Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face.

Muslim Youth Association chief Mohammad Aamir Rashid said Rs 21,000 will be given to anyone who blackens the former home minister's face.

"His comment is detrimental to Hindu-Muslim unity. I will give any individual Rs 21,000 from my Eidi (cash received in the form of gift during Eid celebrations) for blackening his face," Rashid said.

Chidambaram had claimed that the BJP would not have touched Article 370 if Kashmir was a Hindu-dominated region.

"If there was a Hindu majority in Kashmir, the BJP wouldn't have touched (Article 370). Because of the Islamic majority, the BJP did it," he had said on August 11.

"I say it's true there were thousands of people gathered against the abolition of 370... tear gas...shooting. All of that is true," the Congress leader added.

Attacking the Centre, Chidambaram had said people who don't know 72 years of history abolished Article 370 with "muscle power."

"Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India. There is no doubt. If there is a doubt, it's for BJP only. The people who don't know 72 years of history have done it (370) with muscle power," he said.&nbsp;

Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face.

Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face. Muslim Youth Association chief Mohammad Aamir Rashid said Rs 21,000 will be given to anyone who blackens the former home minister's face. "His comment is detrimental to Hindu-Muslim unity. I will give any individual Rs 21,000 from my Eidi (cash received in the form of gift during Eid celebrations) for blackening his face," Rashid said. Chidambaram had claimed that the BJP would not have touched Article 370 if Kashmir was a Hindu-dominated region. "If there was a Hindu majority in Kashmir, the BJP wouldn't have touched (Article 370). Because of the Islamic majority, the BJP did it," he had said on August 11. "I say it's true there were thousands of people gathered against the abolition of 370... tear gas...shooting. All of that is true," the Congress leader added. Attacking the Centre, Chidambaram had said people who don't know 72 years of history abolished Article 370 with "muscle power." "Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India. There is no doubt. If there is a doubt, it's for BJP only. The people who don't know 72 years of history have done it (370) with muscle power," he said.

Irked by Article 370 remark, Muslim leader announces reward for blackening Chidambaram's face

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-to-be-congress-interim-president-242079">chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee</a> and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.&nbsp;

She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion.&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-226726">Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election</a> and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief.

Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections.&nbsp;

In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress.

Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.&nbsp;

The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy.

Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue.&nbsp;

The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC.

She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions.

Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017.

She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly.&nbsp;

She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice.

The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united.

While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers.

Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory.

The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968.

Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school.

She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected.

Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017. She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion. Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief. Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections. In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress. Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana. The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy. Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue. The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC. She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions. Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017. She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly. She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice. The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united. While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers. Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory. The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968. Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school. She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency. After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected. Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.

Sonia Gandhi takes over as interim chief in challenging times for Congress

The BJP on Saturday took a swipe at Congress for sticking to Nehru Gandhi's family by appointing UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the party's interim president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-to-be-congress-interim-president-242079">Soon after the Congress announced Sonia Gandhi as its President </a>after a marathon meeting of the Congress Working Committee, BJP leader Amit Malviya put out a video message that described the Congress as 'slave' of the family.&nbsp;

Malviya, who is in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department tweeted a seven-second video with the message "To Congress with love..."

The jibe comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's insistence on not continuing as the party President and advocating that the new chief must be chosen outside the family.

Rahul resigned from the top party post after the humiliating defeat in general elections.

The Congress won just 52 seats against the 303 of the BJP.

This was the second successive Lok Sabha polls when the party got less than the seats required to get the position of Leader of Opposition.

In 2014, the Congress had won 44 seats.

Besides, Rahul also lost his own seat in the family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

He, however, is still an MP because this time he contested from a second seat &nbsp;Wayanad in Kerala, which he won.

The BJP on Saturday took a swipe at Congress for sticking to Nehru Gandhi's family by appointing UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the party's interim president. Soon after the Congress announced Sonia Gandhi as its President after a marathon meeting of the Congress Working Committee, BJP leader Amit Malviya put out a video message that described the Congress as 'slave' of the family.

The BJP on Saturday took a swipe at Congress for sticking to Nehru Gandhi's family by appointing UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the party's interim president. Soon after the Congress announced Sonia Gandhi as its President after a marathon meeting of the Congress Working Committee, BJP leader Amit Malviya put out a video message that described the Congress as 'slave' of the family. Malviya, who is in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department tweeted a seven-second video with the message "To Congress with love..." The jibe comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's insistence on not continuing as the party President and advocating that the new chief must be chosen outside the family. Rahul resigned from the top party post after the humiliating defeat in general elections. The Congress won just 52 seats against the 303 of the BJP. This was the second successive Lok Sabha polls when the party got less than the seats required to get the position of Leader of Opposition. In 2014, the Congress had won 44 seats. Besides, Rahul also lost his own seat in the family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He, however, is still an MP because this time he contested from a second seat Wayanad in Kerala, which he won.

BJP posts 7 second video message to target dynasty in Congress

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway&nbsp;at the party headquarters to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cwc-to-meet-again-at-830pm-today-to-choose-new-party-chief-as-rahul-refuses-to-budge-242011">choose next party president</a>&nbsp;after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting a little while ago.

Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reached the party headquarters for the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. <a href="https://t.co/iTKsqHtTaP">pic.twitter.com/iTKsqHtTaP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1160204549845671939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi were not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

"Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," she said.

According to sources, the front runners for the position are party's general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge.

Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.&nbsp;

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway at the party headquarters to choose next party president after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway at the party headquarters to choose next party president after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting a little while ago. Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reached the party headquarters for the meeting. #Delhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. pic.twitter.com/iTKsqHtTaP — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2019 × Earlier, Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi were not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief. "Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," she said. According to sources, the front runners for the position are party's general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge. Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

Congress Working Committee meeting underway to choose next party president

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-working-committee-to-meet-after-parliament-session-randeep-singh-surjewala-239881">the CWC </a>is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option.

"On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On Sat, a consensus builder party pres <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INC</a> must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vatican?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vatican</a> locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi/status/1159683285796048897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor</a> too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

Some Congressmen also made a call for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public. According to reports, the CWC is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option. "On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted. On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections. — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) August 9, 2019 × Congress leader Shashi Tharoor too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." Some Congressmen also made a call for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress Working Committee to meet on Saturday, likely to select provisional party chief

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&amp;K and also creating doubts over J&amp;K's relations with India.

"India will continue to claim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When normalcy returns to J&amp;K, govt will have no hesitation in restoring its full statehood," said Shah.

The Lok Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap&nbsp;Article 370&nbsp;and&nbsp;Article 35A&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Bill was passed by the Lower House&nbsp;through a voice vote, with 367&nbsp;being in favour and 67&nbsp;against it.

What did you get from Article 370? The article has brought nothing to the state but has increased terrorist activities and poverty in the state. When the Article 370 is scrapped there will be development, there will be employment, Shah said in Lok Sabha.

“Article 370 is root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the terror networks to spread in the state,” Shah said replying to the debate.

