Opposition votes exist&nbsp;in India but require deft leadership. The voting pattern in Haryana and Maharashtra stands testimony to this reality. BJP’s strong grip over various states and New Delhi stands challenged by regional parties and much weakened Congress. Such political challenge stems from a strong culture of Opposition in Indian politics.

Despite massive electoral machinery in place, the Opposition has been able to get candidates elected. The best example in case is Haryana where elections have thrown a hung assembly. The presence of a resurgent Opposition should be a sigh of relief that India is not staring at brute majoritarian politics. It still has the power to rustle up regional and local concoctions to challenge national hegemony in the form of Bhartiya Janata Party. Haryana results may ape Karnataka development but still gives hope that Opposition can put a good fight under-seasoned hands.

Regional parties are integral to India

Off late, the argument was that regional parties would be subsumed by BJP. Congress would in itself turn into another regional party. The emergence of JJP in Haryana and NCP’s consolidation in Maharashtra shows us that regional parties will continue to exist in Indian electoral politics. Regional parties will continue to act as a bulwark against a very strong New Delhi. After 15 years, Haryana has thrown JJP under Dushyant Chautala and Sharad Pawar has been able to stem the decline of NCP by consolidating his vote in Maharashtra. The results show a significant drop in the share of BJP vote post-Lok Sabha reinforcing the message that regional elections will continue to have a say. The message is that regional parties are integral to Indian democracy and not an exception. Regional parties will continue to the vehicle of Indian regional diversity with competing for political interests.

National and regional voting pattern will always differ

Once again, the Assembly elections have shown that national and regional elections will have a different voting pattern. In both Maharashtra and Haryana, the vote share of BJP dropped significantly. BJP’s campaign on national security, Article 370 also failed. It failed in Bihar in 2015 and BJP had to do course correction. Its next election in Assam was fought on a local issue like Khilonjiya Sarkar (Government of Locals). BJP-Shiv Sena vote share in Maharashtra fell by 9 per cent and in Haryana by 22 per cent. It means that local and regional issues dominated or even sidelined national narrative on terrorism. This narrative is likely to continue in Indian politics and voting pattern will continue to be different.

Congress does well without Rahul Gandhi

Congress leadership under Sonia Gandhi has done better in the absence of Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders, aligned with Rahul Gandhi, would have expected a party to do badly so that his comeback trail could be choreographed. The surprise result in Haryana and Maharashtra will strengthen the hands of the old guard and push back any chance of Rahul Gandhi taking over the Congress Party. There will be clamour within the Congress for Sonia Gandhi to serve as Congress President for a longer period. The results have also ended up exposing new leaders put up by Rahul Gandhi. Those created by Sonia Gandhi have worked well and those who climbed their way to top under Rahul Gandhi have turned out to be dud bombs.

Return to old party model by Congress

Congress under Sonia Gandhi was all about the management of regional satraps. BJP under its new leadership was able to defeat regional satraps after 2014. The response of the Congress was to centralise decision-making and ape BJP’s model of organisation. The net result was that regional satraps left Congress cursing Rahul Gandhi. Sonia after becoming Congress President again accommodated all the regional satraps. She even visited jailed Congress leaders in Tihar sending the message that she will stand by party leaders. The bump for the Congress also stems from the accommodation of regional leaders who were being systematically pushed out by Rahul Gandhi in the name of democratisation. Congress was able to organise its house in both states last minute. Insiders feel that picture would have been entirely different if the decision could have been taken earlier.

BJP will need to go regional again

BJP’s early success stemmed from local and regional leadership. When BJP was found floundering at the Centre for want of a strong voice, the regional leaders made up for the seats and political heft. BJP indeed tried its best to project Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis as state leaders, but national stories failed to reap full dividends to BJP. Regional caste alignment also came to fore lending strength to regional parties. 
 
Accountability

Accountability becomes a big problem if elections results are not up to expectations. Maharashtra and Haryana qualify for the accountability problem for BJP. Lacklustre win in Maharashtra and hung assembly in Haryana will start this debate. A lot of blame will be pinned on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The fact of the matter is that elections were fought under BJP’s acting president JP Nadda and new Organising Secretary BL Santosh. They should be held accountable for the results in Haryana and Maharashtra. Question is, who will bell the cat.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Opposition votes exist in India but require deft leadership. The voting pattern in Haryana and Maharashtra stands testimony to this reality. BJP’s strong grip over various states and New Delhi stands challenged by regional parties and much weakened Congress.

Opposition votes exist in India but require deft leadership. The voting pattern in Haryana and Maharashtra stands testimony to this reality. BJP’s strong grip over various states and New Delhi stands challenged by regional parties and much weakened Congress. Such political challenge stems from a strong culture of Opposition in Indian politics. Despite massive electoral machinery in place, the Opposition has been able to get candidates elected. The best example in case is Haryana where elections have thrown a hung assembly. The presence of a resurgent Opposition should be a sigh of relief that India is not staring at brute majoritarian politics. It still has the power to rustle up regional and local concoctions to challenge national hegemony in the form of Bhartiya Janata Party. Haryana results may ape Karnataka development but still gives hope that Opposition can put a good fight under-seasoned hands. Regional parties are integral to India Off late, the argument was that regional parties would be subsumed by BJP. Congress would in itself turn into another regional party. The emergence of JJP in Haryana and NCP’s consolidation in Maharashtra shows us that regional parties will continue to exist in Indian electoral politics. Regional parties will continue to act as a bulwark against a very strong New Delhi. After 15 years, Haryana has thrown JJP under Dushyant Chautala and Sharad Pawar has been able to stem the decline of NCP by consolidating his vote in Maharashtra. The results show a significant drop in the share of BJP vote post-Lok Sabha reinforcing the message that regional elections will continue to have a say. The message is that regional parties are integral to Indian democracy and not an exception. Regional parties will continue to the vehicle of Indian regional diversity with competing for political interests. National and regional voting pattern will always differ Once again, the Assembly elections have shown that national and regional elections will have a different voting pattern. In both Maharashtra and Haryana, the vote share of BJP dropped significantly. BJP’s campaign on national security, Article 370 also failed. It failed in Bihar in 2015 and BJP had to do course correction. Its next election in Assam was fought on a local issue like Khilonjiya Sarkar (Government of Locals). BJP-Shiv Sena vote share in Maharashtra fell by 9 per cent and in Haryana by 22 per cent. It means that local and regional issues dominated or even sidelined national narrative on terrorism. This narrative is likely to continue in Indian politics and voting pattern will continue to be different. Congress does well without Rahul Gandhi Congress leadership under Sonia Gandhi has done better in the absence of Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders, aligned with Rahul Gandhi, would have expected a party to do badly so that his comeback trail could be choreographed. The surprise result in Haryana and Maharashtra will strengthen the hands of the old guard and push back any chance of Rahul Gandhi taking over the Congress Party. There will be clamour within the Congress for Sonia Gandhi to serve as Congress President for a longer period. The results have also ended up exposing new leaders put up by Rahul Gandhi. Those created by Sonia Gandhi have worked well and those who climbed their way to top under Rahul Gandhi have turned out to be dud bombs. Return to old party model by Congress Congress under Sonia Gandhi was all about the management of regional satraps. BJP under its new leadership was able to defeat regional satraps after 2014. The response of the Congress was to centralise decision-making and ape BJP’s model of organisation. The net result was that regional satraps left Congress cursing Rahul Gandhi. Sonia after becoming Congress President again accommodated all the regional satraps. She even visited jailed Congress leaders in Tihar sending the message that she will stand by party leaders. The bump for the Congress also stems from the accommodation of regional leaders who were being systematically pushed out by Rahul Gandhi in the name of democratisation. Congress was able to organise its house in both states last minute. Insiders feel that picture would have been entirely different if the decision could have been taken earlier. BJP will need to go regional again BJP’s early success stemmed from local and regional leadership. When BJP was found floundering at the Centre for want of a strong voice, the regional leaders made up for the seats and political heft. BJP indeed tried its best to project Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis as state leaders, but national stories failed to reap full dividends to BJP. Regional caste alignment also came to fore lending strength to regional parties. Accountability Accountability becomes a big problem if elections results are not up to expectations. Maharashtra and Haryana qualify for the accountability problem for BJP. Lacklustre win in Maharashtra and hung assembly in Haryana will start this debate. A lot of blame will be pinned on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The fact of the matter is that elections were fought under BJP’s acting president JP Nadda and new Organising Secretary BL Santosh. They should be held accountable for the results in Haryana and Maharashtra. Question is, who will bell the cat. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Haryana and Maharashtra elections prove that Opposition vote exists but requires leadership

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly.

''Neither BJP, nor Congress will cross 40 seats. The JJP will have the key to form the government," Chautala told media here.

"JJP will have the key of Vidhan Sabha of Haryana. Time will tell you more... Haryana wants change," he stated.

When asked whether his party will support BJP or Congress, he said, "Let the result come. We have decided to hold a meeting of MLAs. We will take a decision on this after holding discussions will all of them."

The fate of a total of 1,169 candidates is sealed will be decided today. The state went to Assembly polls on October 21.

According to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), 1,064 male and 105 female candidates are in the fray.

Ninety candidates are from the BJP, 87 from the BSP, four from the CPI, seven from the CPI-M, 90 from the Congress, one from the NCP, 81 from the Indian National Lok Dal, 375 Independent and 434 other candidates.

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly.

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly. ''Neither BJP, nor Congress will cross 40 seats. The JJP will have the key to form the government," Chautala told media here. "JJP will have the key of Vidhan Sabha of Haryana. Time will tell you more... Haryana wants change," he stated. When asked whether his party will support BJP or Congress, he said, "Let the result come. We have decided to hold a meeting of MLAs. We will take a decision on this after holding discussions will all of them." The fate of a total of 1,169 candidates is sealed will be decided today. The state went to Assembly polls on October 21. According to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), 1,064 male and 105 female candidates are in the fray. Ninety candidates are from the BJP, 87 from the BSP, four from the CPI, seven from the CPI-M, 90 from the Congress, one from the NCP, 81 from the Indian National Lok Dal, 375 Independent and 434 other candidates.

JJP will have key of Haryana Vidhan Sabha: Dushyant Chautala

The stage is set for counting of votes for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Thursday with stakes high for Congress, which could not do well in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and also for the BJP, which is incumbent in the two states.

Along with the two states, results will also be declared for assembly bypolls on 51 seats across 17 states and will have political implications for the parties in power.

The results of bypolls to Satara and Samastipur Lok Sabha seats will also be declared on Thursday.

The assembly poll results will also be crucial for the NCP in Maharashtra, which is an ally of Congress, as also for parties such as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, AIMIM and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.

In Haryana also, the battle is crucial for regional parties such as the Indian National Lok Dal and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP).&nbsp;

The BSP has also fielded candidates in the two states.&nbsp;

The exit polls have predicted the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance getting elected in Maharashtra but have differed in their projection of a number of seats.

