Former MP Convicted in Rape Case Amid Political Turmoil
Conviction of Prajwal Revanna
Prajwal Revanna, a former MP from the Janata Dal (Secular), has been found guilty in a rape case. The ruling was made by Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, who determined that Revanna had assaulted a 48-year-old employee at his family's farmhouse and recorded the incident.
The sentencing is expected to be revealed on Saturday. This conviction marks the first judgment in a series of four cases against Revanna, with three women accusing him of sexual assault. The fourth case includes allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation as per the Indian Penal Code.
Revanna was expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular) on April 30 after videos surfaced, purportedly showing him committing sexual assaults against multiple women. He was taken into custody on May 31, 2024.
India-Russia Relations Amid US Pressure
The Ministry of External Affairs has reaffirmed that India and Russia maintain a 'steady, time-tested partnership.' This statement follows a warning from US President Donald Trump regarding potential penalties for India due to its military purchases from Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India's relationships with other nations should be evaluated on their own merits, rather than through the lens of third-party influences. He also noted the strong partnership between India and the United States, which is built on mutual interests and cultural exchanges.
Allegations Against the Election Commission
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, has claimed to possess 'open and shut proof' of the Election Commission's involvement in 'vote theft.' He warned that those within the Commission implicated in these actions would face consequences, labeling their behavior as treasonous.
In response, the Election Commission dismissed these allegations as unfounded and stated that it disregards such claims made regularly.
Upcoming Vice Presidential Elections
The Election Commission has announced that the elections for India's next vice president will take place on September 9, with results declared on the same day. This vacancy arose following Jagdeep Dhankar's resignation on July 21, as he prioritized his health following medical advice.
Dhankar had assumed the vice presidency on August 11, 2022, and his term was set to conclude in 2027. The vice president is elected by an electoral college comprising both elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, excluding state legislators.