Clarifying the doubts created by opposition leaders over Article 371 Home Minister said that Modi govt has no intention to remove Article 371 which gives certain special rights to some Northeast states.

Home Minister also pulled up Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for questioning the government how Jammu and Kashmir issue can be an "internal issue" if it is under United Nations' monitoring since 1948.

Talking about the bloodshed due to misuse of Article 370 Amit Shah said that more than 41 thousand people died due to this. Should we still follow this path. He further accused the opposition by saying the dynasties have used Article 370 for their benefit.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&K and also creating doubts over J&K's relations with India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&K and also creating doubts over J&K's relations with India. "India will continue to claim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When normalcy returns to J&K, govt will have no hesitation in restoring its full statehood," said Shah. The Lok Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Bill was passed by the Lower House through a voice vote, with 367 being in favour and 67 against it. What did you get from Article 370? The article has brought nothing to the state but has increased terrorist activities and poverty in the state. When the Article 370 is scrapped there will be development, there will be employment, Shah said in Lok Sabha. “Article 370 is root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the terror networks to spread in the state,” Shah said replying to the debate. Clarifying the doubts created by opposition leaders over Article 371 Home Minister said that Modi govt has no intention to remove Article 371 which gives certain special rights to some Northeast states. Home Minister also pulled up Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for questioning the government how Jammu and Kashmir issue can be an "internal issue" if it is under United Nations' monitoring since 1948. Talking about the bloodshed due to misuse of Article 370 Amit Shah said that more than 41 thousand people died due to this. Should we still follow this path. He further accused the opposition by saying the dynasties have used Article 370 for their benefit.

In a point-by-point rebuttal, Amit Shah takes on Congress in fiery speech after abrogation of Article 370

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi'&nbsp;president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal.

"Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said.

Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise."

Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party.

"I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added.

Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely.

When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately."

"If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.&nbsp;

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president. Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi' president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal. "Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said. Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise." Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party. "I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added. Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely. When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately." "If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.

Milind Deora recommends Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia's name for Congress president's post

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-thakur-completes-taking-oath-in-three-attempts-in-lok-sabha-228122">BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur</a> on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign.

The petition was filed by journalist Rakesh Dixit, who is a registered voter in Bhopal.&nbsp;

According to litigant`s Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, a notice has been served to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Thakur by Justice Vishal Dhagat on Thursday and he has sought her response within four weeks.

Thakur had violated section 123 (3) (seeking votes based on religion) of the Representation of the People Act during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, the petition claimed.

"She also made false statements against her rival and Congress candidate Digvijay Singh and gave defamatory statements about other candidates. She even said that he is proud of the fact that she was among the ones who demolished Babri Masjid and she is proud of it, she even said that she was sent by God to save Hindus, she asked people to not repeat the mistake which they did before by voting Singh," the advocate said.&nbsp;

"She even gave controversial remarks on Hemant Karkare and Nathu Ram Godse," he said. Thakur won from Bhopal by defeating Singh by over 3 lakh votes.&nbsp;

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign. The petition was filed by journalist Rakesh Dixit, who is a registered voter in Bhopal. According to litigant`s Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, a notice has been served to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Thakur by Justice Vishal Dhagat on Thursday and he has sought her response within four weeks. Thakur had violated section 123 (3) (seeking votes based on religion) of the Representation of the People Act during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, the petition claimed. "She also made false statements against her rival and Congress candidate Digvijay Singh and gave defamatory statements about other candidates. She even said that he is proud of the fact that she was among the ones who demolished Babri Masjid and she is proud of it, she even said that she was sent by God to save Hindus, she asked people to not repeat the mistake which they did before by voting Singh," the advocate said. "She even gave controversial remarks on Hemant Karkare and Nathu Ram Godse," he said. Thakur won from Bhopal by defeating Singh by over 3 lakh votes.

High Court serves notice to Pragya Thakur on petition challenging her election, seeks reply in 4 days

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills.

Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-speaker-om-birla-rejects-ministers-demand-says-there-will-be-no-adjournments-238511">Om Birla</a> assured them that he will take care that members get information about the bills on the agenda at least one day in advance. Opposition members raised the issue soon after the House met for the day and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that bills were being brought in without taking members into confidence.&nbsp;

He was countered by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, who said the bills were discussed in the meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/17-opposition-mps-express-concern-over-passing-bills-without-scrutiny-write-to-rajya-sabha-chairman-238669">Business Advisory Committee</a> (BAC) and only those bills are coming for which time had been allotted by the committee.

&nbsp;The Speaker said that opposition members can have detailed discussion on their concerns in the meeting of BAC and the bills being brought had been discussed at the meeting of the committee. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy said Dam Safety Bill was not taken up on Wednesday and members had prepared for it, but three other bills had been listed in Thursday`s agenda.

&nbsp;Another TMC lawmaker Sudip Bandopadhyay said that after the list of business, a revised list of business was reaching members after 9 pm. He said members do not have any idea of bills coming up and do not have adequate time for preparation.&nbsp;

Another party MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that the government was using its power "whimsically and arbitrarily". "Parliament cannot function at whims and fancies of anyone," he said, adding that the BAC only allocates time and the list of business is prepared by the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

DMK member Kanimozhi said that members have to wait in late evening hours for a revised list of business and "completely new bills" are brought. "There is decorum in the House and I am sure the government also does not want to spoil it.&nbsp;

The session was extended and we are cooperating. You can`t take us for granted to that extent. You have to respect that," she said. Gaurav Gogoi of Congress said they had hoped that there will be a discussion on floods in some parts of the country Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that BAC meeting has been held, time allocated and bills have been circulated."The purpose of the extension is that very important government business (is pending), that`s why I appeal to you to cooperate," he said. He said short duration discussion can be taken up in regular session.&nbsp;

Chowdhury denied that he had called for deferring discussion on dam safety bill and said he had only said that it was a new bill and should not be clubbed with an amendment bill. He said the government should not take the Parliament for granted.

&nbsp;Birla said he had heard all the members and noted that Saugata Roy had not cited the whole point of order. The Speaker said his effort is to run the House by consensus."The issue you have raised, I will discuss again in BAC with you. And according to your expectation, I will personally take care that before the bill is brought, all members get information at least a day in advance from Speaker`s Office also so that you can prepare," he said.

&nbsp;Opposition members lauded the decision of Speaker with thumping of desks. "Today what will be taken up is what the Chair decides," he added. Later, Samajwadi Party (SP) member Mulayam Singh Yadav raised the issue of government extending the session and pressing with bills and alleged there was some "hidden agenda".

The money of people is being spent. There is some agenda. How many seats are vacant," he said. Joshi said opposition demanded that Parliament should run for at least 100 days in a year. "There is a business. The laws are being made in the interest of people," he said. &nbsp;

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills.