Most exit polls have also predicted a clear victory for BJP in Haryana. One exit poll, however, has said that the two parties are in a close race in the state and none of them would get a majority. The BJP will create history if it again wins Haryana and returns to power with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

The assembly elections are the first after the BJP-led government`s decisions to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and a verdict in its favour will give a boost to the party ahead of the winter session of Parliament next month.

A victory will also keep the political momentum with the BJP after its emphatic victory in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The polls are crucial for Congress which has faced desertions after its second successive debacle in the Lok Sabha polls. A strong performance will help the party in its process of electoral revival.

The BJP has already declared that incumbent chief ministers - Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis - will continue to lead the governments if the party is voted to power. The voting took place in the two states and in the bypoll seats on Monday.

The stage is set for counting of votes for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Thursday with stakes high for Congress, which could not do well in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and also for the BJP, which is incumbent in the two states.

The stage is set for counting of votes for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Thursday with stakes high for Congress, which could not do well in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and also for the BJP, which is incumbent in the two states. Along with the two states, results will also be declared for assembly bypolls on 51 seats across 17 states and will have political implications for the parties in power. The results of bypolls to Satara and Samastipur Lok Sabha seats will also be declared on Thursday. The assembly poll results will also be crucial for the NCP in Maharashtra, which is an ally of Congress, as also for parties such as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, AIMIM and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. In Haryana also, the battle is crucial for regional parties such as the Indian National Lok Dal and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). The BSP has also fielded candidates in the two states. The exit polls have predicted the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance getting elected in Maharashtra but have differed in their projection of a number of seats. Most exit polls have also predicted a clear victory for BJP in Haryana. One exit poll, however, has said that the two parties are in a close race in the state and none of them would get a majority. The BJP will create history if it again wins Haryana and returns to power with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. The assembly elections are the first after the BJP-led government`s decisions to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and a verdict in its favour will give a boost to the party ahead of the winter session of Parliament next month. A victory will also keep the political momentum with the BJP after its emphatic victory in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The polls are crucial for Congress which has faced desertions after its second successive debacle in the Lok Sabha polls. A strong performance will help the party in its process of electoral revival. The BJP has already declared that incumbent chief ministers - Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis - will continue to lead the governments if the party is voted to power. The voting took place in the two states and in the bypoll seats on Monday.

Counting of votes on Thursday in Haryana, Maharashtra; stakes high for Congress, BJP  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reacted sharply to Raghuram Rajan's views on the slowdown of the Indian economy. Rajan was appointed Governor of Reserve Bank of India in 2013 during UPA 2, headed by Manmohan Singh.

Now, he is going about saying that the Modi Government lacks vision on economic growth.

Addressing a select gathering at the Consulate General of India in New York City recently, the Finance Minister hit back by categorically stating that it was during Raghuram Rajan's time that huge loans were disbursed only on a phone call from crony leaders.

Taking a dig at Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister when all this was happening, Sitharaman said that Manmohan Singh is supposed to have an articulated vision of the Indian economy. She also observed that Indian Public Sector banks did not have the worst phase than when there was this combination of Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister and Raghuram Rajan as Governor of Reserve Bank of India.

On what ails our banks today and what is the genesis of the bad loan crisis. the Finance Minister said Dr Rajan had himself told a Parliamentary Panel that a large number of bad loans could be linked to the period between 2006 and 2008. This is the time when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister - so where should the buck stop?

After winning the Nobel Prize in Economics, Abhijit Banerjee is reported to have said: "Indian economy is on shaky ground." "In the last five-six years, at least we could witness some growth, but now that assurance is also gone."

According to Banerjee, in the short term, Modi government policies are not highly simulating. Besides Ujjwala, the other flagship schemes of the Modi Government are not putting cash in the hands of anybody.

If the Finance Minister were to take his advice, Banerjee said that he would probably say, "Get some more money in the hands of the poor and they will spend it."

Its all about increasing consumption but we don’t increase consumption by increasing bank accounts. On the consumption front, both Banerjee and Raghuram Rajan perfectly gel and have the same take. But this is looking at the problem - the state of the national economy - through the keyhole.

Running a country with a vision is more important than building a short-term road map only to woo the voters. The pitfalls of short term policies notwithstanding, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has chosen to stick to the same plank crafted by the likes of Banerjee and Rajan.

During campaigning for the Maharashtra and Haryana State Assembly election, Rahul Gandhi again took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Government while taking credit for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme that was introduced by the Manmohan Singh Government to ensure money directly reached the poor in the countryside.

Then Rahul had also upped his campaign for the 2019 Parliamentary election by announcing the NYAY scheme, which Abhijit Banerjee had helped conceptualise. After the people of India have rejected this scheme and shown the Congress party its place, Banerjee is again advocating the idea of direct money transfer in a big way. And Rahul is trying to play the game of one-upmanship with Modi on the agenda of neo-patrimonialism.

People appear fully capable of seeing through all this and as far as the outcome of the general election to the State Assemblies of Maharashtra and Haryana is concerned, for the main Opposition Congress, the writing is clear on the wall.

More about Abhijit and his observations about the present state of Indian economy would follow on the basis of analysis of past follies, including the way policies influenced by the Global Research Centre founded by Banerjee and company in the US were tested in a State like Madhya Pradesh - the central Indian State - 1999 onwards and how the people had rejected a popularly elected government moving on this path in the 2003 election, when Madhya Pradesh had the potential but was still devoid of the economic infrastructure and lacked a positive track record in terms of human resource development, which is so essential for economic growth.

1999 was the starting point in Madhya Pradesh when the then State government focused only on imparting training to teachers at the primary school level and totally neglected the issue of schools devoid of basic facilities. There was also a lopsided approach when it came to building the infrastructure and human resource development for the sake of economic growth. In the process, a whole generation has now multiplied in geometric progression, which is barely able to sustain itself and the quality of life for a big section of the population remains a far cry. It is unfortunate that political games are being played over&nbsp;the state of the economy and even acclaimed economists have become a party to political machinations.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reacted sharply to Raghuram Rajan's views on the slowdown of the Indian economy. Rajan was appointed Governor of Reserve Bank of India in 2013 during UPA 2, headed by Manmohan Singh.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reacted sharply to Raghuram Rajan's views on the slowdown of the Indian economy. Rajan was appointed Governor of Reserve Bank of India in 2013 during UPA 2, headed by Manmohan Singh. Now, he is going about saying that the Modi Government lacks vision on economic growth. Addressing a select gathering at the Consulate General of India in New York City recently, the Finance Minister hit back by categorically stating that it was during Raghuram Rajan's time that huge loans were disbursed only on a phone call from crony leaders. Taking a dig at Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister when all this was happening, Sitharaman said that Manmohan Singh is supposed to have an articulated vision of the Indian economy. She also observed that Indian Public Sector banks did not have the worst phase than when there was this combination of Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister and Raghuram Rajan as Governor of Reserve Bank of India. On what ails our banks today and what is the genesis of the bad loan crisis. the Finance Minister said Dr Rajan had himself told a Parliamentary Panel that a large number of bad loans could be linked to the period between 2006 and 2008. This is the time when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister - so where should the buck stop? After winning the Nobel Prize in Economics, Abhijit Banerjee is reported to have said: "Indian economy is on shaky ground." "In the last five-six years, at least we could witness some growth, but now that assurance is also gone." According to Banerjee, in the short term, Modi government policies are not highly simulating. Besides Ujjwala, the other flagship schemes of the Modi Government are not putting cash in the hands of anybody. If the Finance Minister were to take his advice, Banerjee said that he would probably say, "Get some more money in the hands of the poor and they will spend it." Its all about increasing consumption but we don’t increase consumption by increasing bank accounts. On the consumption front, both Banerjee and Raghuram Rajan perfectly gel and have the same take. But this is looking at the problem - the state of the national economy - through the keyhole. Running a country with a vision is more important than building a short-term road map only to woo the voters. The pitfalls of short term policies notwithstanding, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has chosen to stick to the same plank crafted by the likes of Banerjee and Rajan. During campaigning for the Maharashtra and Haryana State Assembly election, Rahul Gandhi again took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Government while taking credit for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme that was introduced by the Manmohan Singh Government to ensure money directly reached the poor in the countryside. Then Rahul had also upped his campaign for the 2019 Parliamentary election by announcing the NYAY scheme, which Abhijit Banerjee had helped conceptualise. After the people of India have rejected this scheme and shown the Congress party its place, Banerjee is again advocating the idea of direct money transfer in a big way. And Rahul is trying to play the game of one-upmanship with Modi on the agenda of neo-patrimonialism. People appear fully capable of seeing through all this and as far as the outcome of the general election to the State Assemblies of Maharashtra and Haryana is concerned, for the main Opposition Congress, the writing is clear on the wall. More about Abhijit and his observations about the present state of Indian economy would follow on the basis of analysis of past follies, including the way policies influenced by the Global Research Centre founded by Banerjee and company in the US were tested in a State like Madhya Pradesh - the central Indian State - 1999 onwards and how the people had rejected a popularly elected government moving on this path in the 2003 election, when Madhya Pradesh had the potential but was still devoid of the economic infrastructure and lacked a positive track record in terms of human resource development, which is so essential for economic growth. 1999 was the starting point in Madhya Pradesh when the then State government focused only on imparting training to teachers at the primary school level and totally neglected the issue of schools devoid of basic facilities. There was also a lopsided approach when it came to building the infrastructure and human resource development for the sake of economic growth. In the process, a whole generation has now multiplied in geometric progression, which is barely able to sustain itself and the quality of life for a big section of the population remains a far cry. It is unfortunate that political games are being played over the state of the economy and even acclaimed economists have become a party to political machinations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Indian economy not immune to blemishes of politicisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

Addressing an election rally in Mumbai, Modi said that Article 370 led to the growth of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and an increase in corruption but the Congress leaders kept practising their "selfish" politics.&nbsp;

"These are the same people who had kept Article 370 and Article 35A. This led to a rise in terrorism in the Valley, an increase in corruption and people being deprived of their rights but the Congress and some of its allies kept practising their selfish politics," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"We removed Article 370 and Article 35A but instead of showing solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, they spoke the language of our adversaries. Whom were their words helping?" Modi said.

Modi was referring to the remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which Pakistan sought to use to build its narrative at a UN Human Rights Council meeting.&nbsp;

Congress had slammed Pakistan and said the repeal of Article 370 was an internal matter of India."We have seen the Congress practising politics which has caused the biggest damage to the country," said Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI. Addressing an election rally in Mumbai, Modi said that Article 370 led to the growth of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and an increase in corruption but the Congress leaders kept practising their "selfish" politics. "These are the same people who had kept Article 370 and Article 35A. This led to a rise in terrorism in the Valley, an increase in corruption and people being deprived of their rights but the Congress and some of its allies kept practising their selfish politics," he was quoted as saying. "We removed Article 370 and Article 35A but instead of showing solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, they spoke the language of our adversaries. Whom were their words helping?" Modi said. Modi was referring to the remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which Pakistan sought to use to build its narrative at a UN Human Rights Council meeting. Congress had slammed Pakistan and said the repeal of Article 370 was an internal matter of India."We have seen the Congress practising politics which has caused the biggest damage to the country," said Prime Minister Modi. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders kept practising selfish politics on Article 370, says PM Modi

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

"I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI.

Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it.

Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024.

Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.&nbsp;

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie". "I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI. Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it. Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024. Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.

Naqvi slams Congress over Manmohan Singh's remarks on Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday targetted Congress stating the party was on its deathbed as nepotism has overshadowed its nationalism.&nbsp;

"Congress nationalism has been suppressed by nepotism. Due to dynasticism, Congress is unable to see nationalism.&nbsp; 
This is the reason that Congress is faltering today and breathing its last," Prime Minister Modi said addressing a rally in Partur, the second today.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at Congress, Modi said that he has heard the opposition party is giving lessons of nationalism to its leaders.&nbsp;

"I read somewhere that new training has started in Congress. They will be teaching nationalism to their leaders. This means that today's Congress does not have even patriots. Their nationalism has been trampled by their family-ism," he said.&nbsp;

On abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister said that even the workers of the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have said that on issues like Article 370, every Indian should stand together with Modi and for the betterment of the country.&nbsp;

"However, these people are then silenced by their leaders. Will any nationalist protest against the surgical strikes? Will they insult the Army and its warriors? These people did that job shamelessly," he said.

The Prime Minister asserted that everybody should speak in the same voice on issues of national interest and national defence.&nbsp;

Cornering NCP and Congress on the issue of nationalism, he said: "There have always been voices from Maharashtra about nationalism and patriotism. But unfortunately, these ethics and values of Maharashtra have always hurt by the leaders of Congress-NCP on every occasion, on every platform. They are not even ready to understand your feelings."

He said despite Maharashtra having had three Chief Ministers from Marathwada, but there was no change in the poor situation of the region.

"These Chief Ministers were filling their own coffers and were not working for the development of the State. Marathwada has suffered a major loss of Congress-NCP rule. Before 2014, the situation was such that plans were made for Marathwada but development was done by some relatives of the leaders," Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi's election campaign in Maharashtra will end on October 18. Single-phased polls in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on October 24.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday targetted Congress stating the party was on its deathbed as nepotism has overshadowed its nationalism. "Congress nationalism has been suppressed by nepotism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday targetted Congress stating the party was on its deathbed as nepotism has overshadowed its nationalism. "Congress nationalism has been suppressed by nepotism. Due to dynasticism, Congress is unable to see nationalism. This is the reason that Congress is faltering today and breathing its last," Prime Minister Modi said addressing a rally in Partur, the second today. Taking a jibe at Congress, Modi said that he has heard the opposition party is giving lessons of nationalism to its leaders. "I read somewhere that new training has started in Congress. They will be teaching nationalism to their leaders. This means that today's Congress does not have even patriots. Their nationalism has been trampled by their family-ism," he said. On abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister said that even the workers of the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have said that on issues like Article 370, every Indian should stand together with Modi and for the betterment of the country. "However, these people are then silenced by their leaders. Will any nationalist protest against the surgical strikes? Will they insult the Army and its warriors? These people did that job shamelessly," he said. The Prime Minister asserted that everybody should speak in the same voice on issues of national interest and national defence. Cornering NCP and Congress on the issue of nationalism, he said: "There have always been voices from Maharashtra about nationalism and patriotism. But unfortunately, these ethics and values of Maharashtra have always hurt by the leaders of Congress-NCP on every occasion, on every platform. They are not even ready to understand your feelings." He said despite Maharashtra having had three Chief Ministers from Marathwada, but there was no change in the poor situation of the region. "These Chief Ministers were filling their own coffers and were not working for the development of the State. Marathwada has suffered a major loss of Congress-NCP rule. Before 2014, the situation was such that plans were made for Marathwada but development was done by some relatives of the leaders," Modi said. Prime Minister Modi's election campaign in Maharashtra will end on October 18. Single-phased polls in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on October 24.

Congress 'breathing its last' due to nepotism: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Indian National Congress of playing petty politics over the Rafale and abolition of Article 370 issues.

Prime Minister was addressing a political rally in poll-bound Haryana's Kurukshetra.&nbsp;

'Whenever the country is happy about something, the leaders of INC have problems. It is not limited to Rafale only. But whenever the nation gets appreciation and is praised, it evokes a negative reaction from the 
Congress,' PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"On Dussehra, India got the first Rafale jet in France. You tell me when were you happy or not when the Air Force got Rafale. You are feeling proud that our force got Rafale. 125 crore citizens are proud of it. But the Congress people always have a problem when people are happy. This thing causes them pain. This is not limited to Rafale only," he said.&nbsp;

"The attitude of Congress leaders is always negative to everything which earns accolades for India. When India gets an award for cleanliness, they have a problem. They also have a problem when world leaders come to the programme of Indian leaders," he added.

Congress had vociferously raised the Rafale deal issue in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the cost of a fighter jet in the deal concluded by the Modi government was higher than that negotiated by the Congress-led UPA government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Indian National Congress of playing petty politics over the Rafale and abolition of Article 370 issues. Prime Minister was addressing a political rally in poll-bound Haryana's Kurukshetra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Indian National Congress of playing petty politics over the Rafale and abolition of Article 370 issues. Prime Minister was addressing a political rally in poll-bound Haryana's Kurukshetra. 'Whenever the country is happy about something, the leaders of INC have problems. It is not limited to Rafale only. But whenever the nation gets appreciation and is praised, it evokes a negative reaction from the Congress,' PM Modi said. "On Dussehra, India got the first Rafale jet in France. You tell me when were you happy or not when the Air Force got Rafale. You are feeling proud that our force got Rafale. 125 crore citizens are proud of it. But the Congress people always have a problem when people are happy. This thing causes them pain. This is not limited to Rafale only," he said. "The attitude of Congress leaders is always negative to everything which earns accolades for India. When India gets an award for cleanliness, they have a problem. They also have a problem when world leaders come to the programme of Indian leaders," he added. Congress had vociferously raised the Rafale deal issue in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the cost of a fighter jet in the deal concluded by the Modi government was higher than that negotiated by the Congress-led UPA government. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Narendra Modi blasts Congress, says they have a negative attitude

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said.

The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle.

Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13. This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle. Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.

Rahul Gandhi to campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls on October 13, 15

In an attempt to brace the newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress unit for the political battle in the state, General Secretary and UP in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will supervise a three-day training workshop for them.

According to Congress sources, on October 14, 15 and 16, a training camp will be held for the leaders of the UP Congress Committee in Raebareli.

The training, which comes merely days after the formation of the new committee, will be held in the presence of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The new district heads will also be given training in the workshop, which will be held in two parts, sources said.'

In the workshop, leaders will be given information on all the issues related to the ideology of the party as well as from the media to social media and the leaders will also be heard.

Party sources say that Priyanka will start the workshop and will be present in every session.

The national-level leaders of the Congress have been tasked to train the new team.

AICC head of the training department Sachin Rao and AICC head of social media Rohan Gupta will also train the UP team, sources told ANI.

It is worth noting that Priyanka Gandhi has formed a new team to prepare the party in view of the 2022 assembly elections.

While, on one hand, the challenge for Congress is to strengthen the party in the state and portray itself as a strong alternative, on the other hand, it also has to highlight the shortcomings of the incumbent government.

The party had, on Monday, appointed party MLA Ajay Kumar Lallu as its chief and Aradhana Misra 'Mona'&nbsp;as the leader of the legislative party.

Four vice-presidents and 12 general secretaries were also appointed the same day.

In the new committee, grassroots and youth leaders were given prominence.

Advisory and strategy committees, which will be chaired by Priyanka Gandhi, were also set up consisting of experienced and senior party leaders of the state.

"Priyanka Gandhi will meet everyone. What will happen in Rae Bareli training workshop is not known but we are all very excited. The party has given a big responsibility by identifying the grassroots people with the thought that Together we will work to strengthen the party in the state," a secretary of the new state committee told ANI on the condition of anonymity. According to party sources, the announcement of new district heads will soon be done.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In an attempt to brace the newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress unit for the political battle in the state, General Secretary and UP in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will supervise a three-day training workshop for them.

In an attempt to brace the newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress unit for the political battle in the state, General Secretary and UP in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will supervise a three-day training workshop for them. According to Congress sources, on October 14, 15 and 16, a training camp will be held for the leaders of the UP Congress Committee in Raebareli. The training, which comes merely days after the formation of the new committee, will be held in the presence of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The new district heads will also be given training in the workshop, which will be held in two parts, sources said.' In the workshop, leaders will be given information on all the issues related to the ideology of the party as well as from the media to social media and the leaders will also be heard. Party sources say that Priyanka will start the workshop and will be present in every session. The national-level leaders of the Congress have been tasked to train the new team. AICC head of the training department Sachin Rao and AICC head of social media Rohan Gupta will also train the UP team, sources told ANI. It is worth noting that Priyanka Gandhi has formed a new team to prepare the party in view of the 2022 assembly elections. While, on one hand, the challenge for Congress is to strengthen the party in the state and portray itself as a strong alternative, on the other hand, it also has to highlight the shortcomings of the incumbent government. The party had, on Monday, appointed party MLA Ajay Kumar Lallu as its chief and Aradhana Misra 'Mona' as the leader of the legislative party. Four vice-presidents and 12 general secretaries were also appointed the same day. In the new committee, grassroots and youth leaders were given prominence. Advisory and strategy committees, which will be chaired by Priyanka Gandhi, were also set up consisting of experienced and senior party leaders of the state. "Priyanka Gandhi will meet everyone. What will happen in Rae Bareli training workshop is not known but we are all very excited. The party has given a big responsibility by identifying the grassroots people with the thought that Together we will work to strengthen the party in the state," a secretary of the new state committee told ANI on the condition of anonymity. According to party sources, the announcement of new district heads will soon be done.

Uttar Pradesh: Priyanka Gandhi to supervise training workshop for new Congress unit from October 14-16

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally here, Shah alleged that the Congress leaders were having "sleepless nights" over the repeal of Article 370 and it has kept raising the issue.

He said the Modi government had shown guts to remove the Article which gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir.

"So many governments came and went and so many Prime Ministers came and went. No one had the guts to touch Article 370. In the last 55 years, Congress had no interest in removing Article 370 and kept on asking what was the need to remove it?" Shah said.

"Pakistan did not want the removal of Article 370, even Congress says the same thing. Why do Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan speak in each other's language? What is the relationship between the two? While the entire country is happy with the move, it is the Congress which is having sleepless nights," said Shah.

He said that Modi has punctured Opposition's "vote bank politics" by abrogating Article 370.

Shah also hit out at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has won elections from Rohtak and termed the previous Congress regime as "corruption-ridden".

Hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'khoon ki dalali' remark made over alleged politicisation of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army in 2016, Shah said on issues concerning country's security everyone should rise above party lines.

