’s name between 1980 and 1983—before she became an Indian citizen. He contended that only Indian citizens can be enrolled as voters under the Representation of the People Act, and that the sequence of electoral roll entries warranted judicial reconsideration. The court also ordered the Trial Court Record to be summoned for a comprehensive review. The next hearing is set for January 6. The political reaction was immediate and intense. Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticised Sonia Gandhi, calling the issue “a question of loyalty” and alleging dual citizenship concerns. BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed that “documents must have been forged” for Sonia Gandhi to appear on the 1980 electoral roll, arguing that her inclusion occurred before she acquired citizenship in 1983. He questioned what documents were submitted to justify her enrolment. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also attacked the Congress, alleging corruption and insisting that Sonia Gandhi voted before Centre to Conduct 2027 Census Through Digital Means: MoS Home Nityanand Rai New Delhi [India], December 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the government has decided to conduct the 2027 Census through digital means, marking a major shift in the country’s data-collection process. Rai, responding to a query from Samajwadi Party MP Sanatan Pandey, said the upcoming Census will use mobile applications to collect data. Respondents will also have the option to self-enumerate through a dedicated web portal. He clarified that, under Census methodology, information about each individual is recorded at the location where they are found during the enumeration period. Migration-related data will continue to be collected based on an individual’s place of birth and most recent residence. Details such as the duration of stay at the current residence and obtaining citizenship. Congress leaders strongly rejected the allegations. Congress MP Tanuj Punia called the case a political diversion, accusing the BJP of manufacturing controversies. Congress MP Mallu Ravi said the ruling party was attempting to malign Sonia Gandhi’s reputation out of fear. Priyanka Gandhi dismissed the allegations as an “absolute lie,” insisting that her mother voted only after becoming an Indian citizen. She questioned the motives behind the attacks, noting Sonia Gandhi’s age and decades of public service. The revision petition stems from advocate Vikas Tripathi’s original complaint, which alleged that Sonia Gandhi appeared in the 1980–81 electoral rolls before acquiring Indian citizenship. The Magistrate had dismissed the complaint as an abuse of legal process, but the Sessions Court will now reassess the matter on January 6. 5 Family HAircut $ Over 40 Years Of Experience Men • Women • Children ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up the reason for migration will also form part of the exercise. The Minister added that the Central government notifies the Census questionnaire in the Official Gazette before the commencement of fieldwork. In an official statement, Rai said, “It has been decided to conduct Census 2027 through digital means. It is planned to collect data through mobile apps. Respondents may also self-enumerate through the web portal. The Census process is to be managed and monitored through a dedicated portal. In the Census, information of every individual is collected at the place where they are found during the entire period of enumeration.” “ F u r t h e r , migration data is collected for each individual based on their place of birth and place of last residence. The Census also collects information on the duration of stay at the current residence and the reason for migration. The questionnaire for the Census is notified before conducting fieldwork by the Central government through the Official Gazette,” the statement added. SERVICES • Beard Trim $500 • Shampoo $1000 • Blow Dry $1000 st $ 00 • Perm from 20 $ 00 • Color from 20 • Highlights from $3500 • Spa Pedicure from $1700 1 Hair Cut Salon & Barber Shop 7364 McWhorter Place Annandale, VA Hours: Monday -Saturday 10am -5pm
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