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills. Speaker Om Birla assured them that he will take care that members get information about the bills on the agenda at least one day in advance. Opposition members raised the issue soon after the House met for the day and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that bills were being brought in without taking members into confidence. He was countered by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, who said the bills were discussed in the meeting of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) and only those bills are coming for which time had been allotted by the committee. The Speaker said that opposition members can have detailed discussion on their concerns in the meeting of BAC and the bills being brought had been discussed at the meeting of the committee. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy said Dam Safety Bill was not taken up on Wednesday and members had prepared for it, but three other bills had been listed in Thursday`s agenda. Another TMC lawmaker Sudip Bandopadhyay said that after the list of business, a revised list of business was reaching members after 9 pm. He said members do not have any idea of bills coming up and do not have adequate time for preparation. Another party MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that the government was using its power "whimsically and arbitrarily". "Parliament cannot function at whims and fancies of anyone," he said, adding that the BAC only allocates time and the list of business is prepared by the Lok Sabha. DMK member Kanimozhi said that members have to wait in late evening hours for a revised list of business and "completely new bills" are brought. "There is decorum in the House and I am sure the government also does not want to spoil it. The session was extended and we are cooperating. You can`t take us for granted to that extent. You have to respect that," she said. Gaurav Gogoi of Congress said they had hoped that there will be a discussion on floods in some parts of the country Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that BAC meeting has been held, time allocated and bills have been circulated."The purpose of the extension is that very important government business (is pending), that`s why I appeal to you to cooperate," he said. He said short duration discussion can be taken up in regular session. Chowdhury denied that he had called for deferring discussion on dam safety bill and said he had only said that it was a new bill and should not be clubbed with an amendment bill. He said the government should not take the Parliament for granted. Birla said he had heard all the members and noted that Saugata Roy had not cited the whole point of order. The Speaker said his effort is to run the House by consensus."The issue you have raised, I will discuss again in BAC with you. And according to your expectation, I will personally take care that before the bill is brought, all members get information at least a day in advance from Speaker`s Office also so that you can prepare," he said. Opposition members lauded the decision of Speaker with thumping of desks. "Today what will be taken up is what the Chair decides," he added. Later, Samajwadi Party (SP) member Mulayam Singh Yadav raised the issue of government extending the session and pressing with bills and alleged there was some "hidden agenda". The money of people is being spent. There is some agenda. How many seats are vacant," he said. Joshi said opposition demanded that Parliament should run for at least 100 days in a year. "There is a business. The laws are being made in the interest of people," he said.

Members will get information on bills a day in advance: Speaker assures Opposition

Former Congress MP Sanjay Sinh and his wife Ameeta Sinh on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of working party president JP Nadda.

They both resigned from the party on Tuesday. Sinh also resigned from the Rajya Sabha taking a dig at the party, saying Congress is still living in the past.

"There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi &amp; if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said on Tuesday.

Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Former Congress MP Sanjay Sinh and his wife Ameeta Sinh on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of working party president JP Nadda. They both resigned from the party on Tuesday.

Former Congress MP Sanjay Sinh and his wife Ameeta Sinh on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of working party president JP Nadda. They both resigned from the party on Tuesday. Sinh also resigned from the Rajya Sabha taking a dig at the party, saying Congress is still living in the past. "There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi & if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said on Tuesday. Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Congress MP Sanjay Sinh, wife Ameeta Sinh join Bharatiya Janata Party

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday.

According to sources, the meeting will also chalk out a plan to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-party-is-not-orphaned-kc-venugopal-239254">Congress general secretary in-charge (organisation) KC Venugopal</a> had earlier instructed Pardesh Congress Committees (PCCs) to celebrate Gandhi`s anniversary from the state to block level.

It is going to be the first meeting of party general secretaries after Congress president Rahul Gandhi offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party`s drubbing in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday.

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday. According to sources, the meeting will also chalk out a plan to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress general secretary in-charge (organisation) KC Venugopal had earlier instructed Pardesh Congress Committees (PCCs) to celebrate Gandhi`s anniversary from the state to block level. It is going to be the first meeting of party general secretaries after Congress president Rahul Gandhi offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party`s drubbing in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

Congress general secretaries meeting today likely to take up leadership issue

Four MLAs from opposition <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-qpCS0NzjAhUGknAKHbvYCbsQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GLkkWmVQ5mNE42m0ehnIP">Nationalist Congress Party</a> and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

NCP MLAs&nbsp;Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow.

On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year.

On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.&nbsp;

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow. On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year. On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.

Four opposition MLAs resign from Maharashtra Assembly

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing.&nbsp;"There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi &amp; if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the resignation of Sanjay Singh as member of the upper house.&nbsp; 
 
His wife Ameeta, who had represented Amethi constituency twice in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, also resigned from the party. 
 
Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes.

(With inputs from ANI)

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing.

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing. "There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi & if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the resignation of Sanjay Singh as member of the upper house. His wife Ameeta, who had represented Amethi constituency twice in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, also resigned from the party. Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress MP Sanjay Singh resigns from party, to join Bharatiya Janata Party

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-bs-yediyurappa-takes-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-for-fourth-time-238660">Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa</a> will move the confidence motion in the Vidhana Soudha on Monday after which he will also introduce the Finance Bill.

"Today in our Legislative Party meeting we have discussed in detail about tomorrow's programme in the Assembly. Tomorrow I will move the confidence motion in House. After that I will introduce Finance Bill as well," Yediyurappa briefed media persons after the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Legislative Party meeting.

"I think both the Congress and the JDS are going to support us in this matter," Yediyurappa added.

The BJP's legislative party meeting took place late on Sunday evening at the hotel chaired, which was chaired chief minister BS Yediyurappa.

After the meeting concluded, the BJP announced its decision to keep its lawmakers at the hotel for the night.

Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on July 26 for the fourth time after &nbsp;Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell as they lost the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly.

Earlier, Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-speaker-kr-ramesh-kumar-disqualifies-14-rebels-congress-jds-mlas-238962">Kumar disqualified 14 rebels</a> Congress-JD(S) MLAs.

Ahead of the vote of confidence, Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar on Saturday issued a prohibitory order to impose Section 144 within a two-kilometre radius of the Vidhana Soudha from 6 am on July 29 to midnight of July 30.

Section 144 prohibits an assembly of more than four people in an area.

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa will move the confidence motion in the Vidhana Soudha on Monday after which he will also introduce the Finance Bill. "Today in our Legislative Party meeting we have discussed in detail about tomorrow's programme in the Assembly.

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa will move the confidence motion in the Vidhana Soudha on Monday after which he will also introduce the Finance Bill. "Today in our Legislative Party meeting we have discussed in detail about tomorrow's programme in the Assembly. Tomorrow I will move the confidence motion in House. After that I will introduce Finance Bill as well," Yediyurappa briefed media persons after the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Legislative Party meeting. "I think both the Congress and the JDS are going to support us in this matter," Yediyurappa added. The BJP's legislative party meeting took place late on Sunday evening at the hotel chaired, which was chaired chief minister BS Yediyurappa. After the meeting concluded, the BJP announced its decision to keep its lawmakers at the hotel for the night. Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on July 26 for the fourth time after Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell as they lost the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly. Earlier, Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar disqualified 14 rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs. Ahead of the vote of confidence, Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar on Saturday issued a prohibitory order to impose Section 144 within a two-kilometre radius of the Vidhana Soudha from 6 am on July 29 to midnight of July 30. Section 144 prohibits an assembly of more than four people in an area.