"When it is the issue of the country, we should all be one and rise above party lines. In 1971, when our Army won, Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was the first person to congratulate Indiraji (Indira Gandhi) in Parliament. Rahulji says 'Modi ji khoon ki dalali karte hain.' This is shameful," Shah said.

He said that the BJP government in Haryana has done a lot of development works in the last five years.

"Under the Manohar Lal Khattar government, BJP has taken Haryana to the path of development," he said, adding that a lot of initiatives have been taken including elevated rail line and mega food projects.

Shah urged the people to re-elect the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Haryana is slated to go to polls on October 21 and counting of votes will take place on October 24.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics.

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics. Addressing an election rally here, Shah alleged that the Congress leaders were having "sleepless nights" over the repeal of Article 370 and it has kept raising the issue. He said the Modi government had shown guts to remove the Article which gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. "So many governments came and went and so many Prime Ministers came and went. No one had the guts to touch Article 370. In the last 55 years, Congress had no interest in removing Article 370 and kept on asking what was the need to remove it?" Shah said. "Pakistan did not want the removal of Article 370, even Congress says the same thing. Why do Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan speak in each other's language? What is the relationship between the two? While the entire country is happy with the move, it is the Congress which is having sleepless nights," said Shah. He said that Modi has punctured Opposition's "vote bank politics" by abrogating Article 370. Shah also hit out at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has won elections from Rohtak and termed the previous Congress regime as "corruption-ridden". Hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'khoon ki dalali' remark made over alleged politicisation of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army in 2016, Shah said on issues concerning country's security everyone should rise above party lines. "When it is the issue of the country, we should all be one and rise above party lines. In 1971, when our Army won, Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was the first person to congratulate Indiraji (Indira Gandhi) in Parliament. Rahulji says 'Modi ji khoon ki dalali karte hain.' This is shameful," Shah said. He said that the BJP government in Haryana has done a lot of development works in the last five years. "Under the Manohar Lal Khattar government, BJP has taken Haryana to the path of development," he said, adding that a lot of initiatives have been taken including elevated rail line and mega food projects. Shah urged the people to re-elect the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Haryana is slated to go to polls on October 21 and counting of votes will take place on October 24. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders having sleepless nights over repeal of Article 370: Amit Shah

Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday said some people in the party are true "Congressi" and that they won't leave the party whatsoever.

"The kind of situation is prevailing in the nation and the kind of situation our party is in following the Lok Sabha elections... in these circumstances, some of us in Congress wont quit, we are an integral part of the Congress party (jee jaan se Congressi hain), he told reporters here.

"No matter what happens we won't leave the party. We aren't like those who got everything from the party and when the chips were down, things were difficult they left the party and walked away," he added.

Khurshid's remarks came after a controversy over his comments broke out wherein he reportedly termed Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the post of party president "walking away" following defeat.&nbsp;

Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday said some people in the party are true "Congressi" and that they won't leave the party whatsoever. "The kind of situation is prevailing in the nation and the kind of situation our party is in following the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday said some people in the party are true "Congressi" and that they won't leave the party whatsoever. "The kind of situation is prevailing in the nation and the kind of situation our party is in following the Lok Sabha elections... in these circumstances, some of us in Congress wont quit, we are an integral part of the Congress party (jee jaan se Congressi hain), he told reporters here. "No matter what happens we won't leave the party. We aren't like those who got everything from the party and when the chips were down, things were difficult they left the party and walked away," he added. Khurshid's remarks came after a controversy over his comments broke out wherein he reportedly termed Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the post of party president "walking away" following defeat.

Won't leave party, not like people who quit when chips are down: Salman Khurshid

In yet another blow to the Congress party in the run-up to the Assembly elections in the state, its former MLA from Badli, Naresh Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday.

Sharma joined BJP in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his rally in Beri.

Sharma was elected as an MLA in 2005 and 2009.

This comes days after former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar resigned from all election committees and the party's membership.

On Sunday, two former MLAs from the Congress and one from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) along with many workers joined the BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Voting for the 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes is scheduled on October 24.&nbsp;

In yet another blow to the Congress party in the run-up to the Assembly elections in the state, its former MLA from Badli, Naresh Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday.

In yet another blow to the Congress party in the run-up to the Assembly elections in the state, its former MLA from Badli, Naresh Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday. Sharma joined BJP in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his rally in Beri. Sharma was elected as an MLA in 2005 and 2009. This comes days after former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar resigned from all election committees and the party's membership. On Sunday, two former MLAs from the Congress and one from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) along with many workers joined the BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister. Voting for the 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes is scheduled on October 24.

Haryana: Former Congress MLA Naresh Sharma joins Bharatiya Janata Party

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions.

"I have some drawbacks in the Congress party. They are promoting people with wrong intentions. AAP is the best party in Delhi. They are also helping people who need medical aid," he said while speaking to ANI in New Delhi.

68-year-old Sawhney is a former four-term MLA from Chandni Chowk constituency of the national capital.

Sawhney began his political career by contesting the civic polls from Mori Gate in the year 1977 in which he was defeated.&nbsp;

He, however, managed to win from the same ward in 1983. His son Purnadeep Singh Sawhney contested the 2017 municipal polls from Chandni Chowk as a Congress candidate and came second to BJP.&nbsp;

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions.

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions. "I have some drawbacks in the Congress party. They are promoting people with wrong intentions. AAP is the best party in Delhi. They are also helping people who need medical aid," he said while speaking to ANI in New Delhi. 68-year-old Sawhney is a former four-term MLA from Chandni Chowk constituency of the national capital. Sawhney began his political career by contesting the civic polls from Mori Gate in the year 1977 in which he was defeated. He, however, managed to win from the same ward in 1983. His son Purnadeep Singh Sawhney contested the 2017 municipal polls from Chandni Chowk as a Congress candidate and came second to BJP.

Congress promoting people with wrong intentions: Parlad Singh Sawhney after joining AAP

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday.

"Now the Congress is the anti-thesis of democracy, plagued by feudal attitudes and medieval conspiracies...Congress visibly have drifted away from its basic principles and ideology. My experience of last few years has been that internal democracy in the party is being killed by selfish interests of a few lobbies", he said in his resignation letter.

Tanwar`s resignation comes ahead of assembly elections in Haryana this month, for which he was also among the party`s star campaigner.

Tanwar tweeted his resignation letter on Saturday and he wrote, "After long deliberations with party workers and for reasons well known to all Congressman and public, I hereby resign from the primary membership of the INC India."

In a four-page resignation letter, Tanwar has expressed that Congress is going through an internal crisis.

He also expressed his discontent over ticket distribution during the Lok Sabha polls and in Jind bye-elections earlier this year.

In the letter, Tanwar further stated, "In the last few years there is a conspiracy going on in the party to eliminate leaders groomed by Rahul Gandhi in the last one and a half-decade."&nbsp;

He also outlined that his fight is not personal but against the system which is destroying the grand old party.&nbsp;

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday.

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday. "Now the Congress is the anti-thesis of democracy, plagued by feudal attitudes and medieval conspiracies...Congress visibly have drifted away from its basic principles and ideology. My experience of last few years has been that internal democracy in the party is being killed by selfish interests of a few lobbies", he said in his resignation letter. Tanwar`s resignation comes ahead of assembly elections in Haryana this month, for which he was also among the party`s star campaigner. Tanwar tweeted his resignation letter on Saturday and he wrote, "After long deliberations with party workers and for reasons well known to all Congressman and public, I hereby resign from the primary membership of the INC India." In a four-page resignation letter, Tanwar has expressed that Congress is going through an internal crisis. He also expressed his discontent over ticket distribution during the Lok Sabha polls and in Jind bye-elections earlier this year. In the letter, Tanwar further stated, "In the last few years there is a conspiracy going on in the party to eliminate leaders groomed by Rahul Gandhi in the last one and a half-decade." He also outlined that his fight is not personal but against the system which is destroying the grand old party.

Ashok Tanwar tenders resignation from Congress, says 'party plagued by feudal attitudes, medieval conspiracies'

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation&nbsp;of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon.&nbsp;

In my observation, he got confined to classrooms and the lecture circuit. Gandhi ended up becoming a political tool for the protection of political constituency which he made during his lifetime but was inherited by existing leadership of the Congress Party.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi’s appropriation of Gandhi with his Swachh Bharat campaign opened the pandora’s box. It resulted in an intense debate on who owes Gandhi? Can RSS even appropriate Gandhi? Does&nbsp;RSS even have the right to appropriate Gandhi when it was intensely opposed to Gandhi’s worldview of the nation, faith, religion, and freedom struggle. In fact, it is an open secret that the RSS stayed away from Gandhi’s call of the Quit India movement. The ideologues of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha like VD Savarkar were intensely opposed to Gandhi. Even in the recent general election, BJP fielded Pragya Singh Thakur who openly praised Nathuram Godse. The question then arises as to how the pendulum has swung the other way and how come the Indian ‘Right’ has appropriated a part of Gandhi.

The biggest battle of RSS has been the charge that their ideology was complicit in the assassination of Gandhi. The charge was that even if Godse was not part of RSS, he represented RSS’s hatred towards Gandhi. What happened post-2014 elections, turned things upside down. Modi not only identified Gandhi as the icon for Swachh Bharat but turned it into a public connect event. It led to the participation of children and civil society groups and re-imagination of Gandhi which was not associated with the tense relationship of Gandhi with RSS during India's Independence and partition.

The failure of the Congress was to confine Gandhi to bhajan sessions and lecture circuit which was devoid of public resonance and participation. Gandhi was appropriated by the Congress as a political ideology devoid of public participation and current issues which concerned the people.

The best critique of this approach did not flow from Modi. It started from films like Munna Bhai MBBS and the Anna Hazare agitation. The former imagined Gandhi in the context of love, violence, and sense of coolness and the second movement was about corruption in public life. The truth was in everyone’s face. Gandhi is not an end-to-end programme like Apple. You can appropriate what you like, and you would not be labeled a heretic. The beauty of Gandhi is that his philosophy is like an open source software which has demonstrated the ability to absorb new trends again and again.

It is for this reason, the debate on who owes Gandhi is meaningless. If you can follow any aspect of Gandhi, it is enough as it is not mandatory to be him or follow him in toto. Politicians have different reasons to imbibe him, but the truth is that Gandhi will be seen differently by people at different points of time. This re-interpretation of Gandhi must be allowed. Whether people find BJP’s move genuine or not will be decided by the electorate, but it is foolish to grudge Narendra Modi that he has wiped the worst stigma around RSS and that being their ideology behind the assassination of Gandhi.

