Ranchi Breaking: Govt Holds Talks With Second Student Group Amid Ongoing Jharkhand Protest

Congress Leader Shot Dead By Bike-Borne Men In Udupi; CCTV Captures Attack, Suspect Held

Bharathi SP — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:57:40 +0530

A former panchayat president and Congress leader was shot dead in Karnataka's Udupi district on Friday, with CCTV footage capturing the armed attack that unfolded in broad daylight.

The victim, identified as David D'Souza, was a contractor by profession and was targeted at Padubidri. Police later arrested a suspected assailant following an encounter near Byndoor as investigators began piecing together the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the area's political and business circles, where D'Souza was known.

Gunman Approaches As D'Souza Gets Into Car

According to the CCTV footage, D'Souza was getting into his car, which was parked along the roadside, when the shooter approached him from behind. The attacker then pulled out a firearm and opened fire at close range, shooting D'Souza multiple times. Moments later, another person arrived on a motorcycle, enabling the gunman and his accomplice to flee from the spot, as per reports.

D'Souza sustained serious bullet injuries in the attack. Despite efforts to get him medical attention, he died while being taken to hospital.

Police sources said two attackers were involved and had arrived in a vehicle before carrying out the shooting. Investigators have since been working to establish the precise sequence of events and identify everyone involved in the attack.

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Police Launch Investigation, Suspect Held Near Byndoor

Senior police officials reached the crime scene after the shooting as teams began collecting evidence and examining the circumstances of the attack.

The investigation subsequently led police to a suspected main accused near Byndoor. The suspect was taken into custody after an encounter with the police.

Authorities are now examining the evidence gathered from the crime scene and the CCTV footage as they attempt to determine the full chain of events leading up to the killing.

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Previous Conviction Also Under Police Lens

Investigators are also examining D'Souza's past. Police sources said he had previously been convicted in connection with the suicide case involving Rev Fr Mahesh, an assistant priest at a local church.

D'Souza had served a prison sentence in connection with that case.

The previous conviction is among the details being considered as investigators examine possible reasons for the attack, although police have not established it as the motive for the murder.

Personal Dispute Or Business Rivalry?

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Police are pursuing multiple possibilities, including a personal dispute and potential business rivalry. Investigators are expected to examine D'Souza's professional dealings, personal relationships and other circumstances that could shed light on why he was targeted.

The CCTV footage is likely to form a key part of the investigation, given that it captured the shooting and the escape of the attackers.

With one suspect now in custody, police are also expected to investigate whether others were involved in planning or executing the attack.

Prayagraj Clash: Rahul Gandhi's Gen Z Outreach Triggers BJP-Congress War Ahead of UP Polls

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:56:10 +0530

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to engage directly with students and Gen Z in Prayagraj through the ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme, putting youth issues at the centre of Uttar Pradesh politics. The event comes as the Congress prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and seeks to rebuild its political base among young voters. Rahul Gandhi is expected to discuss unemployment, paper leaks, education and the employment situation with students at the KP Ground in Prayagraj. Ahead of the visit, he addressed young people through social media and said the country's students face serious challenges concerning education and employment, calling for collective efforts to change the situation. However, the programme has already triggered political controversy. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned whether the party has been able to connect effectively with Gen Z, pointing out that the ‘Students Ki Goonj’ outreach has not generated the same resonance as the student mobilisation witnessed at Jantar Mantar. His comments have added an internal dimension to the debate surrounding Rahul Gandhi's student outreach. The BJP has also targeted Rahul Gandhi ahead of his Prayagraj visit, claiming that his political appearances have little impact on young voters. The party has questioned his focus on student protests in Delhi while alleging that he has remained silent on the ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand. Congress leaders have rejected the BJP's criticism and defended Rahul Gandhi's engagement with students, arguing that he consistently raises youth concerns without seeking immediate political benefit. With unemployment, recruitment examinations and paper leaks emerging as major concerns among students, Rahul Gandhi's Prayagraj interaction is being closely watched as both a youth outreach initiative and part of Congress's broader Mission 2027 strategy in Uttar Pradesh.

Ranchi Politics: BJP Alleges Hemant Govt Is Dividing Students Ahead of Assembly Gherao

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:52:57 +0530

The political battle over the ongoing student agitation in Ranchi has intensified, with the Jharkhand BJP accusing the Hemant Soren government of deliberately trying to weaken the movement by engaging separately with different student groups. Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Sahdev alleged that the government is following a “divide and rule” approach by holding talks with the second faction after representatives of the main student group had already met government officials. He questioned why the primary student delegation was not given a direct opportunity to meet the Chief Minister. The BJP has also raised questions over the alleged association of the second student group with the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM), claiming that the political outfit supports the ruling alliance. The party alleged that the government is attempting to delay action because of the proposed August 10 Assembly gherao, which could see a large number of students joining the protest. The core demands of the protesting students include a CBI and ED investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations and cancellation of the disputed JPSC Preliminary Examination. Students have also been demanding wider reforms in the recruitment and examination system. However, protesters associated with the second group have rejected the suggestion that political affiliation changes the nature of their movement. They argue that the agitation is fundamentally being led by students and that their core demands are similar to those raised by the other group.