Confidence vote to take place today in Karnataka Assembly

Chhattisgarh Congress has decided to give create a strategy to counter the ideological push of RSS-BJP combine in the state. Though Congress continues to languish at the national level, the state leadership has decided to take things into their own hands.

Sources confirmed to WION that from August 1, Congress at block level would organise programmes connected with the theme of nationalism.

Sources said that even the names have been finalised. For example, one a given day, the tag line of the celebration would be, Zara yad karo qurbani.&nbsp;

Other tag lines finalised are "mashaal juloos and ek shaam shaheedon ke naam".&nbsp;

Sources also said that Congress is also giving final shape to organise ideological chaupals in the state where Congress leaders and workers would be told as to where Congress stands.&nbsp;

“The idea is to take our idea of nationalism to civil society through our workers and leaders,” said a person closely associated with the project.

Congress has been at the receiving from BJP on a number of ideological projects related to the birth of the nation. It is also connected to the legacy of big leaders who once belonged to the Congress but now has been adopted by BJP.

The best example in case is that of Sardar Patel. He is celebrated by very organisation whom he banned as India’s first Home Minister, post-assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. In this context, Congress has decided to organise programmes around the birth and death anniversaries of the leaders so that the idea for which they stood for gets discussed in public domain. Chhattisgarh was one state in 2018 where Congress swept to victory. In both, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Congress had to cobble up a majority.

Chhattisgarh Congress has decided to give create a strategy to counter the ideological push of RSS-BJP combine in the state. Though Congress continues to languish at the national level, the state leadership has decided to take things into their own hands.

Chhattisgarh Congress has decided to give create a strategy to counter the ideological push of RSS-BJP combine in the state. Though Congress continues to languish at the national level, the state leadership has decided to take things into their own hands. Sources confirmed to WION that from August 1, Congress at block level would organise programmes connected with the theme of nationalism. Sources said that even the names have been finalised. For example, one a given day, the tag line of the celebration would be, Zara yad karo qurbani. Other tag lines finalised are "mashaal juloos and ek shaam shaheedon ke naam". Sources also said that Congress is also giving final shape to organise ideological chaupals in the state where Congress leaders and workers would be told as to where Congress stands. “The idea is to take our idea of nationalism to civil society through our workers and leaders,” said a person closely associated with the project. Congress has been at the receiving from BJP on a number of ideological projects related to the birth of the nation. It is also connected to the legacy of big leaders who once belonged to the Congress but now has been adopted by BJP. The best example in case is that of Sardar Patel. He is celebrated by very organisation whom he banned as India’s first Home Minister, post-assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. In this context, Congress has decided to organise programmes around the birth and death anniversaries of the leaders so that the idea for which they stood for gets discussed in public domain. Chhattisgarh was one state in 2018 where Congress swept to victory. In both, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Congress had to cobble up a majority.

Chhattisgarh Congress to organise ideological 'chaupals' to counter RSS-BJP narrative in the state

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly.

The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

The 11 rebel Congress legislators who were disqualified were - Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, Shivanand Hebbar, ST Somashekar, Shrimant Patil, BA Basavaraja, Anand Singh, R Roshan Baig, Muniratna, K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj.

The three MLAs disqualified are from JD(S) which include - AH Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda and Gopalaiah.

On Thursday, three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli were disqualified by the Speaker.

Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly, which led to a political crisis in the state.

After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the House.

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

On Friday, Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka for the fourth time. He announced the tabling of a vote of confidence saying that his party will prove majority in the floor of the House on Monday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly. The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly. The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly. The 11 rebel Congress legislators who were disqualified were - Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, Shivanand Hebbar, ST Somashekar, Shrimant Patil, BA Basavaraja, Anand Singh, R Roshan Baig, Muniratna, K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj. The three MLAs disqualified are from JD(S) which include - AH Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda and Gopalaiah. On Thursday, three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli were disqualified by the Speaker. Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly, which led to a political crisis in the state. After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the House. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. On Friday, Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka for the fourth time. He announced the tabling of a vote of confidence saying that his party will prove majority in the floor of the House on Monday.

Ahead of trust vote, Congress to hold legislative party meeting on Monday

Karnataka Assembly number game: Who stands where ahead of trust vote

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill.

The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence.

It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after&nbsp;the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha.

The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a&nbsp;Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand.

The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition.

Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed.

BJP ally Janata Dal (United)&nbsp;opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community.

"We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill.

"Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added.

He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution.

The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged&nbsp;the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion.

Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence. It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha. The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand. The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition. Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed. BJP ally Janata Dal (United) opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community. "We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill. "Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added. He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution. The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion. Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, JD(U), TMC stage walkout

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defiant-as-lawmakers-blast-his-racist-attacks-on-four-congresswomen-236257">US President Donald Trump</a> said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election.

The deal, should it pass Congress as expected, would allow the federal government to borrow more money and avoid a disastrous default in the coming months, while significantly raising budget caps on defence and domestic outlays.

Trump tweeted that the deal was struck between the White House and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbowed-trump-intensifies-attacks-on-four-democratic-congresswomen-236766">top Democratic</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-critic-justin-amash-quits-republican-party-233128">Republican leaders</a> in both chambers of Congress "on a two-year Budget and Debt Ceiling, with no poison pills," which could have otherwise derailed the legislation.

The agreement raises the discretionary spending caps for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, pairing it with a suspension of the statutory debt ceiling until the end of July 2021, nearly nine months after the 2020 election.

"This was a real compromise to give another big victory to our Great Military and Vets!" Trump added.

The agreement has faced resistance from conservative Republicans who oppose adding hundreds of billions of dollars in additional spending to the US debt.

Democratic leaders hailed it as a victory for securing robust funding for critical domestic priorities, describing the deal as the largest-ever increase in base funding above the so-called sequestration levels outlined in a 2011 law.

"With this agreement, we strive to avoid another government shutdown, which is so harmful to meeting the needs of the American people and honouring the work of our public employees," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement.

The deal assures that Washington remains on a borrowing binge, a significant setback for the White House's stated goal of reining in expenditures.

The agreement includes roughly $75 billion in spending increase offsets, substantially less than Trump's administration had sought.

Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, had been negotiating the deal with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and the pair were racing against the clock to wrap it up by Friday when the House of Representatives goes on a six-week recess.

Mnuchin warned last week that, barring an agreement, the government could run out of money in early September before Congress reconvenes.

Don't 'bankrupt' country

The compromise, with its boosted spending and narrow savings, is expected to push the annual budget deficit to more than $1 trillion next year.

Shortly before the deal was announced, David McIntosh, president of the conservative, pro-free-enterprise group Club for Growth, said Mnuchin "would best serve @realDonaldTrump if he insists on a better #spendingdeal that doesn't bankrupt our country."

Some conservatives in Congress also expressed discomfort with the extra red ink, especially given the soaring deficit.

"I encouraged President Trump yesterday to hold the line in the budget negotiations," said Congressman Mike Johnson, who chairs the conservative House Republican Study Committee.