Unlike other parties, Modi did not participate in the lecture circuit. He took to the broom and here lies the answer as to why historical figures and their legacy cannot be cast in stone. Their legacy will always be seen in the context of present circumstances. Today, plastic and waste makes&nbsp;society anxious. It connects rich with poor the way Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra connected every Indian when the Mahatama picked up the issue of salt satyagraha. By taking up the issue of sanitation and the problem of plastic, Modi has taken a leaf from Gandhi’s political campaign tool.&nbsp;

Social problems can only be resolved through public participation. A participation that does not disrupt life dramatically but even a minimum contribution allows a sense being part of a bigger deal. This was the beauty or one of the beauties of Gandhi’s philosophy. It is in play even today. Let’s not grudge who appropriates him and how is in play today. 
&nbsp;

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon.

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon. In my observation, he got confined to classrooms and the lecture circuit. Gandhi ended up becoming a political tool for the protection of political constituency which he made during his lifetime but was inherited by existing leadership of the Congress Party. Narendra Modi’s appropriation of Gandhi with his Swachh Bharat campaign opened the pandora’s box. It resulted in an intense debate on who owes Gandhi? Can RSS even appropriate Gandhi? Does RSS even have the right to appropriate Gandhi when it was intensely opposed to Gandhi’s worldview of the nation, faith, religion, and freedom struggle. In fact, it is an open secret that the RSS stayed away from Gandhi’s call of the Quit India movement. The ideologues of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha like VD Savarkar were intensely opposed to Gandhi. Even in the recent general election, BJP fielded Pragya Singh Thakur who openly praised Nathuram Godse. The question then arises as to how the pendulum has swung the other way and how come the Indian ‘Right’ has appropriated a part of Gandhi. The biggest battle of RSS has been the charge that their ideology was complicit in the assassination of Gandhi. The charge was that even if Godse was not part of RSS, he represented RSS’s hatred towards Gandhi. What happened post-2014 elections, turned things upside down. Modi not only identified Gandhi as the icon for Swachh Bharat but turned it into a public connect event. It led to the participation of children and civil society groups and re-imagination of Gandhi which was not associated with the tense relationship of Gandhi with RSS during India's Independence and partition. The failure of the Congress was to confine Gandhi to bhajan sessions and lecture circuit which was devoid of public resonance and participation. Gandhi was appropriated by the Congress as a political ideology devoid of public participation and current issues which concerned the people. The best critique of this approach did not flow from Modi. It started from films like Munna Bhai MBBS and the Anna Hazare agitation. The former imagined Gandhi in the context of love, violence, and sense of coolness and the second movement was about corruption in public life. The truth was in everyone’s face. Gandhi is not an end-to-end programme like Apple. You can appropriate what you like, and you would not be labeled a heretic. The beauty of Gandhi is that his philosophy is like an open source software which has demonstrated the ability to absorb new trends again and again. It is for this reason, the debate on who owes Gandhi is meaningless. If you can follow any aspect of Gandhi, it is enough as it is not mandatory to be him or follow him in toto. Politicians have different reasons to imbibe him, but the truth is that Gandhi will be seen differently by people at different points of time. This re-interpretation of Gandhi must be allowed. Whether people find BJP’s move genuine or not will be decided by the electorate, but it is foolish to grudge Narendra Modi that he has wiped the worst stigma around RSS and that being their ideology behind the assassination of Gandhi. Unlike other parties, Modi did not participate in the lecture circuit. He took to the broom and here lies the answer as to why historical figures and their legacy cannot be cast in stone. Their legacy will always be seen in the context of present circumstances. Today, plastic and waste makes society anxious. It connects rich with poor the way Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra connected every Indian when the Mahatama picked up the issue of salt satyagraha. By taking up the issue of sanitation and the problem of plastic, Modi has taken a leaf from Gandhi’s political campaign tool. Social problems can only be resolved through public participation. A participation that does not disrupt life dramatically but even a minimum contribution allows a sense being part of a bigger deal. This was the beauty or one of the beauties of Gandhi’s philosophy. It is in play even today. Let’s not grudge who appropriates him and how is in play today.

Unbundling Gandhi: Claiming the Mahatma's Legacy

Wishes pour in on social media for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as he turned 87 on Thursday.

A couple of hashtags related to the senior Congress leader's birthday started making in the top India trends on Twitter as his well-wishers flooded the microblogging site with their best wishes.

Several political party leaders came forward to extend their wishes to the former prime minister. Many hailed him for his achievements.

Taking to Twitter, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Singh's "selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution" in developing the country and prayed for his good health.

"On his birthday, let us acknowledge Dr Manmohan Singh Ji's selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution to the cause of nation-building. My best wishes to him on his birthday. I pray for his good health and happiness in the years to come," Gandhi said.

Former JD(U) president and NDA convener Sharad Yadav wished the former prime minister on his birthday and tweeted, "Wishing a happy birthday to #ManmohanSingh. Persons like Dr. Manmohan Singh are rarely born. Pray for his good health and long life."

Janata Dal (United) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a press statement prayed for Singh's long life and extended warm wishes to him on the occasion.

P. Chidambaram, the former finance minister under Dr. Manmohan Singh's regime, also wished him birthday on the micro-blogging site and said, "I have asked my family to tweet on my behalf the following: Happy birthday to Dr Manmohan Singh. May he live for a 100 years and more!"

Singh, who was the Prime Minister for the two consecutive terms (from 2004-2014) has turned 87 today.

He is a renowned economist, credited for introducing sweeping reforms in the 1990s.

Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab's village of Gah before partition. He studied at the Panjab University, Cambridge and Oxford.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Wishes pour in on social media for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as he turned 87 on Thursday. A couple of hashtags related to the senior Congress leader's birthday started making in the top India trends on Twitter as his well-wishers flooded the microblogging site with their best wishes.

Wishes pour in on social media for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as he turned 87 on Thursday. A couple of hashtags related to the senior Congress leader's birthday started making in the top India trends on Twitter as his well-wishers flooded the microblogging site with their best wishes. Several political party leaders came forward to extend their wishes to the former prime minister. Many hailed him for his achievements. Taking to Twitter, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Singh's "selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution" in developing the country and prayed for his good health. "On his birthday, let us acknowledge Dr Manmohan Singh Ji's selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution to the cause of nation-building. My best wishes to him on his birthday. I pray for his good health and happiness in the years to come," Gandhi said. Former JD(U) president and NDA convener Sharad Yadav wished the former prime minister on his birthday and tweeted, "Wishing a happy birthday to #ManmohanSingh. Persons like Dr. Manmohan Singh are rarely born. Pray for his good health and long life." Janata Dal (United) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a press statement prayed for Singh's long life and extended warm wishes to him on the occasion. P. Chidambaram, the former finance minister under Dr. Manmohan Singh's regime, also wished him birthday on the micro-blogging site and said, "I have asked my family to tweet on my behalf the following: Happy birthday to Dr Manmohan Singh. May he live for a 100 years and more!" Singh, who was the Prime Minister for the two consecutive terms (from 2004-2014) has turned 87 today. He is a renowned economist, credited for introducing sweeping reforms in the 1990s. Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab's village of Gah before partition. He studied at the Panjab University, Cambridge and Oxford.

Wishes pour in for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he turns 87

&nbsp;A day after the Election Commission announced dates for the Haryana Assembly elections, the manifesto committee of the Haryana Congress will hold its first meeting here on Sunday.

The committee under the chairperson of Kiran Choudhary will discuss and mull over the party`s manifesto for the upcoming elections.

The Congress party has already requested people of the state to come up with suggestions for its manifesto.

Prominent leaders of Haryana Congress, including state president Kumari Selja, former Chief Minister and Congress legislature party leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others, will be present at the meeting.

"We have been receiving suggestions from all sections of society including farmers and their organizations, employees, contractual teachers, etc. We will include the suggestions in our manifesto to make it an inclusive one. Our manifesto will be 'Jan Goshna Patr' that will cater to all sections of society including Dalits, backward, women, youth, etc," said Kumari Selja.

"BJP in its last manifesto promised almost 150 things but delivered none," she added.

Amid dissidence in Haryana unit of the Congress, earlier this month the party-appointed Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja as the president of the state unit and also named senior leader Hooda as the CLP chief and Chairman of the State Election Committee.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the single-phase voting for Haryana Assembly elections on October 21, while the counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Haryana has a strength of 90 seats out of which 17 are reserved for SC and none for ST.

There are 1.82 crore registered voters in the state out of which 1.07 lakh are service voters.

Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government is in power in Haryana after the party won 47 out of a total of 90 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections, while the Congress was restricted to just 15 seats.

A day after the Election Commission announced dates for the Haryana Assembly elections, the manifesto committee of the Haryana Congress will hold its first meeting here on Sunday.

A day after the Election Commission announced dates for the Haryana Assembly elections, the manifesto committee of the Haryana Congress will hold its first meeting here on Sunday. The committee under the chairperson of Kiran Choudhary will discuss and mull over the party`s manifesto for the upcoming elections. The Congress party has already requested people of the state to come up with suggestions for its manifesto. Prominent leaders of Haryana Congress, including state president Kumari Selja, former Chief Minister and Congress legislature party leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others, will be present at the meeting. "We have been receiving suggestions from all sections of society including farmers and their organizations, employees, contractual teachers, etc. We will include the suggestions in our manifesto to make it an inclusive one. Our manifesto will be 'Jan Goshna Patr' that will cater to all sections of society including Dalits, backward, women, youth, etc," said Kumari Selja. "BJP in its last manifesto promised almost 150 things but delivered none," she added. Amid dissidence in Haryana unit of the Congress, earlier this month the party-appointed Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja as the president of the state unit and also named senior leader Hooda as the CLP chief and Chairman of the State Election Committee. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the single-phase voting for Haryana Assembly elections on October 21, while the counting of votes will take place on October 24. Haryana has a strength of 90 seats out of which 17 are reserved for SC and none for ST. There are 1.82 crore registered voters in the state out of which 1.07 lakh are service voters. Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government is in power in Haryana after the party won 47 out of a total of 90 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections, while the Congress was restricted to just 15 seats.