Ranchi Update: Govt Begins Talks With Devendra Mahto-Led Student Group Amid Day 15 Protest

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:49:51 +0530

The student agitation in Ranchi has entered its 15th day, with the second group of protesters now reaching the State Guest House for talks with the Jharkhand government. The meeting between the government delegation and the eight-member student delegation is expected to begin shortly. The student group led by Devendra Nath Mahto has been continuing its protest and hunger strike while pressing for action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The government delegation includes four ministers who are scheduled to hear the demands raised by the protesting students. Mahto has divided the demands into two categories—urgent short-term demands and issues requiring a longer-term reform process. Among the immediate demands is cancellation of all examinations conducted by TDPL, which the protesters have described as a blacklisted agency. The group is also demanding a CBI inquiry along with an Enforcement Directorate investigation into the alleged irregularities. The protesters have pointed to developments following the announcement of the PT result on July 2 and allegations of irregularities raised on July 5. They have also cited arrests and raids as evidence of action already taken, while insisting that a wider investigation is necessary. The latest meeting comes a day after the government held talks with representatives of the first student group. That discussion lasted around one hour and 20 minutes but failed to produce a concrete resolution. Students said their concerns were heard and their demands were acknowledged, but maintained that the agitation would continue.

Prayagraj Update: Tharoor Questions Student Outreach Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Youth Event

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:46:54 +0530

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to engage directly with Gen Z students in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, through the ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme, but the event has triggered an internal political debate within the Congress. Senior party leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned why the programme has not generated the same level of resonance as the student mobilisation seen at Jantar Mantar. Tharoor said the party needs to look inward and ask what it failed to do while connecting with young people. He questioned whether Congress leaders had listened enough to students and whether the party had been able to understand the concerns and aspirations of Gen Z. His remarks have added a new dimension to Rahul Gandhi’s planned interaction with students in Prayagraj, where he is expected to discuss issues concerning young people, including paper leaks and challenges faced by students. The controversy has also drawn a political response from the BJP. The party has accused Rahul Gandhi of adopting a selective approach towards student protests, questioning why he speaks strongly about demonstrations in Delhi but remains silent on the ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand. Congress leaders have rejected the criticism and defended Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to students and young people. They said he has consistently attempted to raise youth-related concerns without seeking political advantage and portrayed him as one of the national leaders most closely connected with the younger generation. With Rahul Gandhi’s Prayagraj programme taking place amid the debate, Tharoor’s comments, BJP’s criticism and Congress’s defence have turned the student outreach into a broader political talking point. The event is expected to draw attention to how major political parties are attempting to connect with Gen Z and respond to issues affecting students.

Abhijeet Dipke May Visit Ranchi Today To Meet Protesting Students, Sources Say

Awadhesh Kumar — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:34:30 +0530

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke may reach Ranchi on Saturday and is expected to visit the students' protest tent to extend his support to the ongoing agitation, sources said.

His exact time of arrival has not yet been finalised, sources said. Dipke's possible visit comes amid continuing protests by students and job aspirants in Jharkhand over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.

The development comes as the Jharkhand government on Saturday held talks with a delegation of protesting job aspirants over their demands. The meeting was held at the state guest house in Ranchi, with an eight-member delegation meeting Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar and state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh, Chamra Linda and Sanjay Prasad Yadav.

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Mahto's Hunger Strike Enters Day Seven

The talks took place as Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto's hunger strike entered its seventh day.

The protesters have been demanding the immediate cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination and other examinations conducted by the commission.

"We have been demanding immediate cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, and all exams conducted by that agency," PTI quoted Mahto as saying.

The protesters have also sought an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.

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Mahto Raises Health Concerns

Mahto said his health condition was deteriorating, claiming that his blood pressure and blood sugar levels had dropped. He further said a doctor had diagnosed a chest infection and advised him to be admitted to hospital.

"My health condition is deteriorating day by day. Blood pressure and sugar levels are dropping," Mahto said, adding that he was now able to listen, think and speak slowly.

The latest talks followed a meeting between the government and another 10-member delegation of students on Friday. Mahto said the demands raised by the two groups were largely similar and questioned why the government had not resolved the issue during the previous discussions.