The Democratic-led House goes on summer break July 26, but the Senate, controlled by Trump's Republicans, is in session for an additional week.

Both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on their chambers to pass the deal in the coming days and send it to Trump for his signature.

Officials have issued dire warnings that without an increase in the borrowing limit, the US could default on its debt for the first time and they have been urging the legislature to act.

Because the federal government traditionally runs a budget deficit, it has no choice but to borrow to finance government operations, including salaries, retirement benefits, social spending and other expenses already approved by Congress.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election. The deal, should it pass Congress as expected, would allow the federal government to borrow more money and avoid a disastrous default in the coming months, while significantly raising budget caps on defence and domestic outlays. Trump tweeted that the deal was struck between the White House and the top Democratic and Republican leaders in both chambers of Congress "on a two-year Budget and Debt Ceiling, with no poison pills," which could have otherwise derailed the legislation. The agreement raises the discretionary spending caps for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, pairing it with a suspension of the statutory debt ceiling until the end of July 2021, nearly nine months after the 2020 election. "This was a real compromise to give another big victory to our Great Military and Vets!" Trump added. The agreement has faced resistance from conservative Republicans who oppose adding hundreds of billions of dollars in additional spending to the US debt. Democratic leaders hailed it as a victory for securing robust funding for critical domestic priorities, describing the deal as the largest-ever increase in base funding above the so-called sequestration levels outlined in a 2011 law. "With this agreement, we strive to avoid another government shutdown, which is so harmful to meeting the needs of the American people and honouring the work of our public employees," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement. The deal assures that Washington remains on a borrowing binge, a significant setback for the White House's stated goal of reining in expenditures. The agreement includes roughly $75 billion in spending increase offsets, substantially less than Trump's administration had sought. Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, had been negotiating the deal with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and the pair were racing against the clock to wrap it up by Friday when the House of Representatives goes on a six-week recess. Mnuchin warned last week that, barring an agreement, the government could run out of money in early September before Congress reconvenes. Don't 'bankrupt' country The compromise, with its boosted spending and narrow savings, is expected to push the annual budget deficit to more than $1 trillion next year. Shortly before the deal was announced, David McIntosh, president of the conservative, pro-free-enterprise group Club for Growth, said Mnuchin "would best serve @realDonaldTrump if he insists on a better #spendingdeal that doesn't bankrupt our country." Some conservatives in Congress also expressed discomfort with the extra red ink, especially given the soaring deficit. "I encouraged President Trump yesterday to hold the line in the budget negotiations," said Congressman Mike Johnson, who chairs the conservative House Republican Study Committee. The Democratic-led House goes on summer break July 26, but the Senate, controlled by Trump's Republicans, is in session for an additional week. Both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on their chambers to pass the deal in the coming days and send it to Trump for his signature. Officials have issued dire warnings that without an increase in the borrowing limit, the US could default on its debt for the first time and they have been urging the legislature to act. Because the federal government traditionally runs a budget deficit, it has no choice but to borrow to finance government operations, including salaries, retirement benefits, social spending and other expenses already approved by Congress.

US President Donald Trump, Democrats reach two-year budget deal that raises debt ceiling

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-must-be-stupid-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-he-wont-be-tried-by-international-court-236653">President Rodrigo Duterte</a> launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military.

Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs.

Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun.

Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-mulls-cutting-iceland-ties-over-united-nations-probe-236318">Philippine</a> leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police.

Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity.

The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict. In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military. Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs. Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun. Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised. The Philippine leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police. Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity. The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Protests rage in Philippine capital as President Rodrigo Duterte defends China relationship

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">defeat of H D Kumaraswamy</a> led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly.

"It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start now onwards," Yeddyurappa said.

Earlier today, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

This brought an end to the 12-day high tension political drama which had been going on in the state with the BJP on one side and the Congress-JD(S) on the other.

Yeddyurappa added that the BJP led government which is about to be formed in the state will focus on the farmers and ensure their happiness.

"Farmers were suffering due to drought and other factors. We assure the farmers, we will give them more importance to ensure they live happily and take appropriate decisions as early as possible," Yeddyurappa added.

The BJP supporters have started celebrating at the party's state office in Bengaluru after HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government lost trust vote in the assembly.

Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai Vala to tender his resignation.

&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the defeat of H D Kumaraswamy led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly.

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the defeat of H D Kumaraswamy led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly. "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start now onwards," Yeddyurappa said. Earlier today, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. This brought an end to the 12-day high tension political drama which had been going on in the state with the BJP on one side and the Congress-JD(S) on the other. Yeddyurappa added that the BJP led government which is about to be formed in the state will focus on the farmers and ensure their happiness. "Farmers were suffering due to drought and other factors. We assure the farmers, we will give them more importance to ensure they live happily and take appropriate decisions as early as possible," Yeddyurappa added. The BJP supporters have started celebrating at the party's state office in Bengaluru after HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government lost trust vote in the assembly. Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai Vala to tender his resignation.

It is the victory of democracy: BS Yeddyurappa on winning trust vote in Karnataka Assembly

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-led-govt-in-karnataka-in-trouble-as-11-ruling-party-lawmakers-resign-233558"> political drama in Karnataka</a> entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote.

After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.45pm, the Speaker finally adjourned the house to 10am on Tuesday.

It is now decided that the discussions will conclude by 4pm followed by CM'S response, eventually concluding the trust vote by 6pm.

A disappointed BJP lashed out at the Speaker for delaying the trust vote by another day. 'Is there no value for our demands at all?' questioned an emotional Madhu Swamy, BJP leader.

'It was a long discussion during which lot of members presented their views. Many members are yet to speak on the trust vote. That is the reason the trust vote has been delayed by another day. It will be completed tomorrow' said Eshwar Khandre, Congress leader.

The Congress and JD(S) are hopeful for a favourable decision from the Supreme Court on clarity sought over the effectiveness of party whip that has been issued for the trust vote.

The Supreme Court in its order last week had said the rebel MLAs were not compelled to attend the session, essentially insulating them from the whip.

If the party's right to issue a whip is upheld, the coalition plans to use it as a pressure tactic to lure back the MLAs with the threat of disqualification.

The petition is likely to be heard alongside another petition filed by the two independent MLAs who had sought the floor test to be conducted by the end of Monday.

Also, the Speaker's decision on the whip came as a shot in the arm to the struggling coalition on Monday.

'Karnataka Speaker has upheld the sanctity of the whip and says it’s applicable as per 10th schedule of the Constitution. He ruled that the Supreme Court interim order in no way protects the rebel MLAs if they violate the Whip' tweeted Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress President.

By hook and by crook the coalition has managed to give itself another lease of life, albeit for just a day. Can it manage to survive the trust vote after the multiple delays? We will hopefully know on Tuesday.

The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote. After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.