Haryana Congress to meet today to discuss manifesto for Assembly election

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note.&nbsp;

Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP. &nbsp;In both the states, Opposition is in complete disarray. Haryana is the worst of the lot where an anti-Jat polarising figure and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is back as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) after arm twisting Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

It helps Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar as it becomes easier for him to remind the non-Jat population of Haryana of riots, which shook the social fabric of the state three years back.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has been camping in his constituency for the past three months lest he loses elections. It is a testimony to the fact that how badly Congress is positioned in the state.&nbsp;

It is one state which went without district committees for years and then without a General Secretary in-charge for months. On the other hand, Lok Dal is completely fractured as family feud has destroyed the party. 
&nbsp; 
Maharashtra, on the other hand, marks complete domination of BJP.&nbsp;

From a junior partner in 2014, BJP rose to become the senior partner in the alliance and displaced Shiv Sena. Despite public rants, Uddhav Thackery couldn’t do much and had joined the alliance fearing that his party would split. Post Lok Sabha election results, both NCP-Congress has witnessed desertion of senior leaders from their respective parties. 
&nbsp; 
Sharad Pawar’s grip too has loosened over time and proposal that NCP must merge with Congress has gained ground. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is being led by young Aditya Thackery who is no match to the machine which BJP has become in the state. So, both states will remain where they are. 
&nbsp; 
BJP broke the electoral calculus of the Congress in both Haryana and Maharashtra. Khattar is a Punjabi and Devendra Fadnavis is caste Brahmin. The electoral dominance of Jats and Marathas stands in tatters in both the states. Marathas have been accommodated through quotas and are unlikely to shift allegiance en masse to NCP-Congress again. So, the question is which are the issues that will dominate the elections? 
&nbsp; 
In all probability, the economy is the word. The Opposition is expected to focus on jobs and campaign would be kept low key and area-specific. Keeping Sonia Gandhi’s age and health in mind, she is not expected to campaign much. There is also a question on active campaigning by Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp; 
But these elections are also important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bad performance will be read as a direct result of the economic slowdown. It will allow Congress to sharpen its pitch on the current economic woes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But there is a catch. Post demonetisation, elections in Uttar Pradesh were held. A lot of pundits had argued that demonetisation would arrest Modi wave as the process genuinely pinched people and almost arrested rural economy. Exactly, the opposite happened. BJP won more than 300 seats in Uttar Pradesh and came back to power after 15 years. So, the chances are that the economy will not be a big issue in the states and local issues will dominate. If that happens, it will add to Modi’s strength. 
&nbsp; 
Last time around when I went to Jind during by-elections, the key take-way for me from Haryana was that Jats are the new political untouchables and Khattar has gained immensely by breaking job mafia which operated on the caste lines. BJP swept Jind and Congress came third. 
&nbsp; 
In Maharashtra, Maratha stir had destabilised the state government but with quotas, it has become a non-issue. The health of NCP has declined and will be in no position to help Congress in the state. Lastly, the big irony is that Shiv Sena has taken up more public issues than NCP-Congress combine which has not been able to get out of the anti-Modi political mindset. 
&nbsp; 
Bottom line is that the country needs a robust Opposition with a clear and positive mandate and Congress by not able to settle its own house on the issue of leadership may end up strengthening BJP further.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note. Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP.

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note. Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP. In both the states, Opposition is in complete disarray. Haryana is the worst of the lot where an anti-Jat polarising figure and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is back as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) after arm twisting Sonia Gandhi. It helps Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar as it becomes easier for him to remind the non-Jat population of Haryana of riots, which shook the social fabric of the state three years back. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has been camping in his constituency for the past three months lest he loses elections. It is a testimony to the fact that how badly Congress is positioned in the state. It is one state which went without district committees for years and then without a General Secretary in-charge for months. On the other hand, Lok Dal is completely fractured as family feud has destroyed the party. Maharashtra, on the other hand, marks complete domination of BJP. From a junior partner in 2014, BJP rose to become the senior partner in the alliance and displaced Shiv Sena. Despite public rants, Uddhav Thackery couldn’t do much and had joined the alliance fearing that his party would split. Post Lok Sabha election results, both NCP-Congress has witnessed desertion of senior leaders from their respective parties. Sharad Pawar’s grip too has loosened over time and proposal that NCP must merge with Congress has gained ground. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is being led by young Aditya Thackery who is no match to the machine which BJP has become in the state. So, both states will remain where they are. BJP broke the electoral calculus of the Congress in both Haryana and Maharashtra. Khattar is a Punjabi and Devendra Fadnavis is caste Brahmin. The electoral dominance of Jats and Marathas stands in tatters in both the states. Marathas have been accommodated through quotas and are unlikely to shift allegiance en masse to NCP-Congress again. So, the question is which are the issues that will dominate the elections? In all probability, the economy is the word. The Opposition is expected to focus on jobs and campaign would be kept low key and area-specific. Keeping Sonia Gandhi’s age and health in mind, she is not expected to campaign much. There is also a question on active campaigning by Rahul Gandhi. But these elections are also important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bad performance will be read as a direct result of the economic slowdown. It will allow Congress to sharpen its pitch on the current economic woes. But there is a catch. Post demonetisation, elections in Uttar Pradesh were held. A lot of pundits had argued that demonetisation would arrest Modi wave as the process genuinely pinched people and almost arrested rural economy. Exactly, the opposite happened. BJP won more than 300 seats in Uttar Pradesh and came back to power after 15 years. So, the chances are that the economy will not be a big issue in the states and local issues will dominate. If that happens, it will add to Modi’s strength. Last time around when I went to Jind during by-elections, the key take-way for me from Haryana was that Jats are the new political untouchables and Khattar has gained immensely by breaking job mafia which operated on the caste lines. BJP swept Jind and Congress came third. In Maharashtra, Maratha stir had destabilised the state government but with quotas, it has become a non-issue. The health of NCP has declined and will be in no position to help Congress in the state. Lastly, the big irony is that Shiv Sena has taken up more public issues than NCP-Congress combine which has not been able to get out of the anti-Modi political mindset. Bottom line is that the country needs a robust Opposition with a clear and positive mandate and Congress by not able to settle its own house on the issue of leadership may end up strengthening BJP further. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP set to retain both Maharashtra and Haryana

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-call-for-hindi-as-national-language-triggers-political-row-249706">Shah</a>, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme.

"By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said.

Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise.

"When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said.

Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand.

"Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it.

Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-eyes-200-seats-in-west-bengal-249864">BJP</a> always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics.

He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence.

"When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said.

"As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added.

Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year.

Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state.

He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development.

"The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. 
The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state.

Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state.

"This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it. Shah, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme. "By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said. Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise. "When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said. Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand. "Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it. Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the BJP always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics. He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence. "When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said. "As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added. Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year. Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state. He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development. "The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state. Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state. "This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

With Kashmir top on agenda, Shah kicks off campaign in Jharkhand; slams Congress

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has asked Chief Ministers of party-ruled states about measures being adopted by them to provide relief to the common man at a time when the country is reeling under the effect of an economic slowdown.

On Friday, Sonia met the Chief Ministers along with General Secretaries and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Presidents of the Congress-ruled states.

Responding to Sonia`s query, Chief Ministers said they are providing all possible help to the people but their relief measures are being affected due to the decline in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar told ANI that Manmohan Singh, during the meeting, said collections will not go up until the GST is not allocated properly by the central government.

He also said that the party also discussed the implementation of NYAY scheme.

"Other welfare schemes were also discussed to give relief to the common man. Implementation of NYAY scheme was also discussed that was a part of Congress manifesto. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that they are planning to initiate a pilot project after an initial survey," he said.

In the meeting, which was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders including KC Venugopal, Ahmed Patel and AK Antony, Sonia has directed that the Congress governments should offer all possible help to the people.

According to sources, Baghel apprised Sonia that his government has increased the amount of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers of the state.

"The government has purchased 80 lakh tonnes of grains and has paid Rs 2,500 per quintal which was Rs 1,700 earlier and it has strengthened the purchasing capacity of farmers," said the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh told Sonia that his government is providing electricity to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at a cheaper rate of Rs 5 per unit.

According to a source, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath spoke about "Mukhyamantri Patta Yojna" which has been started to allocate land to poor people for house.

He also said that the state government is providing more loan amount besides the land in comparison to the central government`s scheme of offering loan up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the house.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has asked Chief Ministers of party-ruled states about measures being adopted by them to provide relief to the common man at a time when the country is reeling under the effect of an economic slowdown.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has asked Chief Ministers of party-ruled states about measures being adopted by them to provide relief to the common man at a time when the country is reeling under the effect of an economic slowdown. On Friday, Sonia met the Chief Ministers along with General Secretaries and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Presidents of the Congress-ruled states. Responding to Sonia`s query, Chief Ministers said they are providing all possible help to the people but their relief measures are being affected due to the decline in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar told ANI that Manmohan Singh, during the meeting, said collections will not go up until the GST is not allocated properly by the central government. He also said that the party also discussed the implementation of NYAY scheme. "Other welfare schemes were also discussed to give relief to the common man. Implementation of NYAY scheme was also discussed that was a part of Congress manifesto. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that they are planning to initiate a pilot project after an initial survey," he said. In the meeting, which was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders including KC Venugopal, Ahmed Patel and AK Antony, Sonia has directed that the Congress governments should offer all possible help to the people. According to sources, Baghel apprised Sonia that his government has increased the amount of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers of the state. "The government has purchased 80 lakh tonnes of grains and has paid Rs 2,500 per quintal which was Rs 1,700 earlier and it has strengthened the purchasing capacity of farmers," said the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh told Sonia that his government is providing electricity to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at a cheaper rate of Rs 5 per unit. According to a source, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath spoke about "Mukhyamantri Patta Yojna" which has been started to allocate land to poor people for house. He also said that the state government is providing more loan amount besides the land in comparison to the central government`s scheme of offering loan up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the house.

Sonia Gandhi asks Congress CMs about relief measures to curb effects of economic slowdown

Congress has decided to build a network of Preraks which on the face looks close to the system of Pracharaks, but in practice is far from it. We will go into those details little later. Preraks are expected to create an ideological cohesiveness within Congress. The system is targeted to enlarge ideological bandwidth of the organisation workers and giving them clear direction in term of the standing of the party on major issues.

The Preraks are supposed to undergo a week’s training before they would be appointed to their divisions. Each division would comprise 4-6 districts. It is a welcome step because Congress has finally understood the need for cohesion around ideology. It is also welcome because the purpose of the Prerak is primarily not electoral but ideological. It was a big missing link in the Congress, but to say that it can replicate an RSS experience is far-fetched. Preraks are being confused with both 'Panna Prakmukhs and Pracharaks'.

The job of the Panna Pramukh is to connect with each person on a voting list of a particular booth. It has nothing to do with the core RSS ideology. It is an organisational innovation done within RSS-BJP Parivar to make small vote banks effective by ensuring that everyone comes out and vote for the party. It was first tested in Madhya Pradesh and not in Nagpur.

On the other hand, shakha is central to what we know of RSS, not Pracharak System itself. Pracharaks may play the most important roles in the organisation but shakha is the place where the spirit of the organisation lies. It is here that foundation of a Pracharak is laid. Shakhas aren’t ideological classes. Shakhas represent brotherhood. Shakhas have a ritual. A shakha can be organised anywhere. It requires an open place.

It invites people for sporting activity. The sporting activity is dual in nature. It lays the foundation for an individual within the organisation and also works as a character-building exercise. Sangh has a Guru which is Dhwaj and Shakha has a Mukhya Shishshak. The assembly of men also has a song and a prayer. It is from this system, people associated with RSS complete three years. The Pracharaks aren’t born out of a 10-day course.&nbsp;

They reflect a life-long commitment of men towards an ideology where family commitments are done away by forging a new brotherhood. Today there are barely 2500 odd full-time Pracharaks in RSS. The organisation draws its basic strength from Karyvahak. These are the people who after functioning as Pracharaks have gone back as Grihasthas.&nbsp;

They are bound to RSS by ideological commitment, daily interaction and strong outlook towards Indian society is cultural in approach.&nbsp;

RSS network is built on constant functioning organisational space which is focused on issues ranging from culture to family to environment. Pracharaks do not work for political end only. The idea is to engage with civil society to reach the desired end where RSS itself becomes part of it.&nbsp;

The attempt of the Congress is to address the immediate problem of ideological and organisational crisis whereas the idea of Shakha and Pracharak and the work associated with it very broad-based.

