Interviewed by IANS in New Delhi, Jha emphasized, “Release is secondary. The core problem is the false case that jailed him. Now withdrawn, but those six months—who compensates for that lost freedom?” He painted a grim picture of how NSA and similar laws are weaponized against innocents, with no remedy once exonerated.

Jha called for systemic changes, asking if India has provisions to restore the years stolen from wrongfully convicted citizens. His remarks resonate amid rising concerns over misuse of security laws.

Turning to Rahul Gandhi’s statements, Jha advocated viewing icons like Gandhi, Nehru, and Kanshiram beyond caste or party affiliations. “Their legacies are national treasures, not proprietary to any outfit,” he noted, promoting a unified appreciation of their contributions to India’s social architecture.

Jha expressed profound dismay over the brutal gang-rape and murder of a Class 10 student in Saran, Bihar. He alleged government efforts to hush it up, echoing NEET leak controversies. “These tragedies shatter societal trust,” Jha said. “Claims of ‘Sushasan’ ring hollow without daughter safety.”

With elections looming, Jha’s salvo challenges the ruling dispensation to address these failures head-on, fueling national discourse on human rights and governance.

In a pointed post on X, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the gravity of the U.S.-Israel-Iran standoff. He stressed that safeguarding every Indian in the Middle East should be India’s foremost concern, calling on the government for urgent interventions to secure their lives.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge amplified the call, voicing the party’s deep apprehension over the deteriorating security landscape post recent military build-ups targeting Iran. ‘Maintaining peace is essential,’ he noted on X. ‘We urge the government to exhaust all options for the protection of our citizens in Iran and the broader Middle East.’

Adding a critical edge, Jairam Ramesh accused Trump of abandoning talks under pressure from Netanyahu and American militarists, initiating strikes for regime change. ‘The Congress denounces this aggression,’ he declared online. ‘India must push for de-escalation and ensure comprehensive safety for millions of Indians in West Asia.’

Global voices joined the chorus: French leader Emmanuel Macron urged all parties to cease fire, labeling the conflict a dire risk to global stability. He outlined France’s preparedness to defend its assets and support partners. Saudi Arabia cautioned Gulf states against Iranian reprisals.

For India, home to a vast diaspora in the region, this crisis tests diplomatic mettle. Congress leaders’ unified stance signals political pressure mounting on the government to act decisively, potentially including contingency plans for evacuations. Stability in West Asia directly impacts India’s energy security and expatriate community, making resolution a national imperative.

Dimple Yadav (SP) painted a grim picture: cheap agricultural imports flooding India at zero duty, threatening farmers’ incomes and rural jobs. She dismissed the privilege move as an attempt to shift focus from these ‘real issues.’

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recounted the Lok Sabha drama, insisting no abuses were hurled and her intervention was for peace. Congress’s Ranjiit Ranjan backed Rahul, questioning if national assets like data and energy are safe under the deal. ‘Debate strengthens democracy, rage doesn’t run the country,’ she quipped on Finance Minister’s outburst.

Rajiv Shukla invoked legacy leaders, attributing India’s mobile and IT revolution to Rajiv Gandhi’s vision. Meanwhile, Rajiv Rai criticized the labor codes as pro-corporate, ignoring farmers and unemployed youth, with selective privilege actions favoring the ruling side.

Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT) warned of rights erosion for small businesses and farmers. Ram Gopal Yadav endorsed union strikes against ‘Viksit Bharat’ plans, accusing the government of suppressing voices and pushing bonded labor laws.

The standoff underscores widening divides on economic policies, with opposition demanding detailed disclosures on trade terms to safeguard India’s growth trajectory.