Congress Stresses Police Autonomy and Book Publication Amid Election Countdown

New Delhi, 29 August – Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Congress leader overseeing Uttar Pradesh affairs, emphasized that the Uttarakhand police will not be forced to act under the state government's orders. He referenced Article 17 of the Constitution, which outlaws untouchability, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, both of which require immediate legal recourse upon any complaint, even a simple phone call. Gautam criticised the administration’s silence on these matters and called for a case against Mahendra Bhat for his endorsement of "shuddhikaran".

Gautam also responded to rumors that Sonia Gandhi’s biography would not be published, stating that several publishers have shown interest and that the book is slated for release by November, despite alleged media pressure.

Looking ahead to the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, he said Congress is finalising its demand for a fair allocation of seats out of the total 403 and is preparing a strong electoral campaign, confident that the current government will be replaced.

Separately, Mahant Shubham Giri, the Samajwadi Party’s state executive chair, reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Dalit oppression, reminding listeners that India is the world’s biggest democracy and that the BJP also fields Dalit leaders. He urged decisive action against caste‑based discrimination.