Preraks will come handy in terms of dissemination of basic ideas of Congress but it is not enough to create a challenge to RSS. Congress is trying to salvage a lost ground whereas RSS has been on an incorporation drive. It has been trying to reach out to those who do not share their world view.

RSS is a commitment towards refashioning of Hindu society. RSS has multiple organisations which work with civil society at the non-political level.&nbsp;

The best example of such a programme is Roti-Beti approach. It is a programme whereby RSS has worked to promote communal dining. In the case of inter-caste marriage, its public stand is to support it. I do not know what the Congress would do in this context but if it seriously wants to democratise the organisation and get fresh blood then it should have refrained from appointing Sharmistha Mukherjee and Anshul Meira Kumar on the same day as spokesperson of the Congress Party. Sharmistha is the daughter of President Pranab Mukherjee and Anshul is the son of former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. More so, Congress needs to organise training camps all across India which should not be associated with any electoral calendar. 
 
Lastly, Congress needs to rebuild the relationship with society on non-political issues if it wants to counter a behemoth like RSS. Congress will need to move beyond the electoral calendar. The present strength of BJP stems of ideological clarity and strong civil society connect which is harnessed by both Pracharaks and Karyavahas. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress has decided to build a network of Preraks which on the face looks close to the system of Pracharaks, but in practice is far from it. We will go into those details little later.

Congress has decided to build a network of Preraks which on the face looks close to the system of Pracharaks, but in practice is far from it. We will go into those details little later. Preraks are expected to create an ideological cohesiveness within Congress. The system is targeted to enlarge ideological bandwidth of the organisation workers and giving them clear direction in term of the standing of the party on major issues. The Preraks are supposed to undergo a week’s training before they would be appointed to their divisions. Each division would comprise 4-6 districts. It is a welcome step because Congress has finally understood the need for cohesion around ideology. It is also welcome because the purpose of the Prerak is primarily not electoral but ideological. It was a big missing link in the Congress, but to say that it can replicate an RSS experience is far-fetched. Preraks are being confused with both 'Panna Prakmukhs and Pracharaks'. The job of the Panna Pramukh is to connect with each person on a voting list of a particular booth. It has nothing to do with the core RSS ideology. It is an organisational innovation done within RSS-BJP Parivar to make small vote banks effective by ensuring that everyone comes out and vote for the party. It was first tested in Madhya Pradesh and not in Nagpur. On the other hand, shakha is central to what we know of RSS, not Pracharak System itself. Pracharaks may play the most important roles in the organisation but shakha is the place where the spirit of the organisation lies. It is here that foundation of a Pracharak is laid. Shakhas aren’t ideological classes. Shakhas represent brotherhood. Shakhas have a ritual. A shakha can be organised anywhere. It requires an open place. It invites people for sporting activity. The sporting activity is dual in nature. It lays the foundation for an individual within the organisation and also works as a character-building exercise. Sangh has a Guru which is Dhwaj and Shakha has a Mukhya Shishshak. The assembly of men also has a song and a prayer. It is from this system, people associated with RSS complete three years. The Pracharaks aren’t born out of a 10-day course. They reflect a life-long commitment of men towards an ideology where family commitments are done away by forging a new brotherhood. Today there are barely 2500 odd full-time Pracharaks in RSS. The organisation draws its basic strength from Karyvahak. These are the people who after functioning as Pracharaks have gone back as Grihasthas. They are bound to RSS by ideological commitment, daily interaction and strong outlook towards Indian society is cultural in approach. RSS network is built on constant functioning organisational space which is focused on issues ranging from culture to family to environment. Pracharaks do not work for political end only. The idea is to engage with civil society to reach the desired end where RSS itself becomes part of it. The attempt of the Congress is to address the immediate problem of ideological and organisational crisis whereas the idea of Shakha and Pracharak and the work associated with it very broad-based. Preraks will come handy in terms of dissemination of basic ideas of Congress but it is not enough to create a challenge to RSS. Congress is trying to salvage a lost ground whereas RSS has been on an incorporation drive. It has been trying to reach out to those who do not share their world view. RSS is a commitment towards refashioning of Hindu society. RSS has multiple organisations which work with civil society at the non-political level. The best example of such a programme is Roti-Beti approach. It is a programme whereby RSS has worked to promote communal dining. In the case of inter-caste marriage, its public stand is to support it. I do not know what the Congress would do in this context but if it seriously wants to democratise the organisation and get fresh blood then it should have refrained from appointing Sharmistha Mukherjee and Anshul Meira Kumar on the same day as spokesperson of the Congress Party. Sharmistha is the daughter of President Pranab Mukherjee and Anshul is the son of former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. More so, Congress needs to organise training camps all across India which should not be associated with any electoral calendar. Lastly, Congress needs to rebuild the relationship with society on non-political issues if it wants to counter a behemoth like RSS. Congress will need to move beyond the electoral calendar. The present strength of BJP stems of ideological clarity and strong civil society connect which is harnessed by both Pracharaks and Karyavahas. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Prerak is nowhere close to the idea of Pracharak

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&amp;K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.”&nbsp;

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign.

It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice.&nbsp;

The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process.

After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-discomfiture-and-disarray-in-congress-2786246">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over.

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest. Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.” Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign. It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice. The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process. After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Discomfiture and disarray in Congress

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-congress-leader-and-minister-shivakumar-accepts-he-tore-resignation-letters-of-dissident-mlas-233654">Congress leader DK Shivakumar</a> again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency.

"I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. 
The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day.

This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him.

"We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-arrests-two-former-ilfs-executives-in-pmla-probe-228789">Prevention of Money Laundering Act </a>(PMLA) Act," he had said.&nbsp;

He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him.

"It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday. The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency. "I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day. This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him. "We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Act," he had said. He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him. "It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

DK Shivakumar appears before Enforcement Directorate in money laundering case

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state.

The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion.

According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up.

Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said.

"Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence. After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion. According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up. Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said. "Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.

Priyanka Gandhi meets UP Congress leaders; discusses political situation

The attempt by former finance minister P Chidambaram to claim the high moral ground failed on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The Congress party realising that Chidambaram may be arrested had organised a hurried press meet which was attended by party top guns - Ahmed Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal, Kapil Sibal&nbsp;and Vivek Tankha.

Junior leader Jitendra Singh was also present with the entire media contingent in attendance.

Congress wanted to put a spin on the news cycle built through the day that the former finance minister was absconding. In fact, earlier in the day, Chidambaram's team was desperate to get relief from the Supreme Court but failed to make any headway at the top court.&nbsp;

The party decided to take the high moral ground and decided in its official release not to announce that Chidambaram himself would be attending the press conference at 8.15 pm - bang on prime time even as television channels were busy carrying out uninterrupted&nbsp;coverage on his whereabouts.

Chidambaram took reporters by surprise when he showed up at the press conference. Karthi Chidambaram, on the other hand, addressed a press conference from Chennai. The biggest shift in the Congress was Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support to the fallen Congress star.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi was opposed to the former finance minister. He had even ensured that he did not get the Rajya Sabha ticket immediately after 2014.

In fact, Rahul had&nbsp;given&nbsp;the Rajya Sabha ticket from Karnataka to Rajeev Gowda. It was because of intense pressure from inside Congress that the former president had to accommodate P&nbsp;Chidambaram. On Wednesday, it was Priyanka Gandhi who openly supported the Congress leader.

As it stood, Congress aligned with Chidambaram and so did Rahul Gandhi. Chidambaram is now at the CBI headquarters. Congress today is fighting public perception, however, as of now, the party has lost the war.&nbsp;

India's grand old party&nbsp;could have made Chidambaram a martyr but the&nbsp;ex-finance minister was too afraid to be arrested.

Now, Chidambaram's arrest is a reality. Many people forget that Hindu terrorism is something which the RSS loathes and Chidambaram is the poster boy of that attack.

Chidambaram's attack is less about corruption and more about a man who tried to corner the RSS on its fundamental philosophy.

The attempt by former finance minister P Chidambaram to claim the high moral ground failed on Wednesday evening. The Congress party realising that Chidambaram may be arrested had organised a hurried press meet which was attended by party top guns - Ahmed Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal, Kapil Sibal and Vivek Tankha.

The attempt by former finance minister P Chidambaram to claim the high moral ground failed on Wednesday evening. The Congress party realising that Chidambaram may be arrested had organised a hurried press meet which was attended by party top guns - Ahmed Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal, Kapil Sibal and Vivek Tankha. Junior leader Jitendra Singh was also present with the entire media contingent in attendance. Congress wanted to put a spin on the news cycle built through the day that the former finance minister was absconding. In fact, earlier in the day, Chidambaram's team was desperate to get relief from the Supreme Court but failed to make any headway at the top court. The party decided to take the high moral ground and decided in its official release not to announce that Chidambaram himself would be attending the press conference at 8.15 pm - bang on prime time even as television channels were busy carrying out uninterrupted coverage on his whereabouts. Chidambaram took reporters by surprise when he showed up at the press conference. Karthi Chidambaram, on the other hand, addressed a press conference from Chennai. The biggest shift in the Congress was Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support to the fallen Congress star. Rahul Gandhi was opposed to the former finance minister. He had even ensured that he did not get the Rajya Sabha ticket immediately after 2014. In fact, Rahul had given the Rajya Sabha ticket from Karnataka to Rajeev Gowda. It was because of intense pressure from inside Congress that the former president had to accommodate P Chidambaram. On Wednesday, it was Priyanka Gandhi who openly supported the Congress leader. As it stood, Congress aligned with Chidambaram and so did Rahul Gandhi. Chidambaram is now at the CBI headquarters. Congress today is fighting public perception, however, as of now, the party has lost the war. India's grand old party could have made Chidambaram a martyr but the ex-finance minister was too afraid to be arrested. Now, Chidambaram's arrest is a reality. Many people forget that Hindu terrorism is something which the RSS loathes and Chidambaram is the poster boy of that attack. Chidambaram's attack is less about corruption and more about a man who tried to corner the RSS on its fundamental philosophy.

P Chidambaram's arrest: Congress fails to win the perception war

A day after Kamal Nath's nephew <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-madhya-pradesh-cm-kamal-naths-nephew-ratul-puri-arrested-by-enforcement-directorate-in-rs-354-crore-bank-fraud-case-244275">Ratul Puri was arrested </a>by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a bank fraud case, the Madhya Pradesh chief minister on Tuesday said he has no connection with the business his nephew is doing.

"I have no connection with the business they are doing. To me, it appears to be a purely mala fide action. I have full faith that courts will take corrective stand in this," ANI news agency quoted Kamal Nath.