19 Arrested In JPSC Irregularities Case

According to officials, 19 people have so far been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations. The commission's former chairman, L Khiangte, has also been questioned four times since July 28.

The government-protester talks come amid a broader agitation in Ranchi over alleged examination irregularities, with protesters demanding greater transparency in the recruitment process and action against those responsible.

Protests led by Dipke's CJP at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi last month over the NEET paper leak led to Dharmendra Pradhan resigning as the Union education minister

'A Morning I Will Cherish': Raghav Chadha Meets PM Modi, Calls Interaction 'Enriching'

ANI — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:14:40 +0530

New Delhi [India], August 8 (ANI): Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday said he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described the interaction as detailed and enriching.

Taking to X, Chadha said he was grateful to the Prime Minister for his time and for the opportunity to benefit from his insights and guidance.

"A morning I will cherish. Had the privilege of meeting Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. A detailed and enriching interaction. Deeply grateful for his generous time and for the opportunity to benefit from his insights and guidance," Chadha said.

Chadha had recently switched from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with six other Rajya Sabha MPs.

Earlier on August 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with over 40 MPs from NDA constituents, including rebel Trinamool Congress MPs who recently joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who merged with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, at his official residence in the national capital over breakfast on Friday morning.

MPs said that among the topics that came up for discussion in the meeting was the stormy ongoing Parliament Monsoon session, which has witnessed several disruptions.

MPs from Shiv Sena, Republican Party of India (Athawale), Rashtriya Lok Morcha, AIADMK and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) were also among those who attended the PM's breakfast meeting today.

Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Waghmare said that during the meeting, PM Modi stressed the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament. The Prime Minister, she said, engaged with them as a member of a family and offered valuable advice. He expressed concern over disruptions in Parliament by the Opposition, which prevent meaningful discussions and deny new, talented MPs a platform to be heard.

"PM said that the constant uproar in Parliament has prevented the country from hearing many talented and newly elected MPs," she said.

Further, Waghmare said that today being National Handloom Day, she presented Prime Minister Modi with a special Solapur handloom chadar embroidered with his image.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was also present at the meeting, described it as cordial and said that the PM inquired about the rainfall situation in Maharashtra and also about the State's development. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, "Today's meeting was a cordial one... We discussed matters regarding Maharashtra's development and the rainfall situation."

Shinde also said it was a matter of happiness that Prime Minister Modi personally invited the six new Shiv Sena MPs, who are now part of the NDA, for the breakfast meeting.

"It is a matter of happiness that the Prime Minister personally invited the six new Shiv Sena MPs, who are now part of the NDA, for tea today. All our MPs are pleased about this, and the Prime Minister himself mentioned it during our meeting," he added.

NCPI MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said the MPs were overwhelmed with the manner in which the PM welcomed them.

She said, "We are overwhelmed both by his knowledge and by the way he treated us. He accepted us, stating that those who are in the NDA for 20 years and those who are even a year old are all one family. He stressed the importance of unity and collective effort for the development and progress of West Bengal and the eight eastern states. He conveyed a wonderful message that we will work together for progress and development".

Another NCPI MP, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, said, "...We had a conversation regarding the development of the North-East region of the nation. We will work to fulfil PM Modi's vision"

Fellow NCPI MP Rachna Banerjee described the meeting as "a very fruitful discussion"...and we were very happy. It was actually a great honour that he invited us. The few moments we spent together during breakfast will always be memorable...," she said.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared personal, political, and social experiences, and offered guidance, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal said.

"He emphasised the importance of punctuality in commitments and advised on connecting with students and youth by listening to them rather than just trying to speak to them," Mittal said about the interaction at the breakfast meeting.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin were also present at the breakfast meeting.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Rijiju Sees 'Change Of Heart' On Women's Quota, Rahul Gandhi Hits Back: 'Implement 2023 Law'

Bharathi SP — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 12:08:34 +0530

Women Reservation Bill: A fresh war of words erupted between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday, with the two leaders sparring over women's political representation and the implementation of the Women's Reservation law. The exchange followed a video shared by Gandhi on women's empowerment, which Rijiju interpreted as a possible shift in the Congress leader's position. The minister then used the opportunity to challenge Congress to back the Women's Reservation Bill without conditions.

Gandhi, however, turned the spotlight back on the government, questioning why implementation of the legislation remains linked to the delimitation exercise.

Rijiju Sees A 'Change Of Heart' In Gandhi's Message

The controversy began after Gandhi shared a video in which he spoke about the need to give women greater freedom and space in public life. Reacting to the message on X, Rijiju said, "This seems to be a positive message from the Congress Party. There's a visible change of heart in Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji about the Women."