The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote. After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.45pm, the Speaker finally adjourned the house to 10am on Tuesday. It is now decided that the discussions will conclude by 4pm followed by CM'S response, eventually concluding the trust vote by 6pm. A disappointed BJP lashed out at the Speaker for delaying the trust vote by another day. 'Is there no value for our demands at all?' questioned an emotional Madhu Swamy, BJP leader. 'It was a long discussion during which lot of members presented their views. Many members are yet to speak on the trust vote. That is the reason the trust vote has been delayed by another day. It will be completed tomorrow' said Eshwar Khandre, Congress leader. The Congress and JD(S) are hopeful for a favourable decision from the Supreme Court on clarity sought over the effectiveness of party whip that has been issued for the trust vote. The Supreme Court in its order last week had said the rebel MLAs were not compelled to attend the session, essentially insulating them from the whip. If the party's right to issue a whip is upheld, the coalition plans to use it as a pressure tactic to lure back the MLAs with the threat of disqualification. The petition is likely to be heard alongside another petition filed by the two independent MLAs who had sought the floor test to be conducted by the end of Monday. Also, the Speaker's decision on the whip came as a shot in the arm to the struggling coalition on Monday. 'Karnataka Speaker has upheld the sanctity of the whip and says it’s applicable as per 10th schedule of the Constitution. He ruled that the Supreme Court interim order in no way protects the rebel MLAs if they violate the Whip' tweeted Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress President. By hook and by crook the coalition has managed to give itself another lease of life, albeit for just a day. Can it manage to survive the trust vote after the multiple delays? We will hopefully know on Tuesday.

Karnataka crisis: Trust vote in Vidhana Soudha expected to take place before 6pm today

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-security-beefed-up-around-vidhana-soudha-ahead-of-trust-vote-237568">heated debate in the Assembly</a> over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly.

This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans.

Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this.

"After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said.

However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous."

Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs.

"It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said.

"We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy.

Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues."

BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself.

"Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said.

To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning."

Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow. Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly. This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans. Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this. "After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said. However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous." Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs. "It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said. "We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy. Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues." BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself. "Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said. To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning." Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

Karnataka crisis: Ruling and Opposition MLAs lock horns over trust vote; Session to continue till midnight

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

The information was given by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik in a written reply to Congress MP Mohd Ali Khan in the Upper House of Parliament.&nbsp;

Also, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is entrusted with the construction and improvement of 269.05 km of roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 1,514 crore.

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. The information was given by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik in a written reply to Congress MP Mohd Ali Khan in the Upper House of Parliament. Also, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is entrusted with the construction and improvement of 269.05 km of roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 1,514 crore.

Central government approves 1,377 km of border roads along Indo-Nepal border

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-missing-two-deadlines-karnataka-gears-up-for-trust-vote-again-237561">confidence motion</a> they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

"The Speaker will take a call on a confidence motion. We have already said that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. The case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea," Siddaramaiah told&nbsp;reporters.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Siddaramaiah, Congress: Speaker will take a call on confidence motion. We have already told that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. Case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qb5iiWAatW">pic.twitter.com/Qb5iiWAatW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1153245751012659201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In an attempt to again reach out to rebel legislators, Siddaramaiah said, "If the rebel MLAs come back then they will be with us. Rebels have said that they are not living comfortably. They could have stayed back here itself."

The Congress-JDS government fell into a minority earlier this month following the resignation of several dissident MLAs. Sixteen MLAs from the ruling coalition including thirteen Congress and three JD(S) MLAs have resigned.

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-decision-on-confidence-motion-has-to-be-taken-today-k-r-ramesh-kumar-237649">Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today.&nbsp;

"Don't repeat what I already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today," K R Ramesh Kumar said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a confidence motion they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a confidence motion they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court. "The Speaker will take a call on a confidence motion. We have already said that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. The case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea," Siddaramaiah told reporters. Siddaramaiah, Congress: Speaker will take a call on confidence motion. We have already told that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. Case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Qb5iiWAatW — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2019 × In an attempt to again reach out to rebel legislators, Siddaramaiah said, "If the rebel MLAs come back then they will be with us. Rebels have said that they are not living comfortably. They could have stayed back here itself." The Congress-JDS government fell into a minority earlier this month following the resignation of several dissident MLAs. Sixteen MLAs from the ruling coalition including thirteen Congress and three JD(S) MLAs have resigned. Earlier, Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today. "Don't repeat what I already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today," K R Ramesh Kumar said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today.

Speaker will take call on confidence motion: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition.

The petition moved through advocate Diksha Rai has sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which the petitioners allege are being "violated with impunity".

The petitioners have submitted that a minority government, which does not have the confidence of the majority, is being allowed to continue in office.

"It is submitted that the actions of the respondents are leading to a Constitutional crisis in the state of Karnataka," the plea stated.

"The intention of the government is to delay the trust vote and indulge in horse-trading and defections from the BJP in the meanwhile," the plea submitted.

"It is submitted that this court may be pleased to intervene to uphold the rule of law and constitutional democracy," said the petition.

The independent MLAs have stated that "irreparable harm and injury" will be caused to them if the interim relief prayed for is not granted by the court.

On July 19, the Karnataka Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote, after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive.

The trust vote is now scheduled for Monday.The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignations of 16 dissident MLAs from the cabinet.

The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113. 
&nbsp;

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition.

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition. The petition moved through advocate Diksha Rai has sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which the petitioners allege are being "violated with impunity". The petitioners have submitted that a minority government, which does not have the confidence of the majority, is being allowed to continue in office. "It is submitted that the actions of the respondents are leading to a Constitutional crisis in the state of Karnataka," the plea stated. "The intention of the government is to delay the trust vote and indulge in horse-trading and defections from the BJP in the meanwhile," the plea submitted. "It is submitted that this court may be pleased to intervene to uphold the rule of law and constitutional democracy," said the petition. The independent MLAs have stated that "irreparable harm and injury" will be caused to them if the interim relief prayed for is not granted by the court. On July 19, the Karnataka Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote, after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive. The trust vote is now scheduled for Monday.The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignations of 16 dissident MLAs from the cabinet. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

Karnataka crisis: Two independent MLAs move Supreme Court seeking floor test to be concluded on Monday before 5 pm

How to encapsulate the life of someone I knew as a friend of my father and whom I later covered in my professional capacity as a journalist? One of the earliest memories I have of her was of fleeing from the scene after breaking glass windows of her South Avenue flat (we were neighbours) and never getting pulled up for the trespass.&nbsp;

After she moved to Nizamuddin, and we moved to Noida, my father and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-chief-minister-congress-veteran-sheila-dikshit-passes-away-at-81-237286">Mrs Dikshit</a> maintained their habit of walking in Lodhi Garden, something Mrs Dikshit’s niece and I used as a channel to exchange study notes - we both were students at the department of sociology in the Delhi School of Economics.&nbsp;

To my knowledge, she never resented her as a courier of academic notes although my father never let me hear till the end of it. As a journalist, she never once talked down to me, something she was well within her rights to do with someone who was so much younger to her in age and experience.&nbsp;

In all her interactions, she brought with her Punjabi guts - as she was born as Sheila Kapoor in 1938 in Kapurthala-, style of being a Delhi girl - she graduated from Miranda House - and an awareness of statecraft that she got from her husband Vinod Dikshit who was an IAS officer who died early and that of her father-in-law Uma Shankar Dikshit who increasingly relied on her in his later life to channel his political activities.