Puri was booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption on the complaint filed by Murali Chetturi, a deputy general manager of Central Bank of India. 
 
His father and Managing Director Deepak Puri, Directors Nita Puri (Ratul's mother and Kamal Nath's sister), Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma were also booked by the agency.

The case against Ratul Puri pertains to alleged irregularities in the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based firm AgustaWestland.&nbsp;

The deal was scrapped by the NDA government in 2014 over the alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of payment of kickbacks for securing the deal. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Kamal Nath's nephew Ratul Puri was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a bank fraud case, the Madhya Pradesh chief minister on Tuesday said he has no connection with the business his nephew is doing.

A day after Kamal Nath's nephew Ratul Puri was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a bank fraud case, the Madhya Pradesh chief minister on Tuesday said he has no connection with the business his nephew is doing. "I have no connection with the business they are doing. To me, it appears to be a purely mala fide action. I have full faith that courts will take corrective stand in this," ANI news agency quoted Kamal Nath. Puri was booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption on the complaint filed by Murali Chetturi, a deputy general manager of Central Bank of India. His father and Managing Director Deepak Puri, Directors Nita Puri (Ratul's mother and Kamal Nath's sister), Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma were also booked by the agency. The case against Ratul Puri pertains to alleged irregularities in the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based firm AgustaWestland. The deal was scrapped by the NDA government in 2014 over the alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of payment of kickbacks for securing the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

No connection with nephew Ratul Puri's business: Kamal Nath

Former Haryana chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced a committee&nbsp;to decide&nbsp;the political future of his faction.

There were speculations that Hooda may announce his own political outfit or join another party, however, he opted for the 25-member panel to decide the future course of action for him.

"A committee will be formed in a day or two. Convenor will call a meeting after the committee is formed. I will do what the committee will say, if it asks me to leave politics, I will leave politics as well," said Hooda at 'Maha Parivartan Rally' in Rohtak on Sunday.

The committee will include 13 sitting MLAs and 12 other important state leaders. He is likely to announce the committee's decision within a week.

Hooda's loyalists have been demanding that the former chief minister be made the Haryana party chief in place of Ashok Tanwar.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda also slammed the Congress for its stand on the revocation of Article 370, saying the party has lost its way.

He said he belongs to the family of freedom fighters and for them national interests are supreme.

Asking the people of Haryana to oust&nbsp;Manohar Lal Khattar government, he announced various sops like - increasing old-age pension, giving free power up to 300 units for BPL families and making wheat and rice available at Rs 2 per kg for such families.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, Khattar also kicked off Jan Ashirwad Yatra on Sunday. He will reach out to people of the state during the 22-day journey till September 8. Assembly elections will be held in Haryana later this year.

(With the inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former Haryana chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced a committee to decide the political future of his faction. There were speculations that Hooda may announce his own political outfit or join another party, however, he opted for the 25-member panel to decide the future course of action for him.

Former Haryana chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced a committee to decide the political future of his faction. There were speculations that Hooda may announce his own political outfit or join another party, however, he opted for the 25-member panel to decide the future course of action for him. "A committee will be formed in a day or two. Convenor will call a meeting after the committee is formed. I will do what the committee will say, if it asks me to leave politics, I will leave politics as well," said Hooda at 'Maha Parivartan Rally' in Rohtak on Sunday. The committee will include 13 sitting MLAs and 12 other important state leaders. He is likely to announce the committee's decision within a week. Hooda's loyalists have been demanding that the former chief minister be made the Haryana party chief in place of Ashok Tanwar. Bhupinder Singh Hooda also slammed the Congress for its stand on the revocation of Article 370, saying the party has lost its way. He said he belongs to the family of freedom fighters and for them national interests are supreme. Asking the people of Haryana to oust Manohar Lal Khattar government, he announced various sops like - increasing old-age pension, giving free power up to 300 units for BPL families and making wheat and rice available at Rs 2 per kg for such families. Meanwhile, Khattar also kicked off Jan Ashirwad Yatra on Sunday. He will reach out to people of the state during the 22-day journey till September 8. Assembly elections will be held in Haryana later this year. (With the inputs from agencies)

Bhupinder Singh Hooda slams Congress, forms committee to decide his political future

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-the-unsung-freedom-fighters-of-northeast-india-243206">the North-East region</a> while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure.

"In the 13th Finance Commission, the Congress government had given Rs 87,000 crore for the development of entire North-East India. Modi government increased it by 258 per cent and gave Rs 3,13,375 crore between 2014-19. This shows the priority given to North-East by Modi ji," he said while laying the foundation stone of Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan here.

The home minister said that Karbi Bhavan and Dimasa Bhavan will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore and will bring both districts (Karbi and Dimasa) of Assam on the global map.

Shah also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives utmost importance to peace in North-East and every effort is being made to ensure the same.

"The region should be free from terrorism and it should be developed at the same pace as any other part of the country. We should move forward on the path of development while persevering the culture of North-East at the same time. India feels proud of North East's culture," he added.

Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given maximum time to the North-East, Shah also claimed that the region was derailed from the path of development in the past.

"Modi ji has brought it back on track", Shah added.

The Home Minister also urged Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh for opening a research and development centre in Karbi and Dimasa.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of the North-East region while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of the North-East region while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure. "In the 13th Finance Commission, the Congress government had given Rs 87,000 crore for the development of entire North-East India. Modi government increased it by 258 per cent and gave Rs 3,13,375 crore between 2014-19. This shows the priority given to North-East by Modi ji," he said while laying the foundation stone of Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan here. The home minister said that Karbi Bhavan and Dimasa Bhavan will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore and will bring both districts (Karbi and Dimasa) of Assam on the global map. Shah also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives utmost importance to peace in North-East and every effort is being made to ensure the same. "The region should be free from terrorism and it should be developed at the same pace as any other part of the country. We should move forward on the path of development while persevering the culture of North-East at the same time. India feels proud of North East's culture," he added. Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given maximum time to the North-East, Shah also claimed that the region was derailed from the path of development in the past. "Modi ji has brought it back on track", Shah added. The Home Minister also urged Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh for opening a research and development centre in Karbi and Dimasa.

Congress didn't allocate enough funds for North-East, PM Modi government prioritising development: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP has a target to win 75 seats in Haryana Assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held in October this year.

He also attacked the Congress party for not removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing the BJP's 'Aastha rally'&nbsp;in the presence of a galaxy of party leaders including Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Shah said,&nbsp;"Five years ago when I came here, then with 45 seats BJP formed the government in the state."

"This time we are looking to get 75 seats with the support of people of the state. This is BJP's 'Mission 75'&nbsp;which needs support from the state's people," he said.

Speaking about the revocation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said, "Article 370 was a hurdle in the way of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's dream of 'one India'. The work that the Congress governments couldn't do in 70 years for the sake of vote bank, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did in just 75 days."

"It is a milestone for the unity of India. Now the roadblocks against the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are removed. The region will move on the path of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Shah said.

"Our Prime Minister never got indulged in the politics of vote bank and made decisions for the sake of the country. Now Article 370 has become a part of history."

Praising Haryana Chief Minister Khattar, Shah said, "Under the leadership of Khattar, corruption has become a passe.

"Speaking about women's security, the Union Minister said, "As many as 32 women police stations are running in the state. There are 181 buses in the state for women. The sex ratio has increased from 871 to 918."

"In eight districts and 4,000 villages of the state, 24-hour electricity is provided," he said.

The Home Minister further said, "There is an investment of Rs 200 crore to make an airport at Hisar. There will be a development of highway from Jind to Sonipat. The electrification of the railway line from Jind to New Delhi has started."

Shah also paid tributes to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-family-members-pay-tribute-to-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-first-death-anniversary-243239">former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his first death anniversary.

"Vajpayee's soul must be praising Prime Minister Modi for removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," he said.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP has a target to win 75 seats in Haryana Assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held in October this year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP has a target to win 75 seats in Haryana Assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held in October this year. He also attacked the Congress party for not removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing the BJP's 'Aastha rally' in the presence of a galaxy of party leaders including Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Shah said, "Five years ago when I came here, then with 45 seats BJP formed the government in the state." "This time we are looking to get 75 seats with the support of people of the state. This is BJP's 'Mission 75' which needs support from the state's people," he said. Speaking about the revocation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said, "Article 370 was a hurdle in the way of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's dream of 'one India'. The work that the Congress governments couldn't do in 70 years for the sake of vote bank, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did in just 75 days." "It is a milestone for the unity of India. Now the roadblocks against the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are removed. The region will move on the path of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Shah said. "Our Prime Minister never got indulged in the politics of vote bank and made decisions for the sake of the country. Now Article 370 has become a part of history." Praising Haryana Chief Minister Khattar, Shah said, "Under the leadership of Khattar, corruption has become a passe. "Speaking about women's security, the Union Minister said, "As many as 32 women police stations are running in the state. There are 181 buses in the state for women. The sex ratio has increased from 871 to 918." "In eight districts and 4,000 villages of the state, 24-hour electricity is provided," he said. The Home Minister further said, "There is an investment of Rs 200 crore to make an airport at Hisar. There will be a development of highway from Jind to Sonipat. The electrification of the railway line from Jind to New Delhi has started." Shah also paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary. "Vajpayee's soul must be praising Prime Minister Modi for removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

At Jind rally, Amit Shah talks of 'Mission 75', slams Congress for not revoking Article 370

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them.

After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units.

President's of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Goa are going to be announced soon by the party, they said.

There is a lot of infighting in Haryana and some solutions have been worked out as a truce between warring factions, the sources said.

The Congress top brass has also expressed serious concerns over desertions of MLAs in Karnataka and Goa.Gearing up for the coming Assembly polls in Jharkhand and Haryana, the party is prepping to strengthen its state units.

Having taken over as interim Congress chief, Gandhi has started holding meetings to review party's preparations in states expected to go to the polls later this year and held a meeting on Jharkhand on Wednesday.

Congress sources said Gandhi is expected to meet party in-charges of Haryana and Maharashtra in the next few days.

Gandhi was recently chosen as interim chief of Congress after a meeting of the party's Working Committee over two months after Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as party chief following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them. After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them. After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units. President's of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Goa are going to be announced soon by the party, they said. There is a lot of infighting in Haryana and some solutions have been worked out as a truce between warring factions, the sources said. The Congress top brass has also expressed serious concerns over desertions of MLAs in Karnataka and Goa.Gearing up for the coming Assembly polls in Jharkhand and Haryana, the party is prepping to strengthen its state units. Having taken over as interim Congress chief, Gandhi has started holding meetings to review party's preparations in states expected to go to the polls later this year and held a meeting on Jharkhand on Wednesday. Congress sources said Gandhi is expected to meet party in-charges of Haryana and Maharashtra in the next few days. Gandhi was recently chosen as interim chief of Congress after a meeting of the party's Working Committee over two months after Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as party chief following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

Sonia mulling overhaul of state units, to name some chiefs

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