The minister then connected Gandhi's comments to the long-running political dispute over women's reservation, urging Congress to back the legislation without attaching conditions.

"Now, I hope Congress Party will support the Women's Reservation Bill unconditionally," Rijiju said.

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Gandhi Questions Link With Delimitation

Rahul Gandhi responded by challenging the government's position on the timing and mechanism for implementing women's reservation. At the centre of his objection is the decision to connect the rollout of the quota with delimitation. Opposition parties have argued that the reservation should instead be implemented using the existing strength and boundaries of parliamentary constituencies.

The government has sought to link the quota's implementation with the exercise that will determine the future composition and strength of Parliament and state assemblies.

The Women's Reservation law, approved by Parliament in 2023, provides for a 33% quota for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Its actual implementation, however, is tied to a future delimitation exercise.

Gandhi has repeatedly questioned why the legislation cannot be operationalised without waiting for that process.

"Implement The 2023 Law. Without Any Conditions."

Gandhi had raised the issue during an "Ask Me Anything" session before sharing his video on Instagram.

He questioned the delay in putting the law into effect, saying: "The question is, why has it still not been implemented even after three years, and why do you now want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation?"

He then laid out his position in unequivocal terms: "Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions."

The Congress leader's argument is that women's reservation should not be made dependent on an additional political or administrative process. The issue has become a significant point of disagreement between the opposition and the Centre over the proposed framework for increasing women's representation in elected bodies.

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Gandhi Links Women's Representation To Freedom

While the political dispute centred on the reservation law, Gandhi's original video took a broader view of women's participation in Indian society.

He argued that women's potential remains constrained and said, "I was thinking to myself that the energy of India's women is trapped, is not allowed to express itself, is not allowed to imagine."

Gandhi linked the issue to India's overall development, arguing that the country cannot reach its full potential if women are unable to participate freely in social and public life.

He described India as "stunted, incomplete, without the expression of our women," making women's empowerment part of a wider argument about national progress.

He also spoke about women having the freedom to question established expectations within families, saying they should be capable of "questioning their parents, their husbands, their brothers, sisters, whatever".

Patriarchy Becomes Part Of Political Message

Gandhi further argued that greater freedom from traditional power structures is necessary for India to develop.

"So a certain amount of freedom from this patriarchy, from the rigid control that India's men impose on their women, is required if India has to really develop," he said.

The comments subsequently became the backdrop for Rijiju's political response, bringing the conversation back to the Women's Reservation law.

Ranchi Breaking: BJP Accuses Hemant Govt of Weakening Student Protest Through Separate Talks

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:10:25 +0530

The political battle over the ongoing student agitation in Ranchi has intensified, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of attempting to weaken the movement by holding talks with a second group of protesters. The BJP questioned why the government invited the second faction for discussions after representatives of the main student group had already met government officials and presented their demands. The party alleged that the second group has support from the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM), led by MLA Jairam Mahto, and claimed that engaging with the group could create divisions within the student movement. The main student demands include a CBI and ED investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination and comprehensive reforms in the recruitment and examination system. However, students from both groups have rejected the suggestion that there is a major difference between them. Protesters at the agitation site said their tents may be separate, but their objectives and core demands remain the same. Both groups have reiterated their demand for a CBI probe and action over alleged examination irregularities. The protest began in Ranchi over allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations and later intensified with hunger strikes. Students have maintained that the movement should remain independent of political parties and have urged political leaders to avoid turning the agitation into a political platform. Devendra Mahto has also rejected allegations of a political understanding between the government and JKLM, pointing to the timeline of the agitation and earlier representations made by students.

Ranchi Breaking: Govt Holds Talks With Second Student Group Amid Ongoing Jharkhand Protest

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:07:39 +0530

The Jharkhand student movement has entered its 15th day, with the state government continuing efforts to engage with two separate groups of protesting students. After meeting representatives of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum on Friday, the government is now holding talks with the second faction, the JPSC-JSSC Nyay Manch, at the State Guest House in Ranchi. An eight-member delegation from the second group has been taken to the State Guest House for the meeting scheduled at 10:30 am. The students say they will place their collective demands before the government and remain firm on their call for action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The protesters are demanding a CBI and ED probe into the alleged irregularities and cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination. They have also been seeking broader reforms in the examination system. The government has already informed students that their concerns have been heard and that the matter will be conveyed to the Chief Minister. The first group met a government delegation for around one hour and 20 minutes on Friday, but the meeting failed to produce a concrete resolution. Students said their demands were acknowledged but maintained that the agitation would continue. They have also announced plans to gherao the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands remain unresolved.