Her entry into politics followed the early death of her husband, with Mrs Indira Gandhi encouraging the move. Though many remember her only as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-made-noteworthy-contribution-to-delhis-development-pm-modi-remembers-sheila-dikshit-condolences-pour-in-237288">Sheila Dikshit</a> also served as the Minister of State in-charge of Prime Minister’s Office and Parliamentary Affairs during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.&nbsp;

Delhi's large infrastructure is Sheila Dikshit’s contribution. Delhi changed during her tenure. She courted her share of controversies too. The Commonwealth Games became a spot on her untarnished career and created a vibrant atmosphere for an outsider like Arvind Kejriwal to oust her from her sparkling three-term tenure as the Delhi CM. She even lost her seat.&nbsp;

Despite all of it, she never said no to any assignment, including becoming part of Uttar Pradesh campaign in 2017. Though Rahul Gandhi changed the goal post midway, Sheila Dikshit did not crib in public. Similarly, in 2019, Sheila Dikshit took charge of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devastated-to-hear-about-the-passing-away-of-sheila-dikshit-ji-rahul-gandhi-237292">Congress</a> in Delhi. Despite many leaders differing from her, she did not give in to them.

In my numerous interactions with the Congress veteran, I realised that she would never go with an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party. The alliance never happened in Delhi. The fact that Sheila Dikshit had to be recalled twice from her days of retirement shows that no junior leader in Delhi was able to create a stature equal to her.&nbsp;

Sheila Dikshit also knew what ails the Congress today. Like many loyalists, she remained quiet in public, only to talk about it in the private. Today is not the day to talk about those private conversations but as a journalist, I can vouch that she had started to speak of massive organisational problems right after 2012 when Congress, under Rahul Gandhi, could not resurrect the party in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

She was one of the few leaders to privately admit that the party is being portrayed as anti-Hindu and if not corrected, heavy losses would be sustained during Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Dikshit was also a keen observer. She was one of the few people to privately talk about the problems which the Gandhi family was set to face in the wake of a relentless campaign by Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Sheila Dikshit reminds me of a gentler era of politics where it was easy to walk into her Nizamuddin East flat without caring about ideological moorings.&nbsp;

The old lady knew how to listen and appreciate a good conversation. The conversations could vary from arts, politics to sheer Delhi gossip. She would never make you feel naïve or young as she had perfected the art of listening. She loved life, food and Delhi.

I will miss Sheila Dikshit.

How to encapsulate the life of someone I knew as a friend of my father and whom I later covered in my professional capacity as a journalist? One of the earliest memories I have of her was of fleeing from the scene after breaking glass windows of her South Avenue flat (we were neighbours) and never getting pulled up for the trespass.

How to encapsulate the life of someone I knew as a friend of my father and whom I later covered in my professional capacity as a journalist? One of the earliest memories I have of her was of fleeing from the scene after breaking glass windows of her South Avenue flat (we were neighbours) and never getting pulled up for the trespass. After she moved to Nizamuddin, and we moved to Noida, my father and Mrs Dikshit maintained their habit of walking in Lodhi Garden, something Mrs Dikshit’s niece and I used as a channel to exchange study notes - we both were students at the department of sociology in the Delhi School of Economics. To my knowledge, she never resented her as a courier of academic notes although my father never let me hear till the end of it. As a journalist, she never once talked down to me, something she was well within her rights to do with someone who was so much younger to her in age and experience. In all her interactions, she brought with her Punjabi guts - as she was born as Sheila Kapoor in 1938 in Kapurthala-, style of being a Delhi girl - she graduated from Miranda House - and an awareness of statecraft that she got from her husband Vinod Dikshit who was an IAS officer who died early and that of her father-in-law Uma Shankar Dikshit who increasingly relied on her in his later life to channel his political activities. Her entry into politics followed the early death of her husband, with Mrs Indira Gandhi encouraging the move. Though many remember her only as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit also served as the Minister of State in-charge of Prime Minister’s Office and Parliamentary Affairs during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. Delhi's large infrastructure is Sheila Dikshit’s contribution. Delhi changed during her tenure. She courted her share of controversies too. The Commonwealth Games became a spot on her untarnished career and created a vibrant atmosphere for an outsider like Arvind Kejriwal to oust her from her sparkling three-term tenure as the Delhi CM. She even lost her seat. Despite all of it, she never said no to any assignment, including becoming part of Uttar Pradesh campaign in 2017. Though Rahul Gandhi changed the goal post midway, Sheila Dikshit did not crib in public. Similarly, in 2019, Sheila Dikshit took charge of the Congress in Delhi. Despite many leaders differing from her, she did not give in to them. In my numerous interactions with the Congress veteran, I realised that she would never go with an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party. The alliance never happened in Delhi. The fact that Sheila Dikshit had to be recalled twice from her days of retirement shows that no junior leader in Delhi was able to create a stature equal to her. Sheila Dikshit also knew what ails the Congress today. Like many loyalists, she remained quiet in public, only to talk about it in the private. Today is not the day to talk about those private conversations but as a journalist, I can vouch that she had started to speak of massive organisational problems right after 2012 when Congress, under Rahul Gandhi, could not resurrect the party in Uttar Pradesh. She was one of the few leaders to privately admit that the party is being portrayed as anti-Hindu and if not corrected, heavy losses would be sustained during Lok Sabha polls. Dikshit was also a keen observer. She was one of the few people to privately talk about the problems which the Gandhi family was set to face in the wake of a relentless campaign by Narendra Modi. Sheila Dikshit reminds me of a gentler era of politics where it was easy to walk into her Nizamuddin East flat without caring about ideological moorings. The old lady knew how to listen and appreciate a good conversation. The conversations could vary from arts, politics to sheer Delhi gossip. She would never make you feel naïve or young as she had perfected the art of listening. She loved life, food and Delhi. I will miss Sheila Dikshit.

Remembering Sheila Dikshit: A lady who perfected art of listening, loved conversations, good food and Delhi

After receiving the second deadline set by Governor Vajubhai Vala, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said the Governor's second letter has hurt him and asked Speaker KR Ramesh to handle the new directive.

&nbsp;"I leave the decision on the floor test to you (the Speaker). It won't be directed by Delhi. I request you to protect me from the letter sent by the Governor," Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Kumaraswamy moved the apex court, questioning the deadlines set by the Governor one after another.

In his application, Kumaraswamy contended: "No such direction on trust vote could have been issued by Governor when confidence motion was already initiated."&nbsp;

After missing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-governor-issues-new-deadline-to-cm-kumaraswamy-for-floor-test-congress-moves-supreme-court-237114">the 1.30 pm deadline</a>, Kumaraswamy received a fresh directive from the Governor to hold the floor test to prove the majority of JD(S)-Congress government by 6pm today.

An earlier letter to the Speaker by Governor to conduct the floor test by the end of Thursday was merely dismissed as a suggestion and not an order.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress has also moved the Supreme Court saying that its July 17 order compromises party’s right to issue whip to its MLAs.

The petition said the July 17 order was passed without even arraying the Congress Legislature Party which has 79 MLAs in the Assembly. It further said under the Tenth Schedule a political party has a constitutional right to issue a whip to its legislators.

The court had ruled that 15 MLAs from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-rebel-congress-jds-mlas-refuse-to-participate-in-trust-vote-on-thursday-236642">Congress and JD(S) </a>cannot be compelled to participate in the House proceedings.

Earlier in the day, Speaker Ramesh Kumar said that the directive of the Governor is applied to the chief minister and he cannot be forced by any time constraint.

"Unless the discussion is complete, you cannot press for the division of votes for the floor test," said the Speaker.

"Governor's order has to be followed or not, it has to be decided by the chief minister because the letter was sent to him, so he has to decide," he further added.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-governor-asks-chief-minister-to-hold-floor-test-on-friday-as-congress-jds-delay-trust-vote-236984">moved confidence motion in the state Assembly</a> at 11am on Thursday to prove the majority of his government amidst rebellion by a section of the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders claimed JD(S)-Congress coalition was delaying the trust vote fearing imminent defeat due to lack of majority numbers. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

After receiving the second deadline set by Governor Vajubhai Vala, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said the Governor's second letter has hurt him and asked Speaker KR Ramesh to handle the new directive.

After receiving the second deadline set by Governor Vajubhai Vala, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said the Governor's second letter has hurt him and asked Speaker KR Ramesh to handle the new directive. "I leave the decision on the floor test to you (the Speaker). It won't be directed by Delhi. I request you to protect me from the letter sent by the Governor," Kumaraswamy said. Furthermore, Kumaraswamy moved the apex court, questioning the deadlines set by the Governor one after another. In his application, Kumaraswamy contended: "No such direction on trust vote could have been issued by Governor when confidence motion was already initiated." After missing the 1.30 pm deadline, Kumaraswamy received a fresh directive from the Governor to hold the floor test to prove the majority of JD(S)-Congress government by 6pm today. An earlier letter to the Speaker by Governor to conduct the floor test by the end of Thursday was merely dismissed as a suggestion and not an order. Meanwhile, Congress has also moved the Supreme Court saying that its July 17 order compromises party’s right to issue whip to its MLAs. The petition said the July 17 order was passed without even arraying the Congress Legislature Party which has 79 MLAs in the Assembly. It further said under the Tenth Schedule a political party has a constitutional right to issue a whip to its legislators. The court had ruled that 15 MLAs from the Congress and JD(S) cannot be compelled to participate in the House proceedings. Earlier in the day, Speaker Ramesh Kumar said that the directive of the Governor is applied to the chief minister and he cannot be forced by any time constraint. "Unless the discussion is complete, you cannot press for the division of votes for the floor test," said the Speaker. "Governor's order has to be followed or not, it has to be decided by the chief minister because the letter was sent to him, so he has to decide," he further added. Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy moved confidence motion in the state Assembly at 11am on Thursday to prove the majority of his government amidst rebellion by a section of the lawmakers. Meanwhile, BJP leaders claimed JD(S)-Congress coalition was delaying the trust vote fearing imminent defeat due to lack of majority numbers. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka Governor's new deadline for floor test expires; Kumaraswamy, Congress move Supreme Court

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his&nbsp; 
resignation letter.

Singh, who was in Delhi today, held a meeting with Punjab MPs in Parliament today.&nbsp;

"Met the Congress MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab and Punjabis," he tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met the <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab &amp; Punjabi's. <a href="https://t.co/H9c5z9DRDa">pic.twitter.com/H9c5z9DRDa</a>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1151050853190705153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Monday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

Sidhu sent his resignation to the Punjab chief minister on Monday.&nbsp;"Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150646554753032199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/WS3yYwmnPl">pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150291448715022337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month.

The chief minister said he had given Sidhu a very important portfolio after the reshuffle.

"I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it &amp; then see what is to be done," he said.

On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio.

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his resignation letter.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his resignation letter. Singh, who was in Delhi today, held a meeting with Punjab MPs in Parliament today. "Met the Congress MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab and Punjabis," he tweeted. Met the @INCIndia MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab & Punjabi's. pic.twitter.com/H9c5z9DRDa — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 16, 2019 × On Monday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today." Sidhu sent his resignation to the Punjab chief minister on Monday. "Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence... — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 15, 2019 × Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted. My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 14, 2019 × This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month. The chief minister said he had given Sidhu a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it & then see what is to be done," he said. On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio. "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy. (With inputs from agencies)

Will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday: Amarinder Singh

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

"Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150646554753032199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sidhu had shared his resignation letter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-punjab-government-235689">addressed to Rahul Gandhi </a>on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/WS3yYwmnPl">pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150291448715022337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the chief minister&nbsp;said he will go through Sidhu's resignation and then decide.

"I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it &amp; then see what is to be done," he said.

On June 6, Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-given-power-ministry-after-punjab-cm-amarinder-singhs-cabinet-reshuffle-225057">Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of </a>the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio.

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios.

"My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh. "Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence... — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 15, 2019 × Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted. This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month. My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 14, 2019 × Meanwhile, the chief minister said he will go through Sidhu's resignation and then decide. "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it & then see what is to be done," he said. On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio. "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios. "My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy (With inputs from agencies)

Ending suspense, Navjot Singh Sidhu sends resignation to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-needs-investment-of-rs-50-lakh-crore-by-2030-to-make-it-worlds-best-piyush-goyal-233681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi49du-lrHjAhVMpY8KHRJPC_cQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PRa79er7RsPwzDDwByBm6">Railway</a> Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government.&nbsp;

He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjihtD0lrHjAhULUI8KHbPYDVk4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mq2heMNuhNTqHeRsM11JO">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for its turnaround.

The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply.

The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote.

Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members.

He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets.

"Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014.&nbsp;

The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed.

The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains.

Goyal accused the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-stage-protest-over-political-crisis-in-karnataka-and-goa-sonia-gandhi-meets-party-mps-234887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtr9OMl7HjAhXJL48KHeTlC90QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f5YP5GuPo2VEaiA-DDPZt">Congress party</a> of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier.&nbsp;

"Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways.&nbsp;

We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways.

There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said.

He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth.&nbsp;

"The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said.

Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase.

"The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships.&nbsp;

To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units.&nbsp;

You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation?&nbsp;

We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said.

He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward.&nbsp;

Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work.

He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government.&nbsp;

The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added.

Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation.

Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.&nbsp;

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units. Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government. He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its turnaround. The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply. The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote. Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members. He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets. "Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014. The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed. The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres. He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains. Goyal accused the Congress party of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier. "Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways. We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways. There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said. He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth. "The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said. Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase. "The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships. To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units. You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation? We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said. He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward. Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work. He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government. The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added. Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation. Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal says no privatisation of Railways, targets Congress

congress-0

Congress, News on Congress, stories on Congress, articles on Congress, Congress stories at Wion, Congress news, Congress latest news

congress 0