As Narendra Modi's alliance was headed for a narrow majority in India elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said The INDIA bloc of opposition parties will convene on Wednesday to discuss potential outreach to former allies like the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for government formation..
"We are scheduled for a meeting with our partners tomorrow. These matters will be deliberated and addressed there," Gandhi stated during a press briefing, responding to queries about the prospect of collaborating with NDA-affiliated parties to establish a government.
Speaking alongside senior Congress leaders amid the ongoing Lok Sabha election results, which indicated the BJP's likely emergence as the largest party but falling short of a majority, Gandhi emphasised the significance of collective decision-making within their alliance. "We will not make any unilateral statements; our alliance will convene tomorrow, and we will act based on our collective decision," he said
Gandhi underscored the overarching theme of the elections as a defence of the constitution of India. "I had faith that the people of our nation would unite to safeguard the onstitution. The initial and pivotal step toward this has been taken," he remarked, highlighting the active participation of marginalized communities and the impoverished. "India's underprivileged and disadvantaged have united for the constitution's defense," he added.
Regarding the broader vision for India, Gandhi emphasised a pro-poor perspective and critiqued the current administration, saying, "The foremost message from this election, as conveyed by the nation, is the rejection of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah's governance."
Acknowledging the contributions of INDIA bloc allies, Gandhi affirmed unity in their approach. "Wherever we contested, we did so as a cohesive unit," he said, expressing gratitude to voters in Uttar Pradesh for their support in upholding constitutional values.
When asked about his electoral constituency, Gandhi refrained from a definitive decision, stating that he has yet to make a choice between Wayanad and Rae Bareli. He also praised Congress candidate KL Sharma for reclaiming the Amethi seat from BJP's Smriti Irani, attributing the victory to Sharma's longstanding commitment to the constituency.
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, in Scunthorpe, northern England, Britain, March 31, 2025. REUTERS/Dominic Lipinski
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. (Representational image: iStock)
FBU chief raises concern over rise in racist online posts by union members
THE FIRE Brigades Union (FBU) and other trade unions are increasingly concerned about a rise in racist and bigoted online comments by their own members and officials, according to Steve Wright, the FBU’s new general secretary, speaking to the Guardian.
Wright said internal inquiries have revealed dozens of cases involving members using racist slurs or stereotypes, often aimed at asylum seekers.
He said similar issues were reported in other unions, prompting a joint campaign to counter false narratives around immigration and race promoted by far-right groups online.
“People with far-right views are becoming more brazen in what they do on social media, and I’ve witnessed it with my own union around disciplinary cases and the rhetoric of some of our own members,” Wright said to the newspaper.
He added, “Some of our members and sometimes our reps have openly made comments which are racist and bigoted. In my time in the fire service, that has gone up.”
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. A formal statement addressing far-right narratives will be launched at the union’s annual conference in Blackpool next month.
Wright cited the influence of social media and figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage as factors contributing to these incidents. “It feels like an itch that we’ve got to scratch,” he said.
The FBU barred a former official last year for allegedly endorsing racist content on X, including posts from Britain First and Tommy Robinson.
Wright also warned that the union could strike if the government moves to cut frontline fire services.