"Secrets will travel with me to my grave".

That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons.

Patel, who died on Wednesday at a Gurugram hospital where he was admitted with COVID-19, could have been the tell-all leader offering insights and information with his inside view of the workings of the Congress and the political world.

But he would have none of it.

Author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai met the Congress' trusted backroom strategist and troubleshooter at his 23, Mother Teresa Crescent residence after the lockdown and asked him the question on many a mind.

"We had a freewheeling chat about the Congress and politics, and I asked him why don't you pen your memoirs as it will be a treasure trove of information to which he responded, "The secrets will travel with me to my grave'," Kidwai told PTI.

Kidwai who has authored several books, including "24 Akbar Road: A Short History Of The People Behind The Fall And Rise Of The Congress", added that Patel had gone too soon.

Kidwai described Patel -- Rajya Sabha MP, AICC treasurer and Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, as the man for all seasons for the Congress.

He said Patel, both crisis manager and consensus builder, was never one to hold any grudges, citing how he stitched an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra despite the party making grave allegations against him in the past.

He was also a devout Muslim and interestingly would switch mosques every week for Friday prayers because Congress ticket seekers would queue up outside if he went to one mosque regularly.

Babubhai and AP to friends and Ahmed Bhai to colleagues, Patel remained Sonia Gandhi's most trusted lieutenant for most of her tenure as the longest serving Congress president, standing by her side through sun and shade.

Sonia Gandhi said she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend".

According to political analysts, Patel was privy to innumerable party secrets, anecdotes and internal decision making.

Patel, who kept a low profile, was the quintessential organisation man who had an unflappable temperament and was a very effective crisis manager and troubleshooter, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said as tributes for the veteran politician and eight-term MP flowed in.

Patel's importance in the Congress dates back to the days of the late Rajiv Gandhi.

When Rajiv Gandhi became prime minister, he did away with the post of principal secretary to the PM which his mother Indira Gandhi had created for PN Haksar and appointed three parliamentary secretaries -- Ahmed Patel, Arun Singh and Oscar Fernandes.

The trio -- a photograph of them taking oath as parliamentary secretaries did the rounds on social media on Wednesday -- was famously referred to as Amar, Akbar, Anthony'.

Just three months ago, in August, Patel had stepped in to quell a rebellion.

His firm rejection of the public stand taken by 23 party leaders against Sonia Gandhi helped the Congress Working Committee snub the demand for replacement of a Gandhi as party chief and repose faith in her presidency after she offered to quit.

"Secrets will travel with me to my grave". That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons.

"Secrets will travel with me to my grave". That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons. Patel, who died on Wednesday at a Gurugram hospital where he was admitted with COVID-19, could have been the tell-all leader offering insights and information with his inside view of the workings of the Congress and the political world. But he would have none of it. Author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai met the Congress' trusted backroom strategist and troubleshooter at his 23, Mother Teresa Crescent residence after the lockdown and asked him the question on many a mind. "We had a freewheeling chat about the Congress and politics, and I asked him why don't you pen your memoirs as it will be a treasure trove of information to which he responded, "The secrets will travel with me to my grave'," Kidwai told PTI. Kidwai who has authored several books, including "24 Akbar Road: A Short History Of The People Behind The Fall And Rise Of The Congress", added that Patel had gone too soon. Kidwai described Patel -- Rajya Sabha MP, AICC treasurer and Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, as the man for all seasons for the Congress. He said Patel, both crisis manager and consensus builder, was never one to hold any grudges, citing how he stitched an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra despite the party making grave allegations against him in the past. He was also a devout Muslim and interestingly would switch mosques every week for Friday prayers because Congress ticket seekers would queue up outside if he went to one mosque regularly. Babubhai and AP to friends and Ahmed Bhai to colleagues, Patel remained Sonia Gandhi's most trusted lieutenant for most of her tenure as the longest serving Congress president, standing by her side through sun and shade. Sonia Gandhi said she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend". According to political analysts, Patel was privy to innumerable party secrets, anecdotes and internal decision making. Patel, who kept a low profile, was the quintessential organisation man who had an unflappable temperament and was a very effective crisis manager and troubleshooter, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said as tributes for the veteran politician and eight-term MP flowed in. Patel's importance in the Congress dates back to the days of the late Rajiv Gandhi. When Rajiv Gandhi became prime minister, he did away with the post of principal secretary to the PM which his mother Indira Gandhi had created for PN Haksar and appointed three parliamentary secretaries -- Ahmed Patel, Arun Singh and Oscar Fernandes. The trio -- a photograph of them taking oath as parliamentary secretaries did the rounds on social media on Wednesday -- was famously referred to as Amar, Akbar, Anthony'. Just three months ago, in August, Patel had stepped in to quell a rebellion. His firm rejection of the public stand taken by 23 party leaders against Sonia Gandhi helped the Congress Working Committee snub the demand for replacement of a Gandhi as party chief and repose faith in her presidency after she offered to quit.

Secrets will travel with me to my grave: Ahmed Patel when asked about penning memoir

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party.

Patel (71) passed away in the early hours on Wednesday at a Delhi hospital due to multiple organ failure more than a month after he tested positive for COVID-19.

In her condolence message for Patel, who served as her political secretary for years, Gandhi said, “In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party."

His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others, she said.

"I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," the Congress president said.&nbsp;

Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was hospitalised on November 15 after his health condition deteriorated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party. Patel (71) passed away in the early hours on Wednesday at a Delhi hospital due to multiple organ failure more than a month after he tested positive for COVID-19. In her condolence message for Patel, who served as her political secretary for years, Gandhi said, “In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party." His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others, she said. "I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," the Congress president said. Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was hospitalised on November 15 after his health condition deteriorated. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Lost an irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague’: Sonia Gandhi on Ahmed Patel's demise

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel died at a Gurgaon hospital on Wednesday morning at the age of 71.&nbsp; 
 
One of Sonia Gandhi's closest political advisers, Patel had been in a Gurgaon hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection.&nbsp;

The announcement of his demise was made by his son Faisal Patel. In a tweet, he said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am.

"With profound grief &amp; sorrow, I regret to announce the sad and untimely demise of my father, Mr Ahmed Patel at 25/11/2020, 03:30 AM. After testing positive for COVID-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus, inshallah," he tweeted.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel died at a Gurgaon hospital on Wednesday morning at the age of 71. One of Sonia Gandhi's closest political advisers, Patel had been in a Gurgaon hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel died at a Gurgaon hospital on Wednesday morning at the age of 71. One of Sonia Gandhi's closest political advisers, Patel had been in a Gurgaon hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection. The announcement of his demise was made by his son Faisal Patel. In a tweet, he said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am. "With profound grief & sorrow, I regret to announce the sad and untimely demise of my father, Mr Ahmed Patel at 25/11/2020, 03:30 AM. After testing positive for COVID-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus, inshallah," he tweeted. @ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6 — Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passes away following Covid complications

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017.

Patel will be cross-examined by the lawyers of BJP leader Balvantsinh Rajput, his rival in the election.

The court had earlier rejected Patel's application seeking more time and ordered him to remain present on June 20.

Rajput filed the election petition after he was defeated in the Rajya Sabha election held on August 8, 2017.

A former Congress MLA who switched over to the BJP, Rajput has accused Patel of bribing MLAs for getting votes.

Further, he has sought to quash the Election Commission's order invalidating the votes cast by two rebel Congress MLAs in his favour.

He has also sought invalidation of votes of two Congress MLAs which were counted and which went to Patel.

The EC's decision to invalidate the votes of then rebel Congress MLAs Bholabhai Gohil and Raghavji Patel helped Ahmed Patel get 44 votes, the minimum he needed to win. Rajput polled 38 votes.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017. Patel will be cross-examined by the lawyers of BJP leader Balvantsinh Rajput, his rival in the election. The court had earlier rejected Patel's application seeking more time and ordered him to remain present on June 20. Rajput filed the election petition after he was defeated in the Rajya Sabha election held on August 8, 2017. A former Congress MLA who switched over to the BJP, Rajput has accused Patel of bribing MLAs for getting votes. Further, he has sought to quash the Election Commission's order invalidating the votes cast by two rebel Congress MLAs in his favour. He has also sought invalidation of votes of two Congress MLAs which were counted and which went to Patel. The EC's decision to invalidate the votes of then rebel Congress MLAs Bholabhai Gohil and Raghavji Patel helped Ahmed Patel get 44 votes, the minimum he needed to win. Rajput polled 38 votes.

Ahmed Patel to be examined in Gujarat high court on election petition

AgustaWestland Case: Christian Michel Said 'AP' Means Ahmed Patel, 'FAM' means Family

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-choppers-mp-cm-kamal-naths-nephew-appears-before-ed-207853">AgustaWestland VVIP choppers</a> deal case, is understood to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday.

The chargesheet said according to the "budget sheet, 30 million euros were paid to Air Force officers, bureaucrats and politicians" to swing the deal in the favour of AgustaWestland for purchasing the choppers to ferry VVIPs across the country.

"Christian Michel James has further disclosed various abbreviations used in the budget sheet, which contains the details of the payments made to Air Force officials, bureaucrats and political persons.

As per Christian Michel James, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-ed-arrests-alleged-middleman-sushen-mohan-gupta-205689">'AP' means Ahmed Patel</a> and 'Fam' means Family," the ED said.

At another place in the chargesheet, Michel said, "I cannot say what Haschke was thinking. As a guess, I would think he was talking about Ahmed Patel."

Regarding "Fam", he said it "could mean family".

While the identity of the said Ahmed Patel is not clear, it is understood that it refers to the senior Congress leader. The veteran leader has not been named in the PMLA FIR of the case.

In the same chargesheet, Rajiv Saxena, another accused arrested in the case, has been quoted by the ED as saying that "AP" was a "reference" to Ahmed Patel.

Patel in the past has denied any wrongdoing in the case.

The ED said the kickback paid by the Anglo-Italian firm in the case was "at least about 12 per cent of the contract amount" and around 70 million euros were paid through the two middlemen involved in the case - Michel and Guido Haschke.

It added that this was an "undisputed fact" that the two middlemen had received kickbacks worth 70 million euros.

The agency said this fact could be corroborated with the receipt of kickbacks in the bank accounts of companies "controlled and beneficially owned" by Michel and Haschke.&nbsp;

It said the company "enlisted" the two as agents for the VVIP choppers deal in India as it wanted to promote its product and ensure that it became a frontrunner to bag the deal.&nbsp;

The central probe agency, in its 3,000-page supplementary chargesheet with 52 main pages, also named David Syms, Michel's alleged business partner, and two firms owned by them - Global Trade and Commerce Ltd and Global Services FZE - as accused.

In its first chargesheet filed against Michel in June 2016, the ED had alleged that he and others had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar said he would decide on whether to take cognisance of the ED's supplementary chargesheet and summon the accused on April 6.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, is understood to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, is understood to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday. The chargesheet said according to the "budget sheet, 30 million euros were paid to Air Force officers, bureaucrats and politicians" to swing the deal in the favour of AgustaWestland for purchasing the choppers to ferry VVIPs across the country. "Christian Michel James has further disclosed various abbreviations used in the budget sheet, which contains the details of the payments made to Air Force officials, bureaucrats and political persons. As per Christian Michel James, 'AP' means Ahmed Patel and 'Fam' means Family," the ED said. At another place in the chargesheet, Michel said, "I cannot say what Haschke was thinking. As a guess, I would think he was talking about Ahmed Patel." Regarding "Fam", he said it "could mean family". While the identity of the said Ahmed Patel is not clear, it is understood that it refers to the senior Congress leader. The veteran leader has not been named in the PMLA FIR of the case. In the same chargesheet, Rajiv Saxena, another accused arrested in the case, has been quoted by the ED as saying that "AP" was a "reference" to Ahmed Patel. Patel in the past has denied any wrongdoing in the case. The ED said the kickback paid by the Anglo-Italian firm in the case was "at least about 12 per cent of the contract amount" and around 70 million euros were paid through the two middlemen involved in the case - Michel and Guido Haschke. It added that this was an "undisputed fact" that the two middlemen had received kickbacks worth 70 million euros. The agency said this fact could be corroborated with the receipt of kickbacks in the bank accounts of companies "controlled and beneficially owned" by Michel and Haschke. It said the company "enlisted" the two as agents for the VVIP choppers deal in India as it wanted to promote its product and ensure that it became a frontrunner to bag the deal. The central probe agency, in its 3,000-page supplementary chargesheet with 52 main pages, also named David Syms, Michel's alleged business partner, and two firms owned by them - Global Trade and Commerce Ltd and Global Services FZE - as accused. In its first chargesheet filed against Michel in June 2016, the ED had alleged that he and others had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. Special Judge Arvind Kumar said he would decide on whether to take cognisance of the ED's supplementary chargesheet and summon the accused on April 6.

AgustaWestland case: Michel identifies 'AP' as Ahmed Patel in ED chargesheet

Sonia Gandhi's aide <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rss-event-pranabs-daughter-says-his-speech-will-be-forgotten-visuals-will-remain--142689">Ahmed Patel hit out against </a>former president Pranab Mukherjee's visit to RSS centre in Nagpur where he is set to deliver a speech today evening.

In a tweet Patel said, "I did not expect this from Pranab da!," while replying to a tweet from ex-president's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee.

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I did not expect this from Pranab da ! <a href="https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE">https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE</a>
— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmedpatel/status/1004426032831606784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pranab's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee in a tweet had lashed out against her father's visit to Nagpur saying the "visit would be forgotten but visuals will remain."

The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech as the Congress leaders raised objections over the visit.

In the tweet, Sharmistha said it would give the "BJP and RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread false rumours" adding, "making it somewhat believable".

"And this is just the beginning!," she said in her tweet.

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The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech

Sonia Gandhi's aide Ahmed Patel hit out against former president Pranab Mukherjee's visit to RSS centre in Nagpur where he is set to deliver a speech today evening. In a tweet Patel said, "I did not expect this from Pranab da!," while replying to a tweet from ex-president's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee. I did not expect this from Pranab da ! https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) June 6, 2018 × Pranab's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee in a tweet had lashed out against her father's visit to Nagpur saying the "visit would be forgotten but visuals will remain." The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech as the Congress leaders raised objections over the visit. In the tweet, Sharmistha said it would give the "BJP and RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread false rumours" adding, "making it somewhat believable". "And this is just the beginning!," she said in her tweet.

'Did not expect this from Pranab,' says Sonia's aide Ahmed Patel on speech at RSS event

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel today said that Rahul Gandhi is the party's prime ministerial candidate for the next national election.

Asked as to how he saw the Congress chief's comment yesterday that he was ready to occupy the prime ministerial post if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha polls, Patel said, "The Congress president has already said something. It all depends on who will get how many seats. Our candidate will be Rahul Gandhi,"&nbsp

"But ultimately it will all depend on the (Lok Sabha poll) results," Patel told reporters here, maintaining that Gandhi's claim did not make him "arrogant."

"After all he (Gandhi) is the president of the Congress party...If we don't get a majority, others (alliance parties) will definitely be consulted. This is not arrogance. If he says he cannot become the prime minister, it will demoralise the party," Patel added.

In reply to a question, Patel alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "learnt from China" how to showcase a few big projects to create the impression that there is a lot of development.

"He has learnt it from China how to build big projects and showcase them as development. But if you go a bit deeper, there is no development. The Sabarmati river front, the bullet train, the Metro trains are sold as development. But if you go to villages, there is no development. Government schools are shutting down," he alleged.

Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112.

He also said his party will continue to press the demand of use of ballot paper in the general elections.

Patel led a delegation of Congress MLAs today who made a representation to governor O P Kohli "against the Gujarat government's anti-farmer policies and attempts to subvert the Panchayati Raj Act".

Patel said the representation was against the BJP government's methods of land acquisition for the bullet train and Dholera SIR projects which went "against the spirit" of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

The party also protested the government's move "to usurp constitutional and statutory powers vested in local bodies", he said.

If no action was taken, the party will launch an agitation, he said.

Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel today said that Rahul Gandhi is the party's prime ministerial candidate for the next national election. Asked as to how he saw the Congress chief's comment yesterday that he was ready to occupy the prime ministerial post if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha polls, Patel said, "The Congress president has already said something. It all depends on who will get how many seats. Our candidate will be Rahul Gandhi," "But ultimately it will all depend on the (Lok Sabha poll) results," Patel told reporters here, maintaining that Gandhi's claim did not make him "arrogant." "After all he (Gandhi) is the president of the Congress party...If we don't get a majority, others (alliance parties) will definitely be consulted. This is not arrogance. If he says he cannot become the prime minister, it will demoralise the party," Patel added. In reply to a question, Patel alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "learnt from China" how to showcase a few big projects to create the impression that there is a lot of development. "He has learnt it from China how to build big projects and showcase them as development. But if you go a bit deeper, there is no development. The Sabarmati river front, the bullet train, the Metro trains are sold as development. But if you go to villages, there is no development. Government schools are shutting down," he alleged. Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112. He also said his party will continue to press the demand of use of ballot paper in the general elections. Patel led a delegation of Congress MLAs today who made a representation to governor O P Kohli "against the Gujarat government's anti-farmer policies and attempts to subvert the Panchayati Raj Act". Patel said the representation was against the BJP government's methods of land acquisition for the bullet train and Dholera SIR projects which went "against the spirit" of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The party also protested the government's move "to usurp constitutional and statutory powers vested in local bodies", he said. If no action was taken, the party will launch an agitation, he said.

Rahul Gandhi is our prime ministerial candidate: Ahmed Patel

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement.&nbsp;

After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel.

Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement. After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year. BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress. According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel. Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

Rajya Sabha polls: MLAs obliged to vote for party, Ahmed Patel tells Gujarat HC

The Congress has sent its top guns to Meghalaya to explore possibilities of government formation there after its losses in two other northeastern states of Tripura and Nagaland.

The BJP wrested Tripura, the last Left bastion, and received invitation to be part of the government in Nagaland, while Meghalaya elected a hung Assembly.

Elections were held in 59 seats in all three states due to different reasons despite them having 60-member assemblies and results were announced today.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party in Meghalaya with 21 seats. The party&#39;s senior leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath left for Shillong this morning to work out possible tie-ups with Independents in to form a government.

No comments were issued by the Congress on its losses as party president Rahul Gandhi is out of the country. It did not win a single seat Tripura and Nagaland.

The Congress defended Gandhi&#39;s visit to Italy over the weekend, saying he had every right to meet his grandmother.

The party&#39;s leader Mukul Wasnik was also present in Shillong, where all the leaders held talks with the local leadership, other parties and Independents.

The Congress&#39; move comes in the wake of criticism in the past that the party was caught &quot;napping&quot; in Goa and Manipur, where despite emerging as the single-largest party it failed to form governments.

Sources said that Patel and Nath soon after reaching Shillong in the afternoon held discussions with party leaders, including outgoing chief minister Mukul Sangma.

Both the leaders claimed that the Congress would form government in Meghalaya and was working towards it.

The Congress was in power in Meghalaya for five years and it hoped to get a majority this time too, which did not happen, Wasnik said.

No party has got majority and parties with the same ideology should work together to form a government, he said.

Meghalaya is one of the five states currently held by the Congress. The other states are Punjab, Karnataka and Mizoram, and Union territory Puducherry.&nbsp;

The BJP wrested Tripura, the last Left bastion, and received an invitation to be part of the government in Nagaland, while Meghalaya elected a hung Assembly

The Congress has sent its top guns to Meghalaya to explore possibilities of government formation there after its losses in two other northeastern states of Tripura and Nagaland. The BJP wrested Tripura, the last Left bastion, and received invitation to be part of the government in Nagaland, while Meghalaya elected a hung Assembly. Elections were held in 59 seats in all three states due to different reasons despite them having 60-member assemblies and results were announced today. The Congress emerged as the single largest party in Meghalaya with 21 seats. The party's senior leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath left for Shillong this morning to work out possible tie-ups with Independents in to form a government. No comments were issued by the Congress on its losses as party president Rahul Gandhi is out of the country. It did not win a single seat Tripura and Nagaland. The Congress defended Gandhi's visit to Italy over the weekend, saying he had every right to meet his grandmother. The party's leader Mukul Wasnik was also present in Shillong, where all the leaders held talks with the local leadership, other parties and Independents. The Congress' move comes in the wake of criticism in the past that the party was caught "napping" in Goa and Manipur, where despite emerging as the single-largest party it failed to form governments. Sources said that Patel and Nath soon after reaching Shillong in the afternoon held discussions with party leaders, including outgoing chief minister Mukul Sangma. Both the leaders claimed that the Congress would form government in Meghalaya and was working towards it. The Congress was in power in Meghalaya for five years and it hoped to get a majority this time too, which did not happen, Wasnik said. No party has got majority and parties with the same ideology should work together to form a government, he said. Meghalaya is one of the five states currently held by the Congress. The other states are Punjab, Karnataka and Mizoram, and Union territory Puducherry.

Congress sends top guns to Meghalaya in bid to form government

Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Ahmed Patel wrote to Minority Affairs Minister MA Naqvi over the withdrawal of Haj subsidy.&nbsp;

&quot;I hope this reduction in outlay by nearly Rs 200 crore has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community, as mandated by Supreme Court,&quot; read the letter.&nbsp;

Patel&#39;s letter demanded details on the same.&nbsp;

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Congress&#39; Ahmed Patel writes to Minority Affairs Minister M.A Naqvi over withdrawal of haj subsidy, says, &#39;I hope this reduction in outlay by nearly Rs 200 cr has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community, as mandated by Supreme Court.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/ZXikUVKMrw">pic.twitter.com/ZXikUVKMrw</a>
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In his letter, Patel welcomed the &quot;implementation of the Supreme Court&#39;s order&quot; and also brought to notice the Supreme Court&#39;s mandate that &quot;the savings accrued from the gradual reduction in the Haj subsidy must be deployed towards the socio-economic welfare of the community.&quot;

Patel further noted that the government decided to reduce and &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/haj-subsidy-to-be-abolished-gradually-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-21129">eventually eliminate&quot; the subsidy</a> four years prior to the 2022 deadline.&nbsp;

The Central government&#39;s grant for Haj, between the years 2014 and 2017, shrank from 400 crores to 200 crores, the letter noted.&nbsp;

Abolition of the subsidy was among the highlights of a proposed Haj policy drafted by a government committee

Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Ahmed Patel wrote to Minority Affairs Minister MA Naqvi over the withdrawal of Haj subsidy. "I hope this reduction in outlay by nearly Rs 200 crore has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community, as mandated by Supreme Court," read the letter. Patel's letter demanded details on the same. Congress' Ahmed Patel writes to Minority Affairs Minister M.A Naqvi over withdrawal of haj subsidy, says, 'I hope this reduction in outlay by nearly Rs 200 cr has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community, as mandated by Supreme Court.' pic.twitter.com/ZXikUVKMrw — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 × In his letter, Patel welcomed the "implementation of the Supreme Court's order" and also brought to notice the Supreme Court's mandate that "the savings accrued from the gradual reduction in the Haj subsidy must be deployed towards the socio-economic welfare of the community." Patel further noted that the government decided to reduce and "eventually eliminate" the subsidy four years prior to the 2022 deadline. The Central government's grant for Haj, between the years 2014 and 2017, shrank from 400 crores to 200 crores, the letter noted.

I hope reduction in Haj subsidy is invested in community's welfare: Ahmed Patel to MA Naqvi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested Pakistan was trying to influence the Assembly elections in Gujarat, claiming some Pakistani officials and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the &quot;neech&quot; jibe against him.

In a new twist to the vitriol-filled campaign, Modi said the meeting took place at Aiyar&#39;s residence.

He also raised questions about the alleged appeal by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army Sardar Arshad Rafiq to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat.

&quot;There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. It was attended by Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner, Pakistan&#39;s former foreign minister, India&#39;s former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; Modi told an election rally at Palanpur.

The meeting at Aiyar&#39;s house continued for almost three hours, Modi said, adding &quot;the next day, Mani Shankar Aiyar said Modi is &#39;neech&#39; (a vile man). This is a serious matter.&quot;

&quot;(On one hand) Pakistan Army&#39;s former DG is interfering in Gujarat&#39;s election, on the other, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don&#39;t you think such events raise doubts,&quot; Modi asked.

Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala, however, rubbished Modi&#39;s claim, terming it as &quot;baseless&quot;.

&quot;Holding the country&#39;s topmost post, Modiji is making baseless allegations. Modiji is worried, dejected, angry. Such a statement has no truth or fact, and is based on lies. Such a behaviour is unbecoming of a prime minister,&quot; Surjewala told reporters in Ahmedabad.

Though Modi did not name the ex-vice president present at the meeting, BJP president Amit Shah said in Ahmedabad that it was Hamid Ansari.

Shah told reporters that the Congress leaders had not informed the ministry of external affairs or the Indian government about the meeting.

Modi also accused the Congress of creating a &quot;rift&quot; between various communities and spreading the &quot;poison of casteism&quot; in society for power.

The prime minister, who did not speak much due to sore throat at the Palanpur rally, slammed the Congress for spreading a false propaganda that the Modi government worked only for the rich.

Modi cited the case of Genabhai Patel, a progressive farmer from Banaskantha district who was recently conferred with &#39;Padma Shri&#39;, to claim his government&#39;s pro-poor credentials.

&quot;Just compare those who received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan during the 10 year rule of the Congress with those who were given the same awards in my three-year tenure (as PM so far). That comparison would tell you who was pro-rich and who is pro-poor,&quot; he said.

&quot;Do you know who received that award (Padma Shri) from Banaskantha? That was our Genabhai. Is he rich or is he a mill owner? Does he have an aeroplane?..This shows who is working for the poor,&quot; Modi said.

He said the entire north Gujarat region, particularly Palanpur, would witness &quot;unbelievable growth&quot; over the next five years due to the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor.

Later, while addressing a rally in Kaalol town, Modi accused the Congress of sowing seeds of enmity between various communities for power.

&quot;It seems that Congress just doesn&#39;t want to improve. They still believe in acquiring power by creating enmity between two communities and by creating a rift between brothers. They spread poison of casteism in the society to retain power in the past,&quot; the prime minister said.

Referring to Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia&#39;s claim that the EVMs used for the first phase of polling on December 9 might have been tampered with, Modi said the party was &quot;preparing excuses&quot; to insulate Rahul Gandhi against impending defeat.

&quot;On December 18 (the day of counting), party leaders will claim on television that Congress lost because of (Mani Shankar) Aiyar&#39;s comment. They won&#39;t say that party lost because of Rahul. There is an agenda in the Congress- &#39;Save Rahul, Save Family&#39;,&quot; he said.

During the first phase of Gujarat elections yesterday, Modhwadia, the party candidate for Porbandar seat, alleged that his cell phone was getting connected to an EVM through bluetooth, a claim the Election Commission said was incorrect.

Modi seized on Modhwadia&#39;s claim to attack the Congress.

&quot;To be on the safer side, they have prepared one more excuse. Yesterday, when the polling was on, some leaders claimed that (one) EVM was connected with bluetooth. They should have used common sense. EVMs are not online devices and can never be connected with bluetooth,&quot; he said.

The Congress rubbished Modi's claim, calling it 'baseless'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested Pakistan was trying to influence the Assembly elections in Gujarat, claiming some Pakistani officials and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the "neech" jibe against him. In a new twist to the vitriol-filled campaign, Modi said the meeting took place at Aiyar's residence. He also raised questions about the alleged appeal by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army Sardar Arshad Rafiq to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat. "There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. It was attended by Pakistan's high commissioner, Pakistan's former foreign minister, India's former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh," Modi told an election rally at Palanpur. The meeting at Aiyar's house continued for almost three hours, Modi said, adding "the next day, Mani Shankar Aiyar said Modi is 'neech' (a vile man). This is a serious matter." "(On one hand) Pakistan Army's former DG is interfering in Gujarat's election, on the other, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don't you think such events raise doubts," Modi asked. Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala, however, rubbished Modi's claim, terming it as "baseless". "Holding the country's topmost post, Modiji is making baseless allegations. Modiji is worried, dejected, angry. Such a statement has no truth or fact, and is based on lies. Such a behaviour is unbecoming of a prime minister," Surjewala told reporters in Ahmedabad. Though Modi did not name the ex-vice president present at the meeting, BJP president Amit Shah said in Ahmedabad that it was Hamid Ansari. Shah told reporters that the Congress leaders had not informed the ministry of external affairs or the Indian government about the meeting. Modi also accused the Congress of creating a "rift" between various communities and spreading the "poison of casteism" in society for power. The prime minister, who did not speak much due to sore throat at the Palanpur rally, slammed the Congress for spreading a false propaganda that the Modi government worked only for the rich. Modi cited the case of Genabhai Patel, a progressive farmer from Banaskantha district who was recently conferred with 'Padma Shri', to claim his government's pro-poor credentials. "Just compare those who received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan during the 10 year rule of the Congress with those who were given the same awards in my three-year tenure (as PM so far). That comparison would tell you who was pro-rich and who is pro-poor," he said. "Do you know who received that award (Padma Shri) from Banaskantha? That was our Genabhai. Is he rich or is he a mill owner? Does he have an aeroplane?..This shows who is working for the poor," Modi said. He said the entire north Gujarat region, particularly Palanpur, would witness "unbelievable growth" over the next five years due to the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor. Later, while addressing a rally in Kaalol town, Modi accused the Congress of sowing seeds of enmity between various communities for power. "It seems that Congress just doesn't want to improve. They still believe in acquiring power by creating enmity between two communities and by creating a rift between brothers. They spread poison of casteism in the society to retain power in the past," the prime minister said. Referring to Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia's claim that the EVMs used for the first phase of polling on December 9 might have been tampered with, Modi said the party was "preparing excuses" to insulate Rahul Gandhi against impending defeat. "On December 18 (the day of counting), party leaders will claim on television that Congress lost because of (Mani Shankar) Aiyar's comment. They won't say that party lost because of Rahul. There is an agenda in the Congress- 'Save Rahul, Save Family'," he said. During the first phase of Gujarat elections yesterday, Modhwadia, the party candidate for Porbandar seat, alleged that his cell phone was getting connected to an EVM through bluetooth, a claim the Election Commission said was incorrect. Modi seized on Modhwadia's claim to attack the Congress. "To be on the safer side, they have prepared one more excuse. Yesterday, when the polling was on, some leaders claimed that (one) EVM was connected with bluetooth. They should have used common sense. EVMs are not online devices and can never be connected with bluetooth," he said.

Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani demanded Congress leader Ahmed Patel&#39;s resignation as Rajya Sabha MP, alleging that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee earlier.

Patel rejected the charge as &quot;completely baseless&quot; and urged the BJP not to politicise matters pertaining to national security and divide the peace-loving Gujaratis.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar also said that the Congress &quot;owes an explanation as to how a terrorist had been working there for so long&quot;.

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BJP &amp; Gujarat CM Rupani trying to hide their incompetence by making such baseless statements: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/rn3r28t6Nv">pic.twitter.com/rn3r28t6Nv</a>
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Two suspected ISIS operatives were arrested by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) three days ago. According to an FIR, one of the accused, Kasim Stimberwala, earlier worked as a technician at Sardar Patel Hospital in Ankleshwar town of Bharuch district.

Rupani said in Gandhinagar that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Patel owe a clarification to the nation as the matter pertains to national security.

&quot;This is a serious issue, as a terrorist was arrested from a hospital which is being run by Patel... It has now been revealed that though Patel had resigned as a trustee of that hospital in 2014, he is still at the helm of the hospital&#39;s affairs,&quot; the Gujarat CM alleged.

&quot;Imagine what would have happened if these two terrorists were not arrested... Patel, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress must come clean on the issue. We also want Patel to resign as Rajya Sabha MP,&quot; he demanded.

&quot;It has now been revealed that Kasim had resigned just two days before he was arrested. This raises several questions. Patel must clarify how such a person got a job in his hospital and why he resigned just days ahead of his arrest,&quot; Rupani said.

Replying to the charges, Patel tweeted, &quot;My party and I appreciate the ATS&#39; effort to nab the two terrorists. I demand strict and speedy action against them. The allegations put forward by the BJP are completely baseless.&quot;

In another tweet, he said, &quot;We request that matters of national security not be politicised keeping elections in mind. Let&#39;s not divide the peace-loving Gujaratis while fighting terrorism.&quot;

Javadekar said in Bengaluru the Congress owes an explanation as to &quot;how a terrorist could work so long at the hospital&quot;.

The two IS suspects &quot;were planning attacks on a Jewish religious place&quot;, he said.

Congress in-charge of communications Randeep Surjewala came to the defence of Patel, saying neither he nor any of his family members were a trustee of the Bharuch Hospital where the alleged terrorist was working.

&quot;A frustrated BJP facing imminent defeat in Gujarat is resorting to leveling reckless and baseless allegations against Ahmed Patel,&quot; he said.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Hospital is a charitable hospital and it has between 150-200 employees including doctors and technicians, he said.

&quot;The BJP is being shown the door by 6.5 crore Gujaratis and a defeated BJP is clutching onto the polarising straws of blatant lies to reset the agenda. It will never succeed in its sinister conspiracies,&quot; the Congress leader said.

He said the BJP should stop preaching about fighting terrorism to anyone.

&quot;The BJP&#39;s track record on terrorism is quite dismal. Will Amit Shah and Vijay Rupani answer as to who permitted dreaded terrorist Dawood Ibrahim&#39;s wife to visit Mumbai and leave unscathed with the entire government sleeping over the same,&quot; he asked.

&quot;The truth is that Vijay Rupani and his government fired upon and killed farmers in Dahod in Gujarat. The BJP is trying to divert attention,&quot; he alleged.

The two suspected IS operatives had allegedly planned to carry out a &quot;lone wolf&quot; attack on a Jewish synagogue in Khadia area of the city.

Vijay Rupani alleged that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani demanded Congress leader Ahmed Patel's resignation as Rajya Sabha MP, alleging that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee earlier. Patel rejected the charge as "completely baseless" and urged the BJP not to politicise matters pertaining to national security and divide the peace-loving Gujaratis. Union minister Prakash Javadekar also said that the Congress "owes an explanation as to how a terrorist had been working there for so long". BJP & Gujarat CM Rupani trying to hide their incompetence by making such baseless statements: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/rn3r28t6Nv — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × Two suspected ISIS operatives were arrested by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) three days ago. According to an FIR, one of the accused, Kasim Stimberwala, earlier worked as a technician at Sardar Patel Hospital in Ankleshwar town of Bharuch district. Rupani said in Gandhinagar that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Patel owe a clarification to the nation as the matter pertains to national security. "This is a serious issue, as a terrorist was arrested from a hospital which is being run by Patel... It has now been revealed that though Patel had resigned as a trustee of that hospital in 2014, he is still at the helm of the hospital's affairs," the Gujarat CM alleged. "Imagine what would have happened if these two terrorists were not arrested... Patel, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress must come clean on the issue. We also want Patel to resign as Rajya Sabha MP," he demanded. "It has now been revealed that Kasim had resigned just two days before he was arrested. This raises several questions. Patel must clarify how such a person got a job in his hospital and why he resigned just days ahead of his arrest," Rupani said. Replying to the charges, Patel tweeted, "My party and I appreciate the ATS' effort to nab the two terrorists. I demand strict and speedy action against them. The allegations put forward by the BJP are completely baseless." In another tweet, he said, "We request that matters of national security not be politicised keeping elections in mind. Let's not divide the peace-loving Gujaratis while fighting terrorism." Javadekar said in Bengaluru the Congress owes an explanation as to "how a terrorist could work so long at the hospital". The two IS suspects "were planning attacks on a Jewish religious place", he said. Congress in-charge of communications Randeep Surjewala came to the defence of Patel, saying neither he nor any of his family members were a trustee of the Bharuch Hospital where the alleged terrorist was working. "A frustrated BJP facing imminent defeat in Gujarat is resorting to leveling reckless and baseless allegations against Ahmed Patel," he said. Sardar Vallabhai Patel Hospital is a charitable hospital and it has between 150-200 employees including doctors and technicians, he said. "The BJP is being shown the door by 6.5 crore Gujaratis and a defeated BJP is clutching onto the polarising straws of blatant lies to reset the agenda. It will never succeed in its sinister conspiracies," the Congress leader said. He said the BJP should stop preaching about fighting terrorism to anyone. "The BJP's track record on terrorism is quite dismal. Will Amit Shah and Vijay Rupani answer as to who permitted dreaded terrorist Dawood Ibrahim's wife to visit Mumbai and leave unscathed with the entire government sleeping over the same," he asked. "The truth is that Vijay Rupani and his government fired upon and killed farmers in Dahod in Gujarat. The BJP is trying to divert attention," he alleged. The two suspected IS operatives had allegedly planned to carry out a "lone wolf" attack on a Jewish synagogue in Khadia area of the city.

Gujarat CM demands Ahmed Patel's resignation after arrest of Islamic State suspect

The Congress on Wednesday expelled eight legislators for violating the party&#39;s whip and voting for BJP candidates in the elections to the Rajya Sabha. The party said it would expel six more MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) in the days to come.

The legislators, which include former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, have been expelled from the party for six years, Congress&#39;s Gujarat in-charge Ashok Gehlot said.&nbsp;

Vaghela had earlier resigned from the party but not from the House.

Eight Congress MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) have already been expelled from the party. Six more Gujarat Congress MLAs to be expelled from the party for violating&nbsp;the whip in the Rajya Sabha polls,&quot; Ashok Gehlot told ANI.

The expulsion comes a day after the high stake Rajya Sabha election in which the BJP win two of the three seats to the Parliament&#39;s Upper House. BJP leaders Amit Shah and Smriti Irani won two seats while senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel won the remaining seat by a thin margin of 44 to 38 votes.

The election, which was frought with allegations of cross-voting, saw the nullification of the votes of two Congress legislators by the Election Commission after they showed their vote to a BJP agent in a clear violation of norms.

In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs - including Vaghela - ahead of the polls. The Election Commission 
order reduced the strength to 174.

The Congress had 51 seats in the 176-member assembly. Only 43 MLAs of the party voted for Ahmed Patel who needed 44 votes to win.

The legislators, which include former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, have been expelled from the party for six years

The Congress on Wednesday expelled eight legislators for violating the party's whip and voting for BJP candidates in the elections to the Rajya Sabha. The party said it would expel six more MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) in the days to come. The legislators, which include former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, have been expelled from the party for six years, Congress's Gujarat in-charge Ashok Gehlot said. Vaghela had earlier resigned from the party but not from the House. Eight Congress MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) have already been expelled from the party. Six more Gujarat Congress MLAs to be expelled from the party for violating the whip in the Rajya Sabha polls," Ashok Gehlot told ANI. The expulsion comes a day after the high stake Rajya Sabha election in which the BJP win two of the three seats to the Parliament's Upper House. BJP leaders Amit Shah and Smriti Irani won two seats while senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel won the remaining seat by a thin margin of 44 to 38 votes. The election, which was frought with allegations of cross-voting, saw the nullification of the votes of two Congress legislators by the Election Commission after they showed their vote to a BJP agent in a clear violation of norms. In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs - including Vaghela - ahead of the polls. The Election Commission order reduced the strength to 174. The Congress had 51 seats in the 176-member assembly. Only 43 MLAs of the party voted for Ahmed Patel who needed 44 votes to win.

Congress expels 8 Gujarat legislators for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Four-term senior Congress legislator Ahmed Patel was&nbsp;re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth time after a fight to&nbsp;the finish that included the&nbsp;Election Commission nullifying&nbsp;two votes of Congress MLAs who were captured on camera showing their vote to a BJP poll agent.

BJP&nbsp;candidates, party president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani won the other two seats.

Ahmed Patel wrote on Twitter that his victory was a defeat of the &quot;most blatant use of money power, muscle power and abuse of state machinery&quot;. He was referring to the resignation of six Congress MLAs ahead of the election following a rebellion by key leader&nbsp;Shankersinh Vaghela.

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This is not just my victory. It is a defeat of the most blatant use of money power,muscle power and abuse of state machinery
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I want to thank each &amp; every MLA who voted for me despite unprecedented intimidation &amp; pressure from BJP.They voted for an inclusive India
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&nbsp;

Counting&nbsp;was delayed by hours after the Congress complained to the poll body demanding&nbsp;the two MLAs&#39; disqualification. The&nbsp;BJP leaders followed suit, countering the Congress claim. Counting, which resumed at midnight, was again stalled&nbsp;after the BJP raised its own objections.

Legislators to Parliament&#39;s Upper House are elected by&nbsp;preferential voting which involves ranking candidates in order of preference.

In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs.The Election Commission order reduced the strength to 174.

Each of the four candidates contesting the elections in Gujarat had&nbsp;to win 44&nbsp;first preference votes after the nullification of two votes by the Election Commission.

The Congress, which has&nbsp;51 MLAs, now needed&nbsp;the support of 44 legislators for Ahmed Patel to win as against 45 earlier. Atleast six legislators of the party - Vaghela loyalists - voted for the BJP, reports said.

Ahmed Patel was counting on the support of 43 of its own&nbsp;lawmakers and one each of the Janata Dal&nbsp;(United)&nbsp;and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress says he received 44 votes.

Congress lawmaker Karamsinh Makwana reportedly did not show his ballot paper to the polling agent, fuelling speculation that he cross-voted.

The Congress had complained to the poll body that the two MLAs,&nbsp;Bhola Bhai Gohil and&nbsp;Raghav Bhai Patel, showed their votes to an agent of the BJP.The Election Commission, which had examined the video of the voting, said the elector was supposed to show his ballot paper only to the authorised representative of his party no one else.

The BJP has 122 seats including that of dissident Nalin Kotadiya.The chances for Ahmed Patel earlier seemed uncertain&nbsp;as it emerged that the lawmakers that the party was banking upon, had voted for the BJP.

Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Arjun Modhwadia said earlier that 43 of the 44 legislators of his party had voted for Ahmed Patel, who is pitted against the BJP&#39;s Balwantsinh Rajput.

NCP legislator goes against party advice, votes for BJP

One of two MLAs of the NCP, who had been told by his party to vote for Mr Patel, said he would vote for the BJP candidate.

Voted for Ahmed Patel, says JD(U)&#39;s lone MLA

Chotubhai Vasava, the lone Janata Dal (United) legislator in the Gujarat assembly said earlier he voted for good friend Ahmed Patel.

A senior leader of the JD(U), KC Tyagi, claimed that Vasava had voted for the BJP on the directive of Bihar Chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar.

Ambalal Jadhav, General Secretary, JD(U) in Gujarat, however, reaffirmed Vasava had voted for Ahmed Patel.

&quot;Who is KC Tyagi to say anything? Chotubhai has voted, he will tell. Our support is with Ahmed Patel,&quot; the JD(U) leader said earlier.

Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela did not vote for Mr Patel. He said there was no point voting for the Congress since their chances of winning were bleak.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The Congress says 44 legislators voted for Ahmed Patel

Four-term senior Congress legislator Ahmed Patel was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth time after a fight to the finish that included the Election Commission nullifying two votes of Congress MLAs who were captured on camera showing their vote to a BJP poll agent. BJP candidates, party president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani won the other two seats. Ahmed Patel wrote on Twitter that his victory was a defeat of the "most blatant use of money power, muscle power and abuse of state machinery". He was referring to the resignation of six Congress MLAs ahead of the election following a rebellion by key leader Shankersinh Vaghela. This is not just my victory. It is a defeat of the most blatant use of money power,muscle power and abuse of state machinery — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 8, 2017 × I want to thank each & every MLA who voted for me despite unprecedented intimidation & pressure from BJP.They voted for an inclusive India — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 8, 2017 × Counting was delayed by hours after the Congress complained to the poll body demanding the two MLAs' disqualification. The BJP leaders followed suit, countering the Congress claim. Counting, which resumed at midnight, was again stalled after the BJP raised its own objections. Legislators to Parliament's Upper House are elected by preferential voting which involves ranking candidates in order of preference. In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs.The Election Commission order reduced the strength to 174. Each of the four candidates contesting the elections in Gujarat had to win 44 first preference votes after the nullification of two votes by the Election Commission. The Congress, which has 51 MLAs, now needed the support of 44 legislators for Ahmed Patel to win as against 45 earlier. Atleast six legislators of the party - Vaghela loyalists - voted for the BJP, reports said. Ahmed Patel was counting on the support of 43 of its own lawmakers and one each of the Janata Dal (United) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress says he received 44 votes. Congress lawmaker Karamsinh Makwana reportedly did not show his ballot paper to the polling agent, fuelling speculation that he cross-voted. The Congress had complained to the poll body that the two MLAs, Bhola Bhai Gohil and Raghav Bhai Patel, showed their votes to an agent of the BJP.The Election Commission, which had examined the video of the voting, said the elector was supposed to show his ballot paper only to the authorised representative of his party no one else. The BJP has 122 seats including that of dissident Nalin Kotadiya.The chances for Ahmed Patel earlier seemed uncertain as it emerged that the lawmakers that the party was banking upon, had voted for the BJP. Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Arjun Modhwadia said earlier that 43 of the 44 legislators of his party had voted for Ahmed Patel, who is pitted against the BJP's Balwantsinh Rajput. NCP legislator goes against party advice, votes for BJP One of two MLAs of the NCP, who had been told by his party to vote for Mr Patel, said he would vote for the BJP candidate. Voted for Ahmed Patel, says JD(U)'s lone MLA Chotubhai Vasava, the lone Janata Dal (United) legislator in the Gujarat assembly said earlier he voted for good friend Ahmed Patel. A senior leader of the JD(U), KC Tyagi, claimed that Vasava had voted for the BJP on the directive of Bihar Chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar. Ambalal Jadhav, General Secretary, JD(U) in Gujarat, however, reaffirmed Vasava had voted for Ahmed Patel. "Who is KC Tyagi to say anything? Chotubhai has voted, he will tell. Our support is with Ahmed Patel," the JD(U) leader said earlier. Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela did not vote for Mr Patel. He said there was no point voting for the Congress since their chances of winning were bleak.

Rajya Sabha elections: Ahmed Patel re-elected after close fight

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced it will support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajya Sabha Polls in Gujarat.

This has come as a major blow to Congress, which had announced having support of the NCP.

NCP leader Kandhal Jadeja told ANI that his party has decided to support the saffron outfit.

&quot;Our party has asked us to support BJP in tomorrow`s RS elections,&quot; Jadeja said.&nbsp;

However Congress` candidate Ahmed Patel earlier in the day said that the NCP is extending its support to him.

&quot;The NCP has said that it will support Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat,&quot; Patel told ANI.

The Gujarat Rajya Sabha election is slated to be held tomorrow for three seats.

The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput.

The state has been witnessing political upheaval in the recent past.

The political temperature in state had risen when six Congress MLAs joined BJP.

The Congress accused BJP of horse-trading and sent its 44 MLAs from Gujarat to Bengaluru since on July 29 to prevent their possible poaching by the ruling BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.

The Income Tax department raided Bengaluru`s Eagleton Resort, which belonged to Karnataka`s Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. The Congress alleged resort was raided because its 44 MLAs were staying there.All the Gujarat Congress MLAs returned back to the state earlier in the day. &nbsp;

That will further dent the Congress's Ahmed Patel's chances

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced it will support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajya Sabha Polls in Gujarat. This has come as a major blow to Congress, which had announced having support of the NCP. NCP leader Kandhal Jadeja told ANI that his party has decided to support the saffron outfit. "Our party has asked us to support BJP in tomorrow`s RS elections," Jadeja said. However Congress` candidate Ahmed Patel earlier in the day said that the NCP is extending its support to him. "The NCP has said that it will support Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat," Patel told ANI. The Gujarat Rajya Sabha election is slated to be held tomorrow for three seats. The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput. The state has been witnessing political upheaval in the recent past. The political temperature in state had risen when six Congress MLAs joined BJP. The Congress accused BJP of horse-trading and sent its 44 MLAs from Gujarat to Bengaluru since on July 29 to prevent their possible poaching by the ruling BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. The Income Tax department raided Bengaluru`s Eagleton Resort, which belonged to Karnataka`s Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. The Congress alleged resort was raided because its 44 MLAs were staying there.All the Gujarat Congress MLAs returned back to the state earlier in the day.

Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls: In blow to Congress, NCP to back BJP

Congress President Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s political secretary Ahmed Patel, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that BJP is using money power and central investigative agencies to win one Rajya Sabha election.

&ldquo;It is arrogance of power. BJP cannot digest power and for this reason, it is using everything under the sun to defeat me,&rdquo; he said.

He also said that his election should not be linked to Sonia Gandhi as he is not contesting the elections as Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s secretary but as a Congress candidate.

Ahmed Patel told WION that his election has been made a matter of prestige but will only end up boosting the morale of the Congress.

&ldquo;BJP thinks that by creating pressure like this they will win Gujarat. Instead of demoralizing us, it has united the leaders in the state,&rdquo; said Ahmed Patel.

When WION asked that the current political instability could have been avoided by ensuring that Shanker Sinh Vaghela didn&rsquo;t leave the Party, he said, &rdquo;We offered him everything except PCC seat. In fact, a day before filing the nomination, I offered him my seat. He even declined that.&rdquo;

When WION asked why has your election become a matter of honour for the BJP top brass, he said that this can only be answered by BJP president Amit Shah but said that he will not allow BJP to demoralize Congress before the assembly elections.&nbsp;

Both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are slated for polls in December of 2017. Congress is in power in Himachal Pradesh but Gujarat which once looked ripe for taking by the Congress has completely been overturned by the aggression BJP has shown during Rajya Sabha polls.&nbsp;

From past 2 years, Hardik Patel has emerged as a new actor in the state because of Patidar agitation and mishandling of it led to removal of then chief minister Anandiben Patel.

Congress has cried foul after Income Tax department conducted raids on the premises of the Congress Karnataka minister Shivkumar on whose property Gujarat MLAs have been staying after they were rushed out of the home state fearing they might get poached.&nbsp;

Ahmed Patel is a four&nbsp;time Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat and he was nominated record 5th time to contest the elections by Congress which generally doesn&rsquo;t give more than 4 terms of Rajya Sabha to any member. 
&nbsp;

He also said that his election should not be linked to Sonia Gandhi as he is not contesting the elections as Sonia Gandhi?s secretary but as a Congress candidate

Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that BJP is using money power and central investigative agencies to win one Rajya Sabha election. “It is arrogance of power. BJP cannot digest power and for this reason, it is using everything under the sun to defeat me,” he said. He also said that his election should not be linked to Sonia Gandhi as he is not contesting the elections as Sonia Gandhi’s secretary but as a Congress candidate. Ahmed Patel told WION that his election has been made a matter of prestige but will only end up boosting the morale of the Congress. “BJP thinks that by creating pressure like this they will win Gujarat. Instead of demoralizing us, it has united the leaders in the state,” said Ahmed Patel. When WION asked that the current political instability could have been avoided by ensuring that Shanker Sinh Vaghela didn’t leave the Party, he said, ”We offered him everything except PCC seat. In fact, a day before filing the nomination, I offered him my seat. He even declined that.” When WION asked why has your election become a matter of honour for the BJP top brass, he said that this can only be answered by BJP president Amit Shah but said that he will not allow BJP to demoralize Congress before the assembly elections. Both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are slated for polls in December of 2017. Congress is in power in Himachal Pradesh but Gujarat which once looked ripe for taking by the Congress has completely been overturned by the aggression BJP has shown during Rajya Sabha polls. From past 2 years, Hardik Patel has emerged as a new actor in the state because of Patidar agitation and mishandling of it led to removal of then chief minister Anandiben Patel. Congress has cried foul after Income Tax department conducted raids on the premises of the Congress Karnataka minister Shivkumar on whose property Gujarat MLAs have been staying after they were rushed out of the home state fearing they might get poached. Ahmed Patel is a four time Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat and he was nominated record 5th time to contest the elections by Congress which generally doesn’t give more than 4 terms of Rajya Sabha to any member.

BJP using central agencies to win one Rajya Sabha seat: Ahmed Patel to WION

The Supreme Court has refused to stay the use of the NOTA (none of the above) option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The Congress had moved the SC asking for the option to be withdrawn.&nbsp;

&quot;Why are you so late in raising the question as EC issued notification in Jan 2014?&quot; ANI reported the Supreme Court as asking the Congress.&nbsp;

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Supreme Court refuses to stay plea on NOTA option; upcoming Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls to be held with NOTA.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892991007955927040">August 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Use of NOTA option in RS polls- SC asks Gujarat Congress: why are you so late in raising the question as EC issued notification in Jan 2014?
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892987375223046148">August 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Congress has been rattled by a flurry of resignations from its MLAs.

Six Gujarat MLAs have already left the party, with three of them joining the BJP.

Aore MLAs leaving the party will dent the Congress&#39; Ahmed Patel&#39;s chances in the August 8 elections.&nbsp;

To prevent any more defections, the Congress has coralled its Gujarat MLAs in a resort in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-t-dept-raids-bengaluru-resort-where-gujarat-cong-mlas-are-holed-up-18478" target="_blank">Also read: IT raids on Bengaluru resort where Gujarat Congress MLAs are holed up</a>

BJP President Amit Shah and information and broadcasting minister Smirit&nbsp;Irani are also fighting the elections.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

'Why are you so late in raising the question as EC issued notification in Jan 2014?' ANI reported the Supreme Court as asking the Gujarat Congress

The Supreme Court has refused to stay the use of the NOTA (none of the above) option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. The Congress had moved the SC asking for the option to be withdrawn. "Why are you so late in raising the question as EC issued notification in Jan 2014?" ANI reported the Supreme Court as asking the Congress. Supreme Court refuses to stay plea on NOTA option; upcoming Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls to be held with NOTA. — ANI (@ANI_news) August 3, 2017 × Use of NOTA option in RS polls- SC asks Gujarat Congress: why are you so late in raising the question as EC issued notification in Jan 2014? — ANI (@ANI_news) August 3, 2017 × The Congress has been rattled by a flurry of resignations from its MLAs. Six Gujarat MLAs have already left the party, with three of them joining the BJP. Aore MLAs leaving the party will dent the Congress' Ahmed Patel's chances in the August 8 elections. To prevent any more defections, the Congress has coralled its Gujarat MLAs in a resort in Bengaluru. Also read: IT raids on Bengaluru resort where Gujarat Congress MLAs are holed up BJP President Amit Shah and information and broadcasting minister Smirit Irani are also fighting the elections.

Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections to go ahead with NOTA option: SC

Two more Congress MLAs from Gujarat have left the party, taking the total to five.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Mansingh Chouhan and Chhanabhai Chaudhary have resigned and handed over their resignations to the assembly speaker.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash">#Gujarat</a>: Two more Congress MLAs Mansingh Chouhan and Chhanabhai Chaudhary resigned. handed over their resignation to the assembly speaker.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/890818061174849537">July 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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I have received resignation of five MLAs so far: Ramanlal Vora, Speaker of Gujarat Assembly <a href="https://t.co/F4aIWGPKNS">pic.twitter.com/F4aIWGPKNS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/890818942427582465">July 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Three Congress MLAs had earlier left the party and joined the BJP.&nbsp;

This comes just a few days after the Congress lost its tallest leader in the state, Shankersinh Vaghela.&nbsp;

And just a few months before Gujarat goes to the polls.&nbsp;

Gujarat is expected to go to the polls some time in November or December.&nbsp;

All three MLAs &mdash; Congress chief whip in the Gujarat Assembly and Siddhpur MLA Balwantsinh Rajput, Virmagam MLA Dr Tejshri Patel, and Vijapur MLA Prahlad Patel &mdash; said they were unhappy with the turbulence in the Congress.&nbsp;

The DNA newspaper quoted Rajput as saying, &quot;I was with the Congress for 35 years and have served on different positions in the organisation and government offices as well. But, I was disturbed by the internal rift in the party, and the high command seemed least interested in resolving it. I also observed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat and India have developed immensely. This inspired me to join the BJP. I will not demand a ticket and will handle what the party assigns me.&quot;

On Friday, Rajput filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha (RS) election against the Congress&#39;s Ahmed Patel.&nbsp;

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Gandhinagar:BJP President Amit Shah,Union minister Smriti Irani &amp; Balwantsinh Rajput filed nomination for Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/3K8vzXEfdL">pic.twitter.com/3K8vzXEfdL</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/890809981242490880">July 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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DNA reported that the Congress&#39;s ordeal will endure since it is almost certain to lose 11 more of its MLAs.&nbsp;

Should they do so, Patel is expected to lose the RS election.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah and information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani also filed their nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections -- they too are fighting from Gujarat -- on Friday.&nbsp;

News reports said the party could lose as many as 11 MLAs

Two more Congress MLAs from Gujarat have left the party, taking the total to five. ANI reported that Mansingh Chouhan and Chhanabhai Chaudhary have resigned and handed over their resignations to the assembly speaker. #Gujarat: Two more Congress MLAs Mansingh Chouhan and Chhanabhai Chaudhary resigned. handed over their resignation to the assembly speaker. — ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2017 × I have received resignation of five MLAs so far: Ramanlal Vora, Speaker of Gujarat Assembly pic.twitter.com/F4aIWGPKNS — ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2017 × Three Congress MLAs had earlier left the party and joined the BJP. This comes just a few days after the Congress lost its tallest leader in the state, Shankersinh Vaghela. And just a few months before Gujarat goes to the polls. Gujarat is expected to go to the polls some time in November or December. All three MLAs — Congress chief whip in the Gujarat Assembly and Siddhpur MLA Balwantsinh Rajput, Virmagam MLA Dr Tejshri Patel, and Vijapur MLA Prahlad Patel — said they were unhappy with the turbulence in the Congress. The DNA newspaper quoted Rajput as saying, "I was with the Congress for 35 years and have served on different positions in the organisation and government offices as well. But, I was disturbed by the internal rift in the party, and the high command seemed least interested in resolving it. I also observed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat and India have developed immensely. This inspired me to join the BJP. I will not demand a ticket and will handle what the party assigns me." On Friday, Rajput filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha (RS) election against the Congress's Ahmed Patel. Gandhinagar:BJP President Amit Shah,Union minister Smriti Irani & Balwantsinh Rajput filed nomination for Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat pic.twitter.com/3K8vzXEfdL — ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2017 × DNA reported that the Congress's ordeal will endure since it is almost certain to lose 11 more of its MLAs. Should they do so, Patel is expected to lose the RS election. BJP President Amit Shah and information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani also filed their nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections -- they too are fighting from Gujarat -- on Friday.

Gujarat: Two more Congress MLAs leave party, total now five

WION&#39;s chief domestic correspondent Kartikeya Sharma spoke with the usually taciturn Congress leader Ahmed Patel after the budget. Patel gave his review of the budget, and also spoke of the controversy around the death of former union minister and Indian Union Muslim League national president E Ahamed -- his family alleged they were not allowed to see him at the government-run RML Hospital -- the Congress&#39; alliance with the Samajwadi Party in UP, and Priyanka Gandhi. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Question: Sir, how do you rate this budget? Will it help the people?

Answer: No I&rsquo;m not impressed with this budget. People expected lot from this budget. Poor people and businessmen had hope that this budget will do something for them but it didn&rsquo;t. This budget is nothing but an exercise to cover the blunder of demonetisation. People expected big reforms in the income tax slabs but the benefits will not be more than 10 to 12,000 rupees. Farmers didn&rsquo;t get anything. Famers were hoping that the government would write of their debt but it didn&rsquo;t happen. It is a budget of promises and less on concrete action. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Q: The budget also focuses on political funding. It could be looked at as an attempt to do away with black money from the political arena? 
A: Well an attempt has been made and we welcome it. The slab of 20,000 has been reduced to 2,000. We also want elections to become transparent. I don&rsquo;t think much will come out of it. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Q: The BJP says the budget is for the poor, and they will benefit the most from it? 
&nbsp;A: There is nothing for the poor. There is nothing for the workers. Yes, there are some benefits but government has already made its money through excise and petrol and diesel prices. This benefit too should reach people. These are small benefits. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Then how would you rate this budget? How would you define this budget? 
&nbsp;A: I will give this budget 3 out of 10. It is a routine budget and doesn&rsquo;t help common man. This budget doesn&rsquo;t give that message. People are still suffering from demonetisation. A dream was sold that money from rich people will flow down to the poor. The government sold a dream. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Mr Patel, what exactly happened on Tuesday night at RML Hospital. Congress President Sonia Gandhi had to rush there and only then was the body (of E Ahamed) released... 
&nbsp;A: I don&rsquo;t know why hospital authority did this. We were informed after 10 pm by the family members of E Ahmad. We rushed to the hospital. The kids came from far away. They doctors behaved in a strange way. We went but were turned away. We wanted to know about the treatment. We were denied the information. The doctors should have consulted the family members. Real situation should have been informed to the family. There should be an enquiry and health ministry should find out what happen. Imagine what must be happening to common people. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had to be there. Imagine the plight of those who don&rsquo;t have political muscle. 
&nbsp; 
Q: You have forged an alliance in UP. What makes you believe this alliance will succeed in UP now? 
&nbsp;A: The decision was taken to forge the alliance to stop communal forces. We wanted to stop forces who want to divide the nation. We don&rsquo;t want them to succeed in Uttar Pradesh. This alliance is not about the Congress but about UP. Uttar Pradesh will benefit from it. 
&nbsp; 
Q: There was a tweet of yours on the party (and Priyanka). Lot was made out of it. What do you have to say on it? 
&nbsp;A: I said what I had to say and the matter ends there.

(WION)

The Congress leader says it was a budget of promises, not of concrete action

WION's chief domestic correspondent Kartikeya Sharma spoke with the usually taciturn Congress leader Ahmed Patel after the budget. Patel gave his review of the budget, and also spoke of the controversy around the death of former union minister and Indian Union Muslim League national president E Ahamed -- his family alleged they were not allowed to see him at the government-run RML Hospital -- the Congress' alliance with the Samajwadi Party in UP, and Priyanka Gandhi. Question: Sir, how do you rate this budget? Will it help the people? Answer: No I’m not impressed with this budget. People expected lot from this budget. Poor people and businessmen had hope that this budget will do something for them but it didn’t. This budget is nothing but an exercise to cover the blunder of demonetisation. People expected big reforms in the income tax slabs but the benefits will not be more than 10 to 12,000 rupees. Farmers didn’t get anything. Famers were hoping that the government would write of their debt but it didn’t happen. It is a budget of promises and less on concrete action. Q: The budget also focuses on political funding. It could be looked at as an attempt to do away with black money from the political arena? A: Well an attempt has been made and we welcome it. The slab of 20,000 has been reduced to 2,000. We also want elections to become transparent. I don’t think much will come out of it. Q: The BJP says the budget is for the poor, and they will benefit the most from it? A: There is nothing for the poor. There is nothing for the workers. Yes, there are some benefits but government has already made its money through excise and petrol and diesel prices. This benefit too should reach people. These are small benefits. Q: Then how would you rate this budget? How would you define this budget? A: I will give this budget 3 out of 10. It is a routine budget and doesn’t help common man. This budget doesn’t give that message. People are still suffering from demonetisation. A dream was sold that money from rich people will flow down to the poor. The government sold a dream. Q: Mr Patel, what exactly happened on Tuesday night at RML Hospital. Congress President Sonia Gandhi had to rush there and only then was the body (of E Ahamed) released... A: I don’t know why hospital authority did this. We were informed after 10 pm by the family members of E Ahmad. We rushed to the hospital. The kids came from far away. They doctors behaved in a strange way. We went but were turned away. We wanted to know about the treatment. We were denied the information. The doctors should have consulted the family members. Real situation should have been informed to the family. There should be an enquiry and health ministry should find out what happen. Imagine what must be happening to common people. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had to be there. Imagine the plight of those who don’t have political muscle. Q: You have forged an alliance in UP. What makes you believe this alliance will succeed in UP now? A: The decision was taken to forge the alliance to stop communal forces. We wanted to stop forces who want to divide the nation. We don’t want them to succeed in Uttar Pradesh. This alliance is not about the Congress but about UP. Uttar Pradesh will benefit from it. Q: There was a tweet of yours on the party (and Priyanka). Lot was made out of it. What do you have to say on it? A: I said what I had to say and the matter ends there. (WION)

Budget nothing but an exercise to cover blunder of demonetisation: Ahmed